Author: Nami-chan.

Pairing: DateSana, MotoMoto, KojuSasu.

Disclaimers: I own nothing that my mind didn't provide

Note : this chapter is edited and corrected by LunarInsanity on deviantart.

Dragon Tales

Chapter 11

When Yukimura opened his eyes and slowly emerged from his torpor, he found that the sun was already high. It was up so suddenly that he had tripped over the cover of his futon and immediately fell back.

And yet he'd found an empty room...? The blur of his mind concerning the latest developments of the day didn't help the matter. It was only after Keiji, having heard his fall, had rushed to his help that he understood. He was outraged, and his pride was hurt. It was simply this: he'd been left behind.

He didn't take long to react. Yukimura grabbed Keiji by the neck.

"Where is Masamune-dono!" he blurted out.

Keiji seemed to hesitate. The memory of Yukimura's punch which was too fresh in his mind caused him to venture for something that would not further anger the samurai. Yukimura was visibly enraged and the wanderer didn't want to pay the price when it was Masamune's fault, even if some of the blame fell on Yukimura for waking up late.

"Well ..." he began, scratching his head.

Then the little monkey that the wandered carried with him climbed onto Yukimura's arm, uttering sharp little cry. Yukimura softened and calmed down, forgetting for a second the horrible deception he inwardly felt. Smiling at him he scratched his head and released Keiji.

"Keiji-san, would you bring me to them?" He asked, hanging his head with embarrassment.

"But…Date asked me to wait …" Keiji began to say, "...but I really want to know what happens too" he then changed his mind with a wink. Yukimura provided him a form of escape despite of himself.

Yukimura nodded. How could Masamune believe that he would stay there and wait? This dragon would come to understand the cost of underestimating Sanada Yukimura, and that a little drunkenness would never curb his ardor for battle. Minutes passed... how did he end up drunk last night? Yukimura's eyebrows furrowed when he looked at Keiji as he prepared for departure. In reply, this one only gave him a shrug. Yukimura chose not to inquire further, as he had other priorities. In battle or not, there was a dragon who would understand his thinking.

Oooooooooooo

Watching for the right moment that would require his intervention, groping forward the mane of his horse, Date Masamune let out a sneeze that sounded throughout the valley. Kojuuro stared at him when the One-Eyed dragon rubbed his nose, acting as if nothing had happened.

Oooooooooooo

A few minutes later Yukimura and Keiji took their respective horses and galloped towards the Date clan castle. Keiji opened the way, trying subtly to slow Yukimura's pace. Masamune was definite on this point: if anything happened to Yukimura, the dragon would make a necklace of his balls. However if Yukimura suffered from the consequences of his drinking, it didn't show. He was too stubborn to keep himself out of danger, but the way he would bore his teeth and rubbed his temple did not escape Maeda's eyes.

"You must understand Date's reasoning! You really slept like a log, and there was no way to wake you up! He had no choice but to ask me to watch over you" Keiji explained.

Yukimura made a slight grimace. Of course he understood! However this didn't mean that he had accepted this fact yet.

"I do not know why, but my condition is the same as if I'd been drinking" he confessed, with an inquiring tone.

"Oh? I didn't spike the tea that much." the monkey trainer grinned.

"Spike?" Yukimura asked.

And for the second time Keiji just shrugged, snickering.

"I hope they are doing well over there ... I realize that I know little about the Date clan" Yukimura thought aloud.

"They are like any other clan ... except that they are dragons" Keiji explained.

Yukimura hadn't expected Keiji to answer him, but it fanned his curiosity. This eccentric character who dared to dress in brown, yellow and red knew more than him. The young samurai didn't contest the reliability of his companion in misfortune, and he knew that Masamune wouldn't have left just anyone with the symbol of the alliance between the Date and the Takeda. However we could not say that this man breathed intelligence.

"And the dragons are the strongest warriors of this country" Keiji continued. Yukimura knew that a least.

"Yes that's why many laws that restrict their moves. Even the Emperor fears them. Date took a big risk by unifying Oshu." Keiji seemed thoughtful.

Yukimura nodded with understanding. The news that a young dragon had conquered and unified the northern last clans of his kin had the effect of a thunderbolt among Kai nobility. It had given birth to discord between those who wanted to intervene and those who preferred to let the dragons settle their problems among themselves. The young tiger's heart sank and he couldn't prevent his hand moving to cover it. It was all too familiar...

"The dragons have mysterious powers and the oldest are known for their divination powers. Some people must be green with envy, right?" The little monkey emitted a small squeal to approve of Keiji's words.

Yukimura frowned without saying anything else. Was it normal for Keiji to know so much, while he - who had received a great education - ignored most of these details? The young tiger concluded that it was probably because Keiji had spent some time with Masamune. He didn't expect to feel a burning ache of jealousy take over his body.

"And you, where do you come from Yukimura? You didn't really seem to be born in Oshu." Keiji took advantage of this trip to have a real conversation with the red warrior.

Facing the unexpected question, Yukimura stood up, raising his head and shoulders he proudly answered:

"I am the representative of the alliance between Kai and Oshu and am the servant of my Oyakata-sama, Takeda Shingen."

"Ah Kai, and here I thought you were the new conquest of the One Eyed dragon." Keiji said lowly, laughing inwardly.

Glancing mischievously towards Yukimura, Keiji made sure that between the sound of the horse's breaths and the road, the youngest didn't hear him. Masamune would kill him if Keiji came to ruin any chance he had with the cute Yukimura. However, he had a comment that he couldn't help but add.

"Still, I wonder what you really mean to Masamune? He is not the type to ally with anyone."

Yukimura asked himself this too ... Who was he to Masamune? Although the primary question - namely why the dragon had chosen him of all people - had been answered. The brunette had been very clear about this ... A new question had taken its place since he had yet to yield to the temptation in the temple. The red rose came back to his cheeks when he thought back of that time. Masamune wanted to form bonds anew while with him, a whole new adventure which frightened Yukimura to the deepest places within him. Never had Yukimura regretted having lost all the memories of their friendship this much until now.

Keiji suddenly stopped his horse, bringing Yukimura back to reality. The young tiger also cut his animal's tracks, his eyes still concentrated on the long hair of the strange wanderer. He waited briefly for an explanation of the other man's actions.

"Strange ... We're almost there and everything is so quiet." Keiji looked surprised, taking a rare serious look.

Yukimura positioned himself next to him. He listened, though his sharpened senses heard nothing. This should have been normal considering they were on an earthy path in the middle of nowhere but there was really nothing. There was no noise, only the murmur of the wind in the leaves and the jerky breathing of their horses. Yukimura looked up and saw several small plumes of gray smoke. Did this mean they arrived after the battle? Was it all over? How had it happened?

"Yukimura?" Keiji called him.

"I have a bad feeling about this."

"Nah, I know Masamune's strength. Who knows, maybe someday he really will rule over this country!" exclaimed the tall, dark man with the intent to reassure Yukimura. He raised his thumb, the gesture imitated by Yumekichi.

"Don't bet your money! Oyakata-sama will march on the capital before him!" Yukimura angrily shouted. Masamune then will also be at his lord's service, he thought.

He did not wait for Keiji's answer before turning his horse in the direction of the puffs of smoke. The man shook his head before suddenly remembering something.

"Hey wait, be careful, you're advancing right toward the cliff!" He began to pursue Yukimura, the image of Masamune's sword ready for his throat surging in his mind. Keiji shuddered. Not hearing the desperate call of the larger man Yukimura continued straight ahead, but it wasn't the cliff that stopped him, no, it was the fact that it offered a clear view of the battlefield.

Of the battle, there remained only broken bodies bearing the flags of their respective armies. Those that were blue, Date clan; the other flags, a dark flower, five petals with thick black edges. There was a lingering scent of blood and death. All this had taken place so quickly. No more clashing of swords. Some men were busy taking care of the wounded while the dead were being recovered...

It was impossible to know which of the two armies had suffered the greatest loss as the battle already seemed terrible when viewed from above. How could such carnage happen in so little time? But not all was not visible from this point of view. And the smoke, it came from fires burning here and there...the burning of corpses and waste.

Even if Yukimura was used to war, when one still had a heart, to see such a scene, even remotely, couldn't leave indifferent. When Keiji joined him, he said nothing. Not knowing what to say, he opened his mouth before closing it silently.

"I don't see Masamune anywhere" Yukimura said weakly.

"From here it's isn't an easy thing" Was the answer he received.

"I must find him, lead me Keiji-san."

The indefinable radiance Yukimura had in his russet eyes when he formulated his request did not leave any other choice for Keiji. Nodding he led him upon a small passage which snaked back down into the valley, the young samurai at his heels.

As soon as they reached the beginning of the field Yukimura outran Keiji, leaving him behind. He threw himself on the battlefield, trying to find someone, anyone who could tell him were to find Masamune.

It was strange to feel such a rush, such a concern for someone who was foreign to him after so many years of separation, Though Yukimura had known for a long time that all his feelings for the beautiful One-Eyed dragon of Oshu completely defied logic.

"Sanada-nii-san!" called one of Masamune's soldiers.

