Romance Fan Fiction ❯ Love Brings Betrayal ❯ Chapter 17 ( Chapter 17 )

DISCLAIMER: All Main Characters In This Story Belong To Koei Games. All Characters In This Story Are From The Game Samurai Warriors By Koei Games.

 

 

 

Chapter 17

Two Days Later, Honnoji, 1582

 

The Oda clan had safely arrived at Honnoji ahead of schedule. They took shelter for the next few days at a temple. Nohime however, felt terrible. She was weak, pale. Sickly.

 

Nobunaga had immediately sent for a physician. He did not however stay by her side. Mitsuhide however did. Nobunaga had other things on his mind. Hideyoshi was struggling on the Western Front. Badly. He needed help. The people in the west were fighting hard to oppose Nobunaga's rule.

 

When the doctor arrived to see to Nohime, Mitsuhide had gave them privacy. That was when he was told by Lord Nobunaga to head west ahead of them to assist Hideyoshi.

 

Mitsuhide was reluctant to leave Nohime's side. He was after all told to protect her. And she was vulnerable right now. He needed to be here. But... an order was an order. And so he softly knocked on the door to the room Nohime was in so he could tell her he was leaving.

 

When he entered the doctor waved him in, “Doctor... how is she?”

 

He watched the doctor and Nohime exchanged a look, “She will be alright. She just needs nourishment is all. And lots of it.”

 

Nohime smiled weakly, “Thank you for seeing to me doctor.”

 

“The pleasure was all mine my Lady,” the doctor gathered his equipment and left the two alone.

 

“Nohime... Lord Nobunaga has ordered me to head west to assist Hideyoshi, he is in dire need of help.”

 

“Oh... I see.”

 

“I do not wish to leave your side.”

 

She smiled, “I know my love, but you must go.”

 

He nodded stiffly, “Yes.” He placed as kiss on her lips and began walking to the door.”

 

“Mitsuhide?”

 

He stopped, “My Lady?”

 

“I know you are still confused on your duty to Lord Nobunaga. Take my simple advice; Listen to what your heart is telling you. If your heart fears that your duty is wrong and blind, believe it. Do not ignore it.”

 

He nodded curtly, “I will try Nohime.”

 

***

When Mitsuhide had exited the room he noticed that the doctor was still here. He was talking to Lord Nobunaga, so it was probable that he was explaining Nohime's condition. Mitsuhide didn't think twice about it as he went outside the temple to rally his soldiers to head west.

 

ﻬ

 

“Lord Nobunaga, your wife will be just fine. And in fact, I am sure that what I am about to tell you will make you very happy indeed.”

 

“Will it now? And what perhaps would make me so happy?”

 

“The Lady Oda is with child.”

 

Nobunaga's eyes widened, “Truly?”

 

“Oh yes, she just a few weeks along but all of the medicines I used pointed to her carrying a babe. As do her symptoms. Mood swings, cravings, sickness, weakness. It all adds up. And to be sure I even used a concoction I whipped up. What I do is I rub sour-smelling balm on her neck. Then we wait a few minutes. If the spot the balm is on turns yellow she is not pregnant. If it turns a soft, reddish color then she is. The balm has special ingredients that sooth expecting women and calms their hormones.”

 

“I see. Well this is indeed most welcome news. Thank you for traveling to see to her.”

 

“Oh it was no trouble my Lord. Now all she will need to do is get plenty of rest and eat.”

 

“I will see to it that she does.”

ﻬ

Nohime was lying in her bed in the temple. She fought the urge to cry. She was having a baby. While she was overjoyed at the thought... she shuddered at the thought of who's it was. It could be Mitsuhide's but it could also be Nobunaga's.

 

The doctor had told her she wasn't too far along. Three weeks at the most. The dates pointed to Mitsuhide being the father. She had made love to him again within that timeframe. But before that day they had ran into his room she and Nobunaga had lain together as well. Not by her choice of course. But she had no authority to deny him all the time. She denied him on occasion, but she could only do that so much.

 

She could only hope the child was Mitsuhide's. But then if it was... would it be evident? Would the child look like him? Or her? That was her only fear... if the child was Mitsuhide's and that was seen, Nobunaga would take the child away from her and from Mitsuhide. That was the last thing she wanted.

 

She had never considered herself motherly, but now... as she felt her stomach where a baby grew... she couldn't help but smile. She was going to be a mother and she was happy. And scared. It was a dangerous combination.

