He went into the bedroom and was in there several minutes before exiting and heading silently for the front door.
Mia stood and approached him, "Where are you going?"
"Onishi was released and there's a rumor he's going to hit the Police Chief."
"I'll go with you," she decided.
"He seems to have developed an obsession with you..it might be smarter if you stayed."
"But what if you need back up?"
He grimaced, then sighed. "Fine. Come on."
She followed him outside.
He climbed into the van, then waited. "Last chance to stay."
She climbed in, "Movie night doesn't sound as fun if you aren't there."
"You mean without my sarcasm?" He laughed as he pulled out and headed for the city.
She smiled as she watched him drive.
"I should have shot the bastard." He scowled as they drove the semi isolated road.
"Well, you weren't in good shape when we got rescued.."
"You have a point. Maybe I'll get another chance." He flashed his fangs. "No way am I biting him though."
"He probably doesn't taste good."
Isao laughed, then squeezed her hand softly. "How are you after your swim?"
She nodded, "Alright. Are you feeling okay?"
"Head's still a little fuzzy, but nothing unmanageable."
"I was so scared I wouldn't get you out in time.."
He gave her a small smile. "Sorry. If I hadn't been preoccupied.."
"What were you doing when you got taken?" She asked softly.
"Checking on a lead about the Sano's." He glanced up at the rear mirror, then flashed his lights. His eyes narrowed and when he spoke again it was slightly worried. "There's a SUV behind us real close. They aren't passing.."
Mia frowned and was about to speak when the car got bumped.
Isao growled as he barely kept the car on the road. "Getting a bad feeling.."
"Can we outrun them?"
"Doubtful." He fought the wheel as they got rammed hard. "Sonofabitch!"
Mia held tight to the handle as the car began spinning.
There was a lurch as one of the tires popped and then they were flipping rapidly.
Mia opened her eyes when they were stopped, trying to focus through the smoky air. Her head hurt and she felt bruises forming from the seatbelt. "Isao..?"
He was lying motionless against the driver's door, blood streaming from his head.
She unbuckled and moved toward him, taking her jacket off to wrap around his head to try to stop the bleeding.
A gun poked her temple. "Get out."
Mia froze for a moment before doing as instructed.
Her arms were handcuffed behind her, then she was pushed toward the SUV.
Another man pointed another gun at Isao. "Hey boss! Should I shoot him?"
Onishi climbed halfway out the SUV, leering at Mia before shaking his head. "No. Bring him so he can watch. Then I am going to kill him quite slowly."
Mia froze as she saw Onishi. She was pushed into the vehicle and she struggled to stay calm.
The trunk opened briefly, then slammed. The men climbed into the front seats and started driving.
Onishi's eyes glittered evilly as he undressed Mia with them. "I can't wait to hear you scream."
She shuddered but stayed silent.
Two hours later, the SUV pulled up to an isolated compound.
Onishi grinned lecherously at her as the car door opened. "After you."
She climbed out quickly.
There was a sign over the front door. 'Abandon hope all ye who enter here'
She frowned and stood there quietly.
The drug dealer wrapped a hand around one arm, dragging her inside. Two men followed with the still unconscious Isao. They finally stopped in front of a vinyl covered door and Onishi tried to kiss her.
Mia just stood there, not moving.
Onishi snarled, slapping her hard before shoving her through the door and onto the floor.
She looked up after a moment, fear showing in her eyes.
"That's it." Onishi motioned for the men to strip Isao's shirt off and helped restrain him. "Let's have a little music.." He picked up a whip and slashed it across the vampire's back.
Isao's eyes flew open and he screamed.
The drug dealer laughed happily, continuing for several minutes. When he finally dropped it, Isao was trembling as blood dripped steadily onto the floor.
Then Onishi approached her, his hands attempting to rip her blouse off.
She didn't fight, tears in her eyes.
He roughly kissed her, one hand groping her chest.
She took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.
He grinned, producing a syringe. "How about a trip?"
She winced, "What is it?"
"Some of that lovely stuff you had last time. Lower dose though."
She nodded slowly.
"Good girl." He injected it slowly, laughing as Isao hissed and rattled the restraints.
"I'm going to kill you." Isao fought, his eyes flashing.
Onishi raised an eyebrow. "Really? I think not. Boys, enjoy yourselves."
The men grinned sadistically and surrounded Isao while she was led toward a large bed nearby.
"How's the ride?"
She was quiet a moment, "It's just kicking in."
