The scream had set him in an alarmed state and only marginally distracted him from the fight. This was no concern. He could fight this opponent if he was blind. The voice hadn't been far off, and while she had sounded truly terrified, something told him she was still alive…he hoped she was. Mugen could take care of himself but he feared for Fuu.

The shoe was immediately recognized and that caused him great worry. He had to find her quickly. There was no telling what man, beast, or his former classmates would do to her. He needed to return it to her as soon as possible as he knew she didn't have enough money to replace it and he hated to think of any injuries she might acquire because of its absence. His thumb passed over the impression her foot had worn into it before he tucked it safely away. She had small feet.

He'd been searching for a few hours now but still nothing. He was starting to get worried. Her second scream was a total surprise and it brought relief and apprehension simultaneously. She was alive but for how long? He was closer this time and he hurried towards the source. There! He rushed over to her, beyond thankful that she was alright.

He questioned her, she was as he'd suspected, and she him. They were both defensive, their anxiety bleeding into their tense but familiar teasing, but each was glad to see the other. An awkward asking after for the same person at the same time; neither had seen him, neither wanted to get deeper into their concern. But he still wondered what he saw there. She looked older with her hair down.

She'd noticed the cut; he was surprised. She expressed her typical worry and went to gather said herbs. He looked around, scowling at the makeshift bed further in the cave, the extinguished fire. Fuu doesn't know how to do those things on her own. Whom…had she been with? That bed was far too large for just her.

What was that? A body jumped down on him and he deflected. Damn it. This was not where he wanted to get involved at. His long time class mate was desperate for redemption and he may very well use Fuu as a weakness. Yukimaru had always been determined but he was extremely dangerous at this point. He didn't want to kill him, but he would defend his own life and protect Fuu. Someone had to protect her.

He hadn't felt loss like this since his master's betrayal but he would not forfeit his life. Fuu stayed with him as they prayed for Yukimaru. While it really had no meaning for her other than life passing from this world, he was grateful for her presence. Yes, he'd told her, this man had been from his past but that didn't matter. Frantic sounds came to his attention and he pushed Fuu down low with him, staying out of sight and observing. There was a name and she reacted, giving chase and once again heedless of his caution. Damn fool girl.

This Okuru she owed her life, she'd said. He'd commented on her sense of honor, impressed by her dedication and yet slightly worried by how easily she was swayed. What kind of person was this Okuru? Had that been whom she'd been with back at the cave? They slid quietly down to hear what was going on. Perhaps they spooked those birds or it was just meant to be, but the action startled the bowmen and two were released, hitting their target. Mugen was just as foolish as Fuu, at times, and charged the officials. He jumped up to help the moron who'd just gotten into more trouble than necessary again.

But they pulled through as they have done thus far at the cost of night having passed. The sun was rising as they stood on the road once more, all together. Looks like it would be up to him to restore the peace. They set out towards Nagasaki again.

From episode 17.