The first rays of sunlight filter through the curtains, gently rousing me from sleep. For a moment, I forget the weight of yesterday’s revelations, basking in the warmth of the new day. Then reality crashes back, and I sit up with a start.
“Spica,” I murmur, my eyes darting to the small futon we set up in the corner of our room.
To my relief, I see a small lump under the covers, rising and falling with steady breaths. Noarin is already up, the sounds of her moving about in the kitchen reaching my ears.
I pad quietly to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face. As I look in the mirror, yesterday’s revelations echo in my mind. A homunculus. An artificial being. I search my reflection for any sign of my true nature, but all I see is the same face I’ve always known.
Shaking off these thoughts, I head to the kitchen. Noarin is there, her hair tied back messily, focused intently on the stove.
“Morning,” I say softly, not wanting to startle her.
She turns, a small smile gracing her features. “Hey,” she replies, her voice warm despite the shadows under her eyes. “Sleep okay?”
I nod, moving to help her with breakfast. We work in comfortable silence, the routine familiar and soothing. It’s almost possible to pretend everything is normal.
A sleepy mumble from the doorway draws our attention. Spica stands there, rubbing her eyes, her hair a wild tangle.
“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Noarin coos, her entire demeanor softening.
As I watch Noarin scoop Spica up, peppering her face with kisses, I feel a surge of protectiveness. Artificial or not, this is my family. And I’ll do anything to keep them safe.
----------------------------------------
The Incessant beeping of my alarm clock jolts me awake. I groan, fumbling to silence the noise. 7:00 AM. Why did I agree to these early morning training sessions again?
I drag myself out of bed and stumble to the bathroom. As I splash water on my face, yesterday’s revelations about Aruta and Spica flood back. It’s hard to believe that my best friend isn’t human, that the little girl we’ve all come to love is some kind of magical construct.
The smell of coffee lures me to the kitchen, where I find Rishia already dressed and sipping from a steaming mug.
“Morning, sleepyhead,” she teases. “I was beginning to think you’d sleep through training.”
I grunt in response, pouring myself a cup. “How are you so chipper this early?”
Rishia’s smile fades slightly. “Couldn’t sleep much, actually. Kept thinking about Aruta and Spica.”
I nod, understanding completely. “Yeah, it’s… a lot to process.”
We sit in companionable silence for a moment, each lost in our own thoughts.
“Do you think it changes anything?” I finally ask. “Knowing what we know about Aruta?”
Rishia considers this, her analytical mind clearly at work. “In terms of who he is as a person? No. But in terms of the bigger picture, what Belzad might be planning? It changes everything.”
I nod, mulling over her words. “He’s still Aruta,” I say firmly. “Still the same guy who’s had our backs through thick and thin.”
“Absolutely,” Rishia agrees. “And now more than ever, we need to have his back too.”
----------------------------------------
I drum my fingers on the steering wheel, stuck in the usual morning traffic. Beside me, Darius fiddles with the radio, unable to settle on a station.
“Would you pick something already?” I groan, swatting his hand away.
Darius grins, unperturbed by my morning grumpiness. “Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.”
I roll my eyes, but can’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. Our morning banter is as much a part of the routine as the traffic itself.
“Can you blame me?” I ask, more seriously. “After everything we learned yesterday…”
Darius nods, his expression sobering. “Yeah, it’s… pretty wild. Aruta and Spica… who would’ve thought?”
“I keep replaying every interaction we’ve had with Aruta,” I admit. “Trying to see if there were any signs, you know?”
“And?” Darius prompts.
I shake my head. “Nothing. He’s just… Aruta. Awkward, kind, stupidly brave Aruta.”
“Does it matter?” Darius asks quietly. “That he’s not human?”
The question hangs in the air between us. Traffic inches forward as I consider my answer.
“No,” I finally say, surprising myself with the conviction in my voice. “It doesn’t change who he is. If anything, it makes what he’s overcome even more impressive.”
Darius nods in agreement. “He’s one of us. Always has been, always will be.”
As we finally break free of the traffic and speed towards the base, I feel a renewed sense of purpose. Aruta, Spica, the looming threat of Belzad – it's all part of a bigger picture. And come what may, we’ll face it together.
The base comes Into view, and with it, the weight of our responsibilities. But for now, in this car with Darius, discussing our friend and the strange turns our lives have taken, I feel oddly at peace. Whatever challenges lie ahead, we’ll meet them as a team, as a family.
image [https://i.imgur.com/cakCoJB.jpeg]
----------------------------------------
The familiar hum of the ADF base surrounds us as we go about our daily routines. It’s almost surreal how normal everything feels after yesterday’s earth-shattering revelations. But then again, in our line of work, earth-shattering revelations are practically part of the job description.
I watch as Noarin runs Spica through some basic defensive moves in the training area. Despite everything we’ve learned, Spica’s laughter as she dodges Noarin’s playful attacks is as genuine as ever. It’s a reminder that regardless of her origins, she’s still just a child – our child to protect.
Across the room, Rishia is deep in conversation with Saria and Lucil, no doubt trying to unravel more mysteries about magic circuits and emotion shards. Her brow is furrowed in concentration, occasionally nodding as she jots down notes.
Lyra and Darius are at the command center, monitoring for any unusual magical activity. Their faces are serious, but I catch them exchanging the occasional joke, their usual banter a comforting constant.
As for me, I’m supposed to be reviewing incident reports, but my mind keeps wandering. I can’t help but feel that everything has changed, yet nothing has. We’re still here, still a team, still fighting to protect our world. But now, the stakes feel so much higher.
My thoughts are interrupted by Kai’s hand on my shoulder. “Hey, mind if we talk for a bit?” he asks, his voice unusually serious.
Kai leans against the wall, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by something more thoughtful. For a moment, neither of us speaks, the silence stretching between us like a physical thing.
“So,” Kai finally says, “how are you holding up? Really?”
The question catches me off guard. With everything that’s been happening, I haven’t had much time to process my own feelings.
“I’m… not sure,” I admit, running a hand through my hair. “It’s a lot to take in, you know? Finding out you’re not even human…”
Kai nods, his eyes never leaving mine. “Yeah, I can’t even imagine. But listen, Aruta, I need you to know something.” He pushes off the wall, standing straight. “It doesn’t change anything for me. You’re still you. Still my best friend, still the guy I’d trust with my life.”
His words hit me like a physical force, and I feel a lump forming in my throat. “Even though I’m… artificial?”
“Man, screw that,” Kai says with unexpected vehemence. “You’re as real as they come. More real than plenty of ‘natural’ humans I’ve met.” He grins suddenly. “Besides, it kind of makes you even cooler, you know? My best friend, the magical super-being.”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
I can’t help but laugh at that, feeling some of the tension drain away. “I don’t know about ‘super-being’,” I say. “I still can’t beat you at video games.”
Kai’s grin widens. “And don’t you forget it!”
We share a moment of laughter, and I’m struck by how normal it feels. How right. Kai’s acceptance, his unwavering friendship, means more to me than I can express.
“Anyway, how’s your progress?” Kai asks, plopping down on the bench in the hallway. His casual demeanor is a welcome respite from the tension of recent events.
I sit next to him, confusion evident on my face. “What progress?”
Kai groans dramatically, rolling his eyes. “Oh please, don’t forget,” he nudges my shoulder playfully. “Your plan to move in with Noarin, of course. You know, the thing you’ve been overthinking for weeks?”
“Ahh, that…” I feel heat rising to my cheeks. “I think I found a good place already. I just don’t know how to tell Noarin about it since yesterday’s big discoveries.” I fidget with my fingers, a nervous habit I’ve never quite shaken.
Kai leans back, studying me with a mixture of amusement and concern. “So, what’s really holding you back? The fact that you’re a magical being, or are you just chickening out?”
I shoot him a glare, but there’s no real heat behind it. “It’s not that simple, Kai. What if… what if she sees me differently now?”
Kai snorts, shaking his head. “Are we talking about the same Noarin? The one who’s been by your side through thick and thin? The one who didn’t even blink when she found out about your true nature?”
I open my mouth to argue, but Kai holds up a hand, cutting me off.
“Look, Aruta,” he says, his voice uncharacteristically serious. “I’ve seen how Noarin looks at you. Trust me, she couldn’t care less if you’re human, homunculus, or a talking potato. She loves you for who you are.”
His words strike a chord, and I feel a glimmer of hope. “You really think so?”
“I know so,” Kai says confidently. “But here’s the thing – you need to talk to her. Be honest about your fears, your hopes, everything. She deserves that, and so do you.”
I nod slowly, considering his words. “But how do I bring it up? With everything that’s happening with Belzad and Spica…”
Kai chuckles. “Man, if we always waited for the perfect moment, we’d never do anything. Life doesn’t stop for cosmic threats, you know?” He puts a hand on my shoulder. “In fact, I’d argue it makes it even more important. We don’t know what’s coming, so why waste time?”
His logic Is sound, and I feel a renewed sense of determination. “You’re right. I should just go for it.”
“That’s the spirit!” Kai grins. “So, tell me about this place you found. It better have a good gaming setup, or I’m not approving it.”
I laugh, grateful for the shift to a lighter topic. “Well, it’s not too far from the base. Two bedrooms, so we’d have space for Spica…” I trail off, suddenly realizing the implications. “Do you think… do you think Noarin would want to bring Spica with us? Even knowing what we know now?”
Kai’s expression softens. “Aruta, I’ve seen how you both are with Spica. You’re already a family, origin stories be damned. But again, that’s something you need to discuss with Noarin.”
I nod, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. “Thanks, Kai. Really. I don’t know what I’d do without your advice.”
“Probably something stupid,” he quips, then dodges my half-hearted punch with a laugh. “Seriously though, you’ve got this. Just be honest with Noarin. And hey, if you need help moving, you know who to call.”
As we stand to head back to the others, I feel a weight lift from my shoulders. The future is still uncertain, filled with dangers and unknowns. But Kai’s right – we can’t put our lives on hold. Whatever comes, I want to face it with Noarin by my side.
“Alright,” I say, a new resolve in my voice. “I’ll talk to her tonight.”
Kai claps me on the back. “That’s my boy. Now, let’s get back before they send a search party.”
As we walk back to join our friends – our family – I can’t help but feel grateful. Human or not, I’m surrounded by people who accept me, who love me. And tonight, I’ll take the next step towards building a future with the woman I love.
----------------------------------------
The soft glow of the setting sun filters through the curtains of my apartment, casting long shadows across the modest living room. The aroma of Noarin’s cooking wafts from the kitchen, mingling with the gentle clink of plates and utensils. It’s a scene of domestic tranquility that feels almost surreal given the chaos of our daily lives.
I stand in the doorway of the kitchen, watching Noarin work her culinary magic. Her movements are graceful and sure, a stark contrast to my own fumbling attempts in the kitchen. The sight of her here, in my space, feels so right it almost hurts.
“Papa, can I help?” Spica’s voice pipes up from beside me, startling me from my reverie.
I look down at her, unable to suppress a smile at her eager expression. “Sure thing, sweetheart. Why don’t you set the table? Mama’s almost done with dinner.”
As Spica scampers off to gather plates and utensils, I catch Noarin’s eye. She gives me a warm smile that makes my heart skip a beat. “Penny for your thoughts?” she asks, stirring something that smells absolutely divine.
I shrug, trying for nonchalance. “Just thinking about how lucky I am,” I reply, and it’s the truth. Noarin brought up the idea of us moving in together, and I’ve been walking on air ever since. Little does she know, I’ve already found the perfect place for us.
“Flatterer,” Noarin teases, but I can see the pleased flush on her cheeks. “Come taste this for me, will you?”
I oblige, savoring the burst of flavors on my tongue. “It’s perfect,” I tell her honestly. “I don’t know how you do it.”
“Years of practice,” she laughs. “Now, make yourself useful and help Spica with the table.”
As we settle around the small dining table, I can’t help but marvel at how natural it all feels. Noarin, beautiful as always, helps Spica into her chair. Spica, her eyes shining with childlike wonder, eagerly awaits her portion. And me, a being created by magic, somehow fitting perfectly into this picture of family.
“Delicious!” Spica exclaims after her first bite, her enthusiasm infectious.
“It really is,” I agree, catching Noarin’s eye across the table.
Noarin blushes slightly, but her eyes are twinkling. “Well, someone has to make sure you two eat properly.”
As we eat, the conversation flows easily. Spica regales us with stories from her training sessions, her excitement palpable as she describes mastering a new technique. Noarin listens attentively, offering praise and gentle corrections in equal measure. I find myself content to watch them, my heart swelling with affection.
“Papa,” Spica says suddenly, fixing me with a curious stare, “when are we moving to the new house?”
I nearly choke on my food, caught off guard by her innocent question. Noarin’s eyes widen in surprise, darting between me and Spica.
“Spica, honey,” Noarin says gently, “we haven’t found a new place yet. Remember? We’re still looking.”
But Spica shakes her head, looking confused. “But I heard Papa talking on the phone about a perfect place. With two bedrooms!”
I feel heat rising to my cheeks as Noarin’s gaze settles on me, one eyebrow raised in question. “Aruta?” she prompts, her tone a mix of curiosity and amusement.
Taking a deep breath, I decide to come clean. “I… may have found a place,” I admit, rubbing the back of my neck sheepishly. “I wanted to surprise you, but I guess the cat’s out of the bag now.”
Noarin’s expression softens, a smile tugging at her lips. “Tell me about it?”
