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. 8 Mistress' New Ally

By Sesshy's Girl 00 and RahXephon

As breakfast was winding down, a plan began to form in my mind. I wanted to talk to General Akaka about Han, but I also felt the responsibility to give some of Frieda's poppies to Yuina for her battered hands. After a moment of thought, I arrived at a solution to my dilemma. Quietly, I attracted Yuina's attention and asked her to wait for me in my rooms after breakfast was over. She hesitated briefly but calmly agreed.

Only a few minutes later, servants began collecting bowls and chopsticks from those who'd finished. I quickly turned over my own utensils and excused myself from the room. Then, I set myself up outside the door to await General Akaka. To my surprise and relief, he appeared quite promptly. I waited until he was ahead of me before I spoke.

"General Akaka, might I have a word with you?" I inquired.

The scarred man turned to face me with a smile upon his lips. "Of course Miss Sohryu. What can I do for you?"

"I noticed at breakfast that you were adamantly against fighting in Han. I'm not from around here, so I was wondering if you would be willing to tell me about it."

"I would be delighted to. Prince Kotoya seems to respect you so he might be willing to listen if you said something. Kaihon invaded Han many years ago for one reason only: we needed the metal more than anything in the world."

For several long moments, all I could do was gape in shock and horror. This…this went beyond ridiculous, this was absurd. "We invaded another nation for metal!"

"Yes, you heard me correctly; it was all about metal. Echigo is not a very stable or prosperous land. Most of economy is driven by our proximity to the sea. A majority of our people are fishermen, sailors, merchants or in the navy. We earn almost everything from our trade of seafood and pearls."

"What about agriculture? How does everyone eat?"

"Unfortunately, the agricultural side is difficult in these parts. The soil is thick, littered with stones and contains little nutrients. The few souls brave enough to attempt their luck at farming barely reap enough to feed themselves and their families. We pay the other provinces of Kaihon to send us their excess goods." He explained.

"The mountains pose another problem. We log them for wood and bamboo to build our structures and vessels. However, they offer little else. They impede expansion, and unlike other areas of Kaihon, contain almost exclusively one kind of metal, copper ore. We've found so much of the stuff that it's practically worthless. We're lucky to find another new minute vein of a valuable metal every other year."

I thought I was beginning to understand why the invasion of Han was such a contentious issue. Of course, there was no clear or easy solution to this problem. I would have to think this over carefully and attempt to discover my own solution. Good thing I loved a challenge because that's what I had before me.

I thanked General Akaka for his time and insight. Then, I dismissed myself and returned to my room. Diabolical schemes formed in my head with every step. I was an angel and no one could stop me now. Hehehe. I really did enjoy this job…

When I returned to my room, Yuina and Frieda were waiting for me. I smiled as I approached them and Yuina smiled sweetly in response. I decided to take care of the first part of my plan. Yuina needed something for her injured hands. She smiled slightly in gratitude as she accepted my gift. "Arigato, Miss Asuka." She murmured softly.

Yuina turned to leave but I seized her arm, forcing her to stop. She looked at me in confusion, her red eyes wide. "Why don't you respond to his advances? Becoming the Lady of this land might be the best thing for you."

"I don't know what you're referring to." She replied with an icy firmness.

I stared her down and she quickly crumbled under the strength of my blue eyes. Poor thing couldn't stand up for her beliefs; she didn't know how. For an instant, I felt bad about doing this to her but I knew there was something more and I wanted to know what it was. Yuina's head lowered as she hung her head in shame. "It is because of my brother, Zero and sister, Mokota. Zero-he's not all mentally there. He needs me to care for him. Mokota is still too young and she only has me. I refuse to abandon them to my father's whim."

Yuina's eyes flashed with a strength I hadn't yet seen in her. I was impressed by how she cared for her family. This girl must have an impressive reserve of toughness to endure her father's beatings to protect her siblings. "What happened to your mother?" I asked gently.

"She's gone. Giving birth to Zero and me was hard on her. It left her extremely sick and weak afterwards. I'm afraid she never fully recovered, so she wasn't really able to be there for us. Mokota's arrival in this world was too much for her; she died a short time later."

"I'm sorry. It couldn't have been easy to live without your mom."

Yuina nodded in agreement with my words. I patted her on the shoulder and offered a comforting smile. The look on Yuina's face told me all I needed to know. She understood that we were alike, motherless children. Although our views on our respective mother's were complete opposites…Maybe I could use that to my advantage.

"I know things look bleak but you shouldn't give up hope. There's always a chance the future will change for the better. Now, I suggest you go back to your room and rest."

"Hai, arigato, Lady Soryu."

Yuina bowed low and made her way from the room. I watched her go with a feeling of interest and frustration. Wondergirl might have personality now, but she suffered from infuriating weakness. I realized that not only did I need to find a way to marry her to Kotoya; I also had to teach her strength. At least my task would be sure to keep me occupied. Not that I needed any help with that…

"Frieda, how is Koto doing?"

Frieda, who'd been busying herself by checking on the injured girl, glanced up at me. "She's doing better, my lady. Her fever has gone down and her body is healing."

"Good. Let her rest, she probably needs it."

"Mistress, what happens now?" Frieda murmured.

I didn't have to think twice about how to answer her question. I knew what I needed to do. It was time to see Kotoya once more and speak with him. There were a number of issues I wished to discuss with him. More importantly, I needed to prepare my plans for the future. That included finding General Akaka, I had a solution for his problem. Hehe, I am such an evil genius.

"Hand me some of the scented water, Frieda. I wish to visit Lord Kotoya, so I should look and smell my best. Anything else would be an insult to him."

Frieda nodded and did as she was commanded. I fixed myself up and made my way to Kotoya's rooms on the other side of the palace. When I arrived, I found his personal guards standing as sentries outside the door. The moment they saw me, the pair quickly moved to block the door. I took a deep breath and reminded myself that these self-important fools were only doing their jobs. They were not here to annoy me.

"I need to speak to Prince Kotoya. Open the door." I commended regally.

Both men opened their mouths to protest but promptly closed them upon realizing who I was. They blushed in embarrassment and stepped aside to allow me entrance. I marched passed them without a second glance and into Kotoya's inner sanctum. The young lord sat hunched over his desk with a large scroll spread out before him. Kotoya was so busy concentrating on the words before him that he hadn't realized that I was right behind him. There was no time for this. I cleared my throat loudly and bowed before him.

"Lord Kotoya, may I speak with you?" I inquired, forcing myself to be supremely polite with him.

Kotoya raised his eyes to meet mine and frowned unhappily. I briefly wondered what weighed so heavily on his conscience. "What do you want, Mistress Angel?"

"I wish to know about the fighting in Han. What purpose does it serve?"

Kotoya turned away from me and sighed heavily. He rubbed his temples and closed his eyes in concentration. "The question you ask is not an easy one to answer. I believe I will begin by saying that the fighting in Han is an absolute necessity. Without it, we would not able to survive."

"Why not? I know of no instance where fighting was a blessing." I retorted.

"You didn't allow me finish, Mistress Angel. The fighting in Han provides Echigo with one all important resource, precious metals. Although the peaks of our land contain an abundance of metal, there is almost exclusively one type to be found, copper. It is a worthless substance and provides us with no benefits. However, Han rests over vast deposits of many precious metals needed in any number of devices."

"More importantly, we can gather enough to pay our dues to the priests of Mt. Fuji so that we continue to receive his blessings and enjoy his protection. You see; there is no other way…"

"I don't believe it. There must be a better way to find metal then fighting a war and I assure you that copper is not useless."

"If you insist, I won't question your wisdom. Nonetheless, I promise you that the fighting is the only way. We cannot survive any other way; our people make their living by the sea or fighting. Echigo must have some way to pay for her food."

"Because the soil is too difficult to grow in?" I suggested.

"Exactly, you've been speaking to some of the other nobles and courtiers, correct?"

I smiled sweetly and placed the most innocent look upon my face that I could summon. Kotoya shook his head to indicate that he wasn't too upset by my actions. I assumed by his response that he understood my desire to learn more about this strange, new world. I understood it as a necessity and my only means of survival. Knowing everything made me better able to predict and understand what was going on.

"I understand you also have another concern. That is, finding a wife and producing heirs."

Kotoya blushed and looked away to focus upon the scenery outside. He released a long sigh and took a deep breath. "You seem to know everything…" He grumbled.

I had a plan but the question was; would Kotoya support it? How committed to seeing his dreams fulfilled was he? Was he willing to go all the way or not? "Don't worry, I think I might be able to work something out to make things easier for you. Make both of your problems go away, if you understand what I mean. The question is: how much are you willing to sacrifice? Are you willing to risk everything?"

Kotoya's head snapped around and his wide eyes met mine. His lips moved soundlessly as he tried to say something but found himself unable to. Kotoya eventually sighed and forcefully closed his mouth. He rubbed his head in frustration, confusion running rampant across his face. I gave him a stern glare, insisting he pull himself together.

"What…what do you plan on doing, Mistress?" He stammered.

