Ok, so here's the next chapter. Any chapter that's got Schwartz in it predominantly is going to start with a bit from The Highway Man considering their culture is western.

Ahh, yeah, not sure if the poem is the right period, but it seemed perfect for the bad-guys. Sorry about the slight delay in the update. I had planned to be further ahead than this but was taken ill by a nasty cold and was out of work for three days. Yikes.

Also notes on Gajin : Gaijin is actually slang, and a rude term for 'forginer'. It means pretty much 'alien', or 'outsider'. It doesn't sound that way since just about everyone uses it, but that's what it is, and I get kinda pissed when people just say it casually to me without thinking. Especially my students. The polite term is 'Gaikokujin', or 'outside- country person', as in a person from another country or culture.

Schuldig dislikes Japan, the Japanese, and Japanese culture for a couple of very good reasons. Coming from the West during a time that was full of the arrogance of considering one's culture elite and above those of other 'savages', or 'barbarians', being referred to in such an insulting, and derogatory manner is understandably aggravating for someone as arrogant as Schuldig is. Naturally, while he considers his own culture superior, he finds fault with the same attitude in the Japanese. Oh, men. Forever arguing over who's got the bigger…'ahem'. Anyways….( Check out Cartlin's foreign policy routine—it's hysterical…)

Notes on Zen in the time period: Zen during this time period was just coming into its own as the form of Buddhism preferred by samurai. Of course, it fits in nicely with Bushido, which can be thought of almost as the way of death. A man was once quoted (I don't have the exact quote at the moment…) as saying that 'if a warrior is given the choice between life or death, he must choose death.' The idea was that one should be ready to die at any time for any number of reasons, as that was truly the noble and most honorable thing to do.

Not saying I agree, but there you have it. Apparently most of our main characters don't agree either. Funny that…

Samurai often wrote poetry, did ikebana (The art of flower arranging so that the arrangement mimics nature. The point is more than just aestheticism; the object should bring some form of nature into the home, enclosed area, ceremony, etc. I have not seen any of the Weiss boys do Ikebana once on the show, nor were there any arrangements I saw in the store. Ikebana are difficult and usually done by a master, for a LOT of money. It costs 20/hr to LEARN how to do it. Imagine how much it costs to buy the arrangements, etc. ) performed tea-ceremony, painted, etc. Anything they felt would enrich themselves and further enlightenment. Ok, that's a lot of blather for one chapter.

Shutting up now.

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"…He'd a French cocked-hat on his forehead, a bunch of lace at his chin,
A coat of the claret velvet, and breeches of brown doe-skin;
They fitted with never a wrinkle: his boots were up to the thigh!
And he rode with a jeweled twinkle,
His pistol butts a-twinkle,
His rapier hilt a-twinkle, under the jeweled sky."

Alfred Noyes, The Highway Man

Kouichirou, Kase was not happy. At all. When he had worked so hard to put Takatori's previous scheme into reality, he'd been expecting a much better reward than the one he'd received. He should be lord of a small fife by now; not a bloody lowly retainer for Takatori.

He stared moodily out of the open washi at the rain pounding heavily onto the now-flooded Zen-garden; it was slowly erasing the energy patterns traced carefully around the rocks within. He snorted absently. He'd never understood Zen. It was a waste of time and energy. All that meticulous work to rake those bloody patterns and one rain washed it all away.　How on earth any warrior expected to be a better man or a better person by adhering to all that mumbo-jumbo was beyond him.

Without thinking, Kase took a long, steady drag on his tobacco pipe and exhaled the wispy grey smoke out into the grey evening. It blended into the foggy air, disappearing as Kase was once again lost in his thoughts.

Once he'd awoken in this sprawling estate and demanded to see Takatori, the daimyo had 'set him in his place'. Or at least the place that Takatori felt he belonged in. He was 'generously' offered a place as a retainer in Takatori's household, or left with the choice to be turned out onto the streets without so much as a by-your-leave. Takatori had told him firmly that although he'd proven his loyalty enough to earn him the privilege of staying beneath the lord's care, he had better adhere to all rules of the household set before him. Disobedience was not tolerated. There were no exceptions.

As if that shock hadn't been bad enough, Takatori's men treated him poorly; as if he were a low-life outcast instead of the noble soul he truly was. Apparently, they were rather upset that Kase had managed to infiltrate their ranks without so much as a test of his prowess.

