Fractured – Chapter 6
Rinko Kojiro exited her car, removing her sunglasses. "Nice place," she muttered. She glanced at her phone. There weren't many specifics, just a map to this particular cave entrance and a list of supplies she was instructed to bring. Her phone 'dinged' with a text.
I knew you would come.
Of course you did. What now?
Rinko eyed the barbed fence and no trespassing signs that surrounded the property.
Place your phone up to the lock at the gate.
Rinko skeptically approached the fence, finding the narrow gate with the lock. There was a small screen which turned on as soon as she touched it. It flashed "Enter Code." Looking back down at her phone, she saw that a QR Code had appeared on her own screen. She held it up to the small screen, and the lock immediately disengaged.
Join us. You won't be disappointed.
OOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOoo
Sinon slowly brought the motorcycle to a halt. After placing both feet on the ground, she took off her helmet and shook out her hair. "Did you see that?" She looked over her shoulder and raised a brow. "You can let go now."
Asuna slowly opened her eyes and unlocked her arms from around her friend's waist. "I'd take battling a beast any day over your driving," she huffed.
"Hey!" Sinon snapped.
"Sorry," Asuna apologized, removing her helmet. She hopped off the bike. "I just want to find Kirito."
"Did you catch who that was?" Sinon squinted through the last of the daylight.
"No, but we can figure it out later," Asuna jumped off the bike. "Come on."
"Wait for me," Sinon dropped the kickstand and the two girls went to follow the mysterious figure. "Damn," she muttered, noting the lock had slid back into place.
"Hang on." Asuna pulled out her phone. "Yui?"
"Hello mommy," a little fairy girl appeared on her screen. She wore a purple dress and had four pixie wings.
"Yui, sweetie, we need your help," Asuna replied quickly. "Can you hack this?" She held her phone up to the digitized lock screen.
"Hmm…for something so small, it's very delicate and tricky. But yes, give me a minute," she furred her brows and closed her eyes.
"I can't believe Kirito would go somewhere like this by himself," Asuna bit her lip.
"I'm sure he knew what he was doing," Sinon reassured her friend.
Within seconds, the lock clicked open.
"There you go!" Yui clapped her hands.
"Yui, you're a life saver," Asuna sighed in relief.
Yui pressed up to the screen, her eyes looking back and forth. "Where's Daddy?"
Asuna didn't want to worry the little pixie. "We're going to get him now."
"Ok, I can't wait to see him," Yui smiled.
"Come on," Sinon urged. "We don't want whoever that was to get too far ahead of us."
OOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOoo
Unauthorized entry flashed across Kikuoka's phone. He furred his brow. Rinko entered the property ten minutes ago. Who could this be? He looked over to where Kirito lay asleep in the STL bed.
Of course, it had to be her.
"Higa?"
"Yeah," the younger man replied. He was watching the screens very carefully, looking for anymore anomalies. He frowned, seeing a huge spike in Eugeo's brain wavelengths. Kirito's spiked as well, but this time, Eugeo's failed to get back in sync with Kirito. "Warning: Data corruption" illuminated the screen. "Shit," he muttered.
"Is there a problem?" Kikuoka asked casually.
"Uh…no. It's fine, just a simple adjustment." Higa bent over the keyboard, his fingers flying over the keys.
"Good." Kikuoka slipped his phone into his pocket. "I'm stepping out for a while."
Higa sighed in relief as he was able to stabilize the two boys for the moment. He knew it wouldn't last though. He took a quick glance at Kirito, and sent a silent prayer he'd find Eugeo's soul very soon.
OOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOo
Sinon kept her flashlight on dim. She didn't want to alert whoever they were following to their presence. Asuna held onto her hand, trailing close behind.
They were walking for over an hour when Asuna whispered, "Sinon?"
"Hm?"
"Do you think Kirito has changed?"
"Changed? What do you mean?" Sinon raised her brows.
"I don't know. He's just…different. Ever since he got back from the Underworld."
"Don't be ridiculous," Sinon chided. "He experienced two years in that simulation. It's a lot to take in and process. Just give him time. Besides, he loves you. That has to count for something."
"You're right," Asuna offered a small smile.
"These caves are getting cold," Sinon shivered. She started to see her breaths come out in tiny puffs.
Asuna agreed, teeth chattering. "But we need to keep moving."
Nearly two hours later, Sinon stopped short.
"Why are we…" Asuna began.
"Shhh!" Sinon hushed her. Do you hear that? Both girls strained to hear the faint buzzing of electricity.
OOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOoo
"Higa?"
"Wha?" Higa was jolted from his computer. He looked up and saw his former co-worker. "Rinko?"
Rinko looked around the cavern, her eyes growing wide and stopping on the large tube that held a person inside of it. Green electricity sparked from the coils at the top. She walked carefully up to it, studying it with a scientist's eye. She could see the wires and cords placed along the person's body inside, the breathing apparatus that was attached over their nose and mouth. She gingerly placed her hand on the glass, but pulled her hand away quickly, hissing, "It's so cold."
"Cold?" Higa's brows shot up. He quickly got up from his chair. He placed his hand on the tube as well and was shocked at how cold it was. "That's different," he furred his brow.
"Who is this?" Rinko asked.
"His name is Eugeo. His soul is from the Underworld, but now, he'll have a flesh and blood body here in the real world. I used Kirito's memories to construct it."
"You mean he's an AI?"
"Well, yes and no. Once we merge his soul with his body, he should be no different than a real born human."
"You're playing god here," Rinko warned. "Alice is already out there trying to make humans and AIs co-exist."
"True, but this experiment pushes us past more boundaries and advances us even further."
Rinko had to admit, the whole idea was rather intriguing.
"Look here," Higa hit a button on the computer console, and a small cube, encased in a much smaller glass cylinder rose from it.
"Is that Eugeo's fluctlight cube?" Rinko leaned in close. "How is that still active?"
"Honestly, it's barely holding on," Higa stared at it. The cube looked even worse than before. Higa hit a button again, and the cube disappeared back into the console.
Rinko looked over at the STL bed. "Knowing Kirito, that's him over there." She placed a hand on her hip. "Though I'm confused what he has to do with all of this."
"Eugeo was..is..his best friend. Just watching the memories of the two of them leave no question about it. Plus, he broke the seal of the right eye first. That's the incredible part. No one was supposed to be able to do it. Kirito has always had that kind of effect on people."
"Back up. You're watching their memories?"
"Yup. Kirito is transferring all his memories to Eugeo. Once that's complete, we can insert his soul. At least, as soon as Kirito gets it out from the Underworld."
"You're going to put that cube into a body?" Rinko asked skeptically. "Kind of noticeable, don't you think?"
"That's why I'm transferring the cube onto a microchip."
"A microchip?"
"Yeah. A microchip is much easier to implant into a body. We've already laid out a procedure for all this."
"You two have thought of everything," Rinko shook her head in disbelief. "I'm a little jealous." She raised a brow, then leaned in close to Higa. "What can I do to help?"
OOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOoo
"What's going on down here?" Asuna wondered as she and Sinon continued to follow the hum. They soon heard voices, though they were too muffled to make out any words.
"Just a little bit closer," said Sinon.
"That's far enough ladies," a voice said behind them.
Asuna narrowed her eyes as she immediately recognized it. "Kikuoka," she ground out.
"I'm flattered you remember me," Kikuoka replied smugly.
Suddenly, Asuna felt cold metal brush up against the back of her head and a very audible metallic 'click' echoed in the tunnel. She stiffened.
Sinon's hand trembled in her own. Sure, she knew about guns in GGO, but if you were killed by one in the game, you never really died. But here, in the real world, all bets were off.
OOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOoo
Leina, Renly, and I had continued on, past the prisoners in their cages. I felt terrible leaving Ronye and the others, but we'd had no choice. We needed to get to the center of this insane labyrinth to find the Pontifex and Eugeo.
