The Children of Ka (A story about Karuta Bot)

Chapter 17

Deep within the basement of The Hangout Bart and his crew worked tirelessly, only to meet several dead ends. That was until tonight, when the computer expert discovered something on the deep web. "Hey Bart, get over here. You might want to see this."

"What is it G?" Bart asked walking over next to his friend. "Have you found Ruta?"

"Even better. Look here..." G pointed at the screen, upon it was a story written on a forum. "...I think this guy is talking about Karuta; but what you witnessed."

"What's it say?" Bart inquired.

"It talks about a guy in New York who and I quote 'brought forth a monster from a card' and assaulted several others, leaving them dismembered. Says after the altercation the man was found in an alleyway holding a machete with no recollection of what he had done. He is currently incarcerated in a maximum security prison under psychiatric care." G read this all out loud in disbelief. "Police statements and autopsy reports say the machete was used to mutilate the victims. Nothing in there statement mentions the monster this man spoke of. In fact there report doesn't include any witness statements, just an anonymous call."

"Who posted that? Can you get their location?" Bart asked, looking at the images on the screen. "As well as the prison that man is locked up in."

"I already tried to find this man, but he's good. The source of his location will take me a bit to find, but I'll find it." G said confidently.

"Good, inform me when you do. This might be the only chance we have of finding out what this is about, and maybe how to rescue Ruta as well." Bart stood straight and turned toward the others. "We are going to New York."

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The hallways of Craig's massive property seemed like a maze to the young boy named North. Yet for his companion the paths they took were that of a typical Sunday stroll. "Where are we going?" North asked, looking about the hallways.

As the two traveled the boy looked into several open rooms. There was a massive library, what seemed like an art museum, and even a throne room. Upon such a throne was Craig, who sat casually with his eyes locked upon North. "Come in here, the both of you."

Tea nervously gulped and entered the room with North hiding behind her. "Uhhh...hello father." The young girl looked down at the floor. "Did you need something?"

"How many times have I told you not to bring strangers into my abode." Craig's tone was soft, but the aura about him sent a threatening feel down the other's spines.

"H-he's my friend. I wanted to show him my collection." Tea replied softly. "I'm sorry for not asking permission."

Craig stood up from his throne and walked slowly toward the two. "Where did you meet him?" he inquired, peering upon North.

"The hangout." North replied nervously. The aura  surrounding them grew heavier as the conversation went on.

"Did I ask you?" Craig shot back coldly. "What is your name?"

"N-north." The boy replied, adverting his gaze from the man.

"Ah North, that name sounds familiar." Craig grinned softly and held out his hand. "Craig Caldwell, I am the owner of this property. Pleasure to meet you."

"I know who you are sir. You have quite the reputation around our city." North said, taking Craig's hand and shaking it. "It is nice to meet you as well." he said nervously.

"My reputation goes far beyond what you have heard I'm sure." Craig said, pulling the North in. "Just ask your friend Ruta." he whispered into the shaken boy's ear.

It was as if everything froze in that moment. North's eyes went wide as the realization set in. Everything in his body screamed to run, but his mind had no control over his feet. The aura surrounding them grew heavier, pushing North to his knees.

"Did you really think you could enter my abode without me being aware?" Craig said, crushing the bois hand with his. "Did you really think you would rescue your friend?"

North tried to scream in pain, but no words came out. He grasped his wrist with his free hand and tried to tug free, but to no avail. That's when the unthinkable happened, before him his body started to twist and contort from his hand. "What have you done?!"

"I have gained a valuable asset." Craig said in a darkened tone. His hand began to glow a deep crimson red as North burst into a shower of blackened ooze. What remained after was a card within the man's hand; revealing the image of North imprinted upon it.

Tea took a step back with her eyes locked upon card. "F-father, I'm sorry." Her voice shook as she tried to back out of the room.

"Despite the fact that you helped us in what you did here, I will deal with your insubordination later." Craig said, sliding the card into his vest pocket. "Now leave my sight before I change my mind."