A/n I hope the week wasn't a long one. I'm glad to see my returning reviewers here. Hugs all around. I know most of you are thinking this is Aoshi's story….but it's not. I was having major trouble with Aoshi's story so to help, I wrote a small side story…Saitou's story. It won't be as long as the last two, but it is a bit important, so I decided to post it. This will give me ample more time to work on Aoshi's story, which has been giving me the worst writers block ever.

For any newcomers I just want to let you know that this is part 3 in a series. I highly recommend that you read the first two or you will be so lost, let me tell you.

This first chapter is a bit of a flashback through some main events in Saitou's past. Those who have read the last story know what I'm talking about. It then continues past Sano's story so don't get confused. This chapter is a hunk of information so please bear with it. Any questions you have I will be more than happy to answer.

Disclaimer: I don't own Kenshin or the work of Feehan.
I give this chapter a PG-13 rating.

Japan 1848

Saitou knew the moment he spotted the pair on the shore that the news was grim. Kenshin stood tall, bundled against the wind and snow. His hair was in a top knot and he carried no less than three swords with him, all of different sizes. The man next to him, his Prince, also stood tall against the gusts of freezing wind and snow. Hiko was an imposing figure even at such a distance. He commanded respect and got it wherever he went. Saitou wondered if the sudden blizzard was the result of Prince Hiko's mood.

He had come as fast as he could. News traveled slowly, even among their own kind. However, Saitou made it home in a fraction of the time it would have taken a human. The small boat that cast off from the larger ship rocked from the waves; ice covered everything, making it all the more dangerous. He would have just taken to the air and flew, but it was hard in such weather, plus he had precious cargo with him. Humans, servants to Carpathian families. Trusted and loved members who were wounded and in extreme danger. Saitou swore he would see them to safety. As much as his personal life pressed him, his duty came first.

The boat made landfall, crunching on the slick stones. Saitou stepped from the boat and met Kenshin and Hiko. They greeted each other, clasping each on by the arm just below the elbow, a handshake shared by all hunters.

"I'm sorry I could not come sooner." Saitou said over the howl of the wind. Snow slapped him in the face, the cold sting was painful, but he ignored it.

"We understand, you had humans to look after." Hiko watched as the wounded were helped from the boat. "There are so many."

"Even as we hunt vampires, vampires and their human allies hunt us and ours. Many are dead, many more injured. I swore to find protection for these humans. They risked their lives protecting their Carpathian family."

"Do not worry my friend; we will help look after them. You must hurry back to your home." Hiko excused himself, moving effortlessly across the icy stones to help the humans.

Kenshin turned to Saitou, his amber eyes glowing death in the darkness. Kenshin was dressed as a samurai. It was far safer for others to think of him as wandering, elusive samurai, than for the immortal creature he really was.

"How is she?" Saitou asked, then wishing he had kept his mouth shut. As close as their kind was, it was difficult for him to be so personal. Especially with the younger male and his even younger adopted brother Sanosuke. He always thought it was below him to be prideful but he found it rather difficult to like the Samurai, who was swiftly gaining in power and strength with every year. Saitou was the most powerful swordsman in all Japan. But Kenshin was quickly gaining on him.

"Not good." Was all Kenshin said. His eyes turned from amber to an almost acid yellow. "Saitou, Yaso is dead."

…. . .

"Did you hear me Saitou?" Kenshin asked when he was silent. "I said your wife is dead. She died last night."

Of all the emotion Saitou thought he would feel. Panic wasn't what he expected. His heart hammered away, he felt the blood drain from his face. "Why didn't Hiko just tell me?" He demanded, eyes narrowing.

"Hiko and Tomoe just suffered another great loss, they miscarried their second pregnancy. His emotions are still very raw, you can't expect him to just come out and say your wife is dead. It's hard for him."

Saiotu felt his face pull into a cruel expression almost of its own accord. "If Yaso is dead, why should I be in such a hurry to get home?"

Kenshin fixed one of his deadly gazes upon the older Carpathian. "Because, she died in childbirth. The infant lived and is waiting for you."

… . .

Saitou didn't expect to be shocked yet again. But his heart pounded almost painfully in his chest as he ran through the forest of trees and snow. Kenshin, in his auburn wolf form, followed his silver gray wolf form. It was too far to dissolve into mist and travel there on the wind. It would take too much energy to keep together in the icy gusts. The same gusts of wind kept them from traveling on the wing. In the form of wolves was their best bet.

'Yaso was not due for another month, how could this happen? Hiko said nothing about this.'

'Of course not.' Kenshin snapped as he jumped a fallen tree. 'She was ill Saitou; you know how sickly she was, even as a young child.' Kenshin waited for the other male to say something, but continued when Saitou didn't respond. 'She was in such desperate need, her body gave out and she went into labor early. We were only able to postpone the birth for a few days. But we do not have the same power as Aoshi, even together. She died an hour after giving birth last night. Saitou, it's a girl, and she is half Carpathian.'

