Update: Hey everyone, I hope you enjoy the new chapter. I've been working on this for a few days and I think it's about satisfactory now. Next chapter is in the works but I am taking it day by day as work is crahzy around Christmas time and I've been living groundhog's day over and over with sleep + work. I am excited for the next few chapters though :3 I've written down their 'skeletons' so I've got the ideas flowing. Thanks again for the ongoing support!

~~~ Mego ~~~

Masamune yawned and squinted his eyes as her arose from his slumber. The familiar throbbing of his head terrorized him for drinking too much the night before. He winced as he sat up and tried to adjust his aching head with his hand. Once seated up, he stretched out his back before getting up and dressed for the day. He opened his door to be greeted by a blistering light, which he raised his hand up to block it out. The intensity of the sun is always too much the morning after. He groaned a little, allowing for a small showing of annoyance of his inability to control his condition. Only one thing to do, find the kitchens and get some medicine and water.

After refreshing himself a little he went to go find the slumbering Motochika. As he rounded the bend to face the open garden area he was Mego in her full armour making swift but delicate movements with her swords. Her face was in full concentration. Her eyes fierce and sharp like her blades. He stood rooted to the spot as he watched her body move with her swords like she were a snake. Her hips moving around perfectly as her sword smoothly hit her invisible attacker square in the heart. It was her dance. And it, like the rest of her body, was captivating. Upon more thought though Masamune become a bit troubled. How does someone who drank so much be able to be so energetic right now? He walked over to her catching her attention. She immediately stopped and came back into a normal standing position before walking over to him and bowing.

"Good morning Lord Masamune." She chirped in an unusually happy tone. He tilted his head slightly.

"G-good morning Mego." He looked at her still dazed at how she was so energetic and happy.

"How come you're feeling so good?" She looked at him and laughed like it was the funniest thing she'd heard in a while.

"I don't know what you mean. I had such a good sleep last night and when I woke up, I just felt so full of energy. Does drinking usually make you feel like this?"

"Huh? Most people have headaches and feel lousy. You're so strange." He shook his still throbbing head at how ridiculous she sounded. She giggled at his expression.

"I guess maybe I'm one of the kind then." Masamune nodded at her "Indeed you are." He said without thinking. She smiled and took the compliment with ease.

"Why don't you join me for a spar? Or are you feeling too tired?" She pouted with her hip for emphasis on the challenge. He glared at her taking in the smug look at her face before flashing a toothy grin. "Give me five minutes to grab my swords and armour and you're on!"

As Masamune rushed into his room to don his armour he was greeted by Kojuro who had been waiting for him. "Lord Masamune." Masamune looked at his trusted right eye. He clearly had been brooding over something, he could tell by his body language and expression.

"What is it Kojuro?" He gestured to sit down to which Masamune obliged. Kojuro looked him directly in his eyes.

"Lord Masamune, may I speak my mind?" Masamune waved him approval. "Mego-hime has been with us a long time. I've been watching her and she has shown that she has devotion to the people and to Oshu. She is kind and caring but strong and wise. And I've seen how everyone has become fond of her. The villagers and soldiers talk about her in high regard. And I've seen how you've grown fond of her day by day. What are your intentions for her?"

Masamune looked out into the open doors before turning to his trusted companion. "I want to make her my bride..." Kojuro could sense the intensity of his feelings coming from Masamune like a vibrant aura. He smiled at his dear friend.

"When?" He asked Masamune. Masamune looked down at the ground showing his defeat in thinking of how to ask her. Kojuro let out a laugh that he could only share in private with his Lord. "Surely you'll think of something when the time is right. Don't make it too late though. Others like Motochika might try their hand." Masamune shot him a jealous look.

"I'll take them all down." He said determinedly.

"We'll have to talk to Lady Hikari about it first anyway..." Masamune sighed. "Well then, it's a good thing Yukimura and Aki-hime are getting married in a weeks time then." Kojuro replied handing him an opened wedding invitation followed by a letter from Lady Hikari.

Lord Masamune,

I hear Mego has been fairing well with you over these past months. From what Kojuro has told me she has grown a lot more under your care. He also tells me you may have interest in her hand. Please meet with me the day before the wedding at the Takeda province to discuss it.

From Lady Hikari.

