Chronicles of Absolution: Honor unto Death

Chapter 1

Now

Louisiana Bayou

The swamps were particularly quiet at this time at night. People were in their homes preparing to sleep for the night or still stirring through late night activities. There was a fair amount of people still wandering the streets particularly in certain districts known for the night life. However the night was full of concern for the lone figure overlooking the nearby village from the balcony of the house that had been home for a long time.

"My lord, is there something troubling you?"

Lord Onigen looked out over the village. It looked peaceful from where he was standing. He glanced up at the night sky and at the stars. He gave a slight smile when he saw the bright twinkling lights in the sky. He turned to the wife that had stood beside him for the last twenty years and took in the look that was deemed proper in their world. He could see her concern in her eyes and she had good reason. He replied, "The usual, Wife."

Sayuri broke the rules to look up at the one she had called her lord and husband and studied him. He had been catching on the last few months. It started when he heard about that disturbance in Wyoming and since then had been hiding it from the others until recently. His health was failing badly and she couldn't think of a worse time. She replied, "You say the same thing every time my lord."

Lord Onigen knew that his time was coming. He was hoping that he would live longer in order to repair the rift that was still running rampart in his house. Now it wasn't possible and he dreaded that he would have to do what he himself had set up so long ago. He replied, "Because it is the usual. I know my time is coming to a close. The lesser nobles know it too… especially Aato."

Sayuri began helping her husband inside. She had gotten good at being a support without seeming to be so. She would not let him lose face in front of anyone. He was too well respected and there were plenty of people who would love to exploit the situation. She knew he had a lot on his mind and she suspected that his delaying what needed to be done was a sort of delaying the inevitable. "They respect you too much to do anything foolish and they know the law."

"And that law dictates that I must present my 'heir' and declare them to be the new lord," Lord Onigen replied, grateful for his wife's assistance. He led the way towards the main hall that would lead to the stairs and to their chambers. "And yet what happened… I don't know if it is possible."

Sayuri nodded. She knew what was troubling him. His decision that long ago affected everything, including his relationship with Aato and it wasn't regret but sorrow that plagued him. She replied, "There is no harm in trying."

"Hoshiko didn't want this." Lord Onigen released his wife's arm once they were in their chambers. He removed his traditional wear since he had been in session all day. He changed into his night garb trying hard to hide the coughs that were starting to wrack his body. It was getting worse and it was like nature was telling him that he had to get a move on it. "My little Hoshiko," he muttered in a dejected tone.

Sayuri listened while her husband lamented over Hoshiko. That wasn't her name but it had been given in affection. At least that was how the story had been told to her. She had yet to meet Hoshiko and wondered what it was about her that had her husband and lord choose her over Aato. The coughs grabbed her attention and with graceful speed, she went to retrieve the tonic.

The tonic relieved only the symptoms of the illness that was slowly killing her husband. When she heard of the diagnosis, she felt angry that her husband had lived as long as he did and only now he was to be taken down by the illness that claimed the old and the young of his people. Now she couldn't help if it was meant to be.

The illness became known after the council of lords met in session. One of the messengers brought word of a disturbance in the state Wyoming. Before that, the savants were claiming that something tore a wound in the spirit realm and it was done as a result of great pain. Many of the lords thought it was a trick being brought on by the black eyed brethren in order to launch a war. Lord Onigen didn't think so.

Sayuri had been hiding in her usual place. Ever since becoming his wife, he had asked her to sit in on the sessions as a silent observer. His reasoning was for an outside opinion and his affections included that he valued hers. She had been listening to the discussion and the usual blustering that occurred. She was glad her own son was not yet old enough to understand but he was a quick study and exceled at his studies. It was reading people that he needed to work on.

Watching her husband, Sayuri noticed that he had become pale upon the mentioning of the gate being opened in Wyoming. It was like he knew something that she didn't. He had good reason for it but in the end, it didn't do him well at all. He collapsed in his study and with her help they had been able to keep it quiet. She knew that the report and the onset were linked but the doctor did say that he had been suffering the illness a little before that.

Now it had progressed to the point where he was visibly coughing and getting weaker. He still appeared as strong as ever but it was easy to see that the illness was taking a toll on his body. It was unfortunate that Aato was aware of the situation and was using whatever means to undermine Lord Onigen's authority. Sayuri held the tonic, carefully measured, until her husband appeared. She handed it to him with a firm look in her eye.