It was not the first time a half breed was conceived. And Saitou was pretty sure it wouldn't be the last. Males knew that human females could not be turned. They would lose their mind like a female vampire. They would have to be killed. But many males refused to give up, having children with favored human friends that they cared for. The resulting children were half Carpathian, but once old enough, were able to survive the change to full Carpathian. At first it seemed worth it to replenish the dying population. But an unforeseen side effect took place. Humans were mortals, and mortals died, and even though they were not true lifemates, they still had the same effect on the males on a smaller scale.

With Yaso, Saitou felt emotions anew. Not completely and clearly, but enough to give him hope. He saw in dull colors, not the straight black, white and grey. Now Saitou felt the horrible separation from his mate's death.

Mortals died. And some males couldn't handle their death, even though they were not true lifemates. Saitou thought he would be strong enough by far. He could handle Yaso's death. She was sickly; he knew that from the very start of her life. But now… now that she was gone… the drab colors would fade, as would the bit of feelings he had.

And that scared him.

It felt hopeless to continue.

Except…except for the child. He must care for his offspring. Perhaps she would keep him going until he found his true lifemate.

Spurred on with renewed hope, Saitou sprinted forward through the wind and blowing snow. It was as if some unseen force pushed him faster and faster until Kenshin could no longer keep up. He had to see the infant.

… . .

Saitou sprinted out of the trees, transforming back and racing up the stone pathway to his home. A large stone wall wrapped around his property protecting everyone on the inside from the harsh weather and invading humans. He muttered under his breath and the great wooden door swung open, revealing a massive garden and equally massive home.

… . .

Saitou expected to see many things when he opened to door. His dead wife…his servants. But nothing could have prepared him for what greeted him on the other side of the front door.

"Sanosuke." He stated as he struggled to calm his breathing.

The young Carpathian stood as if knowing he was on his way, no doubt Kenshin let him know. He was in a white jacket and pants, a red headband wrapped tightly around his head. His short brown hair stuck straight up in spikes. His face showed how troubled he was.

"Saitou, I'm sorry." The boy looked helpless. "We tried all we could…"

"Enough, where is the infant?" He demanded. He sent his power throughout the house, finding the child in his room. Sanosuke looked confused.

"But Yaso…"

"She's dead." Saitou snapped, surprised at the anger that flowed from inside him. "Useless now." He charged past the boy to his room, missing the stunned and enraged look Sano was wearing.

Saitou shoved open the double screen doors and paused in the doorway. An extremely tiny bundle lay in the center of his bed. The room smelled of blood and death. No doubt Yaso gave birth and died here. For some reason he felt rooted to the floor. He wanted to go in, but his fear and grief were just too much to bear. He felt ridiculous, afraid of a newborn child.

He took a breath, ignoring Sanosuke's cautious approach, and went in. Saitou stepped up to the bed and looked down. A tiny creature turned her large unfocused eyes in his direction. She had a head full of hair, and a cute slightly wrinkled face. Saitou felt his heart melt. With a half sigh, half sob, Saitou sat on the bed and scooped up the small bundle. She hardly weighed a thing in his arms, no bigger than the blanket she was wrapped up in. She was a gift, a precious gift Yaso left for him. He would always be thankful.

And yet….it was because of the child that his wife was gone. He should have been more careful, he knew Yaso wouldn't be able to handle a pregnancy with the current state of her health.

"Saitou." Sano said softly from the doorway.

"What?" He snapped over his shoulder as he slipped a finger in the child's hand. She clung instinctively, her grip was surprisingly strong.

"Yaso-"

"Yaso is dead! We do not speak of the dead."

"I know that Saitou!" the boy stalked into his room hands balled into fists.

"Then what is it you have to say to me?" Saitou said with deadly calm, his eyes narrowing to impossible yellow slits.

"I just can't believe you don't care that this woman, whom you've known from birth and have been married to for three years is dead."

"What will you have me do Sanosuke?!" Saitou jumped to his feet, startling the child. She started to fuss in his arms.

"You could have prevented it! You could have stayed home for once and helped her."

"There is a war going on Sanosuke…" The baby started to wiggle in his arms and he was unsure how to handle the fussing baby, he was afraid a wrong move would harm the delicate thing.

"You are not the only person around to fight Saitou. Let someone else do it for a while. You left, knowing Yaso was sick, knowing she was weak. You knew she wouldn't be able to handle the birth." The infant waved her tiny arms, upset at the yelling. She started to cry.

