Chapter – 31
Swollowed by Darkness– SAO Integral Fragments
SAO: Floor 75
Koharu: *she sighs*
Koharu was sitting alone in a table, waddling a salt container with her finger, looking both bored and worried. Not long after, a cup of water was placed in front of her, making her jump out of her fantasy world.
Koharu: Oh?
Agil: Hey there. Mind if I sit?
Koharu: O-Oh, Agil. Not at all.
Agil: What's up with you? You worried about him?
Koharu: can you blame me? He has been in there for what? Almost a week. I can't get a hold of him, I don't know what he is doing and I don't know if he is okay. And even if he was okay… I never thought it'd be so… quiet.
Koharu: Oh, don't even remind me of that. I was scared beyond belief there. I just wish there was some way I can get a hold of him. Didn't he say that Kikuoka was going to transmit the game from here? What's taking him so long?
Agil: if I had to guess, I think what he was referring, was that he was going to transmit a live stream over on our side when it became live.
Koharu: so he is going to broadcast the live event here, but what live event?
Agil: beats me. We don't know what's going on out there in the real world.
Koharu: *she sighs in frustration* its just… knowing him, he is probably out doing something foolish, AND he is with Kirito so that only makes it even more plausible.
Agil: Well, when it comes to their foolish acts, they always resolve it.
Koharu: That doesn't mean they can do it every time. I know I should believe in (You) but… as his partner, I can't help but worry. I should be there beside him, fighting the battle by his side. Just like it's always been. This is the first time he is out doing something big without me.
Agil: Sounds to me like you're a being a bit possessive.
Koharu: H-Hey, I am not possessive. I am just merely worried about him. You know, you might never know when some damsel in distress is in need of attention and he just goes jumping in and rescuing like the charm prince he is, meeting someone I am not aware of, going out with someone I am not aware of, Its just—!
Agil: Mm-Hm…
Koharu: A-Ahem, point being… I am just worried about him.
Agil: Look, I get how it worrying about someone you love but at the end of the day, he is out doing something important. It's not like it was his decision to leave you out of it and even if it was… don't you think he had a good reason for doing it. Up to this point, he trusts you more than anyone when it comes to dealing with deadly situations. So the fact that if he didn't bring you meant that he had a good reason, then it must be serious. Furthermore, if he does need your help, I am sure you will know when he needs it. After all, you're his partner, right?
Koharu: Yeah… I am his partner.
Agil: so don't worry. When the time comes, you will know what to do. For now, just relax and wait for the clouds to pass by. Who knows? Once they clear out, there could be a rainbow in the end. *he walks away*
Koharu: Hmm… there can't be a rainbow, without a storm first… I wonder if…
?: Help! Help!
Koharu: Huh?
Hearing the yelling voice of a male player outside, Koharu exited the shop and went to see what was all the commotion about. Outside, he saw that a group of players were gathering the pleading player who was screaming for help with eyes wide open in fear.
Pleading player: Somebody please help! My party and I were ambushed by some crazy white hair girl!
Random player: Whoa, whoa chill out man! What's this about a white haired girl?
Pleading player: she just came out of nowhere, staring at us with soulless eyes and very dark clothes. I couldn't tell if she was a Pkiller or a mob, she didn't have a cursor.
Koharu: Uh!
Random player: didn't have a cursor? Are you sure it was—
Pleading player: I KNOW WHAT I SAW! She almost killed me, m-my friends they… *tears begin to fall down his eyes* they saved me at the last minute… told me to get help… please, I am begging you. She is too strong, they could be dead by now! Please help!
Koharu: *she steps in* where was she?
Pleading player: just near the entrance. Please hurry!
Koharu, without wasting another moment, runs to the exit of the Arc Sophia and begins to run through the fields in search of this mysterious girl. As she ran, her expression was worrisome, like as if she knew who the girl was and was afraid to be correct and if she was… there was no telling how it would turn out since she knows she is not someone to be taken lightly. With her strength, she is capable of hurting even the strongest players of Aincrad and she is no exception.
Koharu: that guy said that she was somewhere near the exit but… where? Its all too quiet…
"Rustle-Rustle"
Just then, the bushes are rustling to which Koharu jumps in surprise and prepares both of her daggers.
Koharu: Who's there?
"Rustle…."
Koharu: if your there, come out now.
