Hoshiko helped smuggle the young boy out of Flevance. She didn't have enough time to come up with a more fool proof plan, but this was as good as she could do in so little time. She continued to wrap Law up in the black blankets the marines used to cover dead bodies. "Just stay calm and try not to move, okay?" she told the boy.

The boy looked up at her with confused eyes. "Why?" he rasped, throat raw from wailing. "You're a marine," he spat the word marine with as much malice and venom he could muster. The boy couldn't comprehend the fact that Hoshiko was trying to help him survive right after the marines massacred his home.

Hoshiko's eyes darkened. "Not anymore, kid." Her voice filled with anger and exhaustion. "I quit. Well, more like abandoning my post, but same difference in my book. Too tight?" she asked the boy, gently tugging on the blanket she wrapped him in. She didn't want to make it too tight so he couldn't escape from it.

"It's fine. Why?" he repeated firmly, confused stare morphing to a harsh glare.

"Why?" Hoshiko echoed his response. "Because what happened here never should have happened, kid. No one deserved to die. I can't stand by while others suffer if I can help it." She froze and quickly covered the boy when a few marines walked by.

"Hurry up with those bodies!" one of them shouted at her. "Just keep piling them up so we can get rid of them," he sniffed distastefully.

"I don't even understand why you are taking the time to honor them," the second marine scowled at the medic.

Hoshiko's eyes flashed dangerously. "I suggest you watch your mouth! The dead deserve respect, too. Wouldn't you want someone to care for your body when you die?" She stared at them until they began to nervously look around and finally walk away. Hoshiko breathed a sigh of relief and uncovered Law. "You okay, kid?"

"Law," the boy grumbled, wiggling a little bit. "My name is Law."

Hoshiko gave Law a warm smile. "Hello, Law. I'm Hoshiko, and I'm going to get you out of here because you deserve to live." She finished up wrapping him. "They're going to dump the bodies out beyond the border. When that happens, stay low and run."

Law's pale golden eyes widened at Hoshiko's words. "You're really letting me go?"

"Of course!" Hoshiko beamed, tapping Law on the nose. "Now, live, Law."

Law scowled. "I won't make it much longer," he spat bitterly. "I'm a doctor. You're a doctor. You should know Amber Lead has no cure." Hoshiko's heart broke at Law's voice devoid of emotion. No child should have to lose hope so young. Law's eyes filled with anger.

"You never know," Hoshiko tried to calm him. "You might be the exception. You might find the cure." She left that seed with him and put the blanket over him. "Good luck, Law." She gestured for some marines to take the bodies. Her smile faded as the bodies were barreled away. Her shoulders sagged, lips trembling and tears welling in her eyes. Her knees weakened and she collapsed, holding her head in her hands. Muffled sobs were hidden by the wind and shouts of other marines.

With a heavy heart, Minho stepped over to Hoshiko. He got on his knees and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. Uncharacteristically quiet, Minho let Hoshiko cry into his shoulder. "I packed a bag for you," he whispered to her. "You should run as far as you can from here. Keep moving."

Hoshiko's sobbing died down to sniffles. "I put a secured transponder in your bag so we can keep in touch," Minho wetly smiled, blinking rapidly and trying to act like he wasn't also on the verge of tears. His arms squeezed tighter. "You can't get rid of me this easily, Iko," his voice cracked and wavered, lip trembling.

"Bold of you to assume I'd try to get rid of you," Hoshiko chuckled, coughing. With teary eyes, she peered up at him. "Thank you," she murmured, allowing herself to let go and just focus on the moment. She hugged Minho, clinging to him. This may have been the last time she'd ever see him again. After what felt like hours but in reality was only a few minutes, the doctor duo let go of each other. Minho forced a smile on his face as he handed over the bag he stuffed as full as he could with clothes, food, medical supplies, and books.

Hoshiko coughed a laugh, smile wavering as well. "I expect to hear about you antagonizing the crew while I'm away." Minho grabbed Hoshiko's forearm and pulled her to her feet. He saluted her. "I will make you proud by being the most absolute menace I can be!"

Hoshiko snickered and playfully slapped Minho's shoulder. "I hate you," she chuckled. "I expect no less." She wagged her finger in front of him. "Do not disappoint me or I'll have to un-abandon my post to beat some sense into you." Hoshiko threatened Minho, the other unable to tell if she was joking or not.

"Now get out of here before I am forced to arrest you." Minho pushed Hoshiko back. "Get the hell out of here and make sure you don't get caught. Do good in the world, Mochizuki Hoshiko." He smiled through his tears. "Go!"

Hoshiko slinged the bag over her shoulder. "I will, Minho. Don't worry about me. I'll make it." She hesitated before looking back at Minho, a tear sliding down her face. "I won't die if you won't."

Minho flashed a smile. "Puh-lease. As if I'd die before you. Everyone knows I have more self-preservation skills than you, Iko." He waved goodbye to her, blowing a goodbye kiss for her. "Now go! Run away from here! DO GOOD!"

The first step was the hardest to take. Each step after the first was easier than the last. And before long, Hoshiko was running through the smoke. Her hair whipped in the wind. Each stride she could feel the chains of control breaking. Laughter echoed across the shoreline and into the nearby woods.