Our Inseparable Bond

A/N: This idea just popped up in my head after I played SW4-II on my PC and finishing the Story Mode of Lady Hayakawa: Pledges of Honor. This story will be ultimately fictional, and any same plots are purely coincidental. This is my first Samurai Warriors fanfic and please read and review. Takes place after The Osaka Campaign in "Pledges of Honor"

Warning: OC-inserted and might have severe OOC-ness. Historically inaccurate!

Disclaimer: I don't own Samurai Warriors and all of its characters, they belong to KOEI. I only own my OC: Tenshikari Gosho and Shina Komatsu.

Okay, Here we go!

Year 1615

The Osaka campaign had just ended, with the Tokugawa's Eastern forces emerging victorious and Toyotomi's clan was disbanded. The event marked the unchallenged government of Tokugawa shogunate for 250 years.

At the end of the battle, however. There is one "duel" that differed from the other. The duel of two close friends, might be even family, the duel to keep promises intact, which took place inside Osaka Castle.

Osaka Castle was in flames, so no one wants to go inside. So this two weren't watched by anyone, that might have what they had thought.

The battle was not filled much with blood. Instead, the duel was filled and flooded with something more bright, more clean, and more emotional. The duel was filled with tears, running out from both duelist's eyes.

The duel lasted for quite long, until the blue-white-clothed woman managed to land a blow on her "foe", the red-clothed princess, knocking her out.

"Kai! Kai!" the blue-white-clothed woman approached her "foe", or maybe her friend, actually. She tried to woke her up. And yes, Kai woke up, laying weakly on the floor of the castle.

Kai was still heavily breathing, after all she was lost in a duel, and should have been badly injured. "The Toyotomi...had been finished." She paused, now looking at the blue-white-clothed woman, which is recognized as Lady Hayakawa. "But...you give me your all...my lady."

Lady Hayakawa's eyes started to pool up with tears. Kai's hand then took hers, putting something on it. "Fine...work...my lady."

Kai removed her hands and Lady Hayakawa saw the origami crane that she herself made before the Siege of Odawara Castle. She reminisced the memory when they trained on Odawara Castle, when the Hojo family still was on its peaceful days, the family bonds that kept the family intact, all which was seized because of the chaos. The pool on her eyes now leaked, showing tears flowing all of the way.

She helped Kai up, helping her to stand and walk. "No matter what we do, we will always be a family." Lady Hayakawa spoke as she helped her walk out of Osaka Castle. They didn't notice a fellow ninja watching them, and he vanished after they walked past him.

On the Osaka Castle gate, however, someone had waited for them. "Greetings, Lady Kai, Lady Hayakawa. That was a nice, tearful duel you both have there."

Both of the ladies were shocked to see one of their mystic friend waiting for them just outside the gate. "T...Tenshikari-san." Lady Hayakawa said.

"Did you... watch all of it?" Kai asked the mystic. "Forgive my insolence, my lady, but yes, I did. I was amazed to see both of you giving your all. And actually, that was the most amazing and touching battle I have watched before." Tenshikari smiled. Both ladies blushed. "I take it... as a compliment." Kai said.

"So, are you two alright?" Tenshikari asked. "I...I'm fine...but...I think Kai's in bad shape right now." Lady Hayakawa answered, before Kai interrupted. "N...No...it's okay, I think...my injuries are...n...not serious.

"Lady Kai, don't talk much. Your stammering said the opposite." Tenshikari said.

"I'll go get some cure after we reached our destination. So, where should we go? With Odawara Castle fallen, I don't know where to go." Lady Hayakawa said.

"Actually, a messenger went searching for you. But I stopped him since it might be dangerous running towards a burning castle. So I took the letter instead. Do you want to read it or should I read it for you?" Tenshikari asked.

"Let me read it." Lady Hayakawa answered as the long-haired princess took the letter from Tenshikari. She read it carefully and was shocked, because they are going back to their home, Odawara Castle. Seems that peace was ultimately achieved and Lord Ieyasu wanted all of his retainers to go back to their homes. What's more, he unexpectedly forgive those of his enemies at Western Army who had good connection to some of his retainers, that includes Kai, Kotaro, and other surviving members of Western Army.

A tearful smile was formed on Lady Hayakawa's face, who later handed the letter to Kai. After reading the letter. Kai was relieved and also lost in excitement, but something was still plagued er mind.

"Tenshikari, who is guarding Odawara Castle right now?" Kai asked.

"Hmm...I don't know, my lady, but I heard a rumor that Lord Ujizane Imagawa, Lady Hayakawa's husband was still alive, and was ordered to go to Odawara Castle just yesterday. I think he is guarding Odawara Castle right now." The mystic replied.

"U-Ujizane's still alive?" Lady Hayakawa was surprised. "It's still a rumor, but I'm not doubtful at all." Tenshikari said. Lady Hayakawa's face formed another smile, unwilling to wait to see her husband which she thought had been killed at Sekigahara, that could have been 15 long years. "Oh, and I recalled that your two sons had been taken care by Ieyasu while you're heading out, so Ieyasu also sent them back to the castle."

"So, w...what are we...*cough*...waiting for? Shouldn't we...go now?" Kai asked the mystic. "Well, alright then. Do you need any help on carrying you inside the carriage, Lady Kai?" Tenshikari asked.

"No, it's okay, my lady's s...strong enough to beat me, so I bet she's also strong enough... to carry me inside, right?" Kai smiled, too weak to start a hearty laugh at the joke.

Lady Hayakawa just giggled and nodded, and carried Kai inside the carriage before she also went inside. Then Tenshikari mounted the carriage's horse and started the journey back to Odawara.

Meanwhile, at Odawara Castle

Ujizane Imagawa was surprised to see Odawara Castle stood strong and still eye-catching, despite the fact that it has fallen under Hideyoshi some decades ago. However, it seemed abandoned, like no one had entered it for a long time. Then he stepped into the main keep and found one unfamiliar person inside, sitting on the floor instead of on the tatami. "Who are you?" Ujizane asked.

The lady looked behind and noticed. "Lord Ujizane...".

"H...How do you know my name?" Ujizane asked.

"Oh, sorry for being so rude. The name's Shina Komatsu, usually called Shina. I'm actually a mystic, I don't know if you will believe me or not."

"A mystic? What are your purposes on coming here?" Ujizane was startled.

"I'm trying to reunite you and your family. I knew my lord have been longing to see your family again after such long years. And I've just heard that Lord Ieyasu finally united Japan and finally restored peace." Shina replied.

"M...My family? You mean Lady Hayakawa? Is she still alive?" Ujizane asked.

"She is. She joined the Osaka Campaign and managed to be victorious. At the last battle, she defeated Lady Kai, but she didn't kill her, instead she brought her back. And..."

"And?"

"And, um, they are on their way back here to Odawara Castle. My partner Tenshikari is bringing them back, maybe they will arrive tomorrow." Shina replied.

Ujizane was shocked, but was really nervous. He never thought that he might see his wife again tomorrow after such long years. Being married only for securing alliance didn't stop him to love his wife dearly, but at Sekigahara he was ambushed by Sakon Shima, and suffered a serious wound. Luckily he managed to retreat, but was lost somewhere in Japan. He wandered for 15 years, and apparently one of the Tokugawa soldiers found him, and he was brought back to Tokugawa camp. At that time, his wife was on a fierce battle with Lady Kai. Ieyasu, still recognizing his face, then sent him to Odawara castle.

"So, I was sent to Odawara on purpose?" Ujizane asked again. Shina nodded.

Ujizane's eyes started to pool with joyful tears. "Until that day come, why don't my Lord wait for milady in here. I know she would be delighted to see you." Shina asked.

Lord Ujizane took Shina's words and preparing to wait for his beloved to come back. His mind then drifted to another members of the family other than his wife. "W...What about Takahisa and Norimochi? Are they also still alive?" he suddenly asked

Just after he spoke, the main keep gates suddenly was opened, and two figures entered the castle. The two instantly recognized Ujizane and ran towards them. "D...Dad!"

"My sons!" Ujizane got up and hugged his two sons. "Our mom and we thought you were dead at Sekigahara!" Takahisa said to him.

"I'm not, I was just...escaped the imminent death, thanks to my subordinates. I can't thank them enough for their sacrifice." Ujizane replied.

"Don't worry, Dad. They might be very proud in the Heavens watching you survived and now here with us." Norimochi said. "Just continue our living and they will surely be happy on their sacrifice."

"Thank you, Norimochi." Ujizane replied.

"Anyway, where's Mom?" Takahisa asked. "We haven't got any news about her since we were sent here by Lord Ieyasu. Was she here?"

