Authors Notes: Hi guys sorry for the delay! Exciting chapter I hope! :3 Also there is a note in the middle so let me know either in message or review your opinion as it really matters! Also I hope I am still portraying Masamune ok. Please let me know if I am getting off track!
Thanks again everyone!
The breeze had a cool and refreshing feel on his skin as Masamune looked into the starlit sky. It looked beautiful tonight. The stars shone bright white and blue illuminating the night sky like someone has painted them on with a magic brush. They reminded him of the night he had talked to Mego. Under the stars drinking sake together, talking like close friends so openly about their past and feelings. He was reminded of Lady Hikari's story of Mego's past. Men seeked her out like moths to a candle, their greedy faces and hands formed in his mind reaching out at Mego and his mood immediately went sour. He instinctively reached to his side where his swords would have been preparing himself to attack. In his mind he drew his swords and cut down all the men. He then walked over to Mego, who still looked frightened and was shaking. He sheathed his swords and gave his hand to her. Mego hesitated for a moment before taking his hand. As soon as her hand was placed in his he gripped her firmly and pulled her up with a determined force. He pulled her into his arms, wrapping them around her waist and he looked down deeply into her eyes. If only that would happen he thought to himself.
Masamune let out a sigh and surrendered to his fatigue. He'd been thinking too much for one day and tomorrow he'll be too drunk to think at all.
~~~ Wedding Day ~~~~
Aki sat in the middle of the room as still as a rock. She sat patiently as her body was painted white from top to bottom as to show the gods that this maiden was pure. Mego watched from the side letting out a few giggles every time Aki twitched.
"Are you itchy?" Mego teased watching Aki squirm a little indicating she was.
" I have this itch on my nose that is just irritating me but I can't move!" She huffed angrily. This received a scolding from the makeup artist.
"Lady Aki please DON'T MOVE. Otherwise you won't get married at all today!" She huffed. Mego chuckled again amused by the seriousness of the woman. It was an important day and she was insuring that Aki looked her best today but who couldn't laugh at someone getting scolded. Aki shot Mego daggers in retaliation to her amusement.
Shortly after her makeup was completed she began to get dressed into her Shiromuku. Her hair was adorned with a beautiful ribbon tying it down her back as was traditional. As the layers of kimonos were put on, Mego watched with a huge smile on her face. Occasionally Aki would look up and see her smile and smile back as wide as she could. Unspoken words of congratulations and joy shared between them through smiles alone.
Mego stepped back as a fully dressed bride was was presented to those present in her room.
"There are no words to describe how beautiful you look." Mego exclaimed.
Aki looked so mature standing right there, hours away from being a full grown woman and wife. Mego's eyes began to water as her emotions rose up in her chest. Her lifelong best friend and sister was about to start her own independent life officially.
Aki exchanged pleasantries with the other women before noticing Mego's tears. She walked over to her and hugged her tightly. Mego gasped at the sudden action before smiling softly. Aki moved back in front of Mego to look at her face.
"I'm so proud of you Aki. I am so happy for you. " Mego chocked out through her tears. Aki smiled back as well and grabbed her hands in her own.
" I couldn't have done it without you Mego! Thank you!" Aki replied. They both stood there and looked at each other for minutes before breaking off.
" Mego you better get dressed otherwise you'll be the one who is late!" Aki teased.
"yeah, yeah I know" Mego replied and walked off to get her kimono on with the help of some of the maids.
Mego came out to the waiting room robed in her ocean themed kimono. Her hair was styled in a lose bun with a hairpin featuring coral, a very special hairpin that Lady Hikari and Aki had gotten for her when she got the kimono as well. She looked stunning, the deep blue matching her blonde hair and blue and green eyes.
Aki looked at her seeing her dressed as a proper woman for the first time.
"Hey, you're not supposed to be the highlight of the day!" Aki yelled feigning jealousy.
Mego looked at her with daggered eyes. Aki knew how much she hated dressing up all womanly like this. It made her feel vulnerable and all, womanly. Aki laughed heartedly.
"Don't worry. I am sure Masamune will be impressed!" She teased.
"Aki don't say that!" Mego yelled defensively. Mego quickly covered her mouth realizing she just confessed in front of everyone. The woman burst into laughter at Mego. They had already known how close she was with Masamune so they weren't surprised.
"Now now girls settle down." Lady Hikari entered the room adorned in her golden kimono that shone like the sun in the right light. Aki and Mego went silent as they took in the image of their mother. She exerted a sense of calm and power at the same time. It was something they'd missed since being away from her.
