Chapter 11: Return to Owari – Sari Fukiomi
The sun was just rising over the mountains and a sliding door on the third floor of the castle was opened to greet the sun. I walked outside and was blinded by the sunlight for a moment. It had been a while since I had been outside. I couldn't sleep very much at night, because horrific dreams still hunted me. I was still thinking about it after all this time.
Flashback
Lord Kenshin, Kasuga, and I had been sitting in the main receiving hall when the messenger came. It was a young man from the border patrol; he was on duty watching over the border that led to Owari. The man came in and bowed to all of us. "Lord Kenshin there has been an attack on our border with Owari." I froze as the words sank in. Owari was attacking? All three of us turned our full attention onto the man. "We were out on our normal scouting duty and my group was ambushed. There was no one else left alive but me. My Lord I fear it may be the Devil King himself." Kasuga let out a small gasp of fear and she was right to do so. The Devil King of Owari, Oda Nobunaga was no laughing matter. I turned to look at Lord Kenshin and found him in deep thought. He saw my concerned face and gave me a weak and grim smile. "I had always known he would attack eventually, but I didn't expect it to come so soon. And right when we were planning such a beautiful wedding."
It was true. Yukimura and I had both been working hard on the plans for our wedding and it was going to be magnificent. But now I feared what might happen to change that. I was the only one who knew who Oda had attacked so suddenly. I had been hiding it for almost six months now and no one had even worried about it. But now was not the time for secrets. It was time I told them the truth. I turned and looked at the man and bowed to him. "Thank you for telling us this. Now I must ask you to leave so that we may talk with Lord Kenshin." I man took the hint and left. Lord Kenshin and Kasuga were both surprised that I had talk out of turn in such a manner. I got up and closed the door. Then I stood there trying to get my nerve. I heard someone stand up, and from the hand on my shoulder I knew it was Lord Kenshin. "You have never acted like this before. What is troubling you young one?" I felt the tears well up in my eyes and I bowed my head trying to hide it from them. Lord Kenshin turned me to face him and lifted my head.
At the sight of my tears Kasuga ran to me and pulled me into a tight hug. "Sari what is the matter? I have never seen you cry before." I cried silently into Kasuga's shoulder and I felt Lord Kenshin brush my hair out of my face. Then very weakly I began to tell them about everything. I told them how I had grown up in Owari with my father teaching me only to hate. About how I had been betrothed to my best friend and worst enemy. How I ran away from home at eight and went to train as a ninja. I talked about my dreams and my powers, including the trip to Owari. After I was done Kasuga just stared at me speechless. But Lord Kenshin looked at me with compassion and understanding.
"How long have you known?" I asked him. Lord Kenshin gave me a weak smile and I decided that the expression didn't belong of the face of the War God. "I knew the moment I met you that you had a secret that was well protected. I didn't know exactly what it was until your reaction about the attack from Owari. I have known about your powers since the day of the party at Ōshū. When we saw your arm was cut, I looked into different abilities of the ninja and I found one was called broadcasting." I looked at the ground and I felt ashamed in front of this man who had given me a place to call home, all the while he had known that I was hiding something from him. Lord Kenshin tilted my chin again and he was smiling at me. "Everyone has a secret. Kasuga, Sasuke, Yukimura…" at the sound of his name I wanted to cry all over again. How would he react when he found out? "Even Lord Shingen and I have secrets to protect. You are not alone." Lord Kenshin strode to the door and opened it to find the arm had come to arms. Kasuga smiled slightly at me and we walked together to follow Lord Kenshin.
"Prepare the army for battle. Let Beshonmonten shine on our blades and in our hearts! We will not permit this intrusion any longer!" Lord Kenshin drew his sword to thunderous applause and shouts from his men. Kasuga and I stood there behind him and watched as everyone gather together to start getting ready. I rushed to Lord Kenshin's side. "Lord Kenshin please don't do this. You can't win this war. If you go against my father head to head you will lose. He has the biggest army and you have nothing to combat his rifle men." Lord Kenshin looked at me and he could tell I was being completely serious. I was afraid of my father; I always had been. But this time I was more afraid of what might happen to the people around me. "If you go out there, you will be killed. And who will lead Echigo then? No one can compare to the leader that these people have in you." I knelt down and bowed my head. "I'm begging you please; don't go to war with him." Not for me, I'm not worth your life or anyone else's for that matter. Lord Kenshin touched the back of my head. "You are my ninja; you belong to Echigo and to this family. If the Devil King wants you then he will have to take you by force. I will not bend to his whims." I felt the hand leave and Kasuga came up beside me as I sat up.
"He can do this Sari. You must have faith in him. I have no intention of letting you go so easily either." I looked up and found Kasuga looking down at me with her stubborn face. "I don't understand why you are doing this. Why is he doing this for a person who has lied to you from the very beginning?" Kasuga smiled softly at me then she helped me stand up. "If you have to ask that question then you are dumbed then I thought. Sari you are important to us and that is the only reason we need to defend you." She walked off after Lord Kenshin. I stood there and waited for just a moment. Then I walked to my room and closed the door. I sat cross-legged on the ground and closed my eyes, concentrating. I focused on the home I had known as a child, but then I redirected because I knew they wouldn't be there. I instead focused on a person. A young man I had known my whole life. The one person I had considered my friend, until we had become engaged, then I considered him my enemy. The wind died down and I opened my eyes to find myself in a tent. I got up and walked outside making sure to not let anyone see me. I jumped from shadow to shadow and was soon at the center of the camp. There was a larger tent here and I knew that this was the commander's tent. My father would be just inside. I went to the opening and looked inside.
Mitsuhide, Lord Nobunaga, and Lady Noh stood around a table with maps on it. There were other men in the room; my father's generals Ranmaru and Hideyoshi. I stood back and let them work. I entered the tent silently, but I made sure that one person in particular saw me. Mitsuhide turned around and saw me for just a moment before I stepped into the shadows of the tent's fire. Mitsuhide turned back around and brought Nobunaga's attention to him. "My Lord we have a guest that wishes to have a private audience with you and my lady." Nobunaga looked at Mitsuhide for a moment then looked over his shoulder into the darkness. I took a deep breath. It was time; I stepped out of the shadows for only a moment, so that my father and mother could see me. Then I hid again. Nobunaga smiled lightly and Lady Noh had to catch her breath for a moment. "Hideyoshi and Ranmaru, leave now." The two generals bowed and left without question. "Mitsuhide, stay where you are; this person is an officer of the Uesugi army, for the moment." With that Mitsuhide stepped aside to allow my father to see me. "It has been a while my daughter. Eight years almost, you should be nearing you seventeenth year."
I stopped my heart from beat very fast then stepped into the light. Nobunaga looked me over and, even though he hid it well, I could see approval in his eyes. My mother did the same thing and her pride showed visibly. Mitsuhide looked at me and I could see that he was checking for injury or wounds. The bandage on my arm caught his attention. "It was self-inflicted from the last time I was here." Mitsuhide looked up at me a little questioningly. "There is no better way to get back to your body then to feel pain." It was the best explanation I could give at the moment. My father was staring at something on my arm, and I looked down and saw the Uesugi bracelet that Lord Kenshin had given to me as a wedding present. "You truly are an officer in the Uesugi army then. I hear it is not easy to join with them. But no matter whom his officers are they will still fall to my hand." I sighed at this remark. I had heard it a thousand times growing up and it never stopped amazing me how much confidence my father had in himself. "You have not changed at all father. You still have the confidence of ten men. But I didn't come here to talk about me. I'm here as a representative of my Lord Kenshin Uesugi the Dragon of Echigo." My father's eyes narrowed at me, and when I was a child it would have scared me. Now it just made me harden my eyes to him. "Such formality towards your own father; I can't believe it. And you didn't shrink away from my look like you had done in the past. You have grown my daughter. Tell me, what does the Dragon of Echigo wish to say?"
I looked up and glared at him for mocking my lord. If I had not had a request for him, I would have belted him in the mouth for speaking of Lord Kenshin in such a manner. "I lied; I didn't come on Lord Kenshin's orders. I came to find out what it is you want from us. Why are you attacking Echigo? Is it really because of me? And if it is then what can I do to make you stop?" I looked up at my father and I couldn't help the tears in my eyes, but I didn't let them fall. "How can I make you turn around and not fight the people I have come to love?" By the time I was done I was shouting at him. My father looked down at me and I didn't understand his emotions. He looked the same but to me, and anyone that really knew him, he seemed to be in an argument with himself. He was showing concern for me yet there was that ever persistent side that was telling him to fight. And I was surprised to find that him love for me had won.