And so, over the remains of our dinner, I describe the house I found. It’s not far from the base, spacious enough for the three of us, with a small balcony where Noarin can grow her herbs. As I talk, I watch Noarin’s eyes light up, and Spica bounces in her seat with excitement.
“It sounds perfect,” Noarin says when I finish, reaching across the table to take my hand. “When can we see it?”
“I can arrange a viewing for this weekend,” I reply, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. “You really like it?”
Noarin squeezes my hand, her gaze intense. “Aruta, I love it. And I love you. I can’t wait to see it.”
“I love you too,” I manage, my voice thick with emotion. “Both of you. More than I ever thought possible.”
“Group hug!” Spica declares, launching herself from her chair to wrap her arms around both of us.
As we laugh and hold each other close, I’m struck by a profound sense of rightness. Whatever challenges lie ahead – be they supernatural threats or the more mundane struggles of daily life – I know we’ll face them together, as a family.
The future, for all its uncertainties, has never looked brighter.
----------------------------------------
The familiar scent of magic hangs heavy in the air, a comforting presence that I’ve known all my life. I breathe deeply, savoring the metallic tang that speaks of home. My eyes scan the ground, searching for the telltale glimmer of an ornament amidst the lush vegetation I’ve known since childhood.
image [https://i.imgur.com/p9GFpzw.jpeg]
A flash of light catches my eye, and I stoop to retrieve an ornament from the moss-covered ground. Its surface is warm to the touch, pulsing with a power that resonates with my own magical core. I turn it over in my hand, my excitement quickly fading as I realize it’s not the one I’m searching for.
I sigh, the sound tinged with mild frustration. “Won’t be useful,” I mutter, tossing the ornament aside. It disappears into the undergrowth with a soft rustle, joining countless others in this magic-rich land.
The landscape around me is as familiar as the back of my hand. Trees stretch towards the sky, their bark shimmering with an inner light that’s as normal to me as the sun. Flowers of every color imaginable sway in the gentle breeze, their sweet scent a constant backdrop to my search.
Another glint catches my eye, and this time when I pick up the ornament, I feel a spark of potential. “Not what I’m looking for,” I murmur, running my thumb over its smooth surface, “but I’ll keep it. You might come in handy.” I slip it into my pocket, the weight a comforting presence against my thigh.
The relative quiet of the forest is suddenly broken by a low, menacing growl. My heart rate quickens, not out of fear, but anticipation. “Damn, they found me,” I mutter, my eyes darting around the clearing. It’s the not unexpected magical beasts
Red eyes gleam from the shadows, feral and hungry. I can see them now, crouched behind trees and lurking in bushes. My twintails wave in a sudden gust of wind, carrying my scent to the beasts. In their eyes, I’m not prey, but a potential threat or challenger.
For a moment, everything is still. Then, as if responding to some unheard signal, the eyes begin to move. The beasts leap towards me with snarls that would chill the blood of an outsider, but to me, it’s just another day in my world.
Time seems to slow as I call upon a power. Darkness spreads from my feet, a circle of inky black that I control. I feel the familiar rush of energy, the shadows an extension of my will.
“Begone,” I command, my voice ringing with authority. As I speak, spines of pure darkness erupt from the shadow circle. They pierce through the leaping beasts with brutal efficiency, their howls cut short as my power impales them.
The bodies of the magical beasts fall to the ground with dull thuds, lifeless and still. The sudden silence is almost as deafening as their growls had been.
Without missing a beat, I pull out the ornament I had pocketed earlier. Its power responds to my call, eager to be used. I direct its energy towards the fallen beasts, watching with grim satisfaction as their bodies begin to disintegrate at an alarming rate. In mere moments, all that remains are bleached bones scattered across the forest floor.
A smirk tugs at my lips. “See, you’re already useful,” I say to the ornament, before tucking it back into my pocket. I kneel down, gathering the bones and placing them carefully in my bag. “Lucil might need these for her experiments.”
Standing up, I brush the dirt from my knees and survey the clearing once more. The attack was routine, but it’s left me feeling slightly drained. “But really,” I groan, running a hand through my hair, “looking for a specific ornament is damn hard, even in a world full of them.”
I allow myself a moment of reflection, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. The scent of magic is strong and reassuring, now mingled with the acrid smell of the disintegrated beasts. It’s a familiar cocktail, one that speaks of home and the constant dance between power and danger in our world.
With a shake of my head, I steel myself and press on. The ornament I seek is out there somewhere, and I won’t rest until I find it. The fate of another world – and the people I’ve come to care about there – may very well depend on it.