Fractured – Chapter 4
"This is getting us nowhere," said a frustrated Asuna. "Its been nearly a week, where could he be?"
"Rath is a dead end too," Sinon stated. "Sources state they've disbanded. If there was anything left over, it's in the hands of the government. There are no private or side jobs pending."
"What about Eugeo?" Asuna began hesitantly, "any information about him?"
"If he is involved, I have no doubt Kirito would do whatever it would take to see him again," Alice replied matter-of-factly. "Though I no longer have memories of my time before I was synthesized, I was told the three of us spent a lot of time together when we were young."
"Three of you?" Asuna blinked.
"Yes. Eugeo, Kirito, and I."
Asuna felt another wave of jealousy sweep through her. Just who exactly were these people and how friendly was Kirito with them?
"That's impossible," Sugu shook her head. "He grew up here, in Japan. He's real."
Alice stared hard at Sugu.
"Sorry," Sugu side-glanced. "I mean, how could that be?"
"This whole thing has Kikuoka's name all over it," Asuna scowled. "He's always getting Kirito involved in things like this."
"I thought he died back on the Ocean Turtle," said Sinon.
"Not exactly," Asuna muttered.
The girls were startled as there was a knock on the front door. "I'll get it," Sugu rose to her feet and looked out the window. There was a tow truck outside, and it was dragging a motorcycle. "That's Kirito's!" she gasped. She dashed to the front door and flung it open.
Outside was a policeman. "Excuse me, ladies, we ran the plates on this bike and the address shows it originates from here. Is that correct?"
"Yes! Where did you find it?" Asuna quickly joined Sugu at the door.
"It was found abandoned about two hundred miles north of here," the man replied.
"Girls, it looks like we have our first clue," said Sinon.
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"So far, so good," Kikuoka leaned in close to the monitors.
"Hey! Personal space," Higa mumbled over his shoulder.
For the past few days, both men had been watching memories transfer from Kirito's mind into Eugeo's on the small monitor. Kikuoka had to admit, Eugeo was the perfect companion for Kirito. It was plain as day just watching the two of them interact with even the most basic of things. He felt a little twinge of regret knowing what was to come, but sacrifices needed to be made in order to achieve greatness.
"There is it again," Higa sighed. "That damn anomaly." He turned in his chair to face Kikuoka. "I don't think we should keep going with this."
"Don't be ridiculous," Kikuoka waved him off.
"I'm telling you, there's something going on," Higa insisted. "Will you at least humor me?"
"Fine," Kikouka flatlined.
Higa took a deep breath. "Look here," Higa pointed on the monitor. Although the wavelengths were in sync now, the blue one would periodically waver. The black one would follow a short time later, mimicking the blue one. "I believe the combined data of Eugeo's soul and his divine weapon is breaking down. As that happens, there's a residual effect on Kirito because they're so closely linked. I can't tell exactly what's happening as we're still processing past memories, but once we catch up to current ones, I'll know more."
"What can you do to fix it?"
"Not much, unfortunately. If we want this to work, Kirito has to find his friend as quickly as possible. Each day that goes by risks the further corruption of Eugeo's soul. If it goes on too long, it can completely collapse. Should that be the case, his real body will be nothing more than a lifeless doll."
"There is no way I'm going to let this opportunity slip through my fingers," growled Kikuoka. He strode up to where Kirito was asleep in the STL unit. "Patch me through to him," he ordered Higa.
"Any outside interference could disrupt the transfer," Higa warned.
"I'll make it quick."
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"Alright thirty-two, we're here," Fizel announced, opening the slide panel.
Eugeo hated it when they called him that. He heard the door on the back of the wagon swing open. The woman in gray armor was standing there, her sword leveled at him.
"Don't think for a minute that even though you are no longer bound that I will not skewer you like a pig," she flatlined. "Get out here."
