Chap 17 – Frozen Blood

"Why didn't you just let me recover in my room?" Eugeo asked as he sat amid hot water, white foam, and bubbles. "I don't deserve this…for being so weak." The blonde sank deeper into his seat until the top of his bare shoulders and flaxen locks were emersed in the eight-by-eight square shaped bath. He kept his eyes lowered, barely seeing the green and white marble pattern of the interior. "Why do this?"

Administrator remained silent as she held a glass of red wine. She was seated opposite Eugeo, her nakedness hidden by the steam.

"You want something." Eugeo stated; his tone guarded, while raising his emerald eyes.

The Pontifex took a deep sip of her drink before placing the glass on the second of two wooden steps outside the tub. "I want to finish what was started earlier." She twisted her hand, enjoying the sight of her wedding ring from all angles.

"About that…" Eugeo said with little enthusiasm as he took ahold of his own ring between his right thumb and forefinger. "…are you sure you want to do this?"

"I want legitimate children." Administrator quipped. "And for that to happen, you and I must recite the binding words." She swam towards to the blonde then placed her hands on his cheeks; lifting his face and shoulders up and above the water. "They will sound so sweet coming from your lips." Pontifex pulled him close then pressed her mouth against his; the kiss being so perfect, feeling so right. Eugeo kissed her back without hesitation. As their kiss deepened, Administrator placed both knees on the seat, straddling the blonde, then continued to roughly push Eugeo up against the side of the tub.

Pontifex moved her kisses along his throat; one hand sprayed upon his chest as the other dipped beneath the water. It landed on Eugeo's thigh, where she then ran her fingers along it; her actions causing his swim trucks to bunch near his groin. "Take them off." She murmured. "I'm eager to play with my husband to be." Her fingers brushed against his manhood, making the blonde's cock as well as his wings, twitch in anticipation. Eugeo wanted this; however, he grasped Administrator's hand beneath the water; stropping her.

Pontifex tried to pull out of his hold but found she couldn't; her face reflecting displeasure. Eugeo didn't care though; he just wanted to take this moment to really look at the woman before him; his future wife. While it was true, she was beyond beautiful with her angelic face and curvaceous body; what was most important to him was that she delivered on her promise. Administrator loved him more than anyone, proving it time and time again, whether it be in alterations to his body, through various sexual activities, or allowing him the chance to grow with his Blue Rose Sword. After all this, perhaps marriage was the right thing to do.

"Did you not hear me?" Administrator ground out. Eugeo shook his head, clearing all thoughts from the last three years. He then quickly removed his trunks and tossed them outside the tub. "You were thinking of something just now." She raised herself up until the water was tickling the underside of her ample breasts. "Tell me." Eugeo kept quiet as a new thought raced through his mind.

Not bothered by his silence, Administrator raised her hands then glided her fingers along the sides of his neck to under his elf-like ears, where her nails knocked delicately against the chains in his earrings, and back down again. The blonde closed his eyes, enjoying her touch. "Never again forget that you are mine… and your cock belongs only in me."

The blonde exhaled a deep breath, knowing how angry she was. He opened his eyes and stared intently at her. "Let me fuck you," he said, bringing a satisfied grin to her face. "I want to fill the woman who holds my heart."

OOooOOooOO

"You're serious?" Ronye shrieked. "That's your partner?!" She was kneeling next to Cardinal, with Selka beside her, on the Ninety-Fifth floor of the Cathedral. They were staring down into a dark cage which held a dark creature.

"Well, perhaps partner isn't quite the right word." Cardinal said with a shrug. "Although I did come to the Cathedral with him, so that should account for something."

"What happened to him?" Selka asked guardedly.

"To sum it up, he was on the verge of death and… it just wasn't his time." Cardinal bit out; her words harsh and rushed.

"You did that to him." Selka stated accusingly. "Why? You made that poor boy suffer… for what reason?"

"I want revenge against Administrator more than either of you could ever understand." The young mage replied coldly. "When I found Renly, his Stacia Window told me of his shortcomings as an Integrity Knight."

"He's one of them?" Ronye clasped her hands together in fear; for she was becoming extremely nervous.

"Was." Cardinal snapped. "At first, I intended to save him; for I believed he had something to prove before he went to Stacia, but after a matter of days, it was evident that Renly was no longer the boy he once was. Although his goals and mine are still one in the same…the death of Administrator."

