> Kira PoV

“That is… unsettling.” (Kira)

Now I see why Nano asked us to wait until we got back to our tower to explain things. If I didn’t see the images projected on the wall with my own eyes, I probably wouldn’t be able to accept it. A half-spider half-woman who changes her shape and character completely. The one who healed me, my wife, and our baby. We owe that person so much, yet I don’t even remember her face!

“What about the others?” (Ellie)

Ellie is the same way!

{Kelly, Ariel, Lara, Sophie, even the gryphons don’t seem to remember her either.}

“I see. I’d very much like to find this Skittles and have a chat with her about what it means to tamper with my family’s priceless memories!” (Ellie)

“Woah! Easy there, Ellie! That glint in your eye is more than a little scary!” (Kira)

I’m sure she’s planning on finding out just how immortal that titan actually is!

{Incidentally, the last time had a ‘chat’ with her you ended up slicing off her arm and then reducing her to what I can only describe as ‘meat soup.’}

“Really?! That happened?! Show me the footage! I’ll need it for future reference!” (Ellie)

“Ugh, I’d rather not see that…” (Kira)

{If I may get us back on topic though, I think this memory business may simply be the way she is. I don’t believe it’s the first time it’s happened, either.}

“What do you mean?” (Ellie)

{Technically speaking, something like a giant spider-lady helping forge an entire Kingdom should have at least one or two mentions in the history books rather than just some fairy tail contained to the royal family. And given how she seemed to treasure memories it’s highly probable it wasn’t completely on purpose either.}

“Not on purpose? Can you really wipe out the memory of an entire city by accident!?” (Kira)

{Rather than an accident, it’s probably something autonomous or subconscious. I mean, we’re talking about a being that’s the embodiment of this planet’s magic. Her mere presence has a certain degree influence on people around her, so something like not leaving behind memories isn’t too much of a logical leap. Also we’ve not actually met two of her personalities, so it could simply be their doing.}

I furrow my brows and relax back in the chair. I don’t like it. Something feels off. According to Nano’s story the only ones we haven’t met are the embodiments of ‘Sloth’ and ‘Apathy.’ But if one is really lazy and the other doesn’t care, then would they take action like that?

Huh? Hold on a moment.

“Is it really that big a deal, though? I mean, those titans are always doing weird, inexplicable things right? Is it really that surprising she pulled something absurd and ran away?” (Kira)

It wouldn’t be too far of a stretch for one of her other personalities to run off somewhere in pursuit of their desires if you think about it.

“Besides, we’re in no rush. We still have 15 years to figure out what to do with that moon. Let’s just get to Draglael and see if she can help us reach the Voice.” (Kira)

Yeah, no rush at all. The more I think about it, the less urgent it seems to be.

{Hmm, I see. Actually, Kelly’s side should reach Ecebis within 4 days. We can have her contact Draglael on our behalf.}

“Wow, that fast?!” (Kira)

{Stompy works really fast when it’s about ploughing a straight line through terrain.}

“Ugh… Yeah, I can definitely see that happening.” (Kira)

Hopefully this railroad Nano has planned will make traveling to and from that place much quicker. That train of his can already travel 5 to 6 times faster than our island. Reaching that hollow mountain in just under two days would be entirely possible!

Well, they’re only laying the groundwork right now. Putting the actual rails in place will still take a few months according to Nano.

{Ah, you two might want to hear this.}

{“Yo Red, Ellie. Doing good?”} (Kelly)

“Oh! Hey Kelly!” (Ellie)

“We’re fine, yes. What’s going on?” (Kira)

{“So Nano’s been telling me about this titan we apparently all forgot. Soulforger, right?”} (Kelly)

{Yes, that’s the one.}

{“I think the peeper’s onto something. Darkhand lore about the Soulforger is pretty much non-existent. We at least had an idea about the general location and shape of most titans, but that one I don’t know anything about. Just the name.”} (Kelly)

“I see. So even the Darkhand clan who were supposed to track down titans didn’t unearth anything about her?” (Ellie)

{“It’s more complicated than that. We don’t have a single trace of her beyond her name. If what Nano says is true and she automatically makes people forget her, then that would make a whole lot of sense to me.”} (Kelly)

“Wait, if she’s that secretive, then how did we track her down last time?” (Kira)

{Draglael led us to her. She said titans can easily tell where others of their kind are.}

“So we just need to ask for her help, right?” (Ellie)

{“Yeah, that’s not gonna happen Ellie. We met up with a patrol from Ecebis. They came to investigate Stompy since it was making quite a bit of racket. It was great! They nearly soiled themselves when I showed them the weapons!”} (Kelly)

“Focus, Kelly!” (Ellie)

{“Right. So they told me Draglael went into the Depths under Ecebis awhile back. Something about ‘titan business.’ And Umph left the mountain a few months ago so there’s no titans to be found there.”} (Kelly)

“So if we want to contact one of them, then we have to do it the old fashioned way?” (Ellie)

{“Yep. Your best bet is to look for Draglael in the Depths.”} (Kelly)

“Why do I get the feeling those Depths are not a nice place?” (Ellie)

{“They’re not. Apparently the monster population down there has recovered somewhat ever since Draglael woke up.”} (Kelly)

“Is that why she went down there? She won’t get swallowed up by a giant death worm or something, right?” (Ellie)

{“Nah, probably not. She may be many things, but I don’t think she’d be stupid enough to take a nap like that bird-brain.”} (Kelly)

“It’s entirely possible.” (Kira)

“I agree. Underestimating stupidity is not something I want to do.” (Ellie)

{“Well, do what you want. Though please leave me out of it, okay? I’ll pass on sticking my head into any more titan business. Last time I did that, I lost an arm.”} (Kelly)

{Technically the last time you did that you were up north and ended up having a good bit of fun along the way.}

{“Yeah, yeah if you say so, Nano. What I’m trying to say is that we should just sod the whole thing. Those titans are big boys and girls that have been through who knows what over the centuries. Surely they can take care of themselves for a little while. Even if Draglael needs help she has an entire nation at her beck and call.”} (Kelly)

She raises some very good points. I mean we do poke fun at them and call them incompetent, but surely if the world itself thinks they’re trustworthy then we really are in no position to question that.

{“Anyway, I gotta go. I need to get me some sleep before we start early tomorrow.”} (Kelly)

We say our goodbyes to Kelly and return back to the matter at hand. The question is simple.

“Well then, my beautiful and fearless leader, what shall we do about those pesky titans?” (Kira)

“I think… I agree with Kelly on this one.” (Ellie)

“So we’re going to ignore their sudden disappearances?” (Kira)

“Sure. If the monsters around there suddenly increased then it’s possible Draglael went to investigate the cause. We’d likely be sticking our noses in where they don’t belong.” (Ellie)

{Doesn’t the timing strike you as being a bit off?}

“A little, though it may simply be a coincidence. Besides, if we get rolled up in something stupid again then who knows how long that’ll take to resolve!” (Ellie)

“You sure you’re not saying that just because you don’t want to miss out on our honeymoon?” (Kira)

Our one year anniversary is coming up in 4 days and we made plans to get away from everything for two weeks. We got sidetracked last year and ended up not going on one, so Ellie’s been really pushing for this one.

“Of course not! Well, maybe a little.” (Ellie)

“And it has nothing to do with your dream of making sweet, passionate love outdoors, hmm?” (Kira)

“... Okay, you got me. But can you blame me? I really miss traveling with just the two of us. Sleeping under the stars, bundling up in the same sleeping bag and generally just enjoying ourselves without a care. I really want to relive those moments, even if just for a short while! The lovemaking is bound to be super romantic, too!” (Ellie)

Ellie literally jumps up and down from excitement. I have to say, her enthusiasm is more than a little contagious. It’s getting me hyped up as well! And I do agree with her, I also sometimes long for those carefree days where we didn’t have any responsibilities! Ah… but we do have those now.

“I don’t know, Ellie.” (Kira)

The Ministry can take care of itself, but I’m not at ease with the idea of leaving Sophie, Lara and Aura behind for a couple of weeks. It’s almost like I’m about to abandon them in some way.

“... Maybe we should take the girls along with us after all?” (Kira)

“Kira, we talked about this. You can’t keep smothering them or they’ll grow too dependant on us.” (Ellie)

“But they’re my kids! I should be able to cling onto them for the rest of their lives, right?!” (Kira)

“Wow, okay. I think motherhood has leveled up your overbearingness.” (Ellie)

{Kira, for what it’s worth, I agree with Ellie. I think you’ve been getting a little stir crazy lately. A change of scenery will do wonders for you, trust me on this.}

“... You’ll take care of everything in our absence, right?” (Kira)

{Of course. It’s the least I could do.}

Well, I suppose if both of them are telling to go, they probably have a point. Sophie and Lara seemed to be supportive of the idea as well.

“Can we at least take Puff with us? You know, just in case?” (Kira)

I want to be able to come back home the instant something happens! Even if it turns out to be nothing then I’ll at least sleep easier at night knowing that!

“Hmm… Okay, that seems fair. But you have to promise not to obsess so much over our kids and focus on relaxing.” (Ellie)

“Alright, I promise.” (Kira)

“Good! Then it’s decided! As Kelly put it, we’ll sod the titan thing and enjoy ourselves fully!” (Ellie)

“Then, where do you want to go first?” (Kira)

“Kira in a swimsuit… I mean, someplace with a beach and a lot of sun would be nice.” (Ellie)

{Ellie, it’s winter for the entire planet right now, remember?}

“Ugh! That’s right, isn’t it?!” (Ellie)

“Fufufu, we could always go to a hot spring if you want to see me in a bikini that badly ~♡!” (Kira)

“R-really?” (Ellie)

In fact, I know the perfect place for that!

> Arthur/Zublos PoV

Five, three, seven and… nine! Ack that’s two nines in the same column! Damn, I messed up! Now I have to start over! What sort of twisted mind comes up with this overly complicated game?! Wait, why am I even stressing over some pointless boxes on a piece of paper?!

I didn’t even realize I was getting this worked up over nothing. How formidable. This Sudoku thing might just be the most diabolical and devious puzzle I’ve ever seen! I shudder to think what sort of disturbed mind would come up with something like this in the first place.

*Knock Knock*

“Hey honey! I mean, boss!” (Lara A)

Lara pokes her head into my office wearing her trademark goofy grin. Yup, she’s as adorable as ever.

“You have a visitor. Should I let them in?” (Lara A)

I nod to her and put away the newspaper. She smiles and guides my visitor inside. Ah, that clean white face and black butler suit can only be one person. Or should I say one thing?

“Greetings, Zublos. Thank you, Lara.” (Nano/Butler)

“Will you two be fine without me? It’s really busy today.” (Lara A)

“We will be. I wish to speak to your boss in private to begin with. Adventurer business.” (Nano/Butler)

“Ah, sure! Just call if you need me!” (Lara A)

She closes the door and leaves us behind.

“Now then Zublos. I trust you’ve been practicing with the slate I gave you?” (Nano/Butler)

I nod and reach down to the lowest drawer on my desk. I open it and take out the device in question. It’s a special slate Nano gave me a few weeks ago. It’s about the size of the newspaper though it is slightly thicker. One side is covered in a shiny dark blue metal and the other, the ‘screen’ as Nano called it, feels a lot like glass. I swipe my hand over the glass bit and it springs to life with series of swirling blue and purple lights dancing inside it.

After some fiddling I bring up the series of boxes with letters on them. I then set it down on the desk and start touching them to spell out what I want to say, then hit the the big box with the weird angled arrow symbol. A voice very much resembling Nano’s then comes out of it.

“Hello. Yes. I am still getting used to it.” (TTS)

“Ah, very good. I am glad the Text-To-Speech device I gave you is of service.” (Nano/Butler)

“Yes. It was of big hepl already.” (TTS)

Oops. That always happens when I try to rush things.

