Chap 8 – Frozen Blood

"I'm so glad to be back in Centoria." Alice said while gazing at the bustling city before her. People were going about their business dealing with food vendors, material vendors, craftsman, and apothecarists. "As much as I'd like to visit Selka, we need to focus on the upcoming fight with the Administrator."

"I agree, after we retrieve our weapons, we should get them upgraded. That way, the Night Sky Blade and the Fragrant Olive Sword will be at their best. We need every advantage possible against that woman." Kirito briskly walked through the crowd. He was headed towards the middle of the city to the Swordcraft Academy.

"But shouldn't we wait here further directions?" Alice asked as she followed behind. "Perhaps come up with a plan while we're waiting?"

"We've been here for about an hour and no one's come looking for us." Kirito crossed onto the Academy grounds. "Whoever it is, they aren't in much of a hurry."

"You bring up a good point. You don't think Administrator is getting careless, do you?"

"No, I'm sure whatever she has planned will come to fruition."

OOooOOooOO

"Hi-ya!" A voice was heard from within the courtyard training grounds. "Ya! Ya!"

"That sounds like," Kirito raced over. "Ronye?" He stayed hidden in the trees, watching her for a few moments. She was perfectly executing the Aincard style. "She's improved, a lot."

"Then go and tell her." Alice whispered as she joined him.

"Hello, Royne." Kirito stepped out from behind the tree and made his way over to his former page.

"Kirito Sempai!" the now 19-year-old, dropped her sword then ran over to her mentor. "I can't believe you're here! I've missed so much!" Ronye gave him a giant hug; her rather large chest crushing against his.

"I missed you too, Ronye." He hugged her back and then stepped back to admire how she's grown. Ronye was once a sixth rank noble, a low-ranking individual who had become Kirito's page three years ago. She still wore her brown hair down with two slim high ponytails; her azure eyes sparkling as she looked at her former mentor. She was dressed in a simple grey tunic with black leggings and boots.

"It's been too long," Ronye began.

"I can tell. You've grown up."

"Well, it has been three years." The girl blushed. "I can't stay sixteen forever."

"Ahem, we need our swords." Alice interrupted their reunion.

"Oh, of course," Ronye regained her composure. "Come inside. They are in the armory. I've taken care of them since you left, just as I promised." She led them to the lower level of the Academy. "They are over here." She took them to a corner of the room.

Alice pulled her divine weapon from its stand. "How I've missed you." She ran her hand along the hilt and gazed lovingly at it. "I thought about you every day."

Kirito froze before collecting his sword. "What's this white ribbon?" He reached out to rub his fingers along the silky fabric that was tied around the hilt.

"That's Liena's hair tie." Ronye said sadly.

"Why is it here?" Kirito raised a brow.

"She wanted you to have it."

"She did, but why?"

"It was her dying wish." Ronye looked at Kirito with tears in her eyes.

"What? How?" Kirito gripped the ribbon tightly.

"It was a terrible accident." Ronye sniffled. "She was just trying to help."

"With what?"

"Cleaning up Rulid."

"Rulid? What happened there?" Alice asked, genuinely interested.

"About a year ago, a merchant reported that the whole town was covered in ice. It was like a frozen wonderland. He said all the homes, market shops, and earthly resources were sealed completely within layer after layer of ice. He also mentioned that he saw human sized blocks of ice and yet, no people were ever found. People were wary of such a tall tale but eventually soldiers went there to learn the truth. It was exactly as the merchant described. Once the high council learned of this, they immediately declared that Rulid be wiped off the map and a few months later, it was."

"So Rulid is gone?" Kirito felt a pain in his heart.

"What about my sister, Selka?" Alice asked.

"Gone. Just like everyone else. The ice blocks, they contained blood so…."

"No…" Alice shook her head. "…Selka is still alive. She has to be."

"If she is, we will find her." Kirito assured the blonde knight.

"Thank you, Kirito."

"Please continue your story, Ronye." Kirito pressed. "I have to know what happened to Liena."

"Alright. At the time, both Liena and I were on the same task force. We were told to go to Rulid and savage what we could before it was burned by first ranked nobles. There wasn't much of anything really. The last night there, it was bitterly cold. I told Liena to stay in the camp, but she was determined to look around one more time. As time passed, I grew worried so I went out to look for her. Eventually, I found her but I was too late. A giant icicle had fallen from one of the taller buildings and pinned her to the ground. It struck her right in the chest. I called out to her and finally got a faint response. She whispered to me to give you that hair tie and that she wished she could have seen you one more time."