Without further ado Yukimura looked toward the voice. It was none other than the big guy, Magobe, waving his to attract the young tiger's attention. The other three were at his side a few meters from their lord, acting as his protective shield.

"Masamune-dono!" he cried, relived that his gaze finally caught the familiar shape.

Surrounded by soldiers, Masamune sat without his helmet and jacket on while a small man, probably a doctor, inspected his arm. He raised his head after hearing the call of his name, donning a triumphant smile.

"Sanada Yukimura!" he cried in turn.

He tried to get up when seeing Yukimura demount hastily from his horse, but a firm hand stopped him.

"Don't overdo it Masamune-sama. The doctor isn't finished" Kojuuro rebuked him.

"Che" Masamune blew out.

Masamune's right hand man should have predicted Yukimura's actions since he'd known him since a long time ago. Running faster than his horse would have done, the young tiger dashed to them and ducked his arms forwards, throwing himself on Masamune. Both tumbled on the earth, all in front of Katakura who couldn't seem to hold his jaw.

Yukimura grabbed his friend's shoulders and shook him.

"What took you to leave without me?! I am here on behalf of Takeeeeeedaaaaaaa!" the young tiger literally bellowed, passing all his frustration on this dragon.

Barely recovered from the shock of the impact with the pretty brown-haired samurai, Masamune took several seconds before registering Yukimura's words, being especially distracted by the way Yukimura was straddling him.

"Hey, Did you miss me honey?" he asked back, mischievously running his hand along Yukimura's thigh.

"I-did-not-" Yukimura stammered, shivering.

Kojuuro helped him up, catching him by the collar, and Yukimura realized his mistake when Masamune, trying to sit up, winced and his face took on a painful expression.

"Be careful" Kojuuro instructed, while Yukimura sank to his knees.

"Masamune, are you hurt?"

"Just a scratch" The dragon replied, letting his doctor resume his work.

"But ... if I had been there ..."

"What? You would have died stupidly trying to prevent this bomb explode? Bite me, I already had this conversation with Kojuuro." Masamune looked away, he did not even want to hear excuses, and he didn't lose any limbs, right?

Yukimura said nothing, preferring to look away, a pout on his lower lip.

"That bastard Oda had sent his wife as a General. The bitch, she defended well. We had to really give our best just to make her retreat" Masamune explained.

"He will think twice before attacking the Date now. I expect a peace agreement soon" Kojuuro said, barely concealing his pride.

"Sure, but tonight we will celebrate our victory. Let's have a party!" Masamune shouted.

"Yeah!" replied the soldiers.

Yukimura smiled from the corner of his mouth. It was the first time he looked forward to the prospect of a feast.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooo

The soft wind carried the smell of foam when it blew through the branches of cherry trees, making its delicate petals flutter around a child.

The child, for a moment envied those petals. They went on an adventure and separated from the branch that had seen them born, finding in the wind that carried them like a traveling companion, the friend who made them free.

"Motonari-sama!"

That idiot servant had just pulled him out of his moment of dreaming. The young Motonari looked at him wickedly, making the poor man shiver.

"The Lord Hiromoto wants to introduce someone to you."

The young Motonari sighed. Leaving the garden he allowed the servant to follow him on his way back to the main house.

It was halfheartedly that Motonari joined his sire in the yard. His expression did not change when he saw facing his father a man of about the same age as this one. White wild hairs were on his head although he had youthful appearance. The man laugh sounded in the court after Hiromoto made a random comment.

"Father, you asked for me?" The child said.

"Ah there you are Motonari." Hiromoto grabbed his son and presented him before him.

Motonari then had plenty of time to contemplate the man who conversed with his father. Tall, slender, with a certain charisma, skin slightly tanned by the sun ... sea blue eyes like an ocean. He was certain this man could only come from the islands.

"Kunichika, this is my son and my pride, Motonari."

The man smiled before nodding in reverence.

"I am Chosokabe Kunichika, I am happy to finally meet the little genius that I have heard so much of."

Motonari remained stoic, fixing his gaze in the man own's. Then a movement behind him attracted the little brunette's attention. He hadn't noticed until now that a child was hiding behind Kunichika.

"Motonari, I want to present my child to you. Don't be shy Motochika."

The man had to use force to disentangle the little thing from his hakama. The child had hair as white and as untamable as his father. His left eye was hidden in their length, while the blue of the right one fascinated Motonari. His pink kimono, although very pretty, was as lesser quality than the closing the little noble brunette wore. A yellow flower in his hair emphasized his beauty further.

The young son of Aki couldn't help but to admit that this little girl was really cute.

"Motonari, Kunichika and I need to talk, could you go play with Motochika for some time?"

