Update: Phew! I have had such a busy couple of weeks guys! I am sorry if people feel the updates have been slow, as previously stated I have just finished exams so I had to dedicate my time completely to my studies. I just want to take this time to remind people I won't be forgetting this story, but if I update saying I am going to be out for a few weeks please give me some time to catch up :) When I write I try to get it perfect, or well as much to my liking as possible and I don't want you guys reading crud D: That wouldn't be fair to Masamune and Yukimura for a start since they are such awesome characters. Anyways please look forward to weekly updates (hopefully).
Just a heads up, I chose the song "I'm wishing" as it was one of the songs that I listened to when making the plot lines for this story and it matched Mego's feelings in my opinion. Anyways I hope you enjoy and thanks for the ongoing support everyone! I am glad people are eager for more! You are the best!
Disclaimer: I don't own the song "I'm wishing" it belongs to Disney and the writers Frank Churchill and Larry Morey
Also I do not own Sengoku Basara characters, they belong to Capcom.
~~~ Aki ~~~
It was mid-afternoon and the sun was blazing as the repetitive sound of slashing in air could be heard in the main courtyard. Aki moved fluidly as she practiced one of the repetitions she usually did when she was training with Mego. She slid her foot around in a crescent moon shape slowly before suddenly twisting her waist whilst turning and thrusting her Naginata with moderate strength. "Hah" she yelled to exert further strength through sound. She continued these movements around in circles making pretend enemies in her head to beat as she swiftly executed her naginata.
Yukimura watched Aki's movements with awe. He'd never seen such gentle grace in a fighting style, it was like she was a graceful heron with a deadly poise. As he watched her, he began to identify ways in which she could improve her style and stance whilst also identifying her weak spots which of course was aided by the keen eye of Sasuke whose specialty was exploiting the enemy among other things. Rather than interrupt her, he waited patiently as she finished her rep and then decided to give her some advice, warrior to warrior.
As Yukimura approached her she stood to a full standing position whilst exhaling to return back into reality and out of the fighting zone. She turned towards Yukimura prepared to accept his advice. He had promised her that he would help her improve her fighting ability, but first he had to see her fighting ability for what it was or so he said. "How was that Yukimura-kun?" He gave her a smile. "It was pretty good Akihime, you have the grace of a heron and the agility of a snake." She blushed a little from the compliment. He gave her a serious face as he prepared to start his instruction. "Now, let me show you how to improve your skills. You are strong but you are indeed more agile. You should use your agility more as it will be advantageous. Look I'll show you." He stepped away from Aki and prepared both of his spears in his hands. "Flare Storm!" He shouted as he quickly thrust his spears at the air in front of him. He did about twenty reps before stopping on the final thrust and dropping his hands to his side. Aki watched carefully and nodded her head at him when he finished. "But you have two spears, how would I utilize this with my naginata?" she asked innocently. "That's easy!" he beamed. "Here take your stance." As he said this he stabbed one of her spears in the ground so he too had one spear. "Now, a naginata has one sharp edge so the idea is to hit as many times as possible with the sharp edge. Of course you can use the blunt edge to knock back the enemy. Follow me." He started to slowly go through some movements which Aki found no problem in copying and adapting to her fluid style.
Whilst watching her, Yukimura noticed her upward stroke movement was a bit off with the sharp edge of the blade not quite at the right angle when striking upwards. He stopped his instruction and stabbed his second spear in the ground and came up next to Aki. Aki was perplexed at his abrupt stop but without a second thought he cupped his hands over hers. Aki suddenly stopped at his warm touch and grew bright red in the face. He...He's touching me. I can feel the warmth of his hands, arms and... He's so warm and I feel so...safe. She felt like she was going to faint in this embrace with Yukimura as his body was essentially wrapped around hers. His face was so close she could feel his breath on her neck which didn't help with her breathing or racing heartbeat. "Your arm drops down and is a little to the left when you do an uppercut and your angle is slightly off. Let me show you how to position your arms." He moved her arms with his own and she relinquished herself to his control as he corrected her positioning and motion. Though it was hard to concerntrate on what he was saying when he was so close. Whenever he talked his breathe would tickle her ear gently that sent lighting up her spine and she couldn't help but to notice the feel of his hands so rough from war but gentle as if she were a delicate flower and his generally muscular build overall. Her heart felt as if it would beat out of her chest as she became overwhelmed by their sudden closeness of which Yukimura was completely oblivious too. He instead donned a warm smile as he checked for her reassurance that she understood his instruction.
