Sonic/Grand Order
Orleans (Part 3)
*Night Time*
Night time arrived for the group; they set up a campfire in the forest, resting and planning their next moves for tomorrow's mission. But their talk wasn't purely on the mission but other off-topic related stuff, and it seems to be going well. Eventually, their talk must end, and they must sleep for tonight. At least, this was what the group thought until they were ambushed by werewolves and skeletons surrounding their campsite. The group delayed their sleep schedule to deal with the enemies. The enemies fell as Sonic one by one, and the rest dealt with them quickly. Eventually, the ambush died as the last of the enemies vanished before their eyes, and no one appeared soon after.
"The enemies have been taken care of. Anyone hurt so we can treat your wounds?" Mash asks
"We're fine, Mash. Seems so for the rest of everyone here as well." Sonic replies
"Get ready, everyone, here come the Servants!" Romani stated
"I wonder who it'll be this time. Either Assassin or Berserker." Jeanne said
"*Appears From The Shadows* Hello, everybody. What a lonely night that is bestowed upon us." Rider said
"A new Servant? Who are you?" Jeanne asks
"Who? Let's see, I wonder who I am. I forced myself to be a righteous saint, but in this world, I'm a slave to be a broken one. My reason has left, thanks to her, and I've gone mad. I am doing everything I can to hold myself back. What a mess this is. So, while I appreciate your hopes, I cannot join you. You don't want a Servant who'll stab you from behind at every single opportunity, do you?" Rider explains
"T-Then, why did you come here?" Jeanne asks
"My task was to observe you, but my waning reason whispers that I should test you. You face the Dragon Witch. Disaster incarnate, riding on the "Ultimate Dragon." If you cannot surpass me, you will never defeat her. Plunge your blade into my heart without hesitation. My True Name is Martha. Now come to me, Iron Dragon Tatasque!"
The group appeared to be a giant beast being summoned beside Rider; they moved back as the beast roared very loudly, causing the floor underneath to shake. "Come on, everyone! Time to party!" Sonic shouted as he dashed towards Rider. The beast charged at Sonic, but Sonic jumped over the beast and struck a meteor, hitting the beast's head and disrupting its charge toward the group now. Mash quickly runs at the dragon and, using her strength slams her shield at the beast's face and knocks it away, striking it while it is down. Jeanne soon runs straight at the dragon and unleashes a series of strikes at its face, damaging it. As the beast was being distracted by Jeanne, Sonic fought Rider as he ran towards her, curled into a ball, and spun dashes at her. Rider twirls her staff and slams it on the ground; a pillar of light bursts, forcing Sonic to jump back. Rider prays to herself as an even bigger light comes down from the sky; Sonic looks up as the light lands on top of him and explodes. Rider thought Sonic was defeated, but she realized Sonic was still alive as he tapped her shoulder from behind. She looks behind Sonic, waving hello to her and dashing away; soon after, notes begin to float around Rider, causing her to be stunned by the tone of the music floating around her. Moments later, Mash and Jeanne dash toward Rider while she is stunned and strikes her simultaneously, dealing good damage. Sonic and Marie then appear and hit her. Sonic homing attacks, and Marie twirls around her, dealing more damage.
"Gnnnk! I-Impossible... How could you survive the light? It's humanly impossible for that to happen...?" Rider stated
"I am not bound to the universe's rules. I make my own rules and do so until the very end!" Sonic replies
The sounds of
"O-Ok... I understand everything... I never thought a Hedgehog would be strong... Strong enough to challenge a Servant... That's enough." Rider stated
"Martha... Did you hold back against us?" Jeanne asks
"Holdback? Of course not. This is fine, and it's fine this way. Seriously, don't make a saint massacre you! Listen, all of you; you'll never beat the dDragoncontrolled by the Dragon Witch. There's only one way to surpass that type of dragon: Go to Lyon… the city once known as Lyon. It won't be a saint who defeats the dragon or a princess. Since ancient times, only a "Dragon Slayer" can kill a dragon." Rider explains
"A Dragon Slayer in Lyon? Got it; thanks for letting us know, Martha." Sonic Thanking her
"It's the least I can do... Despite everything happening to me, I can't turn my head to the atrocious stuff she is doing... And find a way to at least help out... I am sorry for causing you all trouble... I hope I'll be summoned properly alongside Tarasque..."