Of course he really didn't want to but Motonari was an obedient boy and all that his father asked him he didn't dare to discuss. He nodded his head in approval, yet glared all the time at this fragile little girl. That he thought her to be pretty didn't mean he had to like her.

Kunichika leaned toward his child affectionately patting her head, provoking disgust in Motonari.

"Well my son, behave okay?"

Motochika nodded vigorously, looking back to his father when the latter walked away with Motonari's father.

Motonari stared intensely at Motochika. He suddenly realized something.

"You are a boy!" He let escape in spite of himself.

Motochika hid his blushing cheeks with the long sleeves of his kimono.

It had been approximately one hour since Motonari had returned to sat under the cherry trees, a book in hand. He had not uttered a word since he had discovered the not-so-secret secret of his imposed playmate.

To obey his father, he had been obliged to let Motochika follow him. The other child had remained silent, sitting and looking from the cherry blossom to Motonari as he was immersed in his reading.

"That's all you're doing all day, studying?" He asked, not holding it any longer.

Motonari looked up from his book to slay Motochika with his glare, and the little effeminate boy didn't insist.

Motonari was unable to concentrate on his reading. He heard him sing as low as possible, he heard him withdraw his shoe and rub his feet in the fresh grass, he felt the sweet smell of his hair carried by the wind through the smell of cherry ... If something didn't happened soon Motonari would explode.

"Motochika, we are going back home."

Kunichika and Hiromoto stood at the edge of the grove, their cheeks slightly reddened. It was clear that both men hadn't hesitated to consume alcohol. Motochika put his shoe back on in a hurry, running joyously to his father.

"Did you have fun?"

Motochika replied by nodding his head smiling. Motonari arched a questioning eyebrow.

"I give you some time to say goodbye to Motonari then."

Kunichika smiled at the little brunette while the two adults went away. Motochika watched Motonari silently for a few more seconds.

"Chika think Nari is just very lonely. I'll bring my toys next time" said the frail boy before fleeing away.

Motonari suddenly opened his eyes and immediately regretted his actions, assaulted as he was by the bright light. He painfully sat up, reaching one hand toward his aching head.

He was lying on a not-very-familiar soft bed, and even worse, he could hear the seagulls and the sea, and also the soft pitching due to the rolling waves. Why was he on a boat? ... Why did he have to dream about that?

Trying to walk, his feet tangled on a strange wooden object and he fell back on the bed.

A grinding sound and a new burst of light made him cover his eyes.

"Finally awake, Sleeping Beauty? Maybe I did put too much in that thing."

That voice ... Motonari didn't want to hear it now, but at least it had the effect of reminding him of everything that had occurred.

"Chosokabe ... you dare drug me ..." he said slowly, threateningly.

"It's not like you left me any other choice. You really need to relax a little Mori. Besides, you should be happy that I offered you a holiday" the pirate replied with a shrug.

Motonari would have thrown himself at the pirate to separate his head from his body with his bare hands, except that his dream led him to change his mind. After all, he had plenty of time to destroy everything that pertained to Motochika.

"Well, we will be there soon. For a long time now I've wanted to introduce you to Masamune ..."

"The little dragon?" Despite his folded arms and his closed attitude, Motonari showed interest, remembering that stupid teenager who had helped Motochika to find the most incredible gifts for him.

And the fact that he had kept these treasured gifts did not mean he had loved them.

Motochika laughed. Motonari didn't have any notion for time.

"I don't think he's so small anymore. Who knows? Maybe you can find the advantage to this" Motochika tried to convince Motonari.

Even if he did not think the same benefits as those Motochika thought of, Motonari recognized that there was no reason why he shouldn't take advantage of the situation to ensure even farther the security of Aki.

"Aniki!" one of the crew members hammered at the door, calling for his captain.

Motonari growled against the interruption. He hadn't yet finished talking with Motochika. These idiots enraged him to no end. All were only barbarians without brains.

"Well Mori, make yourself at home. I will return later since this is my cabin after all. But do not bother my men. You're a prisoner; remember."

"You cannot even decently tell me to make myself at home before reminding me that I am a prisoner.. boorish idiot."

Motochika ruffled his hair. Motonari jumped, not having realized the proximity of the pirate.

Motochika walked away from him. Before opening the door, he turned back to Motonari whose eyes burned holes in his back.

"I had to tell you, your ears are showing again. You should do something about this since there are many humans in the Date estate. Until after, Kitsune of my heart" he said, miming the invisible traces of large ears on his head before fleeing to avoid a painful death.

Motonari half choked, absently touching the fur of the two small pointed furry red ears that stood on his head. He had to find a way to hide them again, but in order to do that he had to remain calm!

So how could he stay calm when he was invaded, idiotic pirate?

TBC

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