Looking down at her he noticed her face was unusually red. "Akihime are you ok?" She barely heard his words as her mind was clouded with many thoughts. She looked towards his worried glance. "I..I'm fine. Why?" She stuttered. He looked at her face in concern which only led to Aki's face becoming even brighter red. "Your face is red. Do you have a fever?" as he asked he put the back of his hand to her forehead then to his. "You don't seem to have a fever." In the background Sasuke gave a chuckle. Oh how naive Yukimura was, getting so close to a lady and then not realizing she is blushing because of how close he had been. Leave it to him to not know the difference between lady and warrior when it comes to practice. Aki looked down at the ground whilst her body was in an internal battle of fight or flight from the adrenalin of the situation. She was trembling from the overwhelming embarrassment she was feeling and the naivety of Yukimura. "A...Ah I think I should get a... a drink! Yes! I need a drink of water." With that she quickly ran back to the porch and took a large gulp of water from her cup. After she finished drinking she tried to settle her breathing down and return her face from tomato red to peachy pink. She knew Yukimura didn't have a clue what had just happened but she couldn't ignore it, he was so close and so gentle and warm. Any girl would surely have reacted the same way?
As she trailed on in her own thoughts Yukimura made his way over to get a drink as well which didn't help the unsteady heart of Aki. Aki decided to gulp down another cup of water to help keep her mind of things. "You know you too make a perfect pair." Teased Sasuke. Aki suddenly spluttered out all the water in her mouth letting out an audible spray of water. Sasuke lost himself in laughter at her reaction banging on the wooden floor as audibly laughing wasn't a big enough reaction to her reaction. He couldn't believe how easy she was to tease. Yukimura on the other hand completely missing the humour of the situation rushed to Aki's side as she had started to cough. He patted her back gently. "Are you ok?" She looked at him between coughs and gave him a smile. Perhaps it was best he was naive, I don't think he'd handle love real well.
As if waiting for the perfect timing to interrupt, Shingen came into view in front of the pair. They both looked up in unison at the expressionless face of Shingen. "Follow me." With that he headed in the direction of the main hall. They both looked at each other with the same confused face and followed obediently after Shingen without saying a word. When they were in the main hall, they sat respectfully before Lord Shingen who sat upon his chair showing his rank above them. He had his eyes closed as he usually did as he mentally prepared himself before announcing anything. The deal had already been struck with Lady Hikari now all he needed was to tell them.
"Yukimura, Aki. What do you think about each other?" he asked in a monotone manner. They both gave a surprised look at the sudden direct question whilst they turned their heads to look at the other in unison. After meeting eyes for a brief moment, they both looked away in shyly. Shingen smiled at this, it was all the evidence he needed to know that this was the right choice. "Aki. Yukimura. There is something important I need to tell you. I just received word that an agreement has been settled with Lady Hikari." They both looked at him innocently. He knew that this is what Yukimura needed to become a true man and leader. "We have agreed to the betrothal of Aki to you, Yukimura."
~~~ Mego ~~~
"What do you mean you're LEAVING!?" Mego was mad, she'd been the guest of Masamune and the Date clan for over a week now and all the sudden Keiji was bailing out on their deal and leaving Mego under the care of Masamune. "Mego, please try to understand. There has been disturbing movements down south that are of the likes of the people who attacked Lady Hikari. I have to go investigate!" She pouted and let out a frustrated growl which sounded similar to that of a cat. Keiji couldn't blame her for being so angry, he knew she'd react like this so he had forewarned Masamune and Kojuro.
