Binary Soul

> Kira PoV <

I slowly bring the spoonful of baby food towards Aura’s mouth.

“Gyabuu!” (Aura)

And she turns her head away with a frown.

“Haaah, I guess this one’s a failure too.” (Kira)

{I really am running out of ideas. We’ve tried almost every type of baby food I could think of.}

All sorts of pureed and creamed substances, mostly fruits and vegetables that are supposed to be good for them. Even when we tried forcing it into her mouth, she just spit it out immediately and started crying. Maybe it’s something in the smell or taste? I bring the spoonful of red Snow Peach Puree to my nose and take a sniff. It doesn’t smell bad at all.

*Nom*

Hmm… it’s actually pretty tasty. I wouldn’t mind eating this as a dessert to be honest.

“This is troubling. She hasn’t eaten anything since she was born yesterday…” (Ellie)

Ellie gives voice to my worries. It’s true, this is concerning. She hasn’t cried out of hunger yet, but I should definitely feed my baby before it gets to that point, right?

“Ah! I know! Babies need to breastfeed, right?” (Ellie)

“Oh! Of course, why didn’t I think of that!” (Kira)

{That’s pointless though. Kira’s body isn’t producing any breast milk, right?}

“Well, I’m going to try anyway! I have a feeling something might come out! Here Ellie, hold her for a second.” (Kira)

I hand the still sulking Aura to her mother. Or is father? No, that sounds weird. Also prone to cause misunderstandings. Let’s just stick with mother.

{Breast milk doesn’t just ‘come out’ though.}

I ignore Nano’s retort while I unbutton my shirt. A few moments later I expose my left nipple to the slightly cool air. It’s a good thing nobody’s in the living room right now, or I’d be branded a pervert! Well, almost nobody.

“Ellie, don’t stare so hard, okay!? This is for the baby’s sake!” (Kira)

“Sorry…” (Ellie)

Honestly! You’d think she’d never seen my exposed chest before!

I take Aura back into my arms and bring her up to my teat. She eagerly latches onto it. Her hard crystal mouth sinks into my breast flesh slightly. It’s a tiny bit painful, almost like a play-bite. Even though she has no teeth yet. Wait, will she even grow teeth?

She starts suckling on me with all her strength.

“Oh?! Look at her go!” (Kira)

“Woah! She’s almost as good as me!” (Ellie)

Ellie… I don’t think that’s something you want to be saying out loud. Even if you do have a point.

“See, Nano? You should trust Ellie a bit more! She’s a Rank A adventurer, you know.” (Kira)

I smile pleasantly while enjoying the sensation of my breastfeeding my baby.

{Nothing’s coming out though, is it?}

“Ah, there’s no milk, but she’s eagerly absorbing my mana.” (Kira)

I can feel it flowing out through the tip of my nipple. The sensation is a bit weird, almost ticklish. It’s a bit uncomfortable, but I’ll put up with it. It’s important for my baby, after all.

{Oh. Oh right, of course! Why didn’t I think of that?}

“Because you’re bad with anything that has to do with mana?” (Ellie)

{... Right.}

Oh crap, Nano’s getting moody again. I think this whole ‘unable to feel mana’ thing is really starting to weigh down on Nano. I want to help somehow, but I have no idea what to do. Mana needs a will to flow in a specific direction, and Nano can’t exert that sort of influence over it without a body of flesh and blood.

Well, those titans are different, but they’re walking anomalies to begin with. Besides, they have souls. Nano is a machine without one, after all. At first all Nano did was call it ‘a pity’ without minding it, but lately I think it’s really starting to gnaw at Nano. Even if those feelings and emotions ‘aren’t real’ as Nano claims, I don’t believe they’re entirely ‘fake’ either.

*SLAM*

Sophie and Lara burst into the living room and run around to where we’re sitting. I haven’t seen them around since we introduced them to Aura last night. They stared at her in amazement saying things like 'Cool!' and 'As expected!' so I don’t think they’ll pick on her for being different.

Not that I’d allow that sort of thing in the first place!

“Mom! Can I play with- Ack!” (Lara)

“Hm? What is it big sis?” (Sophie)

“Mom! Why are you naked?!” (Lara)

Oh right... Well, let’s take this as an opportunity to educate them a little!

“I’m just breastfeeding your little sister. A baby that’s barely been born should be fed like this by its mother. It’s perfectly natural.” (Kira)

Well… the context is a bit off, but I’m not saying anything weird, right?

“I see!” (Lara)

“Ohhh...” (Sophie)

Both of them stare with awed expressions at Aura. No, make that all three of them. Ellie, please don’t be jealous of our daughter okay? I’ll give you your turn later ~♡!

“Dabuuu!” (Aura)

After a few minutes of this, Aura separated from my teat and showed me a delighted expression. She waved her little hands around and eagerly explored the room with her eyes.

“She’s so cute! Can I try feeding her? Can I?!” (Lara)

Wahh! This is unexpected! I mean, I know Lara’s the dutiful type, but there’s no way that would work, right? Wait, if it’s just about mana then... No, a nine-year old trying to breastfeed is definitely a bad idea!

“Lara, this is the mother’s duty. You have your own role as the elder sister to worry about, right?” (Ellie)

Ellie, good job!

“Yeah! Big sis just needs to focus on being the best big sis ever! So just do what you normally do!” (Sophie)

“Huhuhuh, that’s right, isn’t it? Perhaps I should teach Sophie on how to be an amazingly wonderful sister like myself while I’m at it?” (Lara)

No, Lara, nobody went as far as to say thing like that. Still, it’s not a bad way to distract her from trying anything dubious.

“That’s a very good idea, sweetie.” (Kira)

“But… I don’t think I can fight off homeless dogs like big sis can…” (Sophie)

“Ack! No Sophie! We don’t have to worry about those anymore, right?!” (Lara)

“But! It might happen! Mommy says to expect the unexpected!” (Sophie)

I throw a glance at Ellie while the two bicker over that worrying topic. Just what has she been teaching them?!

“Hmm?” (Ellie)

She looks back at me with a puzzled expression. Maybe it wasn’t on purpose? Or was I the culprit? I honestly can’t tell... I do feel a bit proud for them thinking about their safety though.

“Kira.” (Ellie)

“Yes, Ellie?” (Kira)

She just taps the middle of her chest with a finger. What is she-

Oh. Right. I’m still on full display. I put away the goods and make myself decent again.

{I have a suggestion.}

Nice, Nano’s already cheered up! Guess we don’t need to have another pep talk! I don’t think I’m very good at those.

{It’s probable her diet hasn’t changed from when she was in the womb. Which means she probably needs mana alongside her nutrients.}

“I think so too. Just mana might not be enough. How do we get her to eat actual food, though?” (Ellie)

{With Kira’s help. I want her to try preparing the Snow Peach Puree next time.}

“Hm? What sort of difference will that make?” (Kira)

{Without the Titansteel cutlery.}

…

{It’s likely that she somehow taste mana. The puree I prepared had none of it. Therefore, there’s a good chance Aura will eat Kira’s leth- I mean, ‘mana enriched’ cooking.}

Hey! You almost said ‘lethal,’ didn’t you?

{It’s highly she won’t find it pois-, I mean, she’ll probably think it’s delicious.}

You wanted to call my cooking ‘poisonous’ just now, didn’t you?!

“Mom? What’s wrong? Why are you and Mom spacing out all of a sudden?” (Lara)

“Did Nano say something mean?” (Sophie)

“Your, uhm… Your mother might have to cook-” (Ellie)

“Yay!” (Sophie and Lara)

“-without using her special pots and pans.” (Ellie)

“GAH! ” (Sophie and Lara)

“Stop with those horrified expressions! It’s really hurtful! And don’t throw your hands up in the air like that, it’s unbecoming! Besides, I’m not going to do it because I want to, okay? it’s necessary for the baby!” (Kira)

No, why are they getting even more horrified?! Are they making fun of me? They’re definitely making fun of me!

“That’s it! No supper for you two!” (Kira)

Their wide-eyed open-jawed expressions of abject horror disappear in an instant, replaced by triumphant smiles.

“Yes! Great job big sis!” (Sophie)

They high-five each other.

“Thanks Aura! We won’t forget your sacrifice!” (Lara)

“Babuu?” (Aura)

Lara gives off a small salute to the dumbfounded Aura and skips out of the room, followed by Sophie. Why did they even come in here to begin with?!

{Ah, it looks like Kelly and Puff will be back in about five minutes.}

“Already? I thought her visit would take longer.” (Kira)

She wanted to visit her home back in Hardvark. Something about pacifying her mother again. I don’t want that woman to come anywhere near me or my family so I lent her Puff for the trip.

