Ryoma and Himiko continued to stare into one another’s eyes until the woman in the mud cleared her throat and hoarsely said, “Thank you for saving me.” Tetsuo went to her side first and said, “You’re most welcome, madam. Pray tell, what is your name?”

“Miu.” The muddy woman said. “My name is Miu. I’m sorry you were ambushed because of me.” Tetsuo tried to cheer her up as he said, “Worry nothing of it, Miu; you weren’t at fault here. It was those criminals who deserve the blame.” He looked to the ronin lying next to her whose skin had essentially been cooked due to the lightning which coursed through his veins and winced. “Best not to look in that direction, my friend.” He said.

“Oh,” Miu said, “but it is my fault. I was deceived by the leader of that band of animals. You see, my village is in need of medicine as disease is running rampant throughout my neighbors. The ronin came to the village and said he could help find the necessary medicine if I traded goods with him. So, I loaded up my cart and met him here where his group attacked me, had their way with me, and stole everything I owned!”

Miu began crying and Tetsuo swiftly moved to comfort her. “I’m sorry this happened to you.” He said. “But, if it’s possible, try and look on the bright side; we’re here to help both you and your village. Isn’t that right, everyone?” The rest of the quartet nodded in unison. Miu smiled and asked, “Truly? You’re all willing to assist me and the village? Oh, thank you! Thank you! I will surely be in your debt.”

“Think nothing of it.” Tetsuo said with a warm smile. Miu, however, insisted and exclaimed, “But I am! You must allow me to thank you in some way.” She contemplated it for a moment before it clicked and she finally exclaimed, “Oh, I know! I couldn’t help but notice that you utilized a mystic talisman in that battle. My village elder may know where you can find another. How does that sound for repayment?”

Yuki perked up immediately and exclaimed, “That would be wonderful! Wouldn’t you say, Ryoma?” While Ryoma was incredibly keen on making it to the shogunate, a destination they weren’t too far from by this point, he had to admit that finding the lightning ofuda proved to be valuable to their group, and so, he agreed.

Tetsuo helped Miu up to her feet, and Ryoma and Himiko arose and steadied themselves as well. The monk searched the charred body of the ronin, found the key to the manacles, and freed Miu. Together, the five made their way westward to her village. True to her word, a majority of the citizens there were experiencing some sort of fever.

“How terrible.” Himiko said. “What can we do to help them?” Tetsuo stepped forward and said, “Wait a moment; I’ve seen these symptoms before. It’s an easily curable ailment. The antidote can be found in water lilies which can be found in most marshes.” Himiko lit up and exclaimed, “We passed by a marsh on the way here! Let’s go back and pick some of the lilies there, Tetsuo!” He agreed, and so, the two hastily retraced their steps out of the village.

That left Ryoma and Yuki alone with the villagers. “Is there anything we can do to help, Miu?” Ryoma asked. Miu said, “The people here desperately need water to help quell their fevers. The well is in the center of the town. Would you two be willing to deliver buckets to the residents?”

“I’d be happy to!” Yuki quickly exclaimed. Ryoma nodded in agreeance which caused Miu to smile candidly. The kappa and samurai went to the well and filled two buckets full of water. Finding their way to the first home, Yuki knocked on the door. The resident opened up and looked out, seeing Ryoma. Then, he glanced down and noticed Yuki below him.

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“Monster!” The resident said hoarsely and kicked the bucket from Yuki’s hands, splashing water everywhere. He swiftly closed the door behind him without apologizing. Ryoma placed his hand on Yuki’s shoulder and said, “Perhaps I should be the one to deliver the water for now. You can take it easy for the time being.”

Yuki sighed yet relented. “You’re right, Ryoma.” He said. “I’ll go sit on the edge of the village and await Himiko’s and Tetsuo’s return.” Sullenly, he made his distance from the resident’s home and went to sit on a knoll on the village outskirts. There, he pouted in self-pity.

“You don’t seem like a monster to me.” A voice said from behind Yuki. He turned around and saw a small child standing there. “You shouldn’t associate with me, little one,” Yuki said, “I’m bad news.” The kid retorted, “I’m not that much smaller than you, kappa! And why not? You were just trying to help us. That’s good as far as I’m concerned.”

Yuki smiled and said, “That’s very kind of you to say. What’s your name, friend?” The kid answered, “Call me Iori. And thanks for not calling me ‘little’ again. Let’s go introduce you to the rest of the village.” Iori stuck out a small hand which Yuki accepted. Together, the duo walked back into town.

Incidentally, the first person Yuki and Iori came across proved to be the village elder. “Hello, elder!” Iori exclaimed. “I’d like to introduce you to my new friend. He’s… um…” He trailed off. Then, he looked to Yuki and asked, “Do you have a name?” The kappa chuckled, looked to the elder, and said, “My name is Yuki.” The elder seemed surprised and said, “I’ve never met a lesser oni with a name before.”

Yuki then set about describing his adventure with his friends to the elder who seemed enthralled by the stories. “That’s quite the yarn you weave, Yuki.” The elder said. “But I know demons to be tricksters. How can you validate your claims?”

“I can vouch for him, elder.” Miu said as she walked up from behind Yuki and Iori. “I was robbed, beaten, and worse, but this ‘demon’ and his companions risked their lives to save me. They’re quite honorable, sir.” As the elder contemplated Miu’s words, Himiko and Tetsuo returned. Tetsuo exclaimed, “Hold fast, dear friends! We’ll have medicine for you soon!” Then, Ryoma appeared from behind the elder and said, “I’ve delivered water to all those afflicted. They’ve all been amply soothed for the time being.”

The village elder nodded and said, “I understand. Your words ring true, Yuki. Pray forgive my doubt and ignorance.” He bowed to Yuki who said, “That isn’t necessary, sir. I’m proud of who I am as a kappa that wants to help people, even if those people don’t always understand that. I’ll still try my best to help those I can!” Then, he turned to Iori and said, “Thank you for helping me rediscover that, Iori.”

“In any case,” the elder asked, “how may I thank you all for assisting my people?” Ryoma swiftly said, “Well, sir, we were told you may have information regarding a mystical ofuda’s whereabouts. Is that true?” The elder nodded and said, “Indeed. I know of one that legend says contains the power of fire itself. In fact, I have a map to its location!”

The quartet simultaneously gasped. “That’s wonderful!” Himiko exclaimed. The elder retreated to his home, retrieved the map, and returned to the group with the parchment. He handed it to Miu and said, “Perhaps someone who is more knowledgeable with the nearby terrain could help them along their journey.” Then, he turned to the rest of the group and said, “Thank you for your assistance, all of you.” Ryoma bowed to the elder and said, “Of course. If you ever need help with anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Iori piped up and asked, “Can I accompany you all?” Yuki laughed, placed a hand on the young boy’s head, and said, “We don’t know if the path to the ofuda will be fraught with peril or not. It’s safer for you to stay here in the village, Iori.” The kid grunted but nodded all the same. Then, waving goodbye to Iori and the elder, the quintet departed for the location of the next ofuda.