Masamune looked at Kojuro and smiled. "You've always got my back." He jested giving him his smile of approval. Kojuro had learned well how to make calls before Masamune made them through their many years together. He had never seen his lord so happy then when he was with Mego or fighting Yukimura. As his right eye, he'd do anything to protect that moment. As they both spaced out Kojuro suddenly remembered something.

"Lord Masamune. It's rude to keep a lady waiting."

"Shit." Masamune shouted as he grabbed for his armour and swords. As he ran of to spar with Mego. Kojuro still sat down admiring his dash. Yes, he would do anything to keep his Lord as happy as he was at that moment.

Motochika woke to the sound of clashing steal and the scuffing of a battle. He sat up and rubbed his aching head which he payed no attention to. Being the pirate he was meant he woke up more often hungover than not. He walked outside and squinted his eyes against the sunlight that bore on his face. Once adjusted he was able to make out the figures of Masamune and Mego head to head in the heat of battle. Finding Tsukiyo snoozing in the sun just next to the porch, he sat down to watch the show paying particular attention to Mego whom he had never seen fight before. Back and forth they attack and defended against each other like a dance they'd long since mastered between each other. They way Mego dodged and swiftly evaded Masamune's attacks reminded him of the way some birds danced in the air together. He smiled as he leaned his chin on his hand that was resting on his knee.

The aftermath of the alcohol was making Masamune tire more easily. He'd have to be witty to beat Mego this round.

"So Yukimura and Aki are getting married next week." Mego slowed down and dropped her guard.

"What?" she shouted as Masamune took the opening and flipped her onto her back. Mego looked up dazed as she heard the roar of laughter coming from Motochika. She sat up and rubbed her back.

"Hey! That's cheating!" She yelled as she glared at Masamune who seemed content with using tricks on her. She stood up and stared at him.

"Were you being serious?" He looked at her and nodded. She grinned.

"So Yukimura is getting married before the One Eyed Dragon? Seems like he's leaving you behind in the dust." He glared at her

"What?" As he let his guard down she rushed in to give him a good kick in the stomach sending him onto his back. Motochika laughed even harder and slapped his hand on the wooden floor beside him. This was the best entertainment he'd seen in a while.

"You two fight like a married couple!" Motochika roared as he continued to laugh at the two of them. They both stopped and looked at each other after his statement for longer than a glance. The tension was strong and they were both feeling the moment but neither could make words. Mego gave up the glance first. Masamune took this moment to go on the attack again. Mego turned around astonished as she met his blades full swing. Her waist was twisted while blocking his advance giving her the disadvantage. She quickly pirouetted leaving the lunging Masamune to fall onto his face without noticing the placement of her footing. As Masamune twisted his body to fall on his back mid-air, his leg caught onto Mego's sending her tumbling after him. Masamune's back hit the ground and was shortly greeted by Mego's body crashing atop him as she fell onto his chest. Motochika was now in tears from his laughter and holding his stomach from the pain which produced a weird sound of pain, laughter and heavy breathing. Mego looked down at Masamune whose face was inches away. He looks so different from this view. She observed before realizing she was atop a man and bursting into blush. Masamune on the other hand was trying effortlessly to focus on anything else whilst looking directly into those beautiful orbs. But he couldn't help himself as any man couldn't with a beautiful woman atop him, even if he was clad in armour. Her body fits so nicely with mine. Shit. Don't think about that. Anything but that... Stop. STOP! Masamune physically squirmed as he tried to wriggle the thoughts out his head. He was just glad he was wearing armour down there. It's not that he minded the thoughts. Just that they made him feel like a pervert. Mego decided to get off Masamune after getting over the overwhelming situation she was in. She placed her hands by his sides and lifted herself off him. Masamune lay there for a few more seconds before getting up himself and dusting himself off. Both of them immediately faced away from each other trying to cover their emotions. They completely ignored the cheeky grin coming from Motochika who was enjoying the show. Masamune looked over to Mego who was looking away with her hands clasped behind her back and had one leg lame. She looked back to him giving him a glance of her reddened cheeks before hiding her face. He liked that. She was showing interest and enjoyment. She said something about breakfast before starting to walk away which was greeted but a hearty grunt from Motochika. But that was of no concern to Masamune. He just watched her walk away with his arms crossed and a cheeky grin on his face paying particular notice to her ass. "So sweet." He said aloud to himself as he admired his potential wife's pizazz.

