The funeral had been hard for Shen, it was so hard to watch her family be buried to the ground without shedding a single tear, but she did it. Many thought she was rude for not caring that her family were being buried but Kitsune was there to scare them all away. Shen was grateful to have a friend like her, without her, she did not know if she could have handled them all on her own.

Sadly...she had to leave soon after the funeral, leaving Shen alone with her father who has not said a word to her once during the funeral. Kenshin just stood by her mother's casket, greeting people who came by with an emotionless face. While Shen was smiling, thanking people who shared their offerings, Kenshin just stood there silently. Shen did not know what to think of it and the whole time, she had a lot of questions to ask him but did not know how to speak to him.

Her relationship with her father...was for sure going to be interesting.

...

"Kobayashi Kenshin!" Hisome's voice boomed as he stood tall amongst his fellow council while Kenshin stood below them, kneeling. "You have been summoned to council to plead your case with your crimes against lying to your fellow council and keeping important information regarding the Lotus Clan, what possessed you to do such a thing?!"

Kenshin did not know what to say as he tensed under his council members' hard stares as he tried to think of some excuse. He knew he could not tell the truth...

If he told them, it was Ren's wish to not be found alive by them, her name could be ruined. It would be considered a betrayal to the council to turn your back on them without reasoning. But there was a reason. Tang Shen and the future her mother wished for her. Though it may save his own skin and his place amongst the council...Kenshin could never do that. Not to her.

"It was...my idea. I have no excuse for my actions other than I was only doing what I thought was best," Kenshin said, lowering his head lower as Chikara glared at him. "Such as?" Kenshin closed his eyes tightly. "All I can give is my apologies and hope for your forgiveness. If you wish to exile me from the council...I understand."

The council exchanged murmurs amongst each other as Kenshin, tensely, waited patiently. "Rise Kenshin," Hisome commanded, and Kenshin obeyed, looking up at them. "Though we do not appreciate you keeping such a secret from us...you have been a trustworthy member of our council for ten years and you are one of the best shinobi that is still alive. Therefore, we trust that you knew what you were doing at the time and that you had your reasonings, so you will not be exiled."

Kenshin's shoulders finally relaxed as he bowed his head. "Thank you, council."

"But there will still be consequences!" Chikara snarled. "I expect nothing less," Kenshin said respectfully.

"Now," Juto, the second member, began. "Regarding the child."

"Right. You admitted that you are her father, yes?" Hisome asked. With a frown, Kenshin nodded. "Yes, Master Juto."

"Well, since you are her only living relative and you are the only shinobi that is left, you will be responsible for taking care of her and teaching her the ways of shinobi, so that she can be a proper heir for the Lotus Clan when she is older."

Kenshin's mind froze at that. He knew this was coming. He understood the council's reasoning. Right now, the Hamato Clan was the only clan left and though they are strong, they are not enough. Slowly, for the past 20 years, clans have been disbanding or have been destroyed by the Foot, but the council has been trying to figure out a way to rebuild them all. They were all determined to save ninja kind, no matter the cost.

Kenshin knew the moment he walked Shen into the temple, her chances of having a normal life was over. There was no escaping it. Her mother is dead as well as her grandparents. There was no one else who could watch over her and protect her other than him and the council. He had to take her here, he had no other choice but if he did then Kenshin would have never brought Shen here.

It was Ren's wish that her daughter does not follow into her footsteps. That she would have a normal childhood, be safe and happy. Kenshin wanted to honor those wishes, badly, that is why he would send her letters with money to help her get by and do everything he could to make her wish come true. So, he could try to make amends for how he left things...

However, there was nothing he could do now. Shen was the only bloodline of the Tang family, the only heir. She has to become a shinobi, there was no other way unless...

Maybe Shen's chances of having a normal life are over but she could still be safe and not become a shinobi...if she married someone else who can take care of the clan and birth a fitting heir. Shen would not have to become a shinobi at all. Ren's wishes could still be honored.

"Kenshin?" Hiscome called. Kenshin looked at him and cleared his throat. "Council...may I propose a different idea." When they raised their eyebrows in interest, Kenshin continued. "I know that Shen is the bloodline of the Lotus Clan and the only heir, but...I do not wish to train her in the ways of shinobi. Her mother wished for Shen to be safe, and the life of shinobi is very dangerous, especially with leading a clan. She would be forever targeted by enemies and...I do not want that for her."

"Though we understand how you must feel, Kenshin, you know the stakes we are in. We need more clans, allies to stand beside us and Shen is our only hope for that," Hisome said in an understanding but firm tone.

