Author's Note: Now I'm skipping forward in time a little bit, just two months ahead. And this chapter may sound a bit weird. It's been strung out over the holidays.

Sosei, Reincarnation's Sequel

Chapter 9-Mistake

Totetsumonari Kyuuden

5:57 A.M.

Myou:

          "Come on, Zidane. You're too slow!" Kirika shouted, while bringing her swords into an 'x' position. Zidane pretended to be tired for a moment or two and lowered his swords. Bad move, or so I thought. Kirika dashed forward carefully, her swords darting in at Zidane's chest. They weren't real times strikes, they were designed to test the defenses and determine weaknesses. During these last two months, I got to observe the various changes within Kirika. She was unbelievable during these months with all of the constant training and running. I found it hard to watch sometimes for my concern for her was great.

          But Kirika was responsible and gentle and she knew how important the child was to everyone. Zidane's swords snapped up immediately and pushed the invading swords away. In one fluid motion, he thrust his swords low and to the side. Kirika danced away slowly, sending her hands to do the quicker work. Her swords quickly deflected Zidane's harmlessly wide. Kirika shifted her weight again and moved in quicker, her left sword wearing in repeated feints over and over again. Zidane edged backwards, blocking the feints with one hand as well. Kirika, with a smirk on her face, spun around quickly, using brute forces to smack her swords into his. Zidane responded by locking their swords together and sighed.

          "Hmm…another day, perhaps?" Kirika asked, dropping her swords to her side.

          "Maybe I think Kuja's almost ready to leave Kyuuden again."

          Leaving Kyuuden meant a lot of things now. Treno was safe, but not that safe. No one in Treno knew of Kirika's advanced pregnancy, which was excellent. Of course, we had to kill some people to keep it that way, but that was expected. This was Treno and Treno was not entirely the city of nobles. Kirika smoothed her long red hair back.

          "Leaving Kyuuden? I don't know if I want to leave just yet."

          Zidane shrugged.

          "I guess I could understand why."

          "Where's my father?"

          "He's still suffering from that hangover, heh, heh."

Kirika:

          I couldn't help but laugh. I knew Kuja was drunk last night. He was so druink that he didn't even know it. Little does he know about himself! I rubbed my belly softly and sat down in the closest chair.

          "I'll go get something to eat for you, if you wish," Zidane whispered.

          I couldn't refuse him. Everyone had been so nice to me throughout my pregnancy by making sure I was eating and comfortable. Kirei even wove some clothes for my child, both in pink and in blue so that she would be ready. I, of course, hadn't figured out what gender my child was, but I had a feeling I would know soon enough. Maybe a little bird will tell me. Zidane nodded and walked off.

          "Kirika, why don't you agree with Zidane's idea of leaving?"

          The voice belonged to Myou, that much I knew, but the tone he used was overly serious.

          "This is my second home, Myou. I'm just not ready to leave yet," I answered carefully.

          "But it's not safe here. What if the news of your pregnancy gets out?"

          What was wrong with Myou? I had never heard him talk like this before.

          "I have magic and I can fight. That's all the safety I need. You need to have faith in me," I snapped.

          "I do, it's just that—"

          I turned around to face him the best I could while also keeping my expression straight.

          "You don't believe I can do it, do you? What have you to fear, Myou? I didn't survive as Kuja's daughter being timid."

          I saw a flash of anger in his expression and decided to choose my words carefully. I loved Myou, but I wanted no love lost between us. Arguing would be bad for my child and the stress…not good.

          "I'm just concerned for you, that's all," Myou hissed.

          That's it!

          "I'm not a child! Maybe it's time for you to go by yourself!" I shouted.

          I stormed out of the room without waiting for him to reply. I hated when people treated me like a child. I am a woman with a child on the way. I think I would know whether my decisions are valid or not. I growled as I went into my bedroom slowly. Amaranthine lifted her head up and snorted at me curiously.

          'Mommy, you seem mad.'

          I closed the door behind me and locked it.

          "He just doesn't understand, Amaranthine. He just thinks I'm a child," I whispered.

          'It'll be ok.'

          Amaranthine sat her head on my belly and nuzzled it. She was my child also…

Kuja:

          "I have some news from Dr. Tot."

          I snarled at Zidane through the layer of hair covering my face and sighed. What else could possibly happen to us now, I thought bitterly. My body was growing stiff and feeble. Sooner or later, it would be impossible for me to go out. I was praying silently that Kirika would agree to my suggestion of leaving. But so far, there was no word on it.

          "What's the news?" I asked tiredly.

          "The Treno nobles are getting suspicious so they are sending someone over here in the evening."

          Great, more trouble. I didn't want any Treno nobles around when Kirika was so close to labor. The fact that Myou was in league would worsen the damage to our reputation.

          "Hmm…that is something to think about."

          There was a knock at my door. I motioned to Zidane weakly and leaned back in my chair. Myou stepped in slowly with a weird expression on his face. I sat up straighter in order to see him better and to observe his expression. He was really upset, I could tell he and Kirika fought. Well…there was the first time for everything.

          "Something wrong, Myou?" I asked, keeping my tone light.

          "Kirika's not going."

          Just as I feared. I knew my daughter would refuse to leave. The girl had to lot more sense than most people. So…I didn't mind her indecision. What I did mind was the fight between the two.

          "And you argued. I know you're worried about her, but Kirika will be fine. You just need to focus on keeping Kirika out of the sight of the Treno nobles tonight," I said softly.

          "Tonight."

          "The nobles are insecure people, Myou. You would know."

          Myou laughed.

7:13 P.M.

Kirika:

          I was in an incredibly bad mood before the sun set in the west. My back ached and my chest seemed to reflect that ache ten fold. Dr. Tot told me to stay in bed for the rest of the evening due to the fact that I was so close to labor. I couldn't help but wonder where Myou was and whether he cared about my feelings. The argument before had proved nothing but the fact that he was over protective. I sighed and leaned back against my pillow. It wasn't fair. I wasn't a child. A wave of pain shot through my spine, cutting my breath short.

          "Kuja!"

Kuja:

          I wondered why Kirika shouted my name in pain. Was it…time? I got up from my chair stiffly and wrapped my blankets around me.

          "Garnet, Kirei!" I yelled loudly.

          "We're on it, Kuja! And maybe you would be too if you would get your slow ass down here!"

          Ha, ha, funny.

Kirika:

          Too many people…too many people, I thought darkly as everyone gathered inside my room. I backed up against a pillow and sighed.

          "What's going on, Kirika?" Kirei asked.

          I glared at her darkly before clutching my stomach in pain.

          "Pain and lots of it. And I would appreciate it if you wouldn't ask stupid questions like that," I snapped.

          Garnet laughed and touched my belly.

          "They are probably contractions, Kirika. I'll try to make you as comfortable as possible, but you're in for some pain."

          "How do you know all of this?"

          "Oh…no reason. Now I'll go send for Dr. Tot."

          Nice one, Garnet. It's not hard to figure out what you and Zidane have been doing. Heh, heh. Everyone left except for a wayward late Kuja. And I had a feeling that what was coming next wasn't going to be about the baby.

          "Did you hear about tonight?" Kuja asked.

          What about tonight? What was going on?

          "No, what's going…on?"

          I paused somewhat as a ripple of pain shot through my chest.

          "The nobles are concerned as they pick today of all days to investigate our isolation."

          I held back a snarl and leaned against the pillow again. This was a very bad day. Hmm…the only thing that could make it worse was the appearance of genomes. In my weakened state, I wouldn't be able to help defend Treno.

          "Kuja, I can't have them in Totetsumonari Kyuuden. I'm having a child and I don't need this."

          "I know, Kirika. Just relax and we'll get through this."

          I blinked and sighed.

          "Where's Myou?" I asked.

          "Probably back at his office."

          Back at his office? But I needed him here! Gods, I need him here with me. Suddenly, I wished I hadn't argued with him I wanted to stay here, that's all.

Myou:

          I hated to leave Totetsumonari Kyuuden at this time of day due to the fact that everyone was out and about. And that wasn't good. My appearance was perfect for gossip and gossip was not good. I entered the office building with sign and noticed a woman standing outside my door. I recognized her as Ryoko, Treno's highest-ranking noble (Yes, she was higher than me). Her presence here could only mean one thing. She was not happy.

          "Sir Myou, we meet again…and not on happy terms I fear."

          Hmm…I guess so if your going to hang around in my face.

          "What is the problem?" I asked.

          "You are the Mayor, so I except you to know better. Rumors fly around Treno about a certain woman named Kirika.'

