Standard Disclaimer: Shogakukan Shojo comics owns Chichiri, Tasuki and Ryo. Yu Watase created them, I did not. I recieve no money from this story. Lord WuFang is my own creation, any resembelence they may share with any other author's characters is totally unintentional (honestly I don't read much).

Duty and Honor

Part 2

"If you really want to go back to the palace, I will take you back there, you know, but I honestly think it is the wrong thing to do right now. Somebody is trying to kill you, whether it is WuFang or agents of Genbu or somebody else, you're safest here."

"I want to go back, maybe I can convince Lord WuFang to hire you and Tasuki back, after all his security force didn't prevent the attack." Ryo was already planning what she would say to WuFang to get Chichiri and Tasuki back. Of course, he had not been open to any of her suggestions in the past, but since they had both been attacked by an unknown intruder (well, she knew who had attacked him, but he didn't need to know) perhaps he would be more open to her. She knew that going back meant abuse from her husband, but the 2,000 already dead was more than enough to soften his blows. Of course if Chichiri were at the palace she would have to teach him to ignore Lord WuFang's temper, not easily done, but Tasuki would be able to help her with that. Tasuki always managed to find some distraction for Chichiri. "When do we leave," Ryo asked enthusiastically.

"When the doctor says you are well enough to travel," replied Chichiri, he was sure that this was a mistake, but he was also looking forward to confronting WuFang one on one.
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They left a week later, Ryo was still sporting stitches in her stomach but the wound was mostly healed. As soon as they left the doctor put in a call to Lord WuFang. It was important that Lady Ryuen die before she reached the palace, if she died on palace grounds that would raise suspicion. Lord WuFang sent out about fifty of his guards to a village that had Genbu supporters in it. Genbu opposed Lord WuFang as much as Konan and therefore bribery would not win their support, therefore the guards had other orders. They raided the village. Slaughtered most of the men and captured the women and children. They herded the remaining male villigers in a burnt out temple and gave them a simple choice: find Lady Ryuen and kill her, or watch as the women and children died slow, painful deaths. They then cut the tongues out of the villagers mouths and removed the index finger of each hand to ensure that word of this atrocity didn't spread. They were instructed of the Lady's last known whereabouts and also told that after she had been killed, in any manner that the villagers saw fit, her body should be put on public display and Genbu should be given credit for her death. Several of the guards were to accompany the villagers in plain clothes.

The villagers prepared to meet the Lady at Mi'uko, a township outside the regional demaraction line, that separated Kotou from Konan's outlying farmlands. Chen river was more often known as The River of Blood, named from the Battle of the Celestials warriors that took place fourteen years prior, its waters gave life to Mi'uko. Chontzee was the name given to the hills and lowlands that separate the river from the Chongtze mountain range. Chontzee acted as a watershed after the bloody battle, causing the river to glow pink for almost 14 hours that day. It was best if Lady Ryuen died beyond the Chen river, in the lands owned by Konan, but as long as she was dead before she got to the palace, Lord WuFang would be able to declare war on the outlying regions and that would eventually draw all of Genbu and Konan into the war. His Lady would not be easy to kill. He had been informed that Chichiri and Tasuki had officially retired thier new service just a week prior. He knew from the doctor that Chichiri was already with his Lady, he suspected Tasuki would meet up with them soon. Lord WuFang hoped Tasuki had not gotten to Mi'uko yet, it would certainly make the villagers job more difficult, but he had faith in his guard that if Tasuki needed to be taken care of, they could handle the job. He had no proof but he suspected that Chichiri was the intruder who foiled his first attempt on Lady Ryuen, he wondered why. Her former bodyguard was awfully loyal, considering she no longer paid his salary. Perhaps theirs was a different kind of relationship than he had originally suspected. If so, he could use it to his advantage. Chichiri and Tasuki were the last of the Celestial warriors and he would have employed them himself but he had heard that they were also very honorable and would not work as mercenaries. If Chichiri's feelings for Lady Ryuen were very strong, he could use her death to encourage the man to attack his enemies for him by placing the blame on Genbu and even on Konan.
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Tasuki felt the mood that was infecting the Konan's outlying territories like a poison running through his brain. He decided to aviod the usual routes to Mi'uko via the main thoroughfare and instead travelled from one small village to another. It would take him longer to meet up with Lady Ryuen and Chichiri but the political atmosphere centered around Lord WuFang's palace was likely to go up at anytime. He didn't believe that Lady Ryuen's presence would ease tensions and he wondered why Chichiri had agreed to help her return to the palace. Tasuki wondered if Genbu did have a hand in what was going on. He had heard of several villages that were sympathetic to Genbu and decided to follow a rather unknown trail through the Chongtze mountains, that passed by at least 4 small villages before ending at a dock on the Chen river. It was actually a lovely trip, so far. This time of year reminded him of the time he, Chichiri and the rest of the suzaku seven had spent searching for the Shinzaho. Chichiri and Tasuki were in a war then and didn't have the qualms they do now, about fighting and killing. Of course now both Chichiri and Tasuki were trying to make up for the poor decisions that they had made in their youth and protecting Lady Ryuen was a debt of honor to both Hotohori and nuriko even though Nuriko was not related to the child they both felt her spirit was reincarnated in Ryo. The job had been fun too. They had lived in the royal palace and received decent pay, plus the kid was alright, not a spoiled brat or a royal pain. Of course, that had a lot to do with the fact that neither Chichiri nor Tasuki would allow her to get away with doing whatever she wanted. Anyway Tasuki could understand some of Chichiri's attachment to the girl, but he didn't like how far they were both getting involved in what could very well turn into a war.