"I know...that is why a propose that Shen be promised to one of Hamato Yuuta's sons, so that he could run the Lotus Clan instead and help give birth to a fitting heir." Hisome blinked in surprise. "You wish for us to court your daughter with one of Hamato Yuuta's sons?"

"Yes, I know Hamato Yuuta and Hamato Atsuko, wished for their children to not be arranged in marriage but I believe it is what is best. Not only will it assure Shen's safety, but it will assure us that the bloodline of the Lotus Clan will live on."

The council looked at each other, seeming to be considering it. They waited so long to respond that for a moment, Kenshin was afraid that they would say no but, "Very well. When the children are older, we will discuss it with Yuuta and hopefully, he and his wife will agree," Chikara said. "You can leave now, Kenshin," Hisome dismissed and with a respectful bow, Kenshin walked out with overwhelming relief...now all that he had to worry about was raising a daughter...

...

Next day,

Shen was rummaging around one of the kitchen cupboards, trying to find the utensils she needed for her current baking project. She has been at the temple for a week now and she wanted to do something for her father as a thanks for taking her in. She really wanted her father to like her and get to know him. Plus...there were a lot of questions she wished to ask but worried they may make him upset, so she wanted to start off with putting him in a good mood. Shen may be ten but thanks to her grandmother, she has a real knack for cooking and baking.

Shen was almost done grabbing everything she needed when she almost slipped off the chair, she was using to reach the back of the cupboard. She stumbled but managed to catch her footing, but not before knocking a glass from its spot; she tried to catch it but wasn't fast enough; she heard how it hit the ground, shattering into a million pieces.

Shen gasped and swallowed hard. "Oh no..."

"Shen!" A commanding voice scolded, and Shen turned to see her father walk in. It is the first time he has spoken to her since the funeral and the way he was looking at her sternly made her nervous. "What are you doing in here?" He noticed the glass. "And what happened?"

Shen did not take well with getting scolded. She was not used to it but on the few times she got scolded by her mother or grandparents, she could not help but take it hard. She hated making them disappointed or angry. Now, with her father, who she barely knows, Shen really did not want their relationship to start off with a bad start. She wanted him to like her, not think of her as any trouble.

"I am so, so sorry! It was an accident! I tripped and-!"

"First off, get down from there before you fall," Kenshin cut off her ramble, while picking her up off the chair and setting her down far from the second. "Second, why are you in here? You were supposed to be waiting in your room?"

Shen looked down shamefully. "I...wanted to make something for you." When Kenshin raised a confused brow, Shen clarified, "As a way to say thank you for...taking me in after..."

Kenshin blinked in surprise by this, wondering why Shen would want to do something nice for him. Did she not hate him? He left her and her mother before she was even born. When Kenshin did not respond, Shen took it as a bad sign, and hastily went on her knees to pick up the glass but Kenshin swiftly grabbed her wrist, startling her a bit before she could. "Do not touch the glass. You will cut yourself."

"Th-Then I will sweep it up," Shen stammered and was about to look for a broom and dustpan but Kenshin stopped her from doing that is well. "I will take care of it. You just take a seat at the dining table."

"But it is my fault, I should-" Shen tried to insist but Kenshin held up a hand to silence her. "Do not worry about it. Just go."

Shen bit her lower lip. "I really am sorry..." Kenshin sighed. "It is fine, just please, do as I say." With a frown, Shen nodded and slowly left the kitchen to the dining area. After a little while, Kenshin came back with bowls of eggs and ramen. He took a seat at the head of the table, right next to Shen and gestured for her to eat.

Shen did so and tensed at the heavy silence. Back at her old home, she, her mother, and grandparents were always talking but Kenshin...would not even look at her and Shen was not sure how to talk to him or address him which leads the question, what should she call him? She knows that he is her father and that is what she would like to call him, but did he want to be called that? Master did not sound right either, even though he is a great master ninja, he was not Shen's master nor teacher. Lasty, his name but Shen did not think that was appropriate to call a respected ninja like him by his name, not without permission anyway.

"Um..." Shen tried but was stuck in a dilemma. Luckily, Kenshin took noticed. "Yes?"

Shen frowned at his stern voice but cleared her throat. "I just wanted to know...what are we doing today?" Though she is curious about that, that was not the real question she wanted to ask. "Today, you are coming with me on business. I have a lot to do today."

Shen beamed excitedly at that. "You mean, I will be leaving the temple?!"

