Announcement:
Hello everyone, Blackout2010 here. I actually got around to writing the first chapter in the story that I promised to my 4 original reviewers: Animeluvv, Flaming Arsenal, James Birdsong, and Aelita Lyoko. I'll be honest I don't know when I'll post up chapters because there will be fighting and well…I've never done fighting so I'll try, but like I said I'll update when I can. In the event I do in fact abandon or discontinue my fic I will post it up as a chapter to let people know this since sharing knowledge is nice. I will also allow people to adopt it just lemme know (PM me) hell you could copy and paste for all I care but that's more along the lines of me just stating it. I certainly hope it doesn't come to that. If some of the characters seem OOC, I'm sorry. I'm trying to portray them to the best of my knowledge and partially how I see/saw them. Let see oh yeah.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything. Otherwise Shin x Su would be canon
This is a crossover between Sakura Wars so long my love and Dynasty Warriors. Reason it's not under crossover section is because the STARS members will be the main focus (characters). Anyway that's all I can think of now without further ado its Showtime!
Prologue: A better future
It had been a long bitter struggle against the demon king in the castle of Azuchi but at last it was over…or so some had thought…
Two figures could be seen surrounded by a circle of women lying on the ground. The first figure was a tall tan man that appeared to be in his 30's with hair in a top-knot that flowed down his back and out of sight thanks to his blood red cape. He had a thick goatee and had a thick Asian accent. The ruby red eyed man was clad in golden plate mail armor with purple tipped shoulder guards. A strange eye like design was prominent in the center with some prayer beads firmly attached to his waist. He carried a huge sword that clearly no normal man could ever hope to wield on his back. The man was clearly the taller of the two and had an aura that usually screamed blood-lust, but at the moment it seemed calm almost peaceful.
The other figure was a boy that looked no older than a 17 year old teenager. The contrast between the two was almost like night and day. His skin was much lighter but not quite white, more of a lighter tan. His hair was bobbed and didn't extend past his ears unlike his opposites wild mane. His frame was muscular but the lean type not the bulging muscle that some prided themselves on. He was garbed in a strange white outfit that one would expect to see on a hero from a play or children story, the most distinctive feature was a star shape design on it. His eyes held hope within them, but at the same time knew the harshness of battle that rarely would exist alongside it. He held a typical samurai katana in his hands but the way it was held wasn't in a threatening manner rather gripped relaxed.
Both figures were staring at each other in both acknowledgment of the others skill and determination. For what seemed like hours they stared at each trying to figure out the other, to find the reason they had nearly fought to the death and destruction of their world and why the other wasn't trying to cut them down. Finally the silence was broken by the older man.
"You have come very far Shinjiro taiga, much further then I would have thought possible by the human spirit alone." Nobunaga praised almost uncharacteristically
"No. Your wrong Nobunaga, I didn't do this on my own." The boy replied while gesturing to the women that lay about them "It's because of my friends and all those who believed in me that I was able to come as far as I did."
The lips of the older man curled up slightly at the boys words. 'Clearly, he knows what one can accomplish when working together. Is this what you've been trying to show me all along Ranmaru?' Nobunaga reminisced at the death of his servant, friends…and lover (1)
A small frown crossed the young boys face "But…I don't understand why do you continue to bear so much hatred? Why would you bring so much chaos to the world around you? Nobunaga, in human life you were a great man. Why would you become a demon?" Shinjiro questioned the once noble man
Nobunaga merely crossed his arms in front of him before turning his head towards the burning buildings surrounding everyone "Humph! That is a long story and even then I doubt you would do anything about the problem."
Shinjiro smiled gently before saying "I'm willing to listen, Nobunaga."
This drew a curious glance from the demon king. It wasn't often that humans actually tried to do something about problems most tended to ignore things that didn't concern them, the proud demon decided to think it over a bit
'Hmm. Perhaps he might have the strength and courage to help. I suppose I could entertain the idea.'
The demon turned back to the youth before he narrowed his eyes and coldly asked "Why?" wanting to see and hear the boy's reason for his unusual statement earlier
"I wish to prevent the demon attacks from ever happening. People shouldn't be forced to suffer like that."
