Binary Soul

> Kira PoV <

I spot White Skittles approaching me while we’re in the middle of preparing for my ‘Got Well Party.’ Lara really had a great idea for this one! We decided to have a huge feast of various Roc-based dishes since the others had hunted so many of them.

Brand, Nano and Zublos will be cooperating on the cooking so I have high expectations! The smell of the barbecue currently sizzling in the kitchen is absolutely divine! Roel, Kelly and Ellie are dismantling the giant birds out here in the yard to get even more meat ready for the three in the kitchen!

As for me, I’m here to supervise them.

I could be helping actively, but I really should not move around too much. I need to be mindful of my delicate state you know! Also, I’m still not fully recovered from being bound to my bed for so long! It’s not like I’m avoiding it because I’m squeamish, okay? So what if just the wet sounds of knives striking flesh are enough to make me want to throw up?

This and that are completely unrelated!

“Excuse me. May I speak to you for a minute? I have a personal request.” (Skittles)

“What is it?” (Kira)

“I understood from Nano you were headed south towards the Mirelian ocean. I was wondering if you would give me a lift.” (Skittles)

Okay, this is a surprise, not to mention a bit suspicious.

“But you’re a titan. You don’t need food or sleep and can probably get there faster by yourself, right?” (Kira)

“Well, that’s true, but... ” (Skittles)

Skittles looks at me apprehensively and starts mumbling slightly. Make that extremely suspicious.

“Don’t make excuses! If you want something, then you should clearly say what it is!” (Kira)

“... Okay. Truthfully, while I do intend to get to the ocean eventually, what I- What all of us want is to travel with you and your companions for a while longer.” (Skittles)

“What if you suddenly turn brown or red and go berzerk for no reason?! It’s way too dangerous!” (Kira)

“I assure you that they did not ‘go berzerk for no reason.’ Red only acts violent in self defense. You would also go all out if someone else hurt your family in front of your very eyes, right?” (Skittles)

“Okay, you have a point. What about the brown one?” (Kira)

From what I understood it was completely feral. Can you even reason with such a being?

“She doesn’t usually attack people. It’s just that she sensed your wife was, in her own words, SKREEKTKT.” (Skittles)

I facepalm lightly while rubbing my forehead.

“Try repeating that for those of us that don’t speak Spider.” (Kira)

I’m not even going to ask how she made those sounds with a human mouth and tongue.

“Ah, right, sorry. Uhm, ‘Super Mega Ultra Double-Dangerous’ would be the meaning.” (Skittles)

“How rude! I would appreciate it if you didn’t talk about my dear Ellie like that!” (Kira)

“Brown’s words, not mine. Although judging from how she effortlessly crushed Red, I’m inclined to believe it.” (Skittles)

“Technically that was-” (Kira)

“Yes, she crushed you! No, you didn’t! You never stood a single chance from the start!” (Skittles)

She started yelling and gesturing at someone to the right of her.

“That’s your own damn fault! You kept egging her on even while the rest of us were telling you to cut it out!” (Skittles)

Of course, there’s nobody actually there.

“And how did all that work out for you, huh? You got completely destroyed, utterly decimated and totally wrecked! It was so one-sided it was pitiful!” (Skittles)

I noticed the wet sounds from behind me have stopped, so I glance over my shoulder. Ellie, Kelly and Roel are staring at her, their confusion obvious on their faces. Turning my attention back forward, I cross my arms and raise an eyebrow inquisitively at Skittles who keeps arguing with herself.

“Now listen here- That’s it, you’re grounded! No more getting out unless- Huh!? What do you mean out loud?!” (Skittles)

Skittles suddenly remembers I’m still here and turns back to me with a blank look on her face.

“Oh…” (Skittles)

She then immediately averts her gaze and starts twiddling her thumbs.

“W-well… Uhh… Th-that’s basically how things are. She won’t trouble you for a while.” (Skittles)

“So do you want to get off my property willingly or be thrown off it by force?” (Kira)

“I hope it’s by force.” (Ellie)

Ellie walked up to my side and backed me up no questions asked. She’s become so assertive lately that I might have fallen in love for her for the 5th time ~♡! I wonder if it’s okay to get double-married after all ~♡!?

