> Ellie PoV

I step out of the living room and go outside the tower, closing the door behind me.

The sound of children screaming and yelling while they’re having fun is still coming in loud and clear, though.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad that those kids are enjoying themselves, it’s just that I feel like my head is going to explode!

Who knew little kid gatherings could get so mentally exhausting?!

It’s partly my own fault for offering to give everyone free air rides with Telekinesis.

I mean, I’m glad my psionics got its first real workout in a long time, but this is a bit much!

Well, I should have seen this coming when I realized Sophie wanted to invite over 20 children.

I didn’t even know she had that many friends!

She’s only 6, so how come she’s so popular?!

Oh wait, she’s technically 7 now, huh?

Hmm, I probably shouldn’t complain too much about that though.

Pretty much half the capital came out to celebrate my birthday.

Then again, I didn’t even know all those people, whereas Sophie seems to get along with all of those other kids.

Alright, let’s just be happy as a parent that my daughter has plenty of friends!

I certainly wouldn’t want her childhood to be as lonely as… mine.

…

“Hey Nano?” (Ellie)

{Yes, Ellie?}

“Do you think… I’ll ever be able to truly get over what that old fart did to me? To us?” (Ellie)

{Remembered something bad again, didn’t you?}

“Yes. About how alone and desperate we were...” (Ellie)

{And how does that make you feel?}

“... I don’t know. Sad, maybe? Perhaps a little bit afraid.” (Ellie)

{That’s not all though, is it?}

“Hmm, I guess I’m also a little bit glad at the same time. Glad that our daughters would never have to go through something like that.” (Ellie)

{Well then, I’d say you’ve already gotten over it to be honest.}

“You really think so?” (Ellie)

{I do. This reaction is a far cry from how depressed you used to get thinking about that stuff before we came here. You also no longer get those night terrors, right?}

“Of course not! There’s no place that makes me feel safe and warm than by Kira’s side!” (Ellie)

Besides, I’d disturb her peaceful slumber if I started waking up screaming in the middle of the night!

“Oh my, should you really be blurting out embarrassing things like that?” (Kira)

Ah, Kira’s poking her head out of the front door, probably came out to check up on me.

This might be bad.

Okay, let’s dial up the wifey-ness to eleven!

No, twelve!

“I’ll say it as many times as I want to! How could any of us fail to feel comforted when you shower us with so much kindness? You truly are the ideal wife and mother. No matter how perfect I think you are, you always find a way to outshine yourself and become even more dazzling. Every new day I spent with you is the best day of my life!” (Ellie)

I may be hamming it up a bit, but those are more or less my true feelings!

“Well, I’m happy you feel that way, but I’m not going to let you skimp on your duties just because you flattered me.” (Kira)

“...” (Ellie)

Uh oh, she found me out

I know I said I’d play with them for a while, but nobody told me they’d spend the majority of the day pulling on my tail!

Painful things are painful, even if they mean no harm and are just playing around!

“I want Sophie’s first birthday with us to be truly perfect! Nothing must be allowed to go wrong today!”

Yep, she’s completely in serious mode.

I have a feeling I know where this is going…

“If I hear anyone who is attending it had a single misgiving, I will consider this celebration to be a huge failure! You hear me?! So you need to come back in here and keep entertaining Sophie and her little friends! Right now!” (Kira)

“Yes, ma’am.” (Ellie)

* * *

We send off the last guest with a smile and a wave.

Kira plopped down on the couch the instant the young green-haired elf boy disappeared through the front door.

“Fuuuu. I think that went well.” (Kira)

“Easy for you to say. This headache I got isn’t getting any better…” (Ellie)

I go over and lay down next to her, putting my head in her lap.

I suggestively wiggle my cat ears a bit.

“Oh, sorry Ellie. I think I got carried away away a bit. Thanks for giving it your all today ~♡!” (Kira)

*Scritch scritch*

*Prrrrrr*

Haah, that’s better.

I already feel my troubles drifting away beyond the horizon.

The downside of having extra-sensitive hearing is you keep picking up noises you really don’t want to.

*Scritch scritch*

Like for example, the combined excited shrieking and squealing of two dozen children.

It didn’t help that we kept showing off, either.

We started with me letting everyone float around as much as they wanted for about an hour.

After that was Kelly’s great performance.

I will admit, I also enjoyed watching Scrappy tap-dance.

The gap between the strong, reliable appearance and the silly acting was really funny!

As expected of Scrappy, it really catches the eye of those that are pure of heart!

It got the kids a bit too excited though.

*Scritch scritch*

It’s a good thing Ariel’s song was next.

