Disclaimer - I do not own Samurai Champloo or any of it's characters.

After they had finished their meal, Jin had decided it was time. He cleared his throat. Everyone quieted down, it was not often that Jin wanted everyone's attention. "There is something we need to discuss."

Fuu was nervous. She had been thankful that Jin was so concerned about her, but she was not ready to confess about her relationship with Mugen. She cleared her throat, "I'm lucky that I have someone like you to worry about me, but I...uh...don't think this is the time." She had been worried about what Mugen might say since they came and that fear was looming in her mind. He didn't understand the word discretion, and he loved to be crude in front of Jin.

Jin was confused, he thought he had made it clear to not say anything to Fuu. It wasn't like Mugen to be so talkative. He eyed Mugen suspiciously, who responded by shrugging his shoulders. Jin answered, "We cannot hold the subject off any further."

Fuu stood up, "I am not comfortable having this conversation."

This got Mugen's attention, he was just as confused as Jin. "Why are you being sucha pain in the ass?"

Fuu was appalled, how could Mugen be okay with this? "I am NOT about to discuss our sex life with Jin!", she yelled out frustrated with the whole situation.

Everyone gaped at Fuu's outburst, everyone but Mugen. He smiled triumphantly at Jin. Fuu slowly sat down, her face burning red with embarrassment. She was mortified. The whole time she had been worried about Mugen saying something and it was her own big mouth that spilled the beans. Mugen placed an arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer to him. Jin only shook his head with a small smile playing on his lips. Shino tried not to look so astonished, she didn't want to be rude.

Jin decided to break the silence, "That's not what we need to discuss. And in the future I would appreciate it if you kept your personal matters just that." Fuu placed her face in her hands. Mugen didn't understand what the big deal was.

Jin continued, "Unfortunately, I bear bad tidings." He continued to tell the girls about who Katashi was and what danger he posed. Mugen stayed silent, he knew that if he said anything he would explode with rage. Shino silently listened, but she did place her hand on Jin's. Even though she was scared, she trusted Jin to protect them. She knew he was very level-headed and wouldn't make rash decisions with their lives.

Fuu had forgotten about her embarrassment, it was replaced by terror. She remembered her final encounter with Kariya on the cliff. He had just murdered her father and explained that he was ordered to kill any of his living descendants. She knew death was near and she had been powerless to do anything. She had seen Mugen struggling on the beach and knew he couldn't save her a second time. If it hadn't been for Jin, she wouldn't be alive. The thought made her shiver. Mugen noticed and pulled her closer to him.

Fuu gulped before asking, "What should we do?" She looked from Jin to Mugen. Jin held his usual calm demeanor, but she could tell he was masking something. Mugen on the other hand was furious and he showed it. His steel grey eyes had a fire burning in them. She curled her arm around his waist, she wanted to calm her down.

Jin answered, "There is only one liable option. Katashi is a patient man. He hasn't made the first move because he wants to ensure his revenge. He believes Fuu is the one who defeated his father."

Fuu spoke up, "That's insane! There was no way I stood a chance against that guy."

Jin explained, "Reports reached Katashi that Kariya killed me at the docks and Mugen died at that abandoned church on the island. He knows Kariya followed you to the island and killed your father. But as it turned out his father was killed and you survived.."

Fuu was starting to understand how desperate the situation was. "Can't I just explain to him I didn't kill his father..."

Jin shook his head, "His purpose is two-fold. Not only does he want to avenge his father's death, but he means to complete his father's original mission."

Fuu weakly asked, "You mean to kill my father's living relatives...to kill me?"

Jin nodded, "Our only choice is to lure him here. Since we know Katashi is biding his time for the perfect opportunity to attack, we must make him believe you are vulnerable and alone. When he comes we can use the element of surprise to defeat him."

Fuu felt Mugen's body tense. She could see his fists clenching and unclenching. It was obvious him and Jin were not in total agreement. She was wondering what Jin meant by "lure" him. Luring meant they needed bait and what better bait than the woman he believed to have killed his father. Maybe that was why Mugen was getting upset. She trusted Jin's judgement, he had never put her in real danger before. She couldn't believe this Katashi guy had been after her all these years. She had just been a kid and his father had killed her own father and tried to kill her. Would she ever be able to leave the past behind her?

Shino spoke up, "But Jin, you said he has his own yakuza. How will only you and Mugen defeat him?"

