Update: Just to let everyone know I am quite busy over the next two weeks with my finals. I don't want anyone to worry about me dropping the story! I know that happens a lot but I can re-assure you that I am just quite busy with Uni and once I'm done with finals I will be able to pump out the rest of this story. I have all intentions to finish this.
Also, I think I will move the story on to a more Mego point of view as I feel her and Masamune are the most developing characters in this story as was my intention. But more exciting things to come.
Here is a hint:
Mego can use a bow and can sing.
Also I hope this chapter ins't too slow. The next one is going to be more on the romantic development between the two characters :)
Thanyou for being patient ^_^

~~~~ Aki ~~~~

Yukimura stood next to his horse holding it's reigns tightly as if afraid it might run away at the first moment it could. Aki stood next to Fumi without such worries even coming to mind as she gently petted her muzzle. "First things first. Yukimura-kun, you're going to have to think up a name for your horse." He nodded and then furrowed his brow whilst looking at nothing in particular whilst he devoted all his mind to this request. Aki chuckled at his intense look of cognition, it was one of Yukimura's cute traits that she'd began to fall in love with. She continued to watch him for several minutes before he suddenly opened his eyes and mouth wide and pressed his left fist into his open right palm. "I've got it!" he turned to his completely chestnut stallion in full confidence. "From this day forth let it be known that your name is *Jun." he announced with pride to which his stallion gave a shake of his mane in response. Aki beamed at Yukimura showing such pride in naming his stallion. It might be just something her and Mego did, but sharing it with Yukimura seemed to give her a sense of closeness to him. "Ok, now the next step might be trickier. You need to find the spots Jun likes to petted most." She gestured to Fumi. "You see with Fumi she really loves it when I gently massage around her cheeks." she said as she rubbed slow circles around Fumi's cheeks which she gladly accepted. Yukimura studied the movement carefully concentrating completely on the lesson.

"Your turn" chirped Aki whilst she gestured to Jun. Yukimura gave a nod and turned to face Jun whilst carefully placing his hands on his cheeks and doing exactly what Aki had done. Jun didn't seem to like it all that much though and gave a snort which left Yukimura sad. He cast his glance down to the ground. "I am not very good at this Akihime." She giggled at his sudden act of self-consciousness and put a hand on his shoulder. "Hey no need to get down. Look, I'll help you find Jun's favourite spot." She started by petting his neck and found that he seemed calmer and more serene by this action. She then moved to his face whilst Yukimura stood back and watched her work her magic. As she petted his forehead she got a low whinny from him. "Aha" she exclaimed and beckoned Yukimura over.

He watched her as she showed him what to do and then stepped back to give him the floor. He gently petted Jun's forehead to which he gave another low whinny and nuzzled closer to Yukimura. The delight in his success spread from spread from his eyes to his entire face. "Akihime look! I am doing it!" he exclaimed in joy. She nodded back showing her approval and continued to watch the excited Yukimura.

After Aki had finished showing Yukimura the basics, they took the horses into their stables and headed up to the castle for dinner. Shingen had been watching the whole scene play out and had been observing their interaction together. It appeared the two of them were getting along well and seemed to have started heading in the direction of becoming good friends and possible a potential match for each other. But for now their were more pressing concerns on his mind then arranging such things. He dispelled the thoughts from his mind with a grunt just as Sasuke appeared by his side in his usual manner. "Sasuke what news do you have?" Sasuke bowed his head. " Lord Shingen, we have been unable to find out a lot about the people who attacked Lady Hikari but we have been able to track other mysterious attacks in the west. It appears their signature is to wipe out all thats in their path and any witnesses and also something else thats interesting." Shingen looked down towards Sasuke prompting him to continue. "It appears that they have been targeting places that have items of significant value." He said looking up towards Shingen in a knowing look. Shingen looked into the horizon with a look of deep thought. He knew what person might be behind this but the question was why would be after Lady Hikari? What value could she possibly have? Knowing his master well enough to know he needed space to think Sasuke took his leave.

At dinner that night Sasuke was being interrogated by Aki about his supposed fiancé Kasuga. "Yukimura-kun tells me you have a fiancé Sasuke but you've never mentioned her to me." She pouted trying to give her best puppy eyes so he would volunteer the information. Sasuke scratched the side of his head feeling uncomfortable at attention surrounding him. "Uh... well you see..." whilst he tried to work out what to say Yukimura jumped in. "His fiancé is Kasuga. She is a ninja who works for Lord Kenshin." Sasuke froze. He wasn't sure considering Aki's relations to Keiji if she had met or heard about Kasuga and he had liked to keep Yukimura convinced of his made up relationship status. "Oh is that so" Aki asked whilst giving Sasuke a wink. "So tell me what kind of girl is she?" she asked. He wasn't sure what to say to that but decided to go along with it regardless. "She is a hot-headed and gorgeous female ninja who never ceases to surprise me. " He had a slightly perverted cheek to his smile. Aki decided to shrug it off. "Oh how nice it would be to have a fiancé." she said absent mindfully. When she received a curious look from both Sasuke and Yukimura she decided she better elaborate. "What I mean to say is that Kasuga is a very lucky woman to have a strong man like you. Any girl would dream of having a strong man to protect her, comfort her and love her." She said whilst blushing at the thought of having a certain man do those things for her. She held her face with her hands and shook side to side as if trying to expel the excited energy she had just mustered in telling such things. Yukimura and Sasuke looked agape. Sasuke because he wasn't expecting such a compliment and Yukimura out of the sudden enlightenment into the mind of a female. "I see. So woman like to feel protected, comfortable and loved?" Yukimura restated as if to reconfirm a new teaching he had been taught. Sasuke glanced at his commander who was still as naive to the needs of woman as always. Aki simply nodded still a bit embarrassed from her words and thoughts. Looking at the two Sasuke started to laugh loudly. He realized at that moment how perfect the two of them were for each other if only Yukimura weren't so dull in the romance department. We shall see how things progress he thought as they went back to their usual bander of conversation.

~~~~ Mego ~~~~

She woke up feeling rather alone in the immensely open area surrounding her. The air was stale but she was incredibly comfortable in her futon. Like a teenager she didn't want to get up but she neither did she want to stay in this empty shell of a room. She decided to face the day in the end and got up and dressed herself in her usual short sakura embroidered kimono and black leggings but left her armour to the side. No need for it as it was too early for either Masamune and Keiji to be awake after their drinking session last night. Besides after the conversation they had had before going to bed she wasn't sure she could look Masamune straight in the face. She could hear the faint but familiar snores of a sleeping Keiji in the background as she thought this and laughed to herself.

When she walked out into the garden the sun had just risen and she enjoyed the warmth of the suns rays on her pale skin. She took in a big whiff of the morning air enjoying the wonderful fresh smell of grass and the refreshing taste of fresh air. She decided it was a perfect time to take Kinfu for a run and to have a look at some of Oshu's land. As she approached the stables she found one of the men from yesterday who she had helped with the horses. He was brushing Masamune's horse outside but he seemed in a much better mood this time. As she came closer he noticed her and immediately bowed to her. "Lady Mego please accept my apologies for yesterday." She smiled at his show of respect and walked up to Masamune's horse giving him a welcoming pet on his muzzle. "Please there is no need to apologize. This boy is just very stubborn is all, like his rider." She got a chortle from the soldier who seemed to agree with her. "What is your name?" He looked at her and quickly bowed his head again. "My apologies Lady Mego. Please call me Ryou." Smiling her cheeky grin she decided to have some fun to break the ice. "So Ryou, what do you believe soldiers horses are?" He looked at her and saw she had a very serious look on her face. He had never thought of horses being anything but horses but the way she said it would seem she knew something he didn't. He gave it a thought for a few minutes before answering. "Well, they are the beasts that carry us into battle and who make the Date army so strong." "Bzzzzzzzt!" Mego said loudly as she flashed a smile. Ryou looked shocked, how could he the keeper of the horses get it wrong? He looked at her for an answer. Mego turned back to Masamune's horse and gazed lovingly whilst she petted him. "Where I come from it is said that when a brave soldier dies in battle he comes back in spirit as a horse to carry on into battle the next generation of warriors. They guide their young companions in hopes of delivering them safely home. That's why this one is so feisty. He must have been a truly strong warrior in the past and wishes to lead Masamune to many victories but ensure that he always returns on his back." She continued to pet him affectionately. "Is that so?" came an all too familiar voice. Mego turned around to see Masamune donned in his everyday kimono. Mego considered how attractive he was even in his ordinary kimono but quickly dispelled such thoughts. Please, a stubborn man like him? Attractive? Pfft. He had his usual cocky smile on his face from Mego praising his horse. She rolled her eyes at him and gave a small laugh. "If he is going to let you put exhaust pipes and bike handles on him he at least likes you. But you know you should treat him with some more love and care. He acts like he's never been petted before." "Huh?" he said looking dumbfounded at the idea. Mego laughed. "Oh dear. Well you see your stallion here might be less temperamental if you rubbed his neck every once and while." she stated coolly before putting her fingers to her lips and letting out a loud whistle. A few seconds later Kinfu came trotting out of the stables straight to Mego who greeted her by hugging her head. Masamune looked on curiously. "See if you show them some love they will do more than just be your steed." She reasoned with him. Masamune looked at his stallion then back to Mego who had already swiftly mounted her horse noticing