Fractured – Chapter 12
Renly, Leina, Selka, and I were walking back towards Centoria. None of us had said much after what happened, each of us lost in our own thoughts. Suddenly, there was a rustle to our right. Renly was the first to react, withdrawing his weapons as he took off into the woods. He returned shortly, dragging a young man behind him.
"Hey, lemme go!" Jink tried to wiggle free.
Renly dropped him unceremoniously in the center of our group.
"Oww…" Jink moaned, rubbing his backside.
"What are you still doing here?" Renly asked him, clearly annoyed.
"Please take me with you to Centoria," Jink said, bowing low. "Rulid was my home. Eugeo will pay for what he did to it," he snarled, "Even if I have to kill him myself."
Without thinking, I turned and decked him with my elbow. He felt flat on the ground. Then I ground my foot into the back of his neck, pushing him face first into the dirt road. I laughed mirthlessly. "He's way out of your league."
"Kirito, stop it," Leina pulled on my arm.
Renly saw my eyes flash gold. He quickly shoved me off Jink, who was now gasping in deep breaths. He then stood over the man-at-arms; weapons held in his fingertips. It's not that he wanted to defend the jerk, but it was his job to do so.
"You're just as crazy as Eugeo," Jink glowered, rubbing at his neck.
I stilled, then went to pull my sword from my hip.
Leina placed her hand on mine. "Kirito," she said softly. "Enough."
I angrily sheathed my sword, then strode on ahead. It was going to be a long trip back to Centoria.
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We'd been walking for two days when we were lucky enough to catch a ride with a merchant headed to the capital. The five of us: me, Leina, Renly, Selka, and Jink, all piled into the wagon, happy to be off our feet.
Renly, Leina, and I took turns watching for Eugeo. We had no idea when he'd attack, so we had to stay vigilant. So far, nothing. Though we didn't know if that was a good or bad thing.
It was my turn to be on watch duty as I continued to stare out at the road behind us. It was a clear night, the moon shining high in the sky above us. I could hear the obnoxious snores from Jink, the soft light breathing from Selka, and even Renly had fallen into a patterned sleep.
"Want to talk about what happened?" Leina asked gently, sliding up to me.
"Of all the scenarios I could think of…when I met up with Eugeo, I…he…" I ran my hand through my dark hair. My eyes flickered to gold. Dark emotions consumed me, I could feel them like a heavy blanket, smothering me. Purple haze began to encircle me.
"It's not your fault," Leina whispered to me.
"Yeah, it is," I growled. "I fucked up. Then and now."
"Relax, Star King," Renly cut in, his Twin Wing Blade leveled at my throat. His golden eyes met up with mine. "This again?"
"What?" I snapped. Narrowing my eyes at Renly, I turned away from him. Renly eyed me just the same, and went back to watching over the rest of our little group.
Leina sighed, settling herself between us.
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Alice looked quickly over her shoulder. It had been three days, and she couldn't take it anymore. Heading to the stables where their dragons were kept, she called quietly, "Amayori?"
"Kyeeh!" the light blue dragon called back. She brought her head down and nuzzled Alice.
"I'm happy to see you too, girl," Alice rubbed the dragon's nose, then leaned in close so their foreheads were touching. "I don't want to go against Fanatio's orders to stay here, but I could really use some fresh air to clear my mind and think."
"Kyeeh," Amayori cooed softly, turning so Alice could climb onto her back.
"I knew you'd understand. We won't be gone long."
The pair took off quietly into the stillness of the night.
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Eugeo sat inside a cave, eyes glazed over as his body was healing itself.
Synthesis Zero was circling around Eugeo's subconscious. "Your so-called friends are a pain in the ass."
"Good," Eugeo muttered.
Zero stopped directly in front of Eugeo's ice cage. "Do you honestly think those people want to help you?" He barked a laugh. "Do you think after everything you've done, they still care about you?"
"What I've done?" Eugeo narrowed his eyes.
"You can't blame me for everything," Zero replied smugly. "Remember, these are your deepest and darkest desires."
Eugeo's eyes widened a fraction.
"It felt good, didn't it? Defeating that Knight in crimson, destroying the village that held you captive with your calling, crushing your parents. Even your interaction with that black swordsman and his little party. The darkness inside you is such fuel for me." Zero's eyes grew cold as they glazed over. "We all give in to it. It's the only way to do what we must."
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Alice was enjoying the wind in her hair as she sailed through the night sky on Amayori. Her dragon weaved up and down, drifting through clouds effortlessly. They soon approached the Lodend Mountains and a small lake. This would be a good place for Amayori to rest for a few minutes, then they'd head back to Centoria. Alice pulled on the reigns, and led her dragon in a slow descent until they landed on the ground. Alice hopped off, gave her dragon a quick pat on the neck, and smiled as Amayori dove into the nearby lake. Her dragon was just as graceful in the water as she was in the air.
Alice sat nearby, watching her dragon frolic like a hatchling. "Don't wander too far." Amayori was too busy to listen as she followed a late-night snack underwater. Suddenly, the air started to grow cold. Alice shivered, wishing she brought her armor.
Meanwhile, Eugeo had just stepped outside the cave he was recovering in when he heard splashing from the nearby lake. Curious, he stealthily headed towards the sound. Peering around a tree, he was shocked to see her, of all people.
"Ahh…so this is the one. The one you spent your life chasing and feeling guilty over. The one who has no memories of you. Hmm…perhaps you should do something that she'll never forget…"
Feeling like she was being watched, Alice called out, "Show yourself!" She grabbed her sword and rose to her feet. Squint as she might, her blue eyes couldn't see much in the dark. She was about to recite a sacred art before a hand was placed over her mouth. Another went around her waist, locking her arms at her side.
"Hello Alice," Eugeo whispered coldly, nibbling around the shell of her ear.
Alice's eyes widened, but her surprise quickly turned to pure instinct as she threw her head back. Smack!
Eugeo grunted, releasing his hold on her.
Alice dropped low, attempting to get away from Eugeo. As she took off, she felt her braid being pulled and she fell onto her back. She hit the ground hard, letting out a gasp. Her sword fell from her hand, landing nearby.
Eugeo quickly straddled her, pinning her to the ground. Alice went to throw a punch, but Eugeo caught it in his hand. She went to throw a second punch, but he caught that too. Taking both her hands in one of his, he brought them together over her head, and held them against the ground. With the other, he deftly took the bow from the base of her braid, unraveled it, then used it to tie her wrists together. Tearing a strip of fabric from her long skirt, he pulled it taut around the base of a small nearby tree. He then connected Alice's bound wrists to it, which effectively locked her arms above her head. Alice flailed her legs and kicked her feet, wiggling beneath him.
"Wha…what are you doing?" Alice asked warily, her eyes never leaving his.
Eugeo stared down at her, tendrils of blue slithering across his skin. He slowly ran the back of his hand down Alice's cheek, the chains on his hands cool against the heat of her flesh. Alice flinched away, and Eugeo's eyes flashed icy blue. With one hand, he held Alice's chin, then leaned down to kiss her roughly, his fangs cutting into her lips. Moving on, he nipped along her jaw and down her neck, only to be stopped by the high buttoned collar of her dress. Growling, Eugeo tore at it with his fangs, revealing the soft skin of her throat and collar bone. He nuzzled into both, his soft hair tickling her skin. Eugeo liked the way her skin felt, and he needed more. Reaching over towards Alice's sword, he grabbed the hilt. Flipping the sword casually in his wrist, he then brought it down to slice away at her blue dress. Once the fabric was shredded, Eugeo pulled it apart, exposing Alice's small, yet supple breasts. Eugeo watched intently as they rose and fell with each intake of her breath, his mouth already drooling in anticipation.
"Don't you touch me!" she threatened. "Amayori!"
Eugeo slapped Alice hard across her face. "Not another word."
Alice glared at Eugeo. She could taste the tang of blood in her mouth, which she promptly spit out at him. A small glob of it dripped slowly down Eugeo's cheek. He reached up with one hand, his fingers dabbing at the warm crimson liquid there. The blood was so warm, unlike his body, which was always cold now. Narrowing his eyes, he smeared it off, and continued his conquest of her body. Eugeo sprawled his hand onto one naked breast, massaging it roughly. He leaned in to kiss the other, taking Alice's pink nipple into his mouth to suckle. His tongue lavished it, his teeth and fangs grazing its sensitive tip. He switched to the other, his hands now running up and down her sides. Once her breasts were swollen with lustful kisses and aggressive palming, he kissed the valley between them, then made his way south, his tongue stopping to dip and swirl around her naval.
Alice squirmed beneath him, panic starting to set in. She could feel his erection growing hard against her as he was starting to grind his hips into hers.
"I need more," Eugeo murmured, lust heavy in his voice.
"Eugeo, you can't treat an Integrity Knight like this!"
