IMPORTANT: This fanfic is connected with RahXephon's fanfic Master of Corruption. To properly enjoy this fanfic, you should read my partner's fic too. Check out my favorites in my profile to access it. Thank you!
Mistress of Tyranny
Mistress Takes Charge
By Sesshy's Girl 00 and RahXephon
The wind danced through my hair, tickling my skin with its gentle caresses. The green kimono I wore billowed around me while my hair tugged at its restraints, attempting to fly freely with the breeze. Abruptly, a voice rose in the air until it was defining to my ears.
"ASUKA!!"
I clamped both hands over my ears as I cringed in agony. The Third Child's cry reverberated through my head, causing my entire body to crumple in pain. I sank to my knees and lowered my head against the pain. After several agonizing moments, the voice died away and I was able to look up once again.
The baka's word rang in my head, reminding me of every moment we spent together. I could see his blue eyes and smell his awful Japanese cooking wafting through the air. In my mind, he turned and flashed a rare smile in my direction. "Are you hungry Asuka? Do you want some soup?" He meekly inquired.
The image faded as strangely as it had appeared. Tears threatened at the corners of my eyes as I struggled not to remember. The pain was all consuming and overwhelming. The agony was so intense. I thought my heart would break into a million pieces. I wished to forget that part of my life, yet it refused to leave me alone. I hated and missed it all at the same time. Now, it was gone and I'd never see it again. Shinji - for I knew in my heart it was him - wished it all way. He'd asked Wondergirl to destroy it and here I was. I hated them for it, messing around with my reality and me. They never even asked my opinion. Did I not even matter to them? Was I just some sick plaything?
Agggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg!!
"Mistress Sohryu, what's wrong? Are you okay?" Frieda asked in concerned German.
Frieda's voice snapped me out of my thoughts and back to the present. It was what I needed to bring myself back towards center. Quickly I wiped the tears from my eyes and forced my body into a standing position. I nodded weakly, feeling drained and shaken by the intensity of the pain. Frieda assisted me in straightening my clothes, her soft eyes watching me worriedly. I shook my head, to signal that I was really fine. Cautiously, I took several deep breaths to regain control of myself. Then, I turned to Frieda. "Frieda, where is Kotoya now?"
I have more important things to do then cry over the past. I was supposed to be the angel of Echigo now.
"He's currently searching the city for you. The palace is almost completely deserted." She replied calmly in German.
That settled things in my mind. Now I knew what to do. I smiled happily and allowed a momentary feeling of peace to overcome me. "Good. Lead the way, Frieda. I want you to take us there." I commanded confidently.
Supporting Koto between us, Frieda and I made our way through the narrow dirt streets to the stone lined paths of the palace. Frieda directed me towards a back door way and into the palace interior. Five minutes later, the three of us were safely in my room. Koto laid down on the futon and fell asleep almost immediately. Frieda and I let her rest, while we prepared me for a bath. I felt exhausted and disgusting, no condition to be apologizing to Kotoya in. I would need to appear to him as the angel in all my glory.
Frieda filled a wooden tub with hot water, massive amounts of oils, scented water and soapy substances. The smell was intoxicating and invigorating all at once. I untied my obi, pulled the chopsticks from my hair and slid the kimono from my shoulders. Frieda helped me into the tub and I sank blissfully into the warm water. I smiled contentedly as the pain dissolved from my body. Frieda scrubbed my hair with her hands before running a stiff brush through it.
"Frieda, tell me about the magic of this world." I inquired.
I was starting to learn about this world. I had seen Koto summon the snake and that woman transformed from a black dog to human form. Magical powers were clearly possible and I wanted to know more about them. I wanted to understand what I was facing and maybe, gain a piece of it for me.
"The magic of this world… the Power… is difficult to explain. I can only tell you of the magic of Kaihon and Deutschland. The people of Kaihon, or at least the influential ones, seek to gain power through becoming a legend. The ultimate goal is to gain enough karma to ascend to godhood. Most never make it, but those who have become renowned and influential enough in their own right leave behind their entire legacy inside an object upon their death."
"These objects can be used by the living to work feats of magic not possible through common means. The most famous of these is the legacy of a man within an inch from godhood himself, Mount Fuji. He fires flaming, molten, balls of gold upon our enemies."
"Other countries use tattoos that can be used to allow one to gain control over a specific power. There are also runes and other forms of magic. Most people worship those who reach godhood and hope to gain power by uncovering a magical item or live their life in the service of a god. Each country has a complicated system and it is too much to explain it all right now."
