The Limits of Honor VI- Prelude to Wrath

'I had always thought of myself as being a noble sort of person, despite the shadow arts that I practice. I've always acknowledged that there are times where skills of my kind are the only answer to a situation that may arise, so I would always convince myself that what I was doing wasn't... wrong. Back home I was a warrior against the darkest of enemies, and even before then I would work on my own terms, never accepting a job that I felt was infringing upon the code in which I govern myself. I always considered myself a tool for whatever powers that be, to act as a force that purges wickedness from the world. The end, as far as I'm concerned, would always justify the means. But then, who am I to say what is right and what is wrong? I've always been an idealist, believing that there would always be some distinction between the two. Shinkyo was a hard lesson in reality, I suppose. The good guys don't always wear white, the bad guys don't always wear black, this much I knew. But I never really imagined being a part of a situation where both sides were, to me at least, evil. Nothing is going to convince me that I would have elected to fight on Takamoto's side of my own free will, and my hatred for Yagami...

...may he pray that I never return to Shinbi.'

* * * * * * *

Light, melodic music could be heard through the hallway of the inn, as Eric had left his door open as he plucked away at the stringed instrument in his hands. It had been quite some time since he had played, but after a few minutes of experimenting with various chords, he found himself slowly recalling his two years of teaching -it was virtually impossible for someone to live in Harlequin for half their life and not have some grasp of the arts. He didn't imagine he was disturbing anyone else in the inn, for his playing wasn't that loud. And for that matter, Eric admitted, he didn't sound half bad.

"I didn't know you could play the mandolin."

Eric immediately spun around on the bed and looked towards the door. He knew that voice. A figure was obscured some distance away by the shadows of the hallway, but didn't stay out there too long. He took a few steps into the room, and an instant later Eric was on his feet. "Mani!," he shouted. "You're back!"

Eric quickly noted that his friend was looking slightly haggard, a little unshaven and rough around the edges from the voyage. Even so, the ninja nodded slowly and allowed a smile to creep on his face for just a moment. Brightsand wasn't what he considered home by a longshot, but it just felt good to be away from Shinkyo. "So what's new here?," he casually wondered, his eyes taking in the surroundings of the room. He paused for a moment to toss something long and bulky onto the bed, wrapped neatly and tied in a black, silk cloth. His gaze fell upon the strange set of armor in the corner, prompting a curious raising of his brow. Casting a glance back at Eric, he questioningly pointed at the brown armor.

Eric grinned. "That's an interesting story," he quickly explained.

For the better part of an hour, the two spent the time catching up on events that had been taking place in their lives of late. Or more specifically, Eric spent most of the time talking, while Mani mainly listened. The young ninja was more content in spending the time conversing with his friend, rather than bringing back the some of the memories from Shinkyo, if he could avoid it. That was a trip he realized should not have been taken, and hated the fact that he hadn't had much choice in the matter. Mani quickly shook his head as he realized Eric just asked him a question. "Come again?," he wondered.

Eric snickered. "I was just wondering if you had been by to see Lily yet."

Mani groaned loudly as he shook his head. "Reuben's debriefing His Royal Bitch-Assness Milon right now, and I've been informed that I'll be summoned when he's ready to speak with me."

"That sucks."

"Not nearly as much as Milon will have to when I knock his teeth out."

The sound of a throat being cleared some distance away suddenly ended Eric's laughter as he turned to see a tall figure standing in the doorway of the room. The door had been left open when Mani came in, which made it somewhat easy to find the room in which they were located. Mani cast a quick glance up and nodded. "'Evening Reuben," he greeted.

The elder ninja nodded. "'Evening Mani. Eric." He motioned towards the door. "His 'Royal Bitch-Assness' would like to speak with you," he remarked, the remote trace of a grin taking shape in the corner of his mouth. Mani stood to his feet, along with Eric right behind him. "Mr. Gandeus requested that he come alone, Mr. Dulcimer," he added bluntly.

"Righto, I'll stay here then."

Mani shook his head as he began to follow Reuben out of the room. He paused for a moment, casting a quick glance over his shoulder at Eric. "Go to #3. I'll meet you there when I can." Eric froze for a second, but the meaning was clear to him -Mani didn't think it was safe for him to wait there.

"Right," he quickly answered, patting Mani on his shoulder. He immediately pulled back however after the ninja winced quite noticeably. He opened his mouth to apologize, but was cut off.

"A painfully little way someone chose to say 'thanks'," he quickly put forth with a shake of his head. He pointed to his shoulder and grinned. "It's a long story... I'll explain it later."

* * * * * * *

Mani said nothing when he was finally allowed to enter Milon's office, silently standing before his desk. The door shut behind him and he continued to stand, his hands at his sides in an almost military fashion. His katana had been taken by one of the guards outside of the room, but Milon knew the ninja was more than likely carrying other weapons. "I hear that you had quite a trip," Milon began. He motioned towards one of the chairs. "Please, take a seat."

"If it's all the same, I'd prefer to stand."

Milon nodded. The strong, silent types generally annoyed him. "Suit yourself, but know that I can be a little long winded." Mani said nothing, and didn't move. His expression bore no trace of emotion, which gave Milon slight difficulty in determining if the ninja still thought ill of him. Considering all that he had been through, it was probably a safe assumption that he did. "So how did you find Shinkyo?," he casually wondered.

"It was a learning experience." He didn't look as if he wanted to elaborate.

Milon nodded again. He could tell this was going to be an awkward conversation. "I was quite grieved to hear of the numerous deaths that plagued your trip," he added.

"Such is life. If it's any consolation, they each died honorably."

