What Souhait had gathered from observing Kori was that they did not value themselves for they saw themselves as tools. If they developed free will, that meant they knew how to value people and themselves…or so he had assumed. The concept of free will still seemed to be a novel concept even amongst Shfities themselves. He could tell not many knew what to do with it, even if they had a human inside to guide them. It is either that, or the person inside of Constance has their own issues regarding family and children and that is reflecting onto her…

Souhait suddenly felt a shiver down his spine as he searched around for the source: an angry Sophia. She glared daggers at the sole Shiftie in the room. “How could you say that?”

Constance retorted, “I’m just stating my opinions. Humans are allowed to do that, so why can’t I?”

“Because you’re not a human! How can you understand pregnancy? Don’t you know how much it can harm the female body?”

Souhait felt uneasy when he heard her voice slowly rising. She just had a panic attack, so it wouldn’t be wise for her to get riled up again. Fortunately, Arcturus took notice of this too and tried his best to calm Sophia down; Murphy helped.

Constance remarked, “Oh, I am aware that it can hurt the female body, but it’s a risk that all women take because they’re the only gender who can reproduce.”

“Not only that, you don’t understand what it means to give birth. Sure, many women don’t want to give birth, but those who do feel unconditional love from the moment the baby is in their arms. A child cannot be replaced once a mother becomes attached to them. You don’t understand how much pain and agony Virgo went through during her pregnancy. When she held her daughter for the first time, there was a glint in her eyes that showed that she wanted to be her mother until the end of her life. As Virgo’s mother, how could I take that away from her? The bond between parent and child is something a robot like you wouldn’t understand. You cannot reproduce. You cannot have sexual intercourse. You are a man-made creation with a human appearance. There’s nothing human about you; you’re nothing more than a tool.”

Constance produced a shocked reaction after hearing her words. She then hung her head low. Murphy harshly retorted. “Enough, Sophia.” Souhait noticed how serious he looked; Murphy looked quite terrifying when angered.

Sophia clammed up, sighed and then placed a hand to her forehead. “I’m getting dizzy from stress. Leave me be.” She stood up, marched towards her bedroom and slammed the door shut.

The living room became silent. Souhait found it hard to speak up. Murphy approached the door, wondering if he should check up on his wife. Arcturus just zoned out; his eyes were on the television, but he wasn’t too fixated on the broadcast. Constance still had her head hung low before she stood up and marched towards the front door.

“Where are you going?” Souhait inquired.

“I’m going to Hilbert’s.” She rushed out the door and slammed it shut.

“Hilbert’s?” Arcturus murmured.

Murphy answered, “He’s an inventor. He’s good at creating and fixing technological objects that benefit the people of the Outskirts.”

Arcturus looked intrigued as he rummaged his satchel to retrieve his broken bangle. “Do you think he’s able to fix this?”

Murphy leaned in close to examine the device. He hummed in fascination. “That’s quite a machine you’ve got there. Given you’re a modern city boy from Lamina, that’s most likely way too advanced for Hilbert to fix, but he’s quite talented.”

Souhait could tell they were definitely planning to head outside. Peering at the television with a news broadcast about Nova, he realized it would be best if he stayed in the apartment. His default form as Souhait would raise eyebrows due to his unusual appearance and extremely long hair that could be a liability. Walking around the Outskirts as Nova would cause a ruckus, which he didn’t want. Going around as Sayaka would be odd given she was a fugitive reported dead. Wandering about as Kori would be a safe choice, but it would be a topic of awe and fear for those who haven’t seen Trifectas. He wanted to tag along; he really did. However, for the safety of the people around him, he decided to hold back.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

I should, at least, ask Arcturus what he thinks about Nova. I did promise, after all.

Arcturus asked, “Is it possible for me to go to this Hilbert person’s office? I really want to get this fixed as soon as possible.”

“Sure. I can take you there.”

Arcturus smiled. Souhait then raised a hand. “I will stay here. I stand out no matter the form I am in, after all.” When he had said what he wanted to say, Arcturus’s smile disappeared.

“Are you sure? Don’t you want to see what the Outskirts look like?”

Souhait was glad Arcturus was a kind man; Arcturus wanted to share the enjoyment of exploring a new area together, but he couldn’t. “I am fine…”

“Are you really sure?”

“I said I am fine! Besides, even if I cannot enjoy exploring the Outskirts with you, I can always see it with you.”

“See it with me?”

“I have many abilities, remember? When I close my eyes and place a hand to my chest, I can see things from your perspective.” He did just that. Closing his eyes meant that he returned back to Nova’s Realm of Desires. He glanced over at Nova’s sleeping figure at the bed in the corner of the room. Seeing him sleeping peacefully let out a gentle smile. He then snapped his fingers and the room changed into the Contract Room where three screens appeared in front of him.

The one in the middle showed off everything that was shown in Arcturus’s perspective; right now, he saw Nova’s body idle with his head hung low. Murphy had caught him as he fell over and placed him on the couch. The one on the right showed him information regarding Arcturus’s health and condition. The left showed one word, ‘WORRIED’. This was a screen that showed what Arcturus was feeling at the moment.

“Oh yeah…” He muttered as he snapped and a fourth screen showed up; this screen showed a view of the ceiling in the apartment. This was a screen where Nova’s perspective was shown even if his eyes were closed. This was his way of protecting Nova; watching over his slumber while looking out for potential danger.

This was a room that only he could control. Not only was it a room where contracts were formed, it was a room where he controlled his own abilities and powers. A white room where everything happened. This was his own Realm of Desires.

“Are you alright?” Arcturus asked as he leaned forward to see his face. A mischievous urge to play around with him came.

I am alright.

Arcturus froze. He saw Arcturus looking left and then right. He turned to Murphy. “Did you say something?”

As Murphy shook his head while looking at him worried, Souhait chuckled, making Arcturus tense up once again.

Relax.

Is that you, Souhait?

Indeed.

How are–wait, this is an ability of yours.

Yes. This is how I usually communicate with Nova as we share one body–we cannot be at two places at the same time.

Arcturus hummed. I get it. Because Nova’s the main body and consciousness, he’s the one usually awake but since he’s asleep, you took over. However, since you technically switched consciousness with Nova, he’s currently asleep while you are back in his body–in the Contract Room and in his Realm of Desires.

Correct.

If this is normally what you do with Nova, I assume you are able to do it with me because I am in a contract with you?

Correct again. I can do this with any contractor who is alive and has a physical body.

I guess this would be more convenient. You can come along with me without being there physically.

I guess you can say that.

I like it.

While he felt warmth when Arcturus had said that, he got reminded of what he needed to ask Arcturus. Speaking of which, Arcturus…

Yes?

What do you think about Nova?

Why the sudden question?

I just want to know!

Well…

Souhait noticed Arcturus staring at the slumbering Nova. The left screen changed into the word ‘HAPPY’ as he glanced over at the right screen to see that his heart rate was still normal.

I’d like to know more about him, honestly. I want to know what sort of life he lived and why he is the way he is now. In a sense, I find him intriguing.

I see…

Souhait didn’t find it a bad answer. In fact, he found it a reasonable one. The question was whether Nova would find it acceptable. When Souhait saw Arcturus tucking in Nova, he let out a smile. He was absolutely sure Nova would be fine with it.