16-Sacrifice
—Here. You should drink some water —Sasuke offered me a waterskin and I took it.
—Thank you. —I tried not to spill much since we were on the back of a horse, riding at full speed. My thirst was the last thing on my mind, but I appreciated it—. How far away are we?
—Not too… oh!
He slowed down until he stopped. I gazed in the same direction as him and could spot what he was looking at. The lights of a fire could be seen in the distance.
—Is that the temple?! —I asked desperately.
—We need to hurry.
Sasuke simply snapped the reins and went back to riding faster than earlier. I could not believe Nobunaga had so easily offered his life for mine, and not only that. If he died, the wormhole would open again and take us back to the present. Everything that I had here, all the friends I made, it would all be gone.
I didn't even want to imagine going back and having to pretend that all of this never happened. Even if I missed some things from my time, knowing that it was Nobunaga's death what took me back would never cease to upset me.
—Abbot, won't you be coming with us?
The monks that had arrived with Kennyo, and followed his order of setting the temple on fire, were worried about their leader, since he made no attempts of abandoning the flaming place.
—Once my revenge on this demon is done, I shall face my death and be reunited with my family. —Kennyo spoke with as much rage as it was possible for him, yet his men were still hesitant—. Go! You will live your lives in peace now that Nobunaga will no longer be a threat.
The monks finally accepted their orders and bowed before their leader to leave.
—You're going to let your life end here? —asked Nobunaga—. This was really all you ever wanted?
—I don't expect someone like you to understand a thing about feelings —He stopped to realize something—. Although now that I think about it, your feelings for that woman are what brought you here.
—So what if they did?
Nobunaga remained calm and collected. It came as no surprise to him that Kennyo questioned his emotions. Had he been in the monk's place, he would've thought the same thing. After all, the man he was in battle, and before he met Mia, was completely different from the one he was now.
—Not that the answer to this would change anything, but are you truly going to sacrifice your life for her? Or are you just trying to pull some trick?
Kennyo seemed confident in that he'd win regardless. He was only sceptical about his motives.
As they spoke, the fire that the monks had started began to expand around them. It wasn't even near enough to touch them yet, but the heat was palpable. The smell of smoke and burnt wood could reach their noses, and Nobunaga knew everything would end soon. He expected Kennyo to kill him before the fire got to them, so he allowed himself to be sentimental for once.
—Her life is worth more than mine. —He looked up at the man's face, focusing on the scar he had given him years ago—. And my mistakes are not hers to pay for.
Kennyo deepened his frown, unsure about whether to believe that or not. Yet, all that Nobunaga did was lowering his head again, welcoming his fate.
—Any innocent life is worth more than yours, demon. I don't know what made it possible for you to realize it, but I know I'll be doing her a favour by sending you to hell.
Kennyo drew a sword out his stick and prepared himself to strike his eternal enemy, when suddenly, something crossed before him so fast he wasn't able to distinguish it until he saw it nailed on a wall.
It was an arrow.
—Do not talk for me, Kennyo.
The moment we managed to get to the temple, a group of monks had hurried to stop us from interfering. I was ready to fight every last of them, but I could see the fire covering more and more of the place. If Nobunaga was inside, I didn't have much time to save him.
—Go. —Sasuke interrupted my thoughts—. I'll stop them.
—Are you sure?
I didn't want him to get hurt, far less killed. But he gave me a reassuring look.
—I'm a ninja, remember? Four years of training gave me skills to spare.
—You won't get in the way! —The men threw themselves at us and I gasped while I jumped backwards, only to see how Sasuke had stopped them with kunais.
—Don't worry about me. Go! —he insisted, and I could see there was no time to argue.
I held tight the bow and quiver that Sasuke had lent me and ran inside the temple, jumping between the flames that threatened to cling onto my clothes. I shook them in a second to move on, until I could breathe a sigh of relief seeing Nobunaga well and alive.
—Any innocent life is worth more than yours, demon. I don't know what made it possible for you to realize it, but I know I'll be doing her a favour by sending you to hell. —Kennyo drew a sword out his stick and prepared himself to strike him.
Even now that I knew his story and motives, I was getting seriously fed up with the man. I hurried to take an arrow from my quiver and shoot it just close enough to stop him.
—Do not talk for me, Kennyo. I'll decide what's good for me.
I was preparing myself to shoot again, when Nobunaga called my name.
—Mia?
I looked into his eyes, uncertain of what to feel in that moment. The words just came to me as my emotions kept penting up in my throat.
—You said you'd protect me. How are you going to do that if you die?
I remembered when I told him about my feelings for him, what my heart would be like if he lost his life. I was hoping he'd remember as well and stood up in front of his enemy.
—You should not be here, young lady.
Kennyo interrupted us, ready to charge against me, until a piece of the ceiling fell between us. The place was coming down because of the fire, I even started to cough. It was in that moment that Nobunaga finally stood up.
—Kennyo, I'll face you in a fight. But let her go.
—No! —I said firmly, turning to the monk— Kennyo, if you don't let us go soon, I'll shoot.
—I'd already planned to die here. As long as you two can't get out in time, do you think I care? —he spoke almost as if mocking me, yet I didn't fret.
—I know you don't —I answered—, but I do. I have never in my life killed anyone and, if I do it now, I'll carry that burden for the rest of my life. I'm sure you know what that's like.
I wasn't trying to sound threatening. I was desperate to get out of there, with Nobunaga at my side. I couldn't let him die in that place, but that didn't help me in being ready to end a life, not even the one of a man trying to kill us both.
—I won't let you do it —Nobunaga spoke with the same tone he used for his soldiers, but enough emotion to let me know he was worried about me.
—And I won't let you give your life away —I said without taking my eyes off our enemy.
Kennyo now seemed to be troubled, unsure of what to do. The smoke started to affect all three of us, and parts of the ceiling kept dropping. I heard something crack on top of me, and looked up to see a piece about to fall.
—Mia!
—Ahh!
Nobunaga was quick to grab and pulled me away. The fallen pieces created a barrier between us and our enemy. However, when we both stared in his direction, there was no sign of him, as if he'd disappeared in thin air. We didn't hear any sounds coming from him, and the place kept coming down.
—We need to get out —Nobunaga ordered, leading us outside.
We weren't too far from the exit, luckily, and we only had to avoid a few flames to get out. We rushed down the stairs until we were far from the collapsing temple, and soon after we did, we turned to watch it fall completely.
It may not make sense, but I felt worried about the possibility that we had left a man to die in there. Then I felt Nobunaga grab my hand, and I turned to him.
—It's okay —he said—. I don't believe he's dead. He had a determination too strong to die like that.
He guessed what I was thinking, somehow. I stared back at the temple, hoping what he said was true. It was then I heard someone else call my name.
—Mia! I'm glad you made it —Sasuke was running towards us—. I wanted to go in, but I only just managed to get Kennyo's men to go away.
—Are you okay? —I asked him worried.
—Don't worry about me, although I should be heading back. —He turned to Nobunaga—. I expect your men will soon be here, since they've already realized what you've done.
—You're a ninja —Nobunaga was able to deduce it, surely from his clothing—. Do you work for Kenshin? Is that how you were able to get to Mia?
I was once again impressed with his ability to make deductions on the spot. Sasuke nodded, wearing the same stoic expression he always had, but with a hint of something that I could barely read. Was it excitement?
—You're indeed the great Nobunaga Oda. It is an honour to meet you.
—What? —Nobunaga reacted just as confused as me—. Why did you save Mia and brought her here?
Instead of answering, Sasuke turned to me with a wondering expression, so I explained it.
—Sasuke is from the same time as me, that's why he chose to help me.
I didn't want to reveal anything he didn't want me to say, and Nobunaga didn't ask any more questions, so Sasuke finished saying his farewells and departed. As I watched him get lost in the distance, something came to my mind.
—Oh, my God! I forgot —I said as I turned to Nobunaga—You…! —I raised a hand, ready to show all of my anger, but soon lost the will to do it and lowered it again— Ugh, you've no idea how lucky you are I love you because I swear, I could just hit you so hard right now!
He opened his mouth slightly, almost as if he was scared, but I knew Nobunaga Oda could not be scared of a small woman like me, so I just kept on babbling.
—Were you seriously about to die in there for me? Who asked you to do that? It sure as hell wasn't me. I was very clear about how much I wanted you to live, to achieve your goal and be able to have a peaceful life. How could you accept to sacrifice yourself to save me?
I kept on talking, moving my hands in the air as I did so, completely exasperated. The whole weight of the danger and desperation I'd just gone through were hitting me hard and I couldn't help taking it out on him. Because it was my love for Nobunaga what made me feel so helpless, my wish of a better life for him what took me to the edge of despair. The only thing I wanted was for him to at least have a taste of a world where he didn't need to fight anymore, one I'd lived in for years while he never knew such a thing.
—So? —I asked while putting my hands on my hips—. What do you have to say for yourself?
Nobunaga remained silent for a few seconds, before taking a hand to caress my cheek. He stared at me with pleading eyes, eyes that made my knees feel weak again.
—In all my life, I'd never met a woman with a determination like yours, one that put others before her to such limits that she was prepared to fight to protect them. I've never looked at a woman and thought of her as incomparably beautiful, until I saw you.
