The Absolute and those who can rule it

Chapter 22 [Family]

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.