Mugen answered before Jin had a chance, "Because we've done it before." He had a sharp edge to his voice.

Jin added, "My employer has given us his support, his men will join us if we are in need of them."

Fuu asked what had been weighing on her mind, "How exactly are we going to lure him here?"

Jin looked to Mugen before answering, "It has become apparent that someone has been sent to find your whereabouts and watch you closely. We are not sure who this might be or if they have successfully discovered your location. If they have ascertained this information, they by now know about Mugen. Since I have heard no word of any of this, we are betting that we have enough time to lay the trap. Thus we must act fast. Mugen must appear to leave you. My employer has already had word of your location spread, making sure it reaches Katashi's ear. Hopefully, Katashi takes the bait and leaves before his spies report to him on the actual situation."

Fuu wasn't sure what to say, "So we don't have any choice." Mugen had had enough, he didn't agree with any of this. So he got up and stormed out.

Fuu got up to follow, but Jin grabbed her arm, "Let him go." Fuu sat back down concerned about what Mugen might do.

Jin sighed, "It is not my place to speak for Mugen, but you need to know. He is worried about you. He would rather run off and kill this man, but we need to be smart. Give him some time to calm down and clear his head. Fuu, you realize it is not easy for him to cope with these feelings."

Fuu nodded her head in agreement. Jin was always very perceptive and she knew he understood better than anyone what was happening with Mugen. She looked to Shino, Jin had been so lucky to find a woman like her. It was not fair for Shino to have to put her husband at risk because of Fuu. The main reason they were all in this mess was because of her, it was her father that the Shogunate had been after. She couldn't let anyone else suffer because of her.

A loud explosion forced her to turn her head away from Jin and Kariya. It was coming from the beach where Mugen had been fighting. All she saw was smoke and fire and she screamed his name, "MUGEN!".

She ran down as fast as she could, stumbling along the way. She didn't feel the pain from her injuries anymore, all that mattered was making sure he was alive. As she got to the beach, she saw his lifeless body lying in the sand. It spurred her tired body to run faster. She collapsed besides him. She saw he had been severely injured. He had deep cuts that were spurting out blood and a gun shot wound. The rest of his body was covered in burns and bruises. Tears formed in her eyes, it was all her fault.

She started screaming his name trying to get him to wake up, to come back to her. "Mugen! Mugen! Mugen!" His eyes fluttered open and a wave of relief passed over her.

The memory came out of left field, she had tried to forget about that. 'I can't take that chance again. I cant put them in danger anymore.' She thought to herself. She started formulating in her mind her own plan. She knew that Jin and Mugen would never concede to it, so she would have to keep it a secret. When the time was right she would make sure no one would take the bullet for her again.

First, she needed to make sure Mugen hadn't gone on a killing spree, "Jin, could you find Mugen and try to talk him down?"

Jin got up and headed out the door. He wasn't sure what to say to Mugen, but for once he knew exactly how he felt.

Mugen was pissed off. He huffed out of the house muttering profanities the entire time. He could feel the rage boiling in his blood and he felt like ripping Katashi's head off or ripping his heart clean out from his chest. He knew what the plan was all along, there was no reason for him to overreact. But having to watch Fuu's face as Jin explain it to her sent him over the edge. He could feel her fear and anxiety rolling off of her. They were like waves that crashed into him, pulling him deep under the water until he couldn't breath.

He plopped down on the soft grass and placed his hands behind his head. The stars were shinning brightly like diamonds in the sky. He remembered as a young child he would spend half the night finding constellations dreaming of the adventures he would have. That was one of the only good memories he had from his childhood. But as he laid searching the sky for answers, he received no response.

He had always believed in only one thing, his strength and will to combat anything that came his way. He never took shit from anyone, always doing what he wanted to do when he wanted to do it. Restraint wasn't in his vocabulary...and neither was love. He lived by the sword and knew he would die by it. And in one swift moment all that seemed to drift away in the wind. He didn't want to be alone anymore, he wanted to spend the rest of his time with Fuu. He wanted to make sure she was safe and happy. And he couldn't even do that.

Jin found Mugen lying on the ground. He thought it was for the best to not be the first to speak. So he sat noiselessly next to him. Mugen's eyes darted in his direction and then closed. There was more to discuss and neither wanted to bring it up. They both were struggling with the idea of leaving their women unprotected.

Mugen asked, "What are we gonna do with the broads?"

