Romance Fan Fiction ❯ Love Brings Betrayal ❯ Chapter 18 ( Chapter 18 )

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 18

The Battle of Honnoji

 

The battle had been raging for hours on end. The battle from what Nohime could see was in a deadlock. Mitsuhide's troops were fighting bravely. Soldiers were pouring in left and right into the main entrance of the temple. Ranmaru and Nobunaga were fending them off as fast as they could. Enemy officers poured in as well.

 

Soon like Mitsuhide had said, his soldiers had set fire to the castle walls and roofs. Nohime had almost gotten trapped in the master chambers. She had escaped and was on her way out of the castle, weapons ready. Sadly she had to cut down several of Mitsuhide's soldiers who were ready to attack any Oda followers. As his wife it was assumed she battled for him.

 

She had made it out to the stables where she released all the horses and saddled up her stallion. Then she sprinted off into the woods where she would wait on a hillside until the battle was over. By the time she had reached the hillside Mitsuhide had joined the battle and was headed for Nobunaga.

ﻬ

Mitsuhide cut down enemy after enemy. Then he came face to face with Ranmaru who was going to block his path. Mitsuhide didn't wish to fight his former student, but it must be done. But this time all battles were to the death.

 

He battle Ranmaru will his years of skill behind him. Ranmaru was still young. He still had much to learn. But he would never get to. Mitsuhide cut him down with a heavy heart and then pressed forward to pursue Nobunaga at the main entrance. And Nobunaga was waiting for him.

ﻬ

 

Mitsuhide entered through the gates. It was deserted inside. Suddenly Nobunaga jumped down from the burning roof and clashed swords with Mitsuhide. The battle began.

 

Fire embers were flying through the air; an orange glow encased the battleground. They did a series of twists and turns to avoid a cutting blow from their opponent. Steel against steel clashed into the night.

 

Suddenly Nobunaga sliced upward and knocked the sword from Mitsuhide's hands. Mitsuhide leaned over and twirled and fell to his knees, catching the sword. Mitsuhide slices under Nobunaga's feet, Nobunaga jumps and avoids the slice.

 

They end with space between them. They relax and change positions. Mitsuhide gets into his battle stance; squatting, he draws his sword from its sheath and rushed Nobunaga. Nobunaga in turn rushes at him. They meet and the sting of steel pierces the air. They pass each other and are now on opposite sides of the battleground. The temple is completely aflame.

 

They pause. They are both breathing heavy. This was the deciding blow.

 

Nobunaga falls to his knees, he is gasping for breath, “Mitsuhide... Finally, I can see the rage in your eyes that I have always wanted of you.”

 

Mitsuhide walks over to him slowly. Nobunaga has accepted his fate and sits perfectly still, awaiting death. He has dropped his sword. Mitsuhide raises his sword high and aims down. Black feathers fly into the air.

 

Nobunaga looks at his shoulder where Mitsuhide's sword was poised. Mitsuhide lets out a shuddering breath, “I cannot do this... If I were to kill you, then I could seize the land and make it my own. But... but,” the sword hits the stone, “that is isn't what I want. I want to see this land as only you can make it.” Nobunaga stands and faces Mