Fractured – Chapter 16
I looked down at my prey from atop my black steed. My horse snorted and stomped its feet as we circled the blonde swordsman. I kept at it, never letting him leave the 'pen' I'd enclosed around him. I flicked my gaze up, taking in the ice that held so many people prisoner and kept dragons at bay. "Impressive," I said, surprised that I actually meant it. "Such a shame though. Had you chosen to be on the side of righteousness, there could've been such great potential for you." I sigh, withdrawing my sword, flipping it around my wrist.
"You even sound like one of them." Eugeo couldn't believe that Kirito of all people, could be forced into the synthesis ritual. Or perhaps… "You did this voluntarily, didn't you?" Eugeo was shocked. He took a step back. "Why?"
Galen took his chance. Isn't it obvious? As if using you, lying to you, then letting you die wasn't enough? Now, he gets himself closer to the one you love by becoming the very thing that ruined her for you. Galen sat back and watched. A smug smile crossed his lips as Eugeo's negative emotions would speed the healing process along nicely.
Eugeo could feel himself being baited, but wouldn't give in.
I take a quick slash with my sword, nicking Eugeo along the cheek. "You do not get to talk until given permission," I say flatly.
Eugeo brought a hand up to his face, his fingers sliding across the shallow wound I'd given him. Within seconds, his skin began to tingle and the wound failed to close.
Galen frowned.
Eugeo knew with Kirito being synthesized, his friend was not the same person as before. Words wouldn't work on him, and as much as he wanted to apologize for what happened when they met up in Rulid, it would have to wait. He raised his sword slowly and settled into an attack position.
Oddly enough, I found myself excited he wanted to put up a fight. Although I was briefly surprised when he slipped into the same sword style that I personally used. "Where did you learn that?"
Eugeo smiled sadly. "From you."
Confusion spread across my face. How was that possible? I was a knight brought down from the heavens. I had no ties to this criminal. Suddenly angry, I shouted, "System Call, Generate Heat Element. Arrow Shape. Discharge!" Fiery arrows formed at my fingertips and shot quickly towards the blonde.
Eugeo skillfully dodged them, skidding further away from my horse. He landed on the leg with the thigh that had been hit by Fanatio's enhance armament attack earlier. He hissed in pain, but managed to pant out, "Your sacred arts still need more practice."
My cheeks reddened; my eyes cast to the side. Why did it feel like I was being scolded? Shaking my head to get my mind back in the game, I slid off my horse, landing on booted feet. Taking a step forward, I was halted by that damn clock that appeared in the corner of my vision. I scowled, hating how the bright red numbers mocked me. My golden gaze slid over to the blonde, who was also staring at the clock, his brows furred. As fast as the clock had appeared, it disappeared, leaving us both equally concerned.
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Alice was making slow progress as she wiggled against the ice that held her. A few cracks had finally appeared. She'd been trapped by Eugeo's ice before on the eightieth floor of the Cathedral. It had been tough then, but now, it seemed to be a hundred times harder. As she was focusing her energies into exploiting the weak links, she was approached by her fellow knight.
"Hang on," Renly stepped carefully onto the ice and went over to assist Alice. Being this far from Galen, he found the compulsion to not be so intense. He could do this. Placing his hands on the ice that held her, he was halted as intricate designs of white pulsed across his body. His mind began to flood with negative thoughts of resentment he'd kept buried for years. His dragon, Kazenui, brought its head down and growled at Alice, the same white patterns covering its scales. They both narrowed their eyes at her.
"Don't just stare at me," Alice huffed.
Renly's hand went to Alice's face, where he gripped her cheeks tightly. "Ever since you came to the Cathedral it was always about you. No matter which Knight it was, nothing but praise was given for the all-powerful Alice."
"What the hell Renly?" Alice ground out.
"Alice could do no wrong. Alice will surpass even Bercouli, they said." He leaned in close and whispered into her ear, "Wonder what they'd think of you when they learn what happened between you and Eugeo."
"Stop it," Alice tried to squirm out of Renly's grasp, "You're better than this."
"Am I?" Renly's eyes held a crazy look to them. "You or any of the other Knights didn't think so. Always looking down on me. That is…," Renly's voice softened as he shifted his gaze to where Eugeo stood. "…until him."
"He's manipulating you, you idiot," Alice deadpanned.
Renly's eyes flashed, his hold on Alice tightening.