Tasuki found a bar and decided it was a good time to rest and gauge the impressions of the locals. They may not be into politics, but it was thier lives that would be affected most by the outbreak of hostilites, and they often knew better than any one where the hotspots were. Of course they were tryng to avoid these places, Tasuki instead wanted to charge in and get the word from the horse's mouth, if possible. He needed to know how far WuFang's guards had ventured into the countryside. Lady Ryuen really didn't have any place that she could go to be safe, but he could at least find out if there was an ambush awaiting for her. Although his own network was beginning to wear thin, he could still get word to Chichiri in under a day if he had to. He began to make small talk with the bartender, pretending to be a little more drunk than he really was. He started off on the weather and when the bartender showed a penchant for gossip began asking about the village. How things were? Was it him or was everyone a little uneasy around here? Whose side were the people on? So was Lady Ryuen dead or what? Did it really make a difference? He was starting to get some possibly useful information when a stange man sat down on the stool beside him. He motioned for a drink.

"This okay?" The bartender got a nod in return.

Tasuki looked down and noticed that the man had four fingers (if you include the thumb). Well this was a farming community, accidents happened.

"Rabbit getcha?" Tasuki said in good humor, it was a bad joke, but he wanted to keep up his friendly drunk persona. The man's eyes slid towards him, but he didn't answer. Tasuki almost did a double take, he caught a look that said 'caution.' The guy seemed to be warning him of something, but of course he didn't know what. The man took his drink from the bartender and took a big swig, it seemed to Tasuki that he had no tongue. It must be a trick of the light, thought Tasuki. You don't lose your tongue in a farming accident. Curiosity got the better of him and he decided to press his new drinking buddy.

"I'm just passing through myself. You live here?" the man shrugged without looking at him. "Cause I could use some work, you know grab a little cash before I hit the next town." The man continued to ignore him but then Tasuki was joined on the other side by another man. He was dressed like a villager, except his clothes were too clean, new. He hadn't been working in a field, not in those clothes.

"Sorry there ain't no work around here. It ain't the right season." He replied his tone was cold, but he offered a smile. "What town are you moving onto?"

"Well you know, whatever one's next down the road." Tasuki replied, it wasn't the harvesting season, true but there was plenty to do, digging and seeding. Tasuki didn't point these things out to his new 'friend.' He decided to take this carefully.
"I take it you're local. What's with your friend, not very social."

"Not everyone drinks to have a good time. He's just that way, pay it no mind." The man replied. It was a fair response.

"So is there anything to do around here, for entertainment?"

"Not really, there won't be much down the road either. I did notice the that horse you rode in on though. That's a real pretty steed. Mind if I ask where you got it from?"

"Not at all, she's a beaut, got her about 6 years ago in Eiyo, well bred. I think she was 7 when I got her."

"Really?" The man really didn't sound that interested, Tasuki wondered why he was bothered to ask. "Do you mind if I take a look at her?"

"Nope, she's right out front, but I guess you know that."

"Well yeah, but I wouldn't look without your permission, you know some people are real picky about thier rides."

"Hey there ain't no harm in looking, go ahead and have a gander. You can join me for another drink when you're done."

"Thanks." The guy got up to leave and Tasuki had an uneasy feeling. This was an odd group of locals. He jumped out of his seat as he heard the sound of his horse neighing. Tasuki was ready to bolt out the door and kill the guy but a hand on his arm stopped him. He turned to look at his silent drinking companion. He gave him a look that was definitely a warning and Tasuki noticed that he was shaking his head, silently trying to tell him not to go.

"More out there?" the man just blinked, it was a yes.

"Can't let them do that to my horse." Tasuki said as he left the man, so it was an ambush, well he would walk into it, but forewarned is forearmed. His attackers were in for a nasty surprise. Tasuki produced a fan in one hand and a sword in the other. He jumped through the door and rolled past the newly assembled crowd. One man tried to pounce on him, and he cut him lengthwise, the others were smart enough to stay back, they creeping forward, but Tasuki launched himself into the midst of them.

"RENNA SHEKKEN!" He was able to fire away because he didn't care who he hit, but now his attackers would have to make sure of their targets, or else they would be doing his job for him. The man from the bar slapped his horse's rump and took a swing at Tasuki's head. Tasuki ducked and kicked him in the gut, then sent a wave of fire at him. He continued spout fire and swing his sword until all his attackers laid at his feet, dead or maimed. He saw one trying to slump away and he grabbed him by the shoulder and threw him up against the wall.