"I've just received word from south. It appears the mysterious army has popped up again sacking a village and killing all its inhabitants all in the name of getting a hold of an ancient scroll.'" Masamune sat quietly in the candle lit room with Kojuro absorbing this knew information. Mego had already retired from the night having spent the day sparring with his army as a means of 'breaking the ice'. He had his eye closed as he was contemplating the situation. "I intend to travel down south and see what I can find out...Without Mego. Therefore I must ask a humble favour of you Masamune." He opened his eye and looked Keiji straight in the face with a serious look. "You want me to take Mego in as my ward?" He answered before Keiji could ask. Masamune looked towards Kojuro for guidance in this decision. Kojuro closed his eyes and reopened them. "Without a doubt Megohime has already made quite the impression on the townsfolk and army. She has also proven to be useful and disciplined. I don't see her being a burden to Oshu but rather a..." He contemplated the right word to describe her. " A blessing." Masamune closed his eyes again in thought. "And when you have finished your investigation will you come back?" Keiji could feel the one eyed dragon was poking around for faults and lies in his delivered information. He had to keep his story calm and cool. "Of course. It will be a few months but I will write of my return. You need not worry; Mego is fully capable of looking after herself. She may be different and appear uncultured at times but she is just a free spirit." Masamune nodded his head. "Very well, I will allow her to remain here in your absence." Keiji gave a sigh of relief. "Oh another thing, she is going to be really mad and is going to argue to come with me. Don't take it to heart, she really likes it here she just isn't used to being around people she hasn't known most of her life. Give her time and she'll come to trust you. When you win her trust, you'll see how truly wonderful she can be..." He trailed off at the last statement as he thought of what kind of a person Mego could bloom into when she finally had cause and purpose in her life. Kojuro gave an audible approval and called it a night. Before Keiji could retreat however Masamune stopped him. "There is just one thing I want to know Keiji, if you are so fond of Mego, why haven't you taken her as a wife yet?" Keiji chuckled at the one eyed dragons serious question. "I have known Mego for many years, and like Aki she has become like a sister to me. I knew a long time ago that they were both destined to walk different paths from me. Mego needs some spark in her life, I am too soft to provide for her. Trust me when I say this, if you can win her trust she will do anything for you. She is the most loyal, caring and big hearted person I know." Masamune accepted his response and let him retire for the night. He remained behind and opened the door to look up at the open starlit sky and the glowing moon. Masamune couldn't deny he felt a welling of happiness to have Mego stay for longer, but at the same time he felt a looming sense of worry and doubt. Would she be truly happy here in Oshu?
She walked right up to Keiji and punched him in the shoulder with around eighty percent of her strength. He reeled back at the force yelping in pain and rubbing the spot where she'd punched him. She stared at him with anger in her eyes that slowly faded to acceptance as she gave out a large sigh and came running to Keiji and wrapping her hands around his waist. "I'm sorry Aniue. I just... I'm going to miss your company and babbling." He stroked the top of her head softly in a loving affection that a brother gives. "Mego, you are strong, beautiful and kind hearted. I know you are worried for my safety but don't worry. You have a lot more to learn and Masamune has agreed to keep you here as his ward to help you. I'll be back before you know it." She looked up to him with water in her eyes. She may act tough a lot but she was a big softie at heart. Even the puppy dog eyes of children could melt her heart. She let go of him and dried her eyes before returning her gaze to it's usual confident and perky self. "Well don't go dying out there ok." He gave her a reassuring smile before mounting his horse and heading off on his journey down south. Mego stayed waving him goodbye until she could no longer see him in the distance.