"I would have been back before she was due! The baby came early!" he said over her cries, which were swiftly becoming louder. The sound woke something in Saitou. Hearing his own child in distress. A wave of anger washed over him, he must end this.

"You are stubborn Saitou. You don't always have to prove yourself to the Prince." Sano started to pace, both males were getting edgy. "You had to have everything… didn't you Satiou… be a war hero…have a wife… a child…You don't care that Yaso gave up her life to give you what you wanted. Is that how you're going to treat your lifemate Saitou?! You are so selfish! You don't deserve that baby!" he pointed at the screaming child, now deep red in the face.

Saitou slapped his hand away with enough force to break it had he been human. "You bastard. Don't talk to me like you understand everything you stupid boy!"

"Don't call me boy! I'm almost six hundred years old."

"Yet you act like a fledgling!" The cries were getting to him and he turned to set the baby back on the bed.

"Don't just leave the child there... comfort her." Sano went to pick the baby up but Saitou swiftly set himself between him and the bed.

"Touch my child, and you will not live." He growled with a more animal than human voice.

"You are not fit to care for a child, savage monster!"

"Sano!" Kenshin shouted from the bedroom doorway.

"This child is the reason Yaso is dead, she is all there is left of her." He felt panic rising again. "I will not lose my chance."

"Are you such a weak Carpathian that you must rely on the love of a child to sustain you?" Sano spat at Saitou, "You disgust me. Be the male that you are for god's sake. You are not able to care of the baby right now… you need-"

"Do not tell me what I need, brat!" Saitou felt an anger that he had never felt before. It was like a deep burning that only grew with each moment until it felt like acid in his veins. It hurt, and enraged him.

Sanosuke was his target, he caused his pain.

Claws formed where nails had been and Saitou lunged, wanting to teach the boy with a swipe to the chest. But the calmer Carpathian saw the move and jumped away, landing lightly on the bed. Saitou gave a lion-like roar and gripped the bed. The large structure flipped easily. Surprised and very off guard, Sano had no reaction time and slammed into the wood floor, the bed nearly landed on top of him. Saitou was pleased to hear a resounding pop and knew that the boy dislocated or broke something.

A leap brought Saitou on the upturned bed were he crouched down like an animal and hissed at Sano. The boy lay there with the bedclothes gathered around him. Splintered wood lay about his form. His arm hung uselessly at his side, while his other arm held a bundle of bed clothes and a blanket. The child's cries turned to high pitched screams of pain and fear.

Realization hit him so hard he almost fell from his perch.

The infant was still on the bed.

… . .

Saitou ran.

He had to get far away before he hurt anyone.

The look of shock on Sanosuke's face, anger from Kenshin's face… and the stomach turning screams of a baby in pain and fear. He had harmed his child. Sano let himself take the force of the landing to protect the infant. The one person he hated most at that moment, saved the one thing he needed the most.

Fear and grief blinded him as he tore through the forest in his wolf form. Was he turning vampire, was this what it felt like? Such anger blinding you to everything else? When the trees thinned, Saitou found a clearing in the forest and stopped. His wolf form panted for air, his sides heaved painfully. The Carpathian transformed back to his human form and fell to his knees in the snow. The wind had stopped and large fat snowflakes drifted down in such a silence that Saitou could hardly stand it.

A sob broke the silence. Saitou felt tears falling from his face, staining the pure snow pink. He fell onto hands and knees letting the sobs rack his body. Yaso was gone…he left her, knowing she was weak. He almost killed his own child. A female child even. Sanosuke was right, he was selfish. He didn't want to lose his emotions again. Even though they were dull and nothing like true emotions, at least they were something. He was afraid of this anger spreading deep into his soul. He wanted the infant to help protect him even though he knew deep down he was not able to care for her. All hope was lost.

"Not lost my friend." A voice said in the darkness. Saitou didn't bother to hide the fact that he was crying as he lifted his teary eyes up to Hiko. His prince stood tall and proud in the snow. His face and eyes told of how upset he was at the turn of events. Having a lifemate, he would know the feeling of losing her… he had already lost two children. Saitou felt ashamed of himself. Out of the curtain of snow, Kenshin silently glided from the woods to stand a bit away from Hiko. His eyes glowed, hand resting on his Katana. His disapproval of his actions was obvious.

"Please." Saitou whispered, new tears burned hot trails down his face. "Kill me before I turn. For I know I must be dealt with before it's too late."

"You are not turning Saitou, my friend." Hiko took a few steps into the clearing. "These feelings of anger and sadness are normal." Saitou shook his head. "When Tomoe lost her first child…and now her second…" Hiko swallowed back his own emotions, not wanting to let the others feel it. "I was so angry. What kind of god would let something so horrible happen to a woman of such light? What kind of world is this that it would be so unfair to a woman so good? Time healed my anger… as time will heal yours."