~~~ Aki ~~~

Aki was standing in the kimono store trying on her wedding kimono. She looked down at herself. She couldn't believe her big day was only a week away. There was so much happening at the moment as plans were in motion. The castle had to be spotless for their guests and ceremony not to mention the feasts and sake they needed to quench the thirsts of many Lords who would be attending. She sighed happily as she recalled the last few weeks.

*** three weeks ago ***

"Yukimura, have you made much more progress in your understanding of being a husband yet?" Demanded Shingen who loomed over his cub. Yukimura sat before him on his knees respectfully and so full of energy.

"Oyakata-sama I have learned a lot from Sausuke. He has shown me that they way to make a woman happy is to ..." Yukimura was suddenly punched square in the jaw by Shingen.

"Yukimura you are naive! You are to learn what makes Aki happy! Not what makes a woman happy. Have you made Aki happy?" Yukimura rubbed his cheek as he looked up to his respected lord.

"Oykata-sama I..." He looked down to the ground. He'd been having a lot of conversations with Aki and she was always so bright and happy. He wondered how he could show the same affection back. "How do I show her I care?" He looked up to his lord as his youthful mind in these matters reflected in his expression. Shingen was taken back a little. He knew a few things from his time but he wasn't one to usually give out love advice. His forehead screwed up as he contemplated the question.

"Yukimura. Have you tried holding her hands once?" Yukimura looked up innocently at his lord.

"No My Lord. To touch a young maiden is.." He was interrupted by the intense stare from Shingen.

"Yukimura you will have to touch her one day. If you are afraid to touch her, you are also afraid to get close to her. You will never be able to love her if you don't get closer."

Yukimura spent all afternoon contemplating the wise words of his lord. He practiced out in the garden as part of his inner zen whilst thinking over and over in his mind on how to approach Aki. He wasn't getting to far either.

As night fell, he decided to give up and head inside to dinner. As he entered the room, Aki greeted him with a gentle bow and warm smile.

"How was your day my lord?" She chirped. Yukimura sat down and prepared himself to go through his day. As he recalled his day he noticed how Aki was paying close attention to him and every word he spoke. She was genuinely interested in his day. He stopped to consider what his lord had told him earlier. At that moment he darted forward and cupped Aki's hands in his own.

"Aki. I want you to know... that I..." He looked at her directly in her eyes. They showed surprise. She looked down to her hands. Yukimura followed suit and then promptly let go of them in embarrassment for his boldness. He moved away from her.

"I'm sorry Aki-hime. I didn't mean to..." He trailed off as Aki quickly jumped towards him and grabbed his hands in hers tightly.

"No please. Please don't misunderstand my surprise. You held my hands for the first time. I was just overwhelmed with happiness." She looked deeply into his eyes. "Thankyou." She said as she let go of his hands. Yukimura stared at her for a moment. He felt as if he just broke through some inner barrier. He looked at her confusingly and then looked at his hands and then back at her.

"Yukimura are you o..." Before she could answer she was silenced with a peck on her lips from Yukimura. She touched her lips with her fingertips whilst looking at him astounded. Yukimura was also astounded at what he had just done. He quickly turned crimson and looked away.

"I'm sorry Aki-hime. That was ru..." Aki quickly silenced him with a peck back.

"Don't be sorry for that. That's the best thing that's happened to me in my entire life."

Yukimura looked up at her glowing face and smiled at her. "I'm sorry I am not really good at these things." Aki giggled at him.

"Well you're good at suprises." She complimented him.

Later that week both Yukimura and Aki were called for a meeting with Lord Shingen.

"Yukimura. Aki. There is something important I want you two to understand before you get married in a few weeks. Being married might seem for a lot of people a simple means of gaining treaties and trade but it is more than that." Yukimura and Aki knelt before their lord as they received council from them for their relationship as a couple.

"As a married couple, you must work together as a team. You must be as one for you to work. If you can achieve this it will not only reflect positively on your relationship, but also on your children's and the people of Takeda." They both kept back channeling using nods.

"By working together you will make a future as strong and bright as the blazing fire of a bonfire." He pushed out his final statement with power behind his voice emphasizing it's deep meaning.

Aki and Yukimura both looked at each other and smiled. They understood the importance and depth of Shingen's words and they'd already started working more as a team together.

*** two weeks ago ***

It was a beautiful day and Aki wanted to do anything but wedding planning. She wanted to go out for a ride on Fumi and enjoy the fresh breeze rather than being cooped up in the castle all day. She sighed as a maid helped her into her kimono. As usual she spent breakfast with Yukimura which was always the highlight of her morning. She'd grown even fonder and he'd been progressing in his understanding of woman. He could have a conversation and make full eye contact without becoming overly nerves and he was able to convey his feelings. As they ate breakfast Yukimura went on about their latest efforts in tracking down the mysterious black flag soldiers. Aki listened intently but felt little appetite for the food she was prodding with her chopsticks. As she zoned out she didn't notice that Yukimura had stopped talking. She looked up to be greeted with a concerned Yukimura. He looked deeply into her eyes. "Is something the matter Aki-hime?" She looked down and then up again. She knew it was no use trying to hide it. Yukimura had already mastered the art of reading her when she tried to brush something off as being 'fine'.

"I really want to get outside the castle. I am feeling rather caged in here. I'd really like to get some fresh air." Yukimura looked at her and his face moved from frown to smile as he reached over and cupped her hands. "Let's go riding and have a picnic under my favourite tree! Just you and me." She blushed slightly but nodded enthusiastically at her fiancé.

They headed from the stables to Yukimura's favourite dango store before heading of to their tree. It was a fair day and the temperature was just right. The sky seemed like the few clouds had been painted into it like a landscape of a painting. It was the sort of day that Aki loved. They kind of day when the birds were always chirping and everyone always seemed to be cheery. But nothing was better than the smiling face of her enthusiastic fiancé who was more eager than Aki to arrive at their destination. She knew he was dying to dig into those dango already. She giggled at him. "Yuki if you go too fast we will finish our picnic by mid-afternoon. Aren't we going to spend the day together?" She protested.

He looked back at her with soft eyes in response to her use of his name as a sign of affection. She only ever called him that in private. "We will spend the day together. I Sanada Genjuro Yukimura swear it!" He put his hand over his heart for emphasis.

Aki giggled again. "Ok my beloved Yuki. I will believe you."

They arrived at their tree and settled under it with their food. As they ate they both looked out into the distance and watched the nearby farmers in their fields. The sound of a lone Japanese golden eagle echoed through the air. Aki loved these kinds of days, even though sometimes she never talked much with Yukimura, they both found it relaxing to spend time together like this.

"So how are the wedding plans going?" Asked Yukimura. He had his feet outstretched and was resting on his hands which were angled behind his back. A usual sign of total relaxation for the usual zippy tiger cub.

