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

Ch. 7 Mistress's Challenge

By Sesshy's Girl 00 and RahXephon

Kotoya rose to his feet to greet Wondergirl like they were old friends. I wanted to stop him, to warn him about her evil, conniving ways but my lips wouldn't move. My mind spun with a million questions and accusations. Pent up anger and resentment began to boil within me. Ever fiber of my being wanted to rip her face off and pound her to shreds. I leapt to my feet and took a step towards her. "You…"

Before I could make a move Kotoya intervened. "Lady Yuina, my dear friend, how wonderful to see you again." He exclaimed excitedly.

WHAT?

This wasn't Wondergirl, but when? How? They looked exactly the same. This had to be Wondergirl.

Yuina bowed to Kotoya as a blush began to creep across her face and spoke in a soft, light voice that sounded just like Wondergirl's. "Kotoya-sama, I am honored to see you again. Do you fair well these days?"

"Hai, yes I do. I believe Echigo is on the road to a great and prosperous future. An angel has come to show us the way."

Kotoya motioned at me with a broad sweep of his hand. For the first time, Wondergirl look a like, turned to look directly at me. Her red eyes were every bit as potent as I remembered. There was only one problem; I saw no sign of recognition in them. There was plenty of interest and fear but not a hint that we'd ever met. No reminder of the days we'd fought side by side.

Yuina blushed furiously and lower her gaze to her feet. What a weak, pathetic creature. I was about to turn away from her but something stopped me cold. Hand shaped bruises ringed her pale throat. They were almost faded but still visible under the makeup she tried to cover them with. It looked like someone tried to shake the life out of her. Yuina raised her hands defensively over her chest, revealing them for the first time.

Kotoya and I couldn't help but stare at them in horror. Both of Yuina's hands and wrists were covered in massive blue, black bruises. My first impression was that someone had pounded away mercilessly at them. Kotoya rushed to Yuina's side and took both of her hands in his. Yuina trembled with fear and pain. A massive blush spread across her face, turning her skin beet red.

"Did your father do this?" Kotoya demanded.

Yuina tried to speak but nothing came out of her mouth, except a string of incoherent sounds. Finally, she shook her head meekly. Kotoya released her hands and Yuina back away. "My…my father…he wishes to see you, Lord Kotoya…now."

She bowed and hurried out the door without a second word. For a minute, I wanted to believe that she was not Wondergirl but everything about her reminded me of that wench. I could only feel gladness that she was gone. Meanwhile, Kotoya made to follow her but thought better of it. He bit his lip in distress as he turned back to me. One look at his face told me everything I needed to know. Baka Kotoya had serious feelings for the Wondergirl look a like.

I couldn't believe this.

"Mistress angel, I'm afraid I must go now. General Uesugi must not be kept waiting. Will you accompany me?"

General Uesugi, he sounded like a fearsome character already. He sounded like someone I would need to know in this world. I agreed to go with Kotoya to meet the General Uesugi.

Kotoya cautioned me, "There is something I must warn you about. General Uesugi is a tyrant and hard man. He will not be easy to work with."

I shook my head, understanding his message instantly. "You're trying to tell me he's abusive and a hard nose. Don't worry; he won't scare me. Tell me one more thing, why is he the General of Echigo? Especially since he's such a horrible man?"

"Because he's the greatest military mind in this land. Anyone would be a fool not to place him at the head of their forces. I can only hope to have his skills one day. There is a major difference between rallying the troops and leading them successfully into battle." Kotoya replied.

Fair enough, I decided. Kotoya and I left our secluded room and began the trip across the palace. I followed him quietly, planning the upcoming conversation in my head. I found it interesting that Kotoya was so focused on the one thing he couldn't have. I suppose that made him like the rest of us. The question was; how would his desires affect things? I kind of wanted to sit back and watch the action.

Kotoya stopped in front of a door and knocked sharply. There was a short pause before Yuina opened the door. She bowed respectfully and stepped aside to allow us entrance to the room. Beyond, General Uesugi sat waiting for us. I was instantly stuck by his resemblance to Commander Ikari. Everything about him was the same, except his hair was long and black; it was tied back in a thick knot behind his head. His glasses were different as well; they were made with simple wire frames and clear glass. I understood now why Kotoya respected him so.