"Nothing out of the ordinary." I promised him with a wide grin.

Kotoya appeared skeptical of my assurances and I couldn't blame him. When I took on a project, I stuck with it until the end. That's why I was the invincible Asuka Langley Soryu, former pilot of Unit Two and Angel of Echigo. I would not be stopped or denied. Nothing frightened me.

I made my goodbyes and Kotoya wished me an excellent day. I smiled as I left him to return to my room. In my mind, my plots were coming together nicely. There was one thing I needed now, and that was something to write on and write with. I imagined General Akaka would be happy to hear from me. My latest scheme would help him get Echigo's agricultural business going.

A short time later I was searching for General Akaka with a freshly used scroll in my hand. My nose wrinkled at the scent of wet ink that wafted from my hands. Bamboo brushes were extremely awkward and difficult to work with. My drawings looked crude, but they would suffice for my purposes. I needed to show these people something from the future.

I found General Akaka sitting peacefully under the palace veranda, watching the ripples on the water's surface. Hearing my approach, he turned to greet me with a smile upon his face. "Good morning, Miss Soryu."

"General Akaka, may I have a word with you?"

"Of course, Lady Soryu. What do you want?"

I pulled the scroll from my obi and rolled it out for General Akaka to see. "This is the answer to Echigo's agricultural woes."

"Intriging… please, go on."

I pointed to my rough diagram of a tree covered hill. "I'm sure you can see plently of these in this land, a tree covered hill. The image next to it is a hill that's had all of it's trees removed. The next step, as I've illustrated, is to cut flat areas into these hills. This is known as terracing and once it's accomplished, farmers can be brought in to plant their crops. As a plus, the flatness helps the plants obtain more water from the rain."

General Akaka nodded with amazed agreement. "This is a masterful plan. If we can implement this on even a few hills, our agricultural production is sure to increase. However, there is still the problem with the poor soil."

I grinned broadly. "I have a solution for that as well. First, remove the rocks and use them to build fences. Second, we need to create compost to fertalize the soil."

"Compost? Fertilize?"

"Hai. Bascially, gather up anything and everything that can break down and return it to the soil. Scrap wood, old food, unused animal remains and things like that. Just don't add any human feces; keep them far away or things could get ugly. Fertilizer is basically returning nutrients to the soil, which is what we aim to do. The last step is to rotate crops every planting cycle. If we do that, Echigo's agriculture will boom."

"Why must we rotate crops?"

"Plants draw nutrients from the soil as they grow but different plants need different types. So by moving them around, this allows the soil to recover so it will not become depleated and useless for farming."

General Akaka nodded in understanding. "Wise advice, my lady. I would like to put your suggestions into action on a nearby hill, could I convince you to lend me your aid and support."

"Of course."

General Akaka nodded in agreement, eagerness gleaming in his dark eyes. I allow a small smile to cross my face in response, feeling his excitement. "Mistress Soryu, you are a genius! I believe-know this plan will work."

"I'm glad you so completely agree."

General Akaka motioned for me to take a seat beside him. I accepted his offer and took the mat beside him. The sun shone in glittering rays of the pond's surface. A lone crane wandered gracefuly through the reeds and rushes that lined the water's edges, hunting the koi below. For a minute, I allowed myself to become entranced by the soothing, beauty of the scene. However, I pulled myself back before I became too far gone.

"I understand you're interested in the legend of the Dragon's descendants." General Akaka hinted.

"Hai, it's an interesting tale. Lord Kotoya has been telling me about it, explaining how his family came to power and the intense rivalry that exists."

General Akaka smiled at my obvious intrigue with the subject. A distant sigh escaped his lips and he turned to look at the pond once more. "Historically, there's no record of what happened to Princess Sohyuki and Prince Akiya after their disappearance from Lord Nobunaga's control. The next mention is their return to Echigo almost twenty years later to challenge Nobunaga-sama's power."

He paused, allowing my suspense to build; a mischievous grin quirked his thick lips. "Thankfully, the legend tells us what happened to them next…"

Tales From Echigo

Part 3 - Blood Battle

Slowly, my eyes turned from my son to the sky above. The blazing inferno of the sun was climbing over the horizon. An icy feeling overcame me as I realized that my father had just died. I looked away, fighting the tears that stung the corners of my eyes and trickle down my face. A aguished sob rose into my throat and eascaped my trembling lips.

"Good bye, papa"

The elderly man looked back at me with an expression full of sadness and despair. I think he understood I was grieving without a word being said. For a minute our eyes met and I almost recognized him but I couldn't quite come up with the right name. Forcefully, he turned himself away and began to dab at his eyes.

"My, Lord Uesugi Kenshin…" He whispered softly.

I blinked tearfuly in recognition of the man's voice. He, he was Moegi, my father's long time trusted vassal and advisor. The last years had not treated him kindly. He looked impossibly old and feeble now, especialy in those peasent's rags. Once again, I felt horrible for running out on my family as I had. I was such a fool…

"Moegi-san, where are we headed?" I inquired.

"Our first priortiy is to leave the land controlled by Lord Nobunaga. Then, I shall take you and the young Prince to see your husband and brother." He replied with forced cheerfulness.

"You know!" I exclaimed.

"Hai, your father was mad and dissapointed by your actions but he never stopped loving you. He asked me to use my connections to keep an eye on you. So, of course I know that your husband is a metal smith for Lord Kagetora's army."

Over the course of the several day long trip, I learned from Moegi-san exactly how I survived Lord Nobunaga's imprisonment. Apparently, he ordered the men to remove my baby because he did not want me going into labor and he wanted to use us to taunt my father before his death. The doctor's sympathy for our plight led them to hide me in an old cart after the operation was complete. When they went to check on my father, they told him what they'd done. My father summonded Moegi-san to his death bed, gave him his katana and ordered him to take me to safety.

"Lady Sohyuki, I humbly ask that you make sure your father's blade is passed on to your son when the time comes. It was his dying wish…"

"Of course Moegi-san. I freely give you my word that it will be done." I assured him.

I spent most of the journey flat on my back or propped up against the bags and casks of goods that surrounded me. My son slept contently upon my chest throughout, waking only to feed or quietly observe the world around for brief periods of time. Still, I loved him all the more for his sweet inocence. His only cares were to remain full, warm and dry. I couldn't believe something so wonderful, so precious and so delicate could come from inside me.

At last we reached the outskirts of my elder brother's camp. It was all too easy to smell the acrid stench of sweat, dirt and waste upon the air. I covered my nose and held my son to me as we rolled past the first group of men, a gathering of nearly naked arrow catchers who were covered in filth. Their eyes followed our progress hungrily, while their neck chains shone dully in the bright afternoon light. For the first time, I was grateful for the thick tarp that hid me from their eyes. As we moved on, we passed several more groups of arrow catchers before we passed into the ranks of the higher ranking men. Fnally, we neared the other side of camp where my brother and his most trusted, highest ranking officers lived.

Moegi-san brought the creaking cart to a hault and climbed down awkwardly from his perch on top of the driver's seat. He spoke to several men before he came aound the the back and lifted the sheet from over my head.

"Come, my Lady. You're brother wishes to see you." He called.

I carefuly made my way to the edge of the cart with my son in my arms. One of my brother's generals helped me to the ground and I stood there quietly for a long moment, alowying my body to accustom itself to the standing position.

"Sister!"

My brother's massive form bounded from his tent towards me. He scooped me up in his embrace and twirled me around like a massive rag doll. After several painful moments, he set me down and released me from his grip. I sighed weakly, exhuasted by my journey and my brother's exuberance. Kagetora was always the most impulsive and energetic of the three of us. He blushed, realizing how inapropriate his actions were and bowed to me.

"I'm sorry Sohyuki-chan. Are you injured?" My brother inquired.

A twinge of pain in my side reminded me that my body was still healing from recent events. I was feeling much better now than I had during the first few days afterward. "Hai but it's not serious. I am recovering already." I assured him.

Kagetora beemed widely with joy and relief. "Wonderful. I am comforted to hear that. When I learned the news, well I didn't know what to think."

"Gah, ohhhhhh." Came a small voice from my chest.

I looked down at my son and he blinked back at me with the two sparkling dark eyes. I turned him to face his uncle and smiled proudly. "I wish to introduce you to my son, Akiya."

Kagetora leaned down and smiled happily at my son. Akiya raised one of his pudgy fists and tapped his uncle on the nose. Kagetora chuckled and patted his nephew on the head. "He's a cute one. Congratulations. I believe you will wish to see your husband before nightfall; go on little sister."

"Arigato but I can not leave yet. I'm afraid I bring urgent news. Our Lord Father is gone and Lord Nobunaga has invaded the borders of our land. Please cease this senseless fighting with Kagekatsu and focus on the real enemy to this land." I pleaded passionately.

Kagetora frowned deeply and lowered his head in remorse. "I'm sorry to hear about our Lord Father, he was a great man. However, I can not stop fighting against Kagekatsu because he is a stubborn fool who will not give up and neither will I."

"Why not? Is this land less important than your ego?" I snapped back.

"I must continue the struggle; he has insulted my sacred honor." He insisted.

Frowning, I was beginning to see that this was a hopeless quest. It was time for me to move on. I needed to protect my son and family. "Very well, brother. I shall leave and go see my husband now."

I bowed and turned away from my brother to go see my husband.

General Akaka nodded to himself as he concluded the story. I stifled a small yawn and turned my eyes to the sky above. The sun's blinding light glittered through the trees with dazzling brilliance. Part of me was soothed by the pleasantry all around but I forced myself to remember the horrors I'd seen in the town. The people suffered at the leader's expense. Not for long, I resolved.

I glanced over my companion and realized how little I knew about this potential ally. Well, that was one problem I could easily remedy.

"General Akaka, what caused you to become so opposed to the fighting in Han?"

"I've come to my opinion after twelve years of observing events in Han."

I bored my blue eyes into him, knowing there was more to his story than he was letting on. "Twelve years. You don't look that old."

"I was born the second son in my family and from a young age, I followed my father everywhere. This included his frequent journeys to the Han mainland. It quickly became apparent to those around me that I was destined to be a great warrior. So, I began sword training early and hard. I proudly became a samurai and joined my father on the battlefield. Sadly, he was slain in battle almost two years ago."

"Obeying tradition, my brother became head of the Akaka Clan but I gained charge of the family troops. My brother lacked the stomach for warfare and I am not so skilled at dealing with political negotiation. This arrangement lasted until six months ago. During a terrible mêlée, I was seriously wounded. Fearing I wouldn't live; my brother ordered me brought home. Ironically, I've nearly recovered but my brother was violently struck down by a plague that passed through the town."

"What an unfortunate turn of events. It must be difficult for you, weighed down by all the pressure and responsibility." I noted wisely.

"Hai, this job is nothing I ever wanted to be burdened with. However, I know how to be persistent and cunning, so I refuse to be an easy opponent. It is for the honor of my family and comrades in arms."

I nodded in understanding. Although I'd never been close to my fellow Pilots, we banded together in the heat of battle. So I knew some sense of others feelings of a deep level of commitment and camaraderie with those they fought beside. Turning to Akaka, I prepared to reply but was interrupted by Frieda's arrival. She bowed low and begged our forgiveness for her disturbance of our conversation. "Lady Susanime requests a word with you, Mistress." Frieda explained.

I smiled to show her that I wasn't upset. Although she didn't respond, I could sense the tension go out of the air. With a quick turn on her heels, Frieda's form disappeared through the door she'd arrived through. I turned to General Akaka and made my goodbyes, promising to meet him later to continue our conversation. He seemed encouraged by my propositions and interested in further discussion. It appeared that I had found a potential new ally in this hostile world.

When I left him to find Susanime, General Akaka had moved towards the pond with a thoughtful look upon his face. I took note of his expression but chose to ignore it for now. There were other matters for me to attend to right now. My mind was too concerned with the reason for Susanime's summons. Did she want a private demonstration of my black powder? Was there something she wished to ask me? Could there be something else she required of me? It was difficult to know so I guessed I needed to speak to her to find out.

I found Susanime waiting for me in her room, surrounded by various noble women and attendants. She looked up at me with a small smile upon her when she recognized my presence. Susanime raised one hand and beckoned me into the room and offered me a seat among the other ladies. I accepted her offer and joined the loose group of women. Looking around, I noticed that I was the center of attention and nearly every eyes was focused one me. I ignored the stares and watched Susanime's careful movements, waiting for her to speak.

"Thank-you for answering my summons so quickly, Mistress Angel." She spoke softly.

"It is my pleasure, Lady Susanime. I am happy to come speak to you."

Susanime took a deep breath and drew herself up to her full height. There was a hint of tension in her eyes but she hid her fear well. Susanime's pale eyes focused their full weight upon me and she prepared to speak. "The reason I ask you to come here is because there was something I needed to say. I hope you will be willing to listen to my words."

"Hai, I will hear your words. Please, tell me what you have to say."

Susanime nodded firmly, a resolute calmness upon her face. For several minutes she sat silently, seeming to weigh her next words carefully. I folded my hands in my lap demurely and waited to hear what she had to say. Susanime raised her head to meet my eyes once more and she took a calming breath. Then, she opened her mouth to speak.

"Lady Sohryu, you must give another demonstration of you black powder today or you are in serious danger."

Author's Notes: I'm sorry this took so long for me to write. Sesshy's been busy preparing to leave for college. HOpefuly, thngs will be calmer in the future...Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed it.

Please leave a review before you go! Thanks!