We were walking for a while through a narrow tunnel until it opened up at underground river. The waters were murky and dark, the ceiling curved high above us. A few sconces were lined up against the walls, providing little light. Across the way was another tunnel entrance, illuminated by two torches to either side.
Leina placed her sword into the water. "Seems to be about waist deep. The water's moving fast, but I think we'll be fine."
All three of us took our weapons, held them over our heads, and cautiously waded into the water. It was freezing. I took the lead, my booted feet sinking into the thick muck at the bottom. I trudged along, keeping a steady pace, until my leg brushed against something. I felt a sharp sting, and watched as a bit of blood started to mix with the water. I stopped, gently rubbing at my leg with one hand.
"Everything okay?" Renly questioned, overtaking my lead.
"Yeah, it's fine," I shrugged it off. "Some rock or something."
Renly exited the river first, water dripping from his armor. Leina followed shortly, ringing the excess water from her skirts. I was bringing up the rear when I froze. "Something's coming," I whispered. Renly took Leina and went to hide in the shadows, while I sank deeper into the water. Within seconds, two dozen spiders spilled into the cavern. They each had a cocoon on their back.
The spiders chittered and chattered to each other, although instead of entering the water as we did, they choose to go up the walls. They clung to the ceiling, their legs scurrying. They were up and across in minutes, continuing to dart along with their victims.
Once the last spider made it through the opposite tunnel, I waited a beat before I rose from the water again. I was just about to exit myself when I felt something bite into my leg. "The hell?" I frowned. I squinted my eyes at the water's surface but couldn't see anything.
The waters around me began to churn and bubble. I felt more bites piercing my legs and thighs. Then, something jumped out of the water and bit into my arm. It was small, but it had enormous jaws. "Piranhas?" I studied the fish a bit closer. It had large pale eyes and fins covered in spikes. The little beast wiggled as it tore at my armory clothes. I pulled it off my arm, its teeth chomping and gnashing.
"Kirito, you have to get out of the water. Now." Renly said, extending a hand towards me. "Those aren't ordinary fish."
"Of course they're not," I muttered, flinging the beast away from me. I latched onto Renly's hand and he pulled me out. I was soaked and freezing.
Renly came up to me, concern etched on his young face. "Alone, those fish are nothing, but when they swarm like that …"
"I'll be fine," I said flatly.
Renly clearly disapproved. "You show even the faintest bit of sickness and I will personally deck you, tie you down, and finish the healing arts correctly."
Leina eyed me suspiciously. "Are you sure you're alright?"
"Enough about me, we need to keep going," I strode past them. I could feel I was close to Eugeo and nothing was going to stop me.
Leina and Renly exchanged glances, then reluctantly followed me after the spiders.
OOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOoo
"Inside, if you please," Kikuoka gestured with his handgun. Sinon and Asuna glared at him with defiance, but knew they had no choice. They entered into a small room, filled with empty boxes and other various storage materials. "I have to admit, I wasn't expecting you so soon, so I apologize if the accommodations aren't quite up to par."
"What have you done with Kirito!" Asuna demanded.
"Kirito came here of his own accord, dear girl. You meanwhile, shouldn't be meddling in other people's affairs." He paused, then chuckled.
"What's so funny?" Sinon deadpanned.
"What indeed," Kikuoka smiled ruefully. "Do behave though. I have work to do and it's not to be disturbed." He slowly backed up, then exited the room, closing the door behind him. A loud click was heard, his footsteps fading as he headed back down the tunnel from which they'd come.
Sinon went up to the door, already pulling on the handle and looking for any weaknesses in the structure. "Come on, Asuna, we need to find a way out of here."
Asuna stood, mulling over what Kikuoka had said. Something about affairs? "Oh god," she paled.
OOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOoo
Pontifex had Eugeo brought to her resurrection chamber. It was time for more sacred power to be absorbed. She looked down, past the stairs, into the red circle at its center. It still rotated slowly, symbols and lines glowing softly. She couldn't wait to have a certain someone at its center. Until then though, she looked over at the blonde swordsman next to her.