"Is there any way for me to get my hands on one of these enchanted items or a tattoo? I want - need that power at my command. I am the angel of Echigo now and it would be better if I have the ability to defend myself. I am not going to be threatened by those pompous narrow-minded idiots again."
"Magical items are far too rare and hard to come by, but a tattoo would be easier. I have seen the tattoos of Echigo but I am not very familiar with them. The tattoos of my native Deutschland is another matter…" Frieda's voice trailed off uncertainly.
"Go on." I encouraged her.
"I…my parents were, no, are tattoo artists. I grew up assisting them in their work, though I have never practiced much or mastered the craft. However, I believe I can ink a basic rune into your skin if you wish, Mistress."
A wicked grin crossed my face, as the perfect idea came to me. "Yes, do you know a tattoo for fire?"
Frieda nodded hesitatingly, but seeming to agree with my decision. "Yes, a small fire rune would be easy to graft and it would be unlikely you would be deemed unworthy and be rejected. I need a few days to obtain the supplies necessary."
"That's fine. I'm in no hurry, so I will wait until you're ready."
Frieda nodded and produced a heavy washcloth and used it like sponge to scrub my skin pink. She hummed happily to herself, as she worked to clean the dirt from my body. I sighed and closed my eyes with pleasure, enjoying the feeling of Frieda's hands on my body. My mind began to wander and I could feel myself drifting off to sleep. This…this was heaven…
Why?
I blinked in momentary confusion from the suddenness and oddity of the question. I knew why I was here. Baka-Shinji and Wondergirl destroyed the world I'd known. There was nothing else too it. I resented them both for it. No one asked me if I wanted this. They decided to thrust this upon me and then abandoned me here.
What now, Asuka?
That was an interesting question. I was beginning to form an idea of this world. Poor, nasty, short and brutish best described everything I'd seen. This was by no means a pleasant place to live. I stood in a unique position to change all that. I could lift the people of this world out of that poverty and misery. Yes, I can and I would bring happiness and stability to this depressed, impoverished world.
I sank into pleasant dreams, imagining the grand new world I would create.
"Mistress Sohryu, wake up." Called Frieda's voice.
Reluctantly, I pulled myself back to consciousness. I opened my eyes and met Frieda's grey irises. She smiled and nodded before disappearing to my right. I tried to move only to discover that my bad arm was wrapped in bandages made of strips of cotton like fabric. A makeshift sling held my wounded limb against my chest. The old, incompletely healed puncture wounds in my chest were also covered in bandages. I placed my good arm under me and raised my body to a sitting position. Frieda knelt beside Koto, gently waking her as well. Koto groaned in pain and began to cough violently. I rose to my feet and made my way to where Koto lay.
"Mistress Sohryu, you should be dressing for this evening." Frieda reminded me encouragingly.
I shook my head in determination. There were more important things to worry about currently. Koto was the subject of my concern. Frieda accepted my decision and allowed me to help her in caring for Koto. I made my way to the trunk of clothes and pulled out a simple, pastel, red yukata. With Frieda's assistance, I quickly tied it into place and returned to Koto's side. Working together, Frieda and I eased Koto into standing position and removed her kimono. Gently, we carried her to the tub and lowered her into it.
Koto sighed in contentment as the water engulfed her fragile frame. Frieda and I allowed Koto to drift while we scrubbed the dirt from her body. Once she was clean, we lifted Koto from the water and wrapped her in the towel. I went about combing Koto's hair while Frieda bandaged up her injuries. Once that was done, we dressed her in a simple green yukata of her own. Koto thanked us in a weak voice, before she returned to the land of sleep.
Frieda lead me to the other end of the room and presented me with the delicate sakura kimono Kotoya had given me. She helped me out of my temporary yukata and into the elaborate costume. It took nearly an hour for me to be stitched and folded into my dress. Then, Frieda brushed out my hair and worked it expertly into a traditional Japanese hairstyle. Then she painted my face, wove a flower and strand of pearls through my hair. Frieda seemed pleased with her work but I disagreed. I thought I looked inappropriate and out of place because my features were too European. My reddish brown hair and blue eyes completely killed the effect.
Frieda nodded approvingly at her work and pointed towards the door. "Prince Kotoya and the court shall return soon for dinner. How do you plan to meet them?" She inquired.
I closed my eyes in an effort to concentrate and work out all the details. I wanted my arrival to be big and dramatic. The more spectacular my entrance, the better it would be. The question was, how to maximize all of my resources. An idea began to form in my mind. The angel would make this a full show.