          I should have known this would be about Kirika. Of course, with the isolation policy they had up, there would be issues raised.

          "What about her?" I asked, keeping my voice cool and fair.

          "You have been with her, have you not?"

          "Yes, I have."

          "That's very dangerous indeed, Myou. This could cost you your job."

          "Kirika's a kind and sweet person. She wouldn't do anything to anyone here."

          "She's not one of us, Myou. Sir Kuja may be a noble, but that brat of his is not."

          I bit my lip to keep from snapping back. Kirika was more of a noble than Ryou was and she wasn't even a pure noble. But I had to be cautious of what I say.

          "I see by your expression that you don't agree with my reasoning. Speak your mind."

          "You have a very vogue opinion about the Tribal family, Ryoko."

          "We'll see in an hour, Myou."

Hour Later

Kuja:

          So far, the 'peace' of Totetsumonari Kyuuden hadn't been disturbed, which was excellent. I personally wanted to drink the day away, but today's events wouldn't allow it, plus Kirika's constant death threats were cause for concern. She was in serious pain and pretty much everyone knew it. I could only pray that she would deliver the child soon. A knock came at my front door, startling me out of my thoughts.

          "Kirei!" I shouted as I started to stand up.

          Kirei's pale face peered around the corner with a frown.

          "Now?"

          I nodded. She swore and closed the door for a moment. I moved towards the back of Kyuuden as Kirei opened the door again and walked to the front. I listened intently as she opened the front door. From around the corner, I saw the thin face of Ryoko. Not her…not her! Ryoko hated Kirika with a passion. So much that she would probably try to frame her.

          "Good evening, Ryoko," I said as I walked back in the foyer.

          A scream leaked out from the back of Kyuuden, rocking the paintings on the walls. Ryoko narrowed her azure eyes at me and smirked.

          "It's been a long time, Kuja. I suppose you see fit to stay in this palace in isolation?"

          Well…yeah. I have several bags of gil in the back to say so. Greedy nobles will do anything these days.

          "Well, we are in the middle of a very important situation, right now," I said carefully.

          "Oh really? So where's your daughter?"

          Uh…oh. I didn't want Ryoko back there, especially with Kirika in such a volatile mood. But what could I do?

          "Kuja."

          I turned around, only to see Zidane with a wide smile on his face.

          'Is she ok?' I mouthed to him.

          He nodded.

          Kirika:

          I was exhausted, literally, but that faded when I saw my brand new baby girl. I closed my eyes and whispered a prayer to Iifa. Maybe that was the spirit that has been guiding me.

          "So what are you going to name her?"

          I opened the eyes slowly and turned over onto my side to face Garnet.

          "Umm…Kajin."

          "That's a good name. Now, just rest."

          You didn't have to tell me twice. And so, I relaxed. The sound of voices made me sit up painfully and stare at the door. Garnet glanced at me warily and went to the door. Before she could get to it, the door swung open and a woman stepped in. I swallowed a growl and promptly put a smile on my face.

          "Well, well, look what we have here."

          I blinked as I recognized the face of Ryoko, Treno's proudest and richest noble. Wonderful, just wonderful.

          "Why are you here?" I asked.

          Ryoko glanced at my newborn daughter with malice. I felt compelled to get up and kick her out of Kyuuden, but that was risky. I didn't have much physical energy to deal with right now so any activity would drain me.

          "Who is the father?" Ryoko asked.

          I knew what she was getting at and I wasn't going to tell her.

          "That's none of your business," I snapped.

          Ryoko grabbed Kajin and held her up to the light. This time, I couldn't hold my snarl back. Garnet started to rush to my aid, but I quickly waved her back.

          "Now tell me, who is the father?"

          "What do you have to gain from hurting my child?" I asked, keeping my voice calm.

          "Because you are not a noble. You are some kind of freak who stole Myou from me!"

          That cut deeply. Garnet retrieved Kajin from Ryoko's trembling hands and backed away. I silently thanked her and got up from the bed.

          "I did not steal Myou from you, that much I am certain of," I said.

          "Oh, but you did. You with your abnormal beauty of charm—"

          "You are sadly mistaken."

          Nothing could stop me from receiving this blow. Ryoko slugged me in the side of my mouth roughly and laughed. I fell and spat out blood onto the floor.

          "I'm not finished with you, Kirika Tribal," She whispered.