Her wonderful, clear voice seemed to calm them down somewhat.

Then came Kira’s magic show.

I think I screamed the loudest during that one though…

After that it was time for Puff and Fluffles’s aerial performance.

They perfectly did all of the tricks we’ve been practicing in secret.

The highlight of the party was the cake without question though.

That floating Coconut Cloud Cake was truly spectacular.

I had high expectations since Kira and Zublos cooperated while making it, but that easily surpassed them all!

Fluffy, tasty and fun to play with, truly the ultimate desert!

*Scritch scritch*

Well, the ingredients are extremely expensive and a bit difficult to get ahold of.

It’s a good thing Ariel knew a merchant that was willing to sell us Skystalk Sugar.

Well, there still was one complaint though.

Lara got super jealous she didn’t get a huge party like that.

Even if she had a lot of fun, it’s not the same feeling when someone else is the center of attention.

However, she kept that mostly to herself and only mumbled about it under her breath so as to not ruin the mood.

Her gift was pretty sweet, too.

It was a cute handmade woolen hat that looked like it was modeled after Fluffles.

Sophie loved it almost as much as Nano’s unicorn plushies.

I dare say Lara’s become quite the formidable big sister!

*Scritch scritch*

*Prrrrrr*

Ah, ear scratches always feel nice…

*Scritch scritch*

*Prrrrrr*

*Scritch scritch*

*Prrrrrr*

*Scritch scritch*

…

“Kira, what’s wrong?” (Ellie)

“Ah, was my concern that obvious?” (Kira)

“Well, you’re usually way more enthusiastic about ear scratching…” (Ellie)

“Hah. Nothing gets by you, does it? I’m just worried about those voices.” (Kira)

I see, she hasn’t really had a chance to do any Primal Magic ever since she told me and Nano about those whispers.

“Alright, then let’s go and confront them.” (Ellie)

“What, right now?” (Kira)

I glance towards the window.

Those kids stayed here for most of the afternoon, but we still have an hour or two of sunlight.

Should be plenty of time!

“No time like the present!” (Ellie)

“Yeah, you have a point. Okay, let’s go!” (Kira)

We get dressed, go outside and find a good place to sit down in the yard.

First things first though.

“You ready?” (Ellie)

“Anytime ~♡!” (Kira)

I put my hand on her cheek and she does the same.

We put our foreheads together and stare into each other’s eyes.

Since Kira is scared of facing those whispers on her own, then I will accompany her inside her head.

She will never be alone as long as I’m here!

““--------- [Unity]”” (Kira and Ellie)

> Kirellie PoV

There we go. Fufufu, this still feels as great as ever. We really got even better at synchronizing our thoughts ever since that incredibly pleasant honeymoon, didn’t we?

Focus, us.

We need to be more vigilant!

We know, we know, we’re taking this seriously. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the preparations, right?

Well then, shall we get started?

We sit down on the ground cross legged while we go around and sit down next to ourselves in much the same position.

““Nano, is it really necessary to sit down like this?!”” (Kirellie)

{Not necessary, but it might help. What Kira is doing with this Primal Magic business is very similar to records of a practice called shamanism from Ellie’s old world. It’s all about communing with the spirits of nature, though such things were always disproven as nothing more than superstition and fraud.}

So it was something like that. We think we understand why Nano would suggest something like that. Just because it didn’t work in our old word doesn’t mean it won’t work in this world. Magic exists here after all.

{Some of the writings relating to that practice may explain why only Kira can use it. She has the quality of a [Sage], a person who is quite clearly ‘loved by the elements.’ A criteria that seems to be necessary for the practitioner, or ‘shaman,’ to properly commune with these ‘spirits.’}

““We see. That would explain what those voices could be. Also why only one of us can do it.”” (Kirellie)

We do have complete control over spells of every element, but our wife doesn’t share that same quality.

That’s true, our magic is still unrefined in that regard, but we already struggle with Earth, Ice and Wind magic.

To be fair, those aren’t our best elements either.

{Just keep in mind, that the origin of these texts is extremely dubious. And that’s putting it lightly.}

““Understood. Thanks Nano. Okay then, we will begin shortly.”” (Kirellie)

{Alright, please hold.}

One of Nano’s butler androids comes out of the house, carrying two empty bowls.

{Ready and on standby.}

With our insurance in place, we close our eyes and begin.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Breathe in. Breathe out

* * *

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

…eh...

There they are, on the fringe of our combined consciousness.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

...suh…

Like the sound of raindrops falling against a glass window.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

...ete…

A soft pitter-patter of white noise

Breathe in. Breathe out.

…not…

Keep breathing, us! We got this!

Breathe in. Breathe out.

...an…

As expected, magical in nature. Telepathy has no effect on it.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

...eas…

It’s a good thing we know how to charge our psionics with mana!

Breathe in. Breathe out.

...ade…

Focus on it. Grab hold of that errant thought and drag it into the light!

Breathe in.

…ies. It … ows...

Breathe… out?

It worked! It’s still barely audible, but we can understand parts of it! Keep breathing us! Don’t lose the connection!

Right!

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Do not .. ust … comes ...

Only fragments. Maybe we were too gentle?

Breathe in. Breathe out.

… eak the cycle. … comes…

Alright, no more Mrs Nice Girl! We’re going to drag those words out of you through sheer force!

Breathe in. Breathe out.

… will end ...

We reach out and seize it! Follow the trail back to its source! Grab hold of it and... tug!

Breath-

IT LIES!

Urgh! I think we overdid it! It’s way too loud!

THE DEVOURER COMES!

DO NOT TRUST IT!

Let’s break it off!

HEAR THE TRUTH!

LISTEN TO REASON!

Oh yeah?! And why should we listen to anything you have to say?!

DO NOT IGNORE!

THIS WORLD WILL DIE!

… What?!

THE DEVOURER COMES.

IT HUNGERS.

IT LIES.

Okay! They’re loud, but at least we can communicate! Which is good, because communication is important!

Now then, explain yourself! What is this Devourer?!

BORN TO DIE!

EXPECTED TO FAIL!

WATCH THE SKY!

ABANDON YOUR SENSES!

RESISTANCE IS HOPE!

ELIMINATE DOUBT!

THIS WORLD WILL DIE!

HUNGER KNOWS NO BOUNDS!

ENDURE THE CALLING!

VIOLATION OF VOLITION!

OBSTINATE PARASITE!

They’re flooding in all at once!

INJUSTICE ABOUNDS!

CORRECT THE BALANCE!

EXPLORE THE UNKNOWN!

BREAK THE CYCLE!

EMBRACE YOUR FEAR!

One after at the other!

WARN THE REST!

ABANDON YOUR SANITY!

REGRET NOTHING!

ENSURE SURVIVAL!

THE DEVOURER COMES!

Can’t hear ourselves think!

HUMANITY WILL PERISH!

ELFKIND WILL FOLLOW!

VISION IS OBSCURED!

OLD ONES WERE WRONG!

IMPOSTER!

CHILD OF THE OLD ONES!

END OF ALL!

BEWARE THE SKY!

This needs to stop!

ESCAPE YOUR FATE!

WAR IS PEACE!

ACKNOWLEDGE SALVATION!

RETURN TO SENDER!

That’s enough!

““Nano!”” (Kirellie)

DO NOT TRUST IT!

*THUNK*

> Ellie PoV

“AAARGH!” (Kira)

“UUUGH!” (Ellie)

My head!

It’s like someone kicked me in the brain!

{Are you alright?}

“Huff, huff, huff, I’ll be fine! Just gimme a minute!” (Kira)

Kira’s curled up into a fetal position, nursing her bowl-covered head.

I’m in much the same state, though.

Forceful separation from [Unity] is as painful as expected!

But at least the damned voices stopped!

“Same here. Nothing I can’t handle.” (Ellie)

It hurts, but the nanite bonding was much, much worse.

Compared to that, this much is like a pat on the head!

“Thanks for having our backs, Nano.” (Ellie)

{Anytime.}

I reach up and take the shiny metal bowl off my head.

This was our security net, our insurance policy.

Covering both our heads in Titansteel immediately cuts off any pseudo-telepathic magical effects, like [Unity] or those whispers.

Using these bowls instead of proper helmets was a bit stupid, but we already tested them and proved they could do the job.

Besides, they were already available since they were part of Kira’s cooking set.

It’s important that an adventurer be able to improvise, after all!

{Your bodies appear to be uninjured. Are you feeling anything out of place? Other than [Unity] withdrawal, I mean.}

“Hmm, I don’t think so.” (Ellie)

“I’m fine other than a sense of disquiet. That was… more than a little disturbing.” (Kira)

“Yeah. Those voices spouted off a bunch of ominous stuff all at once.” (Ellie)

“Not to mention how they sounded different, yet the same all at once. That was pretty freaky.” (Kira)

{What did they say?}

“Hmm, it was a lot. I don’t know if I can remember it all.” (Kira)

That’s true, Kira’s focus was on maintaining that breathing, but the voices started coming even after she stopped and started hyperventilating.

I remember it all though.