"Now I do believe we have a wedding to get to." She said gesturing to the door. They all giggled and headed out.
Yukimura stood at the shrine in front of the wedding guests with the priest whilst he awaited his bride and her party. They had to make their way from the castle to the temple. Suddenly he saw the head of the party come through the gates. First were some of Lady Hikari's soldiers as part of the guard. Followed by them were some of the women who helped Aki and Mego get dressed. Shortly after was Aki with Lady Hikari beside her and Mego trailing behind them. Yukimura's heart beat skipped as he saw Aki from the distance. Though she was completely covered in white he could see her face clearly, her beautiful smile and soft brown eyes looking at him. If it weren't for the white makeup she would be blushing right now. Yukimura's chest swelled with pride. He was about to marry this beautiful women before him. His heart raced and adrenalin pumped through his veins. He couldn't believe this was actually happening.
Aki looked down the line and saw Yukimura up at the shrine. He looked dashing in his Montsuki. His eyes were set on her and he had that smile on his face that was slightly goofy and soft at the same time. Her heart raced as she locked eyes with him. She continued to stare into his eyes as his facial features became more familiar the closer she got. As she approached the stairs the party in front broke apart as family and others took their seats among the guests. Aki continued the walk up the stairs looking at them as she walked up hoping to the gods she wouldn't trip and fall. The last thing she wanted was to make a fool of herself in front of everyone. As she reached the top of the stairs she looked up right into Yukimura's warm eyes. They were full of softness and love. So comforting and calming. Aki smiled at Yukimura warmly and took her place next to him.
Masamune watched as Aki walked past. She was one of the most beautiful brides he had ever witnessed. Her black hair looked so beautiful against her white makeup. Truly a angelic maiden if you'd ever seen one. His eyes then caught the shimmer of Mego's golden hair. She was stunning. Her hair looked so elegant in a lose bun with her beautiful hairpin. Her kimono was also stunning, the deep blue and ocean coral embroidery matched her so well. He watched her as she walked up the aisle the guests had formed. He would have to take in her womanly image later. For now it was Yukimura and Aki who required his undivided attention.
Yukimura took deeper breaths to calm his breathing and settle his racing heartbeat. There she was, his Aki as beautiful as ever next to him and going through the marriage ceremony with him. How had he been so lucky to have this woman become his bride and soon his wife. He looked at her whilst remaining faced forwards towards the priest. He smiled as she made eye contact and smiled too. She then winked at him and turned to the priest. Yukimura knew she was telling him to pay attention.
As time passed by both Yukimura and Aki drank sake from several cups as per the ceremony requirements. As they got to the last cup they drank together finishing the ceremony and becoming officially husband and wife. They both turned around and faced their guests who were applauding them. Aki looked at Yukimura who was also looking at her and both exchanged loving smiles. As they descended the stairs Yukimura held Aki's hand to make sure she didn't fall. She grasped his hand back squeezing it to indicate her excitement and happiness. He looked at her giving her encouragement and guided her down the bottom of the stairs. Once they got to down they began the walk back to the castle and the feast that was waiting accompanied by their guests. Lord Shingen accompanied Lady Hikari behind the couple as the parents of the couple. Followed by them was Mego by herself. Behind Mego the other guests made their way up to the castle as was customary. Masamune had to hang back a bit but he could still see the blonde hair of Mego. He desperately wished to walk beside her. Not too long and it will be us at the head of the pack... Masamune was comforted by that thought and followed the party to the banquet. He was looking forward to a drink or two. He hadn't stopped celebrating whilst awake and asleep. He flashed his cheeky grin. She was going to be his.
~~~ Banquet ~~~
The sound of taiko drums and the Japanese flute filled the room as everyone raised their glasses to the newlyweds. Aki sat tall and proud next to her husband Yukimura who was more relaxed and slouched. He had also had a few more drinks of sake so he was on the rather merry side. As customary Mego sat next to Lady Hikari who sat closest to to Aki. Masamune, Kojuro and Motochika sat further away on Yukimura's side as they were associated with his family more. Masamune and Motochika were merrily drinking together and enjoying the delicacies that had been served on this special occasion. Mego watched them with envy. She wished she could get as merrily drunk as them but it wasn't appropriate for woman to do so on such occasions. They were allowed a 'pleasant' drink or two but mainly refilled the men's glasses in good faith.