He nodded, then uncuffed her hands. "Strip."
She slowly removed the remains of her shirt and then her pants. She paused before taking off her bra.
Onishi's eyes darkened and he ripped it off, then put his hand in her underwear.
She squirmed a bit in response.
He let a smile slowly spread over his face, then pushed her onto the bed.
The men's laughter alternated with the sound of sharp cries and snapping bones.
Onishi chuckled. "The music suits the mood, don't you think?" He unzipped his pants, dropping them before tearing her underwear off.
She winced as she watched him.
"If you please me, maybe I won't kill him. At least for a few days."
She nodded slowly.
"Good girl." He started to climb on top of her, but stopped as the door blew inward off its hinges.
"What the fuck?"
A blinding light flashed for a moment. When it cleared, Akira was in his bird form while Quinn was glowing a bright blue.
"Get away from her!" Quinn fired a pulse of light, knocking Onishi off the bed. He advanced on the dealer, his eyes blazing in fury.
Akira's hands flashed and the men screamed as they burst into flame.
Mia wrapped herself in a sheet, shakily making her way toward Isao. She was beginning to see flashes of her nightmares but the smell of blood helped her focus on what was really in front of her.
She focused, yellow light surrounding him.
He hung limp, slashes covering both his front and back. His features were covered in blood, bruises darkening over his ribcage and heart. He didn't respond when she called him, his skin cool to the touch.
She forced massive amounts of energy into him, slowly closing up the slashes and beginning to heal some of the bruising. She swayed after a little while, then flinched back from what only she could see.
"Easy." Quinn touched her shoulder. "Onishi's all yours. We'll get Iz free."
She approached Onishi slowly.
There was terror in his eyes and he tried to back up, jumping when he hit a wall.
Mia stared at him for a few moments before lunging forward and ripping into his throat with her fangs.
He tried to scream but only made a wet gurgle, his feet kicking the floor.
She moved away quickly, the drugs forcing her mind to her own attack of her throat being ripped open. She held her throat as she backed up.
"Shhh, it's alright.' Quinn had found her pants and wrapped Isao's jacket around her shoulders. "Let's get you out of here."
She nodded slowly, clinging to his arm as a landline.
He held a hand over her eyes as they passed the now free Isao.
Akira averted his eyes, covering the vampire with a blanket.
Mia shook as they got outside.
"I'm taking you to the hospital." Quinn opened his car door.
"I should stay and help Isao.." she said quietly, her eyes unfocused.
Quinn exhaled slowly. "You're in no shape to help him right now. Let's get that drug neutralized first, okay?"
She nodded and got into the car. After a few minutes she asked, "Is Aniki still doing okay?"
"Ryu's fine. Grumpy as usual." Quinn drove quietly, getting her to the ER and fixed up relatively quickly. "Ready to go home?" He asked softly as the doctor left the exam room.
"Is Isao there?"
He bit his lip, then gently took her hand. "Mia..Isao didn't make it. He won't be going home."
Her eyes filled with tears and they began streaming down her face.
"I'm so sorry." The Fae wrapped his arms around her.
She sat there crying for a while until the tears finally stopped and she just felt numb.
Akira entered the room, his eyes on the floor. He extended a small bag to her. "From.."
She raised an eyebrow slowly and looked into the bag.
A jewelry box and a slip of paper were inside.
Her hand shook as she reached in and took out the paper.
"Mere words can not express the joy I feel when you say you love me, they pale next to the shining light that is your soul. If I can bathe in it a mere hour, I can die a blessed man. But I would be honored if I may share that light for a lifetime. Will you be my wife?"
She began sobbing again, reaching in and taking out the box.
Inside lay an exquisite filigree gold ring with light yellow stones.
Mia quietly stared at it for a long time.
"I was holding it for him. He was going to ask later tonight." The bird's voice was raw.
She slipped the ring on her finger before standing. She swayed slightly before disappearing out the door.
The two men sighed, then headed for the hospital exit and drove off.
Mia didn't know where she was going, she just took off. Her head hurt still and she felt pretty weak but she continued moving.
As if being drawn to it, she found herself outside the building her and Isao had been taken to. She entered, finding Isao and sitting down beside him. She stared at him for a long time, talking to him as if he were actually listening.
She didn't notice his fingers twitching.
She continued to talk to him for a while before going silent, losing herself to sobs again.
Something brushed her leg softly. Then it happened again.
She jumped slightly and looked down. "I-Isao?"