As I watched, Commander Ikari-General Uesugi folded his hands in front of his mouth and waited for us to approach. Kotoya entered first, apparently unworried about this encounter. I followed behind him, feeling more apprehensive then I cared to admit. General Uesugi was an imposing figure. I understood that he'd be a problem and maybe Kotoya wouldn't help. He was too interested in getting his hands on Yuina's things.

"You wanted to see me, Lord General? What did you want?" Kotoya inquired.

"Yes, I wished to have a word with you but I didn't expect the angel herself to show up."

General Uesugi turned his piercing gaze on me, glaring unkindly. I drew myself up to my full height and returned his glower with the meanest one I could summon. Not surprisingly, he was completely unaffected by my actions. General Uesugi turned back to Kotoya and ignored me entirely.

"I was under the impression that the angel wasn't a child. Imagine my horror when I returned this evening to discover that the angel is younger than my own daughter!"

General Uesugi spat the final word out with malice and contempt. In that moment, I learned that he was not only cruel but though of women as meat. I didn't understand how his wife could stand to live with him. It took all of my will not to sock him in the jaw like he more than deserved. Kotoya placed his hand on my shoulder for an instant to calm me, before replying.

"It is true that she is young but the angel came to this land to bless us. Who are we to turn down such a gift from heaven?"

"You're implying she's more then some common whore but how do you know? Where was she before she 'fell into your lap?'"

Kotoya was dumbfounded by General Uesugi's words. His cowardice truly reflected badly on him. Clearly, I needed to take control of this situation. It seemed I was destined to never have competent support on my side.

"Does it matter where I was or what I was doing? How dare you question me, you impudent fool?"

General Uesugi's face contorted into a mask of deep, icy hate. His hands became a white, tightly clenched fist in front of him. I expected him to attack me, try to kill me like Shinji did but he never moved a muscle. I continued to glare at him, unwilling to back down from my position. Finally it was General Uesugi who broke the silence.

"Lord Kotoya, I humbly advise you to get rid of her and stop this nonsense. This child is nothing but a weak, loud-mouthed wench. I fear she'll bring nothing but trouble to this land."

Kotoya's mouth set resolutely and he crossed his arms across his chest. "Lady Soryu is going nowhere. She is Echigo's angel, her hope for the future."

Kotoya turned around and the two of us marched from the room. I felt a sense of accomplishment, as I followed Kotoya down the narrow corridor. General Uesugi might still be a problem but I proved I could deal with him. Kotoya ground his teeth with frustration and brooded darkly. I wondered what he was thinking but I didn't care to ask. I didn't have to know what he was thinking; I could all but read it from his body.

"You're upset by his rejection of me, why?"

Kotoya stopped and turned to look at me. He sighed tiredly and shook his head sadly. "You don't understand, do you? General Uesugi is someone I rely on to control Echigo. He is also the head of Lord Uesugi Kagetora's descendents and as such, he commands a lot of respect."

I frowned, biting back my own frustration with his weakness. He was worse than Baka-Shinji and his constant 'I'm sorry'. I wondered who had more backbone between the two of them but decided that it was a bad question to ask. Any contest between them would be very lame. I didn't want to stick around, I wanted some time to be by myself.

"Well, Lord Kotoya, I believe I will see you later."

With that, I turned and hurried off down the corridor. I wanted to be left alone with my thoughts. There was only so much I could do and I needed time to consider all of my options. I was the angel and I would not be defeated. I had been through too much to fail now. I would not be brought down because there was nothing left to hurt me.

Asuka, help me. Help me, please. I need you.

Baka, you don't really need me. I was never anything to you except a pretty face and a nice set of boobs.

Please, help me. I don't know what to do anymore.

I have no doubt you're perfectly capable of managing yourself. You're fifteen now right? Why do you need me anyway? I'm not your mom.

You're the only one who can save me now. Please Asuka…Don't leave me, don't abandon me. There's no one else who can save me.

Asuka? Asuka? Asuka! ASUKA!!

I love you…

"Mistress? Mistress Soryu? Are you okay?"