"You can't trust him," Alice warned. "He's going to reset the world and everything in it."
"So? Maybe things will be better the second time around," Renly shrugged. He dropped his hand, then turned, signaling his dragon.
"Where are you going?" Alice called after him.
Renly offered her no reply as he soared out of the ravine atop his dragon.
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Eugeo looked at me, then at the Night Sky Blade in my hand. He had figured out what the blade was laced with. Setting his mouth in a grim line, he began to slowly walk towards me, his emerald gaze never leaving my golden one. I lowered back into an offensive position, readying my sword, its sharp edges glinting wickedly. Eugeo stopped directly at the tip of my sword, which was leveled right at his chest.
"Well, go ahead," Eugeo said to me, unexpectedly calm.
I furred my brows, my sword wavering slightly.
Inside, Eugeo could feel Galen stirring, trying to take control of his body. No more. Taking a determined breath, he forced himself right into my sword. It slid into his flesh like butter, exiting through his back in one quick slice. Blood sprayed in both directions from the wound.
"What the hell are you doing?!" I snarled.
Eugeo continued his trek towards me, in effect causing the blade to sink deeper and deeper into him. He stopped briefly when it hit his rib bones, but he pushed through, wincing as they snapped. He came all the way forward until his body hit the hilt of my sword. He brought a shaky hand up, where it soon over took mine, and he held it there. With his other arm, he wrapped it about my shoulders and pulled me close. I could feel dampness from the silent tears that trailed down his cheeks. We stood like that for a moment, neither of us saying anything. Giving a tight squeeze, he released his hold on me, then pulled back, his emerald eyes full of so much pain, sorrow, and perhaps, relief?
Eugeo backed away, taking my sword from me, then hissed as the effects of this final wound sunk in. Goddesses, it hurt so bad. He coughed up blood, his arms falling limply at his sides. He could also feel the poison working its way through his system, not that it mattered now. This would be the end all. He staggered back, and fell to his knees.
I loomed over him, eyes narrowing. "You took the cheap way out," I ground out.
"It's for the best." Barely able to keep his eyes open any longer, Eugeo sank further to the ground, then slumped completely onto it. He stared up at what little of the sky he could see, until I blocked his view. He smiled slightly. Taking a shuddered breath, his eyes glazed over, blood pooling underneath him.
I stared down at him, giving him an annoyed kick with my foot. "Pathetic." I put one foot on his chest, then withdrew my weapon, much like pulling Excalibur from its infamous stone. I studied my sword wondering if there was still poison on it. Drawn to the crimson lifeblood that dripped slowly from it, my eyes slitted and I licked my lips. Tentatively, my tongue went out to…
"Don't even think about it," Cardinal deadpanned inside my head.
I halted; my body frozen on the spot.
"Do not let him die. Get him stable, then bring him to the Cathedral immediately," ordered Cardinal.
Before I knew it, I was kneeling next to him, my fingers glowing with light, transferring my life energy to him. It took longer than I wanted, but I could soon see his chest rising and falling, his breathing raspy. I sighed with relief and was shocked when a lone tear managed to escape from my golden eyes.
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After I was satisfied he'd live, at least for now, I rose to my feet. Whistling, my black horse came trotting back to me. It snorted and whinnied, clearly not liking the stench of blood and death that lingered nearby. I pulled on its reins, calming it as I rubbed my hand against its forehead. I drew it alongside Eugeo's body, then bent down to pick him up. I hefted him over my horse's back, tying him on with ropes. He hung over my horse like a fresh kill. I pulled myself up, and headed over to Fanatio.
I eyed her ice prison, then swung my blade. It connected at just the right point, cracks snaking out from the impact. It reminded of chopping at a tree, a very large tree. "Strange," I muttered. One more hit, and the ice shattered. Once Fanatio regained her composure, she began to brush away ice from her armor.
"I trust you can fix this mess?" I say irritably. I was already shifting about anxiously on my horse. Even taking time to free Fanatio felt like I was disobeying Cardinal. "I need to get him into custody."
"Of course," Fanatio nodded.
I bowed my head to her, then slapped the reins on my horse. "Hiya!" I called out, pushing my horse into a run. I flew past Asuna, Leina, and Alice, as I headed back towards the Cathedral. Looking over my shoulder, I could see the ice was already beginning to melt and I could hear the roar of dragons as they began to smash through the ice.