'Clearly, this boy has a noble spirit…a tad naïve, but with such determination. Yes, perhaps he could remove the hate from my family'
"Very well, Shinjiro-" Nobunaga began but was interrupted by the stirring forms of the women surrounding them
"Ugggh…Dammit what happened?" the African American woman known as the Ace Attorney Charon Archer groaned out as she slowly got to her feet.
The woman was tall with her hair tied up in a professional manner that gave her the appearance of someone in her mid to late 20's. She was also wearing a suit similar to Shinjiro however her suit was black. Her physical structure was also lean muscle probably from the fact she balanced street life with an actresses life. In her hand was a long iron chain similar to what most prisoners had around their legs when performing hard labor but it was missing the ball at the end, a fitting weapon for one who handed out sentences to criminals.
"Owwwie! Not fun…" Roseita Aries cried out as she forcibly against her small bodies protest pushed herself off her stomach
The girl was the tiniest of all the women who looked no more than 12. She had on the traditional S.T.A.R.S vestment but it was in a plant like green. Her brunette hair was in two pigtails each jutting out from the side of her head that went down her back and away from her shoulders. She was clasping a gold and silver gun in her hands, one of the only gifts of her late father.
"Ahhh…ow. Is everyone alright?" Diana Caprice called out while she adjusted her glasses
This girl was clad in a blue outfit and had long flowing golden blond hair with a blue head band running in it. She was about 19 in appearance and seemed frail to others but to her friends they knew it held a strong heart underneath. She seemed to emit a calm aura that more than likely stemmed from her generous nature. A small stun gun fell from her pocket as she picked herself up.
"Ah! Subaru are you okay?" Roseita asked as she ran over to help up her friend and one of her surrogate big sisters in the STAR division
"Yes, yes. Calm yourself Roseita. Subaru is in a sufficiently fine condition." The Japanese woman told the young girl as she accepted the hand up with her right.
Subaru, herself, was only slightly taller than Roseita. The woman had porcelain skin that was a stark contrast to her raven black hair. The woman's eyes were coal colored that seemed to take in everything before formulating logical ideas. Her S.T.A.R.S outfit was a distinct violet hue, in her left hand two folded fans were clutched together.
"Uggh…oww my butt hurts…" groaned out the fiery Gemini Sunrise
Gemini was about 17 in appearance like the other S.T.A.R.S she wore the same star shaped outfit but in a fiery and courageous red, a befitting color for the young samuraiess. Her long flowing red hair fell around her sides as she slowly picked herself up of the ground. In her right hand was the sword she obtained from her master and surrogate father, Master Mifune.
Slowly all the girls managed to collect themselves and gather their wits about them before glancing at Shinjiro, and letting out a sigh of relieve to see that he himself was still alright they slowly eyed the other figure standing in front of them before
"Nobunaga!" Subaru shouted in evident and undesired surprise that the person they had spent so much time and energy to defeat was still standing and looking as healthy as ever.
"Tch. Still breathing let me change that." Charon sneered out clearly pissed that the guy who threatened her family and friends wasn't six feet underground yet
All the girls raised their weapons threateningly, every single one of the preparing to attack with all their heart and soul but they were stopped but the one person they never expected.
"Wait! Everyone stand down." Shinjiro cried out raising his arms to get their attention
This action got some questioning looks from his fellow team mates as well as narrowed eyes at Nobunaga each one hoping that Nobunaga hadn't possessed Shinjiro in some way while they were out cold. A heavy tense silence reigned over everyone, not one making a move afraid of giving an opening that could spell doom for them. The standoff continued until Diana choose to speak up and voice their concern
"Are…are you sure Shin?" The worry evident on her face as she saw the sword strapped to Nobunaga's back that could seriously hurt them all if he drew it now that they were out of the STARS machines
Shinjiro nodded "Yes, I am Diana." His tone deathly serious and focused not once removing his eyes from the demon lord before him
The silence once again settled in but Nobunaga noticed that the women who were about to assault him slowly and a bit reluctant lowered their weapon and guards down to acknowledge the command from their de facto leader Shinjiro
Nobunaga glanced around and saw each weapon raised by the women lower by the boy's command 'Hmm. He could have said nothing and let his comrades finish me off, yet he did not. Perhaps…perhaps I can place my faith in him as well…' The dark emperor concluded to himself before returning his eyes to his possible ex-nemesis
"Nobunaga, please I'm willing to listen." The boy adamantly assured him
"Are your allies willing to do the same Shinjiro?" Nobunaga countered casting a quick eye at the cadre of beautiful women, who still encircled him ever careful incase this was a ploy by one of the girls to strike him when he least expected
Shinjiro broke his eyes away from Nobunaga and quickly glanced at all the girls looking to their individual eyes and slowly each one by one nodded in response, each one completely willing to trusting whatever the hell their leader was about to try and do, before facing back to Nobunaga and uttered a quick yes.
