Fractured – Chapter 14"Ronye, are you seeing this?" I point to the clock as it continues its mysterious countdown.
Ronye looks at me, then at the empty space. She shakes her head 'no.' "Maybe you're still recovering from those drinks?"
So only I could see it. Must be a message of some kind from Kikuoka. I frown as I wonder what'll happen when the clock hits zero. I tear the blanket from me, and swing my legs over the side of the bed. I rise to my feet and stagger, my hand going to the bedpost for additional support.
"Kirito!" Ronye leaps up beside me.
"I'll be fine," I say, offering her a small smile. I take a hesitant step forward, willing my feet to keep moving.
"Where are you going?" Ronye asks me.
"There's someone I need to see," I respond vaguely.
"The Star Queen?" Ronye sighs.
I stiffen. I knew I couldn't escape that situation forever. Personal issues aside, I needed to do what was for the greater good.
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After settling Alice onto its back, Leina had taken Amayori's reins, and all three returned to Central Cathedral. She didn't like leaving Renly, but he insisted Alice get the attention she needed right away. They entered through the rooftop garden then made their way to the hot baths on floor ninety. At this time of the morning, there was no one around, and there wouldn't be for hours. It would offer them peace until what happened could be sorted out. Leina carefully led Alice to the bath, and gestured for her to climb in. Alice offered no resistance as she slid into the hot, soothing waters, the air filled with thick, swirling steam.
Alice merely stared, her eyes glazing over. "I deserved it, you know."
"What?" Leina blinked. "No one deserves to go through what you did," she retorted vehemently.
Alice turned away from Leina. "I do not wish to talk about it," she whispered angrily.
"I know it's painful, but it's important to understand what happened and why. In order to start the healing process," Leina urged the blonde knight.
"I will never mention this ever again," Alice spat. Her body began to tremble, and tears formed in her eyes.
Leina rubbed at Alice's back, offering her the only condolence she could at the moment.
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"Ronye, stop following me," I called over my shoulder.
"I'm worried about you," Ronye replied, her blue eyes wide with concern.
"There's nothing to worry about," I sighed. Halting, I spun towards her. "Can you run ahead and let Fanatio know I'm on my way?"
"You can tell her yourself once we actually get there," Ronye crossed her arms. "I'm not leaving your side until I know you're safely inside."
I smile sheepishly. "Well, you can move much faster than me, since you're not dealing with a hangover."
Ronye eyed me skeptically.
"Plus, I don't want them to worry about me too." I put on my best puppy dog eyes. "Please?"
"You know I'd do anything for you, Kirito," Ronye caved in. "Very well." I watch her disappear into the crowds, then actually do make my way toward the Cathedral. Although it's wasn't to meet up with Fanatio.
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"So, you've decided," Cardinal looked at me solemnly.
"Yes," I reply bluntly. I was facing Cardinal in her library. Looking around at all her books, it was amazing how many were actually in this room. I had been here before with Eugeo, after we were attacked by Deusolbert and Eldrie. It was here we learned to how unlock the memories of our weapons in order to defeat Pontifex. Now, I was here for an entirely different reason.
"Does that clock have anything to do with your abrupt decision?" Cardinal raised a brow.
"You can see it?" I blink.
"I can. Before you even ask, I have no idea what it could mean."
"Damn." I take a deep breath. "On with it then."
"Very well," she nods, pulling a purple crystal from her robes.
"Do you always carry around one of those?" I ask wryly.
"I simply knew it would come to this," Cardinal replied as if she were stating the obvious. She looked at it, then at me. "This has never been attempted on a true soul. I cannot guarantee what will happen."
"I already know. My personal memories will be blocked, my life history rewritten with falsehoods, and I will swear obedience to the Church and to the Pontifex. When the battle is over, you can remove it. Simple enough." Eugeo was fine when Pontifex took the module out of him, so I wasn't too concerned.
"In theory," Cardinal murmured to herself.
"What do I have to do?" I prompt.
"Get down on your knees."
I do as instructed, then look up at her.
"Remove your shirt," she continues.
I quirk a brow.
"There needs to be physical contact," Cardinal explains. Suddenly, her face reddens. "Not that kind," she adds quickly.
I chuckle seeing the always in control Cardinal flustered. I slide my shirt over my head and toss it to the floor. I can see Cardinal is still blushing as she takes in my exposed chest. Stepping up to me, she tells me to sit back on my butt. At this level, her eyes lock with mine, and I can see the uncertainty within them.