Eugeo stepped slowly from the wagon. As soon as he touched ground, the two young girls surrounded him, daggers drawn at the ready. His eyes dilated against what little light was outside. It seemed to be early morning; the rays of the rising sun muted behind heavy gray clouds. Glancing over, he saw giant rod iron gates, decorated with intricate swirls and patterns. They were attached to large stone walls that extended in both directions, disappearing into scraggly trees and dense fog. In the center, hanging above where the gates connected, was a circular sign that had an elaborate "M" centered inside.
Behind the gates stood a large manor house. It looked to be about three stories tall, with the center section rising to a fourth story. There were more rod iron railings along the roof, which was covered in gray paneling, while the house itself looked to made of bricks. Dead grass was all over the property, and barren trees were scattered both inside and outside the gates.
"Move," the woman ordered.
Eugeo had no choice as he walked up the path towards the large manor house. He had no idea whose house this was or why he was here. He kept quiet though, taking note of his surroundings and looking for the best routes of escape. Not having his sword was a huge blow to his defense, and after being locked in that wagon for so long, his sacred power was next to nothing.
The group headed up to the front door, where it was opened by a young man and woman. They said nothing, only bowing as the Knights and their prisoner passed them by. The group headed through a large foyer, with a double winding staircase leading to the upper floors. They proceeded up the steps, stopping at the second floor. Once they arrived, the group turned and headed down a narrow hallway. They passed several doors to either side, all of which were closed. Stopping at the furthest one on the left, the women in gray said, "Open the door and go inside."
Eugeo grabbed the handle and turned it, entering the room. There were no windows, but it was furnished with a red couch and a plush bed. There was a rear room that looked to contain a large ornate tub for bathing. On a table was a tray of various food and drinks. He scowled as this reminded him a lot of another room, one high up in the Central Cathedral.
"Our master commands that you eat and bathe," Linel spoke mechanically, as if she'd said this many times before. She closed the door, and after the audible click of a lock sliding into place, Eugeo could hear the group's retreating footsteps.
He looked back at the door, noting there was no handle in which to open it from the inside. Sighing, he looked over at the food. There was a variety of cheese, fruits, breads, and even wine. His stomach growled. He couldn't remember the last time he'd eaten. Carefully, he picked up a piece of bread and took a small bite. After all, he needed to get his strength back up in order to escape.
After he ate, he began a search around the room. There was nothing much other than the furnishings, many of which were too heavy to move. He could find nothing to use as a makeshift weapon. Even the food tray contained no traces of any silverware.
He next tried the bathing room. It contained a large claw-footed tub in the center of the room, easily sized for more than one person. It was already filled with steaming water, rose petals drifting on the surface. The bath itself looked rather inviting, especially after his long days in the wagon. Maybe just a quick rinse, he told himself, as he was rather filthy.
He slid his shirt down off his shoulders, pausing as the fabric caught on his elbows. Although grimy, his back was smooth and strong, but he didn't have to look to see the wound that Pontifex had supposedly killed him with. The ugly scar it left around his waist was a constant reminder that he should be dead. The thought weighed heavy on his conscious.
Shaking his head, he disrobed further and slid into the bath. It was hot but not uncomfortable. The room was hazy with steam. He sat, folding his arms under his knees, watching the rose petals float along the surface of the water.
"Was I imagining seeing Kirito laying on the ground, bleeding so badly?" he wondered. "It was like I was there, helping him, but that seems impossible. I don't even know where he is."
It wasn't long before he felt arms come over his shoulders and fold in front of his stomach, fingers sliding under the water surface to trace along his scar.
"Hello, Eugeo," said a familiar feminine voice, her face sliding next to his.
Eugeo jolted, eyes going wide. Pontifex.
She turned her head slightly to nip at his ear, her chest brushing up against his back. "It's good to see you again."
Eugeo's eyes narrowed as he tried to pull away.
She only gripped him tighter as her mouth began to trail soft kisses down his neck. Placing two kisses on either side of his upper back, she released him. Padding around to face Eugeo, she helped herself into the bath with him. Eugeo slid back as far as he could, eyeing her warily.
Pontifex sat back on her haunches, the water resting just above her breasts. "You still remember what I told you?" she smiled seductively. She reached in to cup his face, her fingers caressing his cheek, toying with the damp flaxen hair that hung there. "The offer still stands, even now."