"*Walks Up To Her And Pats Her On The Back* I promise I'll make that wish come true. I may be just a Hedgehog, but I promise I'll summon you as soon as possible. I promise." Sonic assured
"Such a kind Hedgehog you... I hope you answer my wish soon... What is your name?" Rider asks
"Sonic, Sonic The Hedgehog."
"Sonic... The Hedgehog... I see... I hope to remember to hear that name again... *Vanishes Soon After*."
"*Watching As The Particles Slowly Lost Thier Light In The Sky* ..."
"She'd undergone Madness Enhancement in addition to being summoned. Perhaps it can't be helped. Normally, it would be impossible to even talk to her. The only reason we could communicate was because of her incredible self-control." Mash said
"Yes. She was peaceful yet fierce as a person. I could tell. She is the Iron Saint. She is a woman like adamantine, who solves things with her fists in the end." Marie replied
"They say she defeated the Tarasque with a sermon, but I bet she just beat it up. Anyway, thanks to her, we know where we're going. We should hurry. Let's get going to Lyon." Amadeus said
"I think we should rest first; it's getting late to start heading to Lyon," Marie suggested
"I'm surprised. Amadeus seemed like the type who'd hate to travel on foot." Mash commented
"Oh no, Amadeus loves traveling. He's traveled to many places ever since he was a child." Marie replied
"… Well, I suppose it's true that I'm used to traveling," Amadeus said
*The Next Day*
"*Analyzing The Emerald* Such a beautiful Gem... I can feel a strange aura just by holding it..." Jeanne said
"I know, it's a pretty good thing, I would say. But if there's one of them, there has to be more around." Sonic replies
"There's more?" Mash asks
"Yeah, but I have a pretty good idea where the rest might be hiding. Just have to keep looking and hope it's there." Sonic replies
"Guys! I got the information! The city St. Martha told us about is Lyon. To put it simply, Lyon was destroyed a little while ago. Its refugees have settled here. The town was attacked and most likely came from the other you, Jeanne. The town is filled with monsters that seem to have arisen from the depths of Hell. But I think what came before that is the important part. They said Lyon had a protector."
"Protector? Wait, I think we found the person Martha told us about!" Mash said
"But a little while ago, some scary people came. Servants, probably. He was overwhelmed by their numbers and is now missing. And so Lyon was destroyed… Also, Charles VII visited the village, and General Gilles de Rais marshaled the routed soldiers, they said." Marie explains
"Gilles..."
"Hmmm..."
"Gilles can't see me like this... With everything on one, there's no reason he would accept me... I see no reason why that would happen. " Jeanne said
"Jeanne, I don't know who this Gilles person is. But from the looks of it, you have connections to him. The mess we've seen is bad, but none of this is truly your fault. It's the other you; she's causing all this mess. And you're here to clean it up. So, what everyone is against, you're still fighting to stop her for a better future! We're on the same path right now. Everyone might see us as villains, but we know what we do. We know what our goal is. And that is to stop the other Jeanne." Sonic stated
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for acting like this. I'm just not in the right mindset. I can't let myself ruin everything that we did already."
"Look around you, Jeanne. People here believe in you despite what you think about yourself. We continue to lend you a hand in any way possible. We won't turn our backs on you. And we don't plan to either. Isn't that right, Mash?" Sonic said
"Indeed. We appreciate who you are, Jeanne. We admire your dedication to continue the fight and save this country. I'll follow you until that goal is set." Mash said
"Guys... Thank you so much... I promise to continue going forward... No matter how hard things get, I'll continue to fight..." Jeanne Thanking them
"Wow, such a way with words you have on you, Hedgehog~ Here's your reward! *Kisses Him On The Cheek* Hehe~" Marie Kissing Sonic
"*Embassred As He Rubbed His Cheek, Making It Seem He Liked But Was Rubbing The Kiss Away* L-Let's just go already... we're losing daylight here... Let's look around and see what we can find..." Sonic commented.
