Mou had been left to his own devices after the incident with Maegi, although it had taken some doing to convince him to go back to his resting place. He understood that the caretakers were merely looking out for the both of them - and they didn't need a weak husk such as himself to get in the way. But once he was settled, feigning sleep, they left him alone. This was his chance to find his way again.

The most powerful feeling he'd had since waking on this island, aside from perhaps his instant attachment to Seelie and her children (his children? He was still unsure — hopeful —), was his connection to Maegi. He was sleepy as he looked for her, his tolerance for his medication slowly building over the weeks of treatment made things easier but Mou remained a little aloof as he searched.

He got up, looking for any guards or wandering medics hunting for supplies. The boy didn't see anyone at first so he felt free and clear to hunt down his friend again - but as he got underway, his path meandered. He was often ducking and sleuthing his way along, in part because he grew tired so quickly but mostly to avoid being caught and returned to his cave. The chances that Maegi had survived were slim. Little did he know, any treatment was likely happening near his usual resting place and not, as fate directed him, near the islands edge.

A few missed turns and Mou was lost. He took a slight tumble as his tired legs gave out and was briefly stunned, but as he opened his eyes he realized the sea had not eaten him up - he was on an exposed sandbar and before him lay the rest of the world. He took one look at the distant mainland and knew he was not ready; but there was a figure there, stalking along where the summer heat shifted the air in to a mirage, and Mou felt they looked oddly... Familiar.