The sound of leaves getting stepped could be heard as the figure emerged from the shadows. Surely enough, Koharu's worries were testified… it was Eydis.
Koharu: Eydis?
Eydis:…
Eydis did not respond nor showed any expression on her face. Her face was as lifeless as a doll.
Koharu: Eydis, are you okay? Its me, Koharu.
Eydis:…
Eydis did not even reacted to her response. Her appearance was also different. Her hair was whiter with some shades of black, her armor was all teared up with only the under black armor exposed.
Koharu: Eydis, they told me that a small party of people were attacked, where you the one—?
Eydis: Where is she…?
Koharu: Huh?
Eydis: where is that girl? Where did she go?
Koharu: Girl? What girl?
Eydis: where is she…? I must go to her… otherwise… she'll be all alone! GEAAAAAAH!
Eydis, with her sword glowing dark purple, leaps towards Koharu with her sword at hand with Koharu managing to block her attack.
Koharu: E-Eydis! Whats going on?!
Eydis: Where is she?! Where is she?! I have to find her! NOW!
Koharu: E-Eydis, calm down!
Eydis: Shut up… shut up! Shut up! Shut up!
Eydis's commotion brought a swarm of enemies as they all surrounded both of them.
Eydis: GRAAAAAARRR! Get out of my way! "Slash" GREAAAAGH! "Slash" AAAAAAAAAHHH!
Koharu: she can't tell from wither friend or foe, it's like she's gone insane… not only that, but her appearance is totally different. Her arms and face are covered with black symbols that almost look like a pixelated glitch. What the heck is even happening?
Eydis: Get out of my WAAAAAAAAY!
Eydis slashed through the sky and as she did, a massive line of strike covered the sky until eventually…
"KUUURPOOOOOOOOW!"
Koharu: Igh! Such power! I knew she was strong but I didn't know she was this strong! Was this why (You) lost to her?
Before long, the entire area surrounding those turns pitch black, there was no sign of light anywhere.
Koharu: igh… what is going on? I can't see anything!
The pitch black void was all infinite darkness, Koharu was in a tight spot without any help from the inside or outside.
Koharu: Damn it… I can't even sense her… I don't know what to do…
As she looks at her daggers, she notices something that hasn't been happening in a while.
Koharu: what? Am I… shaking?
Koharu's daggers were shaking as her reflection also concerned her.
Koharu: am I… scared? No… no this can't be happening. I've been through worst, I cannot be feeling scared, I…
Recalling back in those dangerous times, she recalls something important.
Koharu: I… may have been through worst… but I didn't do it alone. I had him… my partner…
Koharu falls on her knees as her fear begins to take over her.
Koharu: I can't… I can't do this… not without him. Someone please… save me… (You), I know your there, this is all just a nightmare… maybe this is all a nightmare, maybe SAO didn't happen, maybe that day… or no… not that day, my… my reason, my… mission? Wait… what am I…?
The sound of footsteps were heard nearby, only problem was, it was coming from multiple directions.
Koharu: Igh… who's there? Wh-what do you want from me?
…
Koharu: please, I just wanna go home… I want to fix what I have done!
(Your) memory voice: its okay… to feel weak…
Koharu: Huh?
(Your) memory voice: I know what that's like… sometimes there were days in where I just thought about taking myself off the board, maybe that would have been better. Its not like anyone cared about me… but I also knew that if I didn't do at least something, then no one would have and then… lots of people would have died.
Koharu: (You)…
(Your) memory voice: that's why I did what I did. It was wrong but… I know I had to do something. So even if the decision you make may be the wrong one, if it means that it can help you get back up and give other a helping hand… then what do you haft to lose.
Koharu: that's right… you were abused, tortured and even ashamed by your family and friends… but you still pushed through, even in the darkes of times… its only thanks to you that I got so far… so no, it is my turn to get up in this dark void… and show my dedication. Even if I am scared… I will fight. That's what you would do…
Koharu, with her daggers still shaking, stared at the void with the sound of footsteps now running towards her from multiple directions.
Koharu: *she closes her eyes* I can do this, I can do this…
Eydis: GREAAAAAAAAAH!
Koharu: Igh!
Koharu athletically dodges Eydis's multiple attack by her and her shadow puppets as a massive purple X glow on the ground.
Koharu: if I can't see her… I must fight her with my senses… *she closes her eyes*
Feeling a small breeze from behind her, she turns around and.
"CLANK!"
