Zen had been walking down one of the castles many hallways when he heard a slight commotion. Curiosity nipped at him and he followed the sound. The commotion suddenly stopped and Zen slowed in his steps, now slightly confused.

"Strange.." He mused aloud.

"Master!"

Zen grinned and turned to greet the familiar voice, only to have his heart jump into his mouth. Obi stood before him, face pale and hands hanging loosely at his sides. The scent of blood caught his senses and Zen drew in a sharp breath as he spotted one of Shirayuki's gloves in his hand.

"Show me."

Ryuu paced anxiously outside the infirmary. Garak initially tried to let him help but he could barely move, let alone provide someone with medical treatment. Especially when that someone was Shirayuki.

So he waited. Clammy hands, messy hair. Ryuu looked around for a way of distraction. A lone plant sat in the corner, happily enjoying its ignorance in the afternoon sun.

"Too much sun." Ryuu mumbled, wobbling over and picking up the pot the plant was nestled in. Ryuu exclaimed as the strength in his arms failed to support the weight of the plant, sending it crashing to the ground. Ryuu tripped back on his feet, bumping into a body behind him. He whipped around in defence, only to see Zen standing before him.

"Are you alright?" Zen said, crouching down by the boy.

Ryuu looked at the ground. He was anything but. He was ashamed. Weak, and embarrassed. There was some talk in the background.

"Obi, stay with him. I'll be back soon."

Zen moved past Ryuu, lightly touching him on the shoulder. Obi nodded and knelt in front of the boy who refused to raise his head.

"Tried to replant that pot did you?"

All Ryuu could do was nod slightly.

Obi chuckled a bit and pushed up his sleeves.

"Well it looks to me like the jobs only half done."

Ryuu's eyes widened as Obi scooped him up, effortlessly shifting him onto his back. Obi moved away from the infirmary and Ryuu's protested a little.

"Wait-"

"I know." Obi interjected. "But the master is with her now. Don't worry."

Ryuu sighed, resigning to Obi's persistance.

Obi could feel Ryu's tension on his back and frowned a little as they approached the herbalist lab.

Danger was near and his hackles were raised. Obi tightened his grip a little on the boy instinctively, thinking about the recent events. Although he was angry at Shirayuki for putting herself in danger like that, she did protect the youngest. And if she hadn't been there…

Obi shook his head of the thought, nudging the door of the lab open. The weight on his back felt heavier for some reason and Obi raised an eyebrow, realisation dawning after a moment.

"He's asleep?" Obi mumbled, grunting a little as he lowered the boy down. "That didn't take long."

Obi carefully lowered Ryuu into his nook under the desk, sitting down nearby and crossing his legs. He watched the boy breathe, but his face looked contorted. Something bad was on Ryuu's mind and it clearly showed.

He wrung his hands together and let out a tight breath.

"Looks like I have some work to do."

Obi had some questions for the intruder.

Happy to be back (: