Hi, here's the second-to-last chapter, enjoy.

Disclaimer: RahXephon and its characters are the property of their respective owners. This piece is not for profitable purposes.

Chapter 6: The Twin Ollins

Shirou and I sit silently in the living room of our home, Shirou reading the newspaper. Thoughts circulate in my mind of my recent discussion with Otou-san.

"Maya, it's already 1997. The end of the Mayan calendar is approaching."

"What can we do, Otou-san, Nee-san is still not awake."

"Lord Bähbem has decided to take the next step."

"What do you mean by that?"

"New Ollins are needed."

"New Ollins…"

"Quon is the only instrumentalist…"

"Narcal is going to use her to make them, isn't he?"

My question is met with silence.

"The world needs to be tuned, Maya, or it will…"

"I understand."

I have failed her as an Instrumentalist and a Conductor, and now she will be subjected to this because of me; I no longer have the right to call her Nee-san. Even so, my destiny remains.

"I will cooperate, and I'm sure she will, too."

"Thank you, Maya."

"I don't deserve thanks for this."

"Are you all right, Maya?"

Startled from my thoughts, I see that Shirou has put down his paper and is looking at me with a concerned expression.

"Will you come with me tomorrow, Shirou, to Narcal's estate?"

"Of course."

After Otou-san, Shirou, and I meet with Narcal, Otou-san decides to stay behind to learn more, while Shirou and I enter her room. I draw back the curtain, and we both watch her for a moment. I'm not sure why, but the small hope surfaces again, and I expect her to rise and smile as she says 'good morning' to me. Of course, that is not what happens. It has been so long since she has spoken, I can barely remember the sound of her voice. Resigned, I place the curtain back and Shirou and I look at each other.

Uncertainty displayed on his face, he says, "Are you sure this is all right?"

Knowledgeable of my destiny, I answer with certainty, "Quon will understand."

He answers by saying, "I trust your judgment, Maya."

I nod my head in response, and we walk out of the room.

I stand over the two new babies; I had been the one to name them, I had chosen Ayato and Itsuki. My glance lingers on the one named Ayato. Only their hair color is different in terms of outward appearance, but I sense a greater ability in Ayato – I believe he has the capability to be an Ollin. Although I could not help Nee-san prepare for her role as an instrumentalist, my destiny as a conductor remains. I sincerely believe that I can succeed in raising Ayato as an Ollin recognized by Ixtli if I dedicate myself to his proper upbringing. I pick him up and hold him so that his face is near mine. His eyes open slightly and he looks into mine, both of us silent.

I say quietly to him, "I will raise you with my own hands, Ayato. You shall be an instrumentalist, chosen by Ixtli, and will tune the world."

His eyes close and I place him back in the crib. I look at Itsuki, fast asleep, and know for sure which child is the chosen one.

Standing before Narcal, Otou-san, and Shirou I say, "I've decided, I'm going to raise Ayato."

While Shirou and Otou-san look at me with surprise, Narcal snickers and says, "What nonsense. How could a failed instrumentalist like you raise an Ollin? The RahXephon system is not for your entertainment."

Having had expected this response, I straighten and speak once more, "I am both a Mulian and highly knowledgeable about the RahXephon system; I would mold in him the choice to tune the world as it should. I am also convinced that it would be beneficial to an Ollin's development to be raised as part of a stable family."

Narcal's expression is one of anger, but I am not deterred. I decide to take a stronger stance, "And, of course, the RahXephon is my dolem."

Realization crosses his face and then a greater anger returns.

He smirks for a moment as he says, "Why then, have you chosen to raise Ayato?"

"Call it a mother's intuition," I say with matching smirk.

"Since you can and will anyway, do as you wish," Narcal responds.

Not bothering to give a response, I walk out of the room, Shirou and Otou-san following. We enter the room and I lift Ayato from his crib.

I smile at him and say, "Kamina Ayato, we're going home today."