Binary Soul

> Kira PoV <

Ellie grips my hand reassuringly while Nano’s golem hovers over my exposed belly. The floating eye-ball like construct has been staring intently at it from several angles for quite a while now. While I’m glad I don’t need to get out of bed for this, that cold gaze is starting to make me feel a little uneasy.

“... So how is it?” (Kira)

{Nope. Can’t see it all.}

The floating orb turned itself left and right, doing its best impression of a shaking head. It honestly feels a bit less awkward to have something that represents Nano in the room for once. No matter how much time passes, some part of me just can’t accept talking to someone while staring at a wall.

Eye contact is a vital part of having a conversation, after all.

“Well, that’s normal, right? Something like seeing inside someone’s womb…” (Kira)

{Oh no, there are definitely ways to do it.}

So such a thing exists after all?!

{Granted, I lack the right tools, but this modified eye should have been able to make out its bones, or at least the general shape. That is, if it were human. But as it turns out, its a failure.}

“It’s okay Nano. You can’t handle magic that well after all!” (Ellie)

{Yeah. I can’t do anything about magic at all.}

Huh, that was odd. Nano spoke in the same old monotone, so why do I get the feeling Nano is angry about something?

“You’re not okay with being unable to feel and manipulate mana, are you?” (Kira)

{No. I really am not. It’s frustrating that I can’t be of more help at such an important time. I feel completely useless.}

Well, it’s normal for someone to be angry about being unable to overcome their limits. But I think Nano is focusing on the wrong thing.

“And who said you were useless?! You take such good care of us all! The house is always spotless, the meals are delicious and keep us healthy and you do an excellent job of keeping Sophie and Lara safe when we’re not around.” (Kira)

{Maybe, but you would still be fine without me doing such trivial things.}

“Don’t you dare say looking after our family is trivial! You’re one of the few people I trust with such an important task! You’re way more dependable than a certain violent alcoholic or that perverted canary! And you’re not even a person!” (Kira)

Nano’s presence in this house has become irreplaceable! Even seemingly mundane things like having those golems handle all the chores allows us wives to spend more time with our children. Such a thing is truly invaluable.

“Also, wasn’t Nano the one who suggested we visit the titans after Kira collapsed? Was it also not Nano who allowed us to subdue Red Skittles with minimal risk?” (Ellie)

Ellie joined in on this little pep-talk. She’s known Nano the longest, so she knows best what to say in these situations.

{Yes, I suppose those things happened.}

“I don’t say it as often as I should, but I am truly grateful to you for being here for us every single day.” (Kira)

“I agree. Even if you can’t do everything, you’re still handling so many things at once for our sake. You should focus on doing the things you can do, and leave the rest to us! Unlike before, we have so many allies now!” (Ellie)

{I know that. It’s just that some part of me cannot accept failure. Call me a perfectionist, but I despise seeing my efforts go to waste like this.}

“What are you talking about? So what if you failed to see into my belly? Such a thing is normally impossible, right?” (Kira)

The only reason we’re trying this in the first place is that Nano insisted. I felt incredibly bloated over the last two weeks and simply giving voice to my discomfort sent Nano into action.

{In a way, I suppose it is. I lack the proper tools after all.}

“Then isn’t failing to do the impossible the expected result?” (Kira)

{Oh. Oh! That’s right, isn’t it? Haha, silly me!}

…

Nano seriously thought doing absurd things was the norm around here, huh? I honestly can’t blame that sort of thinking though. Despite what I say, I still half expected this little endeavor to bear fruit. Well, I’m sure challenging common sense is what made me the Minister of Progress. Though the Director might disagree with me on the value of some of our projects. If that were another person.

At first I was skeptical as to being appointed to both positions, but I understand it now. The Director directs, while the Minister ministers. Having both of those be the same person really saves a lot of headaches. I guess it also shows His Majesty trusts me a fair bit - it’s super easy to embezzle funds like this, you know! Not that I’d risk doing something stupid like that. If I get caught I won’t be able to live peacefully any more.