Kirito's eyes grew misty. "I'll treasure it always." He tied the tie tighter on his hilt.

"So, the cause of all the excessive ice was never discovered?" Alice asked.

"No, but there is a rumor…." Ronye started.

"I'm not interested in rumors." Kirito cut her off. "I will find out who did that and why."

"What about Asuna?" Alice intervened.

"I can multitask." He snapped.

"I'm so sorry, Kirito," Ronye bit her bottom lip, "I didn't think I'd be bringing this up so soon after you arrived."

"It's okay, Ronye. I would have found out eventually." Kirito took a deep breath before his eyes landed where the Blue Rose Sword should have been. "Where is it?"

"Tiese has it, remember? You gave it to her since she was Eugeo's page."

"That's right. Speaking of, where is she?"

"I haven't seen Tiese in a long time." Ronye looked depressed. "We used to be such good friends, but then one day, she just disappeared. I haven't spoken to her in over a year."

"I'm sorry you both lost people precious to you; however,…" Alice sheathed her sword. "…we need to concentrate and find our contact in Centoria."

OOooOOooOO

"Tiese! Tiese!" The boy knight had just finished a training session with Sheyta, on the fifty second floor of the Central Cathedral, when he caught sight of the red headed girl. Renly was wearing a black t-shirt and loose-fitting pants rather than his typical Integrity Knight attire. "I didn't know you were back." He jogged up to her, steadied his breathing and then wiped the sweat from his brow.

"Geez, Renly, I was only gone for one night."

"One night, try four months."

Tiese laughed. "That's ridiculous."

"I'm telling you the truth." Renly grabbed onto her hand. "Lady Pontifex said that time in the Outer World runs slower than here. At first, I didn't believe her but as the days turned into weeks and then into months, I thought I'd never see you again."

"You…were worried about me?" Tiese stared at Renly; her expression softening.

"Of course. It's not every day a beautiful girl goes missing."

A pink hue appeared on Tiese's cheeks as she absently brushed at her skirt.

"So, did you find your answers?" Renly asked suddenly.

"To what?" Tiese blinked in confusion.

"The ones pertaining to Eugeo." Renly rolled his eyes. "That was your goal, wasn't it?"

"Oh, that's right."

"Well?"

"I didn't exactly get a clear answer, but…" Tiese's smile grew a little wider.

"Spare me the details." Renly stated flatly.

"What have you been doing these past four months?"

"I've been training with Sheyta. She says I'm ready to challenge Eugeo."

"Why must you fight him?" Tiese asked, her voice full of concern.

"I have my reasons."

"What could possibly require you to put your life in danger?"

Renly frowned. "You still think I'd lose to him?"

"I didn't say that. I just don't want either of you to get hurt."

"This fight is going to happen whether you approve of it or not."

"I know…."

"What was it like…" Renly changed topics. "…in the Outside World, I mean."

"It was strange and a little scary being somewhere new without my sword. Thankfully, the girl we met was really nice and friendly. Leafa explained some stuff to Eugeo and I about how we are something called AIs and that we live in what's called a virtual world. I didn't really understand what she was talking about, but she sounded so excited about it. Then, I got to ride what's called a motorcycle through a town called Tokyo and visited a grand house."

"Did you wish you could have stayed?"

"Oh goodness no," Tiese gave a slight laugh. "I've never felt so out of place."

"How did you capture Asuna?" Renly asked curiously.

"That's the part I'm trying to forget." Tiese lowered her eyes. "Oh, Renly…" her eyes watered. "…I had to attack innocent people. They could die because of me."

Renly enveloped the girl in his arms. He then stroked her ruby colored hair and gently rubbed her back.

"Those girls, they didn't deserve what I did…" Tiese found herself pouring out her emotions to the green knight; for she felt safe in his arms. "…I…I… wanted Eugeo to succeed..." Tiese wept freely; finally flushing out her bottled-up feelings of guilt and betrayal. "…and because of my one-track mind, I may have lost Kirito's respect." She sobbed into his shirt, drenching it with many free-falling tears. "I don't know how or if I'll ever get pass that."

