Thank you to my reviewers! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter Two - To burden a heart

I don't know how to speak to you
I don't know how to trust you
Idon't know how to live for you
I don't how to love you
Milla Jovovich - Gentleman who fell

She…she could've died. His thoughts were heavy and clouded, shock descending upon him abruptly. 'She could've died and it would've been my fault…my fault for not looking after her properly. I could've lost my little sister…and not to mention Mikoto's trust in me. Mikoto…how could you put such a burden on me?

Zidane looked across to Kali. She was sitting at the edge of the elongated boat, watching the ripples it created spread out in the water with every movement the Alexandrian soldier created as he paddled slowly with the oar. It made soothing splashing sounds as it hit the water's surface.

They had reached Alexandria safely and were travelling via the cannel to reach the palace. Zidane was dreading telling Garnet about Kali - gods she'd be so angry! Would she send her back? Would she kick him out? No…she wouldn't do either. Garnet was a magnanimous woman and would never inflict suffering onto another living thing without a damn good reason - and doing a favour for someone definitely wasn't a good enough reason…in Zidane opinion anyway. Well, the worst she could do is-

Splash!

Oh no…please…no…no…no, no, no, no…

'Man…err…child overboard!' the Alexandrian shouted.

Zidane flung himself to where Kali had been sitting, causing the boat to rock uneasily. He caught a glimpse of her little white face, ghostly and unclear, sinking beneath the surface. He gulped in some air and dived in after his little sister.

The cold water engulfed his entire body and he had to stop himself from crying out underwater. He pumped hard with his arms and descended deeper into the bowels of the filthy cannel. There! He spotted her, struggling like a one-winged butterfly, clawing at her surroundings with slender arms. Her eyes were wide with shock, threads of bubble spurted thickly from her mouth as she screamed silently.

He grabbed her and swam to the surface, toward the eerie underbelly of the boat. They surfaced and gasped for air.

The Alexandrian soldier lifted the five-year-old from the water's slippery grasp and placed her gently on the wooden planks. Zidane hoisted himself up and glared daggers at the tiny child, feeling no worry or sympathy.

'Y-you…y-you…yo-ou…l-lit-ttle…' was all he could manage before coughing up green water.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Zidane stalked so quickly down the corridors Kali had to concentrate to try and keep up, her little legs working madly and her little feet aching slightly from walking so fast. She had thought of calling after him, but he didn't seem to like her very much so she kept quiet.

Soldiers gave her inquisitive looks before jumping out of the way of the furious male Genome. She returned their stares impassively and learnt something very quickly; they obviously held a fear of her older brother. Perhaps what Mikoto told her about his strength was true? He had defeated their creator, Garland, after all.

In truth, Kali found herself feeling quite insignificant in this magnificent castle. The hallways rolled past her in a swirl of gold, cream and rich red. Paintings of intimidating people gazed unblinkingly at her, and in the enormous halls the ceilings arched away from her tiny form, reaching tremendous heights above. It was quite contrasting the Mage village. She couldn't imagine herself living in such a cold and unloving place. That was, until she met her.

After winding down endless corridors, Zidane finally stopped at a large, oak studded door. His body language changed and he seemed apprehensive. He took a deep breath then rapped with his knuckles on the door.

Quickly, he turned to her and hissed, 'Wait here until I call you.' And then a little more aggressively, 'And don't even think about moving, missy.'

The door was thrown open suddenly and Kali heard a female voice exclaim Zidane's name. He entered abruptly and slammed the door behind him before the five-year-old could glimpse the owner of the melodious voice.

Inside his chamber, Zidane stared his wife in the face and offered a nervous grin. 'H-hey!'

'Hey yourself!' she said, returning the grin. 'What took you so long, darling? I missed you.'

She pulled him in for a kiss.

'I err…there's something I have to tell you…first.'

She rested her hands on his chest and looked up into his eyes. 'What is it? Is there something wrong?'

Scratching the back of his head, he replied, 'Um…that depends how you would define wrong.'

There was an awkward pause while Zidane tried to thread the words together on how to tell her.

'Well?' she pushed, becoming impatient.

He took a deep breath. 'Well…Mikoto asked me to look after my youngest sister so she can develop a soul because all the others at the Black Mage Village have and I know you're gonna be angry and I didn't want to do it it's just that she looks so vulnerable and Mikoto's so persuasive and I felt sorry for her though she's been such a pain I can't begin to tell you what she did-'

'W-wait…hold up a second. Let me get this straight, you've been asked by Mikoto to look after…who?'

'My five-year-old sister, Kali.'

'Right. And you were going to discuss this with me…when?'

'Look, I'm sorry, okay? I didn't really have much of a choice, Mikoto kinda flung her on me at the last minute and-'

'Well, where is she then?'

'Outside the door.'

Garnet frowned and sent a disapproving look to her husband. 'That's so mean! The poor girl is probably terrified!' She walked to the door muttering and tutting to herself.

Kali had been waiting for quite a while outside the towering oak door and stared at the carpet. People kept walking past and looked like they were about to say something to her, but considering that she was waiting outside the Queen's chamber, seemed to think better of it.