"It's okay," I say softly, although I don't know who I'm reassuring more, her or me.
"Arms at your sides," she tells me.
I follow her command.
"System call," Cardinal begins. Her voice drops to a murmur, and I can no longer hear what she's actually saying. I don't have long to think about it before I feel cold, hard steel encircle my wrists. My arms are yanked out until they are perpendicular to the floor. In addition, I feel the same steel encircle my neck, its chain then burying itself in the ground behind me, arching my back slightly. I don't like being restrained, and I panic, remembering my nightmare.
Cardinal reaches in to cup my chin, her thumb stroking my cheek. "I am doing this to make sure you do not fight me when the module is being inserted."
"I won't fight you," I reply with an edge to my voice. "I'm doing this willingly."
"Even so, I cannot take the chance that your body will respond automatically and attack. In addition, I want you to bite down on this," she tells me, withdrawing a strap of leather.
I visibly blanche. "I think I'll pass."
"Biting down on this will help you endure any pain." Cardinal brings the piece up to my lips.
I remembered that pain was very real in the Underworld. "Fine," I mutter, then open my mouth slightly. I can feel the roughness of the leather on my tongue as my teeth clench onto it.
Cardinal then moves her hand from my cheek to slide across my forehead. She brushes my bangs aside, and the piety module is now hovering above me. With her other hand, she places it over my heart and begins to chant. With each verse of the sacred arts, the module moves closer and closer until I feel the pressure of it as it enters my forehead. My heart starts to race, my nerves starting to fray. Was this really such a good idea? As soon as it makes contact with me, I feel an intense, searing pain cut through my head. I flinch and buck, then try to pull away despite the short leash of my chains. Sweat breaks out along my brow and my vision grows dim. I feel like I want to heave, but all I can do is endure and remember why I'm doing this.
I find myself inside my memories, giant screens going by showing events in my life. My eyes follow them as they float by me, disappearing into nothingness. So, this must be my memories being absorbed by the piety module. Oddly enough, as much as it hurt on my physical body, I felt no pain here. I furred my brow, wondering what was my most precious memory. My most precious person. I stare back up at the screens, watching more people, places, and events play out. I now feel like a spectator, forgetting that I was actually involved in all these moments. When the last of the screens had gone by, I was left standing alone surrounded by absolutely nothing. That is, until my beloved Night Sky Blade materialized into view.
I blink open my eyes slowly, their golden gaze locked on the petite woman before me. I know she is called Cardinal and I cannot help the overwhelming urge and desire to protect this woman at all costs.
Cardinal reaches in hesitantly, removing the strap from between my teeth. She makes no further move to undo my chains. Looking at me carefully she asks, "Kirito?"
"Yes, my lady," I reply automatically.
"You will not hurt me, correct?"
"Never," I swear. Seemingly satisfied, Cardinal waves her staff and I feel the chains that bound me dissipate into the air. I roll my shoulders and flex my fingers, already itching to do battle.
Cardinal places her hand on my shoulder. "Come. Let's get you ready for your mission, Kirito Synthesis Thirty-Three."
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Renly dropped his weapons a fraction as he eyed his opponent. "What do you want, Synthesis Zero?"
"Galen," Eugeo replied, eyes flashing icy blue. "I am not a number."
Renly narrowed his eyes, "Very well, Galen. Why do want to destroy the Cathedral?"
"It is a symbol of control," Galen replied flatly. "That is not what this world was supposed to be. I will knock it down, plus the entire city of Centoria. Anything that is, was, connected to her, I will eradicate. However, it would be nice to have an ally in which to share the spoils…" Galen smiled darkly, fangs glinting.
Shit. Renly looked down as icy vines began to wrap around his ankles and lower legs. "Not this again," he scowled. He went to swipe at the vines with his Twin Winged Blades when his arms were locked against his sides, the vines wrapping around his chest and torso. They continued to constrict around him until he could no longer hold onto his weapons. Both blades dropped from his fingers.
"Why not join me?" Galen stepped up to Renly, kicking his dropped weapons to either side.
"Are you crazy?" Renly deadpanned.
"That's a hard one," Galen chuckled. "Seeing as I was an experiment for Pontifex then imprisoned in a sword for hundreds of years."
"If you expect sympathy from me, forget it," Renly narrowed his eyes.
