Being a first timer, I decided to look write my first story with one of my favorite games; Sengoku Basara. Which is fictionally based on 16th century of Japan; final years of the age of the Samurai. I was always interested in Akihime Ōtani (?-1649) ; historically she is the foster daughter (or adopted daughter; from other sources) of Yoshitsugu Ōtani (1559-1600) the loyal friend of Mitsunari Ishida (1560-1600). She is also the wife of Yukimura Sanada (1567-1615). I wanted to more about Yukimura's relationship with Aki; after the hunt of looking for fanfic stories focusing Aki and Yukimura- I couldn't find anything so I decided to do one. Hope you guys enjoy it =)

Chapter 1: Rise to the Occasion

As Mitsunari left the castle in Kyoto again, leaving Yoshitsugu behind. Yoshitsugu immediately cough up

blood violently, he could no longer endure the pain in his chest. Then a young woman appeared with a first aid kit and rush to his side, with a worried look.

"Yoshitsugu-sama, please drink this." The young girl with sable hair in a semi-ponytail being hold by a butterfly clip and wearing a gray kimono with red and white floral designs up to knees and wearing white knee socks with simple shoes said as she handed Yoshitsugu a cup of tea with herbs. Finally calming down from his violent wheezing took the cup from her. He took a sip and briefly stop.

"Please, Yoshitsugu-sama. If your health doesn't improve a bit more, Mitsunari-sama will began to suspect your condition has worsened again and would be concern." The young girl saying warmly as if she was talking to a stubborn young boy to drink his medicine.

"O'reijo-sama*, my time in this realm is dwindling each day There is no need for me to avoid it. I must let this cursed disease finish consume my being." Yoshitsugu said as he continue drinking the cup again in pain.

Akihime paused for a brief moment and her brown eyes flash with a response,"Would you leave Mitsunari-sama in such a horrid way? Could you bear the thought that you'll cause more pain to Mitsunari-sama... and to me. I want you to rest, but speaking for Mitsunari-sama; he still needs you.." Akihime said in attempting to sound calm. It broke her heart to hear her beloved master suffering. She did not express it as she is trying to be strong through the ordeal of all.

"I know that I have a reason to live, at least now than ever."Yoshitsugu said as his cold silver eyes darted at her at umber eyes. " I will hold on this grueling pain while more."He finish saying. Akihime merely smiled at him.

"Words cannot express my gratitude of your kindness Yoshitsugu-sama." Akihime said happily. Yoshitsugu acted indifferent and cold, but she knew that it was how Yoshitsugu acts. She is aware that he cares for her, Sakon and Mitsunari, more to Mitsunari for he is his true friend. Yoshitsugu may not have been close to Sakon, but she knows that he was starting to warm up to him. She knows that Yoshitsugu relies him to take care of Mitsunari, when he passes. Akihime was abandoned as a child in Kyoto, and he took her in. Both were alone in this world. He had no reason to take her in, but he did; thus, making him her entire world.

Akihime was always aware of Yoshitsugu's declining health but was never fully aware of how it brought shame on him. Till she heard one of the Toyotomi infantrymen were speaking ill of him till they were silence by no other than Mitsunari Ishida. Since then she feels great compassion for Mitsunari. Like Yoshitsugu, both of them swore loyalty to Mitsunari and to Hideyoshi. Akihime is completely aware that Yoshitsugu is deeply fond of Mitsunari and that Mitsunari felt the same in regards of Yoshitsugu. When Yoshitsugu is happy, then she is happy.

As of lately, she feels hopeless as she watches Mitsunari being consumed by hate and vengeance. It even bothers Yoshitsugu to an extent, but they could do nothing. She hopes that Sakon can soothe him, wherever they may be.

Thinking of Ieyasu's actions against the Toyotomi was truly hurtful, but she knew that it happen before. When Yoshitsugu told her how Hideyoshi rose up against the surviving clan of the Oda and took compete power. Seeing the repetition of history she felt that there was no need for battle, but knows that it's inevitable. She hopes that one day people express love than blood lust. A day, she wishes to see.

Wanting to change the subject, she began to ask a question,"Yoshitsugu-sama, where do you think Mitsunari-sama has wander off to?"

"He's most likely with looking for Ieyasu." Yoshitsugu said bitterly as both of them walk out of the underground fort. "As for Sakon-sama, he is likely out looking for Mitsunari-sama." Finally going outside being welcome by sun; shining brightly and were welcome by a gentle breeze. Akihime merely began to smile again as she toyed her hair against the wind, then Yoshitsugu spoke as he looks at her,"O'reijo-sama, I have a task for you."

"What is it Yoshitsugu-sama?" Akihime asked calmly yet she was surprised that Yoshitsugu would allow her to participate more. She is always on his side as he takes control over Mitsunari's army. But she was more of his nurse than anything else.

"As of now, we are dire need of allies. I believe that we have a chance of having an ally if we could seek audience with the Shingen Takeda, known as the Tiger of Kai." Yoshitsugu said briefly and then he turn to stare at her once more, " I ask you go to seek audience with Shigen-sama from the province of Kai. If you could convince them to join, it will give us more of an edge in defeating Ieyasu." Yoshitsugu said.

"Understood." Akihime responded firmly but quickly asked, "Yoshitsugu-sama must I travel alone?"

"Yes, to show that we are no threat. You are well manner and charming. I have complete faith in you." He said as his floating palanquinn approached Akihime and gave her some money and a sealed letter.

"I will go to pay visit to Motonari-sama and later go look for Kanbei-sama, and possibly see Motochika-sama. Here's a letter to prove that Mitsunari-sama is seeking their help." Yoshitsugu said, reasoning why he wouldn't be able to go and explaining what the letter concealed. Akihime could not help but get emotional,

"I will not fail you, Yoshitsugu-sama. I swear that I shall not return not, till the Takeda clan become our sworn allies!" She said with teary eyes, giving Yoshitsugu her biggest smile.

"Go. I will go find Sakon-sama and recruit warlords to join Mitsunari-sama's armies. When you're done you return back here" Yoshitsugu said gently for once as Akihime went to the field seeing their horses at the stall and took the white horse and began her journey and waved Yoshitsugu farewell.

"Please be careful to Yoshitsugu-sama." While Yoshitsugu was on palanquin watching her departure and silently enter back to the underground fort; preparing to leave as well.

O'reijo*: it means daughter and young lady.

~Thanks for reading!

Hope all that read so far, like it. Since it's my first time writing and publish a story, please be don't be so harsh; I'm still a rookie =( ... But I greatly appreciate advice and feedback!