Eydis's Katana and Koharu's daggers both collide as they both struggle with their weapons.
Koharu: Igh… HEAAA! *she kicks Eydis away*
Koharu gets on one knew and begins to breathe in and out.
Koharu: must use all senses…
Koharu, closing her eyes once more, begins to hear, feel and smell the danger coming from all her directions. Doing so, the void lightens up in her vision as she detects Eydis in the shadows.
Koharu: *she smiles*
Dashing through the darkness, Koharu begins to land attacks on Eydis with swift slashes and hard strikes. Eydis still managed to hold Koharu off even with both her daggers, both girls seeming determined to land a hot on the other.
Koharu: (She is capable of seeing my movements. Then again, this void was conjured by her sword so it makes sense that she has the upper hand.)
With Koharu back flipping away from Eydis, she awaits for her to strike.
Eydis: GET OUT OF MY WAAAAAAY!
Eydis: Igh! Wh-what?
Koharu: Eydis… get a hold of yourself.
Eydis: the way you… igh… *she holds her right eye* K-K… Kirito… Alice…
Eydis's right eye began to glow bright red until eventually.
Eydis: GRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
The bright flash of red rips through the void and the falls down as the whole area turns back to normal with the light of the sun shining through once more.
Eydis: igh… *she falls down*
Koharu: E-Eydis!
Koharu reaches Eydis and carries her on her back.
Koharu: hold on, Eydis. I will get you to safety.
With Eydis on her back, Koharu carried her through the town of Arc Sophia with players beginning to swarm her in demand for answers. Gotta give her praise for rescuing a friend like that but in the eyes of the people it looked like she was going to cause trouble, pretty clumsy move of her, better yet, a very Koharu move from her.
Pleading player: Th-That's her, that's the girl who killed my teammates. Its all thanks to her that they are gone… THEY'RE GOOOOOOOONE!
Random player: What should we do with her?
Random player 2: Is she from a murder guild?
Random player 3: throw her in a dungeon!
Player after player began to throw their demands but Koharu knew that it was not a good idea to hand her over, especially when she is not even from here. Besides, who knows what happened to her.
Koharu: Uh… Well, I—
?: Stand down!
A loud demanding voice was heard from afar, just in the neck of time, the cavalry arrived.
Koharu: Asuna!
Asuna: We will take it from here. I am very sorry for your friends… we will take her and interrogate her. The rest of you, calm the rest.
KoB soldiers: Right!
Koharu: Phew… thanks for that. Things were starting to get out of hand.
Asuna: it's your own fault for drawing attention to yourself like that.
Koharu: Sorry, my only thing in mind was getting her to safety. How did you know about this?
Asuna: We saw that massive black flash. A lot of guild parties were gathered to see what it was.
Koharu: it was that obvious?
Asuna: And loud, everyone heard you two fight. Come on, we can take her to KoB's HQ, she'll be safe there.
With that, Asuna and Koharu took Eydis to KoB's HQ and after some time, Eydis was still in bed with her body motionless. It seemed like she went through a lot of psychological trauma from the way she acted.
KoB HQ
Asuna: And that's all that happened?
Koharu: that's it. I have no idea why she just attacked me or those other players.
Leafa: Not only that, look at her. It looks like she has been wondering alone in the fields for quite some time.
Mito: it looks like she hasn't eaten anything either. Her armor is all destroyed and her appearance is just… weird.
Leafa: I've seen her in action before, what could have possibly happened to cause this much damage to her? And also, where is that other girl… Alice, I think. Aren't they always together?
Koharu: when I found her, it was just her. No signs of Alice or anyone else.
Eydis: Mm…
Asuna: Uh! It looks like she is coming through.
Eydis: Ugh… my eye…
Koharu: Eydis! Are you okay?
Eydis: Igh… wh… where am I?
Asuna: you are in a private room. Don't worry, no one will hurt you.
Eydis got up from the covers with her hand still holding her right eye.
Eydis: what happened…? I can't remember anything…
Koharu: You… cant remember anything?
Eydis: No.
Koharu: Not even attacking me?
Eydis: Attack? What? No, I… wait… Koharu? Oh my gosh, I—Ugh…
Eydis attempted to reach Koharu but got slumped back due to pain.
Asuna: Easy there, you are in pretty bad shape. I will go get the food, you three watch over her. *she leaves*
Mito: How are you feeling?
