Update: Hello~ I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far! Thing's are heating up this chapter and I hope it brings some laughs in Mego's chapter. I will try a Aki & Mego combo for every chapter from now on and see how it goes. Let me know if you think I should split it up.
Also as I am trying to keep this as close to character as possible please let me know if you think I am slipping up! The hardest part is trying to make sure they sound like themselves in situations that haven't occurred. Also I hope this chapter isn't too sloppy. I have a bunch of scenarios written down for events in this fanfic but they don't occur until after this chapters events so hopefully I can keep it going.
Also I might go slower on the Aki side of things since I've created the characters in a manner that Mego and Masamune are going to need the most character/romance development. But I don't want to disappoint so I won't forget Aki!
~~~ Aki ~~~
Aki woke up just before the crack of dawn full of excitement for the day ahead. She sat up in her futon and started doing some morning stretches to get some blood circulating through her muscles as well as release some of the bubbles that had built up over night in her joints. Once satisfied she got up out of bed and began to change into a kimono suitable for riding in. If she was going out in public she had to make an effort to make her appearance suitable of a lady even if it was more comfrotable to ride in her hakama. Looking at her small collection she felt a little nostalgic again as each kimono brought back memories of her past. She picked up a kimono that was orange with a yellow and red phoenix embroidered on the back. Mego had gotten it for her after she had saved the village from bandits by "blazing in like a phoenix" as Mego had described it. Mego had used her own money and gave it to her with a special note.
Aki, when the time calls for you to burn brighter than anyone wear this kimono. You are a very strong and confident girl. Whenever you feel like you need strength wear this kimono as it will remind you of how passionate and courageous you truly are.
She smiled to herself.I suppose a day like today would be perfect for such a garment. I hope it's not too powerful an impression. The red does go nicely with my hair though. I think I'll leave it down for today.
After she was satisfied with herself she exited her room hoping to have a look at the morning sun before hunting down something to eat for breakfast. She walked around the castle remembering Shingen mentioning the sun was most beautiful on the east side of the castle in the morning. As she neared the corner she heard the swing of a weapon in the air and the grunts of a man. As she turned the corner she was greeted by an enthusiastic and sweaty Yukimura who was doing his usual morning training regime in the open area in the gardens. He was so engrossed in his training he didn't even notice Aki's arrival but as he finished a repetition of jabs in all directions he came face to face to Aki upon finishing his reps. At first he flinched back a little surprised that she had appeared out of nowhere but then smiled and ran up to great her.
"Good morning, Akihime. You are up very early this morning. I trust you slept well." Aki looked at him in awe. "Good morning Yukimura. I thought for sure I would be the only one up at this hour but I guess there is no time to sleep in for a general as admirable as you." Yukimura gave a slight blush at the comment. "You honour me with your words Akihime. It is important for a general to be strong, for if he is not strong then how could anyone follow him into battle?" he asked rhetorically. Aki nodded in agreement. "Indeed it is true, a strong leader is one who rules by example. Lady Hikari taught me that." Yukimura nodded vigorously in agreement. "Perhaps I should train in the morning sometimes as well with my Naginata" she said aloud whilst pondering the idea. Yukimura's face lit up a little. "You should train with me sometime Akihime. I am sure I can teach you a few things." she gasped in excitement. "Really? You would teach me?" he nodded to give conformation. She gave a little squeak of excitement before settling herself down.One thing at a time Aki! She faced Yukimura again. "I was thinking about getting some food after seeing the morning sky, would you like some too? I can get the maids to bring it here and we can eat together after you finish training." Yukimura agreed. "The morning sky is quite lovely this morning" he smiled whilst looking up at the eloquent colours of orange, red, purple and blue that the sun brought whilst it was rising. They stood there for a while whilst the admired the beauty in front of them until the sun rose to a high enough level that the sky was just blue.
When Aki came back with breakfast Yukimura was sitting down wiping his face with a towel signifying he was done training. She took a quiet moment to admire him before approaching him with breakfast. They sat together eating breakfast quietly. Aki felt like it was too quiet, whilst Yukimura didn't seem at all agitated by the clear silence at all. Probably in his own world .She decided to break the silence. "What time do you want to head out today?" she asked. He had been halfway to eating the pickles he had on his chopsticks when she had asked him the question and she couldn't help but giggle at his sudden stop with his mouth still gaping wide open. "Oh sorry, please finish eating that first" she said giggling even further. Yukimura always had some of the cutest facial expressions. He quickly scoffed down the pickles. "Would after we finish breakfast be a good time Akihime?" she nodded. "Sounds good."She said smiling to him and returning to her breakfast. They both finished their breakfasts then headed to the stables to retrieve their horses.
When Yukimura returned with his horse and another ordinary horse Aki laughed and shook her head. "I guess you forgot I brought my own horse with me. She'll get jealous if I ride anyone else." Yukimura looked embarrassed and apologized whilst bowing to her and promptly returning with Fumi all saddled up and ready to go. She greeted an eager Fumi with hug that embraced the mare's head and stroked her neck. She received a happy whinny from Fumi for the sign of affection. Yukimura stared at the interaction between Fumi and Aki. He'd never seen a person be so caring towards a horse before. In fact he'd never heard a horse whinny in glee from being petted. "Aki, why do you do that?" he asked gesturing to Fumi. "What? Do you mean greet Fumi by hugging her? Well she likes it and I feel it makes us stronger as companions. She works hard carrying me places so I show her I love and care for her when I can. Is it strange?" Yukimura looked at her bluntly. "No. I just have never seen anyone do that before." He stated still looking between her and Fumi. "Maybe it's just Mego and I that do it but we have always treated them with love and affection and in return they have never faulted us." Aki shrugged her shoulders. It was starting to sound more and more complicated as she tried to explain it and Yukimura had a look of confusion. She mounted her horse and walked over to meet Yukimura side by side. "Do you think you could teach me?" he asked her. She flushed a look of surprise. "Uh...Sure if you'd like." He beamed a smile of delight as they both started heading off for their ride.
They started off by strolling through town on their horses whilst being greeted by various citizens whom Aki was very happy to meet. She could tell from how friendly and genuine they were that they were a peaceful village and were more importantly a happy village. Yukimura also pointed out the various stores from the best dango store, to the finest kimono seamstress in town which was owned by a lovely old woman named Chiyo and her daughter Nana. Both woman admired the work done on her phoenix kimono and were positively awed at the amazing embroidery that detailed the phoenix and the flames surrounding it. Yukimura, having not noticed it before as he never really noticed much about the opposite sex, took notice of her kimono for the first time and was also awed by its complexity. It was positively beautiful on her, and didn't clash with her hair or obi which camouflaged into the colours of the kimono as to not hinder the phoenix. He kept staring at it before he realized they were all staring at him. Startled by the stares he blushed in embarrassment. " Forgive me. I was admiring the phoenix on your kimono. It looks beautiful on you Akihime." He said not paying head to the depth such words could be read into. Aki gave a slight blush at the bold compliment and Chiyo and Nana laughed. "If you ever need a kimono please don't hesitate to come by!" they chimed as Aki and Yukimura decided to keep moving on.
Their next stop was under a maple tree on top of a hill to eat some of Yukimura's favourite dango's whilst overlooking the rice fields. They sat peacefully enjoying watching the farmers working on their fields. "I come to this place sometimes to clear my head." Yukimura confessed as he looked out across the landscape with a warmth to his eyes. Aki instantly knew how much this kind of serenity meant to Yukimura as well as what this land meant to him. She looked out onto the landscape herself to take it all in. "It is truly wonderful to see such a peaceful serenity that has fallen over these parts. I can see how you truly care for these people and for peace." Yukimura's head jolted up at those words as he looked at Aki. "I think it's wonderful that you care so much for your people. You can see in their faces how happy they are." She smiled such a beautiful smile to him. He felt a stirring in his chest again and a vexing need to grab her hand. He buried such thoughts deep into his mind. To touch her in such a manner would be improper of a man. He smacked the sides of his face with his palms to help snap him out of the moment. "You honour me with your words Akihime. I merely live to serve and protect the people of Takeda. My dream is for us to live peacefully so everyone can live without the grief of war." Aki smiled warmly. "That is the dream of many. To be able to find peace and a purpose in life other than war. Keiji always told Mego and I we would one day help make that 'purpose' but as to what he was referring to I don't have the slightest clue." she giggled and was joined by Yukimura. "Keiji may say the strangest things, but in his heart he seeks for people to lay down their weapons and pick up their plows. Basically to stop destroying and start building and creating instead." Yukimura grunted approval. Suddenly it went silent and it was just Aki and Yukimura and the distance between them. They stared into each others eyes as they had done not some weeks ago. Both willing themselves to break the increasingly awkward moment but neither able to do anything but stare at each other. Yukimura went to open his mouth but the words got caught in his throat. Aki let out an awkward laugh due to his gaping expression allowing the tension to deflate. They both stayed there under the maple for another hour in silence, enjoying the scenery and trying to forget the awkward moment that had passed before returning to the castle. Aki had learned so much about Yukimura and the Takeda clan in a day. She was going to need a few days to mull it over. She was grateful though and hoped she might have such a chance to get to know Yukimura further soon. As they arrived at the stables and had their horses taken away Aki approached Yukimura. "So um... Would you like me to teach you the horse stuff tomorrow?" she asked shyly. Suddenly forgetting what happened Yukimura found a new burst of energy and nodded his head. "Would tomorrow afternoon be ok Akihime?" "Of course. I'll see you here around 4 o'clock then." with that she walked back to the castle seeking a well earned bath.