His eyes were unfocused, his hand trying to get to hers. He was uncoordinated, his breathing shaky and strained. "Not..leaving..with..him."
She took his hand gently. "Shh, everything is alright." She began pushing energy into him again to help, ignoring when she began feeling dizzy.
He tried to crawl into her arms, face planting several times as he gritted his teeth against the waves of pain washing over him. "Don't..go.."
"I'm not going anywhere, okay?" She said softly. She held him tightly, leaning against him as she continued pouring energy out.
"I don't want to die.. I have something to give you.." His eyes cleared briefly and he clung to her.
"We thought you were gone.. Akira gave it to me already," she said softly. "You're not going to die while I'm here. I'll make sure of it."
"Do you like it?"
"Of course," she gave him a small smile. "I love you."
He gave her a soft smile. "I love you too.." His head sank to her lap as he lost consciousness.
Mia's vision was blurring and the room spun around her, but she didn't care, as long as she was helping Isao.
"Mia, stop!" Ryusei grabbed her hands gently. "You'll die."
She tried to focus on him, "Can't let.. him die.."
"I'll make sure he won't, okay? Just rest."
She leaned against him for a moment, letting the yellow light fade away.
Ryusei sighed as he watched them, pulling out his phone.
Mia's eyes slipped shut as she finally lost consciousness.
Mia woke, weakly opening her eyes as she tried to remember what had happened. She then bolted up, swaying a bit, as she looked around for Isao.
He lay nearby, Quinn sitting worriedly beside him.
She tried to move closer, "How is he?"
"Holding on. But even with all of us healing, he's not good." The Fae gently brushed a hand over Isao's head. "Multiple broken bones, internal injuries and whatever they gave him complicating everything."
She sighed, "I think I'm okay to do some more healing.. Maybe I can help a little."
"You scared us." His blue eyes betrayed his calm demeanor. "We almost lost both of you."
"Once I found out he was alive, I didn't question trying to heal him.. As long as I can help, I'll be happy."
"He'd be upset. And you know how he gets when he's upset. You like living dangerously." Quinn chuckled softly.
She pushed herself up and moved to Isao's side. She began focusing, pouring yellow light into him. After just a few minutes, she began swaying.
Quinn grabbed her. "Stop. Just sit with him, okay?"
She nodded slowly before looking thoughtful, "Would blood help?"
"Ryon and Ryusei already tried. Raised his vitals but he won't wake."
She sat down gently taking his hand, "Come on, Isao.. I can't lose you."
He remained motionless aside from steady breathing. He'd been cleaned up, the tshirt and sweatpants making him look younger.
She stared at him for a long while, wishing she could just heal him up.
Ryusei entered quietly, his eyes brightening when he saw her. "Hey."
"Hey," she gave him a small smile.
"He's still being lazy?"
She chuckled slightly, "Apparently."
Her brother gave a wry smile. "Stubborn idiot." He leaned over, addressing the unconscious man. "Come on, Iz. You refused to die, now you need to open your eyes. Mia needs to be able to relax."
Mia watched, hoping for some kind of response, even though she doubted they'd get one.
Nothing happened for several minutes, then Isao began glowing purple.
Mia looked up at Ryusei for a moment before looking back and watching Isao.
"What the hell?" The former vampire king's eyes were wide with shock.
"Are you doing that?" She wondered.
"I've never…" He froze. "Fuck."
"What?"
Ryusei didn't answer, pulling up the shirt to expose the claw scars on Isao's side. They were pulsing brightly and he backed up, his eyes frightened.
"What's happening?"
"He's becoming a hybrid.."
"That's possible?"
Ryusei nodded. "Rare, but yeah. That drug must have triggered the secondary infection from Sho."
As if summoned, the shifter appeared. "What's wrong?"
"Apparently Isao's becoming a hybrid?" Mia looked confused.
"Aw hell.." Shouma facepalmed. "Perfect. Now I'll never win during sparring."
Ryusei snorted.
"Guess I have to introduce him to Kaito now." Shouma sighed.
"Why the fuck is everyone staring at me?" Isao muttered as his eyes blinked open.
Mia just shook her head, "You're awake."
"I told you I wasn't going to leave you with that bastard.." He sat up slowly, smiling as he glimpsed the ring on her finger.
She gave him a small smile in return.
"How are you feeling?" Ryusei asked, regaining his composure.
"Hungry.." Isao frowned. "What are you guys hiding?"