Lord Onigen looked at the firm look his wife was giving him. He was reminded of why he fell in love with her. She was strong willed and was gentle and firm in her dealings. The servants respected her and the son she bore him adored her. She took to her role with ease and she knew enough about their way of life to respect it but not lose what made her unique. He gave a slight smile and teased her, "Ever ready to torment with your tonics my dear wife?"

Sayuri smiled and held out the glass. She replied, "It is better than sake."

Lord Onigen took the glass with a slight smile. She was never going to let him live down the foolishness he exhibited when he thought that his illness could be kept at bay with sake. In private he could be free from keeping the reserved look that a man in his position needed to keep. His wife's dropped reserve in quiet allowed him to reveal his true feelings about what happened during his day. He replied, "The one great foolishness on my part and the mother of my son refuses to let it go."

"If only to remind you that not everything about tradition is a good thing," Sayuri replied as she watched him down the tonic. She then took the empty glass and placed it to be claimed by the servants later.

Lord Onigen smiled as he got into bed. He was beginning to feel his true age and he knew that the illness was creeping up on him. Still he could have some normalcy with his wife. "You defy tradition."

Sayuri smiled at that as she made sure her husband was comfortable enough. She could see him looking his age. She had been surprised when he revealed his true age to her when they were courting as was proper. However that didn't matter then and it didn't matter now that he was older than she. Right now what mattered was that he wasn't doing well and no amount of teasing would change that fact. "You know something has to be done."

"Hoshiko won't come."

"From what you've told me, Hoshiko has more honor than your finest warriors."

"Hoshiko never asked for this. I thrust it upon her. Aato knows this."

Sayuri nodded. She had definitely heard that as much. Her husband named Hoshiko as his heir apparent and that sparked controversy. The main issue was between Aato and her husband. The other lords were agreeable to his decision but not Aato. It was a mess that left a dark mark on the Onigen family and one of the reasons for Hoshiko leaving.

Sayuri looked down at her husband and stroked the dark hair that had become streaked with silver at the temples. "Still this can only be made right in one way, my lord."

Lord Onigen knew that his wife was speaking to him as she would if she were in front of the other nobles. It was their way of communicating intentions but without saying it directly. "Hoshiko has a way of hiding. I do not know where to look."

Sayuri knew that was going to be a problem. However she wasn't going to let that add to her husband's worries. She smiled in a gentle fashion and replied, "Then we will send out inquires. Didn't you say that you had some of the best messengers around?"

Lord Onigen did say that. "You are right dear Wife."

"Then it is settled. Now time for you to get your rest since there is no reason to give Aato any more ammunition until the time comes." Sayuri tucked in her husband and sat back to look at him.

Lord Onigen couldn't help but chuckle. He often said to his son that his wife was the one that gave the house its sense of law and order. She was the one that kept everything running and in its place. He once joked that if he were gone for a day, she would keep their lands running. He knew that it was a long shot to find Hoshiko but he had to believe. "Thank you my wife."

Sayuri smiled and replied, "For you my lord."

Once Lord Onigen was comfortable, Sayuri left their chambers to find the one person she was certain that would know where Hoshiko was. She knew that it wasn't the matters of state that had Lord Onigen worried. He missed Hoshiko.

At first Sayuri was jealous when she heard the name and the tone of affection Lord Onigen used when he said her name. It was then she found out that Hoshiko was cherished like a daughter and was a good friend in terms of the warrior way. She figured that Hoshiko was someone special and she knew that in order for her husband to do what was needed, she would have to find her.

Sayuri went through the house to where Old Natsu liked to work on the sewing for the servants. She was considered a wise woman and had been around when Hoshiko was living there. If anyone knew the full story of Hoshiko it would be Natsu. The best place to find her was in the servant's parlor, as the Western term went and that was where Sayuri found the old woman.

Natsu didn't have to look up to know who it was. She was old enough to be able to do what she pleased while still maintaining the proper standards Lord Onigen's home. She greeted Sayuri, "Lady Onigen, it is rather a beautiful night isn't it? The stars are unusually bright."

Sayuri was well aware that Natsu was a wise woman. The old woman also knew what was going on in regards to Lord Onigen and Sayuri made no bones about going to her for advice. The funny thing was that the other servants thought that she was a savant and they gave her that respect since she seemed to be sensitive to the spirit realm. Showing respect by giving a polite bow, Sayuri replied, "You know much Natsu. I have come for your advice."

Natsu nodded and cleared a chair for the lady. She shared a somewhat equal position with the Lady Onigen but most would define it more as a mother-daughter relationship since she helped the lady when she first came to the house. In turn they could speak freely with each other in the manner that she had taught the lady. She replied, "Our lord is waning in strength and spirit."

"Yes. He was reminded of a time that has long gone."

Natsu nodded knowingly and replied, "Ah young Hoshiko, the guiding star. It is that time isn't it?" She picked up a shirt that she was mending for Keiko, the niece of the lady who was staying in order to learn about being a lady and to help since she was the lord's favorite niece.

Sayuri nodded in return. "Matters of state have no bearing on this. He yearns for the daughter-friend that left long ago. I wish to ask Hoshiko to return." She looked down in her lap as she waited for advice from the old woman.

"Find the guiding star. It is a hard task but not impossible to achieve."

"Then you know where she is?"

"I have known for many years. Do you wish to send a letter?"

"Yes I do, Natsu. I only hope that Hoshiko will be able to come."

"She will. Hoshiko carries honor like the warriors of old. She will come."

Ellis, Oregon

The streets were not empty but not full either. People were just going about their business and their trade. In fact it almost seemed that the town had forgotten the events that had happened. Right now the gossip was that there were rumors that Michael Ellis was reopening the mine after a discovery of a resource had been found. It was actually a nice distraction from other things that were attempting to be as invisible as possible.

"I heard that Michael Ellis adopted a couple of kids that passed through here. Took a liking to them he did. Went and hired a nanny."

"Him? He ain't even married."

"I know but seems like he turned over a new leaf. He's opening the mine again…"

Angela kept her head down to allow her dark locks to hide her face. She really didn't want to be spotted and asked a bunch of stupid questions. If things had been a normal part of the job, she would not be here but circumstances kept her here. The best she could do was to put up and shut up and she did since there were more pressing concerns. She didn't need to stick around and listen to mindless prattle.

She walked down the main street that led to the side street that would take her to Hell's Outhouse. She adjusted the bag she was carrying as soon as she caught sight of the row of rooms that seemed to sag in relief as she walked up. She put her hand in her jeans pocket and pulled out the set of keys that she kept and taking a breath, walked towards the room.

"I take it you've been shopping?"

Angela paused and saw that Susan had been watching from her usual place on the porch. The girl had taken to watching like, for lack of a better term, a guard dog. She gave a slight smile and replied, "Taking a break."

"You need it."

Angela couldn't help but chuckle. She was well aware that she looked like hell. At least she didn't look like the washed out hag that much anymore. There was little chance in her getting out of what Sam asked her to do since he reminded her not to hurt herself. Now though she was mostly tired since she worked around the clock dealing with two of the worst patients in history… at least the worst to a doctor. She replied, "Only when I'm dead."

"Not funny."

"It so is," Angela replied, returning the teasing manner Susan started. She had a thought for a moment and reached into her pocket and started towards the main office. "That reminds me… I went back and I found this."

Susan looked at the proffered bracelet that Angela was holding out. Technically it was a bangle but it wasn't just any bangle. "Where did you get this?"

"I went back to look around. I came across what was Joseph's room and I found it. He kept it Suzy. Maybe you were right," Angela replied with a tired smile. "I think he still loved you just as you do him." She put the bangle in Susan's hand and started down the steps towards the room she had been heading to.

"Thank you."

Angela paused and slightly turned. "You're welcome friend." She then turned and continued to walk towards the room. She would leave Susan to think and it was the least she could do since Susan let them crash there and didn't ask questions. She even deflected curious guests that dropped by.

Angela got to the room and paused to listen. She hoped that she wouldn't be bombarded by the requests she had been fulfilling the last few days by one person who seemed determined to milk the situation for what it was worth. It was quiet so she could expect things to be reasonable and she opened the door.

The door to the bathroom was shut, indicating that someone was using it. A glance at the beds told her who it was but at the moment she was glad that the one sleeping wasn't up. It was rather funny though when she took a second look and saw Setna curled up in a ball on the man's chest and nestled against the hand that was nearby. Smiling, she quietly put down her bag and fished out her cell phone. The door to the bathroom just opened as she took the picture.

"Getting back at Dean?"

Angela turned to see Sam leaning against the door with one of his arms in a protective gesture over his abdomen. She didn't blame him for that. At least his coloring improved. Her eye traveled down to his leg to assess it. He still wasn't putting much weight on it and she wasn't surprised at that. She hid her snap inspection by looking at the picture she had just taken and putting it in her pocket. She replied, "Just getting proof that he is a softie when it comes to the fur ball."