          Ryoko spat on my body and walked out of the room. I glared at her as she exited. I'm not finished with you either, Ryoko. I thought darkly.

Myou:

          I could tell something was wrong the moment I stepped foot on Totetsumonari Kyuuden's grounds. It just felt wrong. I opened the front door calmly and stepped in. I closed the door behind me and stood there, listening to the silence in the palace.

          "Oh, Myou, it's you."

          I blinked and noticed the look on Kirei's face.

          "What happened?"

          "Ryoko happened, that's what. You need to talk with Kuja and Zidane before seeing Kirika."

          I hid my anger and sighed.

          "Where are they?"

          "In the study."

          I walked down the hallway and into the open door in the back. Sure enough, Kuja and Zidane were inside, each sporting a mug.

          "Glad to see your back. Unfortunately enough, you missed your friend just a few minutes ago," Kuja snapped.

          I blinked and ran my hand through my hair.

          "I figured she would come here sooner or later."

          "I supposed you didn't expect her to try to kill your newborn daughter, did you?"

          A wave of cold swept over my body, making me shiver. I couldn't believe Ryoko. Why did she do that?

          "Kuja, I'm sorry. I didn't know."

Kirika:

          I listened to the conversation across the hallway with a frown on my face. I rubbed my jaw and sighed. It wasn't right to place the blame on Myou. He didn't know that Ryoko would do this. I started to go into the study, but I remembered Garnet's firm orders as she left for her room. I wasn't supposed to be up and moving, especially with the medicine she gave me. A small hint of motion outside the window caught my attention. I went over to it and poked my head out. A small girl danced in the snow outside my window with hints of blood on her face. Blood? Why would a kid have blood on its face?

          "Come on, slowpoke. You're going to miss it!"

          "Miss what?" I asked.

          The girl smiled and twirled around.

          "The feast, child of Iifa! The feast!"

          Hmm…feast? I was curious about this feast, plus I didn't want to listen to the arguing anymore. I climbed out of the window slowly, taking time to find my footing on the ground below. You see, my room was on the bottom floor of Kyuuden, which made sneaking out easy. Thank you childhood. The girl ran out into the woods and out into the free air of Gaia. I followed after her slowly, noting how much pain I felt in my waist. So herbal medicine didn't always work, heh, heh. I emerged out into the air of Gaia and rubbed my arm. The girl smiled and sat down in the grass.

          "Where's the feast?" I asked.

          All of a sudden, I was grabbed from behind and forced to the ground. I struggled to get free as best I could, but my 'wounds' made it worse. Moments later, I was greeted with the face of Mikoto. I snarled and tried to kick at her. I was thrown down against the ground and slapped.

          "You shouldn't have wondered out, Kirika. Even now, you risk death," Mikoto said softly.

          How many times have I heard that?

          "Why are you here? It's too dangerous to be this close to Totetsumonari Kyuuden," I snapped.

          Mikoto smirked and pulled a small bottle out of her robes.

          "Garland told me to give you this. However, I can't trust you to actually drink it. So…"

          She knelt down next to me and opened the bottle. I pulled against the hands that held me, attempting to get away.

          "Now, now, calm down. We can't have a genome child and its mother coming about can we?"

          She forced my mouth open and began pouring the liquid down. The initial shock of it made me swallow at least half of the contents before my mind caught up with what was going on. I spat the rest of it into Mikoto's face and was repaid by a hard smack in the face and a slam into the ground. I was halfway aware of what was going on by now and I knew that I was going to go unconscious soon.

          "Have fun, Kirika. Oh, and do say hi to Kuja for me."

Myou:

          After my less than happy meeting, I sat out in the hallway, deep in thought. I wanted to keep Kirika safe, but I wanted to keep my job. Kirika meant everything to me, she truly did. And now that little Kajin was in the world, I had more to think about and more to protect. Maybe Kirika could shed some light on the situation. I opened her door slowly, just in case she was asleep. When the door was fully open, I noticed the bed was empty and the window was open. Just like Kirika. I exited the room and walked into the front foyer. Kirei was pacing around in the middle of the floor, obliviously deep in thought.

          "She did it again," I muttered.

          Kirei stared at me with those tired blood eyes of hers and yawned.

          "Let us hurry then. We'll have to search Treno. Are you up to it?"