Which was fine by Kase's standards. He was a ninja; not a damn burly body-guard. He ignored the voice that taunted him that he wasn't even a ninja anymore. He didn't want to deal with it. Even as a bloody disowned son he'd been treated better than this in his own village. He deserved better, god damn it!

A place like this; this common clothing, this was what Hidaka had deserved. The man had been a lowly commoner's son, and Kase felt he'd done his father a favor by killing both he and Hidaka. His father must have been going senile, to want to disown him and make Hidaka heir in his place. Hell, Kase should have seen that coming when Hidaka upstaged Yanagi. He didn't know what the hell Hidaka had done to his father, but it had to have been some sort of hypnotism. Honestly, a commoner. What had his father been thinking? Kase forced himself to forget about it as he felt old wounds reopening. They were all dead anyways. Kase had taught them all a lesson they would never forget. He was the Tomo-sama's son, and he would be treated as such.

And that went for Takatori too, stupid bastard. Kase was already considering ways to get a better foot-hold in this still-new government. Takatori presented a very good step-up indeed.

OOOoooOOO

Schuldig found his prey leaning in one of the doorways looking out onto what he'd been told was a 'Zen Garden'. The significance of the oddly placed rocks and raked sand was lost on him, and he knew only that it was one of those nonsensical things about the Japanese culture he was supposed to show reverence to. Which basically meant that he had to take the long way through the house instead of just cutting across the now-muddy sand.

Frowning slightly, he made his way around across the airy pavilions and corridors, his eyes never leaving his prey as he drew closer. Unlike his meeting with Esset and Takatori, Schuldig had toned down the French court fashion for this occasion. He wanted the man to be open to him, and wearing something so blatantly obnoxious was not the way to do so.

In fact, normally, Schuldig prided himself on his sophisticated means of dress, but upon coming to Japan, the ability to rile the already riled citizens further proved to be too great a temptation, and he had found himself putting together some rather grand outfits indeed.

This afternoon, however, he was dressed in a flattering forest-green coat and breeches, with a matching vest. All three vestments were embroidered heavily and liberally with a filigree of black satin. His black puritan hat was far smaller and less elaborate than the statement he usually wore, and its single forest green ostrich plume matched the rest of his outfit rather nicely. His shirt was a modest black silk, and its tails were tucked in discreetly instead of billowing behind him. The delicate and finely-crafted black lace at the hems of his sleeves were visible by just the right length beyond his full-length coat sleeves, and his cravat was starched and perfectly in order. There was not a bow to be seen anywhere on the ensemble, and Schuldig could not say he missed that. His soft and plain black stockings made no sound as he crept upon the man, allowing Schuldig the cover of silence until he wished to reveal himself. For once, the telepath found the 'no shoes inside' rule to be helpful. And he refused to wear those ridiculous slippers they all dragged around.

He paused for a moment in the shadows behind his prey to study the man. Arrogant, full of self-pity, and easy to anger to irrationality. Perfect. Schuldig didn't anticipate even having to use his telepathy for this task. Sliding as easily into the man's thoughts as he might slip beneath the satin coverlet of a lover's bed, Schuldig picked the sweetest thought to build on and stepped into the watery-grey light of late afternoon with a rich, mocking chuckle.

" Good afternoon to you, fellow cannon-fodder." he murmured in a voice as rich as his laughter. Kase Kouichirou jumped in startlment, as if he'd been caught guiltily doing something he shouldn't. When he saw it was only the telepath, he scowled darkly and turned away.

"Schuldig." he grunted in absent greeting. "And who the hell're you calling 'cannon fodder?'" Schuldig removed his hat and gave Kase a low courtier's bow that would have made any woman flush in pleasure and earned the immediate attention and trust of any knight or lord. It didn't seem to be lost on the arrogant Japanese man either as Kase grudgingly gave him his full attention. Schuldig was not surprised. Arrogance was arrogance, no matter the country, and Schuldig knew how to play that game quite well. He eased his face fluidly into an expression of friendly yet guarded camaraderie.

"And a fine, dreary afternoon, is it not?" he continued silkily, favoring the man with a small grin. Kase only scowled at him.

