Chapter 11

"You look tired."

"Am I that obvious?"

Sam gave a worried look and the first thought that came to mind was that she over taxed herself again doing something. He didn't want to suggest it every time so he was trying to find out what the problem was before he said something that would make her run. He treaded carefully, "Just an observation… Are you all right?"

Not really Sam and I don't want to tell you why. Angela kept her thoughts to herself as she strolled through the marketplace looking for something interesting to focus on. She did keep a pleasant smile on and replied, "Just tired. A lot of things going on and already on the job."

It wasn't a really good answer and Sam knew that she was hiding something. At least he could tell that something was bothering her. He had noticed the way she looked at Dean when she passed them in the halls. It surprised him that his brother didn't say much about it but then again to casual observation, it looked more like a look that was… sisterly? Maybe a tinge of regret? Sam found it hard to deduce what she was feeling when she had an odd mixture of expressions.

It also troubled him that she couldn't get out of the house fast enough that morning. For the talk they had the night before… The upside was that she allowed him to accompany her. The fact that she wasn't enthusiastic that Dean tagged along was bothersome since they could be as thick as thieves in whatever they planned. He looked at his brother who merely shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Seems like my favorite girl is back in business then."

Dean for his part knew for certain something was up and it had nothing to do with this whole Oni right of succession crap. It had something to do with her special project meaning him. He could tell by the way that she looked at him that it wasn't good. Or maybe the thing had a result that she didn't expect and it bothered her all the same. He just prayed that she didn't do anything stupid like what she did to get a consideration. In his mind that bargain was way in excess but then he recalled what she explained to him.

Dean got the idea that she went to such extremes because she was considered valuable to someone. Hell Yellow Eyes had been interested in her and tormented her for years and he implied that something was valuable about her. He was as interested in her as much as he was with Sam and he had a pretty good idea why.

After her moping phase during her birthday, he had been reading up on Chasers and she taught him a few things. He learned probably learned more about her race than he had of anything of the supernatural he had learned in his lifetime. He knew about their physiology and the major side effects of serious injury as well as abnormal body temperature and their development. What had him hooked was the range of powers available to Chasers.

Bobby's books told him that all Chasers had abnormal senses; the extra strength, the super sniffer, really good vision, bat hearing and quicker reflexes were all normal. The abilities were the kicker. According to the books, Angela was a rarity. Most Chasers had either telekinetic or telepathic and that varied in degrees like hallucinations or sending things flying. Angela had both and they were both pretty strong and it was coupled with a minor touch of empath. He remembered the times she calmed Sam down and then there was that thing with the Venator. She moved her arms and made the motion of a punch but it didn't connect and yet the guy flew.

As far as Dean was able to read, those kinds of Chasers could be pretty powerful in those abilities. However they were few in number. The theory went that it was related to bloodlines but it was just a theory. Yet Dean was certain that was why the demon had an interest in her and he suspected that Angela knew too. He suspected that maybe because she was so valuable, it was what she was willing to part with in order to get what she wanted to help him out and as far as Dean was concerned, he was not going to let her do that. However at the moment, it was like she didn't want to be within three feet of him and it wasn't because he did anything wrong.

So Dean kept a bit of a distance away as they walked through the village, content to let Sam talk to her. He could tell she really didn't want to be in anyone's company but she wasn't going to be mean. At least she was with him and Sam and they were used to her moods. He knew she wouldn't refuse Sam. She may not admit it but she gave in on the little things like talking and that didn't require puppy eyes. The only time he voiced anything was that last comment to try and take the conversation a different turn.

Angela turned to glance at him since he was flanking her right and was within earshot and gave him a slight smile but her eyes said a lot more. She was thanking him silently and out loud she replied, "So I'm your favorite girl Dean? Do you plan on taking that anywhere?"

Dean was surprised that she instigated their flirty banter. Usually he was the one. He lost his surprise and replied with a slight grin, "Well only if you admit that it's my good looks."

Sam rolled his eyes at that. He was just as surprised as Dean to hear her be that bold. She must be in a bad mood or her mind was really distracted about something. He snorted at Dean's comeback and earned a 'shut up bitch' from his brother.

Angela felt her mood lighten considerably with Dean's cheesy comeback. It was a slight start but it didn't relieve her apprehension. She replied, "And that will be the end of the world the day I say that." She continued to walk forward and look at the different stalls. It was then that she heard a slight commotion near the square where the wheel well fountain was. She started moseying on over without saying anything.