"Very well, to prevent the demon attacks from have ever happened you would actually have to look into my past or more specifically the past of my ancestors." said Nobunaga as he began to explain his plan to the group
"My ancestors originated from ancient china, during the era of the three kingdoms. They were a part of one of the major losing kingdoms in the era known as Wu. To my knowledge my Ancestors left bitter from their defeat at the hands of Jing dynasty also known as Wei at the time. Their hatred grew over time passing on from one generation to the next and eventually when it was passed unto me, I sought the strength to be unconquerable. I sought the strength of demons"
He paused to allow the information to sink in and closed his eyes before starting up again.
"For the longest time I had wondered if my ancestors of china were to have prevailed perhaps that would have changed the outlook of my ancestors and in turn changed each descendant including me for perhaps the better. For the longest time as a demon, I had always contemplated what would have happened should something have altered my past but I would always push the thought aside constantly giving into my hatred. That is until…"
He paused again but this time he opened his eyes and put the faintest ghost of a smile on his face
"That is until today. You, Shinjiro, you and your friends have brought back something I had long forgotten. You brought back hope to me."
The S.T.A.R. division members were both shocked and touched by what Nobunaga had said. One of the world's most powerful and influential men in his era was thanking them all in the most humble and honest way possible.
"Shinjiro-dono, I was wondering would you and your friend perhaps go back in time and allow my ancestors to win the war. I do not know if this will change anything but I truly believe only good can come of it. What do say?" The proud demon asked
The boy lowered his head slightly to think things over. On the one hand there was no telling how much danger may actually be involved in such a request, on the other the possibility to prevent all demon attacks in the future and present if he thought about it would be an infinitely safer world.
"Alright. I'll do it, however everyone else has a say in it too, agreed?" Shinjiro spoke letting it be known that their opinions truly mattered in all decisions he made
"But, of course. In my opinion, they have earned the right to make up their minds." Nobunaga agreed whole heartily
"I'm not sure I understand all the big stuff. But if Shins is gonna do it then so will I!" The small brunette exclaimed ever eager to help out her 'Shins'
"Weeeelll, if Shin is gonna go obviously SOMEONE has to keep him out of trouble" Charon replied with her trademark smirk
"Wait. Shiny is gonna go into the past and fight in a war? Against other warriors? I'll go too. Heck, I'll make master Mifune proud by showing his sword style off to the world!" The fiery red head joyously hollered all too happy to help extend her masters 'questionable' greatness to the wide world of china.
"I better come along as well. There are a lot of diseases you guys could get sick with after all." said Diana voicing her concern for everyone safety
"Shinjiro, do you honestly believe I would let you go by yourself?" Subaru replied with a smile on her face and her fan resting on her chin
Charon heard this and just couldn't resist the opening presented to her
"You didn't have to say anything Subaru. Everyone here knows you'd go through hell or high water for Shin here!" She ribbed before laughing out loud at seeing Subaru narrow her eyes dangerously at the comment
It was no small secret that over the course of the year Shinjiro and Subaru had become very close to the point that they could be considered dating one another. Unfortunately for them, they had forgotten that people were keeping their eyes on them so they never once considered keeping their 'relationship' on the low key end. Then again how many couples could claim their significant other would run around town dressed up as the opposite sex for a whole evening.
Shinjiro glanced back at Nobunaga smiling that his friends were willing to go with him despite that obvious peril involved with such a task.
'Thanks guys…' he thought tenderly with a smile before speaking again "It seems we all agree to your terms but we will need information on the matter."
"I understand. I will answer to the best of my knowledge." The man agreed slightly eager to assist these brave children
Subaru spoke up first "Tell us, you said your ancestors are from Wu. Who exactly is your relative?"
