Sorry for being late, holidays were a pain in the ass.
Thanks to mizzmuzz for following and favoriting. ^^
Disclaimer: I own neither show, I'm simply taking advantage of these characters 'cause I'm too damn lazy to create my own.
Chapter 10: Honnou-ji
"This party is invitation only, Yukimura, so you better be ready to kick some serious ass!"
"My heart burns bright with the passion of battle! I shall face whatever awaits at Honnou-ji with all my might!"
Unrelenting they pushed their horses forward, simply jumping over whatever obstacle decided to block their path, keeping their focus on the grim clouds in the distance, no doubt in their minds that the Devil King was there.
Old Man Takeda, don't kick off just yet. I'm protecting the land we're gonna fight over. But that one comes later. First, I'm gonna make Oda pay for what he's done!
Back at the Takeda household, the rain still had not stopped, reflecting the mood of its inhabitants. After cracking the Cub's skull back into its former stubborn position, Kojuro had left to watch over Kaminari, who lie on a futon, new bandages covering her eyes. She seemed to have a nightmare, always writhing and throwing the kimono covering her off of her. A tray with barely touched food sat on the other side of her futon, a safe distance away from her.
Kojuro looked up to see Kaminari trying to sit up. He instantly moved to support her, his arm around her shoulders to keep her up.
"Kaminari-sama, you should rest!" Kojuro insisted, ignoring her question for now.
"Where is Masamune-sama? The Tiger Cub is also missing."
"Masamune-sama and Sanada Yukimura are on their way to Honnou-ji to take the Devil King's head." Kaminari's eyebrow rose from under her bandage.
"Just those two?! Why didn't anyone try to stop them or at least go with them? Don't try to fool me, I can sense Yoshinao, Samenosuke, Bunshichi and Magobei still here in the residence!"
"Masamune-sama disbanded the Date Army-…"
"He did WHAT?" The corners of her mouth twisted into a snarl. "Why did you let him do that?! He is gonna get killed, it's exactly like when I died!" Remaining calm, Kojuro answered.
"Masamune-sama wished to rejuvenate the fallen fighting spirit in Sanada Yukimura." He grinned at her, his aura showing his confidence. "Besides, he never said anything about not banding up again." Her mouth fell open to an 'o' shape. Letting a few seconds pass by, she smiled in understanding.
"Then what are we waiting for? Though don't expect me to go easy on him when we catch up."
"Big Boss…" Yoshinao sniffed. The Date Army had gathered in a big room, all hanging their heads from the previous events and showing a surprisingly soft side for such wild guys.
Noticing the stares his three friends directed at him, Yoshinao wiped away the tears (tears!) gathering in the corners of his eyes.
"So, umm…" They just nodded. They did not need to discuss what they planned to do. All four of them stood up. "OK, now listen up! You-…" He was interrupted by the sound of heavy armor coming closer, pause for a moment, before Katakura Kojuro slammed the screens open with both hands.
"On your feet, men, prepare for battle!" He shouted. Perplexed, everyone just stared at him.
"Boss Katakura…" Samenosuke murmured.
"What are you all still sitting here for? I gave you an order!"
"Yeah, but Boss…" Magobei started, looking up at Bunshichi, who continued.
"The Big Boss said the Date Army was disbanded."
"Just come with me." Turning back to him, they saw him smile understandingly. "Oh, come on, like you weren't gonna do it anyways!"
Stepping out into the rain like Kojuro had demanded, the first thing they saw was Kojuro's horse all saddled up and ready with a smiling Kaminari sitting on top, both her legs hanging from the horse's left side. Following the Boss further, he led them to the gate of the estate, which had already been opened. And the sight that greeted them left their mouths agape in disbelief.
Hundreds, if not thousands of soldiers from all over the country had gathered in front of the Takeda residence, despite the non stopping rain. Not just the Takeda forces. The Tokugawa troops from Mikawa, Uesugi's soldiers from Echigo, proud soldiers of justice from Oumi hoisting the Azai crest.
"H-Holy!" Samenosuke could not believe it.
"All these men, why are they here?" Yoshinao asked Kojuro, who just stood there, arms crossed, appearing to all the world like nothing was wrong, but rather going well to his favor.
"Right about when I called, everyone who should have stayed in this, came together. Even those who have been laying low until now. And Masamune-sama never said word one about us not being allowed to band together again." Turning to the four, he added "Am I wrong?" The realization and anticipation of what that implied let their faces bright up again.
"You're the best, Boss!" Magobei exclaimed.
"Let's go kick some ass!" Bunshichi shouted, throwing his arm around Magobei and the fist of the other arm into the air. His shout was met with passionate war cries of the gathered soldiers from the other territories.
The horses were already geared up and ready to go as the Date Army went to mount them. Kojuro sat on his horse with Kaminari behind him, who had shouldered a bow and a quiver full with arrows.
"We ride for Honnou-ji in the land of Yamashiro! We shall guard Masamune-sama's and Sanada's rear. And we will rout Oda's forces to the very last man!" the Date Army was the first to give their eager response, followed by the other armies. And they headed out.
While the allied forces were making their way there, Masamune and Yukimura were already in sight of Honnou-ji. Yukimura had already replaced the reigns of the horse with his spears and Masamune had drawn one of his Claws.
"There's our target, coming into view now," Masamune stated, before turning to Yukimura. "You ready for this?"
"Though a hundred arrows may come flying at me, I shall not stop!"
"Good, good!" They galloped straight towards the gate. Foot soldiers came forward with spears, attempting to stop them. "We got no business with them, we're going straight in!"
"Sounds like a plan."
The soldiers were clearly scared out of their wits when they showed no sign of slowing down and simply watched with wide open mouths as the intruders jumped over the gate like it was nothing at all. Before the horses even hit the ground on the other side of the gate, Masamune and Yukimura had already jumped off of their horses, landing simultaneously some feet in front of them.
"Big Boss of Ôshu, Date Masamune! I'm here for the Devil King's head!"
"I'm Takeda general, Sanada Genjiro Yukimura! Come forth, Oda Nobunaga! And your generals as well!" Several doors of the buildings to the yard slammed open, revealing dozens and dozens of simple soldiers. "Let's have a fair fight!" The soldiers charged.
Considering the number of enemies, Masamune drew the rest of his Claws, striking enemies left, right and center with lightning while Yukimura unleashed his flames on any unfortunate soul that came too close.
"When you ain't coming out…" Masamune started.
"WE ARE COMING IN FOR YOU!" They finished together. Another explosion of red and blue went off.
"Oda faction! If you call yourselves warriors, come out here and accept this challenge!" Yukimura shouted. Masamune had already made his way to the roofed pathway leading to the main building.
"Alright, where the hell are you, Devil King? How about you, Akechi?!"
Neither answered his challenge as he had to fight off the small foot soldiers instead. It took some time, but they eventually made it to the main building. Opening the gate, they rushed into the giant room laid out with at least twenty tatami mats. There were no lights whatsoever apart from the moonlight and the torches outside shining in through the open door.
"They are nowhere to be found!"
"Crap! What is this?" Masamune asked slightly pissed. There was a huge sort of altar in front of them with a ginormous golden, humanoid skull. That thing was easily twice as big as them! And the silence… Their nerves were skyrocketing from the tension. Even the slightest sound would cause them to jump. Hearing steps coming closer, they turned around to face the entrance. A chuckle.
"Now I get it." Rage made itself evident on Yukimura's expression.
"Akechi Mitsuhide!" Chuckling, Mitsuhide entered the room, now wielding two identical scythes.
"You kept us waiting long enough," Masamune complained. "Where the hell is the Devil King hiding?"
"It would seem" Mitsuhide tilted his head to the side, a sick grin once again on his face. "that I'm the one who has fallen into Oda's little trap." The gate fell shut behind him. Soon after, the dumb thuds of arrows hitting wood reached their ears. A choking smell entered their noses. Fire.
Truly a Devil King, Masamune thought.
"How fitting, you've been forsaken."
"What do you mean by that?" Yukimura wanted to know. Mitsuhide's expression was hidden from view by his hair.
"The Nobunaga we arrived was a decoy. The Devil King isn't even here. Oda Nobunaga wants all of us to kill each other here in Honnou-ji." Struck by disbelief, Yukimura could only stare, his mouth open.
"Kicho, it seems I have underestimated you. The feelings that one has missed out on the finest feast, is truly abysm," Mitsuhide murmured.
"So your plan was to take out the Devil King alongside us, seize the land for yourself," Masamune concluded.
"I have no interest in the land. A man who calls himself the Devil King of the Sixth Heaven, attacked by a swarming force, bent on revenge… I want him to scream, I want to hear him beg for his life." Splinters fell from the roof. "And finally, to take that life" he lifted his arms like he wanted to hug himself, but was unable to due to the heavy scythes in his hands. His eyes were closed as he imagined the pleasure to come, head thrown back. "With these hands!"
"But how can this be?!" Yukimura asked incredulously. "What kind of general would wish to betray and kill his own lord?!"