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Still reeling from Renly's words, Alice was trying to get her head back in the game. Before she knew it, the ice keeping her prisoner was melting fast and she landed gracefully back on the ground.
"Alice!" Leina came up to her, "Are you alright?"
"I am fine," Alice clipped.
"I'm glad," Leina smiled warmly. Looking around, she frowned, asking, "Where's Renly?"
"Gone," Alice sighed, gesturing to the top of the ravine.
"I'm worried about him," replied Leina.
"As am I," Alice admitted. Both women stared upwards and were silent for a moment.
"Did you see what happened with Kirito and Eugeo?" Leina asked curiously.
Alice shook her head no. "I was trapped facing away from them."
"Asuna and I couldn't see much either," Leina sighed.
Speaking of Asuna, she was approaching with two horses in tow. Addressing Leina she said, "I don't know what happened, but I'm going to find out. Coming or not?"
"What about Alice?" asked Leina.
"She and I will wait for our dragons," Fanatio explained, approaching the other women. "They are making quick work of the ice shards that were blocking them earlier. With Eugeo drugged, it seems to have weakened his sacred arts." She grew thoughtful. "I must admit, fighting against him earlier, I wasn't sure what the outcome would be."
Alice was stunned. She'd never thought Fanatio would have doubts about a battle or opponent.
Asuna swung herself up onto her white horse. "I need to get back to Kirito." Not bothering to wait for Leina, she took off in the same direction Kirito had gone.
"Hey!" Leina shouted. She took a step towards Asuna before another wave of nausea hit her. She reached out, grabbing onto Alice's shoulder to steady herself.
"Are you okay?" Alice felt genuine concern for the other woman.
"Just give me a second…" Leina took in a few deep breaths and closed her eyes, waiting for it to pass.
"Hmm…" said Fanatio, looking thoughtful.
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As I returned to Centoria, I pulled my horse back into a steady walk and rode quietly back into town. I hadn't wanted to attract too much attention from the townspeople. If they knew who I was carrying, panic would break out. Cardinal greeted me at the foot of the Cathedral's entry staircase. She had two lesser knights, one to either side. "Take the criminal inside and down into the prison." The knights nodded, one reaching for Eugeo.
I sidestepped him, shying away.
"Is there a problem?" Cardinal raised a brow.
"How do you plan to…er…restrain him?" Goddesses, I hated that word.
"Does it matter?" Cardinal replied, watching me carefully.
I frowned. Actually, it did. I backed my horse up further from her and the knights.
"Stop dawdling, Thirty-Three," Cardinal huffed.
Reluctantly, I held my horse still. The same knight approached again, warily eyeing me as he pulled Eugeo from the back of the horse. I narrowed my eyes at him, and he looked away quickly. He shifted Eugeo so the blonde now hung over his armored shoulder. Blood was still dripping from his wounds, though most of it had absorbed into his clothes, making them stiff and sticky. The two quickly disappeared inside. Staring after Eugeo for another moment or so, I dismounted. The other knight took my horse's reins and headed back towards the stables.
"Are you worried about him?" Cardinal asked me.
"Of course not," I respond, a little too quickly.
"If you continue to lie to me, you will be punished," Cardinal tsked.
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Selka and Jink arrived at Obsidian Tower, the Dark Territory's version of Central Cathedral.
"We need to do this carefully," Selka said. "Our two realms are still getting used to one another."
Jink cracked his knuckles. "Why not just go in and take it?"
Selka fisted her hands. "That's not how the Star King would do things."
"Right, the Star King," Jink rolled his eyes. "There's a prime example."
"Let's focus on what we're here for." Selka began to climb the steps. Pushing the doors open, she and Jink entered into the great hall.
At the opposite end was a young man on a dark throne. He sat with one hand fisted under his chin, while the other held a scroll. His skin held a reddish hue, his blonde spiky hair held back by a red headband. He sat bare-chested, except for brown leather straps that crisscrossed over his chest. He wore long red robes that were folded over at his waist, and gauntlets on his hands. Near his feet was a baby's cradle, which the man was rocking slowly with one foot. Without looking up from his reading, he asked, "Pretty ballsy to enter my domain like that."
"Um, we.." Selka began hesitantly. She drew in a deep breath and grew more determined. "We're looking for something."
"Is that so?" Iskahn replied, barely acknowledging his visitors.
"Hey!" Jink bit out, clearly annoyed. "Pay attention when someone is talking to you."
