Mika was a few feet away from the Kocho household, still deep in thought from her conversation with Tamayo-san, when she realized soldiers were rushing in and out of the entrance in a hurry.

She managed to stop one, who bowed respectfully to her.

"My apologies, Mika. We are preparing for the disturbance in the East. Please speak with Shinobu-san. She is looking for you." The soldier bowed again before rushing off, joining the rest of his group.

Mika picked up her pace and reached the front of the house, where Mio was speaking quietly with Hyakkimaru. He said something to her, his voice too low for Mika to catch. Mio's face held concern as she peered up at his face. He only shook his head at her question and held her face in his hands before taking a step back.

"Mio, Hyakkimaru. What's going on? I heard there is something going on in the east?"

Hyakkimaru nodded as he adjusted his swords. Mika noted the dark sword that had been in her possession now hanging solidly on his waist.

"Giyu-san and a few other slayers are tasked to investigate. Please stay here with Mio. Kaguya-san has already guaranteed to hold sanctuary for you both."

Mio touched the sleeve of his haori. "I would like to help." She tried, pleading with Mika. "I don't want to be parted after all this time."

Mika shook her head, even as Hyakkimaru moved to hold her by her shoulders.

"It's safer to stay here, Mio. We cannot deal with those demons. Leave it to the others and we will pray for their safe return." Mika consoled Mio, as Hyakkimaru nodded in silent agreement.

Mio's large brown eyes filled with unshed tears as she gripped Hyakkimaru around the waist. "I can't lose you again." Her voice was muffled into his chest.

Mio glanced away, giving the couple time to console one another. Hyakkimaru and Mio exchanged silent glances at one another before he joined Giyu, who appeared at the entrance, along with a few others.

Mika was about to reach out to Mio, who was silently weeping as she watched the group go when she felt her chest constrict and her vision blur.

"Mika!"

She could hear Mio's distance voice as she found herself kneeling down on the ground, gasping at the pain in her head.

In that moment, she saw a vision of her master, bound in chains. His breathing was uneven as he lay in a dark cell, with only the faint light of the moon glowing through the barred window above him.

The vision blurred again only to narrow to another scene with clarity. This time, it was of the Gods she had seen. One of them was dragging her Master with him, as they entered a forested area. She could make out a few mountains in the corner and the sound of a rushing river nearby.

And then she knew.

"Master!" She gasped, snapping out of the strange visions.

Mio had knelt down beside her, grasping her by the shoulders. "Mika, are you okay?"

Mika nodded her head, feeling her mind clear and the strength in her limbs return.

"Master is in the East. Here's here!" She blurted out, struggling to stand with Mio's help. She had no doubt her vision was accurate. Her master was in the same world and he is badly wounded.

"I have to go catch up with Hyakkimaru and the group. I must go with them."

Mio pulled at her cloak. "But what can we do. We don't have the power to fight those demons."

"Mio, I can't stand idly by and let our Master suffer. I have to go."

Mio looked like she wanted to argue with her friend, her eyebrows furrowed in concern. Then she pursed her lips and she brushed away the tears with a determined swipe of her hand.

"Mika, you should go. I know if it's you, you can save Master."

Mika was surprised that her friend didn't argue with her for once and was even more surprised when Mio reached into her cloak.

"Master was always kind to everyone. Even more so to you. He cherishes you." She murmured, pressing a small object into Mika's hands.

"Take this with you. It will protect you until you both come back safely."

Mika hugged Mio tightly, gripping the object in one hand.

"I will make sure Hyakkimaru returns safely to you." Mika answered back, squeezing her friend's hand before pulling away.

Mio nodded and waved at her as Mika ran to catch up with the group.