Hey Third chapter is up! Things are going to get interesting now. Please read, fav, and review. Constructive Criticism is welcome, but no flames please. And remember I am writing this as I get the ideas...so spelling and grammer might be bad. Sorry before hand.
I do not own Sengoku Basara or their characters. Leo, any other unfamiluar characters, and places are mine.
Kojūrō sighed as he entered the meeting room of Shigen Takada castle. It had been three days since the loyal retainer had found out that his young lord, Masamune, had been taken from Oushu in the middle of the night. With a heavy heart and weary mind, Kojūrō had set forth the Date army to secure the boarders and make sure that the entire land was patrolled in case of attack. He had taken the role of the leader of Oushu until they could find the missing Lord. 'If we ever find him...' Kojūrō sighed heavily before shaking his head. No, he would find Lord Masamune and bring the lord back to the safety of Oushu.
He knew that he could not complete that task alone, however. The lands were too large and forces were too largely scattered to be able to find Masamune alone. He needed help. That was the sole purpose of meeting with Lord Shigen in the first place. The Tiger of Kai would be able to have the resources to be able to find out who had captured Masamune. The land of Kai was a very centralized area, which allowed observation of many other lands.
He was shown into the meeting room by one of the guards who announced his presence to the Great Tiger and his cub, Yukimura Sanada. He saw Yukimura look up as he entered. "Master Katakura…what brings you to the Land of Kai? And where is Lord Masamune?" The young man asked as Kojūrō kneeled before them. Kojūrō knew that Yukimura and Masamune were rivals and even friends to a point; although they never actually said anything about it. He knew also that Yukimura would be both shocked and raged by the news that he was about to tell them.
"I have come on urgent circumstances involving the entire land of Oushu." The retainer said as he looked at them seriously. Lord Shigen looked at Kojūrō's face and nodded.
"What is the problem, Katakura? I assume that because of his absence that this involves Masamune?" Kojūrō nodded to the War lord and took a deep breath.
"Three nights ago, Lord Masamune was captured by unknown people under the cover of night." Lord Shigen and Yukimura's faces hardened at the retainer's words. "Whoever did this was skilled for they did not get caught by anyone and even have anything in Lord Masamune's chamber disturbed in any way. The only way that were could tell that something happened was the large gash within the sliding door of Lord Masamune's chamber." He finished as he looked at them. He could tell that Lord Shigen was mulling over his words for a moment before he spoke.
"I see…Lord Masamune must be found immediately and be rescued from the ones that took him. Sasuke!" the stealthy ninja seemed to appear before them, kneeling to his lord.
"You called for me, my Lord?" He asked, his head bent in respect to his Lord.
"Yes, Lord Masamune has been taken from the Land of Oushu. I want you and your squads to set out and find out who took him and where they are heading. Also, send an envoy to Uesugi. Tell the War God the situation and that I request his assistance on the behalf of Master Katakura." Sasuke nodded and disappeared in a puff of smoke. Lord Shigen turned back to Kojūrō and nodded. "My men will do what they can to find Masamune. Until then, we can send some of my men to Oushu to help keep your boarders secure." Kojūrō nodded and bowed a bit.
"Thank you Lord Shigen. Your aid in this manner is greatly appreciated." Lord Shigen nodded and stood, placing a hand on the worried retainer's shoulder.
"We'll find Lord Masamune." With that the War Lord left to give orders to his men. Yukimura had stayed silent during the conversation, simply clenching his fist in anger and frustration.
"We have to find him…we have to." The young cub of Kai murmured to himself.
xxxx
Masamune fell in and out of consciousness, not really sure what time of day it was or how long he had been gone. Between extensive beatings and lack of nourishment he was slowly dwindling to nothing. Of course he did have some help. Leo had made sure to be on his best behavior during his capture, which allowed him to get small amounts of food and water. Leo often hid part of his small meals and gave it to Masamune. The young lord was both surprised and grateful that this stranger had been helping him because he would have surly starved if he had not.
One evening, after Leo had given Masamune some food and water, the Daimyo looked at Leo. "Why are you helping me? You have no idea who I am or where I am from, yet you offer assistance without anything hesitation." He asked.
Leo smirked a bit at Masamune's question. "I help you because I feel that it is right. I have always helped people that were in need. Besides I was raised in my Land's military and we are taught from day one to help people who we do not consider enemies; which you are not." Leo explained plainly as he shrugged. Masamune nodded as he understood.
"Thank you for that…I would most likely be dead right not if it had not been for you help." Masamune said quietly, not looking up as he spoke.
Leo nodded to himself. "Don't worry about it, Masamune. With any luck, we'll be off of this God forsaken ship within the next few days." He said as leaned back a bit. Masamune looked up at the other man's words.
"What do you mean?" he asked as he gave Leo a confused look. He wasn't sure, but it looked to him like the helpful stranger had a plan in his mind. Leo turned his head and looked back at Masamune; his eyes were shining in the dim light.
"I haven't been just sitting around during my time here; I've been figuring how to get us out." He paused for a moment before he continued. "Judging by how fast the ship is moving, the direction of the ship, and how long we've been traveling I am guessing were are getting pretty close to the capital of the Land of Dragons. Once we get close enough I have a little surprise for the crew."
Masamune looked at it and cocked his head to the side. "What surprise?"
Leo only smiled. "You will see…"
Author's Note: What does Leo have planned? Will it help get them to safety? Find out next time.