"Just give it time."

OOooOOooOO

"Must you tag along?" Alice quipped. "We aren't here on holiday."

"If you're not here to catch up, then why are you here?" Ronye inquired as she made her way through the city with Kirito and Alice.

"We're here to free the Goddess Stacia from the Administrator."

"The Administrator?" Ronye paled. "I thought she was…."

"We all did." Kirito finally spoke up; disgust in his voice.

"Kirito!" a booming voice called out from within the crowd; causing the trio to stop in their tracks.

"Fanatio?" Kirito spun around; his grey eyes meeting the golden ones of Fanatio Synthesis Two.

"You were told to wait outside of Centoria." She stated firmly.

"You're our contact?" Kirito was taken aback; for during the war, Fanatio, and all the other Integrity Knights, were on the same side as him and his friends. What could have possibly changed that?

"Yes, I will grant you access into the Cathedral; however, you must first prove yourself."

"What has Pontifex done with Asuna?" Kirito bit out.

"Nothing as of yet, but I do know she's eager to rid her dungeon of an unwanted pest."

"Asuna has done nothing." Kirito gripped his hilt. "Let her go."

"No, Kirito sempai." Ronye grabbed onto his arm. "Not in the middle of Centoria."

"Ronye's right." Kirito took a deep breath and released his blade. "There's no need for people to get hurt. Let's take this somewhere outside of the city."

"Fair enough." Fanatio agreed. "We will meet in the outskirts at nightfall. The forest would be ideal."

"Sounds good to me, but what is the point of this fight?"

"Lady Pontifex wants to make sure you aren't rusty. Three years can change a person."

OOooOOooOO

"Alright, Goddess…." Fizel shouted from outside Asuna's cell; next to her stood Linel. Both girls had satchels around their hips. "…we need something from you." Fizel fished a key out of her pouch and inserted it into the heavy padlock. "So don't give us any trouble." The lock fell open with ease and the two young girls stepped into the cell; Linel choosing to stay back.

Asuna stood up from the bed. "What could you possibly want? I came here with nothing."

"That's not quite true," Linel replied. "What we're here for isn't a possession. Rather it's something that everyone carries with them no matter where they go."

"I don't understand." Asuna eyed the two girls guardedly.

"We're here for your blood." Fizel raised her a dagger; its jagged appearance sending a shiver down Asuna's spine.

"Do you intend to kill me?" Asuna sunk into a defensive pose; her chains clanging against each other.

"No, we just need a small sample..." Linel answered from the shadows. "…particularly from the palm of your right hand."

"What for?"

"Heck if we know." Fizel jumped in. "We are just following orders."

"I won't give you want to want." Asuna clenched her right hand into a fist.

"Look, Linel, she actually thinks she can delay the inevitable." Fizel laughed seconds before she raced in and slashed at Asuna's thigh.

"Ahhh!" Asuna cried out in pain as she fell to her knees. The girl's movements were so quick, she didn't even know what happened until seconds later when blood started to flow from the wound.

"Your skin slices like butter." Fizel gave a chuckle.

Asuna narrowed her eyes at her attacker. "That's not a normal dagger, is it?" She gritted out, while holding onto her thigh; blood covered her fingers; turning her once white stockings, a deep crimson. "There's more to it than just an intimidating blade."

"Very perceptive." Linel walked up to the injured girl, exchanging Fizel's blade with a new smaller one. "It has been dipped in a very potent poison. Without the antidote, your leg will become useless."

"How do I know you're telling the truth? You could be lying."

"Is it worth risking your leg to find out?" Linel smirked as she retrieved a small bottle from her bag. "This is the antidote. Give Fizel your hand and you can have it."

"I don't know anything about these girls and what they're capable of. At this point, I have no other options. I have to believe what they say. If I don't, they may decide to strike again. With too many wounds and no sacred arts to heal them, I'd be a burden on Kirito. I won't do that to him." Asuna thought to herself before offering her hand.

Fizel held her dagger, poised to strike into Asuna's palm. "Linel, get ready with vial." The other girl swiftly complied. Once the dagger was lodged into the prisoner's hand, Fizel rotated it right and left; enlarging the wound. Asuna looked away and gritted her teeth during the ordeal.

"That should be good enough." Linel capped the bottle and then placed it into her satchel.