“I apologize profusely for my outburst. Please let me plead my case.” (Skittles)

Ack! Almost forgot this nutjob was still there! Though seeing her sincerely bow down in apology like that totally makes me feel like I’m the bad guy...

“I’m sorry as well, it was not fair to you.” (Kira)

I realize she’s not as crazy as she appears. More importantly she saved me and my unborn child when it would have been easier to ignore us. I shouldn’t repay her kindness with scorn.

“Please follow me inside. I’d be glad to hear you out. The rest of you get back to work!” (Kira)

* * *

I sit down in the living room. Skittles slightly shifts her body to squeeze through the door and sits down on the carpet opposite me.

“Thank you for being so accomodating.” (Skittles)

“Don’t worry about it. This is the least I could do. Now, what’s this all really about?” (Kira)

“It is rather simple, really. The brief time we have spent together reminded me of a happier time. Of a group of oddballs gathered around a kind mage that taught us all the meaning of Joy.” (Skittles)

She must mean that old man and his comrades from her story. Well… as much as I hate to admit it, we are surely very much alike.

“We wish to relive those cheerful times, even a little, and were hoping to accompany you for as long as you would allow us. What I wish for is nothing more than your companionship.” (Skittles)

I briefly consider her proposal. Despite mine and Ellie’s reservations, she’s still one of the ‘Greater’ titans, right? Let’s think of it as a rare chance!

“All right, I understand. You can accompany us under three conditions. First, you have to wear clothes at all times.” (Kira)

Seriously, the always-naked thing is getting on my nerves. It’s not good to have a pervert like that with the kids walking around!

“I understand. One moment, please.” (Skittles)

She puts her fingertips together, then pulls them apart. Five glistening white threads stretch out between her hands. She then moves them back together and starts moving her fingers wrists and hands at high speeds.

{Kira, you sure this is okay?}

Nano speaks into my ear while Skittles is doing her thing.

“It should be. She isn’t exactly untrustworthy. Besides, I plan to exploit her for all she has.” (Kira)

I turn my head, cover my mouth and answer back in a gentle whisper.

{Oh! As expected of you! Okay, I’ll leave you to it!}

Fufufu. People won’t realize they were ripped off if they’re left smiling and satisfied at the end of a deal!

“Will this suffice?” (Skittles)

Seems the titan finished what she was doing while I was distracted. I look back at her and almost can’t believe my eyes! She’s already made a sleeveless pure-white gown out of her thread! It fits superbly around her human-shaped upper body!

“Oh wow! Can I touch the fabric?!” (Kira)

She nods and I reach out and lightly pinch the cloth between my fingers. It’s not just the looks! This smooth sensation easily trumps high-quality silk! And without a single seam anywhere! It’s really well made!

“How come you didn’t wear one of these until now?” (Kira)

“Well… it’s been a while since I needed clothes.” (Skittles)

I guess a titan living in this frozen wasteland doesn’t really need any clothing. It’s not as if she’ll catch a cold or anything. Not to mention this colthing probably would not survive those violent transformations of hers. I let go of the fabric and lean back in my seat.

“I see. Then from now on, I’ll be counting on you to not prance around naked anymore. This goes for the rest of you in there! Which leads me to the second condition - you still want to let the different parts of you resurface and do their thing, right?” (Kira)

“Yes… It is not right to keep them locked in as if they were prisoners. Well, except Red and Brown. They are being punished, but since nobody got hurt I may lighten their sentences. If that’s okay with you.” (Skittles)

“I understand completely. I will forgive them as long as they repent properly.” (Kira)

The White one clearly thinks of the others as her daughters. Punishments are fine, but I would never think of depriving them of their freedom. Especially as a fellow mother.

“Thank you, you truly are too kind.” (Skittles)

“Think nothing of it. In any case, I will try to accommodate any demands your other selves may have.” (Kira)

That outburst earlier makes it clear - Skittles can talk to and share information with her dormant personalities. Since we have a way to communicate, compromises will be made possible. Even those two battle maniacs can be useful if we can point them in a direction where only monsters will get hurt. That way they let out their pent-up aggression and the area becomes safe. A simple win-win!

“In return, I ask that you assist us with some of our projects and help around the house a bit. This is the second condition. I will not tolerate freeloaders!” (Kira)

She’s a titan with eleven different people inside her. Surely their combined experience and different viewpoints will be a big help to Nano and his ideas going forward. Not to mention I want some of those silky dresses for myself and Ellie!

“Lending you some of my power in exchange for satisfying our selfishness, hmm? It seems like a fair trade. However, I hope you realize there are things we are not capable of and/or are unwilling to do.” (Skittles)

“It’s the same for us, I will deny any outrageous requests immediately, so please be moderate. That goes double for the pink one! I don’t care how badly she wants it, she’s not laying a hand on Ellie! Or me, for that matter!” (Kira)

I almost had a heart attack when I heard about it from Nano! Having to give my consent to something like that was horrible! And then she tried to seduce my sweet innocent Ellie even though she was refused! The sheer nerve of that harlot!

“Ah, about that. Pink wishes to apologize to and thank Ellie for refuting her. She says she lost control to her new body and would have deeply regretted it if that situation went any further. She also vows to seek her, uh ‘release’ elsewhere.” (Skittles)

So… she went into heat!? Well, if she really did appear based on Ellie’s memory then that’s entirely possible. Ellie is really intense whenever she’s performing her nightly duties. She doesn’t hold back in the slightest ~♡! Not that I’m complaining ~♡!

“Alright, I’ll forgive her as long as she doesn’t copy my body.” (Kira)

I mean, if she can freely change her face and body then there’s no reason to use those, right?!

“She says you have a deal.” (Skittles)

That’s good. The idea of someone who looks like me sleeping around is… uncomfortable to say the least. And if Ellie finds out something like that was going on, there won’t be anything left of Skittles! Even if it’s by proxy, my gallant Ellie will not forgive anyone for daring to lay a finger on her dear wifey ~♡!

“It seems all of us are in agreement. The other parts of me will cooperate fully in the future whenever they wish to come outside and play.” (Skittles)

Good. It’s fine as long as they understand. I just hope their definition of ‘play’ doesn’t end up breaking a mountain in half...

“Then the last condition - I need to know why you want to head for the ocean.” (Kira)

She’s been in this place for who knows how long and now she suddenly decided to travel clear across the continent. There must be a good reason for this, but I want to avoid any nasty titan-related surprises, if at all possible. Even if Skittles means well, it doesn’t mean we won’t get dragged into something dangerous because of her.

“It is not an urgent matter. We simply wish to visit the resting place of our former comrades and pay our respects. Call it a pilgrimage of sorts.” (Skittles)

“You know where this place is?” (Kira)

“Yes. Although we travelled a lot together we eventually settled down and built a small village on a cliff overlooking the ocean. As long as I make it to the shore, I will find my way there.” (Skittles)

“Really now? Honestly, I’m a bit surprised. No offense, but the rest of your fellow titans have been extremely… forgetful.” (Kira)

To the point where even calling them ‘unreliable’ would be an understatement. Draglael didn’t mention a lot of things regarding Skittles on the way here. When Ellie confronted her about it, her only response was ‘I forgot.’ Umph also seemed quite scatterbrained during the brief time he accompanied Kelly. And Khamis, well, I don’t even understand that thing so it’s best not to worry about it.

“They are, but through no fault of their own. Without a living vessel that is flesh and blood, the memories etched on the soul will slowly erode, becoming incomplete. Given enough time, they might completely disappear. It is also why I am so adamant about retaining my original body. Forgetting even a single thing about the only place I have ever called home is something unforgivable.” (Skittles)

I see. So it was like that. I guess Ellie and I really have been too hard on those guys. I’ll have to apologize to them. Just a little though.

“Alright. Since you’ve promised to keep yourself decent and cooperate fully with me and Nano, I have no qualms about keeping you company.” (Kira)

“All of us look forward to working with you.” (Skittles)

We shake hands briefly to signify our mutual understanding. Peaceful resolutions really are the best after all!

“Do you mind if I ask one last thing?” (Kira)

“Certainly.” (Skittles)

“... What was he like? This person that left such a deep impression on all of you?” (Kira)

She broke out into a nostalgic smile and gently closed her eyes.

“A cheeky geezer who would incessantly ask the most bizzarre questions. Things like ‘How come air is there but we can’t see it?’ or ‘Can Green really eat rocks?’ Even though he was loud and unpredictable, he was still a splendid scholar. You know he was the one who invented the practice of enchanting the earth through those giant Magic Stones?” (Skittles)

“Really?! Isn’t that quite amazing?” (Kira)

“Indeed. And it all stemmed from a prank he used on Yellow. He made the ground under her flare up in a bright light so he could spook her. Heh. Red almost flattened his face that day.” (Skittles)

Well, the reason for it may have been silly, but many magical practices trace their origins to equally stupid thoughts.

“In that case I should pay my respects as well. It is the least I can do. My family has benefited greatly from his research.” (Kira)

“I noticed. Though I doubt even that man would ever think to float his own fortress like this. However, he would definitely give it a try, given the chance. Purple is particularly thrilled to see you carrying on his legacy in an fittingly outrageous way. Even back then she was his best disciple, you know?” (Skittles)

“Come to think of it, what was his name?” (Kira)

The identity of the one who invented city-scale magic is unknown, so this is bound to be very valuable information. It’s probably some unknown scholar, right?

“His name was Kotero Ferseit.” (Skittles)

No way. No. Fucking. Way.

“THE Kotero Ferseit?! Founder and First Magus of the ancient Order of the Eye?!” (Kira)

“Hmm? Now that you mention it there was such a group of people, huh?” (Skittles)

“Group of people!? That Order is the sole reason magical knowledge is so widespread in the Kingdom and beyond!” (Kira)

The prestigious Magic Academy traces its origins back to that very same Order! It’s an organization that still carries out their will to further the study of magic!

“Hmm? Which Kingdom would that be? He hated politics so I didn’t think he had any ties with a specific nation.” (Skittles)

She’s staring at me with an tilted head! Wow, she really didn’t know? Just how long did she mope around this place all by herself!?

“Tell you what. Not only do I know where his crypt is, I can even introduce you to his descendants. That’s sure to make you happy, right?” (Kira)

“Oh! His bloodline lives on!? This is a pleasant surprise!” (Skittles)

‘Lives on’ is putting it mildly. It was Kotero Ferseit’s grandson that would become the founder of the Kingdom of Ferseit. That unbroken line of kings that has endured for over 800 years. The settlement from her memories should be the capital the Founding King named after his late grandfather.

“Then, I will take you up on your offer! We would very much like to meet that old Crackhead’s descendants!” (Skittles)

“Cr-crackhead?” (Kira)

“Yes, that was his nickname among us friends. He would always go overboard with his magic. The wooden staves he used would sometimes explode from all the mana he put into them. Orange would tease him relentlessly over it.” (Skittles)

...

Okay Kiressara, deep breaths. Carefully analyze the situation. First, let’s make a brief list of how similar I am to the person from her stories.

✓ Brilliant Human mage

✓ Surrounded by a rag-tag group of odd-balls

✓ Regularly explodes staves due to mana overload

✓ Earned the nickname Crackhead

✓ Hated politics

✓ Did outrageous things for objectively silly reasons

✓ Met Skittles and became the impetus for the birth of a new ‘daughter.’

This has to be a joke, right?! Just a series coincidences, yes!? Wait, let’s ask Skittles! She knows all about souls and whatnot so she should be able to tell, right?

“Skittles, can you tell me if I’m related to Kotero Ferseit in any way?” (Kira)

Please don’t tell me the ancient Founder King is my ancestor and that my unborn child is part of the royal bloodline! We’re not some upstart contenders to the throne, okay?! I don’t need any of that sort of attention!

“Huh? What makes you say that?” (Skittles)

“Well, according to what you told me we seem, uh, quite similar...” (Kira)

“Oh dear me, no! I don’t know what sort of conclusion you came to, but the two of you are completely different! I mean you’re not even from the same world to begin with!” (Skittles)

SAFE!

I completely forgot all about that! I’m so glad I’m from another world! I don’t think I could bear to be related to that old boisterous uncle of a King!

End of Act Eight - Lineage

The main story will take a slightly extended break over the weekend since I want to write up several of the excellent side-story ideas you guys gave me. Maybe not all of them will be canon, but it should be good times regardless!

So consider this your last chance to leave a post I mean, comment!