Bound by Blade and Fate [Lansoni]

The sound of clashing steel rang through the ruined throne room, echoing off the crumbling stone walls. Lancelot and Mordred’s blades locked in a deadly dance, sparks flying with each strike.

Mordred moved with effortless grace, his smirk never fading. "You’ve grown slower, Lancelot. Has exile made you soft?"

Lancelot’s crimson eyes flashed with fury. "I would rather be exiled than kneel to a traitor." He forced Mordred back with a powerful strike, his blade singing through the air.

Sonic watched the battle unfold, his fingers twitching. Every instinct told him to jump in, but something about Mordred’s movements—his confidence—set off alarm bells in his head. He wasn’t just fighting. He was testing them.

Gawain stepped up beside him, gripping his axes. "We can’t let Lancelot fight alone."

Sonic smirked. "That’s what I was thinking." Without hesitation, he shot forward, his speed turning him into a blur.

Mordred barely had time to react before Sonic’s strike came from the side. The knight twisted at the last second, but Sonic’s fist still connected, sending him skidding across the stone floor.

Mordred landed gracefully, wiping a hand across his mouth where blood trickled from his lip. "Well, well… looks like the king hasn’t lost all his bite."

Sonic cracked his knuckles. "I dunno, wanna test that theory?"

Mordred laughed. "Oh, I like you like this, my king. Maybe I should’ve let you remember sooner."

Lancelot rushed forward, sword aimed for Mordred’s chest, but at the last moment, Mordred vanished.

A dark mist swallowed him, and before anyone could react, he reappeared behind Sonic, dagger raised.

"Sonic!" Lancelot shouted.

But Sonic’s instincts had already kicked in. He spun at the last second, his foot colliding with Mordred’s wrist, knocking the dagger away. He followed up with a rapid spin attack, sending the traitor flying back.

Mordred landed hard, but instead of rage, he only chuckled, pushing himself up. "Impressive. Very impressive." He dusted himself off, golden eyes gleaming. "No wonder you were such a threat."

Sonic narrowed his eyes. "Enough games. Tell me who erased my past."

Mordred smirked. "Tsk, tsk. Do you really think I’d just give you that information?" He raised a hand, and the air around him darkened, swirling like a storm.

Lancelot stepped in front of Sonic instinctively. "Dark magic…"

Mordred’s grin widened. "This kingdom was never meant for you, my king. And soon enough, you’ll remember why."

With a final smirk, the darkness swallowed him whole—leaving nothing but silence.

Sonic cursed under his breath. "Coward."

Lancelot sheathed his sword, his face grim. "He’s planning something. And I fear this is only the beginning."

Gawain exhaled, tension still thick in his stance. "Then we find him again. And we make him talk."

Sonic stared at the empty space where Mordred had stood, determination burning in his chest.

Whoever had stolen his past…

They were going to pay.