Jin knew what he was talking about, "One of Takeshi's most trusted men will escort them to a town just to the south of here. There is an abandoned hut where they can stay that will not draw suspicion."

"How do we know we can trust this guy?" Mugen wasn't about to leave Fuu with some random guy.

"Takeshi has assured me of this man's honor. I have full confidence in Takeshi. He has constantly proved himself a man of his word. If it was not for his assistance, Katashi's plot would have not been uncovered to us." Jin knew that what he was saying was the truth, but he was just as reluctant as Mugen.

"When ya gonna tell 'em?" Mugen had no desire to return to the house. He needed time alone to clear his thoughts.

"I am planning to before we leave." Jin stood up and returned to the house. The women became quiet when he entered. He returned to his seat and quietly sipped tea.

"Well?", Fuu was impatient to know what happened with Mugen.

"Mugen will return shortly. In the meantime, there is another issue we must discuss." Both of the women drew in sharp breaths. They had already had a bombshell dropped on them, what else could there be? "It is not safe for either of you to stay here when Katashi arrives. When we hear word of his arrival you will leave immediately for a town south of here. You will have a bodyguard who will ensure your safety. When we deem it is safe, we will send for you." Jin knew that this wouldn't go easy. He was ready for their retaliation, and they didn't disappoint him.

Shino said calmly, "I am not leaving you."

Fuu added more loudly and hysterically, "Are you guys out of your minds?! You think I'm really going to leave? I am the reason this guy is coming in the first place, I'm not going to run away like some coward."

"What do you intend to do then?" Jin was interested in how valuable a fighter Fuu thought of herself.

Fuu didn't want to reveal her true intentions, but she knew if she obliged and left that she would not be able to carry out her plan, "I will stay and help, just like I always have."

Jin was not fooled, "We cannot fight an entire yakuza and be watchful over you. That would not only put yourself in danger, but it impairs our ability to fight without distractions."

Shino wanted to use a different approach, "Jin we promised to bear any trials that we faced, but only together. I will not betray my promise to you. As your wife it is my duty to stay by your side."

Jin wasn't sure what to say. He was moved by the fearlessness Shino showed and the love she constantly displayed for him. But he knew the situation was too dangerous. "And I promised to safeguard you for the rest of my life. It's a precarious situation and putting your life in jeopardy would break that promise. Would you have me not be a man of my word?"

Shino knew how important it was for Jin to be an honorable man. "I cannot ask that of you."

"I do not want to part from you, but this is the safest available option." Jin took her hand in his. He was not an expressive man, this action spoke louder to Shino than if he had used his words.

Shino lowered her head, she knew when she was defeated. "If it is your wish I shall leave. But then I must ask you to make one more promise. Promise you will come back to me."

Jin smiled, "I promise."

Fuu was shocked, how could Shino give in so easily? If Shino agreed there was no way she could battle Jin and Mugen alone. She wasn't going to give up, "Shino has a responsibility to oblige you, but I don't. You know me Jin, I'm a fighter and I don't give up fighting. No matter what you say I'm staying here with you guys. How can you expect me to desert you guys now that you need me more than ever."

Jin was getting agitated but his tone stayed level, "We need you to stay alive. Mugen needs you to stay alive."

Fuu knew he was right. That's why she had to stay and end this herself, "And I need you guys. That can't happen if you die!" She wanted to stay strong but the tears started falling down her cheeks.

Shino placed her hand on Jin's chest to stop him from saying more, "Fuu, I know they are asking much from you. Please think this over and I know you will see what the right choice is." She gave Fuu a warm smile and then got up to start clearing the table. She wanted to give Jin and Fuu a chance to speak privately. Jin gave her a knowing smile, Shino always knew what to do.

Jin waited for Shino to leave the room before speaking, "You should speak with Mugen. I have to be honest, he was not pleased with this anymore than you."

"Then why would he agree?" Fuu knew that Mugen was not someone who backed down, especially to Jin.

Jin did not feel comfortable talking for Mugen. It was not his place to interfere with their relationship, "For the same reason he followed you to Ikitsuki Island when you were in danger."

Fuu knew there was only one person who would understand her situation with Mugen. Only Jin would be able to answer her honestly, "Do you think he can change?"

Jin's body started tensing, "It is not my place to speak of this."