"Of course not. I am beyond simple feelings," Galen replied, his hand going to one of the long braids that hung by Renly's ears. "You however…" He slowly took out the tie that held the braid in place, his fingers gently sliding through the soft wefts. Galen repeated the process on the second braid. "Your hair is so soft…" he murmured.
"What are you doing?" Renly asked warily.
"What indeed," Galen smirked. He then stepped behind the young knight, carefully pushing the hair away from his flesh. Running his fingers up and down along the skin between Renly's jaw and collarbone.
Renly shivered against his touch, though it wasn't from the cold.
Galen whispered into his ear, "I value your skills and abilities. You should be honored."
"Honored?!" Renly balked. "When I get out of this, I swear I'll…" Suddenly, his thoughts became scrambled. He felt Galen bite into his neck, fangs sinking in deep. Oddly enough, it was painful yet pleasurable. Renly felt a euphoric rush from it, although at the same time it felt like ice was flowing through his blood.
Galen withdrew from Renly, licking his lips. He then reached up to grab the boy knight's neck forcefully, holding his head still, while his other hand went around to palm at Renly's groin.
Renly squirmed as this had him confused. He'd never had anyone touch him like this before. He may have fantasized with Tiese, but that's as far as it ever got. He'd always put his Knight career at the forefront never giving time for much else. However, as Galen continued to massage his manhood, he couldn't help but be a little curious. Could this be what Leina told him he was missing?
Galen brought his hand back around to rub at Renly's ass. "I could take you from back here," he murmured.
"Don't even think about it," the boy Knight's cheeks flushed. "You're the enemy…"
"Am I?" Galen raised a brow. He smacked Renly on the ass, "Nothing is ever so cut and dry as friend and enemy." Releasing his hold on Renly's neck, Galen now chose to nip along the curve of Renly's ear. Followed by trailing kisses down the tendon along Renly's neck. Snaking his hand up under the navy-blue tunic Renly wore beneath his armor, Galen's fingers were searching for the waistband of the young boy's pants. Once he found it, his fingers dipped inside, deftly stroking at Renly's hard erection.
Ack! Why did it feel so good? Maybe it was a good thing he was being held up by vines, his knees were turning to rubber. He hated the fact his body was betraying him on the most basic of levels, but at the same time, he was sort of enjoying it and wanted more. Argh! Why am I even thinking this way? "Why is my body so cold?" Renly ground out, trying to distract himself both mentally and physically.
"That is my insurance policy," Galen answered cryptically. Wanting to continue his quest, he was interrupted when he heard a ping. Sliding his gaze to the corner of his vision, he saw the digital clock continuing its countdown. "As much as I'd like to play with you, we no longer have the luxury of time."
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"We have word on where Eugeo is," said Fanatio, "And Renly is with him."
"Is Renly a hostage?" asked Tiese. She was surprised to find herself quite worried about the boy knight.
"We don't know much other than what the lesser knights have observed," Fanatio's brow creased.
"Did Kirito make it back yet?" Ronye wondered.
"I haven't seen him since yesterday," Asuna sighed. As angry as she was with Kirito, she really wanted to talk to him. "Where was he anyways?" she asked skeptically.
"Umm, I think he just needed some time to think," Ronye offered lamely, "Away from all the pressure, you know."
"Everyone, focus!" Fanatio slammed her fist on the table. "We need to be ready for anything!"
"Don't worry, we will be," Cardinal pushed opened the doors to the conference room and stepped inside. I was trailing closely behind her.
"Kirito?" Fanatio eyed me, seeing I was now dressed as an Integrity Knight. While hers was purple, my color of choice was black. Black armor that sat comfortably over my black tunic; it protected my neck and shoulders, and wound its way around my chest and hips. Along my forearms were gauntlets that extended to the backs of my hands, which were encased in fingerless black gloves. A black cape hung from my shoulders under my armor, but didn't touch the ground so as not to inhibit my movements. All of it was outlined in gold, which matched my eyes perfectly. Even my sword was trimmed with gold accents and highlights.
"Kirito! I've never seen you wear armor before, it's a good look for you," said Asuna. She then bounded over to me, embracing me in a big bear hug. She leaned in to kiss me, her lips pressing passionately up against mine. For the moment, she didn't care what she walked in on earlier. Kirito was here, now, and he was hers. She deepened the kiss, but sensing no reciprocation, she pulled back, asking "Kirito?"
"Do you mind?" I said flatly.
"Mind?" Asuna blinked.
"That is not appropriate behavior," I snapped.
"You've never minded before," Asuna's cheeks flushed.
"Excuse me," I say, stepping by her.
"Hey!" Asuna called after me.
I glance over my shoulder, my eyes narrowing. "You're annoying, woman."
Asuna's jaw dropped. "WOMAN?!"
Tiese and Ronye looked at each other, their expressions equally confused. They'd never heard Kirito talk to Asuna like that, ever.
"Everyone, please," Cardinal came to the center of the group. "Calm down. Kirito is joining the Integrity Knights on a temporary basis. So things may be a little…different." She didn't miss the fact that I had no recollection of who Asuna was, so she gave a quick introduction. "This is Stacia, the Goddess of Creation. But you will call her Asuna."
"As you say." I nod to Cardinal. Turning back towards Asuna I add, "It is an honor to be in the presence of another called from the heavens to aid in protecting our realm."
"Heavens? What was Kirito talking about?" Asuna furred her brow. She thought back for a moment about what she had learned about the Knights. As a revelation hit her, she spun towards Cardinal, saying, "You put a module into him?!"
"We are short on time and have no other options," Cardinal returned, matter of factly. "I will remove it once we have captured Synthesis Zero and Centoria is no longer in danger." I hope.
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The Cathedral had been cleared out as most had gone to prepare for the upcoming battle, whether it be recruiting lesser Knights, finding already established Integrity Knights, gathering supplies, or tending to the dragons and other beasts. Cardinal and I remained inside the Cathedral momentarily, talking privately.
"Kirito, listen," Cardinal began.
"What is it, my lady?" I bowed before her.
Cardinal blushed. "You don't have to do that."
"Do what?" I asked honestly.
"Nevermind," she replied, clearly flustered. "I will join you shortly. There is something I need to take care of before we go into battle."
"Very well," I rose to my feet. "I will not be far."
Cardinal nodded briskly then headed off deeper into the Cathedral.
I watched her go, then turned to exit the Cathedral myself. I only made it two steps when suddenly, a wave of nausea washed over me. Bracing a hand against the wall, I began to heave and cough. I brought my other hand to my mouth, where my fingers were soon covered in a sticky red substance. I continued to hack away, when after a few minutes, I was able to regain my composure. Wiping my lips with my arm, I ensured there was nothing left of the blood, and headed out to join the others.
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"I did as you said," Cardinal snapped. She was staring closely at her computer console. "Now, what's it going to do to his soul and what's with the clock?"
"So many questions," Kikuoka replied with a smile.
"Well?" Cardinal urged in irritation.
"Consider it a little push for Kirito to get Eugeo out. That is the whole point of this after all."
"Kikuoka?" Higa called urgently from behind the older man.
"What is it?" Kikuoka turned in annoyance.
"There's something wrong with Kirito."
"Let Rinko handle it," Kikuoka replied stubbornly.
"It's not that simple," Rinko piped up from off screen.
Suddenly, the screen went dark. "Wait!" Cardinal called, pressing her face up to the screen. She pulled back, pressing buttons randomly, trying to get back online. All she got was nothing. "Damn it!" she muttered. She knew in her gut that synthesizing Kirito was a bad idea, but she did it anyways. It was all in the name of protecting the Underworld and its people, but at what cost to Kirito?
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I was in the stable, stroking the nose of a giant black horse that was nuzzling into my hand. I didn't have a dragon yet, so I had picked this creature in its stead.
"Kirito?" Asuna had entered the stable behind me.
I sighed, it seemed that I couldn't get away from her. "What is it now?" I asked, not bothering to turn from the horse.
Asuna's eye twitched at my cold reply, but she continued onwards. "The Knights have been assembled and we're heading out to meet Synthesis Zero at first light. We're hoping to bring the attack to him in order to minimize damage to the city and its people."
"I will be ready," I said, narrowing my eyes.
Asuna hesitantly reached up her hands and placed them on my armored shoulders. She then put her head into my back and closed her eyes. Tears began to flow down her cheeks, "I know you're still in there. You're still you, just buried really deep."
I cocked my head. She sure said a lot of strange things to me. Of course I'm me, who else would I be?
"Just promise me you'll be safe," she whispered softly.
My golden gaze slid back to her, but try as I might, I really had no idea who she was or why she was so concerned about me. I was a Knight, my duty was to protect the Human Realm and the Pontifex. If I died in battle, it would be an honorable death, nothing to cry over. "Well," I began, shrugging out of her grasp. "I do not intend to die, if that's what you're concerned about."