 

A knock sounded on the sliding door. Nobunaga walked in and knelt by her side, “I hear that we are having a baby.”

 

She smiled, “Yes. We are.”

 

Nobunaga leaned down and whispered to her, “Smile all you like Nohime. I know the secret you and Mitsuhide have been hiding. If I were you, I'd pray that this child is not Mitsuhide's. If I were you, and the baby even looked similar to Mitsuhide, I would pray for its life.”

 

With that Nobunaga stood and walked to the door. He spoke loudly and put on a condescending smile, “I am escorting the good doctor halfway back to his home. I will return in a few hours,” he shut the door.

 

Nohime laid on her bed in shock. Tears fell from her eyes unexpectedly. For a while she didn't move. She barely blinked. She heard horses run past her window. And when they were out of hearing range she sat up. She ran to the door and out of the temple. She had to find a horse and fast.

***

Sunset

 

Mitsuhide stood inside an abandoned garrison. His soldiers had scouted it out when the sun had begun to set. They were camping for the night.

 

Mitsuhide was looking up at the stars. Thinking. Listen to what your heart is telling you. If your heart fears that your duty is wrong and blind, believe it. Do not ignore it. It sounded so simple. But it wasn't.

 

His heart said that he loved Nohime. His heart and soul yearned to be with her. To start a family of their own. But... his heart also wanted to stay loyal to Nobunaga. It was his duty. If he went against his lord he would be a traitor and would never have peace. He could just leave... but then he would never see Nohime again. And that would drive him to his death. The only thing that would keep him alive was Gracia.

 

But she was almost old enough to marry. If he just left with Gracia he knew that as soon as she married... he would end his own life.

 

Mitsuhide thought back to the Saika Village after he had helped destroy it. The corpses of the innocent lying in every direction. Children, women, men. Anyone that opposed Lord Nobunaga.

 

He thought aloud, “My dream is to bring an end to this state of constant war. I sought a lord capable of doing so, and found him in Lord Nobunaga. I serve him because he can end the suffering that Japan's people currently endure. I would serve anyone who could.”

 

He paused, “Wait... That's it... I can realize my own dream. With my own hands, I can bring an end to this chaos.”

 

***

Nightfall

 

Nohime was riding out into the dark of night. She was cloaked. How she had gotten out still amazed her. Nobunaga had kindly escorted the doctor back home part of the way. Ranmaru, another retainer and Mitsuhide's former student, had also joined him. Nohime had snuck past all the guards fairly easy. Nobunaga continued to underestimate her sometimes. // But then I guess in his mind I haven't the will to escape. //

 

Nohime was trying to catch Mitsuhide. She needed to tell him that Nobunaga knew. She needed to tell him about the baby. He deserved to know. It could be his.

 

She had guessed Nobunaga wouldn't be back for at least four hours. Hopefully that would be plenty of time to catch up with Mitsuhide. His troops should be resting.

 

Suddenly she spotted the glow of a fire inside a garrison. She heard troops. Then someone had spotted her and then she knew she had found Mitsuhide.

 

“Open the gates! Lady Nohime approaches! Fetch Lord Mitsuhide!”

 

Nohime rode through the gates as fast as the stallion under her would run. She stopped before she reached Mitsuhide, who had run out of a tent when she had entered the garrison.

 

She dismounted and ran to Mitsuhide. “My Lady...what is amiss?”

 

“Lord Mitsuhide... I need to talk with you in private.”

 

Mitsuhide nodded his head and led her inside his tent. He waved at the soldiers to return to their duties.

 

When they were both inside the tent he turned to her, “Nohime... why are you here. You are not well.”

 

“I will be fine Mitsuhide. That's one thing that I came to talk with you about,” she took a deep breath, “I am not sick.”

 

“What do you mean you're not sick? I saw you—”

 

“I'm with child Mitsuhide.”

 

Mitsuhide stiffened, “With... child?” She nodded, “I'm not sure if it is yours or Nobunaga's. All signs point to you. I had no symptoms until a few days after you and I... well... that time we ran into your room and were pressed against the wall. I had no symptoms until after that.”

 

“Perhaps you had lain with Lord Nobunaga after this?”

“No I did not.”

 

Mitsuhide sighed, “It is mostly likely mine then.”

 

Nohime looked down at her feet, “I know you must be disappointed...”

 

“No! Nothing like that... I am just preoccupied. I am very happy Nohime. Even if it is not mine.”

 

“If it is yours Nobunaga will take the child away from us.”