"But, you have a lifemate to heal you." Saitou said, feeling sobs rise up again. "I…h-have nothing…" Nothing but empty feelings.

Hiko shook his head. "We are of the earth Saitou, she is our mother. The earth shall heal you. You must go to ground and let her remove this stain on your soul, to soothe this anger within you."

Go to ground. It was something Saitou did every morning. But this time, it felt like a prison sentence. He was afraid. "And the child?" who would care for the child?

"We will find a suitable foster home for her until you emerge and are healed." Hiko said.

Saitou nodded. It was for the best, best for the infant and best for him. Yet that didn't stop the waves of such pure sadness from washing over him. Saitou felt a wail grow inside of him. His grief was such that he could no longer hold it in. He howled in pain and sadness before falling back into sobs. The two males stood silently, letting their fellow hunter let out his pain. Saitou didn't care, Hiko was his Prince, and Kenshin had more honor than he himself had. But a movement caught his tear filled gaze.

Sanosuke.

He came out of the shadows like he was made of them. His left arm hung at an awkward angle, the left side of his face already black and blue from hitting the ground. He stood as still as the rest, not caring about his injuries, they would heal while he slept in the earth.

But for Saitou, it was the ultimate humiliation. For the one person who caused this trouble for him, to see him on his hands and knees, sobbing like a child. He didn't think he could reach a lower point in his life. He wanted to yell at the boy, to send him away. Not to look at him.. something. But all that came from him were sobs.

"H-how l-long will I b-be in the ground?" Saitou whispered. Hiko crouched down next to him and set a hand on his shoulder.

"Until your body and mind know that you are healed." He said. He did not know how long he would be there…a few days…weeks, it was all up to the earth when it would give Saitou up.

Saitou nodded. "Do it then." He grunted.

Hiko nodded and stepped back. A few words and a wave of his hand sent the earth heaving upward, cracking open until a gave sized hole opened up nearly ten feet deep. "Rest well my friend; know that we will look over you as we rest. Know that your child will have the best of care." Saitou stood and looked at all three males.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. He thought as he whispered his farewell to his prince alone and jumped into the hole. He blinked up at Hiko as he loomed down. He trusted this man, trusted that what he said was true. That he would get better. Saitou lay on the ground and slowed his breathing and heart until he breathed no more, until his heart stopped. He was sleeping the healing sleep of Carpathians. He was still aware of the world around him until he felt Hiko send him into an even deeper sleep, a sleep where he knew nothing, not the temperature, the creatures around him, or of the time that was passing.

… . .

8 months later.

… . .

There was a rumbling sound, like thunder from under the ground. Then suddenly the earth heaved upward in a shower of dirt and rock. A human form shot up from the ground and high into the early evening sky. Saitou shape-shifted in midair into the form of an owl and honed in on the home of his prince.

He had awakened.

There was still much sunlight to see by, even though the sun had already set. The air was warm and pleasant. Life was everywhere. Saitou could feel it, the pulse of the earth. He was unsure just how much time had past. It felt like late summer. Still warm in the day, yet cool at night. His first thought was to his child. Where was she? Who had cared for her all this time? But he knew that his first priority was to his Prince. He was to report back, let him know that he was awake and recuperated.

But was he? Saitou looked deep within himself and found mostly emptiness. There was still sadness, but it was not overwhelming. In hind-sight, Saitou felt almost foolish for being so upset at the death of his mortal wife. Deeper he looked and found that he still held a vast amount of anger. Anger at the world, at his wife for dying, at Sanosuke for the things that he said, and mostly anger at himself. It surprised Saitou, the amount of anger that he held within him. All his emotions were dull or gone altogether, but the anger was still sharp and painful. He turned and looked at the fading sunlight. Already the drab colors he had with Yaso were gone. All he saw was a melding of different shades of gray.

So it was done. Saitou refused to let Mother Nature command him. He wanted a small life line to hold on to for a few years; to help him last until his true lifemate was found. But his lifeline only lasted a fraction of what he wanted. And all he was left with was deep, burning anger and sorrow. Saitou pulled back his wings and dropped from the sky, shifting back to his human form as he landed. Prince Hiko was already waiting for him, having felt his rising. The pair stood there for almost a full minute. They watched each other as the dove gray sky faded into inky black.

"Are you well Saitou?" Hiko asked in a soft calm voice.

Saitou nodded. "I am my Prince. Though there is such anger inside of me. It is controlled, unlike before." He watched the Prince nod in approval, slowly moving forward and reaching out his hand. Saitou grasped the outstretched hand in welcome. "How long?"

"You've been healing for eight months Saitou." Truthfully Hiko thought he would be in the ground much longer.

Saitou nodded. He had thought as much. "What of my child?" The baby didn't even have a name. What had happened to her in the months that he was gone?