"Getting there" Aki replied sighing and resting her head on her hand that was leaning on her knee. Yukimura suddenly sat up and leaned towards her.

"What's wrong Aki?" Using his affectionate name for her. She looked over to him and her lips moved into a faint smile.

"The guest list is complete and they should be informed soon, but it's just so much left to organize. I feel like I have a never ending list of chores. I had no idea that getting married meant so much work." Yukimura nodded and grabbed her hand to comfort her.

"If you need help please just ask me. I am here for you." He looked at her and smiled.

"Thankyou Yuki but you have enough on your hands with the mystery soldiers. I don't want to burden you further." Yuki looked at her crossly.

"Aki you are no burden! I will do anything for you! We are a team remember?" She smiled at him.

"Yes we are."

*** One week ago ***

A messenger came bustling through the castle to find Aki-hime by the koi-pond. "Aki-hime, we have received word that Lady Hikari will be arriving next week."

Aki was so happy she could have hugged the messenger right there but kept her urges to herself. As the dismissed messenger departed she started to jump with glee. She was so ecstatic her master and carer would be here to help her through the final arrangements and nerves. The wedding was getting so close and whilst she'd made friends here in the Takeda province, she couldn't deny her longing for a familiar face and embrace. She headed straight to Yukimura with the news. He was eager to see Lady Hikari as well and joined Aki in developing a sudden burst of energy of excitement.

Upon Shingen's orders, preparations were made so that Lady Hikari would have a most comfortable stay. The castle had already begun to bustle with preparations for the wedding but this was special. Aki helped prepare the room how Hikari liked it. She loved scented candles and a place to sit and gaze outside her room. She also liked to have her bed slightly to the right side of the room as her deceased husband used to sit on the left. As she was preparing the room, she couldn't stop grinning. She'd grown up so much more since being under the wing of Lord Shingen and with Yukimura as her fiancé. There was just so much to tell her about.

Aki turned around to greet a smiling Hikari in her white kimono. Lady Hikari let out a gasp of surprise as she memorized the vision in front of her. She was bursting with pride seeing her young adopted daughter looking so beautiful as a bride. She began to tear up as she complimented Aki on her beauty.

"You look beautiful. More beautiful than any bride I've ever seen." Aki blushed as she the edges of her mouth went up as far as they could go. She was so happy to have her there with her.

"You think so?" She asked shyly.

Lady Hikari nodded sharply. "Oh course! I never raised any ugly girls now did I?" She cheeked as she laughed with Aki.

After the Kimono shop they took a stroll down the main street of the village.

"So Aki, how is everything? What is news?" She asked sincerely.

"Oh Aneue, there is so much to tell and I feel like there is no way near enough time to tell it." Aki lamented. Lady Hikari giggled at her adopted daughter.

"Well then, perhaps you should tell me in minute detail?" She suggested. She knew that Aki could talk for hours when she got really excited about something.

As Aki recalled the last few weeks and her growing relationship with Yukimura they continued to walk until the end of the main street before walking back up the street towards the castle.

"Aneue, I honestly was worried at first. Yukimura-kun really didn't connect with me and I was worried he didn't like me. As it turns out, he was just very naive on how to talk to woman as a man who has only known war and love and devotion to his lord. If it wasn't for Lord Shingen mentoring him I am not sure where we would be."

Hikari smiled at nodded. "Indeed the war has lasted many years, so much so many men have only known love of war, not love of another. As we are entering a time of peace, it is a time for us to remember the importance of love and the bonds it creates. This is why I believe in Ieyasu's rule. Love is a stronger bond than hatred. Both you and Mego know this well.

Aki looked up to her Aneue in admiration of her wisdom and Hikari at her pupil. "It is time to let love heal the wounds of war." She said strongly. Aki looked forward.

"Heal the wounds of war..." She looked down at her feet. "Has the war really ended? I feel like there is still darkness lurking all around." Hikari placed her hand on Aki's shoulder.