Mia sighed, "Ryu said you're becoming a hybrid."
Isao went pale. "What? They don't survive long.."
Shouma and Ryusei exchanged looks, then the shifter quietly said "There's one who has."
Ryusei looked uncomfortable, refusing to meet her eyes and practically running out of the room.
She frowned as she watched them, "What's going on?"
Shouma rubbed his neck. "Not my place to tell."
Mia shook her head and headed out of the room in search of Ryusei.
He was staring out the picture window, his face streaked with tears.
She gently wrapped her arms around him, "What's wrong, Aniki?"
"I didn't tell you the whole truth."
"Alright. So what is the truth?"
"I'm not your only sibling."
She froze for a moment, "Okay..?"
"The night my father was killed and we fled, he covered our escape. Mother never knew he survived."
"So, is he older or younger than you? And what does this have to do with the situation with Isao?"
"Five years older. And he's the one Shouma mentioned. He's a hybrid."
Mia nodded slowly, "So there's three of us siblings? Is that all?"
Ryusei chuckled. "Yeah. No more surprises, I promise."
"So I guess I should stop calling you Aniki," she gave him a small smile as she squeezed her arms around him.
"I am technically older than you." He retorted with a smile.
"Only by a few hundred years.. No big deal," she chuckled.
He narrowed his eyes and growled playfully at her. "Smartass."
She grinned, "We should go check on Iz."
"Make sure he didn't have a heart attack." Ryusei wiped his face in embarrassment.
"So why haven't I heard of us having a brother before?"
"Because my father disowned him."
She shrugged, "No offense, but your father isn't mine, so I really only care what Mom would think."
"She never forgave him for it. Mom didn't stay for love, but duty."
Mia nodded quietly before entering the room Isao was in. She gave him a smile, "How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay." He stood and wrapped his arms around her. "Are you alright? I feel terrible because I couldn't stop that fucker."
She buried her head in his shoulder and sighed, "I'll be alright as long as you're safe."
He kissed her hair silently, inhaling her scent. "I know you're wearing it, but.."
She moved to look at him, "What?"
"Are you just being nice? Like, if I'd died you'd keep it, but I survived.."
She gave him a soft smile, "I want you. I want to marry you."
His eyes glistened, his voice teary. "I never thought I'd be happy again.."
She kissed him gently.
He cupped her face with his palms, breathing deeply as his lips captured hers.
She smiled when they finally pulled away. "I'm glad you're okay."
He squeezed her hand softly. "I won't be if someone hasn't stocked the fridge.."
She chuckled, "Alright, let's find you some food."
He blushed slightly and opened the door.
Mia followed close behind him.
There was a knock at the front door. Isao chuckled and pushed her toward it. "I'll cook. That's for you."
Mia raised an eyebrow but went to the door and opened it.
A tall, dark haired man fidgeted on the porch, his eyes on the ground.
"Hello?"
Bright blue eyes rose to meet hers. "You.."
She raised an eyebrow.
"You look just like her…" The man's voice was amazed.
"Like who?"
"Mom.."
Her eyes narrowed for a moment before chuckling, "Are you my brother I just learned about?"
He reddened. "Guilty."
"I'm Mia, it's nice to meet you."
He smiled. "Kaito. Hope I'm not disturbing anything."
"Come in," she opened the door wider.
"You sure?"
She nodded quietly.
He stepped in, nervously brushing his hair back. "I could come back later if it's too much for you. Or I could never show up again if you prefer."
She rolled her eyes, "You're fine. Isao's making food now, are you hungry?"
"I won't impose. I just had to come when Shouma called. Probably should have waited, huh?" He sighed. "You won't be able to acknowledge me either."
"What do you mean?" she raised an eyebrow again, "And you're not imposing, come eat," she gently pulled him to the kitchen.
"Yo, scales." Shouma said around an apple. "Couldn't resist, huh?"
Kaito looked embarrassed. "This was a mistake." He said under his breath.
Mia frowned, "Why?"
"I don't belong here." He began to back out of the room.
"Yes you do."
"If you leave, I will descale you, Aniki." Ryusei shoved him forward. "Sit your ass down."
Mia snickered.
Kaito pouted, then sat.
Ryusei shot Mia a triumphant grin.
Mia sat down quietly, watching Kaito.
He kept his hands in his lap, his eyes warily watching everyone. His body was tense and he appeared to be ready to flee in seconds.
She gave him a small smile, "Relax."
He flinched a little. "Sorry. Not used to being around people."