~~~ Mego ~~~
Keiji and Mego having spent a week with the Maeda's had finished preparation to move on to their next destination which was a mystery to Mego. Keiji had insisted that if she was going to understand how a wanderer travels she had to have no destination but forward, metaphorically speaking. She was sad to leave though, she had enjoyed the many lessons Matsu had taught her in cooking, etiquette and being a strong woman who is wife to an important leader. She felt inspired and confident that she could be like Matsu for someone in her life as well but for now she was going to focus on the journey and learning.All good things come to those who wait right? she spaced out as she contemplated the last weeks worth of lessons she had received from Matsu. Keiji said his usual goodbye's and promises to his Aunt especially, who always looked forward to his visits. At that point he wondered where Mego was and turned around to see her off in her own world. "Mego, are you going to say goodbye?" he prompted. She snapped back into consciousness and ran over and bowed apologetically. "Please forgive my rudeness. I thank you for looking after me and extending your hospitality to me. It has been truly an honour to be able to have been a guest in your house." She was greeted by smiles from Toshiie and Matsu who were joyed to have a young girl in their home for once. "I hope we do see you again." said Matsu who gave her a wink. She already knew if she needed advice she could write to Matsu but it was nice to know someone had her back.
As Keiji and Mego set off on their long journey they waved back at the strongest couple who waved back in return. "They really are the nicest and cutest couple I have ever met." Keiji chuckled at Mego's comment. "Of course! I wish we could see more of their magic in the world. It is my dream that we can fill the world with love like theirs. It's so beautiful." "Mmm" replied Mego. He was right, the world needed more of love than fighting but as long as greed and power were dominate, such things were hard to come by. Most lords had been too busy with war to worry about wives and love, and with a settlement of peace since Ieyasu and Mitsunari had been able to settle their matters it was about time they did start caring about the next generation and Keiji wanted to help sow those seeds. They rode all day and would camp by campfire at night enjoying the serenity of nature keep them comfort in the night. Keiji would tell Mego more about his aspirations and past travels. He always lit up when talking about some of the fun people he had met like Magoichi Saica who he thought he was in love with but in fact was using her as an excuse to distract his mind from his real problems. Mego laughed at his foolishness, but she really did love his stories and urged him to keep telling more. For Keiji it was nice to be in the company of a fun loving woman like Mego. She might be rough and aggressive at times but down to the wire she was good of heart and good company.
They had been traveling for days when they finally made their way over Oshu's borders. It didn't take them long once inside the borders of Oshu for Mego to figure out where Keiji had taken her, if the blue flags with the moon weren't enough, the soldiers that had greeted them in 'Hito's' name asking our business told her everything she needed to know. She looked over to Keiji who was giving her an uneasy smile whilst he was rubbing the back of his head. "Keiji, you could have just said we were going to Oshu, you didn't have to pretend we didn't have a destination." She narrowed her eyes at him in annoyance. "Heh, heh." he couldn't find the words for an excuse. Mego sighed. It wasn't that she minded seeing Masamune again, it was more that Keiji was acting suspicious and she knew it meant he was up to something. He had that look. She decided to shrug it off and just take whatever came at her head on. "Well, I hope the One-eyed dragon doesn't mind us stopping by." Tsukiyo, who had been keeping pace with them seemed to have a spring in her step as they got closer to the castle.