She leaned in further, their foreheads touching. "Is it really so bad?" Pontifex whispered. "After all, the world has been nothing but cruel to you. Giving you such a worthless calling, leaving you powerless to stop the fate of your friend from being carried out, then working so hard to save little Alice-chan only for her to be content with her life as a knight. She has absolutely no memories of you and doesn't seem much interested in making them with you now."
"…"
"As for that irregular boy," she continued, "He is not of our world. He has fed you lies from the very beginning, simply using you as an escape out of this world and a way to go home. Not only that," she paused dramatically, "I'm sure you've seen the way she looks at him. She's never looked at you like that, has she?"
"…"
"Let's go back further," Pontfex continued, "Your family."
Eugeo tensed. "No…," he murmured.
"Yes, I know about your strained relationship with your siblings and parents. You are what, the third son? Merely a tool, keeping your family well stocked by the shia you earn with animals and supplies, while you get nothing. They did get their payback though, for it was they who put you in this situation."
Eugeo was shocked. He would never have imagined he was such a disappointment to his family that they'd sell him off. Hearing the news and having his deepest insecurities said out loud stuck a dagger right through him. The worst part was, it wasn't all lies.
Pontifex pulled back, then brought Eugeo's head to the crook of her neck. She stroked his hair, saying, "I am not like those who have abandoned you, used you, then discarded you. I am here, and I am real. To me, you will be the most important person, and I will love you with all my heart." She smiled evilly. "After all, love is control."
"Love…is…control…" Eugeo replied in a daze.
"Yes," Pontifex purred. "All in good time."
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Pontifex walked briskly down the hallway. Happy she had started to sow the seeds of doubt into Eugeo's mind, it'd only be a matter of time before she could twist him to her desires.
"Lady Pontifex," Sheyta bowed deeply. "The first set of beasts are back."
"Excellent. Take me to them."
The two women headed down to the first floor. They proceeded into the library and headed over to a specific bookcase. This one contained research books on resurrection arts. Highly appropriate considering what was happening in the secret space below.
"System call," Pontifex readied a command, "Generate Transformation Element." The bookcase began to glow, then disappeared altogether. A small torch was off to the side, and Sheyta grabbed it before heading down the winding stairs first. Pontifex followed, her feet barely touching the cold, stone steps. Once at the bottom, they proceeded down a narrow hallway, which opened up into a large chamber. At its center, was a recessed area, with stairs leading down to it. Once at the bottom, there was a large circle drawn in the dirt, symbols and lines etched around its perimeter. The circle itself moved slowly clockwise, a red glow pulsing from it. Along either side of the hole were shelves on which candles glowed, illuminating various jars and skulls.
Back on the main level were a dozen darkness spiders, each with a large cocoon on its back. They clicked to one another then turned as one, dropping their cocoons to the ground. Cries and pleas were heard through the tough, sticky material. Some were struggling and wiggling like worms on a hook.
Sheyta went to the first cocoon, dragging it down towards the center of the circle.
"Which town are these from?" Pontifex asked idly.
Sheyta only shrugged.
"I suppose it doesn't really matter anyways," Pontifex smirked.
Sheyta dropped the cocoon without care and grabbing her sword, sliced expertly at the top. A young woman's dirty face was exposed.
"What's going on? What do you want with us?" the young woman cried. She glanced around the chamber, eyes growing wide. She saw Sheyta with her sword looming over her. "Please don't kill me, I don't want to die!" she wailed.
"Don't be so loud," Pontifex tsked. Leaning in close, she whispered, "You'll spoil the surprise for everyone else." Pontifex nodded to Sheyta, who exited the circle. The symbols along the circle began to glow brighter, and circled around faster. A wall of red light shot up from them, encasing her and her victim inside. Pontifex closed her eyes, placing her hand on her victim's forehead. "System Call. Transfer Human Unit Durability. Left to Right."
Golden orbs of light floated from it, but instead of heading upwards towards the ceiling and eventually the sky, they changed direction. They floated towards Pontifex, who took them into her body greedily. Opening the statis window, Pontifex could see her victim's life depleting. The woman screamed, then fell silent. Pontifex stood, her body glowing and replenishing from the life she'd stolen. Youth and vitality were high in this one, but there wasn't enough to make her into one of her 'special' subjects. That was done to a select few and required a more, intimate, ritual.
"Bring me the next one," Pontifex ordered Sheyta.
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"Kirito? Kirito? Can you hear me?" Kikuoka's voice echoed through my head.
"Ack!" I pulled up on the reins of my horse and nearly fell off its back.
"Kirito! Are you alright?" Leina pulled up short next to me.
"Yeah, just give me a minute," I said, my hand going to my head. Apparently, we'd be having this conversation mentally.
Renly put a stop to his horse as well, a frown crossing his face. "Do we honestly have time for this?"
I only glared at him, then turned my horse away.
"What do you want, Kikuoka?"
"Have you located Eugeo yet?"
"I'm working on it."
"You need to work a little faster," came the urgent reply.
"What's wrong?" I deadpanned.
"Nothing yet, but…."
I hesitated for only a second. "I'm not abandoning this mission," I ground out.
"I'm not asking you to."
"Good."
"Where are you?"
"I'm far up North, heading towards the End Mountains. I believe Eugeo is up this way."
"Fine. I'll have a console set up for you at the furthest edge of the Northern Human Empire. You'll use that to log out of the Underworld. After that you'll need to…."
A sharp pain laced through my head.
"Kikuoka? Kikuoka? Are you still there?"
All I got in response was static.
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"Hmm…" Sinon held her chin thoughtfully as she stared at her computer screen. She was looking at a map of the area where Kirito's bike was found. "There's a large cave system out north. It's been determined to be extremely unstable and completely off limits to any trespassers."
"Why would my brother go to some caves?" Sugu wondered.
"We can ask him when we get there and find him," Asuna stood.
Sinon grabbed onto her arm. "Hold on. How do you plan on getting there?"
"We'll take Kirito's bike," Asuna said.
"Have you actually driven it?" Sinon questioned.
"Well…no," Asuna hesitated.
"It can't be that hard," Sinon replied. "I'll go with Asuna."
"I'd like to find Kirito too," Alice cut in.
"You better stay here with Sugu," Asuna said briskly.
Alice frowned. "For what purpose?"
"A smaller group will be less noticeable." Asuna replied curtly. "Now, Sinon, let's get moving." The two headed out to Kirito's motorcycle, and each took their seat. After putting on their helmets, Sinon revved the engine. Asuna gripped her tight around the waist. They peeled out of the driveway and headed north.
Alice stared after them, crossing her arms.
"I guess we just get to keep waiting," Sugu sighed.
"No, we're going too," Alice replied bluntly.
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"These woods are getting far too dense for horses anymore," Renly scowled. "We're going to have to continue on foot." He dismounted his steed and went to tie the reins around a nearby tree. Leina and I followed suit. "The trail keeps heading North. If this keeps up, we're going to hit the Dark Territory."
"Don't worry, I've negotiated with them. We're at peace, at least for the time being." I reassured Renly. "They have no need to bother us."
Renly looked at me skeptically, then nodded.
The three of us set off through the woods, hacking away at overgrowth. We were moving at a steady pace with Renly in the lead, then Leina, then me. We'd be moving for a while until Renly abruptly stopped. He bent down and began brushing his hand along the ground, revealing what looked like a den of some sort. The tunnel sloped downwards, disappearing into darkness. We also caught the faintest scent of blood coming from it. The three of us looked into the tunnel, then back at each other.
"Do you think this is their lair?" Leina stood next to me, her hand going to mine. I could tell she was nervous. I simply squeezed her hand.
"Come on," I said. "We have to know."
We started down the tunnel, which was dirty and narrow, but expanded into high stone covered walls. There were arches supporting the weight of the tunnel along both the ceiling and the walls. As we walked, we used the light from the fire of the scones that were hanging along the walls. After walking for a while, we approached an intersection. Webbing was found following each new tunnel.
"Which way?" Renly asked. "Left, Right, or Straight Ahead?"
"We're pressed for time," I murmured. "Let's do this. We each take a tunnel for about ten minutes, then regroup here."
"There is safety in numbers," said Leina cautiously. "We should stay together."
"It'll be fine," I reassured her. "I'll go Left. See you in ten."
Renly readied his twin wing blades and took the right, with Leina reluctantly going straight.
We'd only parted ways for a few minutes when I heard Leina scream. I turned back immediately and headed into her tunnel. Hers was a short one, which ended with a dead end in a circular cavern.
"Leina? Leina!" I called out. I saw her standing there, still as a statue, eyes wide. Her two-handed sword had dropped to her feet, her hands going to her mouth.
"What is it?" I called out, when the stench of blood hit my nose. "Are you okay?" I rushed to her side. She just shook her head and curled into me. I squinted through the darkness, then brought up a luminous element for additional light. I gasped and took a step backwards. "What the hell?" My light had lit up about a hundred or so bodies. The smell of death and decay was so overpowering I nearly bent over and heaved. I brought my sleeve up to cover my nose and mouth, then gently pulled back from Leina. "I'll be right back," I told her quietly. "You wait here."
I stepped gingerly from her, then made my way towards one of the bodies. Bending down onto one knee, I leaned in close. Whoever this was, they were similar in age to me. But they no longer looked young and full of vitality. Their skin was like a husk, shriveled and dry. Webbing had covered their body, trapping them inside some kind of cocoon. What was worse, it appeared to have been partially eaten by something. Both fresh and dried blood pooled along the floor.
I paled. Could these people be our missing ones? Oh god, what if Eugeo was one of these bodies? My body began to shake, but it was Leina's turn to soothe me.
"I'm sure he's not here," Leina said softly, as she placed a hand on my back.
I swallowed hard and nodded. Rising slowly, I surveyed the room, swallowed a lump in my throat, and took Leina's hand. "We better regroup with Renly."
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Renly had been following his tunnel cautiously when he stopped short at a puddle of blood. As he was studying it, a thick haze had started to form. His eyes watered and it became difficult to see. "What is this?" he muttered.
"Surely a little spilled blood is nothing new for you," a voice said accusingly.
Renly leapt to his feet. Slowly and quietly, he pulled out and readied his weapons.
"Aren't you special being an Integrity Knight now with your divine weapons," the voice mocked.
Renly froze. He remembered that voice, one from a long, long time ago. "It can't be…" He took a step back. Hearing that voice again caused the void in his heart to open. His guilt over past actions began to smother him. Old habits and feelings of insecurity and vulnerability were rising within him.
"I..didn't mean to…" Renly said, voice filled with regret.
"Mean to what?" the voice growled. "Tell me!" it demanded.
"Kill you," Renly replied, his voice barely audible.
"The deed was done though, wasn't it? And you will pay for it for all of eternity."
Renly's eyes glazed over and he stood motionless as white, sticky threads began to encircle him. They continued to wrap around his body, trapping his arms at his sides. His weapons clattered to the ground, the threads tightening around him. This was what he deserved. He had killed his best friend, and now, it was his turn to die.
"Damn it, Renly! Snap out of it!" I shouted, dashing into the tunnel. Once we entered the tunnel, the haze had just started to disperse. Leina was right behind me and I heard her gasp at the sight of the humungous spider that held Renly in its grasp. It was ghostly white, with burning red eyes.
The spider leaned in close to Renly and said, using the voice of his dead friend, told him, "By killing those humans there, you will be absolved of my death." Becoming even softer, it continued, "Then, you will join me."
"Did that thing, just speak?" Leina was shocked.
Renly's clouded eyes slid to look at us. The threads around him loosened, then he reached down to pick up his weapons and held them at the ready.
"He's going to fight us?" Leina said incredulously.
I held my sword at the ready. "We have no choice."
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