Large wings grew behind Eugeo, who's a sword and charges at Quinella. Kirito and Sonic both reach and grabs the grip of the sword, before it attacked Quinella.
"Man... that was close." Sonic sighing in relief
"We... won't let you go alone! Eugeo... You've spent so much time blaming yourself for not saving Alice. But half of those regrets should have been mine to carry, so let me fight with you. Together, the three of us can bring Alice back!" Kirito said
"I know we can! And we will!" Sonic said
"Unacceptable. I will not allow some uninvited invaders to do such things in MY world!" Quinella said
Quinella aim's her sword at Kirito and Sonic.
"On your knees! Bow your heads and submit to me!"
"I will never bow down to a person like you! No one is in charge of us, expect us alone!" Sonic said
Kirtio and Sonic both charge at Quinella and start attacking her. She take's a good amount of damage but counters the attacks and attacks them back. The two block her attacks while just taking small amounts of damage. While Quinella tried to attack them, Sonic charges up his Excalibur sword and stab's Quinella on the side. Quinella jumped back and looked at her stab wound. She then creates a ball of energy, charges up and releases it, causing lightning to strike everywhere. The two separated as they were dodging the lightning strikes. While dodging the lightnings, Quinella charges at Sonic and attack's him, but Sonic quickly block's her attacks and counters it by slashing her across her stomach. Kirito runs up behing Quinella and attacks her in the back as both were attacking Quinella front and back. Moments later, the two charge up their swords and both stab her at the same, dealing massive damage to her. But then Quinella charges up and summons an energy ball and hit's Sonic, knocking him back. Quinella charges up her sword and lunges at Sonic in quick speed and slashes Sonic across, sending him flying toward's the wall and hitting it hard. Kirito lunges at her and does a skill call Inferno Raid, slashing Quinella with fire mutple times, dealing tons of damage to her. Sonic stand's back up and runs super fast around Quinella for several seconds. His fast speed was enough for Quinella to become dizzy and can barely see straight. He soon quickly does a quick attack on her with a 5-hit combo. He then charges up his Excalibur sword and does a fast 10-hit combo on Quinella once again. Quinella attempt's to attack Sonic but jump's away from her and next to Kirito. The two charge up their swords once again and lunge at Quinella
"To think... neither of those swords... was metal... Hee, heehee... This is... sooner than I planned, but... I'll have to take my leave."
"No, you're not going anywhere... We're finishing this right here and now."
The three got into their fighting positions and all just look at each other while charging their swords. Seconds later, all three lunged at each other.
"Take this!"
"You're finished!"
All three of their swords contacted one another.
Sword Art Online: Lycoris
Quickening- You Know It
*HE 378/03 Northern Grasslands*
Kirito and Sonic were looking up at the sky as they woke up inside a forest. They stood up from the grass and looked around their surroundings.
"Where are we?"
"I don't remeber being here..."
The two stand up and Sonic notice Kirito wearing different clothing.
"Kirito, what are you wearing?" Sonic asked
"Hm? What am I wearing is a good question. I don't own anything that look's like this. Command: Log out."
Nothing happens.
"Guess not."
"Going by these clothes, this is probably a virtual world of some sort. I can't open the menu, though, so I have no idea how to log out. Or even what virtual world this is. It looks incredibly realistic. Hard to even tell it's all virtual. The machine this is running on must have some insane specs."
"To be honest with you, Kirito, this place does look beautiful. Look's exactly like my own world." Sonic said
"I mean, I guess it's alright. But there's no point sitting here and twiddling our thumbs. Better look around."
Later, the two were out of the forest and were now exploring the grasslands alone. But as they were exploring, they heard a sound echoing around, which got their attention.
"Did you just hear that?" Sonic said
"Yea, what was that sound?"
The two notice 4 children spending time together next to the river, but it was all just their imagination and there was nothing in from of them in reality.
"Did you just see that?" Sonic asked
"What was that?" Kirito replied
"I'm starting to feel strange all of sudden." Sonic said
"I feel like... I dunno... That felt awfully familiar... But why? None of that ever happened."