She's another of Pontifex's toys? Break her!
"Shut up!" Eugeo growled under his breath.
Alice blinked, Eugeo was clearly no longer talking to just her.
Eugeo pulled back, his eyes flickering to green. "You will never forget me again."
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It was the middle of the night when we returned to Centoria. The merchant who was kind enough to give us all a ride was handsomely reimbursed by Fanatio. Grinning from ear to ear, he set off to the nearest inn for the rest of night.
Seeing our group was pretty exhausted, both mentally and physically, Fanatio said gently, "There are rooms prepared for each of you on the fifth floor. You are all to rest and we will discuss what happened in the morning."
The five of us nodded and we made our way wearily up the stairs. Selka and Jink took the first two rooms. Renly took the third one, who after eyeing Leina and I, headed inside.
Leina gently pulled me along, opening the door to my room. She walked me inside, then sat me on the bed. She knelt down to look at me, her purple eyes large with worry.
I didn't move, just continued to stare, my eyes clouded over, my body numb.
"I'm going to help you get ready for bed," Leina said softly, placing her hand on my cheek. "Is that alright?" Receiving no reply, she set about to her task. "Arms above your head." I did as instructed, and she deftly took the hem of my shirt in her fingers, and lifted it up and over my head. Folding it in her hands, she laid it aside on a nearby chair. "Time for your boots," she crouched down, carefully removing first one, then the other. She lightly tossed them aside. She next undid my belt, removing my sword and its sheath from my hips. She placed them both against the wall. Rising, she gave a small 'oh!' as I grabbed onto her arm. She looked at me, and could see my eyes glowing gold in the darkness.
Her eyes never leaving mine, she slowly shimmied out of her dress. She then reached down to slip off her panties, kicking them off to the side. She was left standing only in her chemise, its fabric so sheer I could see everything. She carefully undid the bow from her ponytail, her brown locks flowing like water down her shoulders. She reached up to grab a breast in one hand, massaging it with slow, careful strokes. Her other hand traveled down her body, hugging her curves, as it traveled towards her sex. "Come here," she coaxed, her fingers reaching the apex of her thighs.
I quickly tore off the rest of my own clothes and rose from the bed. I shoved Leina against a nearby wall. I held her arms to each side, level with her shoulders, and nestled my head into her collarbone, just above the swell of her breasts. I could feel tears threatening to fall as what happened with Eugeo had me hurt and confused in ways I had never been before. My desperation overtook me, the need to have some type of control rising. I ran my hands down Leina's arms, trailing them down her sides and ass until I reached the back of her thighs. Leina spread her legs slightly, as I went to hoist up one of her legs. Once she was level with my hips, I thrust into her, moving in and out in a strong, steady rhythm. She moaned with desire, her fingers intwining themselves into my hair. Leina wrapped her leg around my hip, pulling me closer. I needed no further encouragement as I released into her, filling her.
Panting, I withdrew to turn Leina around, pressing her up against the wall, chest first now. My fingers slipped under the straps of her chemise, and I slid them down and off her shoulders, the offending fabric falling to the floor in a heap.
Leina looked back at me, a coy smile playing at her lips. Pulling her hair to one side over her shoulder, she exposed the soft flesh of her neck, shoulders, and back. She cocked a finger at me slowly in a 'come on' gesture. Not being one to disappoint, I stepped behind her, placing kisses along her shoulders, then trailing them down the path of her spine down to the small of her back, my hands rubbing up and down along her sides. I then slid my hands over the globes of her butt and went to spread her legs.
I growled. "Put your hands against the wall."
She did so, eagerly. I reached around to grab her breasts, kneading and massaging them, my fingers pulling at her perk nipples. My mouth followed the soft curve of her neck, nipping and kissing until I found a sweet spot. Biting down hard, I drew a bead of blood. I could feel it in my mouth, its tangy scent driving me wild. Leina shuddered and moaned. My golden eyes reflected like an animal's at night, and I eagerly went back for more. I tore at her flesh with my teeth, opening the small wound further. Pulling back, I watched as blood beaded again, but this time, I took my fingers, and went to deftly smear it around the side of her neck, then down her shoulder and upper arm. Licking my lips, I traced the crimson path expertly with my tongue. Leina moaned in pleasure, her hips pushing back into mine. My fingers danced along her skin until they met with the apex of her thighs. I slid in first one, then a second finger, stroking her clitoris. She was so wet for me, I couldn't help but grin. "Kirito, please," she panted desperately. Ask and you shall receive.
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"Don't do this," Alice pleaded.
Eugeo narrowed his eyes. He reached back down to grab the hem of Alice's dress to tear off another strip. He brought it up to Alice's face, "Open your mouth," he ordered.
Alice vigorously shook her head no, flattening her lips into a grim line. Not deterred, Eugeo wrapped a few strands of her long blonde hair around his hand and yanked hard.
"OW!" Alice wailed.
Deftly, Eugeo slid the fabric between her teeth, pulling it taut around her head, tying it in a knot near her ear. Alice's voice was muffled as she tried to scream, but she'd still be able to breathe. Satisfied, he turned his attention back to her skirts. He pulled them up, bunching the heavy blue and white fabrics at her waist, while he slid further down Alice's body. Stroking her inner thighs, Eugeo ran his fingers along the powerful muscles, tracing them right up to a very practical pair of white panties. Ripping them in one smooth motion, he leaned in close, gently blowing on and around Alice's sex. Eugeo then flicked his tongue at her womanly folds. Alice withered, her body quivering. Eugeo sat back on his haunches, dropping the waistband of his pants, setting his straining erection free. Gripping her hips, he wasted no time in fucking the very person who had caused him so much pain, hurt, and suffering.
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Asuna lay wide awake, staring up at the ceiling. It was the middle of the night, and try as she might, she could not fall asleep. This bed was just too big without Kirito. Sighing, she got to her feet, changed out of her pajamas, then headed down the Cathedral's steps. She padded lightly, as she didn't want to wake anyone. With the end of the war, there were actually people living and working in the Cathedral now, just like her. She had made it to the fifth floor when she heard someone call out to her. A door had been pulled open, and a young man stepped out.
"Star Queen?"
"Who's there?" Asuna asked curiously.
"Let's just say I'm…" he paused, "…an associate of the Star King."
"Oh? How do you know Kirito?"
"We traveled together," the man answered. "Here in fact."
"Wait, are you saying Kirito is here?" Asuna could barely contain her excitement.
The man smiled smugly. "Oh yes. In fact, he's only a few doors down. You should go see him."
Asuna was annoyed no one had told her sooner, but her joy at seeing Kirito again far outweighed that. "Thank you!" she called over her shoulder, dashing down the hall.
"You sly dog, Jink." He leaned against the door to his room. Everyone knew the Star King and Queen were a couple. But he had seen Leina go into Kirito's room and not leave. This should be…entertaining. "It's the fourth door on the right," Jink added helpfully.
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Renly growled, pulling his pillow over his head. If Kirito and Leina were spending some time together, must it be against the wall his bed was propped up against? He was exhausted, but apparently, he was now over tired, and sleep was escaping him. He propped himself onto his elbow and stared out the window, wondering if he'd ever find someone like that. He'd spent so much time on his military career, he'd never thought about love or whatever it was that Kirito and Leina had. He was startled from his thoughts by voices coming from out in the hallway. It sounded like that idiot Jink was one of them, and maybe…the Star Queen? His eyes widened. Oh shit. Scrambling out of his bed, he went to his door, practically ripping it from its hinges.
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Asuna could barely contain her excitement approaching the door to Kirito's room. Her hand went to the knob, turning it slightly. It gave a soft click, sliding open a crack. She could hear sounds coming from inside. Good, he's awake, despite the late hour. She opened the door further and crossed the threshold. "Oh Kirito, it's me," Asuna began cheerfully. Her happiness was short lived as she saw a very naked Kirito with an equally naked Leina.
I had Leina shoved up against a wall, my hands roaming all over her body, my mouth planting kisses all along her bared flesh. She was purring in pleasure, her hips bucking back against mine. She let out a breathy moan as I released, my cock buried deep inside her, her muscles clenched around mine. Our bodies shuddered against one another. It was then I heard a bloodcurdling scream calling my name.
"KIRITOOOOOO!"
"What the hell?" I winced, the sound so loud and high pitched, I thought my ears would bleed. I glanced over my shoulder, and paled, seeing Asuna staring at me. My golden eyes shifted back to their usual gray state.
Leina took a casual glance over her shoulder. "Do you mind?"
I could see Asuna visibly shaking, whether it was from anger, hurt, or a combination of everything inbetween, she drew in a heavy sob, then fled from the room.
I stared at where Asuna was standing merely seconds ago. My brain couldn't even process what just happened. Leina sighed.
I withdrew from Leina, found my pants, and shrugged back into them. "I..uh..better go," I told her, exiting the room. I glanced back and forth down the hallway, trying to figure out which way Asuna had gone.
"She went that way," Jink smirked at me, gesturing with his thumb to my left.
I eyed him suspiciously. Then took off in the direction he had indicated.
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"Did you get your kicks with that little stunt?" Renly said flatly, arms crossed over his chest.
"Whatever do you mean?" Jink feigned innocence.
Renly's eyes widened as realization dawned on him. "You took advantage of the fact that no one locks doors here. Stealing or invading one's personal spaces are forbidden in the Taboo Index."
Jink just smiled cruelly. "Going to punish me, kid? Oh, I'm sorry, knight?" He sneered the last word.
Renly stepped towards Jink, his twin wing blades twirling in his fingertips. Quick as a flash, he brought his weapon up underneath Jink's chin. "Do not disrespect the Star King again," he said flatly.
"Hey, he was the one fucking around, it's his own fault," Jink protested.
Renly sighed. The idiot had a point.
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"Asuna! Asuna!" I called, heading outside the Cathedral's main doors. Flinging them open, I saw her on the bottom most stair. She looked so small with her knees curled tight to her chest, her head buried in her arms. I could hear her sobs and I cautiously went to approach her. Reaching out with my hand, I went to place it on her back when she flinched away from me.
"Don't touch me!" she spat.
I paled, remembering the same reaction with Eugeo.
"Kirito, how could you?" she sobbed. She suddenly looked up at me, her eyes bloodshot and watery. Pulling her hand back, she slapped me hard across the cheek.
It stung, but I didn't dare rub at it. "I…I'm sorry," I said quietly.
"How could you have sex with another woman when you're my fiancée?" she seethed.
I stiffened.
"Do you love her?" she sniffled quietly.
"Wha? No!" I replied quickly.
"Then you're being just as cruel to her as you are to me."
"Look, Leina and I's relationship is different than what you and I have…"
"Oh? And what is that exactly?" she said flatly.
"Well…uh…," Honestly, I didn't understand it myself. I ran my hands through my hair.
Asuna's words came tumbling out in a desperate rush. "You disappeared on me, on all of us, without saying a word. Sugu, Sinon, Alice, and I came looking for you. We found you in those caves. I saw you hooked up to that STL machine, putting your life in danger again. All for some experiment with AI souls being put into real flesh and blood bodies? Knowing Kikuoka, he has ulterior motives."
I wasn't a fool. I knew Kikuoka was up to something, I just didn't know what exactly. I had to admit though, I'd been so focused on the fact that Eugeo had a second chance, I didn't think of much else. "You know I care about people," I said, narrowing my eyes at Asuna.
"I can see that, judging from your romp with your mentor," Asuna returned dryly. "Let me tell you something. When you returned from the Underworld, you weren't the same Kirito. This place changed you, and I'm not sure it was for the better."
"I owe this place everything," I growled. "Without it, I would've died after being stabbed by Johnny Black."
"I think your debt has been paid at this point. You fought a damn war for these people. What more can you do?" Asuna said exasperated.
"Excuse me, Star King, Star Queen?" Fanatio walked up behind us. "Perhaps it's better to bring this inside."
Asuna and I looked around, it seemed despite the early morning hour, people had gathered to listen to us argue. It didn't bode well seeing the delegates of the Human Empire fighting amongst themselves. Asuna rose stiffly to her feet and turned, heading back inside the Cathedral. She didn't pay me any attention, giving me the cold shoulder.
Fanatio looked down at me, her slender brows furred in concern.
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Cardinal had just finished booting up the computer console in her secret room.
"Hello Cardinal," said Kikuoka.
Tiese gasped, but quickly covered her mouth. Just what was that box and why was there a man inside of it? And behind him, the person lying on a bed looked like, Eugeo? Her jaw nearly hit the floor.
"Kikuoka," Cardinal nodded curtly. She glanced at the screen, frowning as she saw Eugeo's real body being peppered with strange nodes. She saw a woman then pull him up alongside to where Kirito lay. There was shuffling of some type of equipment, then they moved offscreen.
"Don't mind them. Tell me, how is my Underworld doing?" Kikuoka asked pleasantly.
"When will you leave us in peace?" Cardinal snapped.
"Oh ho, so feisty." Kikuoka turned away from the screen. "Higa, if you please."
Suddenly Cardinal felt a shock go through her body. She mewled in pain.
"Now, if you are done being defiant, it's time to move forward with the plan. However, you first must take care of your little guest."
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