Serendipitous

"Hey, Lyude, watch the house for me, will ya?"

Lyude had decided to stay with Kalas and Mushichi for a while. He promised himself that he would go see Xelha when he was ready.

"Um...all right." Kalas picked up Mushichi, who was curled up into a ball, and walked out of the house.

*****

Kalas had only one thing set in mind. He was going to find who did this to him. He was going to find the creature that raped him and impregnated him with Mushichi. He got on the liner, passing Mushichi off as simply a deflated dodge ball, and made his way to Nekton.

He finally found the clearing where he was attacked. He called out to the creature that was here last.

"Hey, pal! I'm back with your kid! You home? Show yourself!"

Sure enough, something began rustling in the trees. A large foot appeared, and the gigantic creature quickly made itself known. It looked a lot bigger than last time.

Kalas took a step back, looking in awe at this thing. The large creature spoke.

"You summoned me, Ai?"

"Ai? I'm not your boyfriend. I'm the guy you attacked almost five months ago! Don't call me Ai!"

After all this time, Kalas was finally able to confront Mushichi's father.

"What else am I able to call the one who brought forth my offspring?" The creature said in a deep voice. "I know not your name, young one."

"My name's Kalas, and I'll have you know I'm not that young. I'm nineteen years old, for crying out loud!"

"Fair enough, Kalas. Please, seat yourself, so we may converse further." It gestured toward the rock with one of its tentacles on its back. Kalas did as he was told, still holding Mushichi.

"Wake up, Mushichi," Kalas said while he tapped the ball in his lap. "Wake up and meet your dad."

"Mushichi? That is the name you have bestowed upon my child?" The creature questioned as a tentacle reached out to pet Mushichi.

"Yeah, I guess so. I'm not really good at names." Kalas looked away, trying not to meet whatever this thing had for eyes.

"No, no. It is quite a name for one of my own. I suppose I am envious."

"Envious? You mean you don't have a name, big guy?" Kalas was surprised. Surely this thing would have to be called something.

"I am afraid not. Would you kindly do me the honor of bestowing one upon me? It would be an honor to have a name from the one who has had my child."

"Sure thing. I already thought of one. How about Kyojin?" The creature came closer.

"Kyo...jin?"

"Yeah, 'cause you're really big and all."

"Kyojin...I shall remember it always."

"I'm sure you will."

A brief moment passed, and then Kalas asked, "Hey, Kyojin, what's with all the skeletons around here? People who got lost and died here?"

"In a matter of speaking, yes. They were women that were potential carriers for my young. You see the ultimate result all around you."

He was right. All around the area, numerous skeletons were strewn about.

"I was desperate, you see. I decided to use a different type of vessel for my offspring. I decided to use a young male instead of a female."

Kyojin brought another tentacle to under Kalas' chin and lifted it up.

"It would appear that I have succeeded. I have finally sired a child. That you are still alive is the irrevocable truth."

"So...the fact that I'm not dead means you were right?"

"Yes. It is my duty to sire as many living children as possible. I fear that should my life suddenly end, I need someone to aid me in continuing my bloodline."

"Hmmm. So if you suddenly got whacked, you'd be fine as long as you had a kid that was still alive?"

The creature nodded, or it at least looked like it did. "That is correct."

Kalas began to mull it over, while petting Mushichi, then he finally said, "Kyojin, you mind trying it again?"

The creature made a deep, guttural moaning sound. "Do you mean the process which brought forth Mushichi?"

"Yeah. I got a friend you might be able to use for a carrier. It's a guy, too, so that shouldn't be much of a problem."

"I see. Very well. Bring this friend to me in ten and two hours, and I shall see if he will be a suitable carrier for my next child."

"Sweet. I'll bring him as soon as possible." Kalas hopped off the rock. "You don't mind if I leave Mushichi here, do you?"

"No. In fact, I am honored to be able to bond with my offspring."

"Great. I'll be back soon."

Kalas sprinted out the clearing, leaving Kyojin alone with Mushichi, who was sleeping again.

"Kalas...of all the carriers of my children, you have been the most generous of all of them. I thank you for your offer to me."