Yukimura and Aki greeted and thanked people as they came up one by one to congratulate the newlyweds. Aki was so happy and Yukimura was getting drunk with having to drink with every man that came up to congratulate them and consequently propose a toast. Mego decided she was bored of her company and would go and congratulate the couple. As she stood up she caught Masamune's eye. Noticing her approach to the front of the room he took the opportunity to join her. Luckily Mego's kimono limited the distance she could step making it each for Masamune to catch up to her just as she was in front of the couple. They both stood there, both clad in blue, though Masamune's was a darker grey-blue whilst Mego's was a deep sea blue but alas they looked like they matched. There was a slight lowering of volume as some people made comments on the two. Lady Hikari herself noticed them both together and smiled to herself. Not even married yet and they look like a married couple. She giggled to herself. Others commented on how well they matched. Others joked that the next wedding they'd be attending was theirs.
"I hear they are inseparable. Masamune doesn't leave her side."
"Look at them. It's a shame they aren't married. It might give the one eyed dragon something else to spend all that energy on."
"Isn't Mego-hime beautiful? Surely someone would have her hand by now."
All ended in laughter and giggles from those around them. It was no secret how close these two were.
Masamune met Mego with a smile.
"You doin okay?" he asked with that irresistible cheeky grin on his face. Mego could smell the alcohol on his breath slightly and new he'd been keeping pace with Motochika again. She chuckled.
"I am well. How are you holding up with Motochika?" She said jerking her head in his direction.
"As good as any man can with that pirate." He said with a toothy grin. Mego laughed. He loved her smile when she laughed.
"Well then, since you're here will you congratulate the newlyweds with me?" She said adding a wink at the end. A tingle went up Masamune's spine.
Better slowdown that drinking he said making a mental note. Now that things had progressed and his mind was foggy he was losing his control over his emotions and blood flow...
They both approached Yukimura and Aki together. They bowed to the happy couple and exchanged formalities.
"So who is going to be my partner in mischief now that you are married?" Mego whined jokingly. Aki roared with laughter.
" I thought when you get married you make all kinds of new mischief" she exclaimed. They both burst into laughter as did any nearby woman who heard them. Yukimura and Masamune looked at them both as if they were foreign.
"Don't mind you two it's a woman's joke." Mego stated as she waved them off with her hand.
"So are you ready for the big night?" Masamune said outright to Yukimura. Yukimura instantly started blushing and stuttering.
"A...ahhh... you see welll…" He looked over to his beloved Aki who was smiling so sweetly. He looked away and blushed again. Masamune roared with laughter. Many of his men had been very smitten with their wives when they got married and mimicked the same shyness about the topic of consummation.
"Don't worry. You'll be fine. In any case congratulations. Now you'll have something else to love other than your spear. "He said jokingly. Yukimura thanked him.
Mego finished her gossiping with Aki and left so the people behind her might have a chance to greet the couple.
As they walked back to the main floor Mego saw Nana talking with Motochika merrily. She let out a burst of laughter. Masamune looked at her.
"What?" He asked.
"Look" she said pointing to Motochika and Nana. He looked at them both and saw they were getting quite close.
"Looks like I won't have to entertain him the whole night then?"He said. Mego chuckled.
"He's not that bad. He makes a good drinking companion and he has some really good stories." She said. Masamune got slightly jealous of the story comment.
"I tell good stories too." He burst out without thinking about it. He looked at Mego, alarmed he might have alerted her to his jealousy.
"Of course you do but he tells stories of the sea and they're different so they're interesting too." She said completely oblivious to Masamune's jealousy. Safe.
Lady Hikari made a gesture for Mego to come over. It seemed like she wanted to introduce her to an important lord.
"I'm sorry but I will have to leave you here." She said with a hint of sadness in her voice. Masamune heard it loud and clear.
"Go. I'll come to talk to you later." He said looking at her warmly. Mego instantly smiled.
"I look forward to it." She said before turning and returning to her place next to Lady Hikari. Lady Hikari gave Masamune a wink and a confident smile. He felt warm in his chest and an overwhelming excitement to talk to Mego again.
An hour later and it was announced that it was time for the newlyweds to 'retire'. Everyone stood up and sent them off with a cheer. Aki followed Yukimura through to the back and out to the hallway. Everyone was cheering and whistling as they watched them leave.
As soon as they door shut there was an immediate change in sound. Yukimura turned around and grabbed Aki's hand as he led them to their room that was specially prepared for tonight. As they arrived he opened the door and they both entered. Every step of the way Aki's heart had been racing. She was so nervous as it was her first time and she had no idea what to do or expect. She was anxious that it might go wrong and Yukimura won't like it. He might even hate her. Yukimura was just as worried. He felt he'd had a lot to drink so he was bundles of scared and excited at the same time. He walked over to her and embraced her in his arms.