her gripping the mare's mane. "You're going to ride her without a saddle and bridle?" He had a quick gleam of worry on his face but it was gone as soon as it had shown itself. Mego looked at him and was a little happy he showed some care for once. She gave him a warm smile. "Don't worry about me one eyed dragon. I always do this when I go for a quick ride." as she said this she turned Kinfu around to start heading away. "I'll be back for lunch" she shouted as she waved back to him and started on her ride. Masamune was left to stand staring at her feeling a slight twist of sadness in his heart that he didn't join her. He was however more concerned with her words. If I show more care? He looked at his stallion and for the first time he walked up to him and stared him back in the face. He let out a slight chuckle and petted him on the head. The stallion rubbed his head against his palm. This isn't so bad he thought.

She raced around the town and through the rice fields as fast as Kinfu was willing to run to give her some good exercise. Even though they had been on long journeys together recently, nothing beat going out for a ride with no destiny in sight. As they sped across the landscape, Mego untied her hair letting it flow in the breeze and opened her arms out wide feeling the power of the wind envelop her. She had a look of pure pleasure on her face. It was one of the special but rare moments she cherished in her life. As they headed to a forest she was greeted by Tsukiyo who came out of the tree line. "Been hunting again? Catch anything good?" Tsukiyo gave a woof that was Tsukiyo for yes. She laughed full heartily as they headed under the canopy to investigate the dwellings of the forest. After a good 15 minutes of walking they came across a small opening that lead to a waterfall with a medium sized reservoir of water. It was like a secret cove, a hidden paradise that was so close but so far from the castle and the villages. Mego giggled like a giddy teenager who was meeting her idol in real life. She could see this place being like her secret getaway. "How is it there is such a serene place untouched by the people here?" she asked allowed.

She made a mental note of how to get to this place before starting to head back to the village. She decided to go around further away from the way she came to explore the areas on the other side. As soon as they broke out from the tree line both Kinfu and Tsukiyo started to run as fast as they could, like it was a race to see who could get home the quickest. Mego roared with laughter and was enjoying this blissful moment.

Suddenly Tsukiyo's pricked up and turned towards her left as she began to also start to head in the direction. Noticing the immediate change in her companions movements Mego had Kinfu followed her to find out what had Tsukiyo's attention. Usually when she acted like this it meant something was wrong. It was within a few kilometers that Mego could finally hear what Tsukiyo had picked up on earlier. The crying out for help by children. As they came into view Mego couldn't understand what the problem was, they were just standing there. And then she saw it, they were slowly sinking. Panic struck her as she began to break a sweat from the pumping of adrenalin through her body. She dismounted Kinfu and approached carefully showing calming gestures with her hands. "HELP US! WERE SINKING, HELP US!" the young boy shouted, tears of fear rolling down his face. To his left was presumably his sister who was crying. I have to get them to stop moving or they'll sink quicker. "Shhh. It's ok, calm down it's ok. I'm here to help. My name Mego, what's your name?" She looked around frantically for something to pull them out whilst also noting the edges of the quick sand pool. It's useless, even if I do find something I can't guarantee their safety. She looked at Tsukiyo. "Tsukiyo I need rope!" she made a gesture of tying a rope and rope wrangling something so the Tsukiyo would understand what she was requesting. Tsukiyo understood and ran off. "Hurry!" she shouted to her as she turned back to the children. They'd stopped shouting but were still crying. "Now what was your name again?" She asked.