"Yes."

"Woo-hoo!" Shen cheered, jumping up on her chair, almost making Kenshin fall from his out of shock. "Shen-"

"This will be so much fun! I have been wanting to explore Tokyo since I got here-"

"Shen-"

"Mama used to tell me stories about how she and Yeye would come here all the time when she was little-"

"Shen-!"

"I can not wait! Can we go now?! Will we get to meet new people?! Will there be children my age?!"

"Tang Shen!" Kenshin called a bit firmer and this time, Shen went silent. She giggled sheepishly as he looked at her sternly and sat back down. "Sorry, I just got excited." Kenshin sighed. "Shen, a proper lady does not, cheer or shout, "Woo-hoo."

"She doesn't?" Shen question with a tilt of her head. "She certainty does not," Kenshin confirmed. "Do not forget that you are the daughter of the Lotus Clan and a member of the council, you are not only representing yourself but your family as well, your ancestors. An important young lady like yourself, must maintain control at all times and display dignity."

"Oh...um...I will try my best...Sir."

Kenshin nodded. "Good."

...

Later,

"Wow!" Shen immediately awed as she pulled back the blinds to see through the carriage. Children and families were running everywhere, laughing, playing, baking, selling and it just seemed like a lot of fun but sadly, Shen could not join, because she is stuck inside the safety of the carriage with her father.

Shen glanced at him. "Why must we ride in the carriage? Can't we walk?"

"To keep ourselves unseen makes it easier to avoid possible danger," Kenshin explained shorty as he scanned over scrolls. Shen hummed. "I suppose but it sure makes it harder to join all the fun," She said while looking back at the people outside, making Kenshin look at her with an odd expression.

Shen noticed his staring and smiled. "Did you grow up here?" Kenshin shook his head. "No. I grew up in Fukuoka, like you." Shen looked at him curiously. "Really? Why did you leave? Do you have family there?"

"I..." Kenshin cleared his throat. "Yes, I had a family there, but I part with them after I decided to move to China."

Shen furrowed her brows. "Part with them? You mean...you never spoke to them again?" Kenshin nodded. "Yes." Shen frowned. "But why? They were your family." Kenshin exhaled. "They were not very...good people so I decided to leave and cut ties with them forever."

Shen looked down sadly then lifted her eyes. "Maybe...they have changed. Maybe you can reconnect with them."

"People do not change, Shen," Kenshin said curtly and Shen scowled. "I do not believe that..."

Kenshin looked at her from the corner of his eye then quickly looked away. "Even if I wanted to, I couldn't. They died before you were even born." Shen snapped her head up at him and gave him a sympathy look. "I am sorry."

"Why?" Kenshin said, turning to her confused. "It does not matter." Shen gaped at him. "It does matter! They were your family! Does that not upset you?!"

Kenshin scowled. "Being sad...will not bring them back, therefore, there is no point. Ninjas like myself, are not allowed to feel such things. We must move forward, always. Never look back."

Shen looked a bit angry with him now. "But you are not just a ninja, you are also human and if you feel sad, you should be allowed to feel sad." Kenshin scoffed at her. "You did not show much sadness at your own mother's funeral and yet, you lecture me?"

Shen crossed her arms. "I did that for mama. She used to tell me, all the time, that no matter what, I should always smile because there is always something to be happy about. She would not want me to be sad over her death, she would want me to stay happy, so I did..."

"But what was there to be happy about? Your mother and grandparent died. There is no silver lining with that," Kenshin said, only for Shen to hit him with the most unpredictable response. "Meeting you." Kenshin flinched, his eyes wide as Shen looked him in the eyes. "I love my mama and I always will, but I have always wanted to meet you, and I am glad I did. I want to get to know you...even if you do not want to get to know me."

For a long while, Kenshin just sat there, silently, staring with a look of uncertainty in his eyes until the carriage stopped. "Master Kenshin, we have arrived." Kenshin cleared his throat and gathered his things. "Wait here, Shen, I will be back in a moment."

Shen just nodded as Kenshin left. She peeked out, watching him go in a much smaller temple than their own and sighed, boredly. She wanted to explore but did not want to cause her father any trouble.

Suddenly- "Tang Shen?!" A voice gasped, making Shen jump and she looked out to see Kitsune, smiling at her. Shen grinned. "Kitsune! What are you doing here?"

"I snuck away to do some shopping. What are you doing here?" Kitsune asked. "My father brought me here while he went inside to talk to someone, but I am not sure who."