His voice was deep and his words so sincere, it was me who had her mouth open now. It was impossible to look away from him, standing so tall and strong in front of me, and so fragile at the same time. I felt as if he would break into pieces if I didn't hold him soon, so I wrapped him in my arms, letting the tears come out my eyes at last.
Nobunaga reacted after some time, holding me in the most delicate way I'd ever been held before. There were so many things I wanted to say, when I heard what sounded like a horde coming towards us. I lifted my head slightly to see the Oda army approaching.
I was about to let go of my boyfriend when he held me tighter against him.
—Just a little bit more.
I chuckled and indulged him until the men were close enough to talk to us.
—Mia! You're alive! —was the first thing Hideyoshi said to me, while they all climbed off their horses.
—By that he meant Nobunaga is alive —said Ieyasu, stoic as ever.
—It is such a relief to see the two of you safe —Mitsunari smiled in a way so compassionate that I just couldn't help hugging him.
—How exactly did you two escape and burnt down the monk's temple? —asked Masamune, and Mitsuhide joined his curiosity.
—Indeed, we rushed here because Mia was supposed to be a hostage and our lord a sacrifice for release.
—I don't care how you managed to escape —Hideyoshi interrupted with a tone that even made me stand back when he turned to Nobunaga himself—. My lord, you know I would never question your decisions, but I must say something here.
—If you kiss him now, maybe you'll spare yourself a dreadful moment, my lord —joked Masamune, gaining a punch in the arm from me.
—I understand how your concern may have led you to make this choice —Hideyoshi started, ignoring the rest—, but that is no excuse for lying to and abandoning your men. —He paused to take a deep breath—. Kenshin was in the battlefield, so we know you didn't truly face him.
—What does it matter? —intervened Ieyasu—. Both Kenshin and Shingen ended up running with their tails between their legs.
—You're right —said Nobunaga, surprising everyone except Hideyoshi and me—. I lied thinking I could save Mia. It wasn't a tactic or a war strategy, I simply let my emotions take over, as I will do again right now. —All the men looked at him in confusion, including me—. I'm tired of this fight. For now, let's go back and rest, leave the problems with our enemies for another day.
Everyone stood silent for a moment. Some of the warlords looked ready to argue against it, but in the end, they all let out a sigh and accepted Nobunaga's decision. They'd been fighting for two long and each man in the army had some good reason to go back.
On the road back, they all started talking about the massive banquet they'd throw as soon as they arrived in Azuchi. There was a lot to celebrate, indeed, but Mia would lie if she said she wasn't a little disappointed that she wouldn't get time alone with Nobunaga sooner. She wasn't sure if he saw that or just felt the same way, but she was thrilled when he said they should give the soldiers some time to see their families before such feast.
—Ahh —she sighed as they walked into their room—. I'm so glad that is all over for now. I just want to sleep for a week.
Suddenly, Nobunaga stopped his feet and she looked back at him with curiosity.
—Is that truly what you wish?
While he would certainly grant her that wish if she asked, he simply couldn't hide this disappointment after thinking they now had the time they needed to do whatever they wanted. Mia understood immediately what he meant, so she giggled and grabbed his hand to pull him closer.
—It's just an expression. I'll be happy with anything as long as you're there with me —she said while wrapping her arms around his neck, and he smirked at his wife.
—A fine answer, because I don't plan on us sleeping for quite a while.
She smiled back before he trapped her in a passionate kiss that left her out of breath when they broke apart. She didn't realize that he moved her across the room until her back touched one of the walls. Which one? She didn't see, her eyes were completely fixated in the intense look that her husband was giving her, until he went down to kiss her neck while gently turning her around.
—I plan to wear you out tonight, and all the nights we spend together if you'd let me.
Mia sighed while his expert hands untied her obi and his words tingled her ears.
—I feel like I owe you a real wedding night —she replied, capturing his interest as he stared at her eyes again—. You've waited long enough and I'm all yours now. Do whatever you want with me.
She said it with every intention of seducing him, but she as much passion as she saw in his eyes, she couldn't fathom the wave of heat that invaded his body as he heard her. Nobunaga sighed like that would let out any of the steam. There was just no end to how much she could make him want her, need her, love her.
—You truly don't know what you do to me —he whispered, taking off all her clothes to roam her body with his hands—. Every time I see you, I see your body… and now that you're like this. —He growled when his fingers found her centre and her moans got louder—. I always want you. I want to feel you, touch you. Surrender your body to me and I'll give you all the pleasure I can and more.
—Yes, yes! God, don't stop —she cried while his fingers moved inside her.
He bit her shoulder to release some of his passion, but her voice was always intoxicating. He turned her back around to kiss her while he removed his clothes with her help. As soon as he was free, and already hard as a stone, he lifted her in his arms and she gasped in response, feeling even more turned on at the show of his strength.
