Chapter 1: The Judgment Day
The eerie smell of burning wood and flesh stifled the air they breathed. She stood their patiently, unwavering as the sounds of clanking metal and shrill cries for mercy resonated throughout the capital. Just a few hours ago it had been completely at peace with the sweet hums of dancing moths and the tender breathes of the sleeping horses creating a harmonious melody. Now all she heard was death's requiem for the fallen and a horrid death knell that seemed to cry out for her beloved.
Her hands tightly clutched a pair of gilded claws. It had only been one fortnight ago when they were completely sheathed. Now they glowed vibrantly in the dim glow of the lanterns as if they waited to serve their mistress. With a small glance to her left she stumbled upon…her. The fair maiden she gazed upon shook violently holding dearly onto a child's toy that apparently served as her weapon of choice. She scoffed at the notion of such an embarrassment. No wonder her husband had been so easily slain…
"..L..lady…Lady Noh.." she muttered, her soft hazel eyes meeting with Noh's entrancing stare. "What is it..Oichi?" she whispered with a slight hint of annoyance. "I…I..will protect Nobunaga…with all my strength…" she vehemently proclaimed. Lady Noh smirked slightly in approval.
Although he disposed of your husband…you still seek his approval? Perhaps…it is because you desire pity to quell your wretched loneliness.
The flames grew fiercer…the smell of blood and ash grew more pungent…and the deafening scream of Ranmaru sent a silent chill within the temple grounds. Oichi's shaking grew in intensity and her knees began to buckle.
Maybe she senses the end… maybe just her own…by no means will it be Nobunaga's…his life belongs rightfully to me…just me. I am his goddess…I am the only one who can decide when he dies…
Noh observed the troops around them and they too felt uneasy. The sound of metal clashing against wood drew her attention to the large doors that barred the traitors from entering the sacred grounds. Wood began to chip away as the heavy spears pierced the weathered maple. Within the bursting seams she saw a sea of flames.
I'm ready…..
The doors burst open and within a matter of seconds the tides of war rushed forth. Before the massive wave of sullied warriors he stood…him..the traitor. His garment was perfectly pure in color although his katana reflected the beast he truly was. Blood dribbled off its edge, its once vibrant sheen was now replaced with a rusty crimson red. Without a second for objection Noh glided forth her claws poised for destruction.
In a hypnotic trance she danced throughout a group of soldiers, slashing through armor, weapons, faces, and throats. Several squabbles began to break out between the two opposing factions. Oichi had managed to subdue her fears and assisted with her skull-bashing..toy. She had delayed her actions, however, which had cost her several of her bodyguards.
The Oda forces were clearly outnumbered. Noh and Oichi managed to destroy the first round but the legions were endless and they had suffered severe casualties. Noh casually whipped her claws splashing the blood of her victims poetically onto the ground. Mitsuhide responded by holding his katana horizontally preventing the further passage of some of his troops. A duel was about to commence….between the Beast and the Viper…