"Thank you for your cooperation." Fizel mocked as she backed off.

"Hey!" Asuna called out as the girls were about to leave. "You promised me the antidote."

"Here." Linel tossed the bottle to the imprisoned girl. "Better drench that wound before it's too late."

Asuna did as instructed; unfortunately, unbeknown to her, she was dousing the wrong wound.

OOooOOooOO

"Kirito, do you think this is a good idea?" Ronye asked from beside her mentor. Currently Ronye, Kirito, and Alice were outside the city walls. They were making their way to the forest, intent on putting more distance between them and the innocents of the city. The sun had just set, the sky changing from reds and oranges to blues and purples. "I mean, three years without using your sword..."

"I'll be fine." Kirito pulled out the Night Sky Blade. "I've fought Fanatio before. Eugeo and I…."

"Kirito, you need to stay focused on this fight." Alice spoke forcefully. "Asuna is counting on you."

"I know, but I have to find Eugeo too." Kirito looked at Alice. "They are both important to me."

"Eugeo?" Ronye blinked in confusion. "I thought he was…"

"It's a long story…" Alice stated firmly. "…one for another time."

"Oh…okay."

"Ronye, I need you stay in Centoria," Kirito told his page. "…away from this fight."

"But Kirito…"

"This is going to be dangerous and I don't want you getting hurt. Alice, you will go with her."

"Are you sure? I thought…"

"Fanatio said she needed to validate my skills. She can't get a good account of them if I'm working with a partner."

"Alright. Come on Ronye." Alice reluctantly grabbed the young girl's hand and they headed back into the city.

"Good luck, Kirito." His page called over her shoulder. "I know you can win."

OOooOOooOO

Twenty minutes later, Fanatio Synthesis Two showed up; alone. She was dressed in purple armor, her dark amethyst hair flowing freely behind her. Her golden eyes shone with an eagerness to begin. "Kirito."

"Fanatio." The black swordsman responded; his eyes following her every move.

"Are you ready to show me what you can do?"

"You already know, why test me again?" Kirito held his sword at the ready.

"Because Lady Pontifex wills it. She wants you in the best form possible." Fanatio replied before holding up her divine weapon. "Enhance Armament!" A giant ray of light shot out of her sword; aimed directly at her opponent. Kirito dodged to the left, barely avoiding the beam. "Such quick reflexes." She complimented before shooting off a series of balls of light; keeping Kirito on his toes.

"You enacted your special ability before our fight?" Kirito panted out while evading her attacks.

"You should have remembered that my master weapon control takes time to unleash." Fanatio stated. "Perhaps you should have been strategizing instead of entertaining those young women."

"Alice and Ronye are not distractions. It's because of them I'm as strong as I am." Kirito slid to a stop then pivoted straight towards Fanatio. "Nova Ascension." He hit her with a series of rapid attacks, each strike getting more and more powerful. Unfortunately for Kirito, Fanatio successfully blocked every attack.

"Nice try…"She angled her blade; forcing Kirito's sword to point towards the ground. Then she stepped in and locked his sword arm against her side. "…but you're going to have to do better." She released Kirito. "What other skills do you possess?" She swung her sword before his chest; making him reel back and into an attack position.

"Vorpal Strike." Kirito pulled his sword back in hopes of landing this powerful attack. Fanatio slid to the side, easily avoiding the attack.

"You've become weak, Kirito." Fanatio lifted her sword into the air, "Release Recollection." Random bursts of light suddenly appeared all around Kirito. He tried to follow their rapid movements before they struck him but there were so many of them, it was impossible to dodge them all.

"Ugh!" Kirito felt each burst of light rip into him as if he were nothing but a paper doll. He soon fell to his knees, his body covered with bloody holes.

"Such a weak swordsman deserves to die." She stood before Kirito; looking down her nose at him. "You'd be dead if not for Lady Pontifex's wishes."

"What does she want with me?" Kirito fought to stay upright; he was losing blood at an alarming rate. "Another fight, because if that's what she wants, I will kill her."

"You're in no position to make threats. But since you asked, I suppose I could answer your question."

Kirito took deep breaths, hoping to keep the immense pain at bay. "Tell me."

"She wants you to fight one of her knights. One that has similar abilities to you."

"Eugeo…" Kirito bit out harshly.

