The second of the 100 challenge i'm trying to do. Motivation has suddenly struck me for a few of the prompts, but no doubt I will struggle with a few of them. Here I give you number 11. Numerical order is for squares. c:

11- Red

It was a colour he often saw, splattered across his lord's armies and territories. He paid it no heed at all, even as it trickled across his weapon, occasionally spilling onto his white jacket (albeit he detested when this happened). He held no hatred for the colour red, except when he held it in his palm, trembling as his body convulsed violently, flecks of the liquid trickling down his chin. It always disgusted him, this weakness.

As each day dragged on it became harder to hide the sickness from his lord, so when the time came for his body to fail him in front of Hideyoshi, the strategist felt shame and anger at himself. Despite his lord's acceptance of his condition, Hanbei continued on like he was perfectly fine, ignoring the doctor's advice on many occasions.

'Hanbei, have you taken what the doctor gave you?'

'I do not need it, but thank you for your concern Hideyoshi.'

'Don't make me order you to take it...'

'...I shall before I sleep tonight Hideyoshi.'

Both of them knew he wouldn't take it. In fact, Hideyoshi would be surprised if he'd sleep at all most nights, knowing his strategist would not sleep unless he was content with his plans, which was a rarity, even if they were flawless.

He held a memory of one time during a battle, it continually plagued him even now. His sickness had crippled him, rendering him near to helpless as he shook, using his sword to prop himself up, refusing to bow to his illness. A nameless dog from the opposing army had raised his blade, posing to strike him down; fear shot through him for a split second as he waited almost calmly for death's embrace. It never came.

'Retreat Hanbei, I cannot lose you.'

'I cannot-'

'I order you to retreat.'

'...Of course, Hideyoshi'

It still stung him to think he'd caused his lord trouble like that, tearing him away from the battle to protect him. Though another emotion stirred in his chest at such a notion, one that was foreign to him in every way and that he'd never felt before. He knew his lord only shielded him from the attack because he wanted him for his tactics, nothing more.

'What am I to you, Hideyoshi?'

'You are the person who I trust most of all, Hanbei.'

'I will never fail you.'

'I believe you Hanbei. I need you by my side for when Japan is mine.'

Whenever he heard that word, the masked strategist always felt his chest burn with a different kind of feeling to one of his attacks. To think Hideyoshi needed him was always a thought that Hanbei savoured. Perhaps to an extent he needed his lord too, choosing to forget about everything that happened before he crossed paths with Hideyoshi.

He clawed at the wall while his body thrashed against it, crimson liquid speckling his hand as he choked on the little air he had. The cold weather had always troubled his chest, even though he kept his room warm. Shaking, he straightened up, moving to sit at his desk, catching sight of his bloodied hand.

Not until you have victory in your grasp Hideyoshi. Only then shall I leave you.

/secretly have fuzzies for this pairing. Hope you enjoyed it c: