Now......
Kira smiled as her daughter sat on the brightly coloured mat, waving the rattle tightly clasped in her tiny chubby fist. She favoured her mother with a huge smile, before moving on to the next toy, a luminous green giraffe that squeaked when it was squeezed. Dai gave a scream of delight, and was occupied for some time with its charms.
They were settling in to their new home, slowly but surely. The dramatic hills and valleys of the Peak District were a marked contrast to their life in Tokyo; Kira found herself missing her old life, but knew she had to adapt for the sake of her child.
They had regular visits from Reiko and Yamada, and sometimes Jeremy was with them. Kira didn't like Jeremy at first; he seemed cold and distant, particularly towards Dai. However, he eventually warmed to the child, saying that when she was older she could play with his children.
Have you spoken to your parents?
Reiko's question shook Kira from her thoughts. Kira responded with a wry smile.
I haven't spoken to my parents for five years, I'm not about to start now.
Reiko gave her a stern glance. In times like these, family is important, Kira, she said. You shouldn't-
You don't know anything, Kira snapped. That little girl, there, she said, pointing at Dai. She is my only family now. Everything else is gone...gone...
Kira broke into uncontrollable sobbing, the grief that had never been buried particularly deep erupting to the surface. Reiko tried to comfort her, but she batted her arm away.
What if I could have helped him, Reiko? she gasped. I should have at least tried. But I ran away-
Perhaps you could have helped him, Yamada said, breaking his silence. His wife looked at him furiously, but he shrugged quite calmly. What? It's true. Perhaps she could have helped him.
Kira looked as if she was going to be sick, but Yamada continued.
But were you prepared to risk her future on that? he said in a softer voice, lifting Dai into his arms. Kazuya has lived for most of his life with the burden that corrupted him. The hatred he feels for his father cannot, and will not be diminished. He is a slave to it.
He paused whilst Dai made a playful grab for his nose. This little one has known only happiness in his presence. She won't remember it, but she'll know it. It's better that way.
************
Over two years earlier...
Agh! This bastard thing's done up tighter than a kipper!
Kazuya dodged the foam ball as he entered the room, frowning. He had come to check on the Englishwoman's progress; from what he had heard from halfway down the corridor, it wasn't going well.
What was that? he said, picking up the foam ball and examining it.
Kira looked a mess. Her eyes were circled with dark rings, and her mousy blonde hair looked like it could do with both a brush and a wash. She pushed it back and exhaled hard.
she said.
I was just wondering what that curious phrase was. Something about illegitimate children and fish?
Despite her frustration, Kira grinned. Kazuya's English was perfect, although he did have some problems recognising some of the more esoteric' language that she used.
It means oh my, this is terribly difficult to get into, she translated. Kazuya shrugged.
I guessed as much. He held up the foam ball. Stress reliever?
Doesn't work, she said dryly.
I guessed as much, Kazuya responded, grinning. His expression turned more serious. You look exhausted. You should take a break.
Kira nodded, conceding the point. She took the opportunity to have a proper look around the office; for some reason, Kazuya had been quite insistent that she should work in his office, rather than back in the department. She could only guess that the files perhaps contained information of a sensitive nature.
She stretched her arms, and examined an exquisite lacquer cabinet. I've always loved stuff like this. I can't believe you're probably using it as a filing cabinet, or something.
A filing cabinet? Not quite, Kazuya smirked. He opened it, and Kira's eyes widened.
WOAH! That is so cool!
Inside the cabinet was several elaborately crafted katanas, neatly resting on their stands. Kazuya seemed bemused by Kira's excitement.
You like them?
I've always wanted one of these, she grinned. Ever since I was little. I used to get up after my parents had gone to bed, and watch samurai movies until four in the morning. I begged my parents to let me do kendo, but they wouldn't let me. Or karate. Or aikido.
Why not? Kazuya asked, intrigued.
Kira sighed. Because they wanted me to be a lady'. My mother was always trying to force me into stupid beauty salons every other week, and my father believed, and I quote, only gay men and butch women do that flouncy Chinese stuff'. It's just as well I never got a sword, I would have been done for murder within in a week.
Kazuya looked like he didn't know whether to be amused or outraged, so he compromised by emitting a strangled sounding snort.
You don't particularly like your parents, then, he asked, managing to keep his voice even.
You could say that, Kira chuckled. But it's alright. They don't particularly like me, either.
Hmph. I know that feeling, Kazuya said darkly, more to himself than to Kira. he said in a lighter tone, changing the topic. You've always loved Japan?
Pretty much as long as I can remember. I guess the grass is always greener on the other side, or so they say. I've been here for over a year, and I'm still waiting for the novelty to wear off. She turned her attention to a photograph on the wall, featuring a woman and a small boy. Who's that?
Kazuya looked up, and smiled slightly, although Kira noticed that it was a smile tinged with sadness. That's my mother. And me, he added. Kira grinned.
That's you? You were a cutie!
She could have sworn that Kazuya had reddened, but he had turned to shut the sword cabinet. The few seconds of silence was punctuated by a buzzing of the intercom, which Kazuya swiftly answered.
A few moments later, a silver haired man swaggered into the room, his suit fashionably dishevelled. A pair of expensive sunglasses were perched on top of his head, which Kira found vaguely ridiculous, as the weather outside was dismal.
Hey, Kazuya, I was wondering if-
He stopped in his tracks when he saw Kira, and looked at her with a disdainful glance. I'm sorry, were you...busy?
Lee, this is Kira Wilson. Miss Wilson, this is Lee Chao-Lan, my brother. He turned to Lee. Miss Wilson is our new computer expert.
Ah. That explains a lot, Lee said eyes resting on Kira, an unpleasant smirk on his face.
I'm sure you have a lot of business to attend to, Kira said stiffly. I'll take your advice, Mr Mishima. I'll be back tomorrow.
As soon as she had left the room, Kazuya turned on Lee, snarling.
I tolerate a lot from you, Lee, but I won't have you abusing my staff.
No, that's your job, isn't it, Lee said lazily. Honestly, Kazuya, I thought office relationships were beneath you-
Kazuya's glance was so full of venom that Lee took an involuntary step back, his cocky demeanour vanished. It was a joke! Lighten up.
That woman, Kazuya said, his voice calm, has single handedly done in two months what a team of seven men couldn't manage over two years. She has spent the past three days in this office, trying to crack our father's files - no, she hasn't managed it yet, Kazuya said, seeing Lee's eyes widen, but I am confident that she will. Such dedication combined with talent is sadly rare. She is not expendable to this company. Kazuya's eyes narrowed. Unlike some.
Lee hung his head, suitably chastened. He decided that it would probably be best to get back to why he was here. Are you still on for the weekend.
Kazuya answered.