“I mean help.” (TTS)

Doing it this way is painfully slow, but I can finally relay my intentions clearly and without causing misunderstandings. Without it, anything I try to say or write just comes out through Zublos’s loud words. Even putting the letters in on this thing somehow makes them come out with all capitals despite my best intentions. But at least it doesn’t change the words themselves out from under me.

“This means a lot to me. Thank you again.” (TTS)

I honestly wanted to cry for joy when I got this. Lara seems to dislike it, though. She says she’d rather hear my voice than some machine speaking for me. It’s a complicated feeling since it’s technically not my voice, but I don’t know how to even begin explaining that to her. I’ll have to do it at some point though.

“You’re very welcome. Now then, excuse the sudden intrusion, but I’m afraid I need your help with something.” (Nano/Butler)

“What about Ellie and her wife?” (TTS)

“It is something only you can handle. I’m afraid it’s rather urgent, as well.” (Nano/Butler)

“Something those two can’t deal with?” (TTS)

“Yes. I am afraid it has something to do with you personally. Tell me, you remember Skittles, right?” (Nano/Butler)

“Of course.” (TTS)

“Did you know you’re the only one who does? Besides me, that is.” (Nano/Butler)

“That’s crazy.” (TTS)

“Is it really crazier than having a fragment of a titan attached to you?” (Nano/Butler)

…

“How did you know?” (TTS)

The butler golem taps the right side of its head with a finger. Right around the area where the ear should be if it had one. I mirror the gesture and feel the cuff on my own ear. This? They gave it to me and said it was for emergency contact. Something about talking over great distances.

“I didn’t mean to intrude, but I overheard your conversation with her through that earpiece. Well, one side of it at least.” (Nano/Butler)

I get angry and snarl at him. Of course I’ll get upset when you poke your nose into my personal life like that!

“I assure you it was completely accidental. Besides, it may give me an opportunity to right a horrible wrong.” (Nano/Butler)

…

“I’m listening.” (TTS)

The least I can do is hear it out. I’ve not spoken with Nano much, but I know this being never moves without purpose. And that purpose always seems to be to serve its mistress in some way.

“Thank you for understanding. Truthfully, that piece of Skittles is what I need to speak with you about. I’m sure you’re aware that every part of her represents some aspect of a whole personality.” (Nano/Butler)

I nod. That much was made crystal clear during our trip back from that frozen wasteland she called a home.

“Tell me, do you know what Black is supposed to be?” (Nano/Butler)

“Hatred.” (TTS)

“And what makes you say that?” (Nano/Butler)

“It wants to kill and burn everything in its path.” (TTS)

“Would you say it wants to destroy the world?” (Nano/Butler)

I’ve never really thought about it that way, but…

“Yes. You can put it that way.” (TTS)

“And do you know why Black hates the world so much?” (Nano/Butler)

“Does it matter?” (TTS)

“Of course. A titan is supposed to protect the world. Yet a piece of one wants to destroy it. Does this paradox not strike you as odd?” (Nano/Butler)

Hmm… I’ve never thought about it that way. Then again, I haven’t actually been able to meet with the source of my whole situation until earlier this year. I turn my attention back to the device on my desk and start typing in my response.

“You are right. However, I have no idea what the underlying cause is.” (TTS)

“But I do.” (Nano/Butler)

I raise an eyebrow at it.

“Have you ever heard of the Voice of the World?” (Nano/Butler)

GUAAHHHH!

I scream out in pain! What is this?! Suddenly my ‘companion’ got extremely rowdy! It’s struggling against its restraints and making my head hurt like never before! It feels like it's about to split open from the pressure! I clutch the sides of my head and grit my teeth, but it’s not letting up! This is almost as bad as the first day I woke up in Runetap! No, it’s even worse! I can actually see the shackles on my wrists visibly vibrate under the strain!

“I’ll take that as a yes.” (Nano/Butler)