Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or the concepts of the Xenosaga games. I'm just playing with them, and then I'll put them back in their boxes, Mommy, I promise. I'm making no profit out of this story, and if you sue me, you'll only get a few lint balls. I wouldn't bother with it, really.

I do own this story, and plagurizing it would make you a sad, sad, creepy little person. It'd also make me angry, and I bite. So save yourself some rabies shots and don't even try to nick it, okay?

Currently unbeta-ed. If you'd like to volunteer for the position I'd love you forever.

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Peach blossoms represent life and also the feminine qualities of gentleness and mildness, while the peach itself means immortality.

Cherry blossoms represent loyalty and filial love – they are often likened to the samurai, who spends his life preparing for the battle in which he is killed.

Chapter Two – The Difference Between Us

MOMO slowed her pace as she neared her own front stoop. Though the house she lived in on the Foundation looked nothing like the one in Sakura's mind, she was suddenly reluctant to go in. Instead, she went around to the back, where she plopped unceremoniously into the grass, staring off into the direction that the Durandal would be in if they were in port at the Foundation. Do you miss me at all, Jr? She wondered, plucking at the patch of clover she was near absently. Her bracelet chimed softly as the charms clinked together.

Would you miss me more if I was Sakura?

MOMO's hand clenched involuntarily. All of this... all of these events made her feel so unsettled. Especially considering..."We would be like twins. If I was real." If I was real. It was that. That was the root of the riot of emotions that had sprung up within her like a patch of nettles.

Anger, fear, resentment, sorrow.

If they can turn off my heart so easily, can they teach me how to turn off this?

MOMO buried her face in her hands, trembling with the effort to contain her tears.

"MOMO?"

"Ah...!" MOMO turned, golden eyes wide. "Mommy!"

Mizrahi Juli regarded the little Realian who had become so dear to her worriedly. MOMO just hadn't been the same since she had sent that letter to the Durandal. She had been quieter, a bit withdrawn. Her smile seemed a tad forced, lately. "MOMO... is everything all right?"

"Yes, Mommy," MOMO said, brushing her skirt off and thereby avoiding Juli's eyes. "Um. Dominic's cat had kittens." She shifted her feet, scuffing a toe in the dirt. "He... said I could have one, if it was okay with you..." MOMO peeked up at her mother from under her bangs shyly.

Juli nodded, watching her peach-haired charge. "It's fine with me MOMO, as long as you make sure you take good care of it."

MOMO beamed up at the councilwoman, "Thanks, Mommy! I will, I promise. I know Maki will help me pick up a litter box, and maybe Layla will help me find some good toys..."

Juli laughed at the sudden enthusiasm, smiling at the girl's good spirits. Joachim, she thought wistfully, you were right... she and Sakura would have been best friends, as well as sisters... I only wish it had worked out the way you imagined...

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"Alby, come on boy, I know you can do it..." Jr coaxed the white pup, kneeling on the deck of the Durandal. "My data indicates that, as this is your seventh attempt today, Little Master," one of the 100 Series on the bridge told him matter-of-factly, not turning from where she was standing beside Shelley to get her routine data-dump accomplished, "that it is 95 more likely that Alby will decide to gnaw on your boot instead."

"Ah, you've been hanging around KOS-MOS too much," Jr frowned, glancing over at the blue-haired Realian, "you need to loosen up. I mean, look--"

Jr. was interrupted as Alby, irritated at being ignored, took the toe of Jr's boot in his mouth, set his teeth in as best he could, and yanked.

"GAAH!" Jr went sprawling, and the impish pup took up a perch on Jr's chest, looking quite proud of himself. The little 100 series giggled quietly behind her hand, glancing at Shelley. Shelley's expression didn't change much, but anyone who knew her could see that she was suppressing a smile. Mary, on the other hand, had no such inclination. Her hearty laughter rang out, attracting attention from all over the bridge.

Jr. sulked, glowering darkly around. Everyone on the bridge, however, was now accustomed to it, and merely let Jr. have his sulk. Alby, sensing his master's mood, whined and began licking Jr's face anxiously. Jr sputtered, grabbing the puppy and squinching up his face at the sudden abundance of dog slobber on his cheeks and nose. "Eww... Alby, what have you been eating?" The puppy yipped, happy to have made Jr stop making the bad face.

"Little Master," Shelley said abruptly, voice serious. The laughter on the deck immediately faded away. "There's an incoming message from the Foundation for you..." Jr sat up, forehead wrinkling slightly. Alby sat where Jr set him down, obedient for once. "It's from Master Gaignun."

"Read it to me," Jr commanded, absently wiping the slobber off himself with his sleeve. "Or, better yet... just give me the summary."

Mary leaned over her sister's shoulder, "Master Gaignun says that you're being requested at the Foundation. He wants you to answer the request personally, and..." Mary's eyes widened, and she exchanged a nervous glance with Shelley. "Um.. He's putting you on administrative leave until further notice..."

"WHAT!"

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A/N: Here we go! If you don't know the meaning of the italicized text at the beginning, MOMO means peach in romanji. Sakura is likewise the Japanese term for cherry blossoms. These are their meanings. They were actually taken from a site detailing the meanings of these flowers on kimono and yukata, but... whistles innocently Close enough, ne? Sorry for the short chapter. I've had finals, so it took me forever to do everything...

Next chapter: Trouble with Gaignun? Shadows and Light. Do Realians dream of electric sheep? MOMO's weakness.