A/N: There is now a Nobunaga the Fool game with cards and there are other historical characters in it (I will put up a link to it on my profile page). Some of them I had to figure out who they were as google translate isn't the best to say the least. XD And I must say they have given me ideas and helped with ideas I already had. So, there will be some characters from that appearing in here, but only the ones that fit in and I can use to fill a particular needed role for the plot.

Pairings: Caesar/Ichihime, Charlemagne/Joan, others will be revealed as they come.

Interesting Facts: Caesar has a horse name Toe Ace, Alexander had a famous horse named Bucephalas "ox-head", and Charlemagne had a war horse named Tencendur "strife".

Disclaimer: I don't own Nobunaga the Fool.

Chapter 6

Brutus held Caesar and Ichihime at gunpoint; a staring contest was being waged between the two men. Brutus had his finger on the trigger, but was hesitating... A mental battle was taking place; many thoughts were racing through his mind, but then one came forward:

"Just be sure that what you choose, you won't regret. No matter which path you choose."

Brutus's eyes widened as though he received a revelation as that line of Joan's rang through his mind. He then made his decision and... lowered his gun. Both Caesar and Ichihime were surprised at this.

"I can't do it..." Brutus sighed deeply. "I thought I could, but I couldn't..." He then looked back at Caesar as he put his gun away. "I guess, I'll follow you and become a traitor as well, Lord Caesar."

Caesar closed his eyes while Ichihime sighed in relief. "Brutus, you really were the only one I could trust," Caesar smiled.

Ichihime couldn't say a word, but stared at her husband. She didn't know that he held this man in that high of regard.

Brutus raised an eyebrow. "Were?" he echoed.

"Ah, there is someone else I trust now. She's someone I love more than life itself," Caesar stated and looked back at his wife. Ichihime immediately turned red and looked down to hide her face.

Brutus was staring at the princess in stunned silence; apparently no matter what woman Caesar fancied in the past he had never said that about any of them. "You must be Lady Ichihime!" Brutus exclaimed with a bow as he regained his composure. "It's a pleasure to meet you, my queen."

Ichihime smiled at the lieutenant. "It's nice to meet you too, Brutus-san." How ironic she would say that since just moments ago he held her and her husband at gunpoint.

"Brutus, how did you get here?" Caesar inquired.

"I rode a flying horse. I have my war armor hidden nearby as well."

Caesar nodded. "You go back and get your war armor and I'll take Ichihime on the flying horse. We'll meet at Takeda Castle."

Brutus bowed. "As you wish. It's just right over there," he informed as he pointed the way.

Caesar nodded. "See you soon, Brutus."

"My lord," Brutus acknowledged and then departed.

Caesar stood up and turned to his wife. "It's best that we leave right away." Ichihime nodded in agreement as he helped her to her feet.

After daylight Caesar and Ichihime were well on their way back to Caesar's camp. They were making good time as they were on a flying horse. Ichihime had her arms wrapped tightly around Caesar and the very close proximity caused a permanent blush on the girl. She was conscious of him before as she had married him, but what had taken place last night really elevated that awareness.

Suddenly the general halted the flying horse. "Caesar-dono?" Ichihime questioned as she looked up at him; even though that had stopped she didn't un-wrap her arms from around him.

"What's that?" Caesar mused. Something below them had caught his attention.

Ichihime looked and saw some women dancing in a dry river bed. There was one woman that was the obvious leader and she was leading them in some rather exotic dancing. "Izumo no Okuni?"

"Izumo no Okuni?" Caesar echoed.

"The woman in the middle... I heard from some maids that a woman by that name has an all women troupe. She is known for her rather... sultry way of dancing." She couldn't help, but give her husband a frown. "You're not interested are you, Caesar-dono?"

Caesar chuckled as he looked back at her; a certain glint was in his eyes. "I only have eyes for my lovely wife; there's no need to be jealous."

"I'm not jealous!" Ichihime defended a bit too quickly.

Caesar chuckled, but was then serious. "I'm just curious why she is here. So close to where battles are taking place."

Ichihime blinked her eyes as she thought for a moment. "You're right... That is rather strange."

"Well, we had best be on our way." And with that Caesar took off.

At Kai...

Chacha, Hatsu, and Gou were standing right outside of the castle and all three were very worried.

"I couldn't find Ichihime-sama anywhere!" Hatsu exclaimed.

Chacha shook her head. "I didn't find a trace of her either..."

"I wonder if Ichihime-sama is alright," Gou said as she stared at the ground.

Right then they heard a noise that got their attention. To their surprise and delight it was Caesar and Ichihime on a flying horse. "Ichihime-sama!" all three sisters yelled as they ran to her.

Caesar got off and then helped Ichihime; he kept his arm around her to steady her. After the ordeal she looked like she might pass out at any moment from exhaustion.

Ichihime smiled at the three sisters to calm them down. "I'm alright. Caesar-dono saved me."

The three girls visibly relaxed. "We're so glad..." Chacha sighed.

"Did everyone move back here?" Caesar inquired.

Chacha turned to Caesar and bowed. "Yes, Caesar-sama. They even transported Quo Vadis back. They figured it would be unwise to stay there."

Caesar nodded. "Please tell the look out that someone from the West is joining us, my lieutenant Brutus. I wish to get Ichihime inside and checked for any injuries.

The three sisters bowed. "We will, Caesar-sama," Chacha acknowledged.

Caesar nodded and then led Ichihime inside.

At Omi...

Charlemagne was sitting on a small folding chair with Joan standing behind him and to his right. Also some of his other men were behind them. Before them the Azai lord and his clansmen were looking at them uneasily. The Azai lord was average looking and didn't seem to be the most capable of rulers.

"Can we request that the woman leave, General Charlemagne?" the Azai lord inquired.

"She is my best strategist, her presence is required," Charlemagne replied with a tone that allowed no room for arguments.

"A woman?" the Azai lord and all his men were surprised. "Surely you jest."

"Not at all. Let's begin our meeting, Lord Hisamasa," Charlemagne tactfully replied.

The Azai looked at each other, but chose not to say anything more. Hisamasa cleared his throat. "Yes, there was something about the Oda, you said?"

"Indeed," Joan replied which shocked all the Azai that she was the one to speak. "The previous head of the Oda made a promise with your clan years ago, right?"

"Yes..." Hisamasa replied carefully. "How do you know?"

"That matters not. The promise was that he would give one of his daughters to you for your wife. He only had one daughter and now that promise was broken."

"Broken, you say?"

"Yes, his son, Oda Nobunaga allowed his sister, Oda Ichihime, to marry General Gaius Julius Caesar from our Star."

Immediately the sound of murmuring filled the room. They all were clearly outraged by this.

"So, what shall you do?" Charlemagne asked.

"There is no choice..." Hisamasa solemnly began. "We must go to battle for this broken promise. But first I must go to General Caesar since he has Ichihime."

"But surely you can't go by yourselves... you would be slaughtered."

"What do you propose?"

"Allow us to help. We shall form an alliance."

All of the Azai clansmen turned their eyes to their leader. "What is in it for you?" Hisamasa questioned, not once looking at his men.

"The capture of Caesar as he has become a traitor."

"I see..." Hisamasa mused and then bowed his head. "Very well, we accept your help."

A few moments later Charlemagne and Joan walked out of the main room and were walking down a hall.

"That was rather easy, mon capitaine," Joan stated in their native tongue.

"Not surprising as Hisamasa has been losing battles and land. He is losing favor with his retainers," Charlemagne replied back in their tongue as well.

"Indeed. They say they will be the retainers of another lord soon if he keeps ruling the Azai."

"That they will, especially if he were to go to battle against Caesar or Nobunaga by themselves. So, of course, he readily accepted our help."

Joan smiled. "Yes, and in fact even with us he fears going to battle. He's planning to do something else."