She could hear muffled voices in the room next to her and wondered indifferently what they were talking about. Her, she guessed. Then all of a sudden the door was swung open and the most beautiful woman she had ever seen stared down at her with gentle, chocolate-brown eyes.

'You must be Kali?' she asked, her voice was as kind and beautiful as she looked.

'Yes.'

'Oh, Zidane's so cruel leaving you out here like a common pet, come in and let me look at you.'

Kali tottered in and saw Zidane sitting moodily on a huge four-poster bed. He sent a warning look as their eyes met.

The room was wonderfully grand, with long billowing curtains drawn back from arched windows. The wide bed dominated the vast room and an imposing wardrobe loomed at the opposite end. A lengthy mahogany table stretched across one wall and curling chairs with red cushions sat around it, with one stray one by the window.

Garnet kneeled in front her and studied her face. 'You're a pretty little girl, aren't you? Your hair is a lot lighter than all the other Genomes, and so are your eyes. What a sweet little mouth you have, and your cheeks have such a healthy glow to them. Who would've thought you'd be related to the scruff-bag over there,' she added playfully, inclining her head toward Zidane.

'Hey!'

Ignoring her husband's protest, she continued. 'So you're living with us for a while are you?'

'Yes.'

She smiled and her beauty amazed Kali again. 'Hm…' She looked her up and down. 'You can't go around the castle wearing that ragged old thing. I'll take you shopping!'

'Err…Garnet…do you know what you're doing…?' Zidane intervened and thought, I hope she's not getting any ideas…

'I'm only taking her shopping, husband. You're welcome to come.'

He waved his hands. 'No way, I'll end up paying for everything.' And thought, At least the responsibilities are lifted off my shoulders for a while. I just hope Garnet knows how to take care of a child. Perhaps I should warn her about the mischief she keeps getting herself -

The door to the bedroom slammed shut and Zidane found himself alone in the room. He hung his head in defeat. 'Some welcome home…'

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The sun was just beginning to set on an eventful day in Zidane's life. He had just been outside wandering the cobbled streets of Alexandria, which was been submerged in amber hews of the sunset and held the coolness of the coming evening. Now he was entering the castle again, eagerly waiting dinner with his wife.

Chef's buzzed past him carrying trays laden with steaming food as he walked into the main dining hall. At the end of an expansive table sat Dagger and…Kali.

'What's she doing here?' he asked with a scowl.

'Don't be nasty!' Dagger snapped. 'She's here for dinner of course.'

'She doesn't have to eat with us,' Zidane grumbled under his breath while pulling up a chair.

Kali observed him quietly from the opposite side of the table until he noticed, then she lowered her gaze to the variety of shining knives, forks and spoons in front of her.

'Kali, sweetie, show Zidane the dress I bought you,' Dagger beamed.

She got up and walked around to where Zidane sat. He raised an eyebrow. She wore a knee length dress the colour of sunflower petals, white socks pulled up to her knees with tiny black dolly-shoes. A little yellow ribbon was clipped in her hair and a laced petite-coat stuck out from the bottom of her dress slightly.

The little girl stared up at him dully.

'Um…you err…it's very…yellow.' Garnet frowned at him so he added hastily, 'and cute. Very cute.'

'She chose it herself!'

He raised an eyebrow again. 'I find that hard to believe.'

Dagger pouted but didn't press the subject.

The food was served on silver dishes and Zidane dug in immediately, famished. Dagger picked at her salad and Kali copied her with an unreadable expression pasted on her face.

'Tomorrow,' Dagger announced, 'I am taking Kali shopping again, Zidane.'

'Oh yeah?' Zidane swallowed a mouthful of beef. 'What for?'

'More clothes I suppose, and perhaps some toys? I brought her a darling little doll today - show him Kali.' The young Genome brought a little doll from her lap that wore a long frilly dress and had curly brown hair. 'She hasn't left it alone! I could get her hair done as well; she'd look so cute in curls! And I'd love to get her a long cream dress, like mine and then-'

'Have you asked her what she wants to do?' Zidane interrupted.

Dagger looked a little taken aback. 'Well…I err…'

The male Genome slammed down his knife and fork. 'She's not a doll Dagger!'

Dagger frowned and stood up angrily. 'Just look at her! She practically is!'

The room became very still and quiet and Zidane noticed Kali's surreptitious glance at Dagger. Rage erupted within him and he stormed around the table to where his youngest sister sat, grabbing her hand. 'How can you be so heartless?' he shouted at his wife, before marching from the castle and out into the darkening streets of Alexandria, dragging Kali behind him.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

'Who does she think she is?' Zidane shouted, slamming his drink onto the bar. 'Her mother?'

A small crowd shushed him and continued watching the play.

'It's not that bad, is it?' his old friend, Blank whispered after downing a shot. 'I mean, you explained the situation right? Maybe she misunderstood and thought you're adoptin' her of something.'

'No. She understands the situation alright.'

Zidane was inside Ruby's acclaimed 'Mini Theatre', the place where the whole of Alexandria seemed to congregate after work. It took a while to kick off at first, but it seemed Ruby was in the money now. It was also a place where Tantalus hung out in their spare time - like now.