"Kirito couldn't kill the Pontifex and he's the strongest swordman in the Underworld." Ronye stated, not convinced of Cardinal's true intentions. "What makes you think Renly would fair any differently?"

"His new class. It propels him to do whatever is necessary to achieve his goal." Selka and Ronye shared a quick glance. "Don't look so worried, girls. Renly needs to be as he is to complete his task; otherwise, the Underworld will remain under Administrator's rule." Her caramel eyes slide between Ronye and Selka. "Haven't you had enough of that? I assure you both that I will lead the Underworld to brighter and better things." The two girls glanced at Cardinal; their expressions grim as they thought over the young mage's words. "Selka, right?" Cardinal touched the young girl's hand. "How is your sister, Alice? I hear she's fully committed to being Synthesis Thirty?" The young nun averted her eyes; not wanting to answer. "And Royne, don't you want justice done for your friend? It must have been hard watching her hold a broken Blue Rose Sword." Tears came to both girl's eyes as they thought about their own hardships. "Help me free Renly and Administrator will pay…that I promise you."

OOooOOooOO

"My dear Eugeo," Administrator began with a smug. "…you talk of things you know nothing about." The blonde's face reddened in embarrassment with a tinge of resentment. It took a lot for him to say those things and she just laughed it off like it was nothing. "However, I've always believed actions speak louder than words." She stood to her full height, water cascading down her voluptuous body; water droplets gliding pass and along every perfect curve of her womanly form. "You say I own your heart…" Administrator gathered her hair and pulled it over one shoulder. "…well, make me believe that."

She turned away from Eugeo and bent forward, placing her hands outside the tub on the tallest wooden step. Her large breasts skimming the heated waters whereas her ever-growing belly was submerged in the onslaught of bubbles and foam; her sweet ass facing the blonde.

Eugeo sat motionless for a few moments before his hand found itself on his cock. He made quick work of readying himself as his emerald eyes clouded with lust. He got up, then stood behind her. Next, the blonde slid one hand along the curves of her buttocks while the other held her tightly at her hip. When Administrator felt his fingers go between her twin globes, she arched her back and emitted a moan. It didn't take much before she was wet for him. Eugeo wanted to plow into her; for he was still seething with anger at her mockery. And so, the blonde dropped his hands, much to Administrator's disappointment.

"I've taught you better than that." Pontifex spat as she glanced over her shoulder. "Perhaps your words are just as empty as I've made you." The blonde bit his tongue and inhaled deeply; not wanting to say anything that could be skewed and used against him. Eugeo knew what he wanted to do; the Pontifex just had to be patient. Soon she'd experience the trials of her 'training.'

Administrator was about to push off the step when she felt the blonde's body cover hers. She then saw Eugeo's hands beside her own and felt his erection rubbing against her rump in a very tantalizing manner. Pontifex purred while the blonde placed short kisses along the back of her shoulders. Next, Eugeo shifted his weight to one side then brought up a hand to cup her breast.

Administrator made a series of mewling sounds as his fingers moved upon her, his kisses now moving onto the exposed side of her neck. "Mmmm…." Administrator moaned out, loving the sensations the blonde was bringing about for her. Eugeo's kisses soon switched to nips and bites; for he wanted to leave the same marks upon her as she did on him. Pontifex didn't mind at all; she liked a little aggressiveness. Once Eugeo was done; he proceeded to place a soft kiss upon each bone along her spine.

When he got to the base of that very spine, he placed both hands on her hips and straightened behind Administrator. Seconds later, he entered her with a swift thrust. A throaty moan left Pontifex's lips as he filled her, her sex clenching onto his. Before moving, the blonde reached for her hair and twisted it within his hand. He pulled tightly; causing the Pontifex's chin to lift; her body coming even closer to his own. Once he was satisfied at seeing Administrator at his mercy, he started to move; his thrusts increasing in speed and gaining in strength. She pushed against him, wanting Eugeo as deep as possible inside her. The blonde grunted as he progressed along; sweat cresting his brow; determined to make her orgasm before he did. Administrator gasped in ecstasy as Eugeo fucked her roughly in the behind. When her release came about, it was the hardest and longest orgasm Administrator ever experienced. It was then shortly followed by the same for the blonde. They continued to fuck another two times; they just couldn't get enough of each other.

After they'd exhausted themselves, the blonde loosened his grip on Administrator's hair; both of his hands making their way around the girth of Administrator's belly. His fingers froze, his wings extended, when he felt a small, yet powerful kick. "Did that hurt?" Eugeo asked, his breathing rugged.

"Not particularly." The Pontifex exhaled slowly; her voice turning bitter. "It's more annoying than anything." The blonde wanted to say something but didn't know what. "The binding words…" She stated rather abruptly before looking over her shoulder. "…I want you to say them."

"Now?" The blonde was in shock. "But we're…"

"There is no better time." She snapped.

"…"

"You will go first." Administrator's eyes narrowed. "I assume you remember them."

"Yes, Lady Pontifex." Eugeo took in a deep breath. "Unit# ID: NND7-6361 will join with Unit# ID: CD1-1089 through unification of body and soul. Our bond never to be broken until death."

Administrator repeated those very words, placing her own Unit ID number before his. Once that was done, they both felt heat upon their fingers as their words were engraved, as sacred symbols, on their wedding rings, binding the two of them in the sacrament of marriage.

OOooOOooOO

"What do we need to do?" Ronye asked, for despite being brave on the outside, she was scared out her mind. The growl from Renly was intense and truly terrifying. She quickly glanced at Selka, who didn't seem bothered at all. In fact, she appeared eager to help the young mage in rescuing her…companion. "Selka seems to trust Cardinal." Ronye thought to herself. "Maybe I should too."

"Grab ahold of the vines around those pillars." Cardinal told the two girls. "We can use them as rope."

"On it." Selka and Ronye replied in unison.

Cardinal turned back towards the iron bars. "System Call: Thermal Element." A large ball of light appeared in the palm of her hand. "Burst Element." She rapidly placed her hand against eight of the rods; causing them to melt instantly.

"Here, Cardinal." Selka offered the vines as she squatted besides the young mage once more.

"We got a lot." Ronye added, choosing to stay behind the other too. "Maybe we should use some on Renly?" She winced out.

"I will not restrain him." Cardinal quipped. "Do not ask again." Ronye dropped the access vines.

"Very clever, Administrator." Cardinal said as she studied the cage below her; her hands twisting the vines into a circle, creating a loop. "Submerging Renly in water, creating the high walls, and denying him the ability to pass along the virus to another human…" She narrowed her eyes. "…apparently, she learned what he is."

"Cardinal?" Selka asked; her voice falling onto deaf ears. "Cardinal?" she called out a bit louder the second time.

"What is it?"

"Um…if you roll those vines any further, they'll be too thick to fit through the bars." Selka said. Cardinal became flustered as she gazed down at the jumbled mess on her lap. "Here, let me fix it." The young nun took the vines and redid it; constructing a rather solid looking rope. Selka then secured one end around two of the iron bars.

"Thank you." Cardinal took the other end of the rope and lowered it into the cage. "Renly!" She called out. "Grab ahold of this." The boy knight didn't move; yet his faded golden eyes were strictly focused on something in the opposite side of the cell. "What are you staring at so intently?" Cardinal crawled to the edge, stopping just inches before the eight-foot drop into the cell. She tilted her head downward.She cursed silently.

"What do you see?" Selka made her way forward. "Oh my god, it's Tiese!"

"Tiese?!" Ronye crouched down between Selka and Cardinal. "Where?" Her azure eyes searching the darkened cell. "Tiese!" She called out again while waving enthusiastically. "Up here!"

"Why is the air so cold?" Selka looked to Cardinal; concern plastered on her face. "And why all the water?"

"I'm not sure." Cardinal smoothly lied.

"Tiese!" Ronye called out again. "We're lowering a rope. Slip through it and we'll lift you out."

"…"

"Why isn't she saying anything?" Ronye puffed out her cheeks in frustration. Suddenly the sounds of water splashing drew all three girl's attention.

"It's about time you made a move." Cardinal muttered as Renly came closer. As he passed by the middle of the cell, his leg was jerked back. Renly snarled angrily before taking ahold of his leg and twisting it until his ankle popped out of its chain from beneath the water. The boy knight continued onwards until he was face to face with Tiese. He leaned in; sniffing the girl until the rope hit him purposely on the head.

"Renly!" Cardinal shouted from above. "Leave her be." The boy knight looked up and growled. "Place the rope around Tiese." Surprisingly Renly did as he was told. Once the red head was pulled over the ledge, Selka and Cardinal laid her on the floor.

"Tiese! Tiese!" Ronye was in hysterics as she looked upon her friend. The red head was shivering uncontrollably; her arms crossed against her chest. Tiese's skin was deathly cold and greyish white. Her crimson hair, thick eyelashes, delicate eyebrows were covered in flecks of ice. Tiese's apple-colored eyes were closed; her mouth shut; her lips the color of frozen blueberries. Tiese's skirt had solidified around her hips; however, her sheer tank left nothing to the imagination.

Ronye's eyes widened in horror as she took in the gashes upon Tiese's face and stomach. "Who did this? Whatever could she have done? Is she going to be okay?" Ronye's body shook, her heart rate accelerating, her head pounding as she worried over her dearest friend. "What was she even doing in that cage?"

"You need to calm down, Ronye." Cardinal firmly stated. "Getting upset will not help Tiese."

"You're right." Ronye inhaled a few deep breaths. "I'm sorry, Cardinal."

"Use Luminous Element with Selka while I attend to Renly." Cardinal stated coolly while dropping the vine down to the boy knight. Renly grabbed onto it and pulled himself out. First, Cardinal smacked Renly then she embraced him. The boy knight just sat there; not understanding what was happening. "I was so worried about you." Cardinal's words may have sounded sincere but in reality, she was overcome with relief knowing that her zombie was still very much capable of killing Administrator. Her goal, her mission, it was going to happen. "Stay to the shadows." Cardinal whispered. "I don't want those girls frightened by you." She stole a glance at the two mentioned; they were huddled around Tiese.

"System Call: Luminous Element." Selka said quickly; her fingers alight with small balls of healing energy. "If this doesn't work, I'll transfer my life points." She pressed her hand against Tiese's stomach, warming it instantly

"I'll do the same." Ronye followed Selka's lead.

"Such measures will not be necessary." Cardinal responded while joining the girls; her caramel-colored eyes scanning the frozen girl. She grabbed onto each of Tiese's arms and legs. As expected, they were stiff; their joints refusing to budge. Thankfully, there were no signs of a bite mark anywhere on Tiese. Driven by this encouraging fact, she added her own healing arts. "Come on, girl." Cardinal gritted through clenched teeth. She wanted Tiese to respond; for if Renly didn't bite her, what did he do? Cardinal glanced briefly at the boy knight.

Renly stood nearby, flapping his wings and rolling his shoulders. The icy water within his prison didn't affect him as it did Tiese; however, he kept his vacant eyes on the girl; his bland expression giving nothing away.

OOooOOooOO

"We finally made it." Kirito said while standing before the Administrator's chambers. Both he and Alice had raced up the last few floors; hoping to run into Selka and Ronye; however, it wasn't meant to be. Kirito extended his arm and placed a hand upon the closed door. "He's in there. I know he is."

"Are you sure you're ready?" Alice asked while walking up beside him.

"Eugeo's been under Administrator's control long enough." Kirito ground out; his hand and arm starting to tremble; although whatever it was because of anger or fear, he wasn't sure. It was likely a combination of the two. "I should have saved him…" He closed his eyes and lowered his head, the memories rushing back.

"You have to stop blaming yourself." Alice stated firmly as she placed a hand on his arm. "From what you've told me about the final battle with Lady Pontifex, there's nothing you could have done differently. You did what needed to be done to save the Underworld…to save me." Kirito's eyes popped open; his grey gaze locking with hers. "You must not fall victim to your feelings of guilt. That is what got Eugeo into trouble, was it not?"

"…"

"Kirito, you have to leave the past in the past and concentrate on the present. If you don't, I fear I may lose you." Alice moved her hand to above his, her fingers folding within Kirito's. "Please… be stronger than Eugeo."

"I have to be." Kirito stated with resolve. "Not only for myself, but for him, you and everyone else I love in the Underworld."

"Things will not go as they did before." Alice gave a determined look before they both pushed on the door leading into Administrator's chambers. "Because this time, you won't be alone."

OOooOOooOO

"I'm going to check Tiese's status window." Cardinal said plainly while sitting back on her haunches.

"You can't." Ronye said; sharing a look with Selka. "It's against the Taboo Index." Both girl's faces reflecting the same trepidation and fear.

"This is a special case." Cardinal raised her small hand and drew an imaginary 'S' with her finger. The purplish window opened, and her eyes widened ever so slightly. On Tiese's screen, her life points were indeed increasing; however, her unit ID number had faded. "Renly definitely did something, but I don't have time to figure it out."

"What do you see?" Selka questioned as she continued pumping healing arts into the red head.

"Is it working?" Ronye gritted out; her hands and arms shaking.

"She'll be fine." Cardinal lied once more as she removed her clergy robe, leaving the young mage in a simple dress. "I'm going to infuse both high levels of thermal and luminous arts into this." Once that was done, she knelt and smoothed the garment over Tiese. "This will allow us some much-needed reprieve." Ronye and Selka collapsed against one other, each girl pushed way past their breaking point. They glanced warily at Cardinal.

"She will awaken in time." Cardinal took her hat and placed it beneath Tiese's head. "However, I need both of you to be here when she does. Tiese's going to be very disorientated and frightened." The girls nodded in understanding. "I have to go." The young mage stated while quickly getting to her feet.

"Go?" Ronye asked anxiously. "Where?"

"I need to continue with Renly." Ronye and Selka snuck a quick glance at the darkened silhouette. "Administrator is only five floors above us. I fear Kirito and Alice are already there and may need our help."

"Then go." Selka said. "Take care of Kirito and my sister."

OOooOOooOO

"It's like we never left." Alice spoke quietly; her voice somewhat in awe as her cerulean eyes bounced around the familiar room. She saw the same thin pillars, the same elongated windows, the same memory crystals of past Integrity Knights embedded in the same ceiling mural. In the center was Administrator's large bed; its velvet curtains drawn closed. "Nothing's changed."

Kirito remained tight lipped as he followed the golden knight; his thoughts consumed by Eugeo as well as how he'd deal with seeing Administrator again. Could he face his previous failings?

As Kirito and Alice crept closer to the bed, their shadows casting upon the silver lined floor, Kirito felt his heart start to race; his breathing coming in short pants. This was it. He was moments away from confronting his mistakes. Suddenly, Kirito stopped short, shock plastered on his face.

"What's wrong?" Alice asked

The raven-haired boy raised a finger to his lips, signaling for Alice to be quiet. Kirito then reached out to gingerly touch the luminescent material sticking out of the curtains. "This looks and feels like…" Kirito thought to himself. "…no, it can't be…wings, they only exist in ALO. Asuna and I are the only exceptions here." Alice stood by, becoming impatient, as she watched Kirito's expression go from nervous to grim. Seconds later, two large black radiant wings shot out from the boy's shoulder blades.Alice let out a small gasp. "Like I said," Kirito shrugged. "…I make up things as I go along." Next, he gripped the edge of a curtain and pulled it back; revealing a scene Kirito never expected to see.

In the center of the bed, was not only Administrator but Eugeo as well. They were both asleep, their faces close as their bodies faced one another. Pontifex was wearing her lilac gown; Eugeo had on his grey tank and navy shorts. The blonde's right arm was draped over Pontifex, his hand resting on her side near the small of her back. Administrator's arm was beneath his, bent in a similar way over him; her hand resting on his side, just below where his 'wings' sprouted; her fingers unconsciously holding up the hem of his shirt. One of Administrator's legs was nestled between the blonde's legs; her other one outstretched.

Kirito began to shake as he looked closer at the 'couple' before him. He instantly took notice of Eugeo's ALO wings and the scars on his back that were a result from them being forced upon someone not from Alfheim Online. He also saw the blonde's elongated ears with the strange jewelry that adorned them and finally, Kirito's grey eyes came across some type of strange marking on Eugeo's left forearm. Kirito became enraged at seeing his best friend like this. What the hell did he go through?

"Wake up..." Kirito ground out as he drew his Night Sky Blade from its sheath. "…so I could kill you, Administrator." Alice drew the Osmanthus Blade; ready to support Kirito.

"And here I was having such a pleasant dream." Administrator cracked open an eye while snuggling against Eugeo; who had yet to rouse. "It's about time you got here, irregular boy. You've missed so much." She pushed herself up slightly; not yet wanting to show off her rather large belly. The darkness itself helped hide her condition as well.

"I will fix the damage you've done." Kirito bit out as he pointed his sword at the ruler of the Underworld.

"Eugeo," Pontifex said, blatantly ignoring Kirito, "…we have company." The blonde slowly opened his eyes; an unknown boy and girl occupying his view.

"It's them." The blonde stated while sitting up, his voice lacking any type of emotion.

"Eugeo." His best friend's name faded from Kirito's lips as tears gathered in his eyes. The blonde looked at the black-haired boy, noticing the wings from Kirito's back.

"You're him." Eugeo said.

"You…remember me?" Kirito's voice faltered.

"No, but when I defeat you, I will."

Kirito was taken aback by Eugeo's random claim. How would besting him bring about any memory of their time as best friends?

"I love seeing that look on your face, irregular boy." Administrator gave a small laugh. "It brings such joy.

"Eugeo isn't just a regular Integrity Knight, is he?" Alice stated flatly; her sword raised; determined to get some answers.

"You always were so observant, Alice-chan." Administrator mocked the gold knight. "I did have such high hopes for you."

"This isn't about me." Alice bit out. "It's about him. Talk."

"I knew in the beginning that Thirty-Two was special; for not just anyone could cut down the Gigas Cedar Tree. It was meant to be such a deterrent that day I put it there."

"You?" Kirito snapped; his blood beginning to boil.

"My residents live and prosper where I want them too." Administrator glanced at Eugeo; her hand running up the length of his forearm and the tattoo that she'd put there.

"Be careful, my beautiful wife." Eugeo said so softly; his words only reaching Administrator's ears. The Pontifex stopped her caressing; her body going rigid.

"You will not say anything more nor do anything until I command you otherwise." Administrator stated seriously. The blonde gave a slow nod then turned his attention to the two intruders; his body language projecting tension; his expression hard as he glared at Kirito and Alice. "I should thank you, irregular boy…" Her topic of conversation shifted suddenly. "…and you too, Alice-chan."

"What for?" Alice was the first to speak.

"For giving Eugeo the traits he needed to be noticed by one such as I." Administrator began as she gestured to Kirito. "It was your training sessions with a sword…" She then pointed to Alice …and the way you had consumed all of his thoughts…driving him to go to such lengths…"

"Get to the point already." Kirito angrily spat.

"Those things are the foundation of who Eugeo is now; a strong swordsman; driven by the desire to be loved by the one he loves." Kirito and Alice looked at each other, not putting two and two together. "Simply put, you both made Eugeo the way I needed him to be. You did all the work, I took the prize." Was what she said true? Did their previous interactions with the blonde unknowingly lead Eugeo to this fate? "Does this scenario seem familiar, irregular boy?" Administrator grinned like a Cheshire cat.

"You've discovered what was originally Alice's fate." Kirito said flatly. "However, instead of the goal being to take the one exception to the outside world, as they did in Alice's case, you've done something to keep the other exception here, in the Underworld."

"That's precisely correct." Administrator smiled in a disgusting sweet way. "As you well know, my memory capacity is nearly maxed out. If I'm to continue running this world, I need another vessel to hold and contain my vast number of memories."

"You already tried that." Kirito stated furiously, as Cardinal's story filled his mind. "And failed."

"I didn't take into account that that said individual has to have a closer, more intimate bond with me." She brought her long, slender legs around to the edge of the bed.

"What are you getting at?" Kirito snapped.

"How about I show you?" Administrator stood to her full height; her hands resting on the swell of her belly.

"You're pregnant?" Kirito was horrified.

"And married?" Alice's eyes grew to the size of saucers as she saw a wedding ring on Administrator's right hand. "Who in their right mind would…"

"Eugeo…" Kirito's voice trembled; his eyes shot straight to his best friend's right hand. "…you married Eugeo. Which means those traits you talked about; they're meant to be passed along…to offspring."

"Such an unexpected twist, hmm?" Administrator chuckled.

"Eugeo…I'm so sorry…" Kirito locked gazes with the blonde. "…I should have saved you that day. If I had, none of this would be happening. I swear on my life, I will make things right." Kirito's gaze flicked back to Administrator's. "I just wish I knew how."

End Chapter 17