          Was this routine or what? Heh, Kirika must run out enough so that her family just stopped panicking when it happened. How ironic.

Kirika:

          My eyes shot open just as another strong gust of wind hit the countryside. I struggled to remember what happened before, but to no avail. All I remember was the walk out here. My body ached all over and my head hurt. I had to make it back to Treno. Why was I out here when I had a baby to take care of? I got up to my feet and started walking to Treno's front gates. It wouldn't be wise to go back through the woods to Totetsumonari Kyuuden due to the fact that they were enchanted enough to keep everything out.

          And by everything, I meant everything. I held my right arm close as I noticed blood dripping down it. What had happened to it? I didn't know, I couldn't remember. The guards at the gate gave me a strange look as I walked past them. At first, the streets were empty, but as I tried to continue along the path to Kyuuden, it began to fill up. And then, I saw…

Myou:

          At first, I couldn't believe my eyes and then, I had to wonder what did bodily harm to Kirika. She was staggering up the path to Kyuuden slowly with a grimace on her face. People were already out in the street gawking and laughing. I knew Ryoko arranged this somehow, but I couldn't very well accuse her in public. At least, not yet.

          "Oh, how the mighty have fallen."

          I turned around only to catch sight of Ryoko's ugly grin. She was enjoying this.

          "You can only go lower from here," Kirei commented.

          I stifled a laugh and headed over to Kirika's ailing form. I reached out to touch her face…

          "Don't touch me!" She shrieked.

          The street fell silent as she straightened up and began to lean from side to side. I withdrew my hand and backed away, confused.

          "Kirika…what's wrong with you?" I asked.

          Kirika giggled and stared at me with unusually azure eyes that were glazed over.

          "Who are you?"

          "Myou," Kirei growled.

          She was warning me to be careful that much I knew.

          "Kirika, you need to come back with us to Totetsumonari Kyuuden. You need rest," I said carefully.

          Kirika's body swayed and leaned forward. Her eyes were cat-like now.

          "Rest? Rest is nothing but a tool to get away from realities. You are weak if you sleep."

          Ryoko laughed and walked up beside me.

          "My, my, look how pathetic you are. It's hard to believe you are the source of Myou's affections."

          If I thought this situation could not get any worse then I was fooling myself.

          "Pathetic mortal, who do you fool when you put on your high and mighty act? Hmm…you disappoint me," Kirika snapped.

          This was going to get ugly. Ryoko huffed.

          "Just who do you think you are!" She shouted.

          Kirika giggled and straightened up again. Her fiery red hair instantly turned black as she extended her hand.

          "I owe you something."

          She broke into a mighty cackle as blue lightning shot out of her hand and into Ryoko's body. I caught the whiplash of the spell and flew back into a wall. Kirei rushed to my side and traced a circle in the air with her finger. Several lightning bolts shot down onto Kirika's body, sending her to the ground. I wanted to protest her actions, but I found myself at a loss for words. Kirei looked at the crowd with growing concern on her face.

          "Run! Get out of here go!" She shrieked.

          Kirika was back onto her feet and smiling. Her body was surrounded by darkness and something else I couldn't identify. So far, I hadn't seen Ryoko get to her feet yet which meant that something was seriously wrong.

          "Myou, leave for Kyuuden, I'll handle Kirika," Kirei muttered.

          "No. Kirika needs me and I haven't been fair to her. You've got to let me stay here," I protested.

          Kirei sighed and shook her head.

          "You've got a lot to learn about Kirika, but fine. Talk to her while I try to take her down from behind."

          I started towards Kirika slowly while keeping my expression unreadable. Her body convulsed and hunched again. Her eyes were glassy all over again, but this time, they held no malice.

          "Who are you?"

          I hated to see her like this. It was like someone took her fragile psyche and threw it out the window. What happened to her after I got home?

          "I'm Myou. Don't you remember me?"

          "Myou…?"

          I nodded.

          "I'm the father of our child, Kain. You've got to remember that."

          Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kirei move out from behind a building and inch over to Kirika's prone form.

          "My memory is not what it used to be. Forgive me," Kirika whispered.

          You're joking, please tell me that you're joking. How could you not know me? Before I could say anything more, a crack sound and Kirika fell to the ground, limp. I swallowed hard and turned away from the woman that lay before me. That wasn't Kirika. That was not the woman I made love to. That was something else…something unnatural.