"My ancient relative was my great great great great great grandmother Sun Shang Xiang, otherwise known as Lady Sun of Wu."
"Subaru sees. So if we were to protect this Lady Sun, and help Wu win the war, then the demon attacks would be prevented?" she said hoping she was drawing the right conclusion
The man nodded "Yes, that is my belief. If my ancestry is safe and all bitter feeling are removed perhaps the hate will be nipped before it can bloom"
"Wait a second." Charon interrupted gaining everyone's attention as she felt she really needed to say this "Wouldn't it be easier if we just helped you out or maybe someone a little closer to you in the family tree rather than someone else who's that far away?"
Nobunaga was about to respond but Subaru answered for him
"No. It would be too risky." The androgynous girl replied tersely
"Risky what do you mean Subaru?" Diana asked wondering why it wouldn't be a good idea to help a younger Nobunaga
Subaru turned to face Miss Caprice before launching into her explanation "Nobunaga has never met us in his life until now. So if we were to return into his past and encountered him it could have a negative effect on the past because he did not meet us until this era in time. The reason he would send us to help this other person is because of the ripple effect. If we change the events in the three kingdoms era then it would ripple down Nobunaga's ancestry and eventually Nobunaga himself safely. We also would not have to worry quite so much of negative side effects because we would never encounter Nobunaga directly or anyone that would live to tell the tale. A rather ingenious idea, I would say." She finished thoroughly impressed at the confirmation of Nobunaga's theory and precautions
Roseita and Gemini both sweat dropped at the explanation before both shouted out
"Too many big words. I don't get it!" The Mexican girl whined while flailing her arms childishly, feeling left out of the conversation
"Ahhh….can you say it…so other people can ya know understand it better Su?" The Texan sweat dropped indirectly admitting her mind wasn't as sharp as her blade
Shinjiro decided maybe he should try his luck, since it was a strange concept to grasp he thought maybe he could dumb it down a bit. "I think what Subaru is saying is that we don't want to be too big of an influence on Nobunaga's life." He roughly summarized
"Oh okay. That makes sense." Both girls replied while nodding their head
"Mr. Oda, how long exactly was this war between the three kingdoms?" Diana asked
"Roughly 70 years from beginning to end"
"That could be a problem." Shinjiro voiced his concern
"Huh? Why is that a problem Shins?" Roseita innocently questioned
"Well you see Roseita. 70 years is a really long time in fact aside from Nobunaga here nobody would live that long. So what the problem is: What do we do about that." Charon explained to her
That did throw a rather large kink into their plan to help which really dampen the spirits of the young group when they couldn't come up with a logical plan of action to over come that particular obstacle. Nobunaga tried to suppress his chuckle but found it impossible and he broke out into a high and clearly amused laughter.
"You children truly believe that I would actually send you into the past without some measure of insurance?" The demon mused merrily, his smirk growing by the second
"You have a way around this problem, Lord Nobunaga?" Subaru questioned raising an eye brow mildly interested in hearing Nobunaga's counter against the enemy known as time
"I am a demon, young miss. To cast a spell to extend your lives and keep you looking and feeling young in the mean time would be mere child's plays. While it is true I was sealed up by the five ring mandala by both yours and Shinjiro's ancestors that is not the only reason I look quite so young myself." He proudly declared knowing that what can't be solved logically must be solved absurdly, fight fire with fire after all. The S.T.A.R.S actually had to admit the demon king had a point, he simply didn't look a day over thirty and that was probably saying a lot given the time period in which he lived in where people died before reaching age 25.
"Ok, Mr. Nobunaga sir. So all we have to do is protect Lady Sun and ensure that Wu comes out on top in the war. That doesn't sound too hard." Gemini asked to ensure they had the right objectives down so they wouldn't screw up.
He nodded slightly "That is correct young miss."
"Very well, then since we are all in accord with your wishes. Would you please cast you enchantment so that we may uphold our respective end of the agreement?" Subaru asked
"Hai!" The demon exclaimed before he started to gather his pnuema energy and began chant out loud.