She met Masamune in the courtyard swinging his blade back and forth in a zen trance. She stood to the side where he would be able to see her in his peripheral vision and waited patiently for him to acknowledge her. He swung his sword another three times before stopping and acknowledging her. "Mego, You doing ok?" He asked in his usual quirky English. "I came to thankyou for taking me in as your ward." She bowed low whilst she offered her gratitude. "You saved the life of two of my people. I owed you a favour." He said calmly. Mego looked up and smiled warmly at Masamune. "I know I haven't been very helpful otherwise. As your ward please allow me to help out more around the household and village. In addition if you have any task that needs my assistant please do not hesitate to ask." She spoke the expected words of one in her position bowing appropriately but her heart was in it. She would do anything to be useful in return for her safety and the continued care from the Date clan. He gave her a grunt of approval. "If I have need of you I will call for you, until then do as you please. If you're going to hang around a long time though, you might want to try having a spar with me sometime." He gave a toothy grin. She laughed. What a cute laugh she has. "I'll take a raincheck on that today. A certain youngster I saved has already booked me for the day." She gave him a knowing wink. "Don't keep me waiting." She turned to leave and walked a few paces before looking back at him. "I wouldn't dream of it." Her retort sounded more flirting than tease which left Masamune to work out which it was.
The young girls had dragged Mego just about everywhere around town from their favourite candy store to the best Kimono store in town which was run by one of the girls mum, Reina. Reina was very nice and showed Mego a lot of her more expensive kimono materials whilst enjoying idle conversation together. When they finished talking the girls were getting rather restless. "Don't worry Reina, I will take the children out for a bit and bring them back shortly. You have enough on your hands." Reina bowed. "Oh if it isn't too much trouble…" Mego just smiled and gathered the girls. "Come on let's go find that well I was talking to you about!" All riled up the four girls followed her eagerly to the water well where she had them gather around. Unknown to Mego, Masamune had also just entered the town on an errand and had spotted her in the distance at the well. She was sitting on the edge of the well leaning over to talk to the young girls who had gathered around the well. The sun shone in her golden hair and she had a beautiful smile across her face.
"Want to know a secret? Promise not to tell?" the girls nodded back eagerly. "We are standing by a wishing well." The girl's faces brightened up at the sound of the word wish.
"Make a wish into the well. That's all you have to do. And if you hear it echoing, your wish will soon come true." She started to sing the words and gained the complete attention of the girls.
I'm wishing (I'm wishing)
For the one I love
To find me (To find me)
Today (Today)
I'm hoping (I'm hoping)
And I'm dreaming of
The nice things (The nice things)
He'll say (He'll say)
Ah hahahaha (Ah hahahaha)
Ah hahahaha (Ah hahahaha)
Ah hahahaha (Ah hahahaha)
Ah hahahahahahaha
I'm wishing (I'm wishing)
For the one I love
To find me (To find me)
Today
Masamune lent on a nearby building out of view from Mego or the girls as he closed his eyes and enjoyed the soothing sound of Mego's voice. It was indescribable in words but the closest he could come up with was comparing it to the soothing sound of rain on the roof whilst you sleep. But it wasn't just her voice that had made an impression on him. It was the lyrics, it sounded like her heart was in it. Love huh. I wonder if love is so easy to come by.
"Mego, who is the one you love?" asked Yuko who had silky black hair. Mego chuckled at the young girls. "Well I don't know who he is, all I know is he is the one who will sweep me off my feet, protect me from danger and make me happy everyday." The girls sighed. "He sounds dreamy." replied Yuko. "Wait! You know who is dreamy! Lord Masamune! Could he be the one?" asked an eager Rina, the daughter of Reina. Mego froze at the question and slightly blushed being caught off guard. Masamune hearing the question suddenly stopped just halfheartidly listening and listened intently. "Ah, well you see... it can't be Masamune.. I mean... because he is a noble Lord and all... so he must marry a noble Lady..." she trailed off which a sound of disappointment in her voice. "But Mego, you are a LADY. Did you forget that?" Mego gave a faint smile. "I guess I am, but I'm not the lady who has the standards that is required to marry someone of such high stature as Masamune." The girls looked at her disappointed. "Why can't you marry Lord Masamune! If you marry him you can stay here and play with us forever." "Yeah" the girls agreed together giving a huffy pout as they said it. Mego laughed at them. If only it were that easy... She gave them all a pat on the head. "Don't worry girls, Lord Masamune is bound to marry a young and wonderful lady and I am sure she would be just as happy to keep you company." They weren't so easily convinced but were smart enough to know that Mego wasn't going to agree with them. "Well I think Mego is wonderful. So Masamune should marry her!" stated Erika, the young girl she had saved from the quicksand. Mego chuckled. "Alright, alright. That's enough girls. Masamune will marry whomever he wants to ok. Now run along home, your parents must be wondering where you are."
Shortly after the girls left Mego sat at the well and sighed loudly. She dipped her fingers in the water, as she idly thought about finding a significant other. Masamune can't be an option though; a man like him needs a wife who he can be proud of. I'd be way out of my league. "Why am I thinking such silly thoughts" She muttered to herself before shin finally started to make her way towards the center of town. As soon as the coast was clear Masamune came out from hiding and headed to the blacksmith as he had intentionally meant to but found his legs leading him to the well. He stared at the well for a while as he recalled the conversation he overheard. Not good enough for me. That's what she thinks. It's funny though, she always pokes fun and teases me when she talks to me or about me when I am around but when I am not around...she sounds more caring and kind... Mego... What kind of woman are you really?
As Mego came to the main road through the town there was a sudden commotion in the middle. The next few seconds went by like a flash. She saw a boar barreling it's way through town and heading straight for a young boy who looked about twelve. She ran quickly at the boy grabbing him and jumped to the side rolling along the ground clutching the boy tightly. When they stopped she released him. "Are you ok?" he gave her a nod though the look of fear was still firmly placed in his eyes. She got up and brushed herself off and approached the boar who had stopped and was turning around the charge again. Like Masamune's horse beforehand she crouched low and spread her arms out wide to make herself as less threatening as possible. She eyed off people who were too close signaling them to move away from the danger. She looked at the beast before her. He was clearly an adult as his size proudly showed he had lived a long life with scars to match his experience. It gave a grunt at her as its eyes darted around looking for any sign of danger. Mego kept direct eye contact at the boar, looking and searching for the source of its anger. No weapons or open wounds so it wasn't provoked. She studied its legs finding no sign of weakness and then its face which she noticed his jaw was slightly open and its tongue kept licking the one particular tooth. Aha! Poor piggy has a toothache. She'd seen it before and she knew just how angry and ferocious boars get when in pain. "No one make a move and no one attack it. It's not going to harm anyone, just let me deal with it." She shouted back at the villagers. She slowly approached waiting slowly for its approval with each step. It was a long process but eventually she got close enough for it to smell her. She closed her eyes and let it envelop her scent before she opened them and attempted to pet it. At first it was unsure, but as soon as she pet him once it began to calm down and let her touch it with both hands. "There, there, big one. What is the matter hmm?" She asked it whilst reassuring it. She investigated its mouth further and noticed the particular tooth that was causing it pain could be easily yanked out. She knew it would get mad as soon as she did but would be thankful regardless. She slowly put her hand in its mouth and got a firm grip on the tooth. "I'm going to pull its tooth out. Nobody move unless it charges towards you, then make a path for it." She heard a murmur but decided it was now or never. She pulled the tooth out with all her might and as it came out there was the deafening squeal of the boar as it felt a sudden surge of pain. Mego quickly rolled out of the way as it ran around in circles kicking it's back legs up and squealing in pain.
A few minutes later and the boar calmed down as the pain dulled and came back to Mego sniffing her hair as a sign of gratitude before running off back into the woods. She looked down at the tooth she had pulled. It had been one of the boar's elongated canines. Hmmm this would make a good necklace. Masamune and Kojuro appeared out from the crowd. "Nice work Mego. Once again you save the day." A familiar grin greeted her. "It was nothing, just a bad tooth." she replied. "At the rate you're going that kimono of yours is never going to stay clean." Mego looked down at her kimono that now had dirt and some spots of boar blood on it. "Shimata*"she cursed. Masamune just laughed at her. What kind of woman are you? He thought as she had continued to surprise him.
Authors Note:
Shimata: Shit, dammit, darn, dang it, etc.