Eugeo stared as two dozen spiders entered from the opposite side. They each had a cocoon on their back, which they released onto the floor beneath them. He heard the cries of people coming from within them. "What is this?" He watched as Sheyta began dragging the bodies into the red circle.
"It's time for another harvest." Pontifex frowned at her hand, it was starting to flicker and fade once again.
"Harvest?" Eugeo's eyes widened.
"Of course, but the way I was doing it simply takes too long. That's why you're here."
"What do you want me to do?" Eugeo eyed her warily.
"All in good time. Though before we get to that, there's this little matter here." She reached up to trace the pulsing blue tendrils that ran across Eugeo's face and down his neck.
"Don't touch me," he slapped her hand away.
"You really should be nicer to me," she scoffed. "Remember, my love is for you, but in order to give it, I must have control."
Eugeo narrowed his eyes.
"To prove it, I will help you by explaining what is happening. You see, you and your beloved sword co-exist now, with a power that is unmatched." She sidled up to him. "With you by my side, this world will bow before me, before us." She reached a hand up to caress his cheek.
"I'll never help you," Eugeo growled.
"Really?" Pontifex raised a brow, then glanced to either side. "I don't see anyone else in line for you."
"I…" Eugeo grit his teeth. "Why am I like this?" he ground out softly.
"Perhaps you have been blessed," Pontifex played with the flaxen hair that hung by Eugeo's ear.
"I wouldn't call it that," he mumbled.
"The Blue Rose Sword is powerful and strains to be released. Right now, it is incredibly unstable. You are the vessel keeping it in check, albeit poorly."
"It's not like I asked for any of this," Eugeo muttered.
"Does it matter? The point is, if you do not keep it contained, its power will run rampant, and it will destroy everything in this world. It'll make my sword golems look like toys." She raised his chin so they locked eyes. "You yourself may be 'immortal' but what about those around you?"
Eugeo hesitated.
"You saw what it did to those beasts back in the other chamber." She leaned in close, whispering in his ear. "Think about what you did to that poor young girl and Sister back in Rulid. Do you think they'll trust you ever again? Perhaps now they even fear you."
"Fear me?"
"They should, actually, for what if you cannot stop yourself next time and the damage cannot be repaired by sacred arts and is a bit more permanent?"
"I…can't control it," he admitted softly.
"I've noticed. Good thing for you, I'll created something new." She held out a unique blue piety module in her hand. "With this, I will shoulder the burden and will control it for you."
"No," Eugeo ground out.
"We shall see."
OOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOoo
Alice and Sugu were the only ones to step off the train, landing lightly on the station's deck.
Alice looked around. The station itself was small and the ticket building had already closed for the night.
"You sure you girls are going to be okay?" the ticket taker asked, glancing out into the darkness.
"We'll be fine," Alice shrugged off the man's concern. "Let's go," she started walking back towards the parking lot.
"Slow down, Alice," Sugu dashed up next to her.
"We need to find Kirito," Alice stated matter of factly. "We've wasted enough time."
"I didn't know the train would be delayed," Sugu grumbled. "It was supposed to be an express train."
"We are here now and that's what matters."
The two girls headed away from the station and made their way up towards the caves. Sugu shone her flashlight around, frowning at the barbed wire fence and no trespassing signs.
"Kirito has always been reckless, it wouldn't surprise me if he went in there," Alice said.
"We'll need to get inside then too. But how do we…gah!" Sugu stepped back.
"Problem solved," Alice was slapping her hands together. "I may not have my sword, but I can wield just about anything." The blonde knight was holding onto a pair of large wire cutters. "I found these in Kirito's garage. Seemed like a strange weapon though…" Alice frowned. "What?"
"Nothing," Sugu shook her head. "Let's just get inside and start searching."
The two girls carefully slipped through the opening in the fence and made their way quietly into the first cavern they saw.
Sugu waved her flashlight back and forth, illuminating their path.
"I keep forgetting you don't need to use sacred words to activate a luminous element," said Alice.
"Well, these are powered by batteries," Sugu replied. "Science type stuff."
"I much prefer the Underworld," Alice snorted. "It makes more sense than this real world you and Kirito live in. I wonder if he feels the same way."
"Do you think he'd really prefer to stay there?" Sugu blinked.
"I am no master at reading emotions, but Kirito did seem happier in the Underworld."
"That's ridiculous," Sugu huffed. "Kirito can't stay in a virtual world, he's real. He belongs here."
"I've seen a look on Kirito's face that reminds me of Eugeo. That sad smile, always trying to stay positive, but it's only a façade." She stopped suddenly. "Do you even know your brother?"
"Wha?" Sugu stopped suddenly. "Of course I do!"
"Then you should know how he truly feels about his experiences in the Underworld. He may have forgotten about his time during the War of the Underworld, but everything before that is still with him. He refused to have them erased as he treasures those memories. The people he met, the relationships he built, the things he did. It's changed him. He's not the person you or his friends knew."
"That's not true," Sugu huffed. Thinking about it for a moment though, she reflected back on the past few months. Kirito did seem distant and more withdrawn than usual. Even Asuna felt it.
"I do not say these things out of spite. They are merely observations," said Alice.
Suga sighed. "Maybe you're right," she admitted.
Alice took the other girl's hand. "Kirito is who he is. Right now, whether they are friends from the Underworld or the real world, we need to help him."
OOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOoo
"Again?" Kikuoka frowned. Unauthorized entry flashed across his phone once again. "Who could this be?" He brought up a map of the caverns. These two people were much further out than Asuna and Sinon were. He sighed. "I shouldn't be surprised; Kirito has always had a harem following him." He slapped his phone shut and strode swiftly down the tunnel.
OOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOooOOoo
Eugeo's head started to pound. "Gah!" he gripped his head with both hands. The blue tendrils across his body began to pulse and glow. He staggered over to the edge where he looked down into the pit. He saw a dirty group of young men and women who were huddled inside a red glowing circle. They were frightened, and holding onto each other. They looked so…vulnerable.
Inside the circle, icy vines erupted, enveloping the people. Sharp thorns dug into their flesh, cries of pain echoing throughout the chamber. Giant blades of ice exploded from the floor, ripping through the bodies like paper. Bones crunched and blood pooled. It was over in seconds. Once the vines and ice receded, there was nothing left. Only precious sacred life floated up into the air along the cylinder of red that extended up from the circle. The Pontifex wasted no time in greedily consuming it.
"Ahhh, much better," Pontifex shuddered with power.
Eugeo shook his head, his thoughts clearing. He blinked and was mortified by what he saw beneath him.
"I suppose you'll have to live with this now too," Pontifex told him smugly. "I honestly didn't think you had it in you, but I am pleasantly surprised."
"What did you make me do?" Eugeo fell to his knees, tears running down his cheeks.
"I didn't do anything," Pontifex replied. "I told you, this is what you are now. Though this time you didn't need much of a prompt," Pontifex slowly circled the blonde swordsman then crouched down. Looking directly into Eugeo's icy blue eyes, she said, "I promise you," she whispered, "this piety module will dull all this pain. I will keep your sword in check, but I can't have your emotions, thoughts, or memories interfering."
Eugeo's eyes narrowed. "How many more do you plan to murder?"
"You needn't worry about that," Pontifex cooed. "Besides, better a few causalities than the whole of the Human Empire. You are a powerful divine weapon yourself, and that is unprecedented. You should be lucky that I am willing to help you with such a burden." Pontifex went to rub at the tear streak along Eugeo's cheek. "Remember, to love is to control."
Eugeo's eyes glanced down to where the next batch of people were getting prepped to enter the circle. He knew what was coming and he knew he didn't have a choice. Kirito would do anything to protect the Human Empire and he would too. His eyes slowly drifted back to Pontifex's. "To love is control," he whispered. "Do it."
End Chapter 6