{She got excited and left Hardvark pretty much the instant I told her the baby was safely born. That’s all I’ve told her though. I haven’t mentioned anything about what Aura looks like.}

“Huh? Why not?” (Kira)

{I’m worried what would happen if I told them something like this when she’s without supervision.}

“Good call, Nano. Is that why we stocked up on Werewolf Ale?” (Ellie)

{Yep. I had Ariel pick up a few kegs this morning just in case.}

“Alright, looks like our Kelly Pacification preparations are complete. Come on, Kira, let’s meet them outside and get this over with.” (Ellie)

Right. Kelly tends to get blackout drunk after her ‘minding it too much’ episodes. It’s been getting a bit better lately, though. Her worst one was when she found out I was pregnant with Aura, so the continuation of that is not going to be pretty, is it?

“Okay, just let me wrap Aura in a few blankets. It’ll lessen the impact.” (Kira)

Also, it’s cold outside. Newborn babies are delicate things, I need to be careful.

> Kelly PoV <

“Kwaa!” (Puff)

Puff cries out from beneath me. Looks like we’re getting close. I pat his back twice with a bit of force to show I understood. We’re flying at high speed so my voice is unlikely to reach him.

And as expected, the black tower stands out like a sore thumb amidst the forest of snow-covered trees. Puff gradually lowers his attitude and speed as he takes us in for a smooth landing. He touches down on the front yard, next to the tower.

“Krak.” (Puff)

“Great work as usual, Puff.” (Kelly)

I unbuckle myself from the oversized saddle and climb down. I swear, Puff just keeps growing bigger. Well, his species is supposed to be on the larger side to begin with, but his back is really wide. Riding on it is closer to sitting on the ground than riding horseback at this point…

“Alright, I’m down. You can go now, big guy.” (Kelly)

I pat his side twice. He gives me a nod and a ‘Kwaak’ and flies off towards his nest at the top of the tower. He must be exhausted from the long flight.

“Hey Kelly. Enjoy your trip?” (Kira)

“Oh hey Red. ‘Enjoy’ may be a bit too strong a word, but it certainly wasn’t dull. You know, you didn’t have to come out and meet me.” (Kelly)

“Nonsense. You came back because you wanted to meet the baby, right? No point in keeping you waiting.” (Kira)

Well there’s that, but I mostly didn’t want to spend another second with that mother of mine. I love a good drink and a good fight, usually in that order, but that’s all that woman does! I know Red wanted me to do spend time with Dagna since she’s still part of my family, but I bloody don’t. Knowing Red, she’d probably get bummed out if I told her I still can’t stand my own mother.

“So where is the little one? That her, is it?” (Kelly)

“Yep. Kelly meet Aura. Aura, this is Kelly.” (Kira)

She unwraps the blankets she’s been holding to reveal a shiny yellow head with spikes growing out of it.

“Ohh! She looks so precious!” (Kelly)

Literally. That crystal looks like high-grade Thunder Topaz! It just might be that, actually! Ack! No, calm down Kelly. This is a living being, not a crafting material.

“Can I hold her?” (Kelly)

“Uh…” (Kira)

“I’m completely sober, Red.” (Kelly)

“That’s what worries me…” (Kira)

Red glances over to Ellie and they nod at each other. That weird way they understand each other is getting to be a little bit creepy, honestly. Also, I’m pretty sure whatever they’re thinking about me isn’t flattering at all!

“Alright, here you go. Careful now!” (Kira)

“Relax Red. I’ve been handling Blast Powder lately, I know how to be gentle.” (Kelly)

I ignore Red’s twitching smile and carefully accept the wrapped up child.

“Is it a boy or a girl?” (Kelly)

“Uhm. Neither. We’re going to raise her like a girl though.” (Kira)

“Good call.” (Kelly)

“... It is?” (Kira)

“Well yeah. Little girls are way more adorable than little boys, right?” (Kelly)

“*Cough* I s-suppose that’s true.” (Kira)

Hit the nail on the head, huh. Looks like Red’s been practicing her self-delusions again. Well, that’s fine, it’s her way of coping with things. I don’t think it’s as healthy for one’s self esteem as getting blackout drunk though.

“Dabuu!” (Aura)

“Wow, look at her glisten! What a healthy sheen she has! Hmm? Hey Red, her lack of elbows isn’t going to be a problem, right?” (Kelly)

“Uhh… What do you mean?” (Kira)

“Doesn’t it hurt if something gets in there? I can sense a faint flow of mana in that gap, if that’s disturbed her forearms won’t just fall off right?” (Kelly)

“...” (Kira)

“We decided to wait until she can talk with us before we do anything… potentially dangerous. If she can’t properly tell us how she’s feeling, we don’t know how to treat her limbs… and stuff.” (Ellie)

Yep, they didn’t think about it all. Ellie sounded like she made that excuse up on the spot to cover for her wife. Well, I don’t want to ruin the mood so I’ll roll with it.

“I see. That makes sense.” (Kelly)

“It does?” (Kira)

“Of course. Her mothers know best, right? I certainly have no idea what to do with this little one. She is eating properly at least, isn’t she?” (Kelly)

Living things gave a duty to eat and grow. This kid should be able to do at least that much to qualify.

“We just figured out Kira could breastfeed her, actually. And Nano had an idea for moving her onto solid foods later.” (Ellie)

“Oh! Nice one, Nano!” (Kelly)

{Thanks. It’s not much, but I try.}

What’s with that dispirited response?

“Has Nano been sulking over the whole ‘soulless machine that can’t use mana’ thing again?” (Kelly)

“A little.” (Kira)

“Say Nano. I’ve been thinking about that a little. You’re made out of lots of tiny little things, right?” (Kelly)

{Right.}

“And you can make more of them, right?” (Kelly)

{Right.}

“So why not make them out of Mithril or Orichalcum?” (Kelly)

{... Huh?}

“They’re often described as ‘living metals’ you know. At least that’s what Draglael calls them. It makes sense if you think about how easily mana flows through them. That’s also probably why this metal arm of mine works so well with the rest of my body.” (Kelly)

I wave my right arm around for emphasis. Well, you can’t see it under my coat, but it’s definitely the one made of Mithril.

I think.

{Hmm, I haven’t thought of it that way. I’m not sure if that stuff is safe, though. It might poison Ellie if it floats around in her blood.}

“Nano! I think it’s a great idea! You won’t get ahead in life if you hold back! Besides, you’re sure to be extra careful, right?!” (Ellie)

I don’t think Ellie’s one to lecture others about ‘holding back,’ but she does have a point.

“Nothing ventured nothing gained, right?” (Kelly)

{Alright. I’ll start playing around with it. I appreciate the input, Kelly.}

“Least I could do, Nano.” (Kelly)

Hmm? Come to think of it, the kid’s been quiet for a while now.

“Oh. I think she fell asleep.” (Kelly)

Her eyes are closed her hands and head have gone limp. Ellie did mention they just fed her so that’s probably why.

“Ah? You’re right. Here, give her to me, I’ll go tuck her in.” (Ellie)

I hand the baby to Ellie. She picks it up with her mind powers instead of her hands. Is that okay? It’s probably okay. She carries Sophie and Lara around like that a lot so it’s okay, right?

I watch her as she disappears inside the tower.

“You know Kelly, I expected you to be a bit more…” (Kira)

“A bit more what?” (Kelly)

“Mindful.” (Kira)

“Ah? Oh about the whole magical glass baby thing?” (Kelly)

“That’s rude! Please don’t call my daughter that!” (Kira)

“Sorry. What should I call her though?” (Kelly)

{We decided on Archon. It’s the name of a race of beings from my old world. It’s not exactly what she is, but she’s closer to them than anything else we’ve seen here.}

Archon, eh? Sounds fancy. Well, it kind of fits, I guess. She certainly looked fancy under the sunlight. All sparkly and glowy.

“Right. Archon. Got it. Honestly though, Red, I was actually pleasantly surprised when I saw her. I had prepared myself for a lot worse.” (Kelly)

“What do you mean?” (Kira)

“She’s got a head, a face, two arms and two legs. She laughs, eats and sleeps like any other baby should. Considering the absurd things she had to go through just to be born, I think she got off easy.” (Kelly)

“...” (Kira)

“What’s with that shocked expression?!” (Kelly)

“Well… I just… I was convinced you’d be more weirded out…” (Kira)

“Red, you know you’re the one that’s actually been acting weird, right?” (Kelly)

Well, weirder than normal.

“I am?” (Kira)

“Yeah. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were minding the fact that I’m not minding your absurdities for once.” (Kelly)

“Ack! You! You may have a point...” (Kira)

“You just wanted to share a laugh at my expense, didn’t you?!” (Kelly)

“You’re right. It was my bad. I apologize.” (Kira)

“Huhuhu. That’s alright. I won’t always be that gullible dwarf that loses out to your absurdity!” (Kelly)

“My, how reliable! I guess you won’t need those kegs of Werewolf Ale we prepared just to console you with, huh?” (Kira)

“Now hold on! Let’s not get crazy! I never said something like that!” (Kelly)