Mitsukake and Setsuna made it back to camp later that evening. Setsuna hadn't moved since Mitsukake had first picked her up, and he did his best not to disturb her rest. He walked tiredly into camp, nodding to Tasuki and then sank down where he had left his blankets, still holding Setsuna on his lap. He reached back with one hand, removing her Glaive, and then shrugged off the water and food, laying carefully on his side with Setsuna's head pillowed on his arm. He wrapped his other arm around her and fell asleep.

They were all rudely awakened by Miaka's screaming. Setsuna started to jerk into an upright position, but found something holding her down. She opened her eyes to see what was holding her down and found herself lying in Mitsukake's arms. She blinked, surprised, and then twisted around to see what had Miaka screaming. Tamahoma had her thrown over his shoulder and was heading towards the nearest stream while muttering something about his breakfast being stolen and this was the last straw! Setsuna groaned tiredly and attempted to get up again. "I'm not letting you up," Mitsukake said, still holding her down. "You're too weak and need more rest than what you had."

She shook her head, confused. "When did everyone come back? Houki and I were fine and would have caught up shortly."

"MAMA-SETSUNA!" Houki cried, having heard her voice. "Hotohori, let me go!" Houki escaped from Hotohori and ran over to where Mitsukake and Setsuna were lying. "You're alive! I'm so glad! Are you feeling all right? What happened? All I saw was a flash of light and then–" She cut off abruptly at Setsuna's glare.

"What do you mean, 'glad I'm alive'? I feel fine, just a little tired." Mitsukake finally let her go, giving her a look that said, 'You better stay put!' and then got up, going to the stream and refilling the water bottle and grabbing some cheese. Setsuna ignored his look and sat up anyway.

"You had knelt to speak with your father and were kneeling there for some time when all of a sudden your garnet flashed and a pillar of light extended up and down from your garnet. As soon as it touched the ground I was thrown off my feet. When I got up, you were laying on the ground as if dead, but not quite. I essentially carried you for awhile before determining that we needed help. So I ran ahead and Mitsukake came back to get you," Houki whispered.

Setsuna closed her eyes again, remembering back as far as she could. She remembered time beginning to pulse within her, the beat of life, death, and rebirth, the light... "I thought I told you not to move," came a testy voice from above her. She looked up to see Mitsukake towering over her, holding food and water and a wet rag. He knelt down and handed her the water first, then began washing her face.

"You know, I can do that myself and you most certainly did not say 'stay put'!" she said, moving her face away from him. He grabbed her chin and proceeded to finish cleaning her face, then sat back. She took a gulp of water, scowling at him scowling at her and began eating, surprised at how ravenous she was. She began to bolt the food.

Mitsukake reached out and stopped her, holding her wrist. "Slowly, or you'll be sick," he said. She nodded and slowed down her eating. When she was finished, she found herself shocked at how drained she felt.

"Houki, what about you? Are you all right?" Setsuna asked.

Houki shrugged and smiled. "Yeah, I think I am Well, now that I know you're all right, I'll let you rest." She smirked at the deadly look Setsuna shot her and stood up, walking off. Shyly, she approached Hotohori, who turned and smiled down at her, wrapping his arm around her waist. Setsuna blinked in surprise.

"A lot has happened in a short time," she said thoughtfully.

"You can think about that later, go back to sleep," Mitsukake commanded. He made himself comfortable against a tree, and then pulled her against him

"What has gotten into you?" she demanded, looking up at him. He smiled at her.

"I was worried, Sakura."

She frowned. "Sakura? I remember, you called me that and I told you then that my name is Setsuna Are you hard of hearing? Kind of odd to think of someone with the gift of healing having an infirmity." Mitsukake laughed and hugged her.

"Sleep. When you are rested, I will explain it to you." He pushed her head against his shoulder again and began stroking her hair. As he stroked, he reached gently inside her and healed any minor aches and pains she may have felt. She fell asleep more rapidly than she would have thought, considering all the questions she had unanswered.