"I will leave Echigo alone if you will agree to retune home. You will come back and accept your place as the heir of Owari and you will marry Mitsuhide as we had planned. If you don't return then Echigo will fall and you will come back with us anyway. But first you will have to watch as all the people of Echigo die before your eyes; including that young man from the Takada army." My head shot up at the mention of Yukimura. How did he know about Yuki…I turned to Mitsuhide. He wouldn't meet my eyes and he was right not to. "Do you agree to these terms?" I turned back to my father and found him waiting. No matter how I answered one thing remand the same; I was going back to Owari and I was going to marry Mitsuhide. Even after all this time, all the years I had lived, without his help or his guidance, I was still being ordered around by my father. And I had no choice; I wouldn't let any harm come to Echigo and its lord. "Alright I agree to the terms. But you must pull your whole army back, out of Echigo, and then I will come." "Excellent…" "But father, if there is even one scouting party left within these borders, I will bring Lord Kenshin directly to you." I looked up at him and my eyes were as hard as the Devil King himself. "If you don't think I won't then try me." Nobunaga wasn't fazed by the remark; in fact he looked pleased with it. "I am proud that you can make such a bold statement. You are more like your mother then I expected." I turned and walked to the opening in the tent. Then I stopped and said over my shoulder, "No father, if anyone I am more like you." Then I disappeared.
I opened my eyes and found myself back in Echigo. Now I had to deal with Lord Kenshin, Kasuga, and…Yukimura. I got up and went to sit at the table that I used for writing. I chose some paper and ink, and began writing letters to each person. I explained everything that had happened to Lord Kenshin and Kasuga and pleaded with both of them to except what has happened as my decision. I explained a little more to Yukimura. I apologized for lying to him and for leaving like this before our wedding. I told him that I would always love him and that even when I'm married to Mitsuhide that I would always love him. I told him about my past and how I had left. I told him about how I had strange powers that my father wanted to keep close to the family and how I had run away. I told him everything and I didn't leave anything out, not this time. After the letters were signed and sealed I hid them under my pillow until I had to deliver them. Then I went about life as normal. We were preparing for war until a messenger came and told us that the Oda army was completely withdrawn. Kasuga shouted for joy while hugging me tightly and Lord Kenshin called for a celebration that night. Everyone was going to be there; the Takada were coming along with Masamune and his new wife, my best friend, Karia, Keiji was coming with his sister and her husband. Everyone was gathering, but I wouldn't be there. After getting the news of the retreat I wrote a final letter to Karia and Masamune, and then I planted all the letters.
Everyone arrived a day before and we hugged and talked. I stay with Yukimura the whole time. And before bed I kissed him one last time. He had no idea anything was wrong. I left that night and rode to Owari meeting up with Mitsuhide at the border. With Lord Kenshin's letter I had left the braclet and my sword that he had given to me.
End of Flashback
It had been about six months since then. Echigo had been ready to strike at Owari once, but after letting me talk to Lord Kenshin and Kasuga, the army had pulled back and remands quiet. Mitsuhide and I had been married a week after my return. So now my full name was Sari Fukiomi Oda Akechi. My father was on campaign with Mitsuhide and I was left with my mother at the castle to help run matters of the state. I was also left because it was too risky for me to be out there fighting at the moment. Starting tomorrow I would be six months pregnant with Mitsuhide's and my first child. I was a little nervous, but I was also happy to be a mother. The only thing I wish that was different was that I wished the father was Yukimura. Mitsuhide and I had come to an understanding with each other and we were actually a very happy couple. But I couldn't forget about Yuki not matter how hard I tried. I touched my stomach that was just now starting to grow big a little. A child, how on earth was I going to raise a child?
I heard the door to the room open and someone step inside. Then someone came out onto the balcony and put there arm around my shoulder. I leaned into my mother's embrace and I felt comforted by her there. She realized what I was thinking before I even voiced my thoughts. "How are you feeling today my dear? Do you have any pain, cramps, urges?" I smiled at her for being so concerned. After I had become pregnant I had tried to hide it for a little while, but my mother had known right away. See had helped me break the news to my father and my husband. My father had been overjoyed, if you could call it that, he had told a stunned Mitsuhide that it was about time. My father was much gentler when he was around me and he often hugged me and touched my belly. Mitsuhide had been a little different. He was extremely nervous when I told him and then he was completely happy and then he was over protective, and still was. He wouldn't let me anywhere near the kitchen, and he always walked with me down and up stars, and I was always accompanied by someone when I went anywhere. And going outside was out of the question unless he was there himself. To tell you the truth I liked the way he was acting. He was showing a lot more emotion and was being very careful when he did something. He never hugged me too hard and he was always looking at me and rubbing my stomach at night.
"Sari?" I had forgotten my mother had asked me a question. "Oh, sorry, yes I'm fine. I have some cramps but that is to be expected. And no pain really, except when this little one wants to kick." I rubbed my stomach gently and smiled. "I just wish I could go outside. Mitsuhide is being ridiculous and fresh air is good for the baby, and the mother." My mother laughed at that. She had become my subtle when I came home. She was always with me, talking about everything, telling me about how the baby was going to be perfect, and that I shouldn't worry too much. Of course I shouldn't because Mitsuhide was worrying enough for both of us. "It won't be long now dear. Your father and Mitsuhide are on their way home now. They should be here tomorrow at some time in the evening." Yes, they were coming home from a fight with Lord Tokugawa, who had defected to my father's side and was now one of his generals. Hideyoshi had been killed by Masamune and the position had been open. I was looking forward to having Mitsuhide and my father home again. The last thing I wanted was for them to be gone and miss the baby's birth. God knows I will be killing Mitsuhide's hand all the way through it.