"It's okay."
Ryusei sighed, massaging Kaito's shoulders. "She's not going to eat or kill you. And it's not like the rest of us are strangers, idiot."
"Who are you calling an idiot? You know as well as I do this is a risk for me."
"Why?" Mia asked quietly.
Ryusei dropped his hands. "The kingdom sees him as a danger. The shifters don't accept him."
"I'm outcast. Supposed to be killed on sight." Kaito put his head in his hands.
"Well, you are safe here, so calm down," she said softly.
"Not safe anywhere.." He murmured quietly.
Ryusei stiffened, his eyes narrowing. "Kai? You better be alright.." He turned to Mia. "Can you smell it?"
She shook her head, "Smell what?"
He didn't answer, yanking off Kaito's jacket and eliciting a pained yelp from the hybrid.
"Goddammit Kai.."
Black liquid was spreading across one shoulder as Kaito raised his eyes and flashed his fangs at Ryusei. "Back off.."
"What happened?" Mia asked softly.
"Pack of wolves." Kaito shrugged with a wince as he replaced his jacket over the wound.
Mia moved to his side and focused, pouring yellow light into him in attempts to help heal it.
His eyes went wide. "You inherited that too?"
She nodded slightly.
"She's full of surprises." Isao grinned as he set the food out. "I made enough so you can recover fast, so eat."
Kaito stared at them. "Why are you doing this?"
Mia shrugged, "We're nice people, I guess."
He huffed, then choked as Ryusei shoved a bite in his mouth.
Mia chuckled and got a plate full and slowly began eating.
Isao kissed her cheek, plate in hand. He motioned to the now bickering brothers. "Do you hear anything?"
She laughed quietly. "Thanks for the food."
"Anything for you."
Shouma coughed dramatically. "Sap alert."
"You're just jealous," Mia stuck a tongue out at him.
He rolled his eyes and started eating.
Mia ate silently, watching everyone else at the table.
Kaito's blue eyes met hers for a moment, then he dropped them to his plate. Realizing it was empty, he stood and headed for the sink. Putting it in, he considered how he was going to escape.
Mia sighed as she finished and got up to start washing dishes. She looked him over, "Are you alright?"
"I don't understand why."
"Why what?" she asked softly.
"Why anyone cares." He rubbed his shoulder before dropping his hand.
"Because we're nice people?" She offered.
"Don't exist."
She frowned, "Then what am I?"
"Naive? Or a figment of my imagination." He chuckled humorlessly.
"Well, I'm not imaginary, but I don't think I'm really that naive either.."
He gave her a defeated look. "Can I admit something?"
She nodded slowly.
"I came here hoping to die."
"Why?"
"I'm tired of hiding. Have you ever been in a situation where you just want it to be over? You don't care how, just that your life doesn't keep going the same way. My life effectively ended the night I became a hybrid. Everyone I'd ever known, my own father, turned on me as if I was a murderous stranger. I was rejected, hunted for something I couldn't change."
"I'm sorry. Ryu and I don't care about all that though, we just care about you."
"I don't know your status in the kingdom, but he can't acknowledge me. It would incite open warfare in the clans."
She shook her head, "Technically, I'm in charge right now.. And not everyone likes me because I'm a halfling. And we're probably about to go to war anyway, so I honestly couldn't care less. You're my brother, and I care about you."
He paled slightly. "What the hell?"
She raised an eyebrow, "Which part is that referring to?"
"How are you in charge?"
"Ryu went missing for a while.. Shiro got a text from his phone saying he was stepping down, so I became Queen."
He took a deep breath, then took her hand and placed it on his chest. "Will you do it?"
She frowned, "Are you asking what I think you're asking?"
"All you have to do is make it stop with your light."
She gently pulled her hand away before wrapping her arms around him tightly, "No. You're my brother and I love you."
"I am outcast.." His voice was faint, his body trembling. "I can't do this anymore.."
"You're not alone anymore. Let me be there for you and help you," she said gently rubbing his back.
"I will only cause trouble.." He brushed a hand over his eyes. "I should go."
She refused to release him, "Just trust me. Let me help you. I don't care if you cause trouble, I care more about you than that," she whispered softly.
"You just met me.." He answered wearily.
"That doesn't mean I care less about you."
He chuckled slightly, beginning to lean on her.
She continued to hug him for several minutes. Finally she asked, "Are you feeling any better?"
He nodded, then answered "I should return to today's hideout. I will not last much longer without sleep."