All the nights they were together during the march, he held back to be well rested for the next battle, but now there was no commitment to think of. If she had waited for him as long as he did, then he wouldn't waste that chance to give her every bit of pleasure she could need. He wouldn't stop until she was satisfied, because he saw no near future where he felt like he had enough of her.
I woke up the next morning somehow feeling less tired than any other. When I looked out the window at the sun, it seemed to be quite late, and I almost felt bad about it. If we were truly going to have all this time for ourselves, I would've preferred it we enjoyed in many other ways rather than sleeping.
Not wanting to close my eyes for another second, I stared at Nobunaga from my position on his chest. He was resting so peacefully under me, his whole body exposed against mine. He was a real work of art to stare at, thanks to the sun illuminating his handsome and sharp features. The fresh morning air came through the window creating a perfect contrast with the warm of our skins.
"I've never been religious, yet I feel blessed right now".
We had been through so much, it was almost unreal to finally be able to experience this peace. I knew it unfortunately wouldn't last long, but that only made the moment more important. Happiness was always momentary, so it was best to enjoy it will you had it.
"And I've never been this happy before".
I lowered my head to kiss his lips and then get comfortable on his shoulders, as close as I could, inhaling his masculine scent. It was when I felt him take a deep breath and put his hand on my upper back to caress my hair.
—You better not have just kissed me —he whispered in his so enticing morning voice.
—Why not? —I raised my gaze with curiosity, and he was looking at me frowning, which left me even more confused.
—A kiss while I sleep is selfish and inexcusable.
—Are you kidding me?
—No, I'm actually very crossed about it. You should only kiss me while I'm awake.
—And why is that? —I replied.
—Because I must always be able to kiss you back, otherwise you'd be wasting your kisses, and I won't allow it.
I giggled at his so serious tone while explaining his childish train of thoughts, and he kept on scolding me until I was able to stop.
—Fine, I'm sorry, but I can't help it! You don't know what you look like while you sleep. I couldn't resist you.
He frowned even more at my answer— I told you there are no excuses.
I laughed and apologized again, lowering my head back on his shoulder. I felt Nobunaga turn his towards the window before he spoke again.
—It seems to be past noon.
—I know —I said—. Guess we ended up quite tired.
—Still, I shouldn't sleep so long —he argued, and I looked at him again, fearing he'd say he had work to do—. If the fact that you're a perfect sleeping aid causes this, it might be a problem. I would waste away so much time I could spend with you, holding you, kissing you. There's no dream that could hold a candle to feeling the real you against me.
His response made gasp this time, because it was exactly how I felt when I woke up, and because it felt like a dream to hear him say those things.
"How is he always just exactly what I want?".
—I understand, but we're awake now. There will be no more wasted time.
I raised my head to kiss him again, this time being kissed in return. I only meant to share a sweet innocent moment, but he held the back of my neck, searching for my tongue with his as his other hand caressed my back, lowering the blanket that was covering me. My body, that felt so tired and sore from last night, started heating up all the same when his kisses went down my neck.
—We made love so many times last night —he whispered in my ear with raspy voice—, but it's not enough. Every time I taste your skin, hear your sweet cries, I just can't stop myself.
—Ahh, Nobunaga… —I sighed.
Somehow, I felt exactly the same. As soon as he started touching me, I just wanted him to continue. I could feel the spots where he marked me last night when his hand stroked them. When I thought about the whole evening, I really should be too tired to continue, but it was impossible. We've waited too long to be together like this, there was no reason to hold back.
—I could spend an eternity making love to you and it would never capture how much I need you.
—I wouldn't object to trying that.
—Then stay with me —he asked so desperate, flustered, so sweetly—. Spend your life letting me love you and only you.
—God, Nobunaga, that's… —I tried to speak, but his fingers went down my legs to my core and I was just lost for words.
—That's what? —he insisted.
—Ahh, that's exactly what I want —I admitted at last, unable and unwilling to hide it anymore—. Keep touching me, making me yours, saying those things in my ear. I want you just as much, I can't get enough of you either.
I tried to say everything at once, barely able to finish with the moans that built up in my throat, and it was so worth it when I saw his reaction. His eyes widened, his breath caught up and I could feel his body temperature rising.
—Then I won't hold back —he finally said, before leaning to kiss me again.
Our passion for each other was what drew us closer from the start, but I never imagined it could go so deep. However, I knew the reason well. It wasn't simple lust anymore. It was the frustration of hiding our feelings for so long, the joy of finally being able to express them without hesitation, and the love that grew in our hearts; a feeling that I knew would only continue to grow.
