Woot! Happy 20th story~ Hello my lovelies, long time no story. I've recently been smitten with the amazing Date Masamune and I couldn't resist writing a story about him. As for my usual readers I will have a SuperMartian, KougamiAkane, and MikotoAnna fic up within the month.
This is based on Masamune's actual wife Megohime the description of her is based off of Samurai Warriors design. Please enjoy and review.
Chapter One
For The Likes of You
For the first time in a while, it was a time of peace. The One eyed dragon and his men decided to celebrate in Mutsu, being that they rarely travel so north. Masamune smirked as he made his way through the village. His helmet in one hand, and takoyaki in the other. "Mmmm, man Kojuro this is the best takoyaki I've ever had." The one eyed dragon laughed as he ate the delicious skewered octopus dumpling snack.
"Lord Date, I'm glad that you're enjoying yourself, but even you mustn't allow these are times of peace to spoil you" he laughed walking beside him.
"Aw don't be a wet blanket Kojuro. Just enjoy yourself. Heh, you might wanna try being like flower boy. He's got the right idea" he gestured toward Keiji, who was participating in a parade. Due to his constant traveling it was only a matter of time before they crossed paths again. "I'm gonna grab more takoyaki" As he made his way toward the vendor's stand he felt a young boy run by him. He didn't really give it a second thought, being that the streets were crowded because of the festivities.
A rather large man pushed past Masamune to get to the boy. "Hold it there ya bastard!" the man grabbed the kid by the arm, yanking him up "You dare steal food from me? Do you know that's like stealing from Lord Keiro himself. You should be taught a lesson" he slammed the boy on the ground and drew his sword. "Maybe you should lose a finger, or maybe a hand." the boy couldn't have been any older than eight years old. He cried, dropping the rice ball and cradling his his arm.
"Leave him alone!" a woman with dark brown hair walked passed the One eyed dragon. Masamune glanced at her before turning his attention back to the takoyaki vendor and buying more food.
"Shut up wench, do you have any idea who you are talking to? I'm a samurai for Lord Keiro Kitagami. My name is Katsunosuke Iwa-"
"It doesn't matter who you are!" she looked down at the kid and handed him a new rice ball."You ok?" she knealed down and helped him up. The boy nodded and sniffled as she examined his arm. "Nothing seems to be broken." she gave him a kind smile, and playfully ruffled his hair. "Don't steal from anyone that you're not willing to fight" he nodded. "Go on home" she watched the boy run into the crowd.
Masamune raised an eyebrow, he smirked to himself before biting his takoyaki. Heh, this girl's got spirit.
"Oh I get it, you're gonna pay me back" The samurai stepped closer to her, he lowered his sword as a lecherous smile graced his face. "Gimmie a kiss and we'll call it even"
"A kiss? Is that all you want?" She looked down briefly and began to draw a small blade; Allowing Katsunosuke to move in closer. In a blink of an eye, she stepped in closer and disarmed him of his sword. Her blade pressed against the flesh of his neck."Men like you have no right to serve under a lord., you taint the honorable name of a samurai. Using your power to bully others and yet you handle your blade with such whim. You bring shame to the flag you fight under. You are not even worth the kill." her eyes narrowed. "Haven't you brought enough shame to Lord Keiro? Get out of here!" she lowered her blade as the man slowly backed away and ran from her.
"You'll have to answer to Lord Keiro. Mark my word!" he shouted, running into the crowd.
She sighed and shook her head. "Empty threats"
The One eyed dragon blinked in disbelief. She disarmed him with a tanto blade? I almost missed it myself, it was so fast. She's so small and yet she fought with such strength. Though her little speech reminded me of Yukimura.
She slipped her tanto blade back into it's lavender lacquered sheath and looked over her shoulder. Her gaze met with Masamune's a small smile formed on her lips, before she placed her blade into her obi and walked away. She was very beautiful, her lips a soft plump pink, her eyes a bright brown. She had two flowers intertwined painted on the back of her green yukata; her dark brown hair was loosely pinned up into a bun.
He lost her in the crowd before Kojuro came up beside him. "Boss Masamune what was taking you so long? What was that commotion about?"
He hadn't noticed how long he'd stared at her, but he couldn't shake her image from his mind."Oh Kojuro, there was a woman...spunky little thing, took on one of Keiro's men."
"A woman?" The Dragon's right eye crossed his arms. "One of lord Keiro's men huh? That's unfortunate."
"What are you talking about Kojuro?"
"Let's just say Keiro's men are all but honorable, and won't think twice about cutting down a woman because she embarrassed them."
"I think she'll be alright. You should have seen it Kojuro. She moved so fast, if you blinked you would have missed the whole thing."
"You seemed pretty infatuated with this woman." Kojuro smiled at seeing Masamune show the slightest bit of interest in someone.
"Ha, don't be ridiculous. Now let's go find that ramen place, that vagabond raved about." the two samurai made there way deeper into the village. The festivities continued for the night, dancing singing, food, and performances. Soon enough the sun had gone down and it was well into the night.
"Lord Date, perhaps we should make our way back to Oshu." Kojuro suggested.
"Aw hell, I guess we stayed later than expected. Oshu's an entire day's travel, so we can begin the journey and camp out."
"I'll gather the men" Kojuro bowed, as he turned around three of his men came running to him. "What's going on? What happened?"
"Big Boss! Master Katakura!" they panted heavily. "Y-Yoshinao, he was taken, w-we were out numbered."
"Taken? By who!?" yelled Kojuro.
"Lord Keiro's men. They were trying to take a woman, who showed great kindness to us. Yoshinao tried to protect her, but they took him too."
"They took one of my men? Alright that bastard Keiro has my attention. Whose up for a rescue mission?" Masamune placed his helmet on and smirked.
"Boss Masamune, are you planning on storming Keiro's castle to rescue that woman and Yoshinao? We'll be severely outnumbered." The dragon's right eye questioned.
"Heh, I know, but even you think we're getting kinda lazy in these times of peace." Masamune smirked at him. "Besides, I need a challenge, and look we can even claim Keiro's castle. Two birds one stone." Kojuro gathered the men and their horses and they rode to Lord Keiro's castle, Date's flags held high. "Are you guys ready?! Let's go kick some ass!" Storming into the courtyard of the castle Masamune spotted Yoshinao tied to a post. "Kojuro, free them. I'm going after Keiro" he drew one of his swords and ran into the castle, leaving his horse.
As he made it to the main room of the castle he spotted Lord Keiro. The room had been set on fire, and he held a blade to the young woman's neck. "You can't kill me without killing her" he pressed the blade against her skin further.
"Heh, lucky for you I barley know the girl" The one eyed dragon smirked. Though, it wouldn't be much of a rescue mission if I ended up killing her in the process.
"I'll burn it to the ground!" Keiro laughed manically "I'll burn it all before giving anything to you"
The woman struggled to get out of his grasp. She knew that Masamune couldn't get a clean shot with her so close to him. If I do nothing I die...If I do something I...might die...but...I have to try. She made eye contact with Masamune before grabbing the tea pot beside her on, and throwing it into Keiro's face, spilling the hot tea on him. As he grabbed his face and yelled out in agony she fell to the ground. Taking the opportunity Masamune moved through the flame and in one swift move cut down Keiro. She looked up at Masamune. The way he moves...six swords...the eye patch over his right eye...Is it really him?...Date Masamune...the One eyed Dragon...Big Boss of Oshu."
He grabbed her by the arm, pulling her up."Let's go!" he tossed her on the back of his horse. Masamune rode out of the castle and looked back at the burning building. He sighed. "What a waste" Claiming the castle didn't mean much if it burned to the ground."You alright Yoshinao?" he looked down at his troops.
"Yes, Big boss. Sorry for causing all this trouble" he bowed begging for forgiveness.
The woman sighed. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this Yoshinao...and taking up your time One eyed Dragon of Oshu." she looked down at him and his men. "Please, spend the night in my families castle. You can have a good nights meal, bathe, and a place to sleep. It's the least I can do for being such a nuisance."
"Sir, it may be a good idea to take her up on her offer." Kojuro suggested.
"Alright, alright. We'll go" Masamune crossed his arms over his chest. She smiled and gave them directions to Miharu Castle. After a short journey they made there way into the courtyard. There was a middle aged man standing in the courtyard. His arms crossed over his chest, a few of his men by his side. His eyes softened seeing his daughter on the back of one of the horses.
"I see that my daughter has done nothing but cause more trouble for people."
She hopped off of the One eyed Dragon's horse and walked toward him. "Father...these men saved me...I offered them lodging and food. Please allow them to stay here."
He nodded and gently caressed her hair. "I am Tamura Kiyoaki." He smiled gestured the men toward the stable for their horses. "The Big Boss of Oshu saved my only daughter's life. I am forever indebted to you." he bowed. "Please make yourselves at home." In any other circumstance he would have denied strangers lodging, but the fact that his daughter asked and it was Date Masamune that he approved it. Lord Date's name was known far and wide for not only being a great commander, but a benevolent leader to his people and troops.
The castle servants cooked meals for the troops and the men of Oshu settled in their rooms for the night. Masamune changed into his blue hakama and white gi after his bath. "Ah that felt good." he stretched out on the futon.
"Yes, it was kind of Tamura to offer his home and an alliance with the Date."
There were two figures standing outside of the screen door. "Lord Date." it was a soft and sweet voice.
"Come in" Masamune called out and sat up on the futon. It was the woman from earlier. She changed into a pink yukata and her dark brown hair was down in a braid, that went passed her lower back.
"I brought you and Master Katakura some sake, it's the finest in all of Mutsu." She smiled brightly making her way inside, she was followed by her father. They both took there seats on the ground as she poured them each a cup.
Masamune smirked as she filled his cup. "Thanks, what's your name anyway?" It had bothered him for most of the day not knowing her name, but there had never been a proper opportunity to ask.
She blushed softly "Oh, I'm sorry. How rude of me." she bowed. "I am Tamura Megohime of Mutsu."
"You wield one hell of a blade kid." he sipped the sake and laughed.
"Thank you Lord Date. I learned from my grandfather, he was a great samurai, the greatest in all of Mutsu." she smiled brightly. "When he was alive, they said that he took out half a troop with one strike." She looked up at with bright wide eyes.
"Ha, well that explains a lot. He taught you well. You should have seen her Kojuro, she was fearless." he took another sip of his sake. "Can you imagine the damage she could have done with a real sword?"
"Lord Date, your words are too kind. If only he knew how to handle his sword, then I would have been in trouble. He held his blade so carelessly and one handed." she looked over at his swords. "A samurai must fight with pride. There weapon isn't just a mere piece of metal, it's an extension of themselves. All of their might, will, and heart concentrated in one blade...or in your case six blades" she giggled "If a swordsmen do not hold it with pride...then they might as well retreat because their opponent will not be as forgiving."
Man...her speeches rival Yukimura's, she doesn't even wield an actual samurai sword. She has the fire of a warrior. "Heh, I'll drink to that. Forgiveness is not something that'll be found on my battlefield" he took another sip of his sake.
"Megohime is my only daughter" her father interjected suddenly "Although she is brave...she is foolish, and I worry that one day it'll get her killed." her father's voice was laced in sadness. "So Please I beg of you, Lord Date Masamune, Big Boss of Oshu, take my daughter's hand in marriage!" Tamura yelled out and bowed, his head against the floor.
"F-father!" Megohime almost dropped the sake and stare in disbelief. Never had she seen her father bow in such a matter. He was a very proud man, usually he would hold his head up high.
"Wh-what?" Masamune coughed and blinked. "Raise your head sir. I'm sorry but I don't-"
"Lord Date please! Please take my daughter! She's my most precious treasure..."
Megohime's eyes swelled with tears. "Father..." she whispered.
Kojuro stood up "Masamune a word in private."
The one eyed dragon nodded. "Please excuse us for a moment" he followed Kojuro into the hall. "Man, can you believe that? Marriage." he laughed.
"Masamune...I think you should consider it...Having a wife will not only solidify your alliance with Mutsu, but it will bring about having an heir to lead the Date family when you retire."