"Unfortunately, with the way you are now. That will never happen."

"You haven't won yet." Kirito staggered to his feet.

"Oh, you predict a different outcome?"

"You told me whose waiting for me."

"Like that would matter." Fanatio scoffed.

"It matters, a lot." Kirito summoned all his remaining strength. "Enhance Armament." His sword emitted rays of deep purples and blacks; the powerful burst headed straight into Fanatio. At such a close range, the attack was brutal on the recipient. In fact, it almost killed her. The purple knight collapsed to the ground, unconscious. "When you wake up, we're going to the Cathedral." He said before succumbing to his injuries.

OOooOOooOO

"Thirty-Two," Administrator spoke as she entered his small room as if it were her own. Eugeo was in the mist of changing into some training clothes. His back facing her as he pulled a grey shirt over his head. His Blue Rose Sword was leaning against the bed beside him. "Kirito is already here, so you need to get your little squabble with Renly over with quickly. You'll fight him in the morning."

The blonde's eyes shifted towards his weapon.

"I expect you to win easily."

Eugeo's hand slowly reached out for his Blue Rose Sword.

"If you don't, I'd have to enact your punishment."

The blonde stayed silent despite being threatened with who knows what.

"You're quiet," Administrator wrapped her arms around the blonde; locking both arms at his sides.

"I have nothing to say." Eugeo answered.

"Well then," her fingers began to caress his upper arms. "… perhaps we should do something that will emit some words. You know, like before."

"I need to train." Eugeo flapped his wings, loosening her grip. "Or do you think I could win based on my skills from months ago?"

Administrator crossed her arms as she let the blonde vent out his frustration.

"You expect to be entertained by my fight with Renly. But…. I haven't used my Blue Rose Sword in what seems like forever. I'm worried my bond with it has weakened because you're always keeping me from it."

"Go on."

"You're always making me participate in whatever your mind comes up with, taking valuable time away from me becoming a better swordsman."

"I'm always making you?" Administrator quirked a brow. "I don't believe that statement is one hundred percent accurate."

"That's not the point." Eugeo countered.

"You won't lose your connection to the Blue Rose Sword." Administrator relaxed her arms and stepped in front of the blonde. "A Divine Weapon doesn't lose its abilities and attachment to you simply because you don't use it for a while. And before you ask how I know this; I've gained this information from Kirito."

"What does that mean?"

"Just know that whenever irregular boy leaves this world, his blade remains his, no matter how long he's gone."

Eugeo let out a sigh of relief.

"I'll allow you more time for swordplay, but first," Administrator eyed his hips. "…I want your cock inside me."

"You just said…"

"I know what I said." Administrator placed her face right in front of his. "…however, you attempted to raise your blade against me."

"…"

"Don't bother denying it. I saw you reach for it earlier and because of that, I'm going to take even more time away from your precious Blue Rose Sword."

"Damn it." The blonde muttered.

"So angry." The Pontifex teased as she laid a hand what she desired. Eugeo's eyes narrowed as she palmed it. "Come," she grabbed his hand and led him over to the wall. The Administrator stood in front of it, her back pressed up against the wall. "Place your hands on either side of my head and keep them extended." The blonde did as she asked. She then leaned in and pressed her lips to his; hungry for the taste of him. Eugeo didn't waste a second giving into the Administrator for even after everything's she'd made him do, a part of him wanted to be with her like this.

With their mouths still sealed together, the Administrator snaked her hands down his chest; stopping at his pants. Eugeo gave a slight shudder as her felt her unzip them and then take ahold of him. Their kissing turning hot and heavy while the Pontifex got him how she wanted. She then wrapped her legs around his hips; locked her ankles and draped an arm around his neck. Eugeo wanted to drop his arms to support her weight but remained as he was. Administrator clearly knew what she was doing.

Next, she reached down once more; her hand guiding him into her. They both moaned at the familiar connection. "Eugeo…" she panted as she wrapped both arms around his neck. "...you need to start moving." The blonde took a labored breath before slowly beginning to thrust into her; her hips meeting his with the same momentum. "Harder." She murmured. "I want to feel as if you're ripping me apart." The blonde quickened his pace, sweat covering him as he took her words to heart. Both were breathing heavily as they worked up to their climaxes. Once they were finished, the Pontifex lowered her legs and left.

End Chapter 8