Chapter 9

I quickly dressed and headed with Nobunaga to the main hall of the manor we were staying in. Everyone was gathered, Nobunaga and I sat the head of the table. "What is it you found out Mitsuhide?" He asked, once we were seated.

"The baker easily confessed that he was pressured by the daimyo to commit the act." Mitsuhide began. "The daimyo had taken the baker's family hostage, which I was able to confirm and found his wife and child locked up and under guard just outside of town."

"Are they alright?" I asked, concerned for his family.

"They will be." Mitsuhide answered.

"So, it was all the daimyo's plan?" Nobunaga asked.

Mitsuhide shook his head. "No, it turns out even he was bribed."

"Don't keep us in suspense, who bribed him?" Hideyoshi asked.

"If he weren't locked in our dungeons, I would easily suspect Kennyo and the Ikko Ikki. He was cowardly enough to try poison once before and almost kidnapping Ava." Masamune said.

"The daimyo claims he was bribed by an emissary of the Uesugi-Takeda alliance." Mitsuhide spoke.

I looked around the room and saw the shock on everyone's faces. Somehow this didn't feel right to me. Though Kenshin had kidnapped me after that last battle to lure Nobunaga into a one-on-one fight to the death, he didn't seem like the type to stoop to poisoning. Also the fact that Sasuke was on their side, I don't think he would work for someone who could do that.

Unsure why, I glanced over at Asuna. Her face was unreadable, but there was something in her eyes. I couldn't quite place it, but there was some unnamed emotion burning there.

"He claimed he was offered more lands if he did this and that the Tiger of Kai's information network had gathered how much Ava enjoyed dumplings." Mitsuhide went on. "That's when he went to the baker."

"What do you think of his claims, Mitsuhide?" Nobunaga asked, clearly not believing this report.

"He truly believes he met with an emissary of the Uesugi-Takeda forces, but I do not believe that at all." Mitsuhide answered. "While Kenshin did kidnap Ava, I do not believe he would poison her, nor do I believe Shingen would use the information on Ava's cravings to attempt to poison her. From my understanding, he has a distaste for harming women."

"It does not seem like either of them." Hideyoshi agreed. "They are more honorable than that."

"Agreed." Nobunaga said. "Though I am sure the God of War is still itching for a fight after his defeat at our last battle, I do not believe he would stoop this low."

"So, then it's someone else trying to start the war between our two side again?" I asked.

"Ah, look at that she can catch on." Mitsuhide said, a teasing smile on his face.

I glared at him. I had to resist the urge to stick my tongue out as well.

Mitsuhide's smile only grew. "Oh, what a threatening look. I feel like a puppy is trying to intimidate me."

"You know, I hit you upside the head once, I'll do it again." I said.

"Mitsuhide, enough." Hideyoshi spoke up. "You should quit trying to rile her up in her condition."

"Oh, but she's so fun." Mitsuhide said.

"That's enough out of both of you." Nobunaga spoke, silencing them both. "Ieyasu, Asuna, were you two able to figure out where the poison came from?"

"Yes." Ieyasu answered. "Asuna knew the exact toxin that was used and she was indeed correct. It's a plant that does not grow in this country. It is only brought in through trade."

"It is also expensive." Asuna said. "As I said, if it is used correctly, it can be used for medicinal purposes. It can relieve pain for even the most severe of injuries. But if it is not cut correctly, the toxin takes over and it becomes poison."

"And it is quite rare. It is not brought in very often." Ieyasu added.

Nobunaga took all of this information in quietly. "Ieyasu, Asuna, give Mitsuhide all the information you have on this poison. Mitsuhide, you are to go and investigate the ports and find who might have gotten it."

"Yes, my lord." They answered.

"Reunite the baker and his family and allow them to return to their lives." Nobunaga said. "They were just as much victims of this incident as Ava."

Now we are getting to the punishment phase. I thought. I am glad he sees the baker as a victim. I was then waiting to see what he would declare for the daimyo. I remember the last daimyo to have been involved with poisoning...he and anyone who willingly aided him were killed.

"And the daimyo?" Hideyoshi asked.

"He is to be stripped of his title and lands. We will place them under the control of Lord Tae-Jun. He will also be living out the rest of his days in the dungeons of Azuchi." Nobunaga decreed.

Though the man had been involved in a terrible betrayal and could have killed me and my baby, I was relieved that he was not going to be killed. Killing seemed to be a punishment Nobunaga used less and less, and I was glad.

A contingent of men were charged with taking the daimyo back to Azuchi and they departed. Mitsuhide spoke with Ieyasu and Asuna on the poison, learning all he needed before he set off to find it and where it was likley from and hopefully who was really behind it.

I felt relieved that we had some idea of who was behind the incident, but I also couldn't help but to feel a bit terrified. There really was someone out there who wanted to start the war between the Oda and the Uesugi-Takeda alliance that they were willing to kill me and my baby for it and blame someone else.

If they did this once...will they do it again? I thought. Will this baby and I be safe?

I couldn't help these thoughts from coming into my head as I sat down on the porch of the manor, looking out at the setting sun. It was then that I felt two strong arms wrap around me and I was pulled back against a familiar warm chest. "You do not need to worry." He told me. "I will keep you and our child safe."

"How did you know what I was thinking?" I asked, leaning my head back so I could look at Nobunaga.

"I could see the fear in your eyes as you were looking at the sky." He answered. "I swear to you, I will not let anyone get this close to harming you ever again."

"And you have us as well."

I turned my gaze back to the front and saw Masamune, Ieyasu, and Hideyoshi standing in the garden in front of us. Masamune had been the one to speak. "We will help our lord protect you, Ava." Hideyoshi spoke.

"You're a pain...but you are important to everyone." Ieyasu agreed.

"So, don't you worry, lass. You and that little kit are safe as long as we're around." Masamune said.

"I told you, you were irreplaceable and beloved by everyone." Nobunaga told me and I could hear the smile in his voice.

I felt happy tears in my eyes and my own smile come to my face. "Thank you."

Asuna...

Asuna watched from hidden in the room she was staying in as Nobunaga and the other war lords came to comfort Ava. During these last couple of months, she had been learning a lot about the Oda forces. That had been her mission after all, why she had taken the job as Ava's midwife.

I have been told that Nobunaga is cruel and ruthless...that his warlords were all the same. And yet...Nobunaga clearly loves his wife and would do anything for her. He's never anything but kind and gentle towards her...and he's every bit the loving happy father-to-be. And the others, they've all worked to protect Ava and now they are all comforting and reassuring her. They kind of remind me of Lord Shingen and Yukimura. Asuna thought as she watched the scene.

Asuna then shook her head. I can't let these thoughts plague me. Nobunaga is the one who drove my lord from his home and has forced him to take refuge with Kenshin. I have to keep up with my mission.

Though she thought this, Asuna felt her determination wavering. It was then that she decided she would find out more about the Oda forces. She told herself she would use the information to deliver to Lord Shingen, but there was something else she wanted. A desire she felt, but wouldn't allow herself to name.

Ava...

It was the next morning and we were finally going to be departing and heading home. The baker had been very thankful for being spared and being reunited with his family. He had even set about making some dumplings for us for the road. As a precaution, the dumplings were tested by Ieyasu and Asuna before I actually ate them.

It took another five days of travel before we were finally back home in Azuchi. Ieyasu had rumbled the entire time about what a pain it was going so slow to accommodate me, but yet he did not ride ahead when it was offered as an option to him.

When we finally reached home, I felt exhausted from the journey as well as the events of the trip. I took a nice warm bath and then went straight to bed, even though it was still daylight out. Nobunaga and the other warlords set to work, increasing security measures around Azuchi.

I woke up sometime later to Asuna coming to see me, with tea and some food. "You didn't have to bring me anything." I said.

Asuna smiled at me. "I wanted to. Besides, this tea and these special cakes have special properties that will help with your circulation and energy."

I smiled, taking the tea. "Thank you." I told her. "You will join me right?"

"If that's what you wish, I will be happy to."

We sat down to enjoy the tea and cakes together. "This is quite delicious." I said. "And the tea is giving me a nice warm feeling."

"I am so glad to hear that." Asuna said.

"Did you make it all?"

"I did. There are plenty of things you learn how to do when you're a midwife."

"How did you decide to become a midwife?" I found myself asking.

"It was when I was a very young child." Asuna answered, her face becoming thoughtful. "My mother was our village's midwife. I helped her with her work...and the joy and love that I saw whenever a new life came into the world...I knew I had to be a part of that."

I smiled. "That sounds wonderful." I replied. "Was it your mother who taught you about aftercare as well?"

"In a way yes." Asuna answered, her eyes growing sad. "You see my mother was pregnant and I actually helped another midwife deliver my younger sister. I did what I could to help my mother care for Mai, my little sister, as best as I could, but I didn't know much of what I was doing. And then my father...he wasn't...he wasn't a very good man, we'll just say. He wasn't around much and only I saw my mother's mental state crumbling...then one day she...she took her own life. I tried my hardest to care for my sister, but she became sick as well...and well she didn't last long after our mother died."

I put my hand over Asuna's. "I am so sorry that you had to go through that. I a sorry for your loss." It sounds like he mother was having postpartum depression...and that's something that they don't really know about in this time yet.

Asuna gave me a small smile. "I have come to terms with it." She said. "And because of that, I have been able to help many other women from suffering the same fate as my mother and little sister."