*A While Later*
After exploring a few destroyed towns with enemies such as bandits, skeletons, and wyverns, using it as their base and defeating everyone, the group arrives at the next town, again being destroyed as the rest.
"*Pireces, A Bandit, watching them vanish in front of her* That should take care of things. May their souls rest in peace…
"Peace… Do they desire peace? That is such a foolish thing to say. They have no peace in their souls. There is certainly none residing in us Servants. this world has been frozen for years…" A Voice Called Out
"Great, we got more company here! Who are you this time, big claws?" Sonic asks
"Such a fascinating creature. I supposed I should tell you who I am; people call me… The Phantom of the Opera. By order of the "Dragon Witch," this town is under my absolute control. This is the middle of Hell, where the dead live. What are you going to do, "Christine?" Phantom said
"Christine? It's Sonic, for your information. Since you asked what I'm doing right now." Sonic stated
Suddenly, Sonic lunges at Phantom, and moments later, Sonic lunges at Phantom and attempts to strike with a roundhouse kick right at him. Phantom also lunges at Sonic as they both clash. Sonic tries to kick Phantom, but Phantom blocks each attack with his claws and counters back by striking Sonic several times with his claws. Using his speed, Sonic quickly evades each claw attack aimed at him and jumps back away from Phantom soon after. As soon as Sonic lands, Phantom lunges right at him and attacks him, but Mash quickly gets in front of Sonic and blocks Phantom's attacks, which go right towards Sonic. Phantom continues to strike Mash's shield and attempts to get through her until Jeanne lunges at Phantom and performs several strikes at him. However, Phantom could block each of Jeanne's attacks before being pushed away from her. Moments later, Sonic runs up behind Phamton, does a roundhouse kick on Phantom's head, and knocks him to the ground. Soon after, Sonic curls into a ball and homing attacks right at Phantom but gets hit by the claws and thrown away, falling to the ground.
"GAH… that was a stupid move to do, Sonic!" Sonic Injured
"Master!" Mash shouted
Phantom quickly gets up and lunges toward Sonic, ready to stab him with his claws, until Mash runs up full speed at Phantom and slams her shield at Phantom, pushing him away from her and Sonic.
"You dare hurt my Master! I won't forgive you for such things!" Mash shouted
Mash runs at Phantom, swings her shield across Phantom, and throws him at a building wall. Moments later, Marie and Amadeus fire projectiles at Phantom and explode once, making contact with Phantom and sending him into the air. Moments later, Sonic gets right back up as he runs toward Phantom, jumps right at and performs an overhead axe kick on his head, and sends him falling to the ground, which makes a small crater from the force of Sonic's axe kick.
"Ugh! Such a skillful rodent. Still, my mission is accomplished. However, I shall never be rewarded. This is where my song ends, but the real Hell starts now. Rejoice, oh Holy Maiden! Your evil has grown even more than you." Phantom stated
"Be silent! It must be hard even to talk now!" Jeanne shouted
"These are not words. This is a song. To lament your future and to mourn it. Forget about the Dragon Slayer… Run to the ends of the earth. If lady luck is on your side… you might have a chance to escape. Here it comes. The DDragonis here. The Devil is here. An evil dragon unlike any of you have seen before." Phantom said
"I have been through worse than just fighting a regular dragon. Besides, "You're a stubborn one, aren't you? The coda has ended; now, back to Hell with you. *Watches As Phamtom Vanishes*" Amadeus said
"An evil… dragon?" Mash asks
"Finally, I got through to you! Everyone, I recommend that we evacuate! This reading is way beyond a Servant… It's indicating an "ultra-size lifeform." It's approaching with an incredible speed!" Romani exclaimed
"A fast object? Finally, someone that can finally match me in a race." Sonic commented
"Sonic, please take this seriously! This is no time for messing around!" Romani exclaimed
"Beyond a Servant! Can such a lifeform even exist in this world?" Mash asks
"Of course, they can! The world's a big place! Um, sorry. Save the chatter for later! I am also detecting 3 Servants heading this way!" Romani said
"… It must be them. This is quite a problem."
