AN: If you recognize anything, that means I don't own it. It's all LJ Smith's. I'm just borrowing them to play for awhile.

Elyssa peeked out from behind her mother's knees, interested in the visitors, but too shy to present herself. The four young people staring down at her in her very own living room were all so pretty that she suddenly wished she was wearing her new blue dress. Then she'd look as pretty as they did.

Her mother gently grasped Elyssa's shoulder and tugged her in front of the legs she was hiding behind. This is Elyssa, my lord.

Shyly, Elyssa looked up at the group from under her lashes. They were all smiling at her and she bravely raised her chin to study them. Running her wide eyes over the four figures in front of her, she noticed their expectant expressions and glanced nervously at her mother. But her mother just smiled down at her. Unsure what to do, Elyssa frowned and looked at the people again.

Suddenly, the girl--who had bright red curls--knelt in front of Elyssa. Hi, Elyssa, she said, smiling gently. I'm Poppy.

Elyssa answered quietly, smiling a little more easily.

I like your shirt. Pandas are my favorite animals. You, too? Poppy's green eyes were kind, and Elyssa responded to that more readily than anything Poppy could have said.

I don't have a favorite, she said, shaking her head, causing her blonde ponytail to swing lightly back and forth.

You don't? Poppy asked, surprise coloring her voice.

Uh-uh. I like them all.

Elyssa's mother moved to sit down in the rocking chair, and the young men followed, sitting on the big couch next to it. When Poppy straightened, she held out her hand and Elyssa took it, leading Poppy to the smaller couch across from the young men.

Still trying to draw Elyssa into conversation, Poppy asked, You don't like some more than others?

Some, but I don't like any one of them best.

Poppy glanced at the men across the room, who were leaning forward slightly, as if hanging on every word. Do you have a favorite color?

Mm-hmm. Blue.

Really? Mine, too, Poppy said, smiling and tucking a curl behind her ear.

Elyssa jumped up off the couch excitedly. You wanna see me new dress? It's blue!

Poppy smiled and the young men chuckled. Elyssa's mother shook her head, but her eyes twinkled with amusement. her mother said, gaining the little girl's attention. Why don't you sit down?

Obediently, Elyssa crawled back onto the couch next to Poppy. Silence reigned for a moment as the four young people tried to choke back their amusement and restart the conversation.

What shade of blue? Elyssa asked, head tilted to one side inquisitively.

Poppy's forehead wrinkled in confusion.

What blue is your favorite?

Uh, I'm not sure, Poppy said, blinking. I think I like all of them. She paused for a moment, catching a glimpse of understanding for Elyssa's earlier sentiment about the animals and glanced at the young men, seeing that they understood as well. Turning back to the young girl who was watching her patiently, Poppy wondered if Elyssa had machinated the revelation.

Did she do that on purpose? Poppy sent at the three men, amusement coloring the thought. Silent chuckles filled her head. No, seriously guys.

Poppy, she's six. James' thought flowed through her mind, his voice as familiar as her own.

Thank you for that sterling observation, cuz, Ash thought, mentally rolling his eyes.

Thierry waited a moment before offering an opinion. You may be right, Poppy. Keep her talking. After a pause, his voice lost its authoritative hardness and sounded friendly. You're pretty good at this.

Poppy severed the connection and turned back to the child, the whole exchange having taken only a few moments. What's your favorite?

Elyssa smiled and ran from the room. Poppy sat forward and glanced at the others in surprise, and they all shifted nervously.

She just went to get her dress, her mother said. She'll be back.

The four young people smiled at her, amused at their own tendency to panic.

Thierry Descoudres, lord of the Night World, turned to Elyssa's mother. Thank you for calling us, Rebecca.

Rebecca Clark smiled a little apologetically. I'm sorry I didn't call earlier. I just didn't think it would be...right somehow. She sighed and rubbed her forehead. I'm still not sure it is even now.

Thierry hid his wince. I understand. I promise not to...get too close.

Relief flashed across Rebecca's face before she hid it. Thank you, my lord.

Smiling wanly, Thierry sat back on the couch, allowing his companions to take over the conversation. Exhaustion overpowered him and he rested his head on the back of the comfortable couch.

When Circle Daybreak had received The Call, as Thierry had taken to referring to it, Hannah had been dead only eight years. How ironic that Rebecca had finally placed The Call on the anniversary of Hannah's death.

Thierry had been pouring over paperwork, desperately trying to lose himself in the work and forget what day it was. He'd given Nilsson specific orders not to let anyone bother him that day, so when Nilsson rushed into the room, Thierry had thought something had to be terribly wrong. Instead, something had been fantastic.

The only problem was, they had found her too early. About ten years too early.

Hana had been reborn yet again, and was now six year old Elyssa Clark living in a small town in California. She lived alone with her mother, Rebecca Clark, who had been the one to place The Call to Thierry's mansion in Las Vegas.

Apparently, Rebecca had been part of Circle Daybreak due to her husband, who was an operative and had died on assignment. After her husband's death, Rebecca had moved back to her hometown of Winston, California, severing ties with Circle Daybreak in order to raise her unborn child in relative peace.

Unfortunately for her, peace was short lived.

The Clarks had originally been a part of one of the East Coast branches of Circle Daybreak, so she'd never met the lady. But every member of Circle Daybreak knew all about Lady Hannah. And even though she'd never seen a picture of the lady, it wasn't necessary for her to recognize the birthmark on her newborn daughter's cheek.

Which is why she tracked down the number for Thierry's mansion six years later. And now here they were, waiting for a six year old Elyssa to show them her new dress.

Thierry shared the same doubts as Mrs. Clark. He probably shouldn't be here. In her previous lives, she'd always been a teenager before he found her. Of course, he'd always had to wait at least half a century before he knew she had been reborn. It seemed as if the whole process was changing.

He wondered vaguely how much had changed.

Thierry drifted back to the conversation when he heard Poppy ask, Why did you finally decide to call us, Rebecca?

All the young people glanced at the young mother, who barely winced and then looked to the doorway. Perhaps I should explain my situation, she responded quietly.

James repeated, his tone betraying his nervousness.

Elyssa chose that moment to run back into the room wearing her new blue dress. The group oohed and ahhed over it, lavishing the proper amount of attention on the dress. After a few minutes, Rebecca turned to Elyssa and said, Sweetie, why don't you go play for a little while, all right?

Elyssa agreed readily, waving at the interesting group of people in her living room. As Rebecca reminded her to take off the dress, Elyssa kissed her cheek and ran back upstairs.

Once she was sure that Elyssa was out of ear shot, Rebecca turned back to the group, looking visibly uncomfortable. Thierry and the others waited patiently for an explanation to her but were still surprised at the first words out of her mouth. I don't have any family.

Ash asked, blinking.

If something were to happen to me...Elyssa would have no one. Not even on her father's side.

Thierry frowned as he sifted through her words for the hidden meaning. Is something going to happen to you?

Rebecca winced again, but stated the problem bluntly. Yes. I'm dying.

Thierry heard Poppy gasp and felt the surprise and worry emanating from his friends. What's wrong? he asked in his quiet manner.

It's a blood disease. The doctors have always been afraid I would develop it. Don't worry, though, it's not genetic, so Elyssa shouldn't get it. I was ill as a child you see... she trailed off. It doesn't really matter. What matters is that Elyssa has a place to go when it's all over.

Thierry nodded. Of course she does.

A sad smile appeared on Rebecca's face. I wasn't going to call you until she turned sixteen. It seemed like the best thing for everyone, she explained. But then this happened, and I didn't really have a choice.

She paused and swallowed, then straightened her shoulders. I would put her with a family friend until she grew up to a good age, but...there isn't anyone. When I joined Circle Daybreak, I was basically forced to sever all ties with humans who didn't know about the Night World. It wasn't safe for them otherwise. And then...after Daniel died--

She interrupted herself with an apologetic smile and explained, Daniel was my husband. After he died, I moved back here to raise my baby away from the fighting. I didn't want her to be a part of it before she could make her own decision whether or not to fight. But then, when she was born and I realized she would never have that choice...

She stopped again, rubbing her forehead. I just wanted to protect her until she was ready. God only knows how I thought I would know when she was, but that's what I decided. So, I let my Circle Daybreak friends drift away as well. No one could know she was here or they might've told you.

But now I have no choices left, Rebecca said, meeting Thierry's eyes directly. She needs you, my lord. As strange as this will be for all of you, she has no where else to go.

Thierry sat back against the couch, trying to tamp down on all the emotions which were threatening to rise to his surface and escape. The others stared at each other and then turned to him.

What are we supposed to do? Poppy's voice asked clearly in his mind.

She must be protected, Thierry replied vaguely, closing his eyes.

Ash shifted next to him. The Redferns will come after her if they find out she's alive. They don't give up on a grudge very quickly.

No kidding, James offered.

Decision made, Thierry stood. Send word, Rebecca.

Relief appeared on her face and she nodded. Of course, my lord.

He shook his head. Just Thierry. Turning to the others, he ordered, Have wards set up around the house and station a few people in the neighborhood. James and Poppy both pulled out cellphones and started dialing. Facing Rebecca once again, Thierry hesitated before asking, Is there nothing we can do?

Rebecca smiled wryly. Not a bloody thing. The smile faded and she looked him right in the eye as she said, Keep her safe. That's all I want.

I would die for her.

We all would, Ash said from next to them.

Satisfied, Rebecca rose and called Elyssa back down to say goodbye. As they all stood at the door, Rebecca turned to Thierry and said, I'll be in touch.

And three months later she died.

AN: Please review and let me know whether or not to continue!