"Stay here with us."
His eyes met hers, slightly panicked. "If I am found.. You'll all die."
"Just let us worry about that. We'll protect you now."
He searched her face, blinking slowly. "I can't risk…" He suddenly swayed, his knees starting to buckle.
She caught him, "Don't worry, just rest." She gently lifted him and carried him to an empty room, laying him on the bed and covering him with a blanket.
He nodded slowly before his eyes slipped shut.
Quinn enveloped him in light with a frown. "He's not in the best shape. Several partially healed injuries, low blood volume. Exhaustion dating back at least two weeks. Why the hell didn't he tell one of us?"
"He said he wanted to die.." She said quietly.
"Would you like some shiny wall art?' The Fae asked with a growl. "He's going to get descaled for sure when Ryu hears that."
She sighed, "He basically asked me to kill him.."
Quinn's eyes began to blaze. "Forget Ryu, I'm going to do it!" The words were furiously hissed between clenched teeth.
Mia sighed as she watched them, giving Kaito a worried look.
"Mia, we have hostiles outside." Ryusei said calmly from behind her.
She turned and headed toward the front door.
Isao was about to open it, his jaw twitching.
She gently put her hand on his before opening the door and looking outside.
A group of angry vampires bared their fangs. "Hand over the outcast."
"Leave, unless you're looking for a fight."
"Are you seriously protecting the abomination?" One of them asked incredulously. "You should know better."
"He has the death mark on him! We demand it be redeemed!" The others yelled.
She took a deep breath before asking, "What clan are you with?"
"Nakamura. Your clan, Queen. You must finish this. It has escaped for far too long."
"He's family.. How can you do that to your own family? Who cares what he is? He was born to this clan and he belongs here." She sighed. "Is there no way to remove the death mark?"
"It is unnatural. And only you can reprieve him."
"It's not as if he asked to be like this! He had no choice over the matter. What would you think if it happened to you?! We have bigger issues to be focusing our time on, like the Sano's grouping."
"He is no longer one of us! Do we have to get him ourselves?" A sneering young man threatened.
"He may not be welcome in the kingdom, but he doesn't deserve to be hunted for something that wasn't his fault. I'm calling off this hunt. If you come after him, there will be a fight."
The man's eyes flashed and he lunged for her.
Isao snarled, baring his fangs as he stood protectively in front of her.
She gently put a hand on Isao's shoulder. "You need to rest. I can handle this."
He scowled, moving aside.
Mia stood there, watching the man, her mind formulating a plan. If she killed him, it would cause issues in the clan which she didn't need.
He snarled at her for a moment, then turned his back. The others followed quietly, disappearing in minutes.
Isao exhaled sharply. "That guy is going to be a problem."
"I'll take care of things, don't worry."
He nodded resignedly. "Scales is going to freak."
She shrugged, "It's my job to worry about things, and I just did what I thought was right."
"He won't see it like that. He's used to having to fight his own battles." Ryusei said quietly. "He was twenty one in human age when he was attacked and disowned. He has forgotten family."
"Well, like I told him, he's not alone anymore."
Ryusei smiled. "You are truly a beautiful person and I'm glad we're siblings."
She blushed, "I'm glad too."
A blur suddenly rushed past her, heading for the gate.
She frowned and quickly flew over to it.
Kaito was panicked, his eyes wild. "Not bringing this on her..gotta get away. Keep them safe.."
She wrapped her arms around him, "Shh. Everything is alright, Aniki."
"You were just threatened. It's not safe for you with me here."
"I don't care," she answered plainly. "And if all this is because you're a hybrid, we're going to have similar issues with Isao and I'm definitely not leaving him, just like I'm not abandoning you."
"The kingdom doesn't care about him. He's a turned, not natural born. And not the original heir to the throne." Kaito panted harshly.
"Still not letting you leave."
"I'm nothing! Why won't you understand? I belong nowhere, to no one."
"You're our brother! You belong here with us! Why don't you understand? I don't care about the past and what people have made you believe. You're a person who deserves freedom. You may not be allowed in the kingdom, but you're free to live and be with us outside of it. Things are changing and you have to accept that."
"I don't want..anyone hurt..over me." His words were slurring, the exhaustion returning.
"Let me worry about that, okay? Let's get you back inside so you can rest."
Isao approached, injecting Kaito with something.
The hybrid sagged unconscious in seconds and Isao grinned. "No worries for at least twelve hours, scaly. Sleep well."