As they approached the castle Mego could hear the clear sound of an angry horse causing a commotion coming from the stables. As the stables came closer she ignored Tsukiyo running off somewhere and decided to investigate what was going on. As she arrived she saw two men trying to calm down a fiesty stallion to no end as they were only making him more pissed off by waving their hands in his face. She let out a frustrated sigh and jumped off Kinfu to calm down the stallion.
"What do you think you're doing? That's not how you calm down a horse. Get out of the way or you'll get trampled by him!" she yelled at the two men who were startled by her appearance but did as she ordered having heard the authority in her voice. She came around slowly approaching the stallion who was still rearing and bucking about like it had something on it's back it desperately needed to get off. She caught it's eye and drew it's attention to her as she slowly walked around slightly hunched over and arms out wide as to appear not to hide anything and small. When she was at a close enough distance she began to try to soothe the stallion with her voice. "Hush, shhhhh. There, there boy. It's ok. It's ok." she extended one hand out slowly then slowly started to approach him. He reacted by rearing up at her again.So the forward approach doesn't work.She changed tactics and leaned back slightly and gestured her hands towards her whilst repeating soothing words over and over. "It's ok boy. Come here it's ok. Shhhhh. It's ok." He settled down and started to move his face towards her. She stepped back and continued to gesture him to follow her. He moved forward slowly at first then faster as he became more confident and soothed by her voice. She stopped and waited for him to walk within touching distance. As soon as he was she extended her hand just before his muzzle to let him smell her. He gave her a good sniff and sneezed all the sudden whilst tossing his head around and giving a snort. She chuckled and petted his muzzle a few times. Satisfied he trusted her. she stood up straight and petted his face and cheek before embracing him and giving his neck a good stroke. "There you go handsome boy, was that so bad?" She asked the stallion who just rubbed his head against her trying to scratch the side of his face.
"Ive never seen him be so friendly with anyone so quickly." Mego spun around suddenly at the sound of a familiar voice.So it's his horse? "I just happen to have a gift for understanding animals is all." Mego stated coolly. She looked to Masamune's side only to find Tsukiyo standing right beside him looking delighted. "So that's where you ran off to Tsukiyo. It would appear that I am not the only one who is able to befriend animals so quickly" She stated looking from Tsukiyo to Masamune. He flashed a toothy grin, she had yet again impressed him with her strange abilities that always seemed useful. Also it was impressive how easily she handled his horse. They were always having trouble settling him down. "Heh. I am surprised to see you here so soon. Ready for anotherparty?" Mego gave him a cocky smile but before she could say anything Keiji appeared and took over. "I thought we should start at the far East in our travels and naturally missing Oshu would be a disappointment. Besides I recall you extended an invitation for Mego to visit. We would like to take you up on that offer." To sweeten the request Keiji pulled out a bottle of sake to show Masamune as a sign of truce and the entertainment to be had. Masamune looked at the bottle of sake and smiled wide again. No man could deny a drink of sake. "I guess we can accommodate you for a little while, after all you did save two of my men from being trampled." He looked back at Mego with a look of gratitude in his eye. She bowed. "Thank you for showing us kindness Lord Masamune." He stopped and gave her a curious look. He'd never seen her be so polite before but it was the expected response in such a situation. He simply shrugged it off and strolled back to his castle. Keiji followed him but Mego stayed behind quickly to give some pointers to the men before putting Masmune's horse in his stall. The men thanked her bowing to her. It was one of the first good impressions Mego had made on the Oshu army which would become vital in the future.