Frieda's voice pulled me back to reality. I couldn't believe myself; I was having conversations with the Baka-Shinji in my head. Just what I always wanted to do. Worse, he was sounding even more weak and needy then usual. What was wrong with me? This was seriously scary not normal. I did not want to go back there, to insanity and overwelming pain. I would not end up like my mother because I was not weak. I refused to shatter or crumble.

"I am fine. Do you need something, Frieda?" I responded.

"I was sent to take you to bed. A good nights sleep is important for everyone."

I nodded and motioned for Frieda to lead the way. The thought of some serious rest sounded wonderful. I felt exhausted after everything I'd been through. Maybe it would help me straighten out the problem with the voices. Yes, I loved the way sleep sounded right now.

Frieda opened the door for me and allowed me to enter. I stepped past her and entered my room. Koto lay curled up on the floor asleep, her heavy breathing painfully audible. Near her side rested a clay bowl filled with poppy flowers. Intrigued, I made my way towards the bowl and lifted it into the air. I breathed deeply and ran my fingers over their soft surfaces.

I turned back to Frieda, holding the bowl out to her. "Where did you get these?"

Frieda blushed and turned away, her hands twisted in front of her. She looked like a child who was embarrassed and angry about being caught doing something they shouldn't. I sighed and shook my head in frustration. "I don't really care about where they came from, I was merely curious. Poppies must be rare in this world."

"I'm sorry, my Lady but I do not wish to name my source."

I nodded to show that I accepted Frieda's response and a small smile of relief crossed her face. She approached my side and produced a small dagger from her obi. Expertly, she inserted it into the fabric of my kimono and began to cut me free. I was once again amazed by how much easier it was to undress then to dress. Frieda removed all of my layers down to the simple, white under robe I wore in fifteen minutes flat. She turned to my face next, carefully removing my makeup with a wet rag.

"My Lady, what are poppies?"

I whirled around to face Frieda, complete shock completely possessing me. How could she not know what they were when she knew how to use it? I was so confused now. I took several deep breaths to focus my thoughts. Calmly as possible, I help up the bowl of poppy flowers to her. "These, these are poppies. That's what they were called where I came from."

Frieda's eyes widened in embarrassment and understanding. A blush crept across her face, reddening it. She gently lifted one of the flowers from the bowl, silently mouthing the word poppy. I understood then that Frieda might know what poppies were and how to use them but she'd never been told their name. What a wonderful thing this primitive society was. A great reason why my presence would be so beneficial.

Frieda returned the flower to the bowl and made her way to Koto's side. She placed a soothing hand on the sleeping girl's head to check her temperature. Not happy with what she found, Frieda lifted a wet rag from a nearby bowl and placed it on Koto's head.

"I'm afraid she's starting to become feverish." She explained cautiously.

I wasn't surprised by Frieda's announcement. Koto's injuries had been more than apparent to me for some time, so I expected her to become sick and need rest. I only hoped she wouldn't be too ill. I didn't want to lose her and there weren't many cures around here. It was too easy for her to die from these injuries.

As I studied the injured and ill woman before us, my eyes rested on her hand and the tattoo that marked it. I vividly remembered the snake she summoned with it. I leaned down to get a better look and was thoroughly unimpressed. The whole thing was poorly done and badly smudged. It looked like whoever did it was not very skilled.

"Frieda, tell me about the snake summoners."

"Well, that's essentially what the Namiki gang is known for. They're the strong arm of supporters for Uesugi Kagekatsu's descendents. They also worship the power of the snake spirit and he grants them the snake summons in return. I highly doubt she was one of them."

"Because she was so obviously abused by them?"

"Because of her tattoo on her hand. It's not exactly like the one the Namiki gang uses. Plus, I don't think they would accept someone of mixed blood among their ranks. The namiki are…"

"Purists?"

"You could say that." Frieda agreed, "Anyway, judging by the tattoo; she's lucky to be alive. She's fortunate the Snake Lord is one of the more forgiving gods."

"What do you mean?"

Frieda's face assume a look of shock and horror. "What do…arigato, my Lady, I forget you don't come from around here. This land has many gods and goddesses both ancient and recent. Tattoos allow one to use a portion of their powers. The gods are stingy with distributing their powers. There are certain procedures and rituals included with the inking of a tattoo. Otherwise the tattoo recipient will be rejected or the tattoo will simply be ineffective."