"Were those memories?"
"Memories? I don't remember having memory of that..."
"Will following the sound help me understand?"
The two then start following the strange noise that echo around. The two enter the forest once again and look around for something that may have cause the strange sounds.
"I don't hear it anymore."
As the enter the forest deeper and deeper, they spotted a giant tree standing right in front of them.
"Wow!" Sonic amazed
"Holy... Wow, that's one huge tree." Kirito said
"Who's there?" A voice asked
The two notice someone looking at them.
"Huh?"
The person walk's up to them closer.
"Who are you? Where did you come from?"
"Oh, um... Kirito. And this is Sonic. We're kinda lost."
"Y-Yea... We don't exactly know where to go." Sonic said
"I'm sorry. My name is Eugeo. It's nice to meet you, Kirito, Sonic." Eugeo waiting for a handshake
"Pleasure is ours."
Eugeo shake's Kirito and Sonic's hands.
"You came from the south, so did you two come from Zakkaria?" Eugeo asked
"Zakkaria?" Sonic confuse
"N-No, actually... We don't know where are from. We woke up in the middle of the forest..." Kirito said
"What? You don't even know where you used to live?"
"All we know is our names."
"I've heard stories, but I never thought I'd meet Lost Childs of Vecta."
"L-Lost Childs of Vecta?" Kirito said
"What does that mean?" Sonic asked
"That's what they call people who suddenly appear in a field or forest. The God of Darkness, Vecta, drops people in a faraway land with no memory for fun." Eugeo explaining what Lost Child of Vecta means
"W-Wow... I guess that must be what happened to us, then. Anyway, we're in a bit of a bind. Will like to leave." Kirito said
"The forest is quite thick, so I'm not suprised you two got lost." Eugeo said
"E-Erm, I mean... We like to log out." Kirito said
"Please..." Sonic begged
"Log... what? Could you say that again?"
"S-Sorry, my dialect came out there."
"So he's not a test player or an NPC? Based on his reaction, he probably doesn't know this is a virtual world. We have to choose our words carefully."
"It, uh... it means we're looking for a city or village nearby where we can stay." Kirito said
"Do you know any places around?" Sonic asked
"Hm, My village is just north of here, but we never get travelers, so there's no inn. Still, if we explain the situation, Sister Azalia should help you two." Eugeo said
"Thanks. That sounds great. Well, we're gonna go try that now. Is it just straight north from here?" Kirito said
"Hold on, it'll be easier if I go with you two and explain things to the guard."
"Oh, that's be a huge help. Thanks."
"But... I can't go right away. I've still got some work to take care of."
"Oh?"
"What?"
"Yeah. I've only just reached my lunch break. Wait for me to finish, and I'll ask Sister Azalia to let you stay at the church." Eugeo said
"Awesome. Will wait here, then. Thanks a lot."
"Glad you can help us." Sonic said
"It's no problem. Here, have some, you two."
"Bread? N-No, I'll pass." Kirito rejected
"I-I'm hungry at the moment." Sonic said
"You two must be starving, since you two woke up in the woods." Eugeo said
"No, really..."
"It's fine. I know I'm the one offering it to you, but I don't actually like it much."
"Alright, well, if you insist. Honestly, my stomach's killing me." Kirito said
"Y-yea I lied, I'm haven't ate anything yet." Sonic said
"Hahaha, yeah, I figured."
"Thanks again, man."
"Glad you can help us."
"Not a problem you two... Wait, just a second."
"Hm?"
"Huh?"
"The bread's only saving grace is its longevity, but just to be sure..."
Eugeo open's up his stats.
"Wha-"
"Gah-"
"Don't tell me you'be never seen a Stacia Window before?"
"O-Oh, of course I have."
"The Stacia Window... Pretty clearly this world's equivalent of a status menu. So I was right, this is a virtual world. But that would make Eugei an NPC..."
"Let'se see... It's got plenty of Life, so we're in no hurry to finish it off." Eugeo said
"So they call an item's durability "Life" here..."