"There will always be darkness as there will always be light. But the darkness doesn't need to fight the light, as the sun doesn't fight the moon. They work together to create balance." Aki looked up to the sky as she pondered Lady Hikari's words. She felt the depth of the words sink into her mind and she processed it all.

"I hope that I can help Yukimura-kun find peace in his heart. He is so energetic and enthusiastic. I wonder sometimes if he can lead a life without constant fighting."

Lady Hikari burst into laughter. "What's so funny?" Aki asked, slightly annoyed with her response.

"Well if I might be so bold, some people argue there are only three things men need to live. War, sake or a woman to warm his bed. Most men would idealistically like all three, but I don't think they are necessarily all a man needs to live. We are born from love, and we live to love. I remember my time with my husband well during the wartime. We knew we had no choice but to participate in war, but for us, we cherished the moments we had alone together the most. The cold nights where we could rug up together, the meals we shared together and the timed we laughed till our sides were sore. No glory could amount to those feelings, because without them you feel like something is missing." The mood grew still as Lady Hikari opened up her feelings. It was Aki's turn to put a hand on her shoulder. Lady looked at her adopted daughter and smiled.

"Love is one of life's most precious gifts. Treasure it whilst you can. I know Yoshikage* and I treasured every moment together before Oda Nobunaga killed him." Aki shed a few tears hearing Lady Hikari's earnest words. She felt inspired to do everything she could to make sure she could be happy with Yukimura for her sake and for Lady Hikari's sake.

"Now that's enough sad talk for one day. There is something I've been meaning to ask you about. What do you think about Date Masamune and Mego?" Lady Hikari asked with a cheeky grin. She was clearly eager to hear the goss. Aki laughed.

"I don't think I've seen two people more suited for each other. They are so in sync and best of all, Mego has fallen head over heals for the man." She exclaimed. Lady Hikari put a hand of her mouth and gasped.

"No. Our Mego? In love? Never." She proclaimed as they both fell into a fit of laughter.

When they both had settled from the laughter high, Lady Hikari asked again. "In all seriousness, what do you think?".

Aki thought about it for a moment or two before looking directly at Lady Hikari in response. "He seems to do first ask questions later but he is a very passionate man. When he has his mind set on something he will keep going until he can grasp it in his hands. He is always fiercely protective and loyal to his people. He's definitely a man missing a womans touch but since he had Mego around he seems to have gotten closer to her and they've begun to grow more together. Not to mention Mego has become quite protective and loyal towards him. Tsukiyo even follows him around sometimes." Lady Hikari nodded her head as she listened to Aki's evaluation.

"You watch Mego at the wedding. After she proclaimed she would try her hardest to win his heart, I bet they're closer than ever." She said with full confidence.

"Tsukiyo folllows him around you say? Good. I am meeting Lord Masamune the day before the wedding as I will have plenty to ask him about." She smiled cheekily to Aki. Aki giggled at Lady Hikari.

"Don't play with him too much, he can get quite riled up." She warned. They both laughed together as they made their way back to the castle. Aki felt warm and refreshed. It was nice to have Aneue around.

Author's notes:

* Asakura Yoshikage - Was killed by conflicts with Oda Nobunaga 1582. Daimyo of the Echizen province.

Review responses:

Guest 19 - Action is coming back but I am trying to work on their relationships at the moment.

Anime hotty lover 18 - Thankyou, I should be back now and hopefully updates weekly! (crosses fingers)

Cleona1010 - Thanks so much :3 Writers block hasn't been as much of the problem as things coming up one after the other. Also the chapters tend to be 4k-5k in words each as I want to put in a lot for people to read but sometimes a scene can take a while to write as I visualize it in my head. I have got some good things coming up :x But you'll have to wait and see XD muahahah. :3 Thanks again for the support.

Also I don't know about anyone else, but Masamune definitely feels like an ass guy to me. Especially when it's walking away. :P