"And that lord is trying to kill him, as well," Masamune added. "It's crazy, I know. They kinda deserve each other. Though this ain't the first time he tried to kill someone that was supposed to be his master. Isn't that right, Akechi, or should I call you Kageromaru?" Mitsuhide tilted his head curiously.
"Interesting. I've only borne that name for a day or so a century ago. How did you hear of it? Unless" His grin spread as he broke into a fit of cackling. Masamune and Yukimura tensed. "I see now! Never would I have stopped to think that that pet dragon of yours was that delicious little miko from back then! We thought she was dead for sure! To think we had the Shikon no Tama literally within reach…! Oh, the irony!"
"Question is: Why do you even obey Oda?"
"Who knows? Maybe it's for the fun?" Masamune's eye narrowed as Mitsuhide walked towards them.
"Here it comes."
"This pent up frenzy within me" A green aura surrounded him for a moment, before it died down again, not without emitting a creepy laughter, though. "I shall take the liberty of venting it upon you!"
His pace quickened into a run. His eyes wide, a grimace of a grin plastered on his face. He spun around, gaining momentum to attack Masamune, a blow which he parried. Mitsuhide immediately targeted Yukimura, but he blocked as well. Using his other spear, he attempted to stab Mitsuhide's head. Mitsuhide dodged to the right and backed away, twirling in circles as he did. Masamune charged, but Mitsuhide parried his blow, swinging his scythes now at Masamune, putting him on the defensive instead. But he did not stuck to this strategy for long, before he charged at Yukimura again. Sparks flew as they exchanged blows, neither one drawing blood from the other. Then Yukimura got pushed back. Now Yukimura and Masamune charge at Mitsuhide at the same time. Yukimura from the front and Masamune from behind Mitsuhide. But he was having none of that, using his scythes to stop both of them. All movement ceased for a moment as they stood there. The white hair of the Oda general settled back on his shoulders, now that everything had calmed down enough. His head was facing the ground.
"Not bad…" His head rose, revealing his ever so sick face. "I'm rather enjoying myself."
His green energy lit up again, forcing Masamune and Yukimura to back off. Cackling, Mitsuhide spun in circles, sending his green energy in scythe like blades all over the place. The gate was hit by several of them, bursting open to the burning yard outside to which Mitsuhide jumped out. Yukimura followed hot on his heels with Masamune somewhat behind. Pointing his spear accusingly at Mitsuhide, Yukimura spoke up.
"Akechi Mitsuhide, the sneak attack you launched on Oyakata-sama, as well as the pain you caused the people of Kai and Aoi-dono, will be avenged!" he charged again, crossing blades with the hostile general. Sparks flew over the already burning battlefield. Mitsuhide quickly gained the upper hand and used his scythes to throw the Cub into a stone lantern, which broke, sending Yukimura flying until he hit the ground, just inches away from the wall. Mitsuhide was not grinning anymore.
"Young Cub, honest to a fault. Unlike the Tiger of Kai, I need no trickery to put you down."
"Don't get too fired up, Yukimura." Masamune stepped up behind Mitsuhide. "Let's play this cool," he calmly said, though hatred and the desire to wring this bastard out like a soaked cloth burned deep within him as well.
"I-…I much oblige, Date-dono!" Mitsuhide chuckled amused.
"Though given this fire, that would be a tricky proposition," he stated. Masamune responded by drawing his Six Dragon Claws. Both engulfing themselves with their respective element, they crossed blades. Their turbulent aura left neither unscathed, leaving scratches in their opponents armor.
"Oh, how it hurts," Mitsuhide taunted. "I would expect no less of you, who you were reared by a dragon. You make the very marrow of my bones quiver!"
Masamune jumped back and not a moment too late as a shower of arrows went down where he had been previously.
These ain't Kaminari's…
A little boy landed next to Mitsuhide.
"Ranmaru," Mitsuhide exclaimed surprised.
So this the kid Kaminari mentioned?
"You know, I really don't like you very much," Ranmaru said, aiming an arrow. "but I pity you. So I'll help." He pouted at Mitsuhide. "But you gotta apologize to Oda!" Masamune huffed.
"Well, isn't he a thoughtful little runt."
"I must admit, I feel rather conflicted about this."
You have no idea, man.
"'Cause you make things harder than they need to be," Masamune answered, his gaze fixated on Ranmaru, who now also focused on him, releasing the arrow. The very same arrow laid in the dirt only an instant later, cut in half by Masamune. Courtesy to his training with Kaminari who had proven to be a mistress of the skills of archery. "When you get down to it," he continued, cutting each and every arrow coming his way, each faster than the normal eye should be able to see. "No one's completely in the right here." His eye followed Ranmaru's movements as the boy ran around, trying to get a better angle at him. Until Masamune had his back to Mitsuhide. "It's only when you keep your eye on the future, that these injustices become just. 'S the way of the times.