He looked across at the little girl next to him. Ruby was leaning on the bar in front of her and was looking at the five-year-old as if she was sent from heaven. Ruby had made a huge ice-cream sundae with practically every kind of flavour and topping and insisted that it was 'on the house'. Kali had been at quite a loss when she was given this towering gift and a tiny spoon to eat it with.

'She's just a little doll, Zid, honestly, I aint ever seen a cuter girl in all ma life!' Ruby exclaimed. Kali gave her questioning look. 'Aw! I just wanna take her home for myself! God darn it Zid, ya got me all broody!'

Blank flinched.

Zidane said, 'Rubes, I think the play is finishing.'

She looked startled then waved her arms dramatically. 'So it is! Silly me!' She leaned over the bar and patted Kali on the head. 'Now you just wait right there, darlin'!'

The play ended and Ruby announced that the theatre was closing. People began to file out, except for the members of Tantalus who gathered round the bar. Baku had accumulated from nowhere and clapped Zidane on the back guffawing loudly.

'Yo Zidane, how's castle life treatin' ya?'

'S'ok, I guess.'

Baku laughed again then noticed the little Genome gradually consuming the massive ice cream.

Baku slapped Zidane on the back of his head. 'Ya never told me you and Dagger had a kid! Thought you said I'd be one of the first persons to know!'

Zidane was so shocked he spilt his drink. 'SHE'S NOT MY DAUGHTER! SHE'S MY SISTER! MY SISTER, OKAY?'

'Gwahahaha! Geez don't get so worked up 'bout it!' He ruffled Kali's blonde locks. 'She's a cutie though!'

Ruby returned behind the bar and scowled at the male Genome. 'Zidane! D'ya hafta be so messy? Lookit! Ya drinks spilt all over the counter. Well, guess who's gonna have to clean it up.' Ruby threw a cloth at him. 'Mop it up, partner.'

'I'm sorry,' Kali said unexpectedly.

Zidane looked at her. 'Huh?'

She stared into her mound of ice cream. 'I've been nothing but a burden to you…you've argued with Dagger because of me, you've split your drink because of me, you've generally worried over me and even saved my life. I…should go back to the Mage's village.'

Zidane's heart constricted and he felt a surge of guilt. 'No…no, Kali, it's not you…I'm just…not used to having kids around. Please don't be sorry. Dagger is the one who should be sorry anyway.'

A silence built itself around the theatre inhabitants until Ruby gave a squeal of delight.

'She's just such a sweetheart! Can I take her home?'

Blank laughed nervously. 'N-no…I-I'm pretty s-sure Zidane wants his s-sister, right Zidane?''

Zidane reached over and rubbed his little sister's back affectionately. 'Of course! I wouldn't want to leave her here with you imbeciles!'

'H-huh? What did you just call me? You're payin' double for ya next drink, cowboy,' Ruby said, wagging a finger in his face.

Tantalus laughed as Zidane banged his head against the bar's surface.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

'Ruby! Ruby! H-help! What's wrong with her?'

Kali's body had become very limp and her head was nodding as if the weight of it was too much to bear. Her sky-blue eyes were drooping terribly and Zidane had to remove the ice cream before her face fell into it.

'Ruby! RUBY!' he called frantically.

The female member of Tantalus came swaggering up to him. 'What's wrong, darlin'?'

'Look, look! Wh-what's wrong with her?'

Ruby glanced over at the slouching Genome and smiled lovingly at her. 'Aw bless her lil' heart, she's tired that's all. See? She can hardly keep her eyes open. Now that's your fault for keepin' her up so late! It's way past ten at night and lil' girls like her should be all tucked up in bed,' she reprimanded Zidane. 'Take her home, Zid.'

He lifted her delicately from the stool and laid her in his arms. She snuggled up to his chest and murmured a bit before completely succumbing to sleep, accompanied by the soft lullaby of Zidane's breathing and heartbeat. She looked adorable, with her bow lips parted slightly and her feathery eyelashes pressed lightly against her rosy cheeks.

'Aw she's such a little angel, isn't she?' Ruby cooed, brushing blonde strands of hair from Kali's face. 'I can see why you like her so much.'

Zidane blushed. 'I-I don't like her that much…I mean she is my sister but it's not like I see her as a…you know…daughter or anything.'

Ruby winked and ushered him out of her Mini Theatre into the dark streets of Alexandria.

With the inky blackness lapping at his vision, he too, felt the heavy push of tiredness sweep over him. He knew Dagger was going to be angry with him for staying out with Kali so late, but hell, he should be angry with her for being so disrespectful in front of the five-year-old girl! Yet…he wasn't anymore. He couldn't be angry at Dagger for long; he loved her. Besides, Kali needed them to be together right now, obviously she had felt it was her fault that Dagger and him had argued, and it damn well wasn't! He didn't want her to feel that way…

As he entered the magnificent castle, Ruby's words echoed through his head again: I can see why you like her so much…

Please review it! I guess I kinda portrayed a RubyxBlank here, but I always thought they'd make a good couple ; )