Asuna looked at me, her eyes red and swollen. "Just promise me," she reiterated.
"You do not give me orders," I stated evenly.
"It's not an order," Asuna said gently. "I care about you so much…"
"Well, you can stop," I retorted briskly.
"What about Eugeo?" Asuna shot back. "Do you care still care about him?"
"Eugeo?" I blinked. "I can't say I recall any Eugeo," I say, a little too quickly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have preparations to make." Dodging by Asuna, I left the stables abruptly.
"Stop running from me," Asuna pleaded as she stared at my retreating back.
"It won't be like this forever," Ronye said quietly, approaching the stables with a bucket full of fish.
Asuna looked over at the younger girl. "Yes, your right," she offered a sad smile. "I have to remember, that isn't the man I fell in love with and will marry."
"Right," Ronye replied, her eyes darting away. She always felt uncomfortable around Asuna. She knew Kirito belonged to her, but her feelings for him burned so hot she thought she'd burst into flames. She needed to tell him, and soon, before marriage came to pass and she'd never get the opportunity. "I care about him too. Right now, he's in the mindset of an Integrity Knight and he'll need to be against Eugeo."
"Eugeo," Asuna murmured bitterly, "the guy who started all of this."
"It's not his fault," Ronye countered. "Wait a minute, is that jealousy I detect in your voice?"
"Don't be ridiculous," Asuna huffed. "Kirito has and always will, love me first and foremost." Clenching her fists, she turned on her heel and walked away.
Ronye sighed, she could hear the uncertainty in Asuna's voice. Perhaps this was an opening…no! She shook her head, now is not the time Ronye, she scolded herself. Heaving up her bucket of fish, she went inside the stable to feed her own little dragon. She couldn't ride him as he was much too small, so she'd follow Kirito on horseback. Meanwhile, the other knights would fly on their dragons, first on patrol, then fire off aerial attacks.
Speaking of dragons, she heard the mournful mewling of Alice's dragon. "Amayori?" Ronye headed towards the stall of Alice's dragon. The poor dragon looked very worried and sat with her head hanging down low. She placed down her bucket and went to stroke the dragon's neck. "If you're here, then Alice must be too." She gave Amayori a fish, although the dragon merely sniffed at it miserably. Concerned, Ronye dashed out of the stables and headed back towards the Cathedral to find Alice.
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I was walking back to the Cathedral when I took a seat on a bench in the city. I ran a hand through my dark hair. The name Eugeo kept bouncing around in my head, but I couldn't figure out why. Right now, though, that annoying clock kept popping up in my field of vision, its red numbers glaring at me. What did it mean and why was it here? I got up from my bench, and continued my trek to the Cathedral. I stopped at the front doors, seeing Fanatio standing there with her arms crossed.
"Fancy a drink Kirito?" she asked casually. "It may be a while before we get a chance at one."
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Alice sat alone, Leina having left to find her a fresh set of clothes. She honestly couldn't care what the other woman found for her, she just wanted some alone time with her thoughts. Her body was still sore after her ordeal and she'd have healers take a look at her to assess any damages, but she wasn't quite ready yet. For the moment she went to someone, they'd start asking questions, and she was not in the mood to talk about it. She leaned her head back, her hand subconsciously going to her belly. Eyes widening, she quickly sat up, the water splashing around her. "Oh my goddesses…there is no way…" she breathed, her hand snapping away from her belly as if it were on fire.
"Alice?" Ronye had peeked into the baths, her eyes squinting through the steam of the room. "Are you in here?"
Alice pulled herself out of the water, wrapping herself in a plush towel. "You may enter," she called, her voice cracking.
"Leina told me you were up here."
Alice's brow broke out in a sweat. "Did she tell you anything else?"
"Um, no. Should she?" Ronye asked curiously.
"Nevermind. You were saying?" Alice prompted.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your bath, but will be joining us in our attack against Synthesis Zero in the morning?"
"Synthesis Zero? You mean…" she paled, her body beginning to shake. She nearly lost her balance and latched onto Ronye's shoulder.
"Are you alright?" Ronye asked frantically.
"Too much time in the bath is all," Alice replied shortly. "Of course, I will join you." She sounded much more confident than she felt. How was she going to face him after all that he'd done to her?
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