"He. How far I have fallen to gun of the pity of a child." Yukimura turned to Mitsuhide. "I understand. I shall offer a heartfelt apology to Nobunaga-kou."
In the meantime, the allied forces were coming closer to Honnou-ji. Kaminari held onto Kojuro as much as possible and concentrated on the several auras she felt. The ones she felt in distance, which they were steadily closing in on, caught her attention the most.
"Kojuro-sama, something is not right."
"What exactly do you mean?" He asked over his shoulder.
"One of Uesugi's men, it seems. But…they're coming from the sky…? A woman…"
"Uesugi's ninja," Kojuro stated. "Ninja of the Takeda!" Sasuke immediately appeared next to them, keeping up with the galloping horse quite nicely.
"What's up, Right Eye of the Dragon?" He grinned.
"Kaminari-sama says that Uesugi's ninja is closing in from the sky." Sasuke's grin vanished.
"Got it." And he was gone. Moments later a female scream could be heard, soon followed with an explosion. When the scream abruptly died, Kojuro surmised that Takeda's ninja had caught her. Said ninja came back to him with most shocking news.
"Oda Nobunaga is at Mount Azuchi."
"UUUAAAAHHH!" Another rain of arrows rained down on Masamune, which he easily protected himself from.
"Stay outta this, kid!"
"Shut up, jerk, I'm not a kid!"
You insufferable little brat! Masamune was pissed. When the boy came back to the ground, he was already there, towering over him, his eye glinting a dangerous blue. Not able to move away in time, Ranmaru was blown through the doors into the building behind him. Wincing, Ranmaru got up slowly, his body aching all over. His face soon contorted from pain to pure horror as he saw the tip of the blade pointed at him.
"Time to put a quick end to this." He slowly raised his sword to his left to lash outwards, not showing any sign of having doubts. Shivering all over, Ranmaru bucked it. He ran out of the building, away from Masamune, who lowered his blade again. He did not give chase.
He returned to the main building where Yukimura and Mitsuhide had moved their battle to, damn him if he knew why. He came to a halt next to the Tiger Cub.
"Ready to finish this?"
"Date-dono, I ask that you yield this battle to me!"
"Masamune-sama!" A voice called, successfully drawing the attention of everyone present. Kojuro stormed into the building, running up to his master.
"Hey there, Kojuro," Masamune grinned. "Glad you made it." Kojuro came to a halt before them.
"The Devil King is at Mount Azuchi." Turning to Mitsuhide, who once again hid his facial expression behind a curtain of hair, he continued. "I have reliable word from an Echigo ninja, as well as the confirmation of Kaminari-sama. Through a great fortress blanketed by ominous clouds, he is preparing the finishing touches on his world under warrior rule!" he advanced on Mitsuhide, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "There will never be another opportunity like this. Please, lead the army outside to the Devil King! You too, Sanada Yukimura," he added, looking at the Tiger Cub from over his shoulder.
"But…I must settle matters with him!" Kojuro faced Mitsuhide again, clearly dismissing his refusal.
"Leave this monster to me. Don't let your personal feelings outweigh the greater cause! What you swore to do for the Tiger of Kai wasn't supposed to be some petty act of revenge!"
"No… You're right." Masamune sheathed his sword.
"Then we're gone. We got a nice warm-up from it."
"it is in your hands, Katakura-dono!" With that they left.
"Azuchi Castle. So it's been completed. For the final banquet, that might be the most suitable location." Kojuro drew his sword.
"It is unfortunate, then, that you were not invited," he stated.
Outside of the temple, the large army going against Oda was hard to overlook. Yukimura was amazed.
"So many men…!" Masamune was just grinning as usual.
"This'll be one hell of a party, the more people the better." He went over to his horse still waiting where he had left it at the gate and found Kaminari already sitting on it.
"There are other ways of going at this other than disbanding the army, you know," she scolded him.
"Yeah, but then it wouldn't have been as cool."
"I'm still mad at you for going off like this."
"And I can listen to it all once the bastard of a Devil King's gone." She sighed. She would let him be for now, they had more pressing matters, after all. Masamune took over command of the army easily enough and led them straight to Azuchi with Kaminari sitting behind him, hugging herself to him to avoid falling off. Though something in him wished that that wasn't the reason for it.