"Kojuro, I'm not interested in having a wife or a child right now. Besides, she isn't my type."
"She's a beautiful woman, brave, strong, and daring. The type of woman that will stand by your side in battle. Admit it Masamune...you haven't been able to shake her from your mind...at least consider it."
"I don't know Kojuro...marriage...it's just-"
"Father please...why are you doing this? Why are you trying to get rid of me...?" Megohime's voice echoed. Masamune raised an eyebrow hearing the argument just passed the rice paper screen door.
"Megohime...You will surely be killed if you remained here. The other generals have grown impatient with your antics...I can no longer take care of you...Lord Date can protect you. He's young, strong, and one of the most feared generals of the east...I fear what will come of you if you stay in Mutsu...it's only a matter of time before another tyrant general comes and forces you to be his wife...At least with Lord Date I know you will be safe...and that is all that I wish for..." he placed his hands on her shoulders. "So for once in your life do as your told...be a good wife..."
"Father...I never meant to bring any shame to our family...All I've wanted was to make you and grandfather proud..." she sobbed.
Masamune looked over at Kojuro and sighed. Without another word to him he slid open the door. "I'll marry her." The words escaped his mouth before he had a moment to reconsider. A part of him pitied her father. He was right. If today is just like a regular day for her, next time she might not be as lucky...
Kojuro smiled and followed bowed. "We shall bring Lady Megohime to Oshu with us in the morning. Arrangements for their marriage can be made later."
Megohime stood up, wiped her tears and looked into Masaumne's grey eyes. "Lord Date Masamune. I will be your betrothed. I will stand by your side and serve the Date clan as best I can." She bowed. "I will make my family proud." She looked up to Kojuro "Master Katakura, Lord Masamune. I shall see you in the morning." she bowed once again. "Have a good night." she closed the door behind her and looked up at the moon as tears streamed down her cheeks. She returned to her bedroom and packed only the essentials, not wanting to be a burden on Masamune and his men. I suppose there are worst choices in husbands...Lord Date seems to hold himself with honor...and he is quite handsome...and not too much older than me... She winced at the thought of being forced to marry an overlord old enough to be her grandfather. I should hold my head high, make my family proud...
As morning came Megohime packed a small bag and said her goodbyes to the servants, and her father. She sat on top of Masamune's horse. "Lord Masamune may I ask you a question?"
Masamune slipped his helmet on as he climbed onto his horse. "What is it?"
"Why do you have handle bars and chrome piping on your horse?" she giggled.
"Why the hell not?" he laughed "Let's ride boys! Ya!" he took off on his horse. Megohime, wrapped her arms around his waist as the horse began to pick up speed.
"Lady Megohime, we should reach Oshu in a days travel." Kojuro called out to her. "If you need to rest and stretch your legs, please do not hesitate to ask."
"I'll be fine Master Katakura" she smiled. "This is actually kind of fun" I've never left Mutsu before...the forest is so beautiful..it's so vast. There was an entire world out there for her to see. A part of her was scared, but more than anything she was excited to embark on the new chapter of her life."Lord Masamune, how fast can we go?"
He smirked "Hah! Hold on tight" his horse took off faster into the woods.
After a night's travel they finally arrived in Oshu early morning. As usual Lord Date was welcomed with the smiles of the people that served under him.
"Welcome back Lord Date!" a few of the women called out.
"Master Katakura you look well!" a elderly man called out.
"Big Boss is home!" some children cheered.
Megohime giggled. "Your people sure look happy to see you"
"Naturally" he smirked as he rode his horse into his palace. Although, the estate was large it was humble. It was obvious that men lived there; it lacked a feminine touch, a warm welcome, and beauty. Getting off his horse ,he helped Megohime to the ground.
"So this is where you live?" she asked looking around the estate.
"Yeah, I know it's no castle princess, but it's home."
She looked up at him. "Lord Masamune...since I will soon be your wife...do you mind if I decorate a bit?"
"What the...You're here, not even five minutes and you want to go changing stuff." he sighed and crossed his arms "Do whatever you want."
Kojuro smiled as he took the horses to the stable. Never had he seen a couple better matched. Although they hadn't known each other long he had a feeling that this would work out.
She smiled "Thank you, my lord" she made her way inside the house, slipping off her slippers by the door. "Where do I sleep?"
Masamune slipped off his helmet following behind her. "Huh? Oh just ah...pick a room. We have a bunch of vacant rooms in this hall."
"How many people live here?"
"In the main house just Kojuro and I, but some of the troops live on the property in the other house."
She nodded "Ok, then I guess I'll just take one of the spare rooms and-"
"Boss Masamune, Lady Megohime isn't it customary for a wife to lay with her husband" Kojuro smirked.
"Kojuro!" Masamune yelled, a dark blush against his cheek. What the hell is he trying to pull?
"Master Katakura!" Megohime looked down shyly, hiding her blush. "T-technically I'm only Lord Masamune's betrothed, I-it may not be appropriate for us to-"
"What are you two afraid of?" Kojuro laughed as he readied the tea.
"I'm not afraid of anything!" the two yelled in unison defensively.
"Then I shall drop off Lady Megohime's bag in your room."
Megohime blushed heavily and shook her head. "Master Katakura I can carry my own bag. Just point me toward his room." I'm not afraid of sleeping with Lord Masamune! How dare he make such an assumption!
Masamune sighed "It's down the hall, last door on your right." She nodded and bowed before taking his leave. "Geez Kojuro, whatcha trying to do to me? I'm marrying her isn't that enough."
He chuckled as he sipped a cup of tea "Boss Masamune, you do know what being a husband entails right?"
"Shut up Kojuro." he huffed and stormed out of the kitchen, embarrassed.
Megohime walked to the bedroom. It was a rather large room, but it lacked any form of décor other than a sword on the wall. It barley looked lived in, but that was to be expected since Masamune and his men were constantly leaving Oshu to take more land. There was a small tea table, a lantern and a single futon. Setting down her bag against a wall, she walked over to one of the doors. Sliding it open there was a bare garden and a fountain. This will be a good spot for my garden. She walked outside and kneeled beside some of the dead flowers, and began to dig a few small holes with her fingers. She reached inside her obi and pulled out a small lavender pouch.
Masamune leaned on the door way behind her, watching her carefully with his arms crossed over his chest. "Good luck getting something to grow here." He'd lived in that estate for as long as he could remember, but never had he seen life there.
She looked over her shoulder and giggled. "Lord Masamune, you mustn't underestimate the power of will." she gestured for him to come over.
Shrugging, he rolled his eyes and joined her. "Huh? What will? There just plants." She placed his hand in her own and poured the contents of the bag into his palm. "What are these?"
"Watermelon seeds" she chimed and gently made him pour the seeds into the holes. Using his hand, she guided him to cover the holes with dirt. She stepped away leaving him dumbfounded as she grabbed a small pitcher of water from the fountain. Slowly she poured the water on top of the newly planted watermelon seeds. "You see Lord Masamune...these little seeds have so much determination...they're gonna grow from the seeds and sprout into huge fruit...and even though the ground is pushing against them, and they have to go through so much...eventually they will find the light...plants always grow upward..." She looked up to the shining sun and reached her hand out. "They grow toward the sun...getting to the sun is it's motivation...It's something to fight for" she laughed and leaned her head on her knees and looked over at him as she giggled. "At least, I think it's nicer to think that way."
His eyes soften as he watched her. She looks so at ease...how the hell can someone be so happy talking about a damn fruit? When her eyes met with him he was caught off guard. They were so big, so full of hope. Instinctually, he leaned in and tilted her chin up. Her mouth parted as she let out a small gasp before his lips met with hers. It was a sweet and gentle kiss; one that said that he was willing to give their marriage a chance. After a brief moment of hesitation she responded to his kiss, her hand found it's way to his chest as she relaxed. Slowly he broke the kiss, her cheeks were blushing a bright pink as she looked up at him. He smirked and chuckled "I guess it is nice to think that way." he stood up and brushed the dirt off of his hands. "I'm gonna go practice..." he walked away before she could get another word out. He licked his lips, making his way back toward the house. He couldn't explain it, but he both loved and hated being around her. There was something about her energy and sincerity that made him calm, but at the same time there was something about her eyes that made him feel uneasy. It was if she could see right through him. Past all of his barriers. She made him feel to exposed.
Masamune spent the rest of his day practicing his swordsmen ship. Kojuro tended to the rice fields as usual. Megohime found herself in the village shopping for ingredients for dinner. Being that there was no one else in the main house she figured that either Kojuro or Masamune cooked. They'll probably be tired after working...maybe I should make them something special. As she shopped for the groceries, her mind kept wandering back to the kiss that they shared. He kissed me...but why...I guess he doesn't have to explain himself...is it possible that he actually harbors feelings for me...? She grazed her lips with her finger tips, they were still warm from the kiss. Word spread quick about her engagement to the One eyed Dragon of Oshu, luckily for her she was able to get her ingredients rather cheaply.
After working in the rice fields Kojuro made his way into the kitchen. Usually he'd begin cooking after he finished working, but much to his delight he smelled something appetizing brewing. Megohime continued to chop the veggies and add them to the boiling bowl. She had to keep herself busy around the house, anything to stop her from thinking of that kiss.
"Lady Megohime that smells delicious." Kojuro bowed.
"Better than delicious." The one eyed dragon of Oshu followed behind him and set his swords down. "Ya know this whole marriage thing might work out" Masamune took his seat on the floor mat.
"Welcome home Lord Masamune, Master Katakura, it's almost done." she continued to stir the ingredients. She kept her eyes on the hot pot and tried to stay focus on it. After a few moments she placed the boiling hot pot in front of them. "Ta'da homemade sukiyaki! Eat up" she clapped happily.
Masamune dug in and smiled "Man! This is delicious!"
She leaned her head on her hand "From the looks of it, you would think that you guys never eat." she giggled softly. "You have to keep up your strength if you're gonna be marching into battle everyday"
"Sukiyaki isn't exactly an easy dish for us to make" Kojuro smiled and sipped his sake.
"Yeah, normally we'd just eat okayo or rice balls. Heh, if you don't watch it you'll spoil me." he smiled at her before continuing to scarf down his dinner.
"There are worst things..." she whispered to herself. She wasn't sure if he'd heard her but there eyes met once again. She blushed softly and began to eat her own bowl. Maybe living here won't be that bad...After dinner Megohime took a hot bath then made her way to their room. She changed into a soft pink robe and wore her hair down to dry. She slid open the door and felt her cheeks heat up. There were candles lit around the room and the side door was open giving a few of the beautiful large moon.
Masamune was dressed in a loose blue robe, the top of his chest partially exposed. She was still in shock at how different he looked out of uniform. There was almost a weight of responsibility lifted when he took off his helmet. He looked younger, carefree, and even happier. A sincere happiness and not the cocky mask of arrogance that he wore in battle.
There were two futons on the ground side by side. The One eyed dragon looked up at her as she opened the door. "Hey..." he nervously ran his hand through his dark brown hair. "It's not what it looks like...damn Kojuro set up the room" Dammit, first I kiss her and then she sees the room like this. He sighed. "I'll move the futons apart." As he moved down to separate them he felt her soft hand on top of his.
"It's ok...I mean we'll have to sleep together eventually..." She sat down on the futon and blushed looking away. "What type of wife would I be if I couldn't tolerate sleeping by my lord husband?" She crawled underneath the blanket of the futon and rolled on her side."Good night Lord Masamune" she said with a smile on her face.
He nodded "Goodnight." he blew out the candles around the room and closed the door from the garden. He laid down beside her and couldn't help but watch her sleep. That woman...
To Be Continued...
Thanks for reading everyone! I hope you enjoyed it. I'll have the next chapter up soon, so please review. This probably won't run longer than 5 or 6 chapters, I look forward to sharing the rest of my story with you. As for the"Teen" rating it's for later chapters for when things get a bit more steamy.
Sukiyaki- is a Japanese hot pot
Okayo- is a rice porridge, it's cheap and easy to cook.