I sent Frieda to find me some wire and a list of other specific items. She dutifully left to retrieve them and I found myself alone with Koto. I sat down beside the frail girl and crossed my ankles delicately. Her breathing created a relaxed, calming effect. I rested my head against the wall and stared upon the ceiling. Just visible through the wall, a pale, full moon shown in the nighttime darkness.
It…it was strange to see the moon this way. Even when fully lighted by the sun, a large chuck of it was completely missing. I had the distinct feeling something or someone had take a massive chomp out of it. That impression left me entirely disturbed. Something about that image seemed off, wrong. I didn't like it, not one bit.
"Hello? I know you're here."
I tensed at the sound of the unfamiliar voice resounding in the doorway. I turned to see a pale faced, familiar young woman standing in the doorway. I recognized her after only a moment, Kotoya's sister, Susanime. Her dark hair gleamed in the pale light, as her eyes scanned the room. I could tell she sensed me, knew I was in this room, but did not know exactly where I was. Susanime stepped cautiously into the room and called out, "Answer me, the Princess of Echigo."
"You should speak more politely to your Angel." I admonished her.
I watched this girl stare down Kotoya but I had no idea what she thought of me. This was an excellent opportunity to gauge her reaction. Susanime's face turned towards me and she smiled wanly. She took a step towards me and I rose to meet her.
"Nii-sama will be pleased. He was distraught to learn you'd gone." She murmured, "I…I wished you'd stayed gone."
"Why?" I demanded, offense and indignation creeping into my voice.
Susanime sighed; as if this was something she didn't want to talk about or was unsure of how to discuss. "You're not from this world. You know nothing and we mean nothing to you. However, to Prince Kotoya, you are everything. Your mere presence brings him renewed hope and confidence. Do you understand, now, why you must go?"
I shook my head in complete refusal. I would not be going anywhere. Not while there was work for me to do here. Baka Shinji might have left me here, but now it was my turn to take control of my fate. No one else was going to tell me what to do. "No, I do not understand. There's nothing wrong with offering people the prospect of hope, especially when they're living in such poor conditions."
"Yes, I believe there is. Most people in this world are deluded fools who seek to be remembered as they struggle to survive. There is nothing to hope for, every gain, every success must be fought for, tooth and nail." Susanime shot back.
"You don't hold much hope for this world, do you? Why do you hate it so?" I inquired curiously.
"I've seen the worst of what this world has to offer. I know the horrible pain it can deal." She spat back.
I nodded in sympathy and understanding. During my short life I'd seen some pretty shitty crap myself. I knew exactly what Susanime was talking about. Yet, I wanted to remain optimistic. Although most of the people I met in my own weren't worth a second glance; now, there were people like Frieda and Koto to back me up. With their help, I would change this world.
"I understand what you mean. This world appears bleak but it won't remain that way forever. I have a plan to change this world for the better. Believe in me and I'll make this land a place where hopes and dreams come true." I promised her.
"How do I know I can trust you? I've only just met you."
"Unfortunately, I can't give you any proof of my intentions right now. I can only ask for you to give me time and wait for my plan to provide results."
A small smile of amusement crossed Susanime's face. "You are either a rather foolish young woman, supremely confidant or both. I haven't heard such brave words from anyone in a long time."
"Well, it's about time someone changed things around here." I declared valiantly.
Susanime shook her head in disbelief and allowed a small chuckle to rise from the back of the throat. She shook her head, causing her brilliant dark hair to move about her face. "I guess we will wait and see. For now, I wish to see what you intend to do."
"I don't intend to disappoint you or myself."
Susanime smiled in amusement and made her way towards the door. She paused at the entrance way and glanced back at me. "You should hurry, Nii-sama has just returned home. I know you wish to see him soon."
With that warning, Susanime disappeared. I could hear the thump of her wooden cane, as she made her way down the corridor. I listened patiently to the sounds, hoping Frieda would return soon. I didn't have much time before I faced Kotoya. Thankfully, the sound of Frieda's returning footsteps met my ears. She entered my room swiftly and silently. I smiled in relief at her timely return.
"Did you find everything I requested?"
"Yes, Lady Sohryu. Here."
Ten minutes later, Frieda and I made our way into the palace's main throne room. I placed myself on the upper most level, right in front of Kotoya's golden plaited throne. Above my head 'floated' a thick ring of metal, shaped to look like a halo. In my hands, I carried my latest creation. Although it looked like a mass of sandy, brownish-grey clay, I knew it would be much more impressive. Not even my sling-supported arm would change that.
Frieda stood off to my right on a lower part of the platform, carrying the lit candle I would need for my demonstration. My audience should be here anytime and I knew they would enjoy my efforts. As if my thoughts or presence had summoned him, the door opened and Kotoya entered the room. Behind him came almost the entire court.
They filtered slowly into the room, staring up at me in wonder and confusion. I waited while they took their places before me. Kotoya and Susanime stood at the front of the group. Of all the faces I saw, Kotoya's was the most enraptured. "Mistress Angel, I am honored you returned to us. Thank-you."
"I am sorry I worried you but I wished to see Echigo for myself. Now that I am satisfied, I have returned."
"Do, do you intend to stay…?" Kotoya inquired uncertainly.
"Yes, I was distressed by the way the people of this land live. I will bring triumph and glory to Echigo." I stated triumphantly.
Kotoya nodded in agreement but I could tell there were many who doubted me. Time to put some power behind my brave words. I held my bowl out to Frieda and allowed her to lower the candle's flame to the cloth wick. "For my first gift to this land, I give you this!" I proclaimed.
With those words, I launched the bowl into the air and counted down the seconds until it exploded into a million pieces. 2, 1, 0…
Boom!
I smiled at the looks of wide-eyed astonishment I read on every face in the room. My little bowl of primitive gunpowder worked brilliantly. I had made indelible impression on everyone in the room. Kotoya seemed to be the most awed of all. His eyes were impossibly wide with complete disbelief. He seemed unable to do anything but stare stupidly upon my face. This would never do. I needed his leadership to control the situation. Already the whispers of magic and witch run like electricity through the room.
"Lord Kotoya, this substance is called black powder and it can be most useful weapon in battle."
My words bring him back to reality; he shook himself and blinked rapidly. "Would you show us how to use this black powder?" He requested politely.
"Of course, I will."
"Why don't we go somewhere more comfortable to speak, Miss Sohryu?"
Along with his words, Kotoya extends his hand to me. I took it in my own and allowed him to help he to the ground level floor. Before I followed him from the room, I turned back to Frieda. "Go, care for Koto."
Frieda curtsied and bowed obediently. "Yes, my lady."
With that, Kotoya lead the way into the next room. He offered me a seat with a courteous bow. I accepted it quietly, wondering what he would have to say to me. Kotoya smiled stiffly, as he took his chosen seat. "Sohryu-sama, are you serious about what you say? Do you wish to change Echigo?"
"What do you think, Prince Kotoya?" I shot back defiantly.
Kotoya smiled in amusement and signaled for me to control myself. I relaxed and attempted a smile of my own. "You are a very interesting young woman. I have never heard such brave words. No one in Echigo hopes for much, not since the days of my Great-Great Grandfather passed. There has been no good leader since."
"You're Great-Great Grandfather, that's a long time ago. Why can't you do anything? You're in charge of this place, right?"
Kotoya smiled in bitter amusement. He closed his eyes as an intense expression of pain crossed his face. For a moment, I thought I saw a hint of tears but they disappeared before I was sure. Kotoya blinked and turned his attention back to me. "I wasn't supposed to be lord of this land. My father was the third son of Lord Furan and I was his fifth grandson. However, as my grandfather was dying a rival faction, the Doragon, attacked and slaughtered most of my family."
"Susanime and I are the only survivors. It was complete luck, combined with the kindness and loyalty of the servants who were guarding us that we managed to survive."
Kotoya pain marked face looked towards the open the sky. He bit his lip to prevent himself from succumbing to his pain. Somehow, I felt learning more about this tragic event would allow me understand the politics of this land. "What happened?"
Kotoya smiled painfully and sighed sadly. "Let me tell you a story, of the day the pain all began."
Tales From Echigo:
Part One - Death of the Dragon
In my prime, I was invincible. Now, my time is coming to close. My body has been paralyzed. Breath, speech and eating are all nearly impossible now. My own attendants must pore nourishment down my throat so that I may eat something. The only action that remains simple is the movement of my eyes. I can see as well as I always have. Soon, my body will give up and my life will come to a close. I can only hope that those who are left to carry on can take up the mantle.
"Papa!" A small voice cries.
I moved my eyes to the side to see a lone figure running across the Tatami mat floor. For a moment, all I can see is my baby daughter. She's the girl who sat upon my knee at night and called me her hero. Then, she morphs into my wayward teenage daughter. Her swollen stomach hung awkwardly under her jade colored yukata. Part of me regrets my rash decision to disown her but I can't completely forget my anger at her disobedience.
Sohyuki knelt beside me and took my great, calloused hand in her smaller, delicate one. I can feel the warmth emanating from her soft skin and it brings me a small measure of comfort. Tears build in the corners of her eyes, as she raises my hand to her chest. "Father, we're going to get you out of here. They're coming for you."
A weak groan escapes my lips but it isn't nearly enough to cover the depth of my anger and frustration. The 'they' my Sohyuki speaks of can only mean one of two things. Either Takeda Shingen-sama - The Tiger of Kai himself – or the unstoppable Oda Nobunaga-sama is coming this way. Bishamonten have mercy on my people. Both must have known about my ill health and plan to destroy me.
I tried desperately to rise but my body is simply too weak. I collapsed against my pillows weaker and defeated. Sohyuki took a cold towel and pressed it against my forehead while clasping my hand tightly. She hummed softly in the darkness, attempting to comfort me the way her mother did. Almost instantly, I am swept back to those all too brief days when my sweet Shinta shared my bed. I remembered her kind spirit and the untimely hand of cruel fate that swept her life away. After her passing, I could never bare the thought of taking another as my wife. Tears leaked from my eyes and ran like small rivers down each side of my fate. Why must the gods be so vindictive? Am I destined to never know a peaceful moment?
Sohyuki lovingly dried my face with her kimono and smoothed the rebellious gray hairs away from my face. "It won't be long father. Kagetora and Kagekatsu are coming to take you somewhere safer." She promised.
I understood her unspoken words effortlessly. This castle lies at the extreme boarder of Echigo, where we were connected to the mainland of Kaihon. The plan was to smuggle me through the mountains to one of my seaside homes. The thought of the salty air and crashing waves only depresses me further. I know I am not fated to experience them again. I won't live much longer.
A new wave of determination grips me and I muster every last ounce of my strength for one final act. I grip Sohyuki's kimono and draw her as close to me as my shaking hands will allow. "Tell…your brothers…rally the dragon…it's their turn now. I…I love you…I..I'm so sorry…"
My voice cracks painfully on the final words and I'm unsure at first if Sohyuki could understand me. Then, she begins to weep brokenheartedly upon my chest and I know she heard me perfectly. I wanted to comfort her but my traitorous body refuses to move. Sohyuki seems to understand and embraces me tightly with both arms.
Suddenly, the door bangs open and a pair of armored men swathed in bright light appeared in the opening. I look at them, expecting one or both to be one of my sons or generals. Instead, it is two of Nobunaga-sama's personal retinue. The leader is Shibata Katsuie-san, Nobunaga-sama's best general and long serving ally. The other is a man I've never seen, probably recently promoted. Sohyuki doesn't hesitate to respond.
She seized my katana and whips off the sheath. With an expression as fierce as any warrior's, she raises the weapon and turns to face the men. Both men take half a look at daughter and begin chuckling lightly. One pregnant young woman will not keep them from their goal. Sohyuki ignores them and bravely prepares for battle. She charged at them, my katana raised high to attack. Katsuie-san knocked the blade from her grasp with a single, mighty, blow. Sohyuki stumbles in shock and the second man grabs her wrists.
Sohyuki struggles valiently but futily. Katsuie-san approaches me, ignoring the contest going on behind him. Abruptly, a third figure appear, I recognize the face of Oda Nobunaga-sama himself. He paused when he reached the man holding Sohyuki and barks a single, harsh command. "Take her away."
Sohyuki screams and breaks free for a single moment. She turns to face me, only to be pinned from behind. The man yanks her towards the door but she focuses her gaze on me for a single instant. "Papa! Father! NOOOOOOO! PAPA!! Father!"
Sohyuki's heartbreaking cries pierce the night, causing a ripple of tension to pass through the surrounding area. I can hear the uncomfortable rusting of armor from warriors stationed nearby. In one final act of desperation, I stretch my hand out to her and cry her name. "Sohyuki!"
Nobunaga-sama smirks, as he reaches my side. "How sad, Uesugi Kenshin-sama. You were once such a proud and great warrior. Now, you can't even leave your bed. Don't worry, things are out of your hands now. I've already tricked your sons into destroying each other and this land. When they're finished, I'll take control."
I wish with all my might that I can rise to face this adversary but I don't posses the strength. Nobunaga-sama shakes his head and turns his back to me. "Don't worry, you will live out the remainder of your days. Not that those will last long."
He laughed harshly before leaving the room. Both of his men followed hastily behind him. I watch them go, with a feeling a sadness and dread. I fear my daughter and grandchild won't live long either. My end has come at last…
"After the death of Uesugi Kenshin-sama, Echigo shattered into a million pieces and Oda Nobunaga took control. Fortunately, The dragon's blood lived on and returned to take back this land twenty-five years later. There was only one problem. Nobunaga's rule split the surviving nobility into too many clans."
"Political intrigue, back stabbing and lying and ruled this land. No one has been able to control these forces. In my grandfather's day, there was no exception to this rule. Susanime's parents were actually my aunt and uncle. When she was only a few months old, her parents fell to assassination. My parents adopted her and made her part of the family. I was still a toddler at the time, so I can't remember a day when she wasn't in my life. We're more like brother and sister then cousins."
"For the next decade, we grew up in relative peace. Due to my family's removal from the throne, we were able to escape the palace and its madness. Then, on my fourteenth birthday, all of that changed. Susanime and I were playing on a secluded stretch of beach when it happened. The Doragon attacked the palace and slaughtered my family. Thankfully, two faithful servants Auntie Ichigo and her daughter Yume were watching over us."
"They secreted us away to the mountains where we could live in peace. Two years ago, plans came fruition and I was able to march an army of followers into the city. We took control and I became Lord of Echigo the next day. However, the old problem still remains, I cannot control the factions or their actions."
"How long have you been fighting these idiots?"
"Only eight years but it feels like an eternity. Eight years since I lost it all." He sighed unhappily.
Wait, only eight years? That would make him twenty-two at most. I was getting bad at this age guessing thing. Undoubtedly, he looked old for his age. There was no doubt about that. I wondered what else there was about this place I had left to learn. This might be more interesting then I thought.
Unexpectedly, there was a knock at the door. Kotoya glanced at me and then turned towards the figure. "Come on in."
A moment later, the door opened and I thought I was about to die. This wasn't possible. There was no way she could be here. She was dead. I knew she was. Could I be delusional or hallucinating? Maybe even dreaming? The figured turned around to reveal a pair of blood red eyes, set in a pale, perfect, porcelain face. I tried to scream but nothing came out of my mouth. All I could do was stand there and let her approach me.
Author's Notes:
Wow, this was an interesting chapter to write. I never expected this one to turn out quite this way…
Okay, a little historical information on the real Uesugi Kenshin (WARNING: don't read the underlined text if history bores you):
Uesugi Kenshin was born in Echigo providence, the son of the ruling warlord. His father was slain while he was still young and his brother took control of the land. From age 7-14 he spent his time in study at a Buddhist temple. At the age of 14 former allies and acquaintances of his father contacted him. They wanted him to over throw his brother. At first he remained loyal to his family and refused to take part in a coup against his brother.
Finally, he was convinced that his brother needed to be overthrown. In 1547 he successfully defeated his brother and took control of Echigo. As time went on he took control of the land but also gained a famous rival, Takeda Shingen, the Tiger of Kai. This continued until Shingen died. Although, it more of a friendly competetition, since the two were known to have exchanged notes and gifts. Kenshin was reportedly heartbroken to hear of his adversaries death and wept for the loss of him.
In his later years, Kenshin began to consider a new threat, Oda Nobunaga. However, by this point Kenshin was becoming older and ill. On April 9th 1578 things took a turn for the worst.
While going to the bathroom he suffered a kind of seizure and died four days later. The accepted theory is that a lifetime of heavy drinking, perhaps combined with stomach cancer did him in. Another theory holds that he was assasinated by a ninja who'd hidden in wait for him in the bathroom. Whichever it was, his end wasn't pleasant.
After he died, his two adopted sons, Uesugi Kagetora and Uesugi Kagekatsu began a power struggled that ultimately cost them much. Kenshin never had a wife or daughter; I made those up. His son's were both adopted.
At any rate, I hope you all enjoyed this latest installment of Mistress of Tryanny. The next one shouldn't be too long in coming. I promise. Anyhow, here's a little teaser to keep you interested. Until next time.
I came too feeling sick and groggy. For several long moments I lay completely still, wondering if this would be the end. A soft groan escaped my lips, as I struggled to regain control of my rebelious stomach. Slowly, my eyes opened I found myself looking up at a giant scruffy faced man seated on top of the wagon I lay in. He turned to me, a look of concern upon his face. "Relax, my lady. I promise you are safe now."