Fu was annoyed how Jin always clammed up just when she needed him, "Please Jin! You're the only person I can trust to talk to about this. I would say something to Shino, but she has no idea that there's a decent human behind Mugen's ape-like exterior. I know he's a jackass and crude and stupid! I know he has no manners and we fight constantly..."

Jin stopped listening after that. Fuu had ranted and raved the entire time on their journey, Jin had learned to ignore her.

Fuu was still talking, "...but I really care for him, and even though we've discussed our relationship it's nothing concrete. You know Mugen, he can't formulate a sentence if it involves feelings. And he doesn't need to say it, I know how he feels. But Mugen is still Mugen, and I wonder if he can really settle down? Is it possible to have a future with him? What do you think Jin? JIN?!"

Her yelling brought him back to reality. He turned his attention to her asked bluntly, "Do you love him?"

Fuu was slightly shocked by the question. She gulped down and answered shyly, "Yes."

Jin had no right or wrong answer for her, "Love is a powerful force. It drives humans, who are normally selfish creatures, to risk their lives for the object of their affection. Love is an irrational emotion, but without it we loose our humanity."

"Then how can you not understand my refusal to leave?"

Jin needed to end the conversation, Mugen would need to speak with her. He relied with his usual, "Hmmm...". Fuu knew this meant he was no longer willing to talk.

Shino and Jin left shortly after that. On the way out Jin arranged to come back the next night, him and Mugen still had to finalize their plans. Fuu was sad to see them go, but she did need to speak privately with Mugen. After she saw them walking down the road, she went around the house to look for Mugen.

He was still lying in the grass watching the stars. Fuu laid down next to him. She turned to look at him, "Do you want me to leave?".

He stayed silent. Mugen knew it wasn't safe for Fuu to stay. She had to go no matter what he wanted.

"How could you just make that decision without discussing it with me? I won't go without you, I'm not going to leave you behind to fight my battles."

Why did she think this was only about her? Mugen needed to set the record straight, "This isn't just your battle, stop being sucha selfish bitch."

Fuu was taken aback, "Why would you say that?"

"You think that you can go against this guy by yourself and turn into some frickin martyr? Then what about the rest of us huh?" Mugen was annoyed, she could be so stubborn about things.

"I never meant it like that. How do you think it feels for me? To not be there for you when this is all my fault?! If it wasn't for me Kariya would have never followed us to that island. If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't be in danger. I don't want you to protect me, this is my trial to face." Tears were streaming down her face.

Mugen sat up and pulled her up to meet his face, "And if it wasn't for me, those psycho brothers woulda never laid their stinkin hands on you. We're together on this and you got no say in that. If someone's after ya, it's my problem got it?"

It dawned of Fuu why Shino had given in so easily. It wasn't about proving how brave or tough you were, it was about working together because of love. Jin was right, love did make you do crazy things. Her plan was crumbling before her. She wasn't letting someone else fight her battles, she was letting someone love her. "I'll go, but..."

'Here we go." Mugen thought.

"...but I refuse to loose you. I don't care if death is staring you in the face, you tell him to go screw himself." Fuu's face was deadly serious. She had seen Mugen beat death and expected him to keep doing that.

Mugen smiled, it looked like he was rubbing off on her, "Ya got it girlie."

They embraced, Fuu tightened her grip around Mugen fearing she would loose him if she didn't hold on. Mugen whispered, "Have some faith in me." Fuu remembered the last time he said those words and some of her fear abated. He hadn't failed her then...but he had almost died.

Mugen got up and held out a hand for Fuu. She took it and he helped her to her feet. "Come on kid, I'm ready to hit the hay."

As they walked back to the house, Fuu stopped Mugen. She looked at him meekly and asked, "Do we have to go straight to sleep?"

Mugen smirked at her and raised his eyebrow, "You talkin dirty?"

Fuu started blushing, "Uh...no...it's just that I thought we could talk or something."

"Nah, you can't lie to me. You were tryin to seduce me. I don't blame ya, I am damn sexy. Irresistible really." Mugen interlinked his fingers and raised them over his head cracking them.

Fuu couldn't believe what a self-centered jerk he could be sometimes. She shook her head in disgust, "You are just fooling yourself baka."

Mugen traced a hand along her curves, "Don't forget, you owe me a favor and I'm cashin it in tonight." He pulled her inside by her arm. He could see that she was nervous, "Dontcha wanna show me what ya got? I'll return the favor baby." His comment had the desired effect, she started giggling.