"Oh, well, would you like to go shopping with me? It looks awfully boring inside that carriage." Shen quickly opened her mouth to say yes but stopped herself. "Thank you, Sue, but I can't. My father told me to stay here."

"We will just be across the street. It will be really quick, I promise," Kitsune tried to convince but Shen hesitated. "Well...I guess I could look for a little bit." Kitsune grinned and grabbed her hand. "Then come on!"

"Whoa!" Shen yelped as Kitsune pulled her out of the carriage and followed her inside the store.

...

An hour later,

"Oh, that looks great on you, you have to get it!" Kitsune said as Shen was twirling around in a purple kimono with a pink sash instead of her boring old white one. "Really?"

"Yes! Please get it Shen, if you don't, I will!"

Shen giggled at her friend until-

"Tang Shen!" Shen jumped and turned to see her father marching inside the store. "Oopsie, looks like we lost track of time," Kitsune muttered as Shen tensed. "I thought I told you to stay inside the carriage!" Kenshin scolded as soon as he approached them.

Shen bowed her head with her hands folded in front of her. "I know, I am sorry, but Kitsune came by, and I was only going to be gone for a little bit but we-"

"Doesn't that outfit look great on her?!" Kitsune chimed in. Kenshin rose a brow as Kitsune continued. "Do not be hard on her, Master Kenshin, it was all my idea. Shen insisted on staying but I convinced her otherwise. I just wanted her to enjoy herself instead of waiting for you to be done with...whatever it was you were doing."

Kenshin glanced at Shen who looked at him nervously. "Now!" Kitsune said. "About the outfit, will you be paying for it or-"

"Kitsune, no! He does not have to do that-!"

"Yes," Kenshin replied, and Shen looked at him a bit aback. "What?"

Kenshin sighed. "It does look lovely on you. If you want it, then I have no problem paying." Shen felt a bit happy by the complement but still, she felt guilty. "You really do not have to. You gave me so many clothes already-"

"Do you not want it?" Kenshin questioned, silencing Shen for a moment. "Y-Yes, I want it but-"

"Then take it off and we will go pay for it."

"Um...ok."

"And maybe you could pay for my stuff as well?" Kitsune said with a big grin. Kenshin looked behind her to see a whole pile of bags and boxes and shook his head. "No."

"Worth a shot."

...

After Kenshin bought Shen the kimono and Shen said goodbye to Kitsune, the two went back to the carriage. Shen smiled a bit softly as she looked inside the bag where her kimono was neatly folded. "Thank you for getting this for me and...sorry again, for wandering off. I did not mean to make you worry."

"It is fine," Kenshin dismissed, not wanting to discuss any further and Shen frowned sadly. This whole day, instead of working to get closer like she hoped, Kenshin just seemed to be pulling further away. Every time, Shen thinks she has made a breakthrough, he just adds another wall...another mask.

So many questions Shen has but now, she is starting to think that they will all go unanswered.

...

At the temple,

While Shen was working on her studies, Kenshin took the time to stroll down the halls of the temple, just to check on things and make sure everything was in order. The maids walked by, chuckling when they noticed him. "Oh! Master Kenshin! That daughter of yours is such a delight!"

"Yes, and very polit as well as kind. You should be very proud," The second maid said. "Um...Thank you," Kenshin said with a polite bow as the two walked off.

It was strange. Only a week and everyone has already warmed up to Shen. When Kenshin first came to the temple, it took some time for everyone to get used to him and trust him...a trust he worked so hard for and almost destroyed. However, Tang Shen, was just so...different.

So...light.

She was so sweet, kind-hearted, and a bit quirky. Also, she loves to talk. She likes getting to know people and making friends with everyone. Though that was not necessarily a bad trait, Kenshin worried that Shen may be a bit too trusting and naive.

What else is strange is that she obviously knows that he left her mother, the person she loves most for selfish reasons and yet, he never once saw any angry or hatred towards him when she looked at him. Only curiosity and wonder. Though...admittedly, Kenshin never looks at her long enough to see anything else. She looks so much like Ren, reminds him of her too. It just hurt to look at her. Every time he looks into her gold bright eyes, he remembers looking at the same eyes, only filled with hurt and betrayal as he walked away.

The council may see him as a trusted man but really, he was selfish, only ever thinking of himself. He regretted walking out on Ren that day, but he never had to courage to face her again until...

...

A month ago, before attack,

While the council was speaking to Hamato Yuuta and his wife, Kenshin had snuck away in his quarters to prepare another letter filled with yen for Ren and her family. He was about to seal it until-

"Well, it seems I'm not the only one who snuck away."

Kenshin jumped and whipped around to see Hamato Atsuko, leaning against the doorframe. "O-Oh! Miss Hamato! You startled me." He cleared his throat and stood up. "What are you doing in here?"

Atsuko shrugged. "I just needed to get away. I hate coming to these meetings. It is always the same."

"Yes, but they are important." Atsuko rolled her eyes at him. "You sound like my husband." Looking back at him, Atsuko suddenly crocked her head which made Kenshin tense a little, fearing that she may have noticed the letter. "What?"

Looking out behind her, Atsuko came in and closed the door behind her. "You know Kenshin, you have always been a mystery to me." Kenshin raised a brow as Atsuko began to walk towards him with her hands behind her back. "For someone who got everything he ever dreamed of...I can't help but notice the sadness always in your eyes and also regret."

Kenshin blinked and quickly looked away from her. "I do not know what you are talking about." Atsuko only smirked. "You can deny it all you want but I know what I'm talking about. I am guessing you made hard sacrifices to be here, hm?"

Kenshin almost flinched but he suppressed it, not wanting to give away more than he already has. Atsuko sighed. "Look, Kenshin, you don't have to tell me your life story or anything, but take my advice, I've made many regrets in my past too and it's too late for me to make it right, but if it isn't for you then go do something about it. If there is someone out there who you care for, then go."

Kenshin stood silent then sighed heavily. "She won't want to see me..."

"How do you know if you won't give her a chance?" Atsuko said. "You do not know anything!" Kenshin snapped which Atsuko rewarded with a punched on the head, making him fall flat on the floor. "I know more than you!" Atsuko scolded with a glare as Kenshin picked up his head with a groan, only to see her features soften. "Just...think about it."

With that, Kenshin watched as Atsuko left then looked back at the envelope. He was about to seal it but paused as he looked inside. From the corner of his eye, he saw stacks of paper and a brush. He hesitated, reaching out his hand, he reluctant for a moment before slowly picking up the paper and brush.

He hung the brush over the paper for a while before taking a breath and slowly bringing it down, trusting the words to just flow for him.

...

Now,

Unfortunately, things did not work out like he had hoped. He never got to find out if Ren would forgive him or not. He had failed her. More than once and his only hope now to make amends is to take care of and protect their daughter who Ren sacrificed everything for. Kenshin was determined to raise Shen how Ren would but...honestly, he was having doubts.

Part of the reason why Kenshin left was because he knew he could never be the father or husband they deserved but now, he has no choice. He must at least try. For her. For them both.

Kenshin sighed as he finally made it to Shen's room, he knocked once, waited then opened the door when there has yet to be a response. He paused when he saw Shen sitting on the window ledge, gazing out with a sad expression.

Kenshin was a little aback since she seemed to be so happy earlier but shook it off and cleared his throat to gain her attention. Shen jumped a little. "Oh!" She quickly hopped off the window and bowed her head. "Sorry, I did not notice you."

Kenshin said nothing and instead, held out the jade staff that once belonged to his master, Fu. "I thought you might want this." Shen stared at it for a long time, sadness crossing her features before, with much gentleness and care, as if grabbing a most precious tressure, took it out of his hands and into her own. She smiled a little as she stared down at it. "Thank you."

Softness cross Kenshin's face as he looked at her but shook his head to rid of it. "Tomorrow, we start your first lessons. Make sure to get some sleep tonight."

Kenshin turned his back, about to leave as Shen smiled his way. "I will...Father."

Kenshin halted, flinching violently with wide eyes and Shen tensed at the reaction. It had been a bold move, but she couldn't stand not knowing how to address him any longer. She wanted to call him father. She had hoped after today, he would slowly start to see her as his daughter but...maybe that was foolish.

Kenshin slowly looked at her, his face unreadable as he nodded. "Good. I will see you in the morning." Shen's face immediately brightened and he's own face seemed a bit lighter with a hint of warmness in his eyes as he left.

When the doors close, Shen ran to her desk and pulled out a piece of paper.

Dear Mama,

My first day with Father was rough but still a lot of fun. He is a lot different from you, but he is still very nice.

He let me ride along with him on his business meeting, he did not get angry with me when I wandered off and he even bought me a new kimono. Also, he did not mind when I called him father!

I think I am starting to warm up to him.

Still, I miss you Mama and wish you were here. I think Father misses you too. Tell Yeye and Nainai I miss them also!

Love, Shen