“So Nano. You think it will be necessary after all?” (Ellie)

{Probably. It’s the safest way, all things considered. Normally that sort of procedure carriest the risk of complications, but since we can rely on Ariel’s healing magic then I think it’s definitely the safest option.}

“Risks? Option? What?” (Kira)

{Ah. It’s something Ellie brought to my attention and part of why I tried to look at the baby directly. We don’t know how big the head is or which way it’s facing, so it could be potentially bad.}

“How bad?” (Kira)

{You and/or the baby might be seriously injured.}

“That’s pretty bad.” (Kira)

{No worries though. Like I said, there’s another option. Although a natural birth is preferable in most cases, this is not most cases. I will therefore have to cut the baby out of you when the time comes.}

“Cut it out of me?! Are you serious!?” (Kira)

{Quite serious. It’s actually a common practice in our previous world. And while there are some risks, we can eliminate them completely with magic. With Ariel here to watch over you, I can guarantee that it will be completely safe.}

“… Sorry for freaking out. I trust you and Ellie with my life, so it shoudld’ve been obvious that you two would pick the best course of action on my behalf. I just... the notion of such a thing is unheard of.” (Kira)

{I know. This is why I wanted to spread this sort of knowledge to those who would listen once the General Academy goes into full swing.}

“Oh, that so-called ‘First Aid Course’ huh?” (Kira)

Ways of dealing with fractures, infections and other injuries that don’t revolve around potions or healing magic. Adventurers aside, I’m sure many of the townsfolk would be glad for that sort of thing.

{That’s right. Although I hope to expand upon it in the future. If we combine that knowledge with magic, we can help save countless lives.}

“Hah. And all I can do is sit here like a beached whale. Now look who’s feeling useless.” (Kira)

“No such thing! Kira is-” (Ellie)

“Calm down, Ellie! I was only kidding.” (Kira)

She was probably going to go on another tirade about how I’m wonderful and perfect and the ‘best person ever’ and ‘the greatest wife in the world’ or a ‘peerless beauty that outshines even the sun’ or-

Damn, I shouldn’t have opened my big mouth! I really want her to praise me now!

{In any case I’ll be keeping everyone on high alert. The baby could come any day now.}

I see, if Nano says ‘any day now’ then the moment of truth must be close at hand. I’m nervous, but I’ll be fine. We even had Skittles come back to Runetap with us just so she can keep an eye on things. She really is much easier to deal with than those other guys.

...

No, come to think of it, Nano’s prediction is slightly off.

* * *

“Hnn… Huh?” (Kira)

“Kira! You’re up!” (Ellie)

The first thing I’m greeted by after waking up is Ellie’s magnificently smiling face.

“Good morning, beautiful…” (Kira)

My vision’s still a little blurry, but there’s no way someone else could make that sort of expression that’s so excited just to see me wake up.

“Look! Look! It’s amazing!” (Ellie)

“Hmm? Amazing?” (Kira)

I wearily lift my head and look around. Ellie - check. Same old bedroom - check. My wonderful wife - check. Soft bed underneath me - check. The love of my life - check. Extremely comfortable pillow - check. The one that completes me - check. Bloated stomach - not check?

I blink a few times as realization hit me. That’s right! My water broke earlier! Then Nano had to put me under!

“Where?!” (Kira)

“Right here. Come say hello!” (Ellie)

Ellie hands me the white bundle of cloth she’s been holding. I carefully take it in my hands and behold the precious new life we brought into this world with my own eyes!

“Gaaa!” (Baby)

...

Are we sure this came out of me? I was fully prepared for it to not be human, but this a bit…

“Kahahaha!” (Baby)

No. This is definitely my child. I’m not sure how or why, but I just know. Just like a year ago, when a certain stranger proposed to me before she even told me her name, I just know.

This is a precious existence that I do not want to part with.

“Hey you! Look at you! Aren’t you the lively one?!” (Kira)

A smile spreads on my face and I rock the baby in my arms, enjoying the soft giggles she makes.

“*Sniffle* This might just be the happiest moment of my life. I don’t know if anything can top it.” (Kira)

The elation in my chest and the flood of tears from my eyes aren’t enough to express just how much joy I’m feeling right now.

“Every day I spend with Kira is the happiest day of mine.” (Ellie)

“Fufufu, that’s sweet of you. I guess it’s the same for me too, hmm? I know I look forward to watching our little bundle of joy grow up!” (Kira)

That’s right. This is my child. That is all that matters. So what if she’s a bit different? We will love her all the same.

So what if she’s covered in jagged cream-colored crystals rather than skin? They still feel warm and my child responds properly when I touch them. The hard, slightly reflective surface makes them quite fun to look at, actually.

So what if she has no ears? She still responds to our voices, so she can obviously hear us.

So what if she has no lips? It doesn’t stop her mouth from forming a perfectly adorable little smile.

So what if her eyes are made of smooth crystals? The shiny white sclera and slightly glowing pale blue irises give her a deep, almost mystical stare that makes it hard to look away.

So what if her face is thin and pointed like a V shape? She’s still going to grow up into a beautiful person. Both inside and out.

So what if the top of her head isn’t covered in hair? Those spike-like crystal formations look plenty cute in their own way. Well, patting her head when she’s being a good girl might be a bit difficult, but I’ll find a way!

So what if half her arms around the elbows are missing? You’d think they were invisible with the way her forearms float around so naturally. Not to mention it’s incredibly endearing to watch her little crystalline hands grip onto my fingers with such vigor!

“I’m so relieved. Look how strong and lively she is! She’s bound to become a kind and strong woman like her mother!” (Kira)

“... Uhm. Kira. I don’t think it’s going to go down that way, exactly.” (Ellie)

“Huh? What do you mean? She’s not sick or something, is she?!” (Kira)

“No! She’s fine! Skittles and Nano both said the baby was perfectly fine. Well, Nano broke for a bit, but that was the final verdict!” (Ellie)

“Don’t scare me like that! You know how worried I get about our family!” (Kira)

“Sorry Kira. What I meant to say is, that’s not a girl… exactly.” (Ellie)

“Hm? Really? Well, I guess it’s no big deal.” (Kira)

I’m only a bit disappointed. I was already completely convinced our child was a girl, like something inside me said that it was so. Motherly instinct? Yeah, let’s go with that!

I’m not claiming that sort of thing just because I think little girls are way more adorable than little boys, either.

This and that are completely unrelated.

“That’s fine. Having a strong little man around the house will be just as good!” (Kira)

“That’s not right either.” (Ellie)

“...” (Kira)

“It would be much easier to explain if you just checked for yourself.” (Ellie)

I gently unwrap the bundle of cloth to reveal the child’s lower half. I see the knees are mysteriously missing just like the elbows, but there’s something a bit more outrageous nearby. Or rather, an outrageous lack of something.

“Why is there nothing there?!” (Kira)

I mean, there’s certainly a gap between the thighs, but there’s absolutely nothing there! It’s completely smooth!

“I don’t know. Skittles doesn’t either. Nano broke when I asked, so I don’t think we’ll get an answer to this question. What we do know is that it’s an entirely new form of life…” (Ellie)

“Well! Since she seems to have no gender down there, why not just raise her the way we know - like a cheerful little girl?” (Kira)

I wrap her lower half back up and resume cradling her.

“Is that okay?” (Ellie)

“Mhm. I see no problems here. If she decides she wants to be treated like a boy when she grows up, then we’ll do just that!” (Kira)

“Oh! I see! As expected of the wise Kira! I was honestly troubled over how to handle this!” (Ellie)

“Simple solutions are the best after all. We’ll just have to be vigilant for any unexpected changes as she gets bigger. Then, once there are no longer any surprises we can thoroughly enjoy having more kids!” (Kira)

“M-m-more?” (Ellie)

“That’s right! Skittles healed us, right?” (Kira)

Something about attuning us to the world or whatever? I wasn’t listening properly at the time, that titan talk is a bit loony anyway. Not to mention I had more important things to do - such as soaking in my wife’s beauty with what felt like a fresh pair of eyes!