"The orchestra is done. Let's get out of here. I know we just wasted our effort, but that's life." Amadeus said
"But… Wait, please. If the reading is beyond that of a Servant, then we need the "Dragon Slayer" more than ever; that person must be in this town, right? We can at least look for that Servant…" Mash said
"No, no, no. No time, no time!"
"But if we abandon that Servant now, we may never get another chance!" Jeanne exclaimed
"Master, your orders!" Mash pleaded
"We find that "Dragon Slayer" person and fight the enemies! I'm not leaving this place until those guys are cared for." Sonic replied
"Amadeus, let's prepare for battle… Will you fight with me?" Marie said
"Didn't you just order me to fight? You need to stand proudly and smile as always. Don't worry about me. If things get bad, I'll run away on my own!" Amadeus replied
"Yes. That's the Amadeus I know. It's okay, we have to buy some time. I won't die. Not here, at least." Marie said
"No one is going to die here! Nor anytime when I'm around." Sonic said
"Doctor! Are you detecting any other Servants?"
"Searching now. Hang on a moment! Right. There's a faint reading from the castle up ahead!" Romani exclaimed
*Minutes Later*
The group entered the castle and located the Dragon Slayer, who was severely injured from his injuries, resting on the wall; the group was surprised to see this dismantled.
"Are those who we're looking for?" Sonic asks
"D-Dammit... It's just one after... the other... curses...!" The Mysterious Servant, Struggling To Get Up
"Please wait! We are on your side! At least we have no intention of causing you harm!" Jeanne pleaded
"At any rate, please hurry! A dragon is approaching! Several Servants are coming as well. We are at an overwhelming disadvantage here." Mash Begged
"A dragon, huh… I see. That's why I was summoned and then attacked... Alright, I'll lend a hand..."
"Thanks for joining us, bud! Now, come on, I'll help you out." Sonic said
"W-Who are...?"
"Just a Hedgehog who likes to help others. Can't let anyone lose their lives right here and there." Sonic replies
*Outside The Castle*
"Hurry, Sonic! Even we can sense it is approaching!" Marie shouted
"It's within plain sight now! This is… No, it can't be! Wyverns can't compare to that thing. That's a real dragon!" Romani exclaimed
The group saw the Dragon Romani warned land in front of them as it roared at them extremely loud; sitting on top of it was Fake Jeanne, who was riding it and controlling the giant dragon.
"Of course, she's here with that thing as well!" Sonic stored
"I wondered what you found, but it's just another dying servant. Very well, you can all die together!" Jeanne Alter shouted
The dragon took a deep breath, preparing to unleash a powerful fire attack on the group. Both Mash and Jeanne decide to take drastic measures, and both use their Noble Phantasm. "Luminosity… Eternelle!" "Deploying Virtual Noble Phantasm!" The two shouted as they unleashed their Noble Phantasms, blocking Fafnir's vital fire breath from turning them to ashes.
"Whoa! What an immense amount of energy! You all right?! Can you hear me? S-Say something!"
"Roman, now it'll be a good time to stay quiet. We have some significant business to take care of." Sonic stirred.
"Ugh! Just as I thought, this is…"
"*Desperately Trying To Stop Fafnir's Attack* I can't hold onto this anymore; I'm losing strength!" Mash shouted
"No, looks like you made it. Thanks to you, my power's restored for a little. It's been a while, Evil Dragon Fafnir. If you've resurrected, I will send you back to your slumber… "Hear me, One Who Rules the Blue Sky! My name is Siegfried! He who once defeated thee! Noble Phantasm, Release! "Bal… mung! *Unleashes His Noble Phantasm, Firing A Powerful Beam And Engulfing Fafnir, Dealing Massive Damage to the Dragon*"
"Dammit! Fafnir, climb up now!" Jeanne Alter commanded; both Fafnir and Her Flying Away Soon After From The Group
Sorry, this is the best I can do... Get out of there... before they come back…"
"Come on, let's help him out while we can!" Sonic exclaimed
*Much Later*
"I am not detecting the ultra-size lifeform anymore. But the enemies are still on our tails; hurry!" Romani exclaimed
"We won't allow them to catch up! Keep going, everyone! We're on a tight mission right now!" Sonic stated
"I'm used to traveling, but this is my first! This is just retreating, right?" Amadeus asks
"Wait, please. I see something up ahead. That's the… French army! The wyverns are attacking them! We need to go help them!" Jeanne shouted
"You heard her! Let's take out the trash!"
Sonic takes off toward the French soldiers fighting the Wyverns, curling into a ball and homing, attacking a couple of Wyverns at their heads. While distracted with Sonic, Mash comes rushing in and slams her shield down at another Wyvern, crushing them on the ground as Marie rushes in with her Crystal Horse and kicks it in the head, defeating it. Amadeus begins playing music as
"That should take of them. However." Sonic commented
"A… Urrrr!"
"Tch... Out of all the people to see. It had to be you!" Amadeus exclaimed
"My, what a coincidence. I've never forgotten your face, you lazy artisan. Or should I say, Sanson?" Marie said
"That's good to hear. I've never forgotten yours, either. Your face and your pale white neck. At the same time, I feel like this is destiny. That you and I share a special connection. Don't we? The fate of an executioner killing the same person twice, I feel like only we share that kind of connection." Sanson explains
"… Not only in life but even now, you're eager to execute Maria? Charles-Henri Sanson. Could it be that you are genuinely mad?" Amadeus ask
"… As a human, it pains me to discuss our relationship with a low-life like you. Amadeus, you claimed all lives, all humans, are filthy. Not I. Humans are scared of precious things. That's why we executioners respect life. We are incompatible, you and I. Trash who couldn't even love humans, trash who couldn't understand her, has no right." Sanson replied
"… Arrrrrrrr!"
The mysterious armored person lunges towards Sonic and attempts to strike him, but Sonic backflips away from the strike coming towards him. Mash dashes in to assassinate Sonic while Marie and Amadeus take care of Sanson from him attacking Sonic. Mash blocks the Armored Servant's attacks from striking Sonic. Sonic jumps over Mash and kicks the armored person across the face, knocking them back and disrupting them. The armored Servant yells in a rage, giving Mash a perfect opportunity to strike the Servant with her shield, slamming them to the ground. Meanwhile, while everyone else is fighting against one another, Jeanne is busy caring for Berserker Assassin, who is killing the French Soldiers, trying to stop her antics.
"Leave them be! This battle is between you and me only!" Jeanne exclaimed
"H-Hey, isn't that the Dragon Witch? Why is she fighting the dragons?"
"Don't ask me, but this is perfect. Let them both go down. They burned my homeland to the ground. I hope both of them die!"
"…"
"The people you're protecting are saying all kinds of things, my Saint. Even though the only reason they can safely watch this is that you're dealing with the wyverns." Berserk Assassin explains
"Tch! I don't want anything to come from you!" Jeanne said
"Heh, how stubborn. If you're worried about your lack of workforce, then by all means, why don't you ask the French army? Oh, forgive me. You're the "Dragon Witch" now, aren't you? A saint cruelly burned to death and then resurrected for revenge—a beautiful, temporary, and ultimately ridiculous tale. And look, you're still struggling… Because this time, they see you as the enemy! Can you tell me, Jeanne d'Arc? How do you feel right now? Do you wish to die? Or do you wish to kill? Do you long to drive that flag into those soldiers' hearts like a stake?"
"… Normally, I'd fall into distress. I'd fall into despair. But, unfortunately… I'm an optimistic life. Their hatred of me gives them the strength to rise. And that's a good thing." Jeanne replied
"… Are you sane?"
"Good question. People questioned my sanity when I decided to bring salvation to France."
"Yes. Whether light or dark, it just means both of us are insane! Wyvern!"
"Ugh!"
"Artillery, FIRE! *Watches As Cannons Hit The Wyverns Surrounding The Soldlers*"
"Gilles!"
"Prioritize all surrounding dragons! Fire all cannons!" Gilles shouted
"Now!"
"Curse you! *Gets Hit But Isn't Affected* Heh… I expect nothing less from a Ruler. Even with your power stolen, your physical strength… Retreat! Lancelot! Sanson!"
"Lancelot? Hmmm... I never expected to see another Lancelot today, but the reality is strange. Heh! *Picks Up A Sword* Alright, Lancelot! It's just you and me again this time!" Sonic exclaimed
Moments later, Sonic lunges at Lancelot and unleashes several sword strikes right at him. Lancelot blocks each attack, but Sonic lands on him and counters back by swinging his weapon across him; Sonic blocks Lancelot's attack. However, due to the force of the attack, Sonic was pushed back from Lancelot and scrapped his feet on the ground, stopping him from going farther. Moments later, Lancelot lunges right at Sonic and begins to swing his weapon at Sonic several times. Still, Sonic quickly blocks or evades Lancelot's attack, mocking him by sticking his tongue out while smiling. Lancelot continues to attack Sonic, trying to land a strike at him until Sonic swings her sword once at Lancelot, pushing him away from him, and counters back by lunging towards him, slashing Lancelot several times quickly, throwing him back and falling to the ground. Lancelot yells as he quickly gets up and charges at Sonic. Sonic notices Lancelot running towards him. He also runs toward Lancelot. Both began charging up their weapons; moments later, they rattled their guns at each other, causing a shockwave around them. They slammed their swords repeatedly, trying to hit one another. Mash, Jeanne, and the others all watched as Lancelot and Sonic were going at it full force on each other. As the two continue to clang swords over and over, Sonic quickly jumps back away from Lancelot and, holding the sword with both hands, lunges toward Lancelot and swings a strong sword attack at him, hitting him and knocking him back away from him. Moments later, Sonic charges his sword and releases several blue shockwaves that head towards Lancelot. Lancelot wasn't fast enough to block them and took the brunt of all the shockwaves, getting hit by them. A shockwave attacked Lancelot one after another as scratch marks appeared around his armor. After all the shockwaves stop, Lancelot slowly kneels to the ground and pants from the battle against Sonic.
"Thanks for the fight again, Lancelot. I do mean it." Sonic commented
" looks at Jeanne soon after* A-Arthur…"
"Arthur? You mean your king, Arthur? Unfortunately, I am Jeanne d'Arc. I am not Arthur, the king you seek." Jeanne replied
"Oh, I see," Mash said
"What? What's wrong?" Sonic asks
"I know why Lancelot was so obsessed with Jeanne. She resembles Arthur, doesn't she? Not her face, but her soul…" Mash replied, "
My… King… I… Please…"
"*Figures Out What Was Happening and Slowly Walks Up To Lancelot, Whispering To Him* Umm… Hey buddy… This may come off as weird. But, I may happen to know a King Arthur as well." Sonic said
"*Slowly looks up at Sonic*…"
"But I can't tell you how. Just know that I know one, that's all." Sonic commented
"…"
"What? Did I say anything bad? *Watches As Lancelot Vanishes*" Sonic asks
"Well, that was weird… I didn't mean to break him with that." Sonic said
"…"
"Let's go, everyone!." Mash said
"Jeanne! Please wait! You are indeed Jeanne d'Arc! Not the Dragon Witch, but a bona fide saint!" Gilles shouted
"…"
"Shouldn't you answer?"
"If I answer, I will endanger Gilles's position. For now, we can't depend on them. At the very least, we must endure the scorn of those who once fought by our side." Jeanne replied
"But… Do they hate you?" Marie said
"… Let's go. Lead the way, Sonic." Jeanne said
"Right this way, everyone…" Sonic said
Sonic, Mash, Jeanne, Marie, and Amadeus begin to walk away as Gilles and the soldiers watch them leave. Sonic turned to look at them and gave a peace sign before turning back away and continuing to walk.
"General. What was that just now…" "
I don't know. I don't know, but… re-examine everything we know of the Dragon Witch. Was it indeed Jeanne d'Arc who attacked Charles VII, or was it some evil imposter? It's possible… That there may be two Jeanne d'Arcs in this world." Gilles said
To Be Continue…