"Are you working for WuFang?" He snarled at the man.

The man shook his head, but didn't answer.

"You want to live? Talk to me, buddy?" Tasuki placed his sword under the man's chin and the man's mouth dropped open. He didn't have a tongue. Tasuki let him go and the man slumped to the ground. He held up his hands as though they would afford him some protection. Tasuki noticed he only had 4 fingers, just like the man in the bar earlier. Tasuki looked around at the bodies, he began to inspect them carefully. At least half of them had no tongue, and four fingers. They were the ones in worn, work clothes, the others were in tact, they had to be WuFang's. /So what's with the cripples,/ thought Tasuki. He grabbed the man who was again trying to slink away. His horse was exhausted, but he wasn't ready to give up on it.

"Help me lead this thing to a vet," he said, while suggestively pointing his fan towards the man.

The man nodded and they began to lead the steed down the road. He didn't need the guy to tell him WuFang was behind this, but if this guy knew something of WuFang's plans, then Tasuki had to find a way to communicate with him. /Damn, it's gonna be a long night/ he thought.
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Chichiri got word of Tasuki's encounter and decided that there was no way in hell he was taking Lady Ryuen back to Lord WuFang's palace. He hadn't told her this yet and she was not going to like it. They were currently on the road, but in the last town they stopped at she had argued vehemently with him about talking with the town's legislators to send word to Lord WuFang.

"He will send an escort and ensure our safe arrival at the palace. Furthermore when the word spreads that I am unharmed, hositilies between this province and my parents' will be forgotten."

"It ain't that easy you know', and I don't trust WuFang. We let people know you're still alive and they'll be gunning for you, you know."

"You have no real proof of that and Lord WuFang has no desire for war. If he loses he will lose his land, and probably his life. There is no reason for me to remain hidden, I feel that I am betraying my people by deceiving them like this."

"Look kid, I got a bad feeling, and I'm not wrong about my feelings. I don't think you should be returning to the palace, but since you insisted, I will bring you back there. However we are going to do it my way and you will not be flashing your royal credentials to anyone we meet along the way. You know?"

"But Chichiri..."

"No Ryo, that was the agreement."

"Yes okay, I will do as you say, but I feel that you are incorrect. Despite the fact that Lord WuFang and I have some personal differences that we must work out, I feel that he is concerned for our people's safety and that he doesn't wish to start a conflict."

Chichiri had left things there, although he wondered how Ryo could be so blind as to not see how truly dangerous that man was. Now that Tasuki had confirmed that Lord WuFang's guards were in fact helping to spread terror throughout the land, he figured that the man was getting greedy. He wanted a war because he was ready for one, and therefore would have the upper hand. If he won he could control two of the largest provinces in China. The desire for power made people do dumb things. Lady Ryuen had always had everything that she wanted or needed. She didn't understand such desires, she had no real love for power, she was always happy with what she had. He really admired her for that, envied was actually a better word. He felt bad at having to deceive her. He had started them out on track, but he planned on changing their course soon. Ryo had never really done much travelling, she could get turned around very easily and wouldn't know if they were heading in the wrong direction, or if it took them longer to get from one town to the next, then was normal. He wanted to meet up with Tasuki though. This whole mystery of the tongueless attackers was leaving a real bad taste in his mouth. He looked on his map, if they started to veer to the east they would have to cross through the Chongtze mountains. It was an unnecessarily long and harsh road to travel. /Just perfect/ he thought. Of course if Ryo did catch on, he would probably be in for the longest, loudest, most excruciating temper tantrum of his life. He chuckled softly to himself, /that might actually be fun to listen to/, he thought.
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Lord WuFang wasn't surprised to hear that Tasuki was in the general vicinty. He knew that Ryuen still had quite a soft spot for her old bodyguards, this just confirmed that they were indeed the ones who had saved her and were helping her now. Helping her to do what he didn't know, and really wasn't overly concerned. Though his guards and the coerced villagers had failed to kill Tasuki, they would surely fair much better against a harmless girl. And Tasuki and Chichiri had not yet met up, which meant that she had only one person protecting her now. It would be the perfect time to attack, if only he knew where she was. He started to worry that perhaps she and Chichiri would not proceed to Mi'uko. He would have to widen his search field, that would thin his guards. What he really needed were more informants like the doctor. He decided to send out a plea through his guards, for his Lady's safe return. A reward for any information that could lead him to her. This might take some of the heat off of Genbu politically, but he felt that he could get the people's sympathy and greed to work for him. After all, what cruel person would want to keep their Lord from his young bride? Especially when the desire for an heir and true peace were factored in. Lord WuFang smiled a devilish smile, it was a good plan, especially if he could magnify that sympathy when his wife was killed unexpectedly by the villagers. Then the people would be crying for blood. He should make the pleas himself, he thought and then proceeded to do just that.
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End of Part 2