Hiko's calm face turned pained. "We sent her away. To the homeland to be cared for by a Carpathian couple."

Saitou felt his body pause, his mind freeze. His child was thousands of miles away? With strangers?

"She is safe." Hiko said, reading his thoughts. "The couple was childless, having lost many pregnancies. I know they are cherishing her like she is of their blood. We almost lost the infant Saitou."

Saitou turned away, unable to look at the soft understanding face of his Prince. Too many emotions showed in his eyes. Emotions that Saitou didn't wish to remember.

"She was slowly starving, nothing we did seemed to be of much help. Aoshi was able to keep her alive until she reached her new home. There, the combined souls of a lifemate couple willed her to live. And live she does." Hiko took a breath, watching for any signs that Saitou might have risen too early. There was little emotion in his narrow yellow eyes. Only anger, and something else, something so minute that Hiko couldn't really tell what it was. But it was controlled with expert skill.

Saitou knew it was for the best. At least his daughter would have a mother and a father to care for her. In the homeland, there were many more Carpathians there to help protect her. The danger had died down in the last hundred years, but there was still the threat of vampire hunters and other such foolish humans going after them. Not to mention real vampires. But he had confidence in his own people. No, it was better this way.

Better he forget about his child and wife.

… . .

18 years later

… . .

Saitou never was one for crowds. So why was he standing in a large room full of more Carpathians than he was likely to ever see gathered in one spot?

Camellia, his daughter. It was her coming of age ball. And every available Carpathian male seemed to be crammed into the Prince's ballroom. It was tradition that the Prince throw a party of sorts for every female when she turns eighteen to introduce her to the Carpathian world. Most find their lifemates during such gatherings. Females are not unclaimed for very long after they turn eighteen. Hiko and Tomoe made the trip to Romania weeks ago to help plan it. It had been the first of such a ball in hundreds of years. The Prince's lifemate, Tomoe, who was one of the last females, never had such a ball. Even though Camellia was only half Carpathian, they believed she would be able to become a lifemate to a male and make the change to full Carpathian without any trouble.

Saitou decided at the last minute that he would attend. Why? Because it was the most important day of his daughter's life. He had not seen her since that fateful day. The day he almost killed her.

He stood out of sight near the edge of the crowd and watched from the shadows. The ceremony was over, and the males eagerly pushed closer and closer to the young female. From the youngest fledgling, some younger that a hundred years, to desperate elders over six hundred. Each more handsome and powerful than the last. Saitou didn't know if he should feel proud, or disgusted. He wasn't sure if he could feel at all.

But looking at his daughter, he felt something. Something in his soul. Her adoptive parents named her Camellia, meaning Flower in Romanian. She was tall and long limbed like Saitou. But thankfully she inherited her mother's large dark eyes and soft pink lips. Her coal black, pin-straight hair was hip length and curled softly at the very ends. She was as exotic looking as any full blooded female. Her dress was elegant for the occasion, but simple, for her young age. She spoke softly in Romanian to the males that were slowly surrounding her.

Over an hour had past, the males all took their turns pressing in as close as they could to Camellia, but so far, no one claimed her. It seemed her lifemate had not attended. The poor child look frazzled and exhausted, but still composed and as beautiful as when the night started. Saitou though it best to go, but felt her eyes on him as soon as he stepped from the shadows. No matter how much he wanted to turn away, he couldn't.

The girl slowly stepped up to him, her eyes locked onto his in almost amazement. "Greetings, thank you for attending." She said softly in a shy voice. Saitou turned, catching her eyes with his intense yellow ones. Camellia lowered her eyes, her white gloved hands fumbling with each other. "I feel like I know you. I have been waiting for you to show yourself all night."

Saitou thought about turning and walking away from her, but he didn't have the heart. "You do know me Camellia." He said gently in Romanian. He saw her breath catch and heard her pulse speed up. "But not in the way you believe." He added quickly. He turned to face his daughter, throwing his black cloak over his shoulder. "I am not your lifemate."

"But this connection…?" The child knitted her delicate bows together in confusion.

"Tis not the connection between lifemates…but between parent and child." He watched as her confusion slowly melted away to shock and then joy.

"Father? You're my true father?" She reached out with her small hands and took his larger one in them. "I can not believe you are here. This is wonderful."

Her smile dazzled him, gave him a strange feeling of pride. This beautiful female was of his blood. Her touch flooded him with warmth and emotion as she shared her light with him. For that small amount of time, he shared her joy, and marveled at the dazzle of colors she was seeing. "So you know of me?" She was only half Carpathian. Could she subconsciously know that her adoptive parents were not her birth parents?

