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I dreamt of a man garbed in a black and gold yukata playing the shamisen in an empty room. His wide brimmed hat shrouded his face in darkness. The only decipherable feature I was able to make out - besides his seated stature - was his stretched out grin. His bachi plucked the strings with such careful precision, unceasing in his practice creating the most unnerving sounds. Though the man didn't pose an immediate threat, the resonance of his tune was formidable to say the least. Unsettled and unable to move or shake my gaze, I closed my eyes in hopes of waking myself up from this deranged dream. However, this proved to be pointless. In fact, with every blink, the man inched closer. I began to huff through my panic.

I need Mugen...Jin...anyone! Guys...where are you?!

The stranger inched closer...and closer...

HELP, PLEASE! HELP!

"PLEASE...HELP ME! PLEA-," I screamed myself awake.

"Fuu! What's wrong! Are you ok?" Jin stormed into the room running to my aid.

"J-Jin? Is that you?" My voice groggily crackled.

"I think you were having a nightmare." The ronin calmly stated.

"I guess so."

I looked around the room and couldn't find any trace of Mugen left. The little he brought with him was gone. Being that it was still fairly early in the morning, I knew Mugen well enough to know he would still be fast asleep. My stomach was curdling. Last night...shit!

"Where is he? Mugen?"

"I don't know. To be honest, I thought it was a bit...odd...to only find you in here." Jin shed a small gin. "Did you two...talk...about anything when you came back in the room last night?"

I knew in my heart, I couldn't bring myself to talk about mine and Mugen's strange predicament. Quite frankly, I don't know what to think anymore. As days passed, my feelings for Mugen grew stronger; however, I couldn't shake the hunch that if I allowed myself to entertain the idea of him and I together - I would only be heartbroken in the end. With Jin, he fit the mold of a "perfect man", but even at that, I couldn't allow myself to indulge in that fantasy. For one reason or another, whether that be the love he still holds for Shino or the intimacy I shared with Mugen - my emotions clouded all sense of judgment.

"Mugen and I...had an argument..."

My voice dipped almost to a whisper.

"About what...if you don't mind me prying?" Jin's voice hung low in concern.

"Nothing...he was being an idiot...I was being an idiot...same old story, I suppose."

"Ha, it's funny." The ronin heartedly chuckled.

"Why is that?"

"Well...the Fuu used to know would have never admitted she acted out of line...especially when in an argument with Mugen. You really are a different person now," he smiled as he continued, "and I am truly enjoying every minute of getting to know this softer side of you."

His smile sent surges of warmth down my spine. Jin stirred the the sweetest sensations in my heart that made me feel noticed for the woman I have become.

"By chance, do you think that idiot needed to go outside to clear his mind for a bit?"

"Jin," I began sarcastically, "this is Mugen we are talking about! When have you ever known him to be rational?"

"Ha, fair point."

"Wait...your father! Maybe he saw Mugen leave early this morning."

Both of us hurried out of the room and into the small leaving area to find Ishi also gone. However, laying on the seat he slept on, was a small note on a tattered piece of paper:

Son,

Your friend left early this morning as I was out gathering wood. However, I did notice two delinquent men approaching the pass...I am setting out to see if I can ensure your friend's safety. Please take care of yourself and Fuu. I should be back before sundown.

Your father.