 

“He might.”

 

“He would. Do not deny it. He told me so himself.”

 

Mitsuhide froze, “What do you mean he told you this himself?”

 

“He knows, Mitsuhide. He knows what we did. He threatened my unborn baby. His hands are already stained with the blood of innocent children that did nothing to him. They had no reason to die. This child, if it is yours, would be a reminder of my infidelity. He would consider that a reason for death.”

 

“Nohime... I... I do not know what to say,” he paused, “But, I have been thinking... and I am going to follow my heart like you asked me to do.”

 

She raised her eyebrow, “What are you going to do?”

 

“Go back to Honnoji and hide. I will not infiltrate the temple with you inside.”

 

“Mitsuhide...”

 

“I will attack Lord Nobunaga. And I will end the suffering in Japan with my own hands. I cannot wait any longer for the suffering to end.”

 

Nohime smiled, “I will return to Honnoji as fast as my steed will take me. I will hide within the temple.”

 

“Be safe Nohime. There may be a fire attack on the temple. I am not sure. If there is, get out as fast as you can. Do not stop for anyone. Get yourself out.”

 

“Yes Mitsuhide. I will protect our child.”

 

“Good. Now hurry. I will leave within three hours.”

 

“I will be waiting. Nobunaga should be back by then. He escorted the doctor part way back home. Since it is nightfall and his an old, unarmed man.”

 

Mitsuhide kissed her lips, “I will do my best to win this battle for us my love.”

 

She smiled, “I know you will win Mitsuhide. And no matter what the outcome you will always have my heart.”

 

He pulled her closer, “Let us hope that my flaw of mercy will not intervene this night,” he pulled back and put an armored hand on her stomach, “I only pray that I can see you grow little one.” He looked at Nohime, “You must go. Quickly.”

***

Four Hours Later, Midnight

 

Hours after Nohime had left Mitsuhide rallied his troops. They were preparing to march. They parted to let him through. He was already mounted. He unsheathed his sword. Then he moved ahead of his troops and declared, “The enemy is at Honnoji!”

 

ﻬ

 

Honnoji

 

Inside the master chamber of the temple stood Nobunaga holding a fan with the Oda symbol embroidered on it. He had lit candlesticks all around him. Off to the side sat Nohime, she was softly patting a small taiko. As she patted the small drum Nobunaga unfolded the fan and began to slowly turn and wipe out the candles one-by-one, as if he were wiping out an enemy. A dance of death so to speak.

 

A sliding door opened revealing Ranmaru. He was on his knees bowing. Ranmaru had very soft feminine features. He, like Mitsuhide, wore purple cloth armor. But Ranmaru showed skin, Mitsuhide didn't. Ranmaru wore his hair up in a ponytail. He was thin. Beautiful or handsome. His features were so soft that he was often mistaken as a woman.

 

Ranmaru, still bowing, said, “Lord Mitsuhide has betrayed us!”

 

Nobunaga turned with the fan and wiped out the last candle. He faced Ranmaru. An unspeakably angry looked marred his face, “Let him come.”

ﻬ

Nobunaga had his men ready for battle. His scouts had seen Mitsuhide riding back to Honnoji with weapon drawn. He had ordered Nohime to stay put inside the castle so she and the baby would not be hurt.

 

He still could see the betrayal in her eyes. She had wanted to betray him. He believed the child was his. What he didn't know was when the last time they had been together was. He smirked a little. He was crafty. He had threatened Nohime and the baby. He took a chance when he found out she was carrying a baby.

 

He had no idea her and Mitsuhide had lain together. He had seen it in her eyes when he threatened her. She had given herself away. He was ingeniously crafty.

 

He could believe her infidelity. What he couldn't believe was that Mitsuhide had betrayed him. Mitsuhide was his most trusted retainer. While he had been having conflicted emotions Nobunaga had never thought that Mitsuhide would betray him. He had underestimated him.

 

“Mitsuhide, you have made life interesting. You will make death interesting.”

***

Hillside Overlooking Honnoji

 

A figure stood, watching and waiting. He had seen Mitsuhide and his troops heading back toward Honnoji. What was happening? Did Mitsuhide plan to kill Nobunaga? No he couldn't... he was too loyal to him.

 

Magoichi sneered as he watched the castle at Honnoji. If anyone was going to kill Nobunaga tonight, it would be him. He had come for his revenge and he wouldn't leave until he got it.

 

“Nobunaga...”