"Rejected?"

Frieda nodded and prepared to explain. "Punished by the god or goddess they're seeking to obtain power from. In extreme cases, the person is completely destroyed. That is why I refuse to ink more then a basic rune into your skin. I know the symbol but not all of the correct ritual to accompany it. I do not wish to mess up and put you in unnecessary danger."

"I take it the Fire Lord isn't so generous?"

Frieda smiled, pleased that I was beginning to understand. "Correct, he is one of the strictest when it comes to following the rules and is known for punishing those who don't obey his law."

"I will keep that in mind. For now, let's get some rest. Tomorrow is a big day."

Frieda acquiesced to my decision and produced a large wooden neck support. She placed it at the head of my futon and motioned for me to lie down. I made a face at the thought of spending all night on that thing but it would save Frieda work in the morning.

The next morning, Frieda began to shake my shoulder before sunrise. I groaned and reached for a blanket to cover myself with. Unfortunately, Frieda devised my intent and quickly yanked it out of my reach. "Please, just a few more minutes?" I begged.

Koto coughed painfully and moaned in her sleep. I raised my head to look at her and Frieda snatched my pillow away. I was grateful to have it gone, I absolutely loathed it with every fiber of my being. Now maybe I could get some real sleep. Before I could rest Frieda eased me into a sitting position.

"The sun will rise soon. It is time to get going, my lady."

"Muuuuuueeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhhh." I grumbled.

Did these people not understand, I despised mornings and wanted nothing to with any of them? Frieda ignored my unhappy grumblings and patiently dragged me to my feet. She began by selecting a kimono for me and putting it in place. By the time Frieda was finishing stitching me into my outfit, I was starting to feel more awake.

Koto coughed violently and wrapped her arms around her chest. As the fit subsided, Frieda approached her side. She spoke softly to her and place a fresh cold compress upon her head. I knelt on the other side of her bed and began to gently massage her temples. Koto sighed and murmured contentedly as she drifted back off to sleep. Frieda smiled approvingly and patted Koto on the head with concern.

She motioned for me kneel before the mirror and opened one of the many boxes to reveal a collection of makeup. I made a face of displeasure at what I knew came next but I told myself to accept it. It was part of my image as the angel of Echigo. I decided that I would work on finding better things to make makeup out of, after I refined the black powder. There was nothing worse than spreading toxic, nasty goop on ones skin.

I sat controlling my impatience, as Frieda painted up my face. I wanted this over with so I could move on to more important things. Kotoya and General Uesugi were on the top of my list of people to see. There were a number of things for me to discuss with both of them. First was Kotoya's desire to make the Wondergirl look-a-like his wife.

"Frieda, do you think you can bring me some salt?"

Frieda blushed and twisted her hands unhappily. "Do you truly need more? Salt is such a rare commodity around here. People will become angry if I take too much."

I thought about Frieda's words for a minute and realized there was a simple solution. "Then, bring me some sea water. I'll get salt another way." I declared.

"How?"

"I let the water evaporate and collect the salt from the residue." I explained.

Frieda nodded, seemingly impressed by my ingenuity. She made on final check of my hair and then left to do my bidding. I checked on Koto, before making my way down to the dining room for breakfast. Kotoya and Susanime were already there along with many other members of the nobility. However, General Uesugi was not there. I studied their faces, attempting to judge what they thought of me. They all held great blank stares as they watched me enter.

Kotoya motioned for me to take a seat next to him and I accepted his offer. Susanime followed me with her pale eyes, interest written on her face. Kotoya appeared to be in a good mood and completely relaxed. I didn't understand how he could be so nonchalant when almost everyone around him was out to get him. He was completely insane and naive. More proof as to why my presence was necessary.

Kotoya beamed happily, revealing his white teeth. He held out his hand in greeting and I accepted it cordially. "Good morning Mistress Angel. I trust you slept well last night."

"Of course. It was wonderful to be back in a real bed for a change." I assured him.

Susanime leaned over to speak more directly to me. She placed her hand over mine and whispered softly, "They're in need of another demonstration of black powder. Maybe something up close? They want to see it for themselves."

