When I'm really critical of the available information, the only strong evidence against us being the same genetic species is my anomalous eye color. Honestly, that's not much. Some populations of certain ethnicities on Earth could be subject to the same criticism, where they are predominantly or entirely brown-eyed. So at the absolute most, that might justify classifying us as different sub-species. Plus, Azazel's translation skill identifies us both as 'human', which is its own kind of evidence that we're not fully distinct species.
On the other hand, comparing our appearance aside, how much invisible genetic drift has there been between the humans on Earth and Azura? It's probably been eons since we branched off from the same ancestral population of humans, assuming that there was one. How many genetic differences have piled up in our time as isolated colonies?
Looking at it that way, Azura's humans and elves are considered a different species, but I'm quite confident that they are extremely similar genetically. Maybe even more similar than Azura's and Earth's humans. Furthermore, the Elder Dragons are considered a separate species, even though they're modified humans. Honestly, my understanding of Nina's and I's contract is that, on some level, I also have some of those modifications now. So, by those two lines of logic, it's at least possible that I'm technically a different species than Azura's humans at this point.
Hmm....so, how do I answer Ilina and Alto? I can't provide all that science-y justification right now, since Zara and Alara are here. That's way too much forbidden information. But I do want to talk it out with Alto later, especially to get her involved in that research project. Still, that's an issue for another time. So, in that case...
"Ilina, Alto...I guess to answer your shared question...I don't know. I think that most of the differences between us are the result of being from different planets. I think it's reasonable to call us different sub-races, like elves and high elves, but I have a hard time convincing myself that we're fully distinct races. That said, I'll at least acknowledge that I can't know for sure, especially after how my Dragon Bond with Nina altered me. For example, it's possible that Azura's elves are in fact closer to being the same race as Azura's humans than my planet's humans are." (Mizuki)
Alara leans forward on the couch with an unhappy expression on her face. I have little doubt what that's about.
"Mizuki, Alto mentioned this theory of yours to us earlier as well. Is it true? You think that our people used to be human? I must say, I am not a fan of this idea." (Alara)
I nod sympathetically, though I don't feel a shred of sympathy over this bothering her.
"I'm fairly certain that must be the case, yes. Mind you, I'm not saying that your people emerged directly from Azura's humans. In fact, that's probably unlikely. Either there are or used to be humans on your home planet that the elves emerged from, or your people are related to humans from an entirely separate planet. Still, you have to be fairly closely related to Azura's humans." (Mizuki)
Alara makes an expression that's more bitter than skeptical, so I guess she mostly believes me. Apparently, others want to weigh in, though, just in case.
"Like Alto, I also found Mizuki's theory believable, Lady Alara. From what Nina has told us, elves and humans can have children, such matings are just unheard of. By contrast, the wolf-kin are regularly...exploited...by the humans here. Yet, you see no such mixed offspring anywhere. That's because demi-humans can't have children with humans, nor with demi-humans from other clans. My understanding is that the same is true for dwarves. It seems the only other race on Azura that can have children with humans is Elder Dragons, and Nina says that a god created them from humans. I think the implication for the elves is clear." (Zara)
Alara looks down at the ground, and I think I hear her grumbling, but Ilina suddenly claps her hands to get everyone's attention.
"I think we can all agree that our people's likely relationship to humans is startling, and I for one am annoyed to be hearing about this from someone other than Mizuki..." (Ilina)
Ilina pauses briefly to give me a disapproving look. I do feel bad about not mentioning something so existentially important to the elves' future ruler and my future wife, but...I forgot!
"...however, we've gotten off topic. This was about whether Mizuki considers himself the same race as Azura's humans. Mizuki, if you're already revealing your abilities and origins from another planet to the nobles, I think it'd be more convenient to also convince them you're not human. The elves would fear a powerful human because they've only known bad humans, but if you were a powerful non-human who's only helped them, you'd be no different than Nina. However, Alto was concerned that you wouldn't agree to identifying yourself that way." (Ilina)
Ilina stares at me, waiting for me to weigh in, and Alto smiles at me sympathetically. Alara, Zara, and Nina just continue watching us three.
So, Ilina wants us to just say I'm not human, huh? Or at least, not the same race as the humans on Azura. I admit, Alto's assessment is correct, though. I really do view myself as human...I just can't see myself as anything else. However, there's an even more important reason why I'm hesitant to cast aside my humanity, even in name.
"Ilina, Alto's right. It's not just because I really do consider myself human, it's also because I want the races of Azura to coexist peacefully one day. For that to happen, the races need to start empathizing with one another. I thought that, being human, the other humans might listen to me more, and the elves might finally accept that humans can be good if I treat them well. If I start claiming that I'm not human, that all goes out the window." (Mizuki)
Ilina gives me a sympathetic expression.
"I'm sorry, Mizuki, but I think you're being naïve in that regard. Even if it were true that the humans will listen to you and see you as one of them, which I doubt, I'm sure your logic about the elves doesn't apply. Being so close with Nina, you're already too much of an anomaly. Honestly, any elves or other non-humans that befriended you have likely come to see you as other-than-human, rather than changing their opinions about humans as a race." (Ilina)
Before I have a chance to wonder about Ilina's assertion too long, others start piling on.
"Fufufu...I confess, Mizuki, I have not truly considered you human since that first day we met." (Nina)
"Sorry, Mizuki, but I'm living proof of Ilina's point being correct. I think more than any other elf, or maybe any non-human, I went from loathing you from the bottom of my heart, to now admiring you and considering us practically family. Honestly, that's because at some point I stopped associating you with those humans. On a fundamental level, I feel the same way about humans I always have. Now, I just try to be respectful towards them out of consideration for you." (Alara)
I sigh internally...that's not reassuring, but those two's opinions aren't exactly a surprise. Both of their reactions to seeing me for the first time was to murder me just because I'm human. I turn towards Zara, preparing to point out that the wolf-kin consider me human. Yet, they were accepting of me even after all they've suffered from humans. However, Zara seems to infer my intentions and shakes her head firmly, then speaks in an even tone.
"No, Mizuki. The wolf-kin are no different. Sure, they'll call you human, but in their minds you are the exception not the rule. Truthfully, when you're not around, they don't call you human...they call you grav'durak, which means 'sheepskin-covered wolf'. Some have even started rumors that you are actually a god of destruction, disguising yourself as a human." (Zara)
What!? Why is this the first time I'm hearing of this!? Zara seems to be suppressing a smirk over her last statement, and Nina looks entertained as well.
That aside...have I really made zero meaningful progress on fundamentally closing the rifts between the races? I sigh deeply, feeling my resolve over the issue wavering, and I turn to Alto hopefully.
"Alto, can I assume that you at least agree with me? Since you're the one who insisted that I be told about this ridiculous part of the plan." (Mizuki)
Alto grimaces, then meets my gaze nervously.
"No, Mizuki...I'm sorry. I insisted on discussing this part of the plan with you first because I knew how you'd feel about it. However, I agree with the others. Our time together has shown me that you identifying as a human won't further the goal you speak of. If anything, it may hinder it, since the word 'human' will instill fear in the elves that don't know you personally. If it's any consolation, I think that human adventurer, Levi, may be able to do what you're hoping for if you help him. Honestly, he's probably the only human on Azura with my true respect." (Alto)
Christ...so even Alto thinks this way? I don't know why, but realizing how different my friends perception of me is from my own, I feel a little uneasy. The last of my resistance to the notion that I'm a racial outcast on Azura cracks, and I slump into the couch. I stay that way for several minutes, thinking over what I've heard, and none of them say a word to me. They seem to recognize that I need time to process this.
All four of my closest advisors just told me the same thing, or at least implied it. They don't think of me as human by Azura's standards, and they think that me clinging onto the notion that I am is only hindering things. That's really the gist of it.
What am I supposed to do with that? Honestly, I'm not sure. But I know that if I were to abandon my human identity like they're suggesting, there's one important question I need answered first.
I take a deep breath, sit up straighter on the couch, and return my attention forward.
"Okay, everyone, I hear you. That's honestly hard to accept, but...I trust you all. So, I'm trying my best. There is one thing I have to know, though. If you all don't consider me human, what do you consider me? More importantly, Ilina, what race do you want the elves to identify me as? I'm sure it's not reassuring to them to just classify me as a 'non-human of unknown variety'." (Mizuki)
They all smile at me without hesitation.
"I consider you my best friend." (Alto)
"Fufufu...I consider you 'a Mizuki'." (Alara)
"My mate, naturally. Nothing else matters." (Nina)
"I suppose...my mentor." (Zara)
These motherfuckers...that's almost enough to make me cry. I feel my spirits lift a little bit at their responses. On Earth, the sentiment of rejecting someone's humanity is rather negative, but I guess that's not really how the people of Azura see it. I'm not sure if I can quite accept a non-human identity yet, but this does take the edge off that idea. Still, I notice that one person has been rather silent.