"Aye, I know of you. I was told at a young age that Mama and Papa were not my real parents." Her innocent eyes lifted to find his, looking for strength. "They told me of my mortal mother. How she was very sickly and did not survive my birth." Her voice faded away, almost as if she was afraid to speak of her.

Saitou reached out and tucked a loose curl of black hair behind her ear; his fingers brushed the large rope of gems that graced her pale neck. Such jewels were passed down from mother to daughter on such coming of age occasions. These jewels had to be thousands of years old. He was glad she had the opportunity to wear them. Perhaps they would be passed down to her daughter, or granddaughter. "I was unable to care for you." He said unnecessarily.

"I know Father. I understand. Please don't be upset. I was given wonderful parents. I was treated like they gave birth to me. I don't have any hatred or grief for what you had to do." Her eyes pleaded with him.

"I did not want to give you up. They did so without my knowing. But I am thankful, for you were raised in a normal Carpathian family. You were secure and loved. Something I am not sure I could have done." Not being able to feel real love for his child would have broken his heart, if he could only feel such grief. But it just angered him.

"I am sorry…about Mama… my real Mama." Camellia said softly, lowering her gaze and tipping her head down.

"Shhh." Saitou hushed softly as he placed a hand under her chin and tipped her face back up to his. He was aware of the other Carpathians watching them. Envy pored from the younger males, unable to control such an emotion; no doubt they thought she was to be claimed by him. He felt nervousness and fear from Hiko, Tomoe and Camellia's parents. Unsure of how he was reacting to meeting his daughter for the first time in over 18 years.

"None of that matters now. This is a day for celebration, not regret." Saitou forced a perfect smile, watching her smile return to her perfect face. "How does it feel to be officially an adult?"

Camellia bit at her lower lip as she looked out at the crowd of males. Many were milling around with family and friends they had not seen in years. Some had already left once they realized that she was not the one. "Feels like I'm being looked over for a cattle auction." She pouted only for a moment. "I was afraid….at first. I've never seen so many males…all pushing, trying to get at me."

Saitou nodded. "A part of being a female is knowing that you will be a precious commodity to these males. They all want you, all need you. But only one can have you. Your other half. It seems he was not here tonight."

"Do you think I've come too late?" Fear made her voice sharp and clipped. She had a right to be afraid. There was a cruel irony in that when a female does come only to find that her lifemate gave up the wait and died, or turned vampire. Females left alone in such a way are not alone for long. They are mated to a desperate male on the edge of turning. Even though they are not true lifemates, her light and love will save the male for a few hundred years more. Their union could result in much needed children. It was a fate that was not very pleasant; to be handed off to a male that was not the one. But it was necessary, no female can be wasted. Though, such a fate was very, very rare.

"I wouldn't worry Camellia; he could not have been able to make it. Travel is hard for us." The male could be in another country or over the ocean in the New World. "Make the most of your free time." Saitou offered another smile before tuning and fading back into the shadows.

… . .

One Hundred and Ten years later.

… . .

Tokio cracked open the door just enough for her blue-lavender eyes to peek out. Downstairs she could hear the soft weeping of her mother, the calm, deep voice of her father trying to comfort her. She didn't understand all that had happened. Only that it was something bad, and it upset Mother. Suddenly a form blocked her view of the hallway and Tokio stumbled back, startled. But it was only her twin brother Kenji. He motioned for her to be silent as he slipped into her room and took her place peeking out the door.

'What's happened?' Tokio asked, using the metal path that only they as twin siblings shared. 'What's the matter with Mama?'

'Remember when Mama said that there was a baby inside of her, and that we were going to have a little brother or sister?'

'uh-huh, I remember.' The twins had been very excited at the thought of being older siblings.

'I heard her cry out when the sun when down. I heard her say the baby was gone.' He strained to hear more of what was going downstairs, but his parents had fallen silent.

'Where did the baby go?' Tokio asked, not understanding why the baby would be gone.

"I think,…I think it died." Kenji whispered softly out loud. He turned away from the door and silently closed it. "We should go back to bed. Mama and Papa shouldn't need to worry about us."

Tokio let her fingers fumble the edge of her fuzzy dark purple pajamas. "Poor Mama, she must be very sad." The empathic child let tears form in her eyes and allowed them to fall as her brother pulled her to her bed and helped her climb under the blankets. She held tightly to her brother even as he turned to go back to his own room. "Stay with me." She pleased softly.

Kenji looked at Tokio over his shoulder, his eyes slightly narrowed. "You're not a little baby afraid of the dark are you? His sister shook her head silently, sniffling and rubbing the tears away. Kenji sighed, feeling her distress. He couldn't blame her; he didn't want to be alone too. "Okay move over." Kenji crawled under the covers next to his sister. Tokio found his hand and held it tightly.

"You're not going to go away, are you Kenji?"