"! Seshiw tsal ym llifluf ot yrassecen efii tsegnol eht evil snomed thgif ot egaruoc eht evah ohw ,nam of nerdlihc eseht teL" (2)
A golden orb of light emerged from the demonic sorcerers hand and slowly separated and disappeared inside each of the individuals surrounding him
"There it is done. You should not have to worry about the age problem any longer" The man smirked which then fell away as he grew serious "However just because you are now slightly harder to kill, does not mean you brats are immortal, so remain vigilant in your endeavor."
"We understand and thank-you for everything, Lord Oda." Shinjiro thanked while he bowed humbly to him
"No thank-you boy. I do however have two smaller requests if you would not mind my asking."
"I don't mind please go ahead."
"First may I have that mirror that you carried with you? I…would like to see the truth you saw with it"
Shinjiro nodded albeit slightly reluctant and handed the mirror over to Nobunaga who pocket the trinket
"And the second will you allow me to reside in your soul? I would like to see the world through your eyes if you would." Nobunaga requested
"It's not a problem at all."
Nobunaga bowed deeply before he spoke "Thank-you Shinjiro-dono, now allow me to open the portal to the era that awaits you."
"!tsap eht fo dlrow eht gnoma klaw ot slatrom eseht wolla sgnik fo gnik eht rof nepo dna llac ym raeH" He chanted out
A dark portal opened up in front of them, nothing could be seen only an ever expanding blackness. The STARS noticed the figure of Nobunaga slowly begin to become transparent and slowly he placed his hand on Shinjiro before he fully disappeared. Shinjiro slowly shuddered as a chill ran through his body.
"Shinjiro are you ok?" His girlfriend Subaru voiced her concern for her captain and unofficial boyfriend
Shinjiro flexed his arms and moved his body a bit to make sure that nothing was wrong before he turned to his worried friends
"I'm ok. Just felt a bit strange from the experience but I'm alright now." He reassured the group but more specifically Subaru
"Anyway…" Shinjiro turned to the black gaping hole in front of them "Are you guys ready?"
They all firmly grabbed the weapons they were holding before acknowledging his question
"Yep Shins!"
"I was born ready!"
"Ready as ever, Shiny!"
"I fear nothing with you, Shin."
"I'll do my best to help everyone!"
"All right, New York Combat Revue, let's do it!"
The youths ran through the hole not once glancing back. They continued to run until eventually a blinding light over took them all.
To be continued…
Nobunaga: "To entrust the future to a handful of children. Some would call it a fool's gambit. However, I have learned that in the 50 years that humanity lives in comparison to affair between heaven and earth. I have found out that the human spirit is the strongest asset a person could ever have."
Nobunaga: "Next episode of Sakura Warriors 'Welcome to the new land'."
Nobunaga: "Perhaps they are the ones to erase my families hate…"
Nobunaga: "Bang to the roof tops!"
Blackout 2010: Well that's it for the prologue. Thank-you all for reading so far, I'll now answer some questions that might be on some people's minds.
Q1: Will we ever see the Sakura Universe again?
A: No, Aside from possibly a brief cut scene in the next chapter(s). No
R (reason): State side only Sakura Wars So long my Love has reached here, so I don't want to do a story that would totally f*ck up the universe of the story.
Q2: Will there be pairings?
A: Yes. The only guaranteed pairing is Shinjiro X Subaru. A couple of other girls I have slight ideas toward but I might consider pairings what the reviewers ask (though I have final say since it may conflict with the story).
R: See above.
Q3: Aside from the stars will anyone else be showing up in the fic?
A: As stated aside from a possible brief cut scene no.
R: See 1
Q4: If Nobunaga could send people into the past why didn't he send his generals or army to help then?
A: Aside from the fact he was too furious and concentrating on his current goals and not dwelling on the past (in a manner of speaking). He could not trust his lower ranking soldier/army to complete the task without screwing something up (since people are afraid of demons) add in the fact that maybe there were dissenter within his ranks so him going "I need you to protect my ancestor from dying if she dies I die understand?" would not have been smart.
Q5: Ok so why not send in a general like Ranmaru or something?
A: He really needed them for his invasion of earth. If he were to send them back in time then he would have almost no way of knowing how the results would go and then he'd be out of a good demon general, so not in option.
Author's Note
(1) Ranmaru was rumored to be one of Nobunaga's lovers historically the other I believe are Mitsuhide Akechi and Lady Noh
(2) Read the chants from right to left and write down each letter as you go and you'll get what he said.