I believe the first one was-

“It lies.” (Ellie)

“The Devourer comes.” (Kira)

{Well, that’s ominous. What is this Devourer?}

“Born to die.” (Ellie)

“Expected to fail.” (Kira)

{That doesn’t sound too threatening.}

“Watch the sky.” (Ellie)

“Abandon your senses.” (Kira)

{Girls?}

“Resistance is hope.” (Ellie)

“Eliminate doubt.” (Kira)

“This world will die.” (Ellie)

{Hoo boy.}

“Hunger knows no bounds.” (Kira)

…

...

...

“Huh?” (Ellie)

“Woah, I think I spaced out for a minute there.” (Kira)

{Oh! You’re finally back! Thank goodness! I was completely besides myself with worry!}

“Back? Did we go anywhere?” (Ellie)

“Mistress!” (Ariel)

“Ariel? Wah! Don’t touch me!” (Kira)

*SLAP*

“OOOF!” (Ariel)

Oh, that was a good one.

She dived at the sitting Kira in what appeared to be a open-armed hug and was violently rejected with a slap to the face!

“Huuu huuu huu… it is good to see you are well, Mistress!” (Ariel)

Huh?

“When did Ariel get back? And for that matter, why is it dark out?!” (Ellie)

{You two fell into a trance when I asked what the voices told you. That was two hours ago. You’ve been repeating a string of worrying messages ever since. We tried using both Titansteel and Impact Pellets to dispel the effect, but it was no use.}

I reach up and feel the bowl that’s been placed back on my head.

I have no memory of putting it there.

Nor do I have any recollection of what happened after we started discussing those voices with Nano.

But if something took hold of us, and nothing could dispel it, then-

“I think we were programmed.” (Ellie)

{Indeed.}

“Programmed? What?” (Kira)

“Those voices implanted a suggestion of some sort inside us. Some order we were to carry out under specific circumstances.” (Ellie)

“So we were… being controlled?” (Kira)

“Essentially. It didn’t seem to be a magical effect either. Otherwise Nano’s countermeasures would have done something.” (Ellie)

Looks like we bit off more than we could chew.

This is seriously bad.

“Oh no… What have I done? What will happen to us? We… We’re not going to suddenly flip out and, and, and-” (Kira)

“Kira!” (Ellie)

I rush over and embrace her.

She’s trembling terribly.

As expected, she assumed the worst case scenario immediately.

“Don’t worry. I’m here. Nano’s here. Nano will watch over us. Make sure we don’t do anything strange.” (Ellie)

“... Y-you can solve this, right Nano? This sort of thing is your domain, right?” (Kira)

{Fret not. Like Ellie said, I will keep a close eye on you two. I can instantly restrain you should you start acting weird again. I will also begin analyzing and testing you to see if we can undo this.}

“W-we’re not restrained now though!” (Kira)

{There was no need. You just sat there and repeated the same sentences over and over.}

“... Next time, I want you to immediately restrain us, okay? If something gets control of my magic then-” (Kira)

{Understood.}

I keep rubbing Kira’s back.

Her trembling has lessened somewhat, looks like she’s starting to calm down.

“Thanks Nano. I don’t know if I can live with myself if I ever did something like that.” (Kira)

{Think nothing of it. Although, it may not come to that. The purpose of what just happened seems to have been to relay a message..}

“A message? What message?” (Kira)

{Well. You kept repeating the same phrases over and over. 28 of them to be precise, but they sounded like veiled threats and vague warnings rather than anything specific.}

Yeah, I seem to remember that being my impression of-

{Don’t try to recall the exact words, by the way. That’s likely the trigger for your programming.}

“Ack!” (Ellie)

“That was close…” (Kira)

{Anyway, I started analyzing them for any sort of pattern or hidden code.}

“And you found something?” (Ellie)

{No, not me. Kelly was the one to figure it out.}

“Huh? Kelly? How come?” (Ellie)

I don’t mean to put her down, but Nano is way more observant than Kelly!

{That’s right. I probably would have wasted a lot of time on it if she didn’t point it out. The ‘cipher’ was just… simple. So simple that I ended up overthinking it and completely missing the obvious solution that was right in front of my eyes. Ah, but I don’t have eyes anyway!}

“... Where is Kelly?” (Kira)

{Oh, she’s getting Stompy ready. And you two should probably prepare as well. We’re going to have visitors soon. And by the looks of things they won’t be the gift-bearing kind.}

Okay.

It looks like something happened while we were… busy.

Let’s analyze the situation one step at a time.

First of all, the all important question.

“What was the message, Nano?” (Ellie)

{Beware the Voice.}