"Alright, well, let's dig in."
Later...
"A long, long time ago, someone used to bring me lunch, but now she's..."
"What happened?" Kirito asked
"Who's this person you speak of?" Sonic asked
"We grew up together, and would play all day long. Even after I received my Calling, she made lunch for me every single day. But six years ago, when I was eleven, an Integrity Knight took her to the capital." Eugeo explaining
"Integrity Knight... Captial... They have some form of central law enforcement"
"And it's all my fault. One day of rest, we went exploring the Northern Cave and made a wrong turn. You know how the Taboo Indes forbids you from entering the land of darkness? Well, we didn't cross the border, but she tripped and her hand landed over the edge. That was all it took for an integrity Knight to tie her up in front of everyone. I wanted to help her, to attack the knight, but all I could do was watch."
"Do you know what happened to her?" Kirito said
"By any chance?" Sonic asked
"The Integrity Knight said she would be interrogated, then executed, but... I believe Alice is still alive somewhere in Centoria." Eugeo said
"I'm sure you'll her eventually." Sonic said
"Alice. I shouldn't have any idea who she is, but that name sounds awfullt familiar. Man, I've gotta say, this Eugeo guy's amazing. He talks and emotes like a real person. It's way too natural for an NPC."
"Have you ever considered going to the captial to look for her?"
"Listen, Kirito and Sonic. Rulid is at the northern edge of the Norlangarth Empire. It would take at least a week by horse to reach it from here. And the Taboo Index forbids shrinking one's Calling. So in short, I can't."
"This "Taboo Index" sounds like this world's rules or laws... I still don't get why he'd prioritize his Calling over his friend's life, though."
"Oh yeah, so Eugeo, what is your job? Your "Calling," rather."
"Mind telling us?"
"It's right here. I need to chop this tree. Its name in the Sacred Tongue is Gigas Cedar, but people call it the demon tree. Mainly because it sucks up Terraria's blessings from the land around it. The villager want new farmland, but can't get good harvests whole the tree stands." Eugeo said
"So it's your job to fix that issue? Yes. I'm the seventh-generation carver."
"S-Seventh generation?"
"S-Seriously?"
"It's called the demon tree for a reason. Its trunk is nightmarishly tough. I use this Dragonbine Axe because a normal ax breaks after a single swing. But after three hundred years, we're only this far. I won't be the last carver. Oh, here, let me show you two something."
Eugeo open's his stats by drawing an S.
"Is this number that's over 232,000 the Givas Cedar's Life?" Kirito said
"Yea. And it decreases with every strike. But about half of what you carve out grows back overnight." Eugeo said
"So it restores its own life?" Kirito said
"Exactly. The most I can hope to reduce it by a year is about six hundred." Eugeo said
"Just 600 for a single year?!" Sonic suprise
"Oof... So that's why you say you won't be the last, huh?"
"That's just how it is. This is the giant god of cedars, so I'd expect no less." Eugeo said
"Gigas... That's Latin for "giant." I guess the "Sacred Tongue" refers to words that don't originate in this world?"
"Okay, well, I should get back to work."
"Hey, Eugeo, mind if we help?" Kirito asked
"You can use some extra strength." Sonic said
"Huh?"
"You gave us half your bread, so it's only fair us to do half your work." Kirito said
"I suppose. There's no rule that forbids you from getting help with your Calling. I'll warn you, though, it's harder than it looks." Eugeo said
"I'm not one to give up without trying." Kirito said
"What can possibly go wrong?" Sonic said
After hours of trying to chop down the demon tree
"That about does it. Three thousand strikes a day to the Gigas Cedar, as designated. You twi are pretty good as this. By the end, you were landing some haed hits."
"Nah, you probably would've been done a lot sooner without us getting in the way."
"Don't worry about it. The tree's not going down in my lifetime either way. Now, let's head up to the village."
The two start following Eugeo to the village that he promise to take them to.
"I can see Ruild."
*At The Village*
"This place looks nice if you ask me." Sonic looking at the village
"So this is it? Where's your house?"
"That's the south gate. My house is meat the west gate, so you can't see it. Come on. It's close."
The three enter the village as they walk over the bridge
"I'm curious, what does a village even need a guard for?" Kirito asked
"Sometimes wild animals will approach the border. But also to protect us from the forces of darkness."
"The... what now?" Kirito confuse
"Mind telling us?" Sonic asked
"(Point's At A Mountain) You see those mountains there? They're the End Mountains. Beyound them is a land Solus' light doesn't reach. Goblins, orcs, and other terrifying creatures live in that land of darkness. Integrity Knights parrol the mountains, but beasts sometimes sneak through caves. This is common knowledge. Have you two forgotten even that?"
"W-Well, I feel like I've heard it somewhere before, but..." Kirito said
"I-I'm just not good at remembering things." Sonic said
"What a shame. I hope you get your memories back soon. Anyway, Let's head to the church of the village."
Minutes later, the three have made it to church.
"Okay, Kirito, Sonic, this is the church. Let's go talk to Sister Azalia.
Later..
"Eugeo."
"Selka."
"Selka?" Sonic curious
"Who's this?" Kirito asked
"She's a sister-in-training who lives here snd studies the Sacred Arts." Eugeo said
"Who are they?" Selka looking at Kirito and Sonic
"Their Kirito and Sonic, Lost Childs Of Vecta. They were hoping to stay here a while." Eugeo said
"Lost Childs of Vecta? Alright. I'll speak with Sister Azalia."
Selka was about to enter the church, but not before looking at Sonic with an akward look on her face. Sonic just look's at her and wave's hello to her. Selka didn't know how to respond and enter's the church without saying anything to Sonic.
"(Blushing In Embarrassment) She probably think's I turned into a monster." Sonic rubbing his back
"It's alright, Sonic, you'll be friends with her in no time." Kirito cheering up Sonic
"She's... Alice's sister."
"Excuse me?" Kirito loooking back Eugeo
"She studied Sacred Arts at the church. They said she was a prodigy." Eugeo said
"I had no idea..."
"That's interesting." Sonic said
*Night Time*
"It's been such a long day. Sister Azalia and the other villagers were pretty wary of me at first. Luckily, saying I was a Lost Child of Vecta made them warm up to me. But for Sonic, they need some time before actually trusting him. But, I realized something while interacting with Selka and the other villagers. There isn't a single NPC in this entire village. Every single person here behaves as realistically as Eugeo. But that's impossible... This is a virtual world If they're not human, and they're also not NPCs, what exactly are they? Maybe Sonic and I can find out the truth in Centoria. For now will head there and look for a way to communicate with the Real World."
*The Next Morning*
Kirito and Sonic were in front of the church entrance, waiting for Eugeo, but he hasn't appear yet.
"Still no Eugeo... Hm, I haven't seen a single clock in this world. How do people tell the time?"
"Could it be that the time in this world is also the same as the real world?" Sonic asked
"I have no idea, Sonic. But if it was, then we have a problem." Kirito replied
The church bell start's to
"Oh, so that's how." Kirito said
"Good morning you two. What do you get?" Eugeo said
"Morning, Eugeo. I just realize the bells okay a different melody each hour." Kirito said
"Yeah. They play each of the twelve verses of the hymn "By the Light of Solus." Eugeo said
"Fascinating. So clock don't exist in this world at all, huh?" Kirito said
"Oh, I've read about that, Long ago, a Divine Object of Time-Telling existed. However, people ignored their Callings to watch it, so the gods destroyed it. And from then on, humanity has only used bells to tell the time." Eugeo said
"So these 'gods' destroyed this Time-Telling object in order for people to continue doing their calings and not get distracted?" Sonic said
"That is correct, yes." Eugeo said
"Quite interesting If you ask me. Tell me more later If we have time." Sonic said
"Sure thing."
"Wow. So I'm curios, how do they ring the bells?"
"You both really have forgotten everything, haven't you two? No one's ringing the bells. It's managed by the village's only Divine Object. Oh, actually, I guess it's not the only Divine Object around here anymore. Would you two like to go see the Divine Object?"
"What about your Calling! I'm ready to help you out again today." Kirito said
"Great way for an arm work out as well!" Sonic said
"What? Today's a day of rest."
"Oh, crap. Sorry for dragging you out here, then. You got any other plans?"
"Nothing really. My days off have mostly been uneventful since I lost Alice."
"S-Sorry..."
"It's fine. Hey, why don't I show you two around town?"
"I'd really apperciate that."
"I don't mind at all."
And so, Eugeo take's Kirito and Sonic for a walk around the village, showing them around. From the locations that were around the village, to buildings, Eugeo house, and more. Seems like everything was peaceful fro the villagers.
"Help! Someone, please help!"
The three stop and look around.
"Did you hear that? Let's go check it out." Kirito said
"Y-Yes!" Eugeo said
"Let's see what's happening." Sonic said
The three head off to find where the yell came from. A few moments later, the three saw Selka healing someone on their leg.
"What happened?" Kirito asked
"Everything okay?" Sonic asked
"The man-at-arms was attacked by a beast." The villager said
"What?" Kirito suprise
"A beast? What kind of beast?" Sonic said
"I was... patrolling the border when it jumped on me... There haven't been any attacks lately... so I got complacent..." The Man-at-arms villager said
"You tend to his wounds. I'll talk to the chief and find someone to take his place."
"Thank you..."
Later, Kirito, Sonic, Eugeo, and Selka are talking with the chief.
"His wounds aren't deep, He should be fine." Gasfut said
"So what are we gonna do about this?" Kirito asked
"I plan to assign a subsitiude man-at-arms for the time being. We must keep the things that did this from causing any more harm." Gasfut said
"I assume you're going to form a team to hunt it?" Kirito said
"Yes. Though, we don't know their numbers yet. Will you and your friend assist with reconnaissance?" Gasfut requested
"Absolutely." Kirito accept's the request
"Anything to protect the innocent." Sonic said
"And you, Eugeo?"
"Wanna help us?"
"I, uh..."
Silences for a few seconds.
"Yeah..."
"I've sent the other members out ahead. We can discuss the rest there."
"Eugeo seems a bit off... He said Selka was Alice's sister. She must be worried. For now, I should talk to Eugeo."
Later...
"..."
"You okay, Eugeo?" Kirito asked
"You been acting kinda different lately. Care to explain what's wrong?" Sonic asked
"S-Sorry you two... It's just, I've never used a sword for combat... Are you both going to be okay?"
"We hope so. Either way, we've gotta do it to keep the rest of the village safe." Kirito said
"It's the only option we have." Sonic said
"Yeah, you're both right."
"Plus, we're just going out on recon. You may not even have to use that sword."
"G-Good point. I'm worrying over nothing Okay, I'm ready to do this."
*Couple Minutes later*
"How's the guard was attacked?"
"He needs rest, but he will live. We need to slay the beast before it can do worse."
"Did he mention where he was attacked?"
"At the northern edge of the village, I believe."
"Thanks. We'll go look around there."
*North Of The Village*
"There's nothing around here." Sonic looking around
"I can't see the beast that attacked the man-at-arms." Eugeo said
"It's been a while. It might already be gone."
"I guess we need to continue explorin-"
Moments later, a loud screech echoed around as the three notice a tall bird looking at them. Norlan Bird.
"That screech!"
The three summon their swords, ready to fight the Norlan Bird.
"Let's go!"
"Right!"
"Right back at ya"
The three charge at the Norlan Bird. Kirito and Sonic both attack the Norlan Bird on both sides of it while Eugeo attack's it in front. The Norlan Bird swing's it's head around and hit's Eugeo, who take's damage from it. Sonic jump's, turn's into a ball and homing attack's the Norlan Bird right at it's face. Kirito charges up his sword and does a 3-hit combo on the Norlan Bird. Then, The Norlan Bird jump's striaght up into the air slams on the ground, knocking all three back. The three then charge their swords and all finish it off with a team attack combo. After their combo, the Norlan bird screehes before falling onto the ground, dead. Once after that, the three put their swords away and walk closer to the body.