We heard the sound of hoses and stomping of feet and we looked down to see the army was marching in. And at the head of the army were my father and Mitsuhide. "Well I guess they must have double timed it back." My mother smiled at me and we walked into the room shutting the door behind us. "Let's got greet them. I'm sure Mitsuhide will let you outside to come and greet him." We walked to the main hall and went outside. The roar of men being greeted by wives and children met us. Father and Mitsuhide had dismounted and were talking to each other with Ranmaru standing a little bit off. Ranmaru noticed our approach and run to greet us first. "Hello Lady Noh and Lady Sari! We rode the hoses tirelessly to get back here this soon." Ranmaru bowed to my mother and came and hugged me, while rubbing my belly. "So, how's the baby doing? It's so cute!" He talked to my stomach and I could help but laugh at his antics. My father and mother walked over with Mitsuhide looking like he was ready to kill the boy. "Ranmaru if you don't let go of my daughter soon, Mitsuhide will kill you." Ranmaru looked from my father to Mitsuhide and then jumped back and bowed to me. "Sorry Lady Sari." I patted his head. "It's fine Ranmaru, you're an excellent big brother." The bot beamed at me then took off.
I walked over to Mitsuhide and we embraced gently. He kissed the top of my forehead and gently touched my stomach. "Is everything alright? Any pain or problems while we were gone?" He was a little anxious and more than tiered. I smiled lightly at him and kissed him cheek. "No everything is going fine. The baby is healthy and kicking, literally." My father hugged me and did the same thing as Mitsuhide, before my mother took him inside. Mitsuhide and I walked around a bit, with his arm around my waist and mine around his. "Are you sure you're alright? Do you need to sit or lay down? Maybe we should go inside." I laughed at him and hugged him tightly. "You have kept me inside since you left and I want a bit of fresh air. Everything is fine, I promise you. Try not to be so worried alright?" He nodded and we walked for a little bit longer. We have to come inside though, because he needs to rest. We go to our room and I crawl into bed while he goes to bathe. I lay there and start to drift. Mitsuhide comes in and lies beside me wrapping his arms around me and pulling me close. I rest against his chest and sigh a little. If you had asked me if I was happy, I would have to tell you no. But I was content; I was where I needed to be at the moment. And I was going to need to be here for when the baby was born.
In Ōshū
Yukimura Sanada and Masamune Date were walking along the perimeter of the house late at night. Masamune, though he didn't like it, was very worried about the young warrior. Yukimura hadn't been the same since Sari had left. It had gotten better, a lot better. In the beginning Yukimura hadn't been eating and he had lost his will to fight. Masamune had to kick his ass really hard to get him to fight again. But Yukimura still wasn't the same; he didn't have the same energy in combat anymore. Masamune had brought Yukimura to Ōshū hoping that seeing Karia and their son would bring a smile to Yuki's face. But it had done little to help the red warrior. "I'm sorry Masamune. I know you and Karia are trying hard to help, but this is not working. Nothing will work." With that Yuki walked into his room and shut the door. Masamune stood there staring after his friend and greatest rival. Masamune hit one of the statues in the garden and it smashed to a million pieces. He hated the way this had all worked out.
Masamune didn't blame Sari; he understood that she had left to protect everyone, but when was enough going to be enough for the Devil King? Masamune was ready to go and kill Nobunaga right now and bright Sari back if he could. But he couldn't be reckless now. He had to think about Karia and his son. Masamune felt a shift in the trees and Sasuke jumped down. "Sasuke? What are you doing here so late at night?" Sasuke bowed to the One-eyed Dragon. "I'm worried about Lord Yukimura." Masamune looked away with agitation. "Tell me about it and join the club. We all are worried about him" Sasuke straightened up and moved a little closer. "I have just gotten back from a talk with Kenshin Uesugi and Keiji Maeda." Masamune perked up at this. "Go on." Sasuke did. "They are planning to go into Owari with a small group of men; a stealth mission to grab Sari and bring her back." Stealth mission? That sounds like fun. And what a better way to surprise Yukimura for his twentieth birthday! Masamune already had ideas forming in his mind about how to go into Owari. "Tell Kenshin and Keiji that I want to plan this thing. The One-eyed Dragon of Ōshū, Big Boss Date Masamune is going to teach that Devil King who rules around here!"