"We don't have to do this if you're not comfortable." He said hugging her tightly. Aki nuzzled into his chest.
"No my love, I want to do this. I want to be with you now and forever." She said gripping him tightly before looking up to him from his chest.
Yukimura looked down at his beautiful bride. So loving and caring in his arms. He did the only thing that was natural. He bent down and kissed her. At first it was soft and gentle but as they felt comfortable he put more passion into the kiss conveying his love for Aki. As they broke apart to breathe he held her close whilst she looked up at him a little dazed.
"I love you so much Aki. I've loved you for so long. I want us to be together. I want to always protect you, care for you and love you." Yukimura stated with a more serious face than Aki had ever seen.
"Yuki..." She said overwhelmed by his words and passion. They continued to kiss as Yukimura made slow work of her clothes and his. Once he had completed this task he carried her bridal style to the bed and placed her gently on the soft sheets. He looked into her eyes deeply, his eyes full of passion and lust.
"Aki I love you." He proclaimed kissing her again. As he broke away from the kiss Aki wrapped her hands around his neck.
"I love you too Yuki."
They spent a long passionate night together before falling asleep in each other's arms.
*********************If people want I can write in a lemon here for the night scene or write one later but I am not sure how people feel about sex scenes. They would be making-love scenes**************************************
~~~ Back at the banquet ~~~
Mego watched her best friend leave well knowing she'd be a proper woman within the hour. She smiled to herself and felt a sudden lump in her throat. The negative thoughts started sweeping through her mind making her nauseas and anxious. She needed air. Making her excuses she made her way outside to the familiar bridge over the koi pond. She looked down at the moon's reflection in the water and let her tears fall. She'd been thinking how she would probably never get such an opportunity. With no lands or family to her name she didn't have anything to offer to any man. She'd be lucky if she found a soldier or someone to marry her but that's not what she wanted. She wanted Masamune. She let out a grunt of frustration. She wanted to love Masamune so badly. She wanted to be warm and safe in his arms. She wanted to caress his head as he lay on her lap in the afternoon sun. She wanted to help out his villagers. She even wanted to bear children with him. She wanted a life with him. Yet she couldn't see such a life.
Tsukiyo brushed up against Mego and whined softly. She had recognized that she was stressed and had come to her aid.
Mego petted tsukiyo with both hands before bending down and hugging her. She embraced the warmth and comfort Tsukiyo brought with her. After a few minutes she started talking to her.
"Oh Tsukiyo what am I going to do? Should I just give myself to him and be done with it?" She asked. Tsukiyo gave a growl of discouragement. Mego instinctively hugged herself at the thought. It sickened her she was thinking such stupid things.
"Gah. I am stupid. Why did it have to be him? Why the one eyed dragon of all people. I could have fallen in love with a handsome soldier but NooOOoo! I had to fall in love with Masamune with his cheeky grin and his sassy attitude. The foreign girl marked with this blonde hair is in love with a daimyo! What am I going to do Tsukiyo?" She asked. Suddenly a reply came from behind.
"Perhaps you should tell him how you feel?" A familiar voice asked. Mego stood up and turned around coming face to face with Masamune. Her face went red and her heart started pounding rapidly. She looked at him in horror and embarrassment. He looked at her with that toothy grin he had. He had heard it all. In fact he'd been there since he'd followed her when she came outside.
Mego looked around and stepped back instinctively whilst holding her hands together over her chest.
"Masamune I..." She said not being able to finish her sentence. Masamune chuckled at her. She was so cute and vulnerable. It was a very rare sight. He was loving every moment of this.
He took a step toward her. She took a step back. He snickered before taking another step and quickly wrapping his hand around her back and pulling her in tightly into his arms. Mego still flustered by the situation was helpless and her body did as he manipulated her to. She looked up into his eyes completely innocent. He memorized her face before reaching up and taking the pin out of her hair and letting it all fall down. He then grabbed a lock of her her and gently brushed his hand down it.
"I love your hair when it's down." He said grabbing a bunch of her hair and inhaling its scent. Mego's face went red as a tomato. She was so embarrassed and her heart was beating so rapidly she felt like she was going to faint. Masamune pushed her hair behind her ear and caressed the side of her face.
"Mego..." He whispered softly, his eyes going from a mischievous glimmer to soft and loving.
Mego watched as if suddenly time slowed as Masamune bent down and kissed her on the lips. It was a soft and warm kiss that reflected his feelings rather than his passion. He broke the kiss off and looked back into Mego's eyes. She was still in shock but came out of it suddenly. She looked up to him and her eyes went from shock to soft and surprised.