He snorted. "What good is honor when you're dead?," he wondered.

"It leaves a lasting impression on those around you, at the very least."

Behind the desk, Milon crossed his hands and set them down. "Let's not beat around the bush, shall we? I'm not too terribly fond of you, and I'm sure you sure as hell don't like me."

"As long as we have that mutual understanding."

Milon's eyes narrowed slightly. "For someone that's in your position, you have this annoying tendency to say exactly what's on your mind," he remarked. "Most people I've dealt with are just slightly more respectable, even if it is a facade."

Mani sighed, and for the first time during the meeting, he let some sort of feeling show, that of annoyance. "We have an agreement, Gandeus. I've honored my part, and the sooner you honor yours, the sooner I'll be out of here."

"Ah yes, our agreement... refresh my memory, if you don't mind."

"Lily Albrook. She's in this guildhouse, and I want her released."

Milon sat up and smiled, as if he had suddenly regained his memory. "Ah yes! That was her name, wasn't it?" He raised his brows and smirked. "You hooked up with a real cutie, if you don't mind me saying so."

"Thanks...," Mani replied flatly.

"Level with me for a sec, my ninja associate," he urged. His demeanor quickly changed to as if he were speaking to a long-time friend, which annoyed Mani somewhat. "How did you manage to hook up with a girl like that? I mean, you're this cold-blooded killer, and she seems so sweet and pure..."

"I am no killer," Mani quickly interrupted. His eyes narrowed slightly. "...and what do you mean by she 'seems' so sweet and pure?"

Milon ignored the edge in his voice and laughed as if he were joking. "OK Mani, you're no killer," he remarked, his voice easily betraying his insincerity. "But what I was saying about your girl there... well, I can only speak from personal experience. I knew a girl like her once, shy, quiet, top-heavy... I slipped a little something into her drink, and the next thing I knew, she was screwing me and my friends like some common whore. She was a little upset in the morning, screamed a few ugly words like 'rape', but she seemed like she was enjoying herself at the time. Of course, it was kind of hard to understand in that back room, my friends can be a loud bunch..."

"What's your point?" Mani was now visibly annoyed. He didn't like to let emotions show during a situation such as this, but Milon's tale struck a nerve, and he knew that bastard realized it. He had finally gotten a reaction out of him, and he knew Milon to be the sort to exploit that.

"What can I say, I enjoy a good piece of ass about as much as the next man, probably a little more." He shrugged, then laughed. "I got off on such a tangent there," he joked. "What was I talking about? Oh yeah, Lily..."

"Save it. If it's all the same, I'd like to see her so we can be on our way..."

"She is, you know, quite safe here," Milon interrupted. "I mean, if you were to go anywhere, she's in good hands."

"I'm sure she appreciates your hospitality. Where is she?"

"She's safe."

"By who's standards?"

"My own. Would you like her to stay that way?"

Mani froze. There was a brief silence between the two parties as they sat, their eyes locked in an gaze of iron. Slowly, Mani's began to narrow. "I can be a pretty dense guy at times," he slowly admitted, taking a deep breath. "And I'm going to act like I don't know what you're implying. Be more specific."

Milon shrugged and smiled. "Well, we lost quite a few people out there in Samurai-land, as I'm sure you witnessed. If you don't mind, I'd like you to stick around for a little while, just until we can find some replacements..."

"So you're backing out of our deal?"

"Merely changing the terms. I'm sure Lily would appreciate it if..."

"You little shit..."

Milon blinked. He thought he heard that last comment, but at the same time thought it might have been a figment of his imagination. "Come again?," he wondered.

"Just because you've got me by the balls doesn't mean I have to respect you. Sure, you've got the upper hand now, but I'll be damned if I'm showing you a bit of respect."

Milon actually laughed at the ninja's boldness. "You know something? On most occasions, I'd be a little annoyed. But for some odd reason, I like you. Say what you wish..."

"Don't mind if I do, you little bitch," Mani interrupted with a nonchalant shrug. "I suppose under a different set of circumstances, I'd actually show you a bit of respect. But since we're here now, and not in some wonderful reality where you're actually a decent human being, I've taken it upon myself to show you the respect you've shown me, though I'll stop short of making you take it in the ass, as I've just had to here." Mani took a deep breath, ignoring Milon's souring expression. "You sir, and I use that term loosely," he began, "...are a sorry excuse for a man. You don't have the common decency to honor your word, and have resorted to involving an innocent girl in your bullshit version of fairness. I don't know why you have her here to begin with, and to a degree, that's none of my business. Regardless, she's become a pawn in things she has nothing to do with. If I ever in my life I develop a bit of respect for you, I can assure you that it'll pass."

"That's enough," Milon finally snarled. If there had been any pleasantness to his disposition, it had long since vanished. "I strongly suggest you leave now."

"I will. After I see Lily."

"The guards will take you to her. You will see her, then you will leave."

Mani nodded. He quickly turned away and began to head towards the door, leaving Milon in a brighter shade of red than the junior Guildmaster recalled being in quite some time. "It's good to have you on board," he remarked after the ninja, feeling a little more content in getting the last word.

Mani paused for a moment as he stood in the doorway. "You know something, Milon?," he began, not bothering to turn around. "You can only watch me for part of the time. If there's ever a chance for me to get out of here, you'd better believe I'm taking it." From over his shoulder, his steel gaze met with that of Milon's. "Honor only goes so far, and you've breached that limit. I am your enemy, Milon Gandeus. I am not your employee. And you, should I ever get the opportunity, are a dead man." With that he departed, the echoing slam of the door informing the entire guildhouse of him doing so.