Tsukiyo ran as quickly as she could. She had sensed the lack of time they had through the panic of her human companion. She ran up the castle and into the stable without worrying about consequence and quickly grabbed the first rope she saw in her mouth. When she ran out of the stable she saw Masamune practicing with his sword in the courtyard with Kojuro. Without thinking she ran up to them and started howling at them and gesturing to follow. Keiji, who had been watching them practice immediately picked up on the danger and followed Tsukiyo without question. "Quickly something is wrong. Tsukiyo only ever acts like this if there is some kind of danger. We've got to follow her" he shouted to Masamune and Kojuro who followed him to the stables and quickly saddled up and cantered after Tsukiyo. Tsukiyo ran as fast as her legs could carry her and quickly found her companion who was trying her best to keep the young human cubs from crying and thus sinking more quickly. They'd sunk in over waist deep and she could tell Mego was relieved to see her with the rope in her mouth. Following behind her was Keiji, Masamune and Kojuro and a few soldiers who upon arriving at the scene also began to panic.
Mego took the rope from Tsukiyo and began to tie it around her waist. "What are you doing? We need to throw that rope to the children!" shouted Keiji who looked the most worried of all. Masamune nodded his head in agreement. She looked at them with daggers in her eyes as if she were talking to idiots. "They've sunk in too far and they are too scared. They need someone to get them out or they'll sink and die." She said sharply whilst she tied the other end of the rope around Kinfu's neck. Before they had time to argue she took a few steps back then quickly ran and jumped into the quicksand. She'd gotten close enough to grab both the children by the waist with her hands and pulled them close to her. Once she felt secure she turned to Kinfu. "Kinfu pull us in!" She shouted as Kinfu began to heave them out of the quicksand. "Shhh, It's going to be ok." She comforted the children. The progress of pulling them out was slow but once everyone put their backs into heaving them out they got out in no time. As the final pull was made Mego went flying onto the dirt landing hard but still firmly holding the two children in her arms. She was suddenly surrounded by people as they checked for injuries on the children and helped Mego to her feet. "You're one crazy woman." stated Masamune looking at her in admiration. "Good courage". She smiled weakly to him as she felt clear pain up her back where she had hit the ground hard. "Thanks but it was nothing."She looked to Kojuro who looked at her with a smile. He was clearly impressed by her quick thinking and actions.

Mego turned her attention to the two children who had been reunited with their parents. She gave them a cheerful and caring smile as she was relieved to see them safe. The parents gave her their utmost praise and gratitude which she simply shrugged off believing anyone else would have done the same. "That's where your wrong Megohime, no one would have done what you did." She turned around to see Kojuro. "What you did today was the bravest thing I have ever seen a woman do." he praised. "Kojuro's right you know. You did a good deed for the Date clan today. We won't forget it." Masamune felt a sense of pride welling up in him. She had only been here two days and already she was winning over his people without even battering an eyelash. A woman like her would bring about a strong clan. He thought absent mindfully. He stared at her all covered in dirt and noticed how beautiful her hair swirled around her giving her a strong and wild appearance. He suddenly had the urge to stroke one of her locks but fought the impulse. There was just something about her.

Keiji looked between the two and could see Mego had clearly impressed the one eyed dragon. He could see that he was right to think these two could be possibly one of the best matches he'd ever witness. It's time to let the red thread of destiny works it's magic. It was time for Keiji to leave Mego in Masamune's hands.

Author Note:

Jun - swift steed. I thought it was something that Yukimura would come up with.