Feudal Honor by Chibi Washuu Chapter 2 ______________________________________________________________________________ A Ronin Warriors/Yoroiden Samurai Troopers Story Woo... ok, Chapter 2. Here it is. Same ol’ disclaimer. Do I really have to torture myself by saying that I don’t own Ryo?? (I want to... believe me I want to...) Ahem. On with the fic! A Small Glossary: Cha: green tea of Japan Fugu: puffer fish Sakezuki: those little porcelain cups that you drink saké out of ***** Ryo moved quickly and silently through the castle toward Date Masamune’s chamber. He had overtaken another samurai in the corridor and had not only taken his sword, but his clothes as well. Now, disguised as a samurai, he opened the door to the daimo’s chamber. Date Masamune stood in the middle of the room, sword in hand, looking strong and youthful despite his many years. With the moonlight from the one large window shining at his back, he looked menacing. "What’s happening out there, boy?" he asked, his one eye sparkling with passion for battle. Ryo rose from his bow and entered the room, closing the shoji door behind him. The city is ablaze, My Lord. It is rumored that a ninja force is loose and responsible." "You saw none?" "Iyé, Lord." The daimo cursed vehemently. "I should be out there, putting down those barbarians!" He then erupted into a violent coughing fit. Ryo fought to suppress his smile. This would be easier than he thought. "You need to rest, Lord," he said, standing and assisting the lord to the bed. "Would you like some saké? Or some cha, perhaps?" "Some cha, thank you." Ryo bowed and retrieved the pot that contained the strong green tea. Slipping a vial from his belt, he poured the contents into the cup before pouring the tea over it. He handed the cup to Masamune politely, and the lord drank deeply from it. It was almost too easy to poison the once-great general. The poison was not the strongest he carried, but would easily break down Masamune’s disease-weakened body. By the time he finished the tea, the daimo’s body was swaying violently from side to side, threatening collapse. "Are you well, Master?" Ryo asked, allowing a note of concern to enter his voice. "Hai. I just...need to rest." "Very well. Sleep now, Masamune-sama." A few minutes later, the old man’s heart ceased to beat. "Father?" a soft female voice inquired from the other side of the door. Ryo resisted the urge to laugh. Could things get any easier? Mentally thanking whatever kami had decided to help him, he slid open the door. Lady Date was lovely: her dark hair was pinned up in an ornate design, but her dark eyes sparkled with fear. "Lady Date," Ryo said, bowing to her. "Where is my father?" she demanded. Ryo put a finger to his lips. "Resting, My Lady, and much better for it." The lady bowed. "I’m glad. Gomen nasai, I was frightened and seeking comfort." "Well. I’m afraid I don’t think I can offer much comfort." "That’s fine," Lady Date said, straightening her kimono as she stood. "Will you join me in some saké?" "Of course, My Lady." While her back was turned, Ryo pulled another vial from his belt. This woman was strong; healthy, young...only a strong poison would kill her. He glanced at the yellowish liquid that filled the flask. The poison of the fugu would do nicely. It killed even the strongest warrior in a small dose, so this woman would certainly be no match for it. Distracting her long enough to poison her, however, proved to be another matter entirely. She never took her eyes from her sakezuki for very long, almost expecting the poisoning and trying to prevent it. Finally, Ryo tilted her chin up and gazed into her beautiful dark eyes for a moment before pressing his lips to hers in an intense kiss. She pulled away at first, then relaxed and deepened the kiss. Watching his work out of the corner of his eye, Ryo poured the flask of poison into her cup before again concentrating on the kiss. Her lips were soft and warm against his, and he wondered vaguely what it would be like to pillow with this woman. She couldn’t be much older than himself, and surely it would be an experience. No matter. He slowly pulled away and she moaned softly in protest. When she opened her eyes again, he hung his head in mock shame. "Forgive me, Lady Date. I could not resist..." "It’s__It’s all right," she said, her voice a little shaky. She picked up her sakezuki and took a small sip. Was it just her, or did it taste different? Of course, nothing would taste normal after that kiss! She sipped the wine again and licked her lips. Where had he been all those nights she had woken up alone? His image started to blur and she blinked hard to keep him in focus. Her actions proved to be in vain. Ryo watched her try to desperately hang on to her consciousness. "It’s all right, My Lady," he cooed, taking the sakezuki from her and placing it on the table. "Sleep now and join your father." Lady Date moaned as her body slumped over. Ryo caught her before she fell to the floor. "Sweet dreams, Lady." Hearing a shout from down the hall, he cursed. Stupid samurai. They would know once they saw him that he was not samurai, and that would mean capture. Capture meant death, and Ryo was not ready to die. There were more adventures waiting for him. Sighing, he looked around for an escape route. Five samurai charged into the room. Their Lord was lying asleep in bed, while the Lady his daughter sitting at the table, head propped up on her hand. "My Lady," one began softly, placing a hand lightly on her shoulder. The light action made her body slump over and fall to the floor. "Check the Lord," he ordered, taking Lady Date’s wrist to check for her heartbeat. "Our Lord’s dead," the one who had gone to check Masamune said. "As is the Lady." He checked over Lady Date. There were no wounds, no signs that she had been stabbed. That meant poison had been used. He picked up the still half-full sakezuki and sniffed gingerly at it. "She’s been poisoned. One of those damned ninjas is loose in the castle!" A third samurai went to the open window. "Probably not anymore." "Damn!" the first swore. "Maybe we can still catch him! Come on!" The five warriors dashed out of the room. The room was still for a minute before Ryo fell from the rafters. He crouched on the floor for a moment, once again clad in his shinobi shozoko__minus his facemask that had been shredded by that samurai he had fought at the castle gate. He stayed motionless for several moments in the darkened room, his eyes scanning the hallway for torchlight. Then, silently, he slipped out of the room after the five samurai.
Well?? Good? Bad? Junk? Lol. R/R, please! J
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