Meanwhile Sam held back to talk to Dean. He put a hand on his brother's arm and said, "Dude, seriously?"

Dean looked at Sam and replied, "Hey she started it."

"What are you twenty-eight going on five?"

"You were actually turned into a six year old."

"Low blow Dean."

"You loved it Sammy… especially when you curled up on Bobby's sofa," Dean replied giving a grin.

"Says the guy who woke her up just to get breakfast."

"She was already up. Now what has your boxers in a twist Sam?"

Sam paused a moment to sort of bite his lips. He really wasn't mad at Dean. He was just frustrated that with things going on, they were not doing much to help Angela. "I'm not mad at you Dean. Something is bothering her and I know you've noticed it too."

"Yeah I noticed Sam but I'm not going to badger her every time it looks like something is wrong." Dean decided his usual approach to the situation will do since he suspected Sam was putting together puzzle pieces again and he latched on the subject of his deal again.

Sam put his hands on his hips. "Dean, it's something big. Is there something going on?" He sort of was guessing that it might be related to her trying to break his brother's deal. She never said much to him on the subject but he was certain she would have said something to Dean.

Dean knew that if he said yes, Sam would be all over this. Yet if he kept it a secret, Sam would be tormented by her moods. He made a decision. "I think it has something to do with her special project. Now Sam don't go bothering her about it. I think it is something unexpected and she just needs to process it. She doesn't need us badgering her."

Sam knew Dean was right. He still felt bad for pushing her too hard with the whole blood thing in Ellis. That was a matter of life and death and looking at it now, so was her special project. He wanted to get Dean out of this, save his brother like he saved his ass countless times. He replied, "Dean, someone has to badger her to remind her to take care of herself. If we went her way, she would have collapsed half a dozen times by now and maybe we'd lose her for good."

"Are you still pissed that I didn't tell you about the hypothermia thing?"

Sam made a slight scoffing sound. "Maybe a little and I feel like an ass for bullying her into taking a mugful."

Dean wasn't quite sure what Sam was talking about yet he did manage to piece together that Angela's pick up during their weeklong stay at Hell's Outhouse had something to do with Sam's little speech. "Hey I get it Sam. You know I tried to bully her with her hand. I know that sometimes she needs a push and that's because she's more worried about us and the people we save. That's who she is. I thought you liked people like that."

"I do but I don't like seeing her hurt."

"Me neither since she looks like you when you're sick or injured." Dean paused a moment and then added, "Look just back away from that for now. She knows we're here for her if and when she needs it. Right Angie?" Dean looked around his brother's tall frame expecting to see her looking at something at a nearby stall. She wasn't there. "Angie?"

Sam picked up on the fact that Angela wasn't where she was supposed to be. He looked around and called her name a couple of times. The only response was that of the jabbering of the vendors and in their own language. "Angie?"

Suddenly there was a loud commotion and some guy came flying around a corner and crashed into a table. He didn't move but a couple of his friends started moving in the direction he had come from. Sam looked at Dean and they shared a look, both knowing that they were about to find where she actually went.

Angela blocked an incoming blow and sent the young man into his companion by using his momentum against him. Apparently they were from two street gangs. She had forgotten those. One was the gang that Aato used to run with and they claimed that they were acting in his interests. The other was a new gang and they claimed to protect people against bullies. It was pretty funny since she had seen the hardcore street gangs that humans had.

Being the peacemaker, she tried to break it up. Of course they asked which gang she rolled with and she replied that she was with Hoshiko. The Defenders, the new gang backed down out of respect. Aato's old gang, the something Tigers (she forgot and didn't care really) reacted calling her vile names and accusing her of crimes that were outlandish. She refused to be goaded and they attacked.

Honestly she welcomed a good fight because it was quick and simple. Someone attacked you and you defended and countered. You did that until one of you gave up. It was a brief antidote to the more complicated things that felt heavy on her shoulders. So she fought the punks off. Giving a slight cry she flipped forward onto a table and let them come to her before flipping off and finishing up with a kick and a backhand to the last one. He landed in a pile of… she wrinkled her nose at that.

There were cheers from the vendors out of sheer gratefulness. They refused payment for damages insisting that she had done a good thing. Still she insisted and giving out the last of the money when she heard, "Had fun Angie?"

She turned to see Dean looking amused and Sam looking at her like she was crazy. Well you couldn't please everyone. She gave a brief glance at Dean with a slight smile before looking Sam full on and saying, "As a matter of fact I did. I enjoy putting little punks in their place. It makes life simple."