"I believe that can be arranged. I've always enjoyed a little fireworks."

Meanwhile, Kotoya was talking to one of the other nobles. This exchange was more like a angry, raised voice discussion; which captured everyone's attention. I turned my attention to the other combatant. Somehow, I wasn't surprised by what I saw. The other man was small and his face was scarred by long gashes and pockmarked. He was young but looked like someone who'd seen a lot in life. His black hair was cut short, almost as if it was to accommodate the helmet.

This was clearly someone who seen much in his life. I watched him intently, wondering what he would have to say. Meanwhile, Kotoya frowned severely at his adversary and scratched his head in thought.

"I must disagree with you, Lord Kotoya. The only way for Echigo to become stronger is to find other ways to grow crops, not step up our invasion of Han. Warfare will bring us nothing but tears."

"I'm surprised you're so adamantly against the fighting in Han, Lord Akaka. Your father was such a great General in his day. We all thought you'd be for it." Jeered another man from the center of the table.

"I've recently come to see things differently." Lord Akaka replied uneasily.

"What about the influx of precious metals that we receive? Does that mean nothing to you?" A young man in samurai armor demanded passionately.

"There must be another, better way to obtain the needed resources of metal without sending our young men to slaughter."

"Enough, it's too early for this! Lord Akaka, we will talk later." Kotoya exclaimed.

Kotoya's sour expression told me everything I needed to know. He did not like the train of this conversation at all. He clearly felt very strongly in favor of the war but not everyone else did. I figured it was time to find out more about Han and Echigo's war there. I also wanted more information on the divisions that plagued Echigo's government. The more I knew, the better position I would be in. I refused to be out done ever again.

At the far end of the room, the door opened and General Uesugi appeared there. A scowl marred his rough face as he took us all in. Unenthusiastically, he stepped over the threshold and entered the room. He took a seat at the table and began to fill his bowl. The rest of us stared at him and then back at the doorway. Clinging to the shadows but plainly visible, stood Yuina. Her emaciated form was covered in a giant white sheet, like a devout Muslim woman.

Most people starred at her as if she were an alien. I however, understood her need for the strange garment. She would fry and go blind in a heartbeat without it. I almost, almost felt bad for her being trapped in such ridiculous outfit like that. Determined to show the local idiot population up, I motioned her over. Reluctantly, Yuina entered the room and approached the table. She awkwardly took a seat, shrinking from the interested gaze of those around her.

"Go on, Yuina. The food is delicious this morning." I assured her.

Yuina looked like I whacked her over the head with a dumb stick. Her red eyes were as big as two saucers. I glared at her to get her point across and she submitted silently. Yuina stretched out her hands and I saw that the bruises were undiminished from yesterday. If anything, they were worse then before. Several other people also winced at the sight of her hands and many stares were directed at General Uesugi. I smirked to myself at the look of embarrassment and indignation on his face.

He made a nasty face at those who stared at him and then promptly proceeded to ignore them all. I smiled with false sweetness and turned to stare at Kotoya. "Lord Kotoya, I believe you promised to tell me the rest of the story about the Lord Uesugi Kenshin's daughter and her unborn baby. Would you be willing to tell me about?"

"Of course, mistress angel. I would be delighted to."

Tales From Echigo:

Part Two-Dragon's Blood

Nobunaga's man dragged me into a nearby tent, where I was chained to a stone table. I stared up at him with a mix of anger and tiredness. He shook his head sadly and turned away from me. Then, he stepped outside the door and positioned himself in front of it. A feeling of dread consumed my soul and I began to struggle against my binds, desperate to escape. However, my chains refused to give way.

After several terrifying moments, Nobunaga-sama and Katsuie-san entered the tent. Their eyes focused on me, as they approached the table where I lay. Nobunaga-sama said some thing discreetly to Katsuie-san and motioned to my stomach. Katsuie-san agreed with Nobunaga-sama by a shake of his head. I swallowed hard, fearing what would come next. Inside my belly, my baby squirmed uncomfortably.

Nobunaga-sama returned to the door and said something to the man outside. Following this, there was a prolonged pause while we waited for the order to be obeyed. With every passing moment, my concern grew. What were they planning for me?