"What the hell do you want, gaijin." he growled low, glaring balefully at Schuldig. The telepath gracefully allowed one of the first and most frequent insults he'd heard since coming to this God-forsaken island slide off his shoulders like water. He would not lose this game.

"Nothing. Truthfully, I'm bored, and thought I had found a fellow of a similar situation in your gloomy face looking upon the garden." he countered. Kase scowl didn't change.

"Despite anything you may have heard Takatori say about my occupation here, I assure you, it is not to entertain gaijin, of all people." he spat. Schuldig kept a firm leash on his rising ire. Prickly little bastard, wasn't he?

" Sir, you have misunderstood me. I did not seek you out for entertainment…" Schuldig began. As if you'd survive any sort of entertainment I had in mind for you… he thought darkly. "But rather as a companion to perhaps have a discussion with. It is odd you mention Takatori, as he is the very subject on which I wish to speak with you of." Kase snorted again.

"Yeah, right. All that flowery-talk doesn't fool me. I remember what you did in the village." he growled darkly.

"Ah, as I have said before, I apologize for that, but if you had been spotted walking away from that village under your own power, you would have been immediately under suspicion, you know? I did what was necessary to ensure your survival. Surely, you cannot fault me for that." Schuldig responded amiably, already delighting in the hesitant and suspicious shifting of the man's thoughts. The scowl on Kase's face was beginning to turn thoughtful. No matter what the man said, praise and flowery language always worked, without fail. It was one of the most potent weapons Schuldig possessed, and when he wanted to, he could wield it with far more power than even Crawford. Provided, of course, he had good enough motivation to do so.

"Whatever. Make it quick. I got better things to do with my time." The ex-ninja growled once more. Schuldig held in his smirk. Yes, after the next few moments, that statement might actually ring true.

"Ahh, well, I couldn't help but notice our Lord's treatment of you." he began. That got the disgruntled man's attention. Picking carefully through Kase's rapidly changing thoughts, Schuldig slid ahead. "You know, you made quite the sacrifice, taking such a large risk for his lordship. I imagined you would be repaid better than you have. I have come to inquire if Takatori plans to elevate you among his company in repayment for your fine show of loyalty to him." Schuldig was rewarded with a brief, bitter laugh that came out more as a harsh bark than anything else.

"No, his lordship has seen fit that I will remain an ever-loyal retainer, forever in his service and debit. Perhaps I can crawl my way into his better graces by the time I am a grey-bearded old fool." Despite the pious sound of the statement, the sarcasm beneath it was so thick it made Schuldig want to laugh. Instead he feigned shocked, slightly-widened eyes.

"Surely you jest? After so fine a deed?" he gasped. Kase's thoughts were beginning to lean heavily in his favor, and he savored the sweet taste of yet another soul's thoughts corrupted and seeking him for comfort from imagined wrongs.

"This is no joke, Schuldig. I would not jest about such a thing." Kase replied.

"That is truly an injustice. What will you do? Have you heard about the ninja fellow from your village?" Ahhh, yes, the man was playing into his hands like snow now; soft and scattered enough for Schuldig to mold it firmly into what he wanted, before crumbling it apart carelessly after he was done. That was always the most delicious part; deconstructing the damage he'd done and watching those souls fall into wild despair. It was a beautiful art; this weaving of webs of thought, and it fulfilled him like nothing else.

"What ninja?" Kase's posture stiffened in rage and alarm.

"Oh yes." Schuldig purred. "Takatori must not have told you. Poorly done of him, I must say. " Like most other things the man did.

"Well, who the hell is it! What's the commotion?" Kase was on his feet now, his face close to Schuldig's. The telepath held in another laugh. God, this man was so easy to play with.

"Why, that fellow Hidaka of course. Apparently, he decided life is worth living. He's just shown up at the Fujiyama Inn down South, you know? I can't believe Takatori hasn't told you. That's just shameful. How do you tolerate the man so well?" Kase spluttered with rage.

"Hidaka's ALIVE?" he yelled. Schuldig frowned, casting a mental sweep of the immediate area to be sure no one had heard that little outburst. Jesus, the man was an imbecile.

"Shh. Do you want the others to come running? I'll probably be in trouble for telling you." he admonished.

"You're right. This is disgraceful! To think that Hidaka, Hidaka, that stupid, lowly commoner filth is still alive! I will see my revenge for his crimes completed! He humiliated me through the hands of my own father! Why wasn't I informed of this and sent out to kill him myself?" the man had taken up pacing, unaware of the lazy, jade-green cat's eyes that followed his every movement easily. Mmm, he was so easy to rile. This had turned out to be a real treat. He'd have to thank Crawford for the assignment later.

" I don't know. It sounds like an insult to me. But what do I know? I'm just a gaijin, afterall. Perhaps in Japanese culture, this sort of behavior is acceptable." he purred, not bothering to disguise his sarcasm. Kase was so riled he hardly noticed.

"I assure you, it isn't. And I intend to correct the slight." the ex-ninja replied in a gravely tone that spoke of grinding teeth.

"Will you truly? You'll have to be careful. He's picked up a rather loyal companion on his journeys. They say he is quite the formidable swordsman. A ronin, in fact. And another young man, who seems to be an agent for some sort of opposing faction that wants Takatori dead." Kase stopped his pacing and stared at Schuldig.

"They want Takatori dead?" he asked slowly. Schuldig didn't even have to dig to see those wheels turning. The man was already trying to think of the many ways to press his advantage. It weighed heavily with the poor soul's desperate want to make Hidaka suffer. Schuldig took pity on him and slyly presented him with his own personal version of Crawford's brilliantly-executed plan.

"Yes. You know, I bet they've even taken this ninja-manunder their wing. I imagine if he managed to divulge the secrets you and I know of this fortress to them Takatori would be finished." he drawled casually, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms over his chest. His deceptively frail-looking rapier clunked softly against the wood, dangling from the thick leather belt slanted low across his hips. Kase stared at it thoughtfully for a moment, frowning slightly.

"But I want him to suffer. He is the cause of my misery, and the reason I was forced to destroy the clan for revenge." Schuldig could have seen the thinly disguised request for advice without his gift of telepathy. He chuckled, the sound rich and smooth, and seemingly surrounding and caressing Kase at the same time. The young man shivered slightly against the feeling and resolutely ignored it.

"It's simple my friend. Use him first. Then kill him. Pretend to befriend him. Show him you are relived he has been alive. Tell him you are searching for your clan's revenge. Relay the information you've 'discovered' about Takatori to him in earnest and wait for him to divulge it to the organization. Then when you have accomplished this, simply lure him away and do what you will with him. He'll follow you like a lost dog. You see? A solution to every problem. And such a neat one, too. I imagine with no one else to lead them Takatori's men will have no choice but to follow the man who killed him. They don't seem to be the type to seek revenge against someone who treats them so poorly. Just remember to treat them well and flatter them often and you'll have loyalty instantly. Imagine the look on our Lord's face when he discovers too late that he's been had…" A brief twist of Kase's mind in his direction accompanied Schuldig's speech. Such an action was not needed, but Schuldig was already tiring of the game. Now that Kase was no longer agitated to an irrational thought-pattern he was growing boring. It was always boring when his quarry gave in easily.

Kase's face twisted into an arrogant grin.

"Brilliant!" he remarked. Mentally, Schuldig snorted. Of course it was bloody brilliant. Intelligent, the man was not. Kase said nothing else, but slipped off to his rooms to prepare for the journey. With a sigh, Schuldig planted the knowledge of how to find the ninja discreetly into the man's head. What an idiot. He wouldn't have gotten very far without Schuldig's help, that was for certain.

The innocent thoughts of a chamber-maid caught his attention and he left the damage he'd done in favor of new quarry. At least there would be another warm body beneath him in his bed tonight, and another chance to defile one of those pure Japanese maidens. 'Well hell', he thought, 'This night is looking up'.

'Can I come? Defiling pure maidens hurts God. And I need to fuck something. Hard. I want to make God cry.' Schuldig's grin turned to a grimace at the sound of Farferello's thoughts.

'Not likely. The last time you came I couldn't find a willing female soul for two weeks afterwards. Go hunt your own.' he growled back mentally. Farferello's only response was an offended-sounding snort and the slight feel of a resolve to do just that…

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Whew! Oh man, this chapter took me forever to write. Writing Schuldig was really hard, but fun. How'd I do? Ok? Out of Character? Lemme know! Bwahahaha, Schwartz strikes again. :Staggers off coughing: