Bound by Blade and Fate [Lansoni]

Sonic's body tensed at the sight of the newcomer. The name Mordred echoed in his mind, stirring something deep within him-anger, betrayal... loss.

The cloaked figure stepped forward, his golden eyes gleaming in the dim light. "It has been quite some time, my king." His tone was mocking, but there was something unsettlingly familiar about him.

Sonic's fists clenched. "So you're the one behind this?"

Mordred chuckled. "Oh, if only it were that simple." He spread his arms. "I did not erase you, my dear king. I simply... took advantage of an opportunity."

Lancelot drew his sword, stepping in front of Sonic. "Enough riddles. Did you betray the king?"

Mordred tilted his head, feigning thoughtfulness. "Betrayal? Such a strong word." He smirked. "I prefer to call it... rearranging the order of things."

Sonic's eyes darkened. "Yeah? Well, I prefer calling it treason."

Gawain's grip on his own weapon tightened. "Why? Why erase the king's rule? Camelot was at its strongest under him."

Mordred sighed dramatically. "Yes, yes, peace and prosperity, the great King Arthur reborn... how dull." His smirk vanished, replaced by something colder. "But a kingdom ruled by a hero? No, no. That is not what Camelot was meant to be."

Sonic took a step forward, his patience wearing thin. "So you did have a hand in this."

Mordred's smirk returned. "Perhaps. But you see, my king, your true enemy still lingers in the shadows. I merely ensured that their work was... complete."

The air in the throne room turned heavy.

Sonic narrowed his eyes. "Their work? Who are you talking about?"

Mordred's gaze flickered toward the throne. "Ah, but that is a story for another time. After all-" In the blink of an eye, he unsheathed a dagger, the blade gleaming unnaturally. "-we have much to catch up on."

With impossible speed, Mordred lunged.

Lancelot barely intercepted him, their blades clashing with a sharp clang. Sparks flew, and the impact sent a shockwave through the ruined hall.

Sonic leaped back, his instincts kicking in. "Guess we're doing this now, huh?"

Gawain moved to Sonic's side, weapons drawn. "He's dangerous. Stay sharp."

Mordred grinned as he clashed with Lancelot, his movements fluid, practiced. "Oh, this is going to be fun."

Sonic's heart pounded, his pulse quickening. This wasn't just a battle.

This was his first step toward reclaiming what had been stolen.

And he wasn't backing down.