“I’m sure if we combine and focus our efforts, something like twenty or thirty kids is completely possible!” (Kira)

“T-t-t-twenty?! THIRTY?!” (Ellie)

“Of course! Well, I really want a hundred, but I’m trying to be realistic.” (Kira)

“No! I think even twenty is way too much! Won’t it put too much strain on you?!” (Ellie)

“Oh? But you’ll be helping me, won’t you? I’m sure we’ll find a way to get double-pregnant together ~♡!” (Kira)

“Th-th-that! Uhm!” (Ellie)

Fufufu, I love how flustered she gets whenever I talk about something new and unknown to her. I’ve slightly missed seeing Ellie’s embarrassingly innocent and inexperienced side ~♡!

“If-if-if Kira wants to, then thirty is simple! Even a hundred is easy! Let’s aim for two, no, make that four hundred babies!” (Ellie)

“That’s the spirit! I’ll be looking forward to your cooperation during Spring ~♡!” (Kira)

“Yes! It would be my pleasure!” (Ellie)

“Gyaakakaa!” (Baby)

“Look! Even the little one is excited! Ah, we still haven’t given her a name!” (Kira)

“Oh right! About that, I actually wanted to let Nano name her.” (Ellie)

“Mmm, I like that idea. Did Nano recover already?” (Kira)

She mentioned something about Nano breaking again.

{Yes, I’m much better now. I must say, Kira’s ability to not mind things has clearly leveled up. I truly have much to learn.}

“Ah, I see. Then I’ll be looking forward to your hard work in the future! So, any ideas for a name?” (Kira)

{... Aura.}

“Aura, huh? It has a nice ring to it. Does it have some sort of meaning?” (Kira)

{It was the name of Ellie’s mother. The one she never knew. The one I failed to find. The one regret I left behind.}

“Nano? You were looking for my mom?” (Ellie)

“You could’ve mentioned that sort of thing earlier.” (Kira)

{I didn’t want to give Ellie any false hope. Although I didn’t know for sure, it’s highly likely that old fart already killed her off. Or worse - he might have ended up using her as bait. Whatever the case, she’s now forever beyond our reach.}

“I see. Aura, hmm? The meaning behind it is a little sad, but I still think it’s a splendid name.” (Kira)

Honoring one’s ancestors by passing down their name is an old custom, but it’s one I can agree with wholeheartedly. Especially since I’ll probably never know who my actual ancestors were.

“I agree. It’s the name Nano chose, so it’s excellent as expected. I approve completely!” (Ellie)

“What do you think, little Aura?” (Kira)

I slightly poke the small ‘girl’ on the cheek. She grabs my finger and gives a happy gurgle.

“Looks like she likes it. Good day, Aura! I’m glad you were safely born!” (Kira)

“Kira… I want to play with the baby too…” (Ellie)

“... Ohhh, alright. Here.” (Kira)

I wrap Aura back up and hand her to my wife. They start getting to know each other right away. Ah… I miss the little one already! Oh? It seems Aura is ticklish around the tips of her ‘hair!’ This is good information! Huh?

Actually, wasn’t the shape of that head super dangerous for me?! Nano said the natural way to give birth was for the baby to come out head-first, but if we did that, then it might have turned into a really gruesome scene!

Oh wow! We dodged an arrow on that one!

Come to think of it, even though she was cut out of me, I don’t feel even the slightest bit of pain or discomfort! In fact, I feel strong enough to lift an ox! Also I won’t have to worry about any sort of stretching down there, will I?

Nano, good job! I already knew we had nothing to worry about, but confirming this now feels great all the same! Nano really is the best at looking after people! Honestly, the whole experience after that rocky start was truly unforgettable!

Ten out of ten, would get knocked up again! Well, that’ll probably have to wait until Spring, but that won’t stop us from trying in the meantime ~♡!