"Be quiet," Selka hissed.
"The guy is clearly a jerk," Jink scoffed.
"Pardon my friend's rudeness," Selka bowed. "You see, we're looking for a candle."
Iskahn slowly put his scroll down, finally looking at Selka and Jink. Narrowing his eyes, he simply said, "No."
"We really need it," Selka begged. "Please."
"There is no way in hell I'm giving it to anyone, especially people from the Human Realm."
"We can always use force," Jink stalked up to Iskahn.
"You can, but you'll get your asses kicked," Iskahn replied matter of factly.
Suddenly, there was loud cry. "Hell," muttered Iskahn. "One second." Iskahn reached down into the cradle and withdrew a tiny bundle in his arms. "There, there, Lizetta," he cooed. The baby quieted and was soon asleep once again.
"If you want a future for your little girl, you need to give us the Netherbane candle," Selka pressed.
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Cardinal had already entered the cathedral, telling me to wait outside until she'd made certain preparations. I took a seat on the Cathedral's steps, one hand propped on my knee, holding my chin. I wish I'd been able to do more in the battle against Eugeo. I was so ready to face off against him, in fact, I craved it. Finally, it was my turn, but I never saw his attempted suicide coming. I felt bitter over the whole thing and scowled. My ears picked up the sounds of a horse's approach and I glanced up to see Asuna heading towards me on her white horse.
Quickly dismounting, she came up to me, reaching her arms out for an embrace. I shied away, dodging her attempts at personal contact. Resignation crossed her face and she opted to sit next to me instead. She looked pretty depressed.
As it was my duty as a Knight to protect the people of this land, I found myself reaching for her, my hand moving up and down her small back. She leaned into me, her head lying in the crook of my neck.
She placed a hand on my knee briefly before her fingers danced up along my thigh. I let it go, letting her have her moment. After all, humans are such fickle things.
Emboldened by me not turning her away, she turned, and pressed her other hand against my chest to push me back against the stairs. Crawling on top of me, she sat with her hips directly over mine. She began to rock back and forth, creating friction for both of us.
"What are you doing?" I asked, flustered.
"This," she told me, one hand snaking under to hold me at the nape of my neck. She leaned in, brushing her lips gently against mine, before she opened her mouth and kissed me.
I was shocked at her bold move, my own mouth opened slightly. She took the opportunity to plunge her tongue inside. She closed her eyes, and I followed suit. My hands came up to hold her face between them, as I went to deepen our kiss. Her lips were sweet, and I could feel the warmth in them. My hands moved to her shoulders and down her arms, her skin soft between my fingers.
She tore herself away from my lips to travel down my jawline and neck, until she bit me, hard, leaving one hell of a hickey. Shifting back slightly, her other hand went to palm at my growing erection, encouraging it further. "You know," she murmured, "You may not remember me mentally, but your body says otherwise." She bent down once again to rub her chest up against mine, moaning softly.
"Ahem," came a firm voice from above us.
Both Asuna and I looked up and saw Cardinal staring down at us.
"Not exactly appropriate behavior for the steps leading to the Cathedral," Cardinal said sarcastically.
Asuna looked over her shoulder and saw a crowd had gathered.
I too saw people staring at us, and felt like we'd been in a similar situation before.
"Enough," Cardinal said. "We need you inside, Thirty-Three."
"Of course, my lady," I rolled out from under Asuna and stood, though my body demanded release. I'd need to do something about that, and soon.
"Kirito?" Asuna began.
I paused. "Oh, right." Fishing inside my pocket, my hand closed around my coin purse and I withdrew it. Opening the small velvet bag, I fished out a few gold coins. "For your time," I say blandly, tossing them down to her.
Asuna was shocked, her mouth gaping open like a fish out of water.
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Cardinal led me down into the bowels of the Cathedral, the passageways dark and narrow. We walked in silence until descending onto a staircase that entered into a deep, large chamber. Along either side were prison cells, each with their own sconce lit off to one side. The walls of the cells and floor were covered in thick stones and dirt, while chains and ropes were hanging from the ceiling. It was extremely cold and dank, the fires doing little other than lighting the center hallway. At my feet, I saw a grate on the ground, and could hear water flowing beneath us. As we crossed the chamber, the cells were empty, that is until we reached the furthest one. It sat along the back wall, its entrance curved like all the others, with thick iron bars running both horizontally and vertically, offering no escape. "Unless you were creative, like I was," I smirked to myself. Wait? Where'd that come from? Shaking my head, I peered inside, squinting into the darkness.
