Update: Well next chapter is up and Mego is getting a pep talk! Next Chapter should be more focused on the building of relationships but as the two himes are split it may become a little uneven at times (bear with me). Also I may change this to M rating soon as I'll be adding in some more mature content past what I wrote in earlier. (Nothing too detailed just going to try heating things up.)
Thankyou and I hope you like this chapter :)

At the Maeda's

Mego was making the final adjustments to Kinfu's saddle making sure she was comfortable and everything was stable. She gave it a nod of approval and walked back to their farewell party. Lord Shingen, Yukimura, Sasuke and Aki all stood in line awaiting their final farewells. Mego looked to Lord Shingen first before bowing deeply to him. "Lord Shingen, I am most grateful for the hospitality you have shown me and the wisdom you have passed on to me. I have taken your lessons to heart. I look forward to meeting once again." He gave her a grunt of approval and placed a hand on her head and ruffled her hair a little as he did when showing approval to his young cub. "You are a smart woman and have much to learn, but if it is you, you will know what to do." he said smiling back at her. Mego was taken a back a little from the ruffling but she gave him a warm smile. It was the first time she had treated in such a manner and she felt a growing bond forming between her and Shingen. Next was Yukimura, and though she barely knew him she knew he was going to play an important role in Aki's life and that meant he'd be important to her too. "May I call you Yukimura-kun?"she asked him sincerely. Yukimura beamed a massive smile. "Of course you can Megohime." Giving him a warm smile without warning she quickly moved forward embraced him in a hug so she could whisper in his ear, "Please look after Aki for me." before backing away from a surprised Yukimura at the sudden sign of platonic affection. "Thankyou for extending your hospitality to me Yukimura-kun. I hope to see you again and maybe even have a rematch." she said enthusiastically as she bowed deeply. She gave Sasuke a bow wishing him well before facing Aki who by this time couldn't hold back her tears anymore.

Aki rushed forward embracing her friend as she openly wept tears of sadness and happiness. Mego feeling the overwhelming sense of loneliness and also began to shed tears pressing her head against the top of Aki's which was buried in her chest in what could only be described as a show of the most pure of love and care between sisters. The others watched on in awe as the girls wept out their feelings before regaining themselves enough to be able to speak. Once they hushed to silent sobs Aki decided to break the silence. "Mego you are my m-mmost trusted friend. It's s-sso hard to see you leave. I don't want you to leave but I know you have to go." she sniffled. Mego held their embrace tightly. "Aki you are like a sister to me and it hurts to leave you alone. But I have seen that the Takeda clan has more than proven their ability to care for you. We knew this day would come when we must part ways. I know it's not easy but we both have our separate paths to walk. We will meet soon Aki, this is not goodbye this is see you later. We never say goodbye." Aki looked up to her friend eyes red raw from crying. "Yes, sisters. We will see each other soon enough. Please remember to write to me and tell me of our adventures." she requested as she let go of her and stood up straight as if to regain herself.

Aki watched Mego and Keiji leave for what seemed like hours until she could no longer see the gleaming golden hair anymore. Her hand dropped down to her side and she felt the need to start crying again. As tears began to roll down her face she was handed a towel to wipe her face with by Shingen. "The bond you and Mego share runs deeper than blood. She will keep in contact and she will return to visit or if you are in need." he stated before walking off back to the castle to go about his daily business. Yukimura followed up behind Shingen to check that Aki was ok. "Akihime are you ok? Are you ill?" he asked being naive as to crying being the equivalent of him and Shingen punching each other in one of their usual signs of affection. Having spent most of his life around soldiers and war Yukimura was naive to the behavior of women. "Forgive me Yukimura-kun, I am just a bit overwhelmed as this is the first time Mego and I have ever been separated from each other. I knew this would happen but still I couldn't help but cry." Yukimura looked at her sincerely. "I think it is honorable my Lady how you show your affection for each other so openly. It shows how strongly you feel for each other. You should not be ashamed of that." She looked up to him at his sudden utterance of wisdom. He had never complimented her in such a respectable way before. She began to giggle which caused Yukimura to regain his usual aloof look at Aki for some of the things she did. "Please excuse my laughter Yukimura-kun, I just find your response so unusual is all. But I greatly appreciate such words." He smiled back at her then looked towards the horizon. "I know you are sad... Hey! I know. Why don't we go out for a ride tomorrow and I will show you some of the beautiful spots in the Takeda province." He was enthusiastic as ever. "I would gladly join you Yukimura-kun. It has been so long since I've had a chance to ride around and I'd like to learn more about Takeda. Do you think you can teach me?" He seemed to beam at the question with a gleam in his eye. "Of course Akihime! I'd be honoured!"

~~~ Maeda provice ~~~

Arriving at the Maeda province everything seemed to be so peaceful. The townsfolk were so lovely and friendly and best of all they weren't even spooked by Tsukiyo's presence. In fact a young boy, around the age of ten even had the courage to come up and pet Tsukiyo earning him a nuzzle which he gladly received running back to his mothers side with a huge smile on his face. Mego smiled whilst watching the boy run back to his mother admiring his courage and also the overall cuteness factor of what just happened.

As they arrived at the castle it wasn't long before they were greeted by the strongest couple, Maeda Toshiie and his lovely wife Matsu. Matsu and Toshiie greeted their nephew with open arms as they exchanged greetings and formalities as they usually did when Keiji came to visit. "Keiji you should visit more often. We are always concerned for your wellbeing. Why don't you at least write more often?" Matsu complained to her nephew whom she cared deeply for. That was the Maeda clan for you, a strong knit family that protected those most precious to them with all their might. Mego took the cue by Keiji's attempt to sway the conversation as her time to introduce herself. "Excuse me, my name is Megohime but please call me Mego. I am the reason Keiji hasn't visited recently. He has decided to take me with him in traveling around Japan for me to learn more about life." Matsu and Toshiie both turned there heads in unison to the source of interruption. "Ah yes, this is Megohime. She is an adopted daughter of Lady Hikari. Upon Lady Hikari's request I have allowed her to travel with me so she might learn more about the land and maybe even get her hitched with a husband." he said cheekly winking at his Aunt and Uncle. Mego gave him a glare and punched him in the shoulder. "If you introduce me like that to everyone, people will think you're selling me or something." Matsu and Toshiie laughed. "So we finally meet the feisty Megohime. Keiji has told us a lot about you and Akihime but it's so good to put a face to a name." Toshiie said letting out a further hearty laugh. On the other hand Matsu gave Mego a warm smile. "I am so glad to finally meet you, Keiji always talks so fondly of you girls that I thought he might settle down with one of you but seeing you in person and your interaction with Keiji it is quite clear you are more like siblings." Mego gave a chortle. "I don't think he would settle for any woman, nor would any woman settle for the likes of him." Her comment received a roar of laughter from everyone even Keiji who agreed to her statement.

After unpacking and handing their horses over to the stables, they all settled down for dinner prepared by the talented Matsu whilst Mego confidently poured sake for Keiji and Toshiie to celebrate Keiji's return home. As Matsu served up dinner, Mego was surprised at the large amount of rice she had made. "Matsu is that much rice really necessary?" she asked concerned she may have cooked too much. They all laughed as if there was some inside joke that Mego didn't know about. "When you feed men like these too, you need about three times as much rice as you usually would make." Matsu answered giving her a wink. Mego then chuckled as she thought back to how Keiji would at least two bowls of rice when he stayed with them at the castle with Lady Hikari. As she served up dinner, Mego ate her food as per usual in a womanly manner suited to ladies whilst she watched in awe as Toshiie and Keiji spared no minute in scoffing their food down like it was their last meal on earth. Mego began to eat her food more slowly as she was memorized by the fast past eating competition Keiji and Toshiie were apparently having. They'd eaten three bowls full when they shoved their bowls towards Matsu who looked upset. "I'm sorry but I've run out of rice." she proclaimed looking down in shame. Both Keiji and Toshiie then proceeded to fall onto their backs acting like they were starving and it was the end of the world. Slightly melodramatic thought Mego. Matsu then ran off to cook some more rice whilst Mego took the opportunity to calm the situation down. "Here boys, have another drink! It will make you feel better!" Immediately they sat up and accepted their drinks.

Matsu returned shortly with more rice to find Mego recalling the story of Keiji falling off his horse as she kept pouring them more sake as soon as they had finished their drink. She smiled to herself as she saw that Mego was showing the ability most wives had to have in these times. The ability to control a conversation or situation and turn it around favourable when hosting quests or being one. Of course it wasn't anything she couldn't handle, but she was still relieved that her guest was able to keep them at bay for a while. Mego finished her story as Matsu filled up the boys rice bowls with more rice which they gladly dug into abandoning the sake. They were already very happily drunk so they probably wouldn't need much more that night. Taking their silence whilst eating as an opportunity Matsu seized Mego's attention. "Mego, I have had the maids draw a bath. Would you like to join me whilst these two catch up?" she asked gesturing to the two drunk men. Mego returned her a smile. "I would love to have a bath." she said sharing a knowing look with Matsu. She may be a bit wild but any girl couldn't resist the temptation of cleaning up and relaxing in the bath. Taking their leave from the men they both headed to the bathroom. On the way Matsu remembered the conversation she had briefly earlier today with Keiji.

Matsu I have an important task for you. Mego is a lovely girl but unfortunately she has no confidence in herself. She claims her wild nature, skillfulness in battle and her open mind make her undesirable. I wish for her to find love, with the right person of course, but she needs more confidence in herself.I know you of all people can show her how a powerful woman can make a stronger man. Talk to her and encourage her. She needs guidance.

When they entered the bathhouse and started to get undressed, Matsu took this opportunity to start approaching the subject. "Mego, Keiji tells me you are worried you are too strong a woman to ever find a husband who will take you on." Mego turned around to the abrupt conversation starter looking at Matsu, who looked back at her with a serious look on her face. "Ugh, well you see, there are many other reasons than just that but I truly believe I am just too wild and unnatural for me to obtain a husband. Men don't want their wives to be stronger than them..." she trailed off looking towards the ground. Matsu chuckled at the young maiden. "Mego, if I was weaker than Toshiie I would never have been able to keep this clan so tight and together as it is. I am a strong warrior who has a boar, bear and falcon who fight along side me and also a wife who keeps her husband standing tall and picks him up when he is down. I care for his needs and those of the clan including talking on his behalf to other clans. A true wife does more than just sit around and look pretty." she stated confidently looking at Mego full of confidence. Mego looked at her surprised and then awed. "I...I never thought of it that way before. So a true wife knows how to not only look after but control her husband and clan?" she asked giving Matsu her full attention. "That's how I see it. The man may be the head, but the woman is the neck." both girls laughed. "A girl like you is likely to be a good match for a strong lord from what Keiji has told me and what I have seen. You shouldn't doubt yourself, just be who you are and it will find it's way." Mego smiled at Matsu. "Lady Matsu those words mean so much to me. I have been looking for answers and I couldn't find any." she sighed. "It's a relief to find someone like me who I can relate to." Matsu laughed. "Just don't let the boys know that though" she said winking at Mego. "They think they are in control." Matsu revealed as she finished undressing. Mego was almost done having only need unwrap her bandaged chest that kept her breasts firm to her chest. When she unwrapped them, letting them breathe which was always a good feeling that she usually missed out on since she was usually in her fighting gear and out and about, she saw Matsu staring at her revealed chest. "Well you're a bit heavily endowed aren't you." she said giving a giggle. Mego simply blushed at the remark. She knew she had slightly bigger breasts than those of females her age and as such she had to bind them so they wouldn't cause her issues or pain but it was still embarrassing. "No need to be shy Mego, we are both woman here. Come lets enjoy the bath." Matsu entered first followed by Mego where they enjoyed a nice relaxed bath and conversation filled with laughter.

Keiji and Toshiie sat in the room they had eaten dinner in but had opened the doors to let in some fresh air and admire the moonlit sky. They had been catching up on the past events that had occurred before the topic of Mego came up. "Tell me Keiji you are not planning on dragging that poor girl all around nippon*" demanded Toshiie. Keiji laughed and looked out into the distance. "I couldn't keep such a beautiful sakura blossom hidden from the world. No, I already know where to take her, I just had to make a stop here to see if Matsu could give her some advice to boost her confidence. She is unsure of her self worth." he said. Toshiie lent over trying to capture Keiji's gaze. "So you are saying you already know a man willing to marry her?" he asked a little confused. "Not exactly Uncle, I have rather found a man who will be able to handle her, and a man who needs a woman like her to handle him." He said calmly. "In this time of peace the younger war lords grow anxious, itching for battle and purpose. But what they really need is to find love and create bonds that will make them stronger as a whole and give them a new purpose in life. One that doesn't involve war. Mego is a beautiful and promising young woman but she needs to make the connection with him first." he said. Toshiie couldn't handle the suspense he had to know. "And who would this man be?" Keiji looked at his Uncle in disbelief. "I thought you would have guessed by now knowing her hot headiness." Toshiie pondered the idea rubbing his hand on his chin and looking at the night sky. "Ah!" he exclaimed slamming his left fist into his open right palm. "A girl like would be a perfect match for Motochika Chosokabe, am I right?" Keiji let out a burst of laughter. He'd not considered the sea devil but he could always be a plan b. He noted it in his mind before turning to his Uncle. "No, but he wouldn't be a bad choice either. Who I have in mind is someone a little more rash and well good friends with the sea devil. I'll be taking her to Oshu after here to see the one eyed dragon, Date Masamune. I've seen them fight each other and from what I saw those two will make one heck of a couple if they join forces." Toshiie nodded in agreement. "Does she know any of this?" he asked Keiji. Keiji shook his head. "Lady Hikari knows that her time to pass onto the other world is nearing and she only hoped that Aki and Mego would find a husbands before then. She had already struck a match with Aki and Yukimura with Lord Shingen having Aki become their ward to see how they got along. They will probably be engaged within a few months as they've hit off pretty well. But Mego was a more delicate case. Lady Hikari felt that Mego needed to find love on her own as she is a very confused young woman. Also many lords who had become interested in Mego had seemed to want to covert her more as a treasure due to her golden hair and foreign heritage. Even that Hisahide wanted her to add to his collection along with her wolf, Tsukiyo." he spat Hisahide's name in disgust. " The idea was for me to take her to the bachelor lords who I knew would look after her and see if any of them hit off with her. Having seen Masamune and Mego fight it off at Takeda I knew instantly that they had already started forming a bond only two people can make with each other like you and Matsu have. I just hope they can find it together because they are both as stubborn as the other as well as naive to such feelings." Toshiie chuckled. "Such is young love is it not? Oh to be young and in love again..." "What are you talking about Uncle, Matsu is still very attractive and young." Keiji retorted. "I know you're right but it feels like Matsu and I have been married for years! I don't know what I would do without Matsu. I feel every man should be able to find such a lovely and supporting wife to help them through this life. She is my everything." he had a warm and loving look on his face. Keiji patted his Uncle on his shoulder. "I know. That's what I am fighting for. Love is more wonderful than any amount of battles you win."

Authors note:

My Japanese host father once told me that in Japanese people don't like to say 'sayonara' very often. To goodbye is to say that they won't come back ever again, so they say see you soon or see you later. This was actually very touching to me and since I usually opt to use any other greeting that goodbye to a person I wish to see again.

Nippon: the name Japanese use when referring to their country. You hear it in the Olympics a lot in their chant "Nippon. *clap**clap**clap*. Think Sengoku Basara when Masamune fights Chosokabe in the forest (jap verison) and they start yelling "HITO". Same chant but with nippon