"I love you too." Masamune said softly caressing her face again.
She raised her hand to his holding it in place and then nuzzled her face into his hand more and then looked up to him. Her eyes said it all. I love you. He couldn't resist. He pulled her in more tightly and kissed her harder this time. His kiss was full of passion, lust and longing for her. She returned with the same amount of passion, desire and longing.
There they stood in the moonlight confessing their deep feelings for each other with no one to bother them. As they broke away from their kiss they looked at each other unwavering. Masamune then gave out a loving sigh.
"I cannot announce this yet but I met with Lady Hikari yesterday. Will you give me time to give you a proper proposal?" He asked her. She gasped and covered her mouth with her hand.
"Masamune... Me marry you? Seriously?" She looked in disbelief. He chuckled at her.
"And who else would I mean? I don't know any other girl I tolerate?" He stated.
"I'm not sure any other girl can tolerate YOU." She jested back. They both fell into laughter breaking the tension between them.
"Well don't make me wait too long one eyed dragon. I hear all the good women are getting snatched up quickly these days." She said teasing him. He growled in response.
"I won't let anyone else have you" He exclaimed. She poked him the forehead.
"I am going nowhere don't worry. Besides I don't think anyone would want to challenge you for me. You're too crazy." She said flashing her sassy smile. He returned it with his cheeky grin.
"Just you wait I'll make you crazy." He boasted. Mego pushed him away by pushing his chest with her arm.
"Settle down dragon and keep it in your pants until the wedding night." challenging him.
"You are one hell of a woman." He laughed.
Mego looked up into the moonlight with Masamune resting her head on his shoulder. She was happy. So very happy.
"I think we better head inside." Masamune stated. Mego leaned off his shoulder and looked at him.
"You go on ahead. I want to wait here just a little bit. I have many happy thoughts." Masamune looked at her and nodded.
"I'll leave you then. Mego-hime." He said sending chills up Mego's spine by using her title so casually.
After Masamune left she sighed happily and looked down at the moon's reflection. Marry Masamune? Of course she would. She wondered how he would propose. Tsukiyo rubbed up against her.
A few minutes later Mego decided she might head in again. As she turned and started to walk back a figure appeared from the shadows.
"Hello little dove. We've been looking for you." A deep sounding voice stated. Mego looked in fear as she went to run. Suddenly she was grabbed from behind and had a cloth placed over her mouth and nose. The last thing she saw was Tsukiyo being knocked out and the world going black.
"Good we've got her. He is going to be very pleased. Heheehahahahahaha" The man cackled evilly before leaving with Mego over his shoulder.
~~~ 3 hours later ~~~
Tsukiyo woke up in a lot of pain. The back of her head in particular hurt very badly. As she came to her senses she quickly remembered what had just occurred. She looked around and saw that Mego was missing. She started sniffing around and found that her scent led over the wall. She was going to need help to get her friend back. She howled as loud as she could in hope to alarm the sleeping household. Next after announcing something was wrong she tracked down Masamune. He had been asleep in a room with Kojuro but was instantly woken by Tsukiyo's howl which was never so loud. She raced in and jumped on top of him barking at him. He looked at her confused. Tsukiyo had never been this hysterical before.
"Wait. Tsukiyo where is Mego?" He asked suddenly noticing it strange she wasn't with her. If there was trouble then? No. no. no. no. NO! He jumped out of bed and grabbed one of his six claws. He followed Tsukiyo as fast as his legs would take him as others who had been woken by the commotion also woke up to the noise.
Masamune ran to the pond where Tsukiyo had lead him. There Tsukiyo stood in front of her hair pin and whined sadly. Masamune picked up the hair piece and looked at it in shock.
She's gone... He screamed in anger.
"MEGO!" He fell to his knees as he clutched the only thing left of her in his hand. Shingen suddenly appeared and looked at the crippled Masamune and at Tsukiyo.
"SASUKE!" He yelled summoning the shinobi.
"Taicho" He said appearing suddenly.
"Someone slipped through and kidnapped Mego-hime. Find out who NOW." He barked.
Masamune looked at Tsukiyo who has walked up to him and was whining. He petted her.
"Tsukiyo it's going to be ok. We're going to find the bastards that took her and kill them all." He proclaimed. His eyes glowed with fury. The dragon within enraged beyond all control.
"We will get her back no what!"
Authors notes:
Shiromuka - White Wedding dress. There is another dress people wore during Edo period but people are probably more familiar with this one so I chose to use the costumes familiar to the readers.
Montsuki - male wedding garbs.