"He's in there," Cardinal gestured with her staff. "However, until Selka and Jink return with the candle, all we can really do is make sure he stays in there." She turned to me. "You will keep watch." She held out my hand, placing an iron key inside of it. "You and I have the only copies of this. Do not lose it."
I nodded quickly, just really wanting her to leave so I could…attend to myself.
"I need a status update so I will return in a little while." Cardinal turned, disappearing back up the steps.
"Finally," I muttered. I was about to dive in with my own hand when my nose picked up the scent of burning flesh. "What the?" I narrowed my eyes. It was definitely coming from inside the criminal's cell. Deep within, I could see chains glowing red hot, steam drifting upwards. They held up the arms of the prisoner, the shackles encircling his wrists. Along them were runes that glowed, lighting up the intricately designed patterns engraved in them. The chains themselves were especially brutal, their links accented with sharp spikes. As quickly as they'd lit up, the cell returned back to darkness. I'd never seen anything like that before. I had a feeling though that wasn't all that was restraining the criminal inside. My physical needs being put on hold for a minute or two longer, I looked down at the key in my hand, then back at the staircase where Cardinal had left merely moments ago.
Reckless as usual, I had taken the key and was already turning it into the large lock that hung halfway up the cell door. The click echoed loudly as it disengaged, the door squeaking as it drifted open slowly. Glancing inside, all I could see was darkness. Attempting to use any luminous element was useless, considering there was absolutely no light to draw power from. It made me wonder how those cuffs were being activated. Instead, I picked the sconce off the wall and entered into the cell.
Before me, I could hear the pained breaths from our captive. Holding my torch before him, I let the light reflect off Eugeo, giving me a better idea of his predicament. He was down on his knees, arms extended up and out to either side. They were held in place by the mysterious manacles that connected to the walls on either side. Around his neck was a metal collar, it too had strange runes etched into it. There was a small ring on the front of the collar that connected to a larger ring on the floor. Studying him further, I could see more manacles around his ankles, cutting into the skin of his bare feet. His chest was wrapped in bandages, and I could see the tip of some sort of tattoo peeking out. Faint traces of icy blue patterns slithered across his skin, pulsing weakly.
Eugeo lifted his head wearily. "Why can't you just let me die?"
"Never!" I snarl, surprised by my own intensity. My eyes dart around the confining cell, and I find a place to set my sconce on the wall. Its flame flickers, casting light on one side of the cell while casting the other in dark shadows. I squat down onto my haunches and place my hand across his mouth aggressively. "I believe I told you not to speak until spoken to." He tried to tear himself away from me, but I wouldn't let him go. My hand soon found its way to the hair that curled about his ears. He really did have beautiful flaxen colored hair, despite all the filth in it now. I brought up my other hand, my fingers caressing his cheeks. Eugeo eyed me warily. My eyes searched his, then drifted down to his lips. I lean in, tilting my head. Eyes closing, mouth opening slightly, I slant my lips against his.
Moving past the initial shock, Eugeo closed his eyes as well. Though tentative at first, he is stirred into action, mirroring my kiss with one of his own. Mmm. We continue to kiss one another, my hands pulling him as close to me as his chains will allow. We break apart slowly, then stare at each other. My brain is screaming at me, wondering why I'm doing this with a criminal. My body however, well…
My cock twitches, reminding me of a very primal need. I break the silence first, saying lustfully, "Show me how pleasurable something else can be." I go to stand, my mouth turning up in a knowing, yet lecherous, grin. My hands go to the waistband of my pants. Sliding the offending clothes off my throbbing erection, I bring myself in front of Eugeo.
His eyes widen as he realizes what I want. I grab onto his hair and growl, "Do it."
Releasing him, Eugeo looked at me guardedly, then slowly pursed his lips. His first move was to plant a quick kiss on the tip of my manhood. It sent shivers through me and I couldn't wait for more. His tongue darted out, licking all around my shaft, from the top, to the sides, and even the sensitive underside. He went further down, his month and tongue teasing at my balls, causing them to tighten. He wasn't aggressive, just soft and gentle, exploring with curiosity. Returning to my manhood, he opened his mouth and took me inside, the heat from his breath and mouth causing my body to quiver. I gripped his shoulders in my hands and moaned softly. He moved slowly up and down on me, taking just enough without causing himself to gag. He'd suck on me for a bit, then pull out and lick at the exterior and any precum. I looked down at him, his blonde head bobbing, his eyes closed in ecstasy as he massaged my dick with his mouth and lips. He continued like this for a few moments, a rhythmic pattern that felt incredible. My knees were turning to jelly and I could barely stay vertical.