"And wandering off?"

Dean muttered, "Don't Sam."

Angela scrutinized Sam and replied, "Would you ignore trouble?"

"I don't go looking for it."

"Okay I see that Angie pretty much settled things here. Why don't we…" Dean tried to stop what could be a potential fight.

Angela replied, "And you think I do? News flash: It follows me."

She would have said more but there were some shrieks and the thundering of hooves. A group of mounted riders rounded a corner and she turned to greet them. The lead rider was none other than Aato and he jumped down from his horse and started forward.

Angela started walking forward to meet Aato. She knew that Sam and Dean were flanking her and they were ridiculously outnumbered but she could handle this. She stopped when she stood toe to toe with Aato. She looked him in the eye, a dangerous thing to do since she was a woman. However she was a warrior so it was an exception to the rule.

Aato returned the look. He had not been able to say anything to Hoshiko since it was made official. He could still demand her to do what honor demands of her. He said, "So you have seen Father and gotten what you wanted."

"I only did was what honorable and right," Angela replied.

"Then we finish this tonight. I will bring my nephew as a witness."

"Then you both will lose much sleep tonight. I know I'm not going to be there."

Aato narrowed his eyes in anger. He heard Toshiro bark something about Hoshiko being a coward. He rebuked him. It wasn't his place to interfere now. Eying Hoshiko with an intense look of hatred, he said, "Then you leave me no choice Hoshiko."

Angela said nothing but watched as Aato prepared to strike at her. She stood there watching him back into a stance. She didn't have to see to know that the boys were starting forward. Actually it was Sam going to try and stop. He was held back by Dean, who had grown pretty strong in the last few seconds. She put an arm up to stop the advance as well as her muscles tensed to defend herself. It was interrupted by someone shouting.

If Angela was surprised to see Sayuri running, she didn't show it. She arrived in the nick of time and managed to get between Aato and Angela. She looked at them both. First she addressed Angela, "Lord Onigen calls for you." She then looked at Aato and added, "And you too."

Aato felt cheated but he still felt compelled to obey. He started making double time to the main house. Angela gave a slight bow of respect to Sayuri and turned to start heading back. This could wait. She prayed that the Oni warlord was all right.

Lord Onigen felt peculiar the moment he woke up that morning. It had nothing to do with the fact that the people were going to be introduced to the next lord of the settlement. No rather he felt a sense of relief when she agreed to it even though he was willing to change it for her. She had explained her plan to him and he was a little concerned. He knew that her judgment was sound and she was doing it to help the family. However he was worried that others might see her actions and motives a little differently.

It was official though and nothing could change that unless she abdicated fully. Nobu would know how to work that out as well as a few other things. At least the people would be all right under her care. She was a generous woman even if she had been a spitfire the first time they met. When she bit him, he saw the instant regret in her eyes and that prompted his decision to remove the guards his advisors recommended.

She paid him back for his generosity with her own insight. She was the one who went out amongst the people and reported back to him. She even made peace with the families that lived in isolated plots in the middle of the swamps in their river houses. She justified the name he had given her after nearly a week of trying to get her name out. She never gave him her name so he made one up and it stuck.

Sitting up in bed, Onigen mulled over the events that had happened and his thoughts settled over Hoshiko's companions. He had known that she could draw people to her and towards her cause. He had seen it with his own men. He saw that she was a leader in spite of the suspicions that surrounded her and her deeds supported that. Her companions though were different.

They followed her but not like how he had seen his men do. It was different and the way she looked at them, he could tell they were close. The tall one, the Champion, was easiest to read since it seemed his emotions concerning her were worn on his sleeve. His brother was similar but more along the lines of you mess with her and you're dead variety. It wasn't unlike Saku protecting his sister. It was what family did.

That seemed to define it best for Hoshiko. Onigen thought about it as he sat there. His thoughts drifted towards the fact that the old windbag was bossing poor Ping again. It was a big day for Hoshiko and then there was Saku and Keiko's day. It seemed that all was right in the world except for one thing. His son Aato was still angry.

Onigen couldn't tell if his son was angry with him or with Hoshiko or the possible implication of his loving Hoshiko more than him. As far as the old warlord could tell, he loved all his children equally and within their personalities. He tried to show them that even when Aato continued to push him away with the whole thing about Osaka. An old law and property holdings from his first wife and it had him sighing in sadness. That seemed to be the only thing that was holding his true content at bay.

Ping knocked on the door and came in, "Good morning my lord."

Onigen looked up and replied, "Good morning old friend."

"Natsu has prepared the traditional wardrobe for Hoshiko-san but was rather agitated that she couldn't find her. The Champion and the Slayer are not on the grounds either." Ping started pulling out clothes from the wardrobe.

Onigen chuckled as he took himself out of bed. He went to look out from his balcony window and breathe in the morning air. He replied, "That is Hoshiko. She always loved the village and wandering around. I think she stopped trouble while getting into it."

Ping gave a hum of agreement. He sorted out the robes and the sash. In the corner of the wardrobe lay the hallmark of the Lord of Onigen. It was covered in velvet and was only taken out during special ceremonies. There was history behind the piece but even Ping wasn't sure of that. Only the head lord ever knew the whole tale and that was usually passed along with the right of succession. He took it out and carefully placed it on the desk. He replied, "I do seem to recall the times when young noble sons would run screaming to your office to complain about the virago tearing through the streets."

"I don't think that bit has changed much," Onigen replied. He walked over to the silver service with morning tea. It was a peculiar habit for him and introduced by a British immigrant. It was one of the many things defining the changing nature of the settlement. They had electric wiring and they had running water and yet their homes were the same as they were when he first moved his people here.

"Hoshiko-san does have a temper."

"How could I forget? She bit me remember?" Onigen laughed as he took a sip of his tea. "Ping, I want things to go well for her. She deserves it after all this time. It is my regret that I put her through this and yet she continues to do this for me."

"She is compassionate. In the end that wins any battle any day."

Onigen listened to Ping. That last part he hoped was right. He took a sip of his tea and made a slight sound. His illness was catching up with him. Something then began to tighten in his chest and he was having trouble breathing.

Ping heard the sounds of labored breathing and turned towards the source. He saw Lord Onigen trying hard to breathe. It was coming out in wheezes. "My lord!" He dropped what he was doing and went to help the old warlord.

The noise brought Sayuri who was on her way to rouse her husband. On a good day, he tried to sleep in. The man loved his sleep about as much as he loved his children. When she heard the crash she ran into the room and found Ping trying to help her husband and Onigen was breathing or rather trying to breathe. She flew to help him to the bed. "Ping, fetch a healer and send for Natsu."

"Not… old… windbag."

Sayuri looked down at her husband and said with a slight smile, "You sound more like an old windbag than she does my love. Now lie still. We can get this fit under control."

Onigen stared up at his wife. She was always confident in mending the ills of their family. She knew about this illness that was a curse upon Oni, at least the ones that were predisposed of it. He closed his eyes and saw something that startled him awake and he felt his breathing becoming wheezier.

Sayuri tried to comfort her husband. She didn't like what was happening and she couldn't bear to think of the worst possible thing. It would not only be bad for her but for the children and for Hoshiko. She said softly, "Easy my love. Breathe slowly. Hold on until Natsu gets here."

Onigen didn't want Natsu there. What he had seen in the blink of an eye in his mind disturbed him. He had to make things right or at least relay his last wish. He gripped his wife's hand and whispered to her what he wanted. It was frustrating that he couldn't be as coherent as he wanted without sounding like he was losing his air. He pulled Sayuri closer and repeated what she couldn't hear.

Sayuri leaned in close. She heard, "Hoshiko and Aato… need… to see… them.

Hearing his request, Sayuri nodded. She would go herself to retrieve them. Thankfully Natsu arrived with what was necessary to help Onigen through his breathing fit. She didn't think the request odd at all. It only confirmed one thing and that he was finally going. She wouldn't allow for tears to be spilled since that was not becoming. She had her duty and she would do it.

Standing up, she gave her orders, "Natsu, stay with Lord Onigen. Ping, help her."

"Where are you going my lady?" Ping couldn't help but ask the question.

"To find Hoshiko and Aato," Sayuri replied and took off. It was quicker to run through the village rather than stop for a horse. She made her way through the streets going where she thought Hoshiko might be.

She was lucky or maybe the gods were on her side that the villagers were happy to help point her in the right direction. She followed the instructions and when she rounded the corner, she saw that Aato was prepared to strike Hoshiko. She had to stop it and she did so by placing herself between then and conveyed Onigen's wish. At least Hoshiko showed her respect before following the request. She followed them back to the house and prayed that she wasn't too late.

A/N: Looks like something's bothering Angie and Sam is being overly persistent again. Now trouble with Lord Onigen is coming. Looks like Angie is going to have to step up to the plate. Find out on Honor unto Death...