"Galford, don't look at me." Nakoruru whispered, casting her head downwards and away from him in shame. She studied the grass, so very green and thick here amongst the bamboo, instead. The ground was still wet from the storm that had suddenly ended hours before, when the evil one had disappeared. She could feel her tattered dress soaking up the moisture.
      He brushed her long, black hair away from her face gently and lifted her chin until her gaze met his again. She resisted, a little. Nakoruru stared into his sky blue eyes and became lost in them. She loved those eyes; only gai-jin had eyes of such beautiful hues.
      "Hey, I'm the one who's a mess, Nak. You'll always be beautiful, even with bruises. And bruises go away… " Galford was right, his entire face, his entire body really, was covered with ugly, red and black burns. That…thing…had scarred him badly. But they'd heal, just like her bruises…and her heart. Well, almost, her bruises would heal…but…she still felt dirty inside…from HIM. But, she wouldn't think about that anymore, at least, not now. The important thing was that they were safe, and together again.
      "I thought you'd never want to look at me again, Nakoruru…"
      "Why wouldn't I want to look at you?"
      "Because…you'd be reminded of…him."
      "Oh no! He may share your features, Galford, but not your heart. And the heart is what matters above all… When I look at you, I see the man I love, and nothing else…"
      A great weight seemed to have lifted from his shoulders at her words, and Nakoruru could tell he felt much better. Galford bent his head down towards hers, and she moved to meet him…
      "Hey, if you two kiss, I'm gonna puke!" Rimururu squealed and giggled. She was burned too, but not nearly as badly as Galford. She was mostly just red; it looked like she had been in the sun too long. Nakoruru had joked with her that the "ice princess" had finally managed to get a sunburn. Rimururu's dress was also black and tattered, but clothes could be changed.
      Grandmother elbowed Rimu in the ribs.
      "Hush, child! Let them be."
      "Yes, Honored Mothered…" She turned around and favored both Nakoruru and Galford with a silly face and then left them to see to their animal companions and her ice spirit.
      Poppy was singed, but not badly. The dog lay curled in the grass under a berry bush some distance away. Mamahaha, who was badly hurt, lied nestled between Poppy's legs. It was Mamahaha that Nakoruru was most concerned about at the moment, she did not know if she would recover, and if she did, would the eagle ever fly again? Konril circled lazily around both animals, as silent as ever.
      "What should we do for the night?" Grandmother asked, worry on her face.
      "I don't want to go back to the house…" Nakoruru whispered. She couldn't stand to see all those black bodies again, Grandfather and all the others… She'd never be able to think of that place as home again, ever - even though she had spent her entire life there, it was a dirty place now, just like Nakoruru herself. Besides, the bastard had all but completely destroyed it, bashing holes in it everywhere and burning their favorite things just for the sake of meanness.
      Galford sighed.
      "Night is almost upon us. I think we should camp here. Tomorrow we'll head for the Iga stronghold. Hanzo will be happy to put us up."
      "That he would, Galford." A great voice suddenly boomed, "Especially in the company of such a beautifully radiant and mature woman as yourself, Honored Mother."
      They all jumped, it was Hanzo. None of them had even heard him approach. Ruoh, and two other Iga had accompanied him.
      "Oh!" Grandmother blushed like a little girl from the ninja's compliment.
      Nakoruru smiled. Now, she knew she was truly safe from harm. With Hanzo and his men here, the evil imposter Galford wouldn't dare return for another attack. Hattori Hanzo was widely known as the most dangerous and skilled ninja in all of Japan, maybe even in the whole world, and he'd make short work of that evil thing if he dared to show his ugly little face, lightning or no, she was sure of it.
      The ebony cloaked ninja master fell to his knees in the grass at the couple's side. She could see the hurt and concern in his eyes.
      "Spirits of misfortune!!! What happened to you two?! You look like you've been through the fires of hell and back!"
      "Well, we have been, sort of…" Galford began.
      "Tell me, tell me everything, friends…" Hanzo invited. Ruoh and the other Iga gathered around as well, and Rimururu returned, Konril in tow. Ruoh gave her an icy look, but when he saw she too had been injured, his expression softened.
      "It all started when…"