"Don't be silly, I'm not going away. Hush and go to sleep." The boy wiggled until he was comfortable next to his sister and closed his eyes. "I hope you don't go anywhere either Tokio."

Outside the closed door, two dark figures stood in the shadows. Sanosuke leaned against the wall on one side of the bedroom door. His face was set in a mask of sadness. His Lifemate Megumi was in Kenshin's underground lair, helping Aoshi tend to Kaoru. 'Touching, the bond siblings have.' He said to the form that was leaning on the wall on the other side of the door.

Saitou sighed. 'They are too young to understand such a tragedy, but I'm amazed at how much they truly know…in their own way.' He watched Sano nod. For once, they placed their bickering aside. One of their own had died before it even drew its first breath. It was a grim reminder of how delicate their race really was. For a moment the two males stood outside the room until the two children inside were asleep. Saitou was astonished to find himself slightly emotional as they headed back down the stairs. The display of love the two five year olds had for each other, it was enough to make even Saitou pause at the bottom step to blink the tears away.

… . . Two Years Later. . …

"Stay in the shade you two. I'm going to grab a drink." Yahiko called over his shoulder. "Kenji…watch your sister." He watched as the seven year old boy nodded his head and waved him away. His sister sat next to him playing with some flowers that grew in the shade of the tree. The 23 year old shook his head and sighed as he headed back into the house. It was late afternoon, and very cloudy out, so it was little surprise for Yahiko to find Kenshin and Kaoru already awake and about.

"Hey Yahiko, how are the kids?" Kaoru asked, apparently knowing why he came in, for she set a glass of juice on the table for him.

"Good, a bit bored, but good." He sat and took up the glass.

"They are getting too old for child games now." Said Kenshin. "Right old friend?"

Yahiko turned to the kitchen side door and spotted Saitou. "Hey Saitou."

"Good evening Yahiko, Kenshin, Kaoru." He nodded to the three of them in turn and took a seat next to Yahiko. "The Prince thinks of leaving Japan for a while and visiting the home land."

Kenshin nodded. "I knew it would only be a matter of time. Now that Itsuko is almost twelve, he will be more willing to travel." His sister Tomoe and brother-in-law, Hiko, Prince of their people, were very protective of their one and only child. Travel, even with a child as old as she, was very dicey. "The vampires getting bolder over there?"

Saitou nodded. "And the vampire hunters. Many of our kind have had to relocate."

… . .

"Come on Kenji, just for a little while." Tokio pulled at her brother's blue gi. "It's boring sitting under this tree."

"No, You heard what father said." Kenji never lifted his eyes from the small electronic game he held in both hands.

"Papa said no sunlight. But look, the clouds are so thick." She pulled her face into a pout. "Please big brother."

Kenji's eyes slid away from the game screen and caught Tokio's pouting. "You'll get in trouble." He tried to mimic the stern voice of his father. "Besides, I don't want to run around. You know how tired sunlight makes me. I hate it."

"How can you hate sunlight?" Tokio could hardly believe her ears. "Sunlight is so beautiful, like golden rays of warmth. Everything glitters and sparkles in the sunlight."

Kenji lifted one eyebrow and shook his head. "You are a strange one, you know that?"

"Fine then I'll go myself." Tokio shot to her feet and darted out from under the tree.

"Tokio, wait!" Kenji reached out to grab his sister, but all he felt was air as she slipped past him. He got to his feet and stood at the edge of the shade and watched in horror as his sister ran out just as the clouds thinned out. Beautiful golden rays pushed through the gloom of the clouds. Tokio ran straight for a patch of sunlight. Her deep red hair glowed like fire in the sunlight. It shimmered and twinkled with life. Kenji felt his call of warning die on his lips. He was so stunned by the beauty.

"Tokio! Come back!" He finally called out. Small trails of white steam-like smoke curled up from her hair and Kenji knew he needed to go out there.

… . .

The Carpathians looked up when they heard Kenji's call. Yahiko cursed softly, jumping to his feet. "I bet Tokio ran off-" but his words were cut off when a scream of pain sliced though the air. Tokio. The scream continued as Kenji cried out for his father. Kenshin and Saitou instantly vanished, ignoring Kaoru's wail of fear. An instant later the males reappeared with the children in their arms.

"Oh my god!" Kaoru cried, spotting her daughter clutched tightly in Kenshin's arms. She had smoke coming off of her, her clothes were scorched and her skin was burned to an ugly brown. In some places on her face and arms, the skin was burned down to red, raw flesh. Strips of ruined flesh hung off the burns. Kaoru was afraid to touch her, for fear of causing her pain. The child only whimpered, telling Kaoru that Kenshin must be taking the pain for her.