"She's on her way here." The sons then looked at the source of the voice. "Oh, you must be the one who plead Lord Ieyasu to bring us here."

"Yes, and correction, I also plead him to send your father here." The mystic said. "I'm Shina Komatsu, you can call me Shina. Nice to meet you, Lord Norimochi, Lord Takahisa."

"Nice to meet you too, Lady Shina." The sons replied. "So, do you know when our mother will arrive, my lady?" Takahisa asked.

"Probably tomorrow, my lord. Lady Hayakawa, along with Lady Kai and my partner, Tenshikari will be arriving tomorrow." Shina asked.

After the talk, the family and the fellow mystic then took their rest, waiting for their other family member to arrive.

The next day, Tenshikari, Kai and Lady Hayakawa arrived at Odawara Castle. There they saw the exterior of the castle, it was still pretty, strongly standing without any sign of struggle.

"I can't believe this. Shouldn't Odawara Castle be fallen under Hideyoshi decades ago?" Kai asked. "Maybe Ieyasu ordered people to rebuild it." Lady Hayakawa said.

After arriving in front of the castle gate, the group walked until they arrived at the main keep gates, where they saw a familiar ninja stood in front of the gate.

"Kotaro? When did you get here?" Kai asked.

"The wind always move fast." Kotaro said.

"You're not answering my question...urgg." Kai screamed but writhed in pain.

"Kai, take it easy." Lady Hayakawa said. She turned to face Kotaro only to see him already vanished. "Rude ninja, as usual." She sighed.

Then the three entered the gate to the main keep, and as they reached the front door, they saw a woman, in white dress, almost like Aya, but her dress is sleeveless. Kai and Hayakawa was confused, but Tenshikari wasn't, because he knew who she is.

"Shina." He called the woman, which turned to be the fellow mystic.

"Ah, Tenshikari, you're back!" Shina replied, and the two shared a tight hug around each other. "So, have you done your job?" Tenshikari asked.

"Yeah, Lord Ujizane and the others are waiting inside." Shina said. Lady Hayakawa, hearing this, suddenly rushed inside the main keep. Inside, Lady Hayakawa noticed the three familiar figures sitting on the tatami. She was very surprised, her eyes instantly pooled up with tears, as she walked fast towards them.

"Lord Ujizane! Takahisa! Norimochi!" Lady Hayakawa called her family members up, and the three turned to look at her, with surprise looks. They got up, standing as their another family member walked towards them, and they embraced her for a big family hug, the complete family hug that they haven't shared for fifteen years. She forgot, that she left someone in need behind.

Just not long after that, the door opened again, and Lady Hayakawa spotted Tenshikari, bringing the still-weakened Kai by the arm, and walked towards them.

"Whoops! I almost forgot! My Lord, do you remember where we put our first aid kits?" Hayakawa asked her husband. "Oh, I think I know, let me take it." Ujizane said as he went to the higher floor to retrieve the aid kits.

"Lady Kai, what happened to you?" Takahisa asked, curious about the bruises that Kai had suffered. "Oh, it's okay. Your mom had just beaten me in a duel. She's very strong, you know."

"I...I'm sorry to put you in this state, Kai." Hayakawa said.

"It's okay, my lady. You have fulfilled your promise. It's already my choice to ally myself to the Toyotomi and this is my price for it. It's not your fault at all."

Then, Lord Ujizane came back with first aid kits. At first, Hayakawa offered to cure Kai, but Shina interrupted her.

"Let me cure her instead, my lady. I suggest you make up for the lost time with your family." Shina said.

Hayakawa accepted the offer, "Thank You, Shina."

After all, Hayakawa was very grateful with the two mystics. They did a great job to reunite her and her family.

Never did she know, that the mystics have one more surprise for the Imagawa-Hojo family.

Okay, I'll stop here for the first chapter. The story will consist of only two chapters (actually I can make it a oneshot instead, because the second chapter might be short, but I'm a bit too lazy to write something very long.)

It took me almost 20 days to write this first part. And yet I'm still not satisfied because I know I will do something badly on this chapter. Please forgive me for the faults, as this is my first SW fanfic.

The second part will be published next time, I can't pin down the exact time since I have a very busy schedule of University.

Anyway, please Read and Review! Constructive reviews are appreciated while flames are prohibited.