Disclaimer: I swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. I have told you once, and I have told you again, I do not, DO NOT own these characters. Square does! They are the ones you want!

Playing Dead--by Lor

Identity Crisis(Chapter 1)

When people meet me, one of the main things they remember about me is my outgoing and playful attitude. I see my personality as something that defines me and makes me someone really original. I even go as far as to think that it helps cheer up others, too. As of now, I feel stripped of all I have ever known. I'm feeling as if I am someone foreign living in a body that was once perky and full of life.

Wouldn't you be upset if your own dad told you to act as an exact opposite of what you really are to conceal your true identity, because in an unfortunate turn of events, your so-called old identity has suddenly become somewhat...deceased?

That's right. I'm officially a (psudo)dead girl!

My (fake)sending was held in private, performed my (falsely)greiving (possibly-ex)best friend/cousin, Yunie. Since my pops is a big shot, everyone generally believed this who story. It is common for higher class figures to have private sendings now that things have finally settled down. The only hard part was to make up a story about how I had suddenly died. It had to be believable. Also, according to everyoneon that airship that fateful day when this weirdo plan was hatched, I could have no say in the matter.

So of course I didn't approve.

I (supposedly)found myself killed in a fatal accident involving machina. I could see how they could think this was believable and convincing. I could see how others could think this acceptable and plausible. I, however, found itin no way suitable. I am(or..was) the best there is when it comes to machina, next to Cid.(I've decided that I need to get used to calling him by something other then 'pops', seeing as his daughter is..oh what is the word...dead?) Their story was a little insulting in a way. I think I can handle myself with a little bit of machina, ya know? I'm 18! Give me some credit, people!

I found it ironic that my alter-ego, Cihho, was to get a job in the Machine Faction.

I had retired to my cabin on the airship long ago, trying to avoid Yunie. I was scheduled to get my little 'make-over' today and right now I am just trying to savour my last moments as the strong-willed, blonde, Al-bhed girl that I was. That I am.

I know now that it won't be long until she finds me. I love my cousin to death, but that girl can seek out anyone. Especially someone with a problem. Right now, I am a level 11 billion on the 1 through 10 problem scale. And as if right on cue...

"Cihho? Cihho! Time for a little fun!"

I refuse to answer to that ridiculous name if it is not necessary.

Yunie then came barging into my cabin, her arms filled with hair products and dyes of assorted colours. Setting them down on one of the vacant beds in the cabin, she placed one of her hands on her slim hips and stood looking down at me on my pale green coloured bed as I twirled one of my blonde tresses in my hands.

"Why didn't you answer me? I've been calling your name for what seems like hours now."

"I didn't hear you. Nobody even muttered the name Rikku today."

She sighed as she sat beside me and pulled me by my arms into a sitting position. Sighing and shanking her head she repeated some mumbo-jumbo about it being for the best. Things I have already heard before. Many times, in fact.

"So, what colour are we dying your hair then?"

This phrase seemed to bring me out of my trance. It was time.

"I hear that blonde is very in all around Spira these days, Yunie. What do you think?"

I know that she wouldn't approve, and I even got a slight chuckle out of her. Heck, even I laughed, only because I was nervous and slightly light-headed.

"How about becoming a brunette, Cih...Rikku? I think you will look very mature."

"You already have brunette hair. It would be too weird. I was actually thinking..."

Ok, I really hadn't been thinking about it, seeing as I generally didn't want it to happen. If I had to go through with this, I still wanted to be original.

"...blue. Blue hair. Shoulder legnth. I'd like to keep my eye colour, so none of those weird eye thingies! I'm not going to suddenly start wearing make-up, and I'll still dress myself...though a little more modestly for my new job..."

"Rikku, it will kind of hard to keep a low profile with those eyes of yours. You have some of the most expressive Al-Bhed eyes...ever. We have to do something."

"Glasses! Cute ones, though. Are we done here?"

And that was the last sentence I spoke as a blonde-headed Rikku. Sayonara!

---

"Now...uh Rikku...I've told Gippal that your a 'special' girl and that you will be provided with the best at the faction. I said you were a neice o' mine, told him your like a daughter to me though.", Cid said, laughing at his last sentence. I'm so happy that at least he could get some amusement from this.

Today was the day in which I would arrive at the Machine Faction. I was to be given the grand tour, although I know the place like the back of my hand. Well, I guess the blue-haired, glasses wearing, Cihho doesn't. I could see however that the day would be a little boring.

I wore a pair of navy cargo shorts and a light blue tank top covered by a thin, black vest, emblazoned with a small green machina gear and covered in pockets. Little did Cid know, I hid some of my most prized 'Rikku' possessions. Photos of my friends, mostly. I also had a necklace from my mother and a lime green pocket screw-driver fromTidus, in which I brought because it had thename(my name),'Rikku', engraved in gold lettering in the tiny handle. I also had on a pair of black boots much like my old white and navy ones that I had broken in on my trips with Yunie and Paine. I kind of wish that I could break these ones in by ways of something more interesting then labour at the Machine Faction.

"Come on kid, we need ta' go an' meet Gippal up here at the front of the temple. Your stuff will be taken to your room by Brother, don't worry."

"Father! I am not seeing this as being fair to myself! I am not being happy carrying the bags of a stranger!"

"The next death in the family will be yours if ya' don't get yer' ass movin'!"

"I SHALL TAKE THESE BAGS RIGHT AWAY!"

I found myself laughing for the first time since my uncalled for attempt at laughing with Yunie earlier on the airship as we walked up to D'jose temple. Brother would be doing a lot of extra work without me around.

"Ah. Cid! Glad to see you!"

I raised my head to see Gippal firmly shaking hands with my father and smiling slightly. It was strange. Was it just be or did he seem slightly... distraught?

"Yeah, yeah.", Cid replied, turning toward me and wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "This here is my niece, Cihho. The new worker I promised you. Amazing with machina..."

His words began to trail off and I could tell that he was preparing himself to leave. Pops..uh...Cid was never good with saying goodbyes to me.

"Well, gotta go. See yah' later Ci.", he said quickly, running his hand through my hair and nodding in Gippal's direction.

I have to say. He didn't do so bad.

"Cihho, huh?"

Gippal was now looking me over, one hand placed on his chin as if inspecting a piece of machina.

Could he tell already? Could he tell I was an imposter? I hope so! (I think.)

"Nice hair."

Yay, chapter 2! I know it has been a while since I have updated but I just couldn't seem to get around to writing...anything! Now, however, I seem to have more time on my hands and hopefully I will be able to update more often! You can email me to remind me if you want(hahah), or just to talk about the story. Well, Please leave reveiws and any comments or questions so I can be inspired to continue!