Saitou set Kenji down on the table as Kenshin set his daughter on the table as well. "I'll contact Aoshi." Saitou said in a deep tone.

"Kenshin I'm so sorry. I just came in for a moment to get a drink." Yahiko watched as Kenji sat silent and still, not even fussing over the burns he had. Though not as bad as his sister's, they still looked painful.

"Children are notorious for getting in trouble the moment your back is turned. Do not blame yourself Yahiko." Kenshin said gently as he slowly removed the tattered and burned remains of Tokio's clothes until the child sat with nothing but her lime green underwear.

Saitou blinked out of his mental conversation with Aoshi and turned his yellow eyes to Kenshin. "Aoshi is on his way." He looked over at Kenji, who was trying to ignore his mother's fussing. "I thought you were supposed to be watching your sister?" His voice rumbled deep with anger. Kenji didn't respond, only glared up at Saitou as his mother removed his gi to search for more wounds. "You are not a child any longer, you should take some responsibilities."

"He didn't know better" Kaoru said with a warning tone and a piercing gaze that had Saitou take a step back. A black mist floated in the room, swirling higher and higher and grew solid. Aoshi didn't waist a single moment. He silently nudged Kenshin out of the way and set his hands on both of Tokio's shoulders. He grew transparent flowed into her body.

Saitou paced in the kitchen. He didn't know why he was so angry. He shouldn't be surprised, anger and pain was all the emotion he was left with, but such anger at a child? It only took Aoshi a few minutes to shed the dead skin from Tokio and replace it with new skin. He quickly flowed back into his body and rested a hand on her head. New clothes instantly appeared on her body.

"The burns weren't bad. They didn't go deep." He said in a cool, soft voice. He moved over to Kenji and didn't even bother to heal from the inside out. The burns were only slight, more like a bad sun burn. Aoshi just removed any dead skin and covered any raw area with new skin.

"They should have known better than to play in sunlight, as weak as it is right now." Already the sun had set and night was coming.

"They had to learn at some point." Aoshi didn't even look up at Saitou. "All Carpathians remember the day we learned that the sun burned us."

Saitou held his tongue. He did remember the scorching he received as a child when he ran out to play and suddenly realized he was no longer able to take the suns rays.

"W-what does this mean now?" Tokio asked in a soft, shy voice. She didn't dare look at Aoshi. He was dark, and his face was a mask. He scared her.

"No more sunlight. You and your bother are starting to grow into adults. Sunlight will harm you now." Aoshi answered truthfully.

Tokio looked as if she might start crying all over again. "No more sun? But I love the sun. It isn't fair!"

"Tokio" Kaoru said softly moving over to embrace her daughter. "After a few years your power will grow and you will be able to once again stand in the sunlight for a while."

"When?" The child asked hopefully.

"Many, many years." Saitou answered.

"She won't want to wait that long." Kenji said. All eyes turned to him. It was his first time he had spoken.

"Well she is going to have to wait. And hopefully this time you will be a better, more watchful brother." Saitou snapped.

"Don't yell at Kenji!" Tokio cried out. "He tried to stop me but I wanted to go into the sun. None of this is his fault! Stop being so mean!"

"Tokio!" Kaoru scolded. "You are not to yell at your elders.

Kenji burned red with embarrassment. It was bad enough to be scolded, but it was worse having his little sister stick up for him. Ashamed, Kenji jumped from the table and darted out of the kitchen and up the stairs to his room.

"He'll understand in time. Being a Carpathian male is full of responsibilities." Kenshin said softly to Kaoru as she wrung her hands in unrest. "He must learn somehow."

"Well what about me!" Tokio asked. "Don't I get in trouble for being the one who did a bad thing. Why is Kenji always in trouble." She turned her near glowing eyes to Saitou "You always make him feel bad. I hate you." With that she jumped from the table and followed Kenji's steps. She found him in his room and she slammed the door behind her. Kenji sat in the center of the room with his legs drawn up and his chin resting on his knees. Tokio sat behind him, pressing her back against his and drawing her legs up in the same way.

"I hate him." Kenji mumbled, fighting tears. Yet Tokio could feel his shame.

"I hate him too." Tokio agreed. "And I hate having to grow up."

"Next time, don't leave me." Kenji said softly reaching back with one hand.

Tokio had felt his fear when she darted out into the sun, but she thought he was just a worry-wart. She forgot what all the grown-ups expected from him. And he was afraid for her. She slid her hand back behind her and took his hand. "I'm never leaving your side again Kenji… never ever."

A/n Wow I think that was one of the longest chapters I have ever posted. I hope it wasn't too confusing. If you have any question, go ahead and ask :) I'll update soon, don't worry. These chapters are pretty long so expect a few weeks in between chapters. Anyways! Thank you so much for joining me on another round of Carpathian fun. Reviews are loved!