"Oh? What is that, ma chérie?"

Joan chuckled and looked ahead. "We shall see."

At Kai...

Caesar had guided Ichihime back to their chambers. He helped her take off her outer garments and after that was done Ichihime all, but collapsed on their bed.

"Do you feel alright?" Caesar asked worried.

"I'm just tired and I'm aching..." Ichihime replied.

Caesar nodded. "It's to be expected. I'll send the physician in."

Ichihime nodded and watched her husband leave. After a few moments a young girl stepped in, but what really surprised Ichihime was the fact she was an Eastern girl. She had long auburn hair with red bows on each side. She wore her purple kimono almost like it was a Western shirt she also wore laced boots.

"A pleasure to meet you, Ichihime-sama. I was ordered by Caesar-sama to be your personal physician. I'm Akechi Gracia," the girl bowed.

Ichihime eyed widened at the name "Akechi". "It's nice to meet you, Gracia. Are you a part of the Akechi clan?"

"I was, my lady," Gracia replied and laid some things out. "My lady, can you open your yukata for me? Since you aren't in dire shape I'll just give you a routine check-up."

Ichihime exposed her shoulders, which was enough for Gracia, who then held up something to Ichihime's heart that the princess had never seen before. "How did you get the name Gracia?" Ichihime asked.

"Well, my lady, as you know the Akechi clan fell and I was taken hostage. When Caesar-sama conquered where I was, he ordered me to be taken care of by the female medics and to be trained by them. I learned many things from them and when I was baptized I was given the name Gracia, and I quite like it. I got this position as Caesar-sama thought you would be more at ease with an Eastern girl for a physician. I am truly so fortunate and grateful to Caesar-sama for this! And you know what, Ichihime-sama, I believe he always had his eye on you and that's why he had me trained," Gracia finished with a smile and a giggle.

Ichihime blushed. "You think so?"

Gracia nodded repeatedly and pressed a hand to her cheek. "Oh, yes! He gave me this order before he ever attacked the Oda. And he had so many praises for your beauty. He's so smitten with you, my lady!"

Ichihime blush deepened. "Is that so?" was all she could mumble out.

Gracia tapped her chin with her finger. "Caesar-sama mentioned something about spying you with a telescope while you were on a balcony. He also called you his beautiful Juliet... I think it's from a famous Western romance called Romeo and Juliet. All the female medics were giggling and saying stuff like that when I asked them about it."

Ichihime was then very embarrassed. "Just when did Caesar-dono first see me? And just what was he talking about?"

"Oh!" Gracia exclaimed. "Your heart rate just went up, Ichihime-sama!"

"Of course it did!" Ichihime screamed in her mind.

"Ichihime-sama, do you hurt anywhere?"

"I'm just tired and I ache."

Gracia nodded and took out a bottle of cream. "Apparently this will help with the aches; I'll rub it on your back for you." Ichihime nodded and loosened her kimono so Gracia could do so. "You know, Ichihime-sama, my main duty though is to take care of you when you and Caesar-sama have children!" She almost squealed in delight.

Ichihime's blush which was receding returned in full force. "I know I'm supposed to have Caesar-dono's children. It's my duty! So why am I so..." Ichihime couldn't even finish the sentence in her head.

"Aw, this so sweet, just like the love stories the female medics tell me!" Gracia squealed that time. "Anywhere else you ache, my lady?"

"Um, no thanks, I'll put it on myself. Just leave it," Ichihime instructed in a quiet voice.

"Okay, Ichihime-sama," Gracia acknowledged and placed it on a table and then gathered her things. "Well, I'll be leaving now so you can rest. I am available at any time you need me, Ichihime-sama!" And with that Gracia bounded out of the room.

Ichihime took a deep breath and placed her hand on her heart. "I'm going to have to ask Caesar-dono some things..." she thought.

She soon got her chance as a few moments later Caesar walked in. When he saw her his expression immediately changed into a concerned one. "Do you have a fever, my dear? Your face is red."

Ichihime looked up at him with searching eyes. "Just when was the first time you saw me, Caesar-dono?"

Caesar blinked; he wasn't expecting that question. "When? Well, not long after I first arrived, before my alliance with the Takeda. Why?"

Ichihime paused. He was so forward! "Just how did you see me?"

"By telescope. I was surveying the land when I had the great fortune to see your beautiful visage." Caesar smiled as he sat beside her. "Ah, when I saw you I thought you were a beautiful goddess descended from the heavens!"

Ichihime blushed as she turned away. "Caesar-dono... What is Romeo and Juliet?" She was desperately trying to get him on a different subject and that was all she could think of.

Caesar's lips turned into a mischievous smirk and a glint entered his eyes. "A beautiful romance story of true love. You really are my sweet "Juliet" and oh, how I had wished to wax poetic under the balcony right then and there to woo you."

"Caesar-dono..."

Caesar then cupped her face to make her look at him. He drew his face right next to hers then said in a low, soft voice: "Would you like me to quote some of the lines, my sweet Ichihime?"

Ichihime was completely red now. "T-that's alright, I'm sure you have important things to do."

"Ah, but you are infinitely more important, my sweet."

"Have you no shame, Caesar-dono?" Ichihime inquired. Really, she never dreamed such a man as he existed!

Caesar laughed at that. "Not when it comes to my love for you," he said with a wink.

"S-stop teasing," Ichihime pouted.

Caesar chuckled and kissed her forehead. "Alright, but what I said is true."

"Caesar-dono..." Ichihime couldn't stop the smile on her face. It would take her a while to get used to his ways, particularly his display of love, but his words did warm her heart. At first such things from his mouth would scare her, but now was different. She knew him better now.

"Besides, I came to make sure you are comfortable," Caesar informed.

Ichihime gave an accusing look. "I think you did rather the opposite, Caesar-dono."

Caesar chuckled. "Ah, you are truly a wondrous beauty." Ichihime shook her head and laid down. She watched her husband intently as he covered her with the sheets. "Rest well, my dear."

To Caesar's complete surprise, Ichihime shot her hand out and grabbed his sleeve. "Don't go..."

Caesar looked down into his wife's pleading eyes and smiled softly. He knew now she needed comfort no matter how strong she seemed. "Of course I will stay with you if you wish. I am quite worn out myself." He added that last part so she wouldn't feel guilty for making him stay. He took off his coat and vest and laid down on his side like he always did.

Ichihime frowned at her husband's back. She reached out and grabbed his shirt which got his attention. "Yes?" Caesar asked.

Ichihime averted her eyes. "I do believe we got closer..."

Caesar smiled and turned over. "Yes, I believe we have..." he whispered. Ichihime surprised him yet again by moving towards him; almost touching him. He wrapped his arms around her and embraced her; bringing her even closer. "Everything's alright now. I'll protect you, always."

Ichihime burrowed her face in his chest and in a matter of moments her eyes drifted shut. She fell asleep to the soothing motion of her husband running his hand through her hair. Here, in his arms, she felt protected from everything that was happening around her, for the first time...

A/N: Gracia is, in fact, Mitsuhide's historical daughter, who was a famous Christian convert. In the card game google translated her name as Mitsuhime, but since her skill seems to be "grace of the gospel", I figured it had to be her. She thinks Caesar only ever had honorable intentions towards Ichi (which as his character song revealed, he obviously didn't) as she was only exposed to his good side. I thought it would be funny to have Mitsu's historical daughter positively biased of Caesar (and be a total Caesar/Ichi shipper), while Mitsu is negatively biased against him. XD

And Hisamasa isn't in the card game. He is Azai Nagamasa's father, who wasn't a strong leader. He did lose land and the Azai became retainers to another clan under him. When Nagamasa won their independence back, Hisamasa was forced into retirement. Nagamasa does not exist in this world as Caesar seems to be him as well.