A Body To Hold

Yani felt better when she had a goal laid out in front of her. “End her own arranged marriage” had become “find help building a complex android”, and somehow, that was the easier option.

The clouds were heavy above Yani, but she didn’t mind. It kind of helped, since she had been outside for so long. It was kind of like Imon was protecting her from sunburns, too. She sat by the furthest worshipwell from the entrance, with her back pressed against it and the wires linking her in stretched as far as they could go. She really couldn’t lean away even a foot without them pulling painfully at her skull- they weren't designed for people to pray while sitting on the ground. She didn’t mind, though. It was better to sit rod-straight with Imon in her ear than be comfortable as can be without her.

She had a little notebook in front of her, the one she always carried in her bag. The pages before this one were full of random doodles, but the page she stared at was covered in lists, both born of her own mind and copied down from the net. Although Imon’s siblings had banned her from creating her own body outright, she could nudge Yani in the right direction of research.

I think I’ve got a pretty good grasp on what we need. Yani said to Imon. Conceptually, at least. But I don’t know where we’re going to get the parts, or the physical ability to build something like this. It’ll have to be large if we want it to hold enough of your consciousness to really be you. And the tools to build it will be big, too. Hiding something like this in my house wouldn’t really be possible… Maybe the library could be of help? I know they have some 3d fabrication machines, but I don’t know that they’re capable of anything this complex…

Yani, do not worry. You already have everything- and everyone- you need. I may not be permitted to help you, but other humans can. Imon replied.

Other humans? I don’t know anyone who has the stuff to make something like this, or even has the knowledge. I could try to find a stranger, but… This is kind of a secret, right? I don’t know how to find someone trustworthy.

You do not need to find a stranger. You already know someone who has the knowledge and tools. You would have to earn their trust, yes, and they yours in return. But I believe they can do so, and I believe you can as well.

As Imon spoke, the clouds parted. Too brief for anyone else to notice, a sunbeam laid itself out on the ground in front of Yani. It was perfectly shaped like a stylized cartoon rabbit.

Yani startled. I didn’t even know you could be that precise! Oh my gosh, that was amazing! But, to be honest… I don’t really get why you showed it to me? Unless you were just showing off, in which case I understand completely, and it was super cool.

Imon laughed gently. I can’t do something like that often. It takes a lot of processing power, and a lot of power for the weather satellites and machinery itself. It may disturb meteorologists who notice as well. But I know you know who I mean. Just think back through those who have asked you for help. In just one case, it is your turn to ask them.

Those who I have helped… Yani sat for a moment, thinking, before her eyes widened. Not the tech school siblings! But Imon, I failed them! Completely! Miserably! I don’t think I can face them again, and especially not to ask for help! But… Augh…

Yani clapped herself on the cheeks a few times, then sighed, seemingly chastised. But this isn’t for myself. It’s for you. And the younger sister, at least, is a follower of Imon. Even if she’s a terrible person. I’m sure even if she can’t help, she knows someone from school or something who can.

You don’t think that you or she could ask her older sibling? Imon asked, genuine curiosity in her voice. She wanted to hear Yani’s true thoughts.

I don’t think so. Even if they’re siblings, a fight like that, and what she said… Could anyone come back from it? The thought just like me and Naira flowed through Yani’s mind, but she didn’t vocalize it to Imon. I’m a Godsinger of you, the god of family relationships. If I couldn’t help even a little, I think it might be a lost cause.

But! Yani stood up, brushing any imagined dirt off the skirt of her day clothes. Even if they don’t wanna help, I’m sure the sister knows someone. She was popular, after all! What was her name… Tiara?

Terra Cygnus. I believe that she will want to help. I ask that you discuss the matter with her in person, just to be safe.

Got it. I’ll find her communications online and send her a message.

And Yani?

Yes?

I know you do not believe it likely, but try to ask Trip first. Call it a way to humor me, if that would help. But I believe they would do excellent work. And beside that… I am curious. It is a nice thing, to feel curious with you.

*

Terra was easy to find on the net. She was following her own school, as Yani suspected she would be, so all she had to do was search the follower list. What was more surprising, though, was how quickly she responded to Yani’s message. She called Yani with no warning message beforehand, which freaked her out like nothing else, but she answered nonetheless.

“Hi, Yani! So… Why did you ask if you could come to my house?” Terra asked.

“It’s for a… Project, you could say. Something requiring specific technical knowledge. It’s for my Godsinger duties, so I can’t exactly share the details except in person.”

“I see. Well, it’s a little late tonight, but you can come over tomorrow. I don’t have class, so just let me know when you’re on your way. Oh! But morning would be best. I forgot I have karaoke planned in the evening!”

Yani felt a little twinge of jealousy, and then of guilt. Karaoke was something she would do with June and Naira, but everything had changed since the announcement from her parents. June was asking if she was alright, and she kept blowing her off. And Naira… That was a sunk ship. Just like Terra and Trip.

“Is it going to be alright if I’m there at the same time as your sibling?” Yani asked, trying to keep her voice gentle. She didn’t want to upset Terra after she had already lost such an important relationship.

“About that… I think that would be better discussed in person too, actually.” Terra answered, but she didn’t sound that sad. Yani didn’t understand why, but reasoned that maybe she just bounced back fast. Terra had a lot of friends, after all. Internally, she wondered if Trip was worse off. It seemed like they had been closer with Terra than anyone else before the two of them had that fight.

She pushed the thoughts from her mind and made plans with Terra to show up the next morning. Afterwards, she linked to Imon one last time to say goodnight, and made her way home. She managed to avoid all of her family members, but it did mean she went to bed hungry. That didn’t matter to her, though. She’d find something in the morning. She fell asleep dreaming of bodies for Imon to inhabit, and when she got too sleepy to remember propriety, bodies for Imon to hold her with.