Sam took the moment to study Angela. She was looking better but he could see that she was tired. That wasn't surprising since she was the one babying him and Dean and doing it alone. He tried to lighten the load by doing things for himself but that didn't go over too well since she seemed to act like his leg had fallen off. Dean milked the situation for what it was worth but never to the point where she would probably cuss at him and leave.

She had gone on a supply run leaving him and Dean alone. Dean played with the cat until he dozed off; she still had him on pain meds, well both of them but she gave Dean the good stuff. The cat decided to take a nap on Dean and that was what she found. He started forward, wincing and limping while saying, "Well you better back it up onto a remote site otherwise he'll just delete it."

"Don't worry about it. I got it handled."

Sam stopped when he was in front of Angela to get a better look. "Stealing my clothes again?"

Angela looked down at the shirt she was wearing. She had taken it from Sam's bag and she had her reasons. "I haven't had a chance to catch up on my laundry. Dean is too small so…" She shrugged her shoulders a little. She looked back up at him from her place on the ground. She looked him in the eye and asked, "Do you want it back?" She made the move to take it off.

"Not now," Sam replied to stop her. It was then that she noticed she had a shirt underneath. He became flushed in embarrassment. "I was just wondering."

"I'll wash it and give it back," Angela replied in tired voice.

"I know. Don't worry about it," Sam replied trying to make her see that he wasn't angry or anything… just curious. Anxious to change the subject, he looked at her face. On an impulse, he grasped her chin gently and peered at her face. "You're looking better."

Angela was surprised at his grip but didn't flinch from the contact. Sam did have a firm but gentle grip that felt good on some level. She realized that she may have sounded annoyed but she was tired. She gave a slight smile and replied, "Don't tease me Sam. You know I look like a washed out hag."

"I mean it, Angie," Sam replied as he released her chin. "You're looking better; like yourself."

"I've gone through half. By the time I'm done, it should be all right." Angela hadn't meant to mention what was currently hidden in the refrigerator but the reason she was looking better was because she had been getting what her body needed.

"That's good."

It seemed odd to be conversing about drinking blood even if it was not directly spoken of. Yet it did seem a bit normal. On Sam's end he was glad that she wasn't being stubborn and putting her health at risk. It seemed his idea with the mug was working. On Angela's end it was addressing something that was a part of her because of what she was and it was something that was going to stay. She just hoped that she wouldn't be put in a position to need it again.

Angela looked around since the conversation seemed to die and awkward death. The first thing she lighted upon was the state of Sam's jeans. She had cut the leg off of one in order to get to the gashes; not to mention the state of both Sam and Dean's shirts forced her to rip them off. It reminded her of a mental note she had made earlier. "I'll get you some new jeans before we head out."

Sam frowned in confusion at the turn the conversation was going. He hoped that she hadn't retreated into that shell of hers and shut him and Dean out. He looked down at the jeans he had been wearing all week. He was certain they stank and made him feel worse since he had taken his personal hygiene seriously and bathed the instant he knew he could. She refused to mess up his other clothes so he wore them and it provided easy access to his leg. He looked back up and replied, "Don't worry about it Angie."

"It's no problem. I still have some hustle money left." Angela made a slight motion with her nose. "Maybe I should do laundry now. I smell wet dog."

That produced a laugh from where Dean was sleeping. He had woken up right when he heard her make her declaration of getting Sam new pants. He managed to shift without them noticing to watch as she looked slightly embarrassed and trying to find a means of carrying on a conversation. As usual Sam had to say it was okay. He should know by now that would only make her more determined to do it.

Her comment about wet dogs made him laugh since he knew Sam was more of the neat freak with clothes. He propped himself up and looked at the pair. Sam was glaring daggers at him while Angela looked like she wanted to crawl down a hole. He said, "S' okay Angie. That was mostly because of the princess here."

"Eat me."

Angela replied, "Like you smell any better. Sickly sweet." She gave a slightly raised brow to give a warning.

"Fine you win," Dean allowed as he finally sat up after moving Setna off his chest. "So was that how you found us?"

Angela was about to answer when there was a knock on the door. She was safe for the moment as she went to take a peek. Seeing that it was no threat, she opened the door to an Asian man who began speaking in Japanese. He handed her a rice paper envelope and he said something before he left. It barely registered that the boys were talking to here. All she could see was the seal on the envelope and it took a lot for her not to bolt as the air rushed out of her lungs.

A/N: Welcome to episode 2.09. Looks like we're starting off on an Oni warlord wishing for his precious Hoshiko and in the middle of recovery for our two favorite boys. What is in the mysterious letter Angie got? Find out next time on Honor unto Death...