"That was quite a battle." Sonic said
"Phew... We got them!"
"Let's tell the rest of the village."
*Back At The Village*
"We made it back alive, somehow..." Kirito said
"That was great, you two."
"Right."
"That was awesome!" Sonic said
"Anyway, Mind if I ask something?" Kirito asked
"What is it?"
"Is there, uh... a way to revive the dead with a Sacred Art?"
"Alice once privately told me that there's an advanced art for increasing Life."
"Oh really?"
"For example, in humans, Life gradually incrases from infancy to adulthood. It peaks at around twenty-fivem them slowly decrease to zero by around eighty. Alice once read that there's a way to increase maximum Life value. But only the highest priests in the Axiom Church can use it. Either way, once you've returned to Stacia's embrace, there's no coming back." Eugeo said
"Better remember that I won't be respawning at a church if I die... I'd most likely wake up in the real world, but that's my last resort. My best chance is to talk to the people running the show here, the Axiom Church."
"Hey, Eugeo? Is there anything stronger than the Dragonbone Axe in this village?" Kirito asked
"Swords, sure, but not axes. Remember the Divine Object I mentioned this morning?" Eugeo said
"Oh yeah! You're gonna have to show it to us."
"Alright. I'll go get the sword. You two wait for me by the Gigas Cedar." Eugeo said
Eugeo walk's away from Kirito and Sonic to go get his sword.
"What's that "Divine Object" thing? Anyway, We should head for the Gigas Cedar."
"Wait for me." Sonic said
*Gigas Cedar*
"We need Eugeo's help to reach the capital, which means getting rid of this tree. We need to free him from wasting his whole life away on this Calling."
Eugeo make's it to the Gigas Cedar, drop's a heavy sword that he was dragging and take's deep breaths.
"Eugeo?!" Sonic said
"Wh-Whoa, you okay?!"
"Yeah... not really... This is incredibly heavy... It's called the Blue Rose Sword." Eugeo said
"What the hell is this...?" Kirito looking at the sword
"I never seen a sword designed like this." Sonic said
"There's a story passed down here called "Bercouli and the Northern White Dragon." Bercouli was one of the people who founded Ruild three hundred years ago. And this Blue Rose Sword appears in stories of his adventures." Eugeo explaining
"Whoever this Bercouli person is, must've had some amazing battles." Sonic said
"Where'd you find it, Eugeo?"
"In a pile of dragon bones when I went to the End Mountains six years ago."
"There was... a dead dragon?"
"Yeah. And its bones had slash marks all over them."
"So someone killed it? But who's strong enough to do that?"
"No idea, but they weren't interested in the sword, apparently."
"And you found it and brought it home?"
"Two summers ago, I went back, then carried it little by little on my days of rest."
Kirito grab's the sword and pick's it up, but drops it due to it being heavy.
"Mmph!"
"Seems we have a little problem." Sonic said
"A-Are you alright?!"
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine. You weren't lying about how heavy it is... Man, what a gorgeous sword."
"It isn't ordinary steel, or silver, or even dragon bone. A skilled practitioner of the arts must've crafted it with the power of the gods. Or, it was the creation of a god. We call such items Divine Objects." Eugeo said
"Wow, a sword crafted by a god..."
"That's quite impressive for sword this size." Sonic said
"What are "gods" in this virtual world? Game admins! The program itself? Regardless, it's clear this Blue Rose Sword is a crazyy high Priority item."
"Hey, Eugeo, there's something I wanna try."
"Uh... you're not going to cut the Gigas Cedar with that sword, are you?"
"That's not banned by the Taboo Index, is it?"
"No, there aren't any rules about it."
"Okay, then we're all set."
"I'm getting the strangest sense of dèjá vu here..."
"It's worth a shot at least, right? If it works, maybe we can but this thing down."
"Fine. But be careful."