"I am truly sorry for your loss...but I am very glad you were able to learn from it and turn it into a positive way to help others. I think that is very admirable."

Asuna blushed. "It is not that admirable of a skill."

"Yes it is. You truly make a difference to people. I know I am personally grateful for your mindset and your care."

Asuna smiled. "I only hope that I live up to your expectations."

"I am certain there is no one better that I could have chosen." I told her. It was then that I felt a wave of sadness and nostalgia wash over me. Asuna...she reminds me so much of you, Suki. I thought, having not allowed myself to think of her in a long time.

"Why are you crying? Have I upset you?" Asuna asked, handing me a handkerchief.

I shook my head. "No, not at all. I was just thinking how your story...reminded me of someone...someone I love very much but will never see again."

"Who?" Asuna asked.

"Someone from my old home." I answered. "My old life before I came to Azuchi."

"I heard you weren't from here." Asuna replied. "But what of your life before? How did you come to Azuchi and to stay here?"

"I come from a very long way away." I began, knowing she would likely not believe my story. "Have you heard the story of how I kind of saved Nobunaga at Honno-ji from being assassinated?"

"I had heard that, yes." Asuna answered.

"Well, after that Nobunaga wanted to keep me close...and well over time I fell in love with him and I decided I wanted to stay here with him instead of going home. I knew it would mean giving up a lot, but I don't regret my decision." I explained. "I love Nobunaga with all my heart, and I can't imagine being anywhere but with him."

"I see." Asuna said. "You said before that he was different than he is now."

"Yes, I thought he was cold and cruel...but he had...frozen himself so that he could accomplish his ambition. He's trying to unify this country and get rid of the class system so that everyone can be free to make their own choices and we can compete with the rest of the world." I explained. "I know that that can't be a bloodless fight, but I believe his goal on the whole is noble and I want to see it happen."

Asuna seemed to be taking my words in, storing them away. It was as if she needed to know exactly what I was saying. "Was it after you learned that that you fell in love with him?"

"I think that was when it started." I answered. "It still took a bit longer for me to fall completely in love with him...and even longer for me to admit it."

"And how did he fall in love with you?" Asuna asked.

I shook my head. "I am really not entirely sure. I think it started out that I was the first person who ever told him no and so he wanted me, but somewhere along the way, it turned into more."

"I see." Asuna said.

We chatted for a bit longer before Nobunaga was coming in. Asuna left to give us privacy and get to work on things she needed to finish up. "You seem to be growing close to Asuna." Nobunaga observed when she had left.

"She reminds me of someone I know from my time." I answered.

"Who?" Nobunaga asked.

"My older sister, Suki." I answered.

"You never told me you had a sister."

"I try not to think about her too much." I replied.

"You miss her."

It wasn't a question, but I nodded none the less. "Yes."

"Do you regret your decision to stay with me?" He asked.

"No, never." I replied without hesitation. "I couldn't live without you." I was then leaning over to kiss him.

Nobunaga looked into my eyes as he brought his hands up to cup my cheeks. "You are more precious to me than anyone or anything else in this world." He told me. "But if you ever wish to return to your time..."

I shook my head. "No, I am happy here with you, Nobunaga. I wouldn't change anything about my decision. Yes, I miss my sister, but I can't imagine ever being apart from you...it would tear my heart to shreds."

Nobunaga looked at me, an almost pained expression in his eyes. "Are you sure?" He asked.

I looked at him, my eyes questioning. "Why are you worried about this?" I asked.

"You have been poisoned once before because of me, you've been kidnapped, and now someone attempted to poison you again...all because you are my wife and carry my child." He answered. "Life would be less dangerous for you if you were not mine."

"That may be, but I can't imagine my life with anyone else or anywhere else." I replied. "Less danger would mean no you and I want you...I need you, Nobunaga."

"And I you, Ava." Nobunaga replied. "I swear to you though, that is the last time anyone will ever get close to harming you again."

"I know you will keep me...us safe." I said.

Nobunaga smiled and then pulled me close for a tender kiss. I wrapped my arms around him and teased his lips open with my tongue, wanting to deepen the kiss, needing more of him. He answered me by pulling me tighter to him before pushing me back on the bed.

In Echigo...

Sasuke sat in the hall of Kasugayama, listening as Shingen had news to tell from Azuchi. "It appears security is being tightened in Azuchi." He said.

"What for? Does Nobunaga suspect an attack coming?" Kenshin asked.

"Not one on him, apparently." Shingen answered. "While on their good will trip to the festival, someone attempted to poison Lady Ava."

Sasuke felt his blood run cold. "Attempted?"

"Yes, someone found out what the princess craves and used that to try and poison her at the festival. Asuna was able to smell the poison and stop the lady from eating it." Shingen answered.

Sasuke breathed a small sigh of relief. Though he still didn't like the sound of this. "Have they figured out who did it?"

"No." Shingen answered. "Whoever did it did try to frame us however."

"What do you mean?" Yukimura asked.

"Whoever bribed the daimyo into this attempted murder posed as an emiisary of ours." Shingen explained.

"You mean someone is trying to goad Nobunaga into attacking us?" Kenshin asked. "I hate it when other people get involved in my wars."

"Are the Oda taking the bait?" Sasuke asked.

"No." Shingen answered. "Apparently Asuna was quite involved in the investigation and when they all met to discuss the news, no one in the Oda believed for a second that we were responsible."

"That's a relief." Sasuke said.

"Yes, while I am eager to fight Nobunaga and get my revenge, I do not wish to be on the receiving end of his wrath for attempting to murder his wife. A man will fight like hell for the woman he loves." Shingen said.

"He did fight differently when I had kidnapped the woman." Kenshin agreed.

"I don't like the fact that someone was out there trying to ruin our reputation." Yukimura spoke up. "Taking a hostage is one thing...but poisoning that's..."

"And to poison a pregnant woman at that." Shingen agreed.

"We need to find out who is trying to meddle in our war." Kenshin said.

"I will return to Azuchi and gather more information." Sasuke spoke up. "I know we have Lord Shingen's spy, but she can't be everywhere. Let me go as well, my lord."

Shingen eyed Sasuke, knowing that he didn't want to go for the sake of spying. He knew he wanted to go to help protect Ava.

"Of course, I will have my own spy." Kenshin agreed. "Perhaps you will even be able to prove more useful than the midwife."

Sasuke bowed. "Thank you, my lord."

Once the meeting was over, Sasuke was heading to his room to pack. Yukimura met him there. "Why did you volunteer to go back to Azuchi?" He asked. "Especially knowing that they are tightening security."

"Do you remember the boar-woman as you called her?" Sasuke asked.

"Yeah, your friend in Azuchi...are you worried about her with all of this?"

Sasuke nodded. "She is Lady Ava."

"Wait...she's the Devil King's wife?" Yukimura asked, his eyed widening in shock.

Sasuke nodded. "Yes."

"But...she didn't seam like someone who could...who would...I mean...she married him?"

"She loves him." Sasuke answered. "I am happy for her and I want her to continue to be happy...and safe. I can still gather information and do that."

"You know she'd be safer if she weren't married to that monster."

"It is the life she has chosen." Sasuke said. "I know she is married to my lord's enemy and that should make her my enemy, but I will never see her as such."

Yukimura nodded. "I understand...and your secret is safe with me."

"I knew I could count on my BFF." Sasuke said. "Which is why I didn't want to lie to you."

Sasuke finished packing his things and then headed out. Yukimura and Shingen being the only ones who knew his true intentions in leaving for Azuchi. Though deep down Kenshin had an inkling that there was more to his hidden blade wanting to go back, but he wouldn't acknowledge it.

As Sasuke left Echigo and traveled through the plains, he noticed the storm clouds gathering on the horizon. Something about the storm didn't seem right. He stopped riding for a bit, resting his horse and pulling out a spiral bound notebook and performing some calculations.

"It couldn't be." He said.

Then before he had a chance to take shelter, the storm was upon him. His eyes widened as he watched a swirling mass in the sky above him. Another wormhole opening up. As Sasuke watched the mass expand, coming towards him, he realized he should be running away.

If I don't move now...if I don't get away...I'll be sent back to the present. He thought, but couldn't make himself move.

The swirling mass grew, but stopped just short of him. Then almost as quickly as it showed up the storm and the wormhole disappeared. That was when Sasuke noticed something lying in the grass. He got up and walked toward the mass in the ground.

It was a young woman who was dressed in modern clothing. She was unconscious. She had long brown hair and soft pale skin. Without hesitation, Sasuke picked up the woman and placed her on his horse. He then headed toward a town nearby and rented a room at an inn.

He laid the woman in a futon and then kept watch, waiting for her to wake up and knowing she would have many questions. He ended up only having to wait a few more moments before the woman's honey-brown eyes opened and she was sitting up.

"Did it work?" She asked, looking around the room.

Sasuke looked at her. "You got here on purpose?" He asked.

The woman's eyes came to rest on him. There was something familiar about her, but Sasuke coudn't quite place where he had seen her before. She looked like she recognized him too. "Oh my...you're the missing student from Kyoto University!" She gasped. "Sasuke, right?!"

"Yes, I am Sasuke." He answered. "For someone who just traveled through a wormhole you are surprisingly not confused."

"I know." She said. "Where...or should I say when exactly are we?"

"The Sengoku period." Sasuke answered. "What is your name?"

"My name is Suki." She answered. "And I came here looking for my sister."