At last, a new pair of arrivals appeared. The first was an elderly man with wispy hair and beard hanging from his pale, wrinkled face. The second man was a younger, twenty five by my guess, followed behind carrying a large wooden box. I watched them approach Nobunaga-sama and bowed before him.

"What are you orders, my lord?" The elderly man asked in a gravely voice.

"Shizen-san, I want you to remove the baby from that woman." He stated.

The men nodded in compliance, then made their way over to my side. The elderly man gently loosened my obi and pushed it down out of the way. He respectfuly parted the flaps of my kimono. I shivered at his withered fingers caressing my skin. He turned to the younger man and direct him to take out the knives from the case. Then, he directed his attention to Nobunaga-sama once more.

"Do you care if they survive, sir?"

I clearly heard the note of distress in his voice and it brought me a small sense of comfort. However, I still dreaded what was about to happen. They were going to cut me open and take out my baby. I would do anything to prevent this from happening. I turned to Nobunaga-sama's back, silently pleading for his mercy. I didn't want him to do this to me- to us.

"Let them live, for now."

"You heard our Lord. Wash your hands, Toke." The old man enthused, obvious relief in his voice.

The young man nodded his head in response. I swallowed hard, fearing what came next. I closed my eyes and bit my lip in terror. Tears welled in the corners of my eyes and began to roll down my cheeks. I was about to die; I was truly going to face my end. No one cared or noticed my pain, however I was glad to be left alone. I wanted to mourn my end privately.

After several long moments, I regained some control over my whirlwind of emotions. My gaze turned to the two men and their work. They lit a candle and drew out a small, sharp knife. I winced at the sight of the sharp instrument, which would bring my end. I didn't want to think about what that thing could do to me. A tear rolled down the side of my face and my lips trembled weakly.

My executioners continued with their work, ignoring my presence. They washed their hands carefully and ran the knife back and forth through the flame until it was well heated. I wanted this to be over with, the suspense was horrible. It wasn't worth the effort just to cut me open. They where going to kill me anyway.

The older man approached me and gently untied my obi. He cast it aside and began to part my kimono. I trembled at the rush of cold air against my skin and the feeling of being so exposed. The man smiled a sad comforting smile and turned back to his assistant.

"Do you have the woodchip ready, Toke?"

"Yes, sir."

"You know what to do."

The younger man approached my side and held out a large wood chip. Reluctantly, I opened my mouth and allowed him to placed it between my teeth. Then he wrapped my fingers with strips of cloth and leather. The older man came over with the knife and looked grimly down on me. Slowly, he lowered the blade to my side and pressed it against my skin.

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 rebellious stomach. Slowly, my eyes opened I found myself looking up at a gaunt 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."

I groaned as a sharp pain from my side raced across my body. A small burbling coo from my chest captured my attention. I carefully lowered my gaze, as I began to register that a weight was resting on my stomach. What I saw took my breath away. More miraculous then my own survival; my child lived as well. I touched his head in gratitude, enjoying the feel of soft skin and hair beneath my fingers. My son blinked up at me and cooed happily at the contact.

Gingerly, I raised him to my chest and directed his mouth to my right breast. He took to it naturally and began to eat hungrily. I sighed in relief, gratitude and wonder. We were alive; it was absolutely incredible. This was the most wonderful day of my life…"Akiya, my son…"

"What happened after that?" I demanded.

"According to the legend she reunited with her husband and the three of them left this land together. They sought out the best military minds to teach the young prince, so that one day he might take his kingdom back."

"I take it that they were successful?" I inquired with a smile.

"I wouldn't be here if they hadn't been. Prince Akiya was the one who successfully drove Lord Nobunaga from this land twenty-five years later. We of the dragon's blood have ruled it ever since."

Author's Notes: This chapter certainly livened things up? I'm clearly on a roll! Wheeeeee! I hoped you all enjoye this chapter and come back for more.

Please leave a review before you go! I treasure everyone of them, positive or flame. (If you haven'y noticed Rah has more.) Help me catch up, please? Go press the little purple review button below.

Finally; the teaser:

"How much are you willing to sacrifice? Are you willing to risk everything?"