"Let's get to work." Sonic said
Both Sonic and Eugeo back as Kirito was ready to swing the Blue Rose Sword. Using his strength, Kirito pick's up the sword and quickly attacks the tree with one swing. But this swing also knock's back Kirito and hit's the ground.
"Whoa."
"Are you okay, Kirito?!" Eugeo said
"That tree sure took the hit pretty well, buddy." Sonic said
"Damn, my whole body hurts from the kickback..."
"See? What'd I tell you? It's not that easy."
"You're right. I'm gonna need to learn to wield the sword properly to do this. Sorry for wasting your time."
"It's fine. Don't worry about it. You said your body hurts! I'll go get you some Silal Water." Eugeo said
"Y-Yeah, thanks..."
"Rest up until I get back."
Eugeo walk's away to get some Silal Water, leaving Kirito and Sonic behind. Sonic grab's Kirito's hand and lift's him back up.
"I never seen an object this strong in any virtual game we played." Sonic said
"I guess we have to start going threw basics again, Sonic. How do we wield this sword... In a game, it would have a level, class, or stat requirement... Oh, duh! The Stacia Window! It works on items, so maybe it works on us as well. (Draw's An S And Open's Stats) Let's see... Unit ID, and there's my Life. Lost a life in that fall, I guess. Object Control Authority: 38. System Control Authority: 1. I'm guessing the System Control Authority is my level in Sacred Arts? And the Object Control Authority... is my ability to use weapons and items? So the Blue Sword is... Class 45 Object. Does that mean we can only use it after we raise our Object Authority to 45? First off, how do you even raise it?"
"I'm back you two. Let's put the Blue Rose Sword in a hollow in the Gigas Cedar. Then, we can get a little rest and head back to the village."
*Back At The Village*
"Oh, hello, Welcome back, Kirito."
"Thanks. Do you have a little time, Selka?"
"Yes, of course. What do you need?"
"I, uh... I want to ask about your sister."
"I don't have a sister." Selka responded
"Not anymore. But Eugeo told me you used to have an older sister named Alice."
"He did? How much did he tell you?"
"That she studied Sacd Arts and was taken by an Integrity Knight six years ago."
"I see... So Eugeo hasn't forgotten about her..."
"Huh?"
"My mother and father, the sisters, the villagers... No one talks about Alice. It's like she never existed at all. And I thought maybe Eugeo had forgotten her too."
"Oh no, Eugeo's been worried sick about her since she was abducted. If he didn't have his Calling, he could've gone to the Capital to find her."
"Oh... So that would explain why he doesn't smile anymore..."
"Eugeo... doesn't smile?"
"When she was still here, Eugeo was alywas smiling, but I hardly ever see it anymore."
"Eugeo's kind of reserved, sure, but I see him smiling all the time. If he doesn't do it around anyone else, he probably still feels guilty. Yeah, there's no way Eugeo's just a regular computer program. He has a sou- a fluctlight, and for six years, he's agonized over his mistakes."
"Hey, what are you thinking about?" Selka asked
"Oh, just that you're right. That Eugei still cares for Alice more than anyone else in the world."
"Yeah... He does, doesn't he?"
"Selka, do you have feelings for Eugeo?"
"Wh- Of course not! Do you want to know why I left home and chose to live at the church? It was because Mother and Father kept comparing me to Alice. But even Sister Azalia seems disappointed I'm not as quick of a learner as Alice was. I know Eugeo isn't like that, but he tends to avoid me because I remind him of her. That's not my fault, though! Not of it is? I don't even remember what she looked like..." Selka tearing up
"..."
"Sorry for getting so worked up..."
"I-It's fine. You know, crying is nothing to be ashamed of."
"Yeah... I feel a bit better now. I haven't cried in fromt of anyone in such a long time."
"Wow, that's impressive. Look at how old I am, and I still cry all this time."
"Hey... are your memories coming back? With your blue talking animal friend as well?" Selka asked
"E-Erm, no, just... it just seems like something I'd do... With or without memories, we're still the same people... and animal. We won't change that easliy. And that goes for you too, Selka. You're you, and nobody else." Kirito said
"Yeah... My head's been buried in the sand, not really thinking about me or her..."
The church bell ring's.
"Oh wow, look at the time. What did you want to ask about anyway?" Selka said
"I've already got my answer."
"Oh... Hey, Kirito?"
"What's up?"
"Did Eugeo tell you and your other friend why the Integrity Knight took my sister away?"
"Yeah, why?"
"I still don't know. My father won't tell me, and neither will Eugeo."
"Well, uh... he said she crossed over the border in a cave in the End Mountains." Kirito said
"I see... The End Mountains, huh?"
"You okay, Selka?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Thanks for telling me."
"Sorry for holding you up on your day of rest."
"It's no problem. I'll be on my way, then."
"Yeah. Later."
Few Minutes Later...
"Kirito." Gasfut said
"Yeah? What is it, Chief?"
"Have you seen Selka?"
"I was just talking to her, but we split up after that. Is she not at home?"
"I couldn't find her at the church or out in the village."
"Huh?"
"What's going on over here?" Sonic said
Gasfut and Kirito look and saw Sonic walking thier way.
"Where have you been, Sonic?"
"I was just walking around the village, minding my own buisness."
"Have you seen Selka by any chance? Sister Azalia doesn't know her wherabouts, either." Gasfut said
"Unfortunately, I haven't seen her while I was walking around." Sonic saod
"She probably just has something to take care of. I'm sure she'll be back soon."
"I pray that you're correct. I will continue asking around."
"Will look too, since I was probably the last person at the church who saw her."
"You have my gratitude."
"Let's see... Where could Selka have gone? Eugeo's known her since they were kids, so maybe he'll have some idea."
*Moments Later*
"Eugeo!"
"Is something wrong, Kirito?"
"Yeah, actually."
"Oh no. Selka's gone missing?"
"Do you have any idea where she might be?" Kirito asked
"By any chance?" Sonic said
"Honestly, not really..."
"Any places you, her, and Alice used to go? We were just talking about her sister. Oh... Eugeo, why didn't you tell Selka the reason Alice was taken?"
"I remember her asking... but not actually why I didn't answer... I'm not sure. Maybe I was just scared? Afraid she might try to go after Alice..."
"That's it."
"Huh?"
"I told Selka about how Alice accidentally crossed into the land of darkness. She must be on her way to the End Mountains." Kirito said
"All by herself!" Sonic said
"This isn't good. We have to bring her back before anyone else notices. Though I'm sure if we'll even make it. She may already be there..." Eugeo said
"I need to know what we're dealing with. If Selka crosses over, will the Integrity Knights come arrest her immediately?" Kirito said
"No, she'd have until the next day. That's how it happened six years ago, at least."
"Okay, So even in the worst case, we can still do something for her."
"What do you have in mind?"
"It's easy. We take her and run before the Integrity Knight get here."
"I cam't do that. I have my Calling..."
"You don't have to come with us. I'm the one who told Selka, so I'll take responsibility and run away with her." Kirito said
"If that's the case, I'll go with you and Selka as well." Sonic said
"You both can't... That's impossible. Selka has a Calling too. She wouldn't run, even knowing she'll be taken. Besides, she would never be able to commit such a grave taboo in the first place." Eugeo said
"Alice did it, though." Kirito said
"No ones perfect." Sonic said
"Alice... was special. She wasn't like anyone else in the village at all. Either way, we need to go after Selka right now." Eugeo said
"Agreed. And we should bring our weapons, since there are beasts running around."
"Sounds like a plan."
"It's the only way."
"Awesome! This should be more than enough. Let's head out."
Later...
"The Twin Lakes are on the way to the Northern Cave. Let's head there."
"Okay. We have to find Selka quick."
"I'll get a head start. I'll see you guys at the Northern Cave." Sonic speeding away
"Wow! I didn't know Sonic can run that fast!" Eugeo shock
"He's the fastest person I ever met. Now come on!" Kirito said
"Got it."
The two start running and heading to the Northern Cave as well.
To Be Continue...