Now....
I'm so sorry, Kira.
Jeremy's words rang hollow in her ears as she read the results once more, her mind trying to defy what she knew to be true in her heart.
There's no chance it could be a mistake? she asked, despite knowing the answer
The tests have a margin of error that is less than half a percent. Jeremy looked at her, pity etched on his face. It's possible that the test is wrong, but-
Kira cut him off with a wave of her hand, whilst her daughter sat transfixed by a squeaky rubber telephone. Jeremy shifted uncomfortably, and sighed.
I don't know what happens now, he said heavily. I honestly don't know.
To his surprise, Kira smiled. I'll do exactly what I would have done if the test had been negative - raise my daughter to the best of my ability, and protect her from anything - or anyone - who would harm her.
Jeremy nodded. We'll keep an eye on her progress.
Kira smiled grimly. Oh, I don't doubt that. And I think, she added thoughtfully, that we'll have to teach her self-control. Will you help, Reiko?
Just try and stop me!
Jeremy jumped at the sound of Reiko's voice, and took a moment to inwardly marvel at the fact he would probably never get used to their sudden appearances. That thought was quickly overridden by a new, more worrying notion.
he said gently. Do you really think it's a good idea to teach her how to fight - how to kill - given what we know?
True martial arts are about self-discipline, and control, Reiko explained patiently. Jeremy couldn't suppress a derisive snort.
As shown by Kazuya Mishima, he scoffed. He would have said more, if it weren't for the murderous expression on Kira's face.
she said, after a few deep breaths. Proof. If I hadn't received tuition from Wang Jinrey, you'd be sporting a broken vase on your head.
Mishima-ryu karate, particularly when taught by Heihachi Mishima, is renowned for its brutal efficiency. Heihachi believes that compassion is a weakness, and that coldness is a virtue. Reiko shook her head. It is an aberration.
Empty words, coming from a ninja, Jeremy said coolly. Reiko smiled tightly.
We have our own code of honour, however strange it may seem to outsiders.
Jeremy frowned. I really don't think it's a good idea.
Kira shrugged. That's your opinion, and your entitled to it. But Dai is my daughter, and I will do what I think is best for her. She will learn discipline, and control, but that's not all; I don't want her growing up to be a stranger to her heritage, to Japan. We can't go there, so I welcome anything that will keep her in touch with that.
Jeremy stood up. Very well, think it over. I can't stop you-
Damn right you can't, Reiko interjected, but Jeremy continued.
-But please, think carefully, think about the implications.
After Kira had shown him out, she sat down, and gazed at the ceiling. Now that the shock of the DNA test had worn off, she actually felt rather relieved. At least she knew.
Reiko was playing with Dai; she, at least, had no obvious worries about the future. Reiko squeaked the brightly coloured toy, whilst Dai made playful grabs for it.
You're good with her, Kira smiled. Do you have any of your own?
A shadow passed over Reiko's expression, and she smiled bitterly. I did, once. Her name was Sakura.
Kira covered her mouth, tears filling her eyes.
She was two years old when she died. There was something wrong with her heart, but we had no idea until it was too late. Reiko stroked Dai's dark hair tenderly. A few years later, I was pregnant again, but I miscarried, and it...damaged me. She looked at Kira sadly. I can't have children now.
God, Reiko, I had no idea, Kira said, suddenly realising why her friend was so protective of her little girl. She pulled the Reiko into an impulsive embrace, and felt her silent tears fall on her shoulder. Reiko pulled away, and wiped her eyes.
It was one of the reasons we left the island. The clan had been decimated, and it was up to our parents' generation, and our generation, to rebuild it. After my repeated failures to produce an heir, Yamada was under constant pressure to find a new wife who could ensure the continuity of his family line.
Kira gasped, angry on Reiko's behalf. Her friend chuckled sourly.
Oh yes. Unfortunately, in some respects, our clan is still living in the eighteenth century. In any case, Yamada told them - well, I won't repeat what he said, not in front of the little one. Reiko smiled. We have each other. That's enough.
Kira shook her head. You've been through a lot.
Reiko burst out laughing. Who hasn't? Look at any person, and their life will often be a catalogue of tragedy and misery - that's the human condition. So why do we carry on? Because for most of us, that suffering is counterbalanced with joy. As long as we don't cling to our misfortunes, things will turn out for the best. She smiled wryly. Not that I'm one to talk. I know the theory, but the practice is a different matter altogether. I find it difficult to keep my emotions in check, an unfortunate character flaw I am fully aware of. Her smile turned into a grin. Fortunately, I began learning ninjitsu before I could walk. All those you must learn control, grasshopper' speeches are the only thing that has stopped me from killing Jeremy.
Not exactly a people person, is he? Kira commented dryly.
He's a scientist. I can't believe he has a wife - she must have the patience of a saint!
***********
Nearly two years earlier....
She's screwing him. She's got to be...
Hiro Okubo took a final drag on his cigarette before stubbing it out. Give it a rest, Takashi, he said in response to his colleague's whining. She's been running rings around us ever since she got here. Get over it.
It's favouritism, Takashi complained. You get some woman coming in, and-
Shut up! Hiro bellowed. If you want to want to improve your position, improve your performance. Whining will achieve nothing, except giving me a headache.
What went on while she was cooped up in his office the other month, eh? You tell me! He paced around the office. She all cosied up nice with the boss, and next thing you know, she's suddenly promoted-
She had the best performance figures out of the entire department! Hiro said exasperatedly. This fact had little effect in stemming Takashi's diatribe.
Promoted! I expected more of Mr Mishima - I didn't think his favour could be bought by the charms of some gaijin hussy! It's the only explanation-
Other than that she's very good at her job, Hiro said wearily. Takashi, can't you do one of your dating sims, or something? I'm trying to work here.
You can blind yourself to the truth, Hiro, but more fool you. Takashi sniffed, puffing himself up importantly. But what went on in that office is-
None of your business, Kira finished icily, glaring at her overweight co-worker. Nice to see you're keeping busy, Takashi, she added sardonically, looking at the man's vacant booth. His computer's screensaver was active, with an anime drawing of a schoolgirl being defiled by a demon. Kira raised an eyebrow. Well. Isn't that a nice touch...
We're allowed our own screensavers, aren't we? Takashi said defiantly, looking at Hiro for encouragement. Hiro merely shook his head and smiled.
I find that screensavers offer an insight into their owner's personality. She smirked. For example, yours tells me that you're a sad misogynist pervert that still lives with his parents. Oh, and that you're a virgin.
That's amazing! Hiro grinned. Do me next!
Very funny, Takashi scowled, slinking out off the office. I'm going on my break.
Clock's ticking, Kira said pleasantly, checking her watch. She looked at Hiro's screen as a fractal pattern bounced from one side to the other. Oh. I see that you think that you're pretty cool, but despite that you're still too scared to ask Natsuko from HR out.
That's...that's scary, he said, slightly flushed. How do you do that?
Kira grinned. No big secret. I talk to the cleaners.
The cleaners? Hiro said incredulously. Are you serious?
Sure I am, Kira said, still grinning. They know everything. People forget they're there, and will quite freely spill out their secrets, oblivious to the fact they're being watched.
But I've never told anyone! Hiro protested. Well, except-
Your uncle who lives in Kobe, Kira finished. Hiro shook his head.
I'll never again trust a cleaning lady, for as long as I live, he said. Kira looked at his expression and chuckled.
Oh, and apparently she likes you too, Kira said, sitting herself at her workstation. Yes, Natsuko. But quit smoking, because she hates that.
Hiro said quietly, looking as if he had been hit by a freight train. He pulled himself together. So...how did they find out about Takashi?
Hell, I just guessed that, Kira grinned. Hiro smiled slyly at her.
So...what did happen between you and the boss?
Now it was Kira's turn to blush. If you mean Did we sleep together?' then nothing happened. I broke his brother's arm, though.
Hiro said, sounding disappointed. Because if you were sleeping with the boss, I was wondering if we could increase our department's budget to get new chairs-
He laughed as he dodged a well aimed mouse mat, and Kira felt glad that she had finally found someone resembling an ally at work. She knew that many people in her department resented her, and that the rumours of a relationship between her and Kazuya were nothing new - many of them could not believe that she had got where she was through her own merits. In their view, she simply had to be sleeping with the boss, but Kira could honestly say that their dark looks and incessant muttering no longer bothered her.
What bothered her was that part of her secretly wished that they were right.