Eydis: Mostly pain… my body feels like it's being squashed by a horse.
Leafa: do you not remember anything that happened this last few days?
Eydis: No… but I… I do remember, something… something that has to do with Alice and that other guy Kirito… something about them, being trapped in a loop of time… not related to theirs. Augh *she holds her eye* but every time I think about it, my right eye begins to hurt. Like as if its making me not remember.
Koharu: do you not remember when the last time you were conscious was?
Eydis: I… I do actually…
Eydis POV
I remember I was walking down the field's attempting to reach this town. I've been wondering for days attempting to reach it and just when I was close…
Eydis: "Pant" "pant" almost there, I just… need to. *I fall down* geez, I cannot quit now… must warn them about-
?: My, my…
Eydis: Huh?
Out of nowhere, this shady looking person came out from the shadows with a very weird voice, I've never heard anything like it before. Whoever this person was, they were wearing a mask and a coat so it was hard to see if it was male or a female.
?: Guess she did send you guys back after all. Guess I will need to teach her a lesson once again for disobeying my orders.
Eydis: Wh-who are you? *I prepare my blade* answer me.
?: My identity is none of your concern. What you need to be concerned about, is the situation of your problem.
Eydis: Problem?
?: oh come now, Eydis. Surely you must have notice up till now that the memories you have… don't quite match up.
Eydis: Mm…
?: Come now. Doesn't it seem… odd. That "Your" Alice doesn't seem… to react or behave accordingly to the way you remember or the fact that there is a 10th knight summoned by the heaves from the pontifex. Memories are a delicate thing, don't you think?
Eydis: what are you saying? None of this make sense.
?: Well, in all fairness, none of what is about to happen will make sense. But surely you must have thought about it. Your doubts about the Axiom church.
Eydis: I… Igh!
?: Oh but that's right. You aren't allowed to doubt the highly order of the axiom church. But even so, I am sure that hasn't stopped you from attempting to remember what actually happened. How you got to this world. What happened to the Alice you know… or about what happened with your sister?
Eydis: Huh?! My… sister?
?: Oh dear, Eydis. It seems that they have stolen your memories after all. I guess it's something you and I can share, being subjects to follow the rules of those in a higher position, taking away everything we love.
Eydis: Stop it… it's not, I… ghigh!
?: Oh, but why are you judging me? I mean, didn't you already fought her?
I can't remember a lot from that point… but I do remember that I came back from a harsh battle… someone took Alice from me… I can't remember who it was but… I do know that he… no, she was someone dangerous and that she was lurking around this world in search of something… it looked like she was angry… but angry at who, who was she looking for? More importantly, who was she? Why can't I remember her?
?: Of course, you alone couldn't defeat her. Those are the rules after all… those who have power over you… can just crush you like a bug.
Eydis: Stop… stop talking.
?: What's wrong Eydis? Do you still blame yourself for not being able to protect her all this time?
Eydis: Igh!
?: For failing her when you both made a promise to always be together…
Eydis: No… stop it!
?: Its too bad that you will never be able to amend that mistake. If only there was a way to turn back time, but alas it is impossible. There is no undoing what is done, and you Eydis… has failed like a Big sister.
Eydis: No! Your wrong, I just…
?: You failed Eydis, because you couldn't keep her safe… now she is gone and she will never come back!
Eydis: Stop it! it's not too late! GHIIIIGHRR!
I remember feeling an insane amount of pain in my right eye… then these numbers appeared in my line of vision… I can't remember what they were because the pain was too much. But I do remember that I couldn't take it anymore.
Eydis: GAAAAAAH! Stop it! Stop this pain!
Grabbing my blade, I chant a skill that I knew… I was not ready to wield.
Eydis: RELEASE RECOLLECTION!
?: Hehe…
With my blade releasing its memories, I attempted to use its power to defeat the mysterious figure but… before I knew what was happening, all of my surrounding were dark. I couldn't tell where she was or where was I…
Eydis: Igh… I… GIGH!
I tried to view my surrounding but the darkness was consuming me. I felt cold and alone, my blade was taking over me.
?: Big sis!
Eydis: Huh?
In the darkness though, I saw a girl… very small… very delicate. For some reason, I felt drawn to her… so deep.
Eydis: Who… are you? Oof! Ugh… my head!
In just a matter of seconds, the darkness to over me… and I was all alone.