Eugeo went to take me again, and this time, I couldn't hold back anymore. I let out a roar, tightening my grip on him. I released, and he took it down his throat. I sagged against him, stroking his hair. Goddesses….that was fucking amazing!
I withdraw first, taking a moment to readjust myself and my pants. Crouching back down, I could see stray cum dripping from the corner of his lips. I gather the leftovers on my pointer finger then bring it back in front of him.
Eugeo's tongue darts out to lick the remnants, followed by his mouth. His teeth graze my skin, and I feel a sting from something sharp. Moving back, he slumps against his bonds. "What are we doing?"
I stare at my finger, noticing a bit of blood beading on it, and remain silent.
Eugeo's chains began to glow, and the stench of burning flesh fills the cramped cell once again. He hissed at the pain, trying to shift, but he had nowhere to go. They faded like earlier, but it still hurt like hell. For those few moments with Kirito, he'd forgotten his harsh reality.
I found myself angry at such torture. Did he really deserve all of this? Standing once again, I snatch the sconce off the wall and turn to leave. I take a quick glance over my shoulder. Expecting to see emerald green eyes, I see the flash of icy blue ones and two fangs that bare themselves at me. Narrowing my eyes, I cross the threshold of his cell, then turn and shut the door. I place the key back in the padlock, turning it as locks with a satisfied click.
Returning the key to my pocket, I am unprepared for the slap that crosses my face. Why did I feel like this was also something I'd been through before? I rub my cheek slowly, irritation crossing my face. I see Stacia standing before me, barely containing her rage.
"Again?!" she grits her teeth.
"What I do in my personal time is none of your concern," I reply flatly.
Asuna gestured angrily towards Eugeo's cell. "Is this what it'll be like when we go back home?"
I cock my head to the side, confused once again by her strange words.
"Him," Asuna said bitterly. "Before me."
"First off, my home is here at the Cathdral. I do what I must in order to protect the people here. As far as he is concerned," I look back into Eugeo's cage, "He is nothing more than a criminal who will pay for his crimes and be dealt with appropriately." I place the sconce back into its original slot.
"Nothing you were doing was remotely near appropriate," Asuna shot back.
"Why were you watching us?" I snap.
"Us? There's an us now?" she rounded on me, then shoved me hard against the iron bars. "I followed you because you just left me on those stairs. How dare you think I'm a prostitute. I'm your fucking finance!"
I was starting to get angry now. "I am not the person you think I am."
"You're right." Asuna glared at me. "You're not."
She turned, tears stinging her eyes. "You know what? I'm done."
"Done?" I questioned.
"Where is the console?"
"The what?" I frown.
"There is one just up the stairs and down the first hallway on your left," came Cardinal's voice from the staircase. She emerged from the shadows, staff in hand.
"Lady Pontifex." I quickly drop to one knee and bow my head.
Asuna approached the smaller woman, eyes blazing. "Whatever you did to him, you will fix it. You will bring the Kirito I love, and Kirito who loves me, back."
"Ah, yes, that is the plan," replied Cardinal stiffly.
Asuna huffed past the both of us, not looking back once, her steps heavy as they marched back up the stairs. I could hear her sobs and see the dejection in her body posture.
After she was out of range, Cardinal whacked me with her staff. "What were you doing?"
"I..uh…" I struggled for words. Honestly, I didn't know what came over me. I was still trying to understand it myself.
"You do not have time to play around like that," Cardinal quipped. She placed her hand on her chin, thinking. "It's interesting, your piety module. It's buried your memories, and yet…"
"Yet, what?" I press.
"You do not deserve the answer to that, Thirty-Three," Cardinal scoffed.
"Fine," I mutter.
"Are you pouting?" Cardinal raised an eyebrow.
"What? No," my eyes guilty dart away.
Cardinal gave a small chuckle, then cleared her throat. "Renly's dragon, Kazunei has been spotted hovering around Centoria. We need to investigate what its intentions are and…."
Suddenly….BOOM!
End Chapter 16