As she walked through the castle gates she was greeted by Kojuro. She bowed to him "Good afternoon Master-Kojuro. You look well" he gave an equally curious look that Masamune had given her for showing proper etiquette for once. He smiled at her. "Please, call me Kojuro. It is nice to see you again. Please follow me and I'll take you to where they are gathered." She smiled back at him. "Thank you Kojuro." They walked in silence until they arrived at the guest room that Keiji and Masamune were currently occupying. Both Kojuro and Mego entered the room where they were met by two men who had already downed a couple of drinks of sake. As she promised Keiji, Mego took this opportunity to exercise her training by picking up the bottle of sake and pouring everyone a drink as women were supposed to. This kind of job she didn't mind since anyone pouring sake was usually greeted with a happy smile not an angry or domineering one. Masamune gladly accepted her filling his cup as he watched her pour it with ease. She is a woman who has been taught manners after all. He smirked at how silly she seemed acting all normal before downing the sake and requesting another.
"So how does the Maeda clan fair?" Masamune asked out of sheer curiosity. "Toshiie and Matsu-neechan are doing well. They seem to be enjoying the time of peace a lot more than others. I guess that's because they have each other." Keiji replied looking cheerful. "Heh. It almost seems to quiet now." Kojuro looked at his lord. He knew how off he had been since there wasn't really any need for war councils anymore with the country currently at a standstill. He had been beside himself with what to do. Kojuro was glad to have company though, with Keiji and Mego around for a few days it might keep his lords mind off things and allow him time to work in his fields. He smiled just thinking of it before taking a sip of his sake. Mego watched his expressions change and became curious but decided it was a question for another time. Keiji and Masamune kept to idle chatter as Mego continued pouring them a drink when they went dry until the sake bottle was empty. She had kind of zoned out during their talking as they talked about days past and of battles she had no idea about.Have I really been that isolated?
"Hey Mego is there any sake left?" Masamune asked looking at her in her spaced out state.It's kinda cute. Wait what am I thinking.He shook his head to recover his thoughts as Mego turned to him looking innocent. "I'm sorry Masamune I zoned out for a moment. What was your request?" "Is there any sake left?" he repeated. She looked at the bottle and then looked down to the ground. " Uh... There is unfortunately none left. I'm sorry." she said not looking up. "Ah well, I guess we should call it a night then! Kojuro can you show Keiji to his room? I'll take Mego to hers." he stood up and wobbled a little. Mego giggled to herself.Men and their liquor,she thought. She wouldn't have minded a couple drinks herself but it was not the place for such things. Kojuro and Keiji left the room after Keiji bid her goodnight. " Goodnight Mego~." "Goodnight Keiji" she giggled at him as she waved him goodbye. She picked up the cups and empty sake bottle and placed them outside the door for a maid to pick up before following Masamune to the hallway where he was waiting patiently and leaned up against the wall. She absorbed in the image in front of her and couldn't help but slightly blush at his cool posture leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed and grin on his slightly leaned back face that would make a normal girl swoon.Get it together Mego, what the hell."C'mon Mego I ain't got all day." he nagged before heading off down the hallway leaving Mego to catch up to him. As they arrived at her room he opened the door for her and she saw that a maid had already seen to preparing her a futon to sleep on. She turned to face Masamune. "Thank you for showing me to my room. I appreciate it. I'll see you in the morning?" She asked him rather than saying a simple goodnight. He wasn't sure if it was the sake that clouded his mind talking or what but he simply replied "Oh you will. I have to show you my dragon.You see." Mego looked at him gob smacked.Shit. That sounded like something it isn't. Whilst he was panicking in his head Mego started to giggle which then evolved into a surge of laughter at Masamune. She laughed so hard she had tears in her eyes and she held her stomach which hurt from the laughter. Masamune stared at her not believing her response. Any normal virgin maiden would have either slapped him or called him a pervert. Having regained her breath Mego stood up straight and looked at him whilst wiping away the remaining tears of laughter. "Hehe. I hope you don't tell all the ladies that. If they've never fought a battle they'd have no idea you were talking about your fighting spirit. You're a real charmer." she teased falling into laughter again. This time Masamune joined in the laughter, something he hadn't done in a while. When they settled down the bid each other goodnight and parted ways Mego continued to giggle to herself closing the door and getting ready for bed. Whilst Masamune walked back to his room he face palmed and shook his head whilst laughing at the stupidity of the situation until he reached his room and settled in for the night.
Author notes:
Hito = Boss
I'll be adding more on the horses with Aki's side of the story but I wanted to delve into Mego's animal communications a bit more this chapter.
If I get some time in the coming holidays I might try and draw up some of the concepts from this story like Aki's kimono in this chapter.