Eydis: I have to go to her… otherwise… she will be all alone…
I was stuck in the darkness for what felt like hours but… then I heard a voice. It was faint but understandable. Whoever this voice was, it shouted my name.
?: Eydis! Heed my words. The swords memories have swallowed you whole. I am so sorry that you should fall into such torment right after I started watching over you. I was naïve. I thought I could harness your strong defiant will and your skill with the sword… and use you to fight even gaint integrity knights. But mostly, to remind that boy (You) about his promise to Quinella and attempt to bring him back… however, she and that traitor got you first. If I hadn't set my sights on you, you might still be living a happy peaceful life with your sister.
Eydis: My… sister?
?: Again. I am so sorry. I deeply regret what I've done to you. at present, I am not powerful enough to undo your synthesis and return you to normal. However, I will devote my life to caring for your loved one.
Eydis: My sister… is she safe?
?: Yes. So please rest at ease. Regain control over yourself.
Eydis: that's a relief…
Present moment
Eydis: and that's it… I cannot remember anything after that.
Koharu: Well, at least now we know that you weren't off on a killing spree. You did kill a few of our people, you know.
Eydis: I did?! Oh my gosh… I am so sorry.
Leafa: Don't worry, you were not in control of your own actions. Still, the people here are not going to take it lightly, you are gonna haft to lay low for a while, at least until things calm down and we find a way to get you back outside.
Eydis: I really don't know what to say… I was foolish to unleash my blades memories like that, I wasn't ready…
Koharu: How did you even come back to your senses?
Eydis: I told you, I heard a voice that snapped me out of it. I don't know who it was though.
Koharu: did it sound familiar though?
Eydis: No. I think I'd remember a voice like that.
Koharu: Oh… and what about that weird hooded figure?
Eydis: I don't know. A lot of my memories have become foggy ever since I lost control. I don't think I will be able to wield my blade for a while either. Again… I am sorry for attacking you and… killing all those other people. I couldn't tell from friend from foe…
Koharu: Don't worry, you weren't yourself. All that matters now is that you are back. Don't worry, once (You) comes back, we will figure out what to do.
Eydis: (You)? You mean he is not here?
Koharu: No… he is… somewhere far away. He will be back though.
Eydis: You speak like as if you have doubts. Why is that?
Koharu:…
Leafa and Mito: Mm…
Koharu: Well, he is at a faraway distance that I…. I cannot see or know what is going on. I am just worried about him, that's all.
Eydis: but didn't this happen before already?
Koharu: Huh?
Eydis: don't you remember? When he up and poof from here?
Koharu: Oh yeah… that night when we thought he died.
Eydis: he came back from that, didn't he? Don't worry, trsut him. I am sure he will come back in one piece.
Koharu: Ehehe… you're right. It's just that, as his partner I just can't help but worry.
Eydis: I understand. I feel the same way with Alice as well. I don't know where she is but… I know she will be okay. She is Alice synthesis 30 after all. One of the strongest knights to have ever lived. If anyone can survive a threat, it's her. Besides, I know I am not alone.
Koharu: *she smiles* Yeah, your right. We just haft to keep pushing forward.
Asuna: I feel the same way.
Asuna enters the room with a tray full of food.
Asuna: Kirito can be stubborn some times and he always manages to get himself into trouble. But I know he can handle himself. (You) and Kirito might cause us headaches sometimes, but at least there are sandwiches.
Asuna then proceeds to pour tea and cookies for everyone to share.
Asuna: come on, let's eat up.
Everyone: Right!
As everyone began to eat Asuna's meal, nobody noticed a small creature crawling through the sheets. It was a spider, crawling from Eydis's hair onto the floor and crawling its way out of the room.
Meanwhile, outside of the room stood a small figure with a coat that ran out of KoB's HQ.
?: Hmm…
The figure hid themselves behind some trees as they began to write some notes.
?: So far, suspect has been showing no signs of memories. Can't say for sure if it's an act or legit, that being said, these past few days have proven to be a bit more interesting with the suspect showing more signs of weird behavior. The research must continue and hopefully I can figure this out. *she removes her hoodie* Brother… I am sorry. I must do what I must do.
Twilight runs into the forest with her coat shadowing her figure.
As the story progresses, the light is getting swallowed by the light more quickly. All I can do, as I write the incidents that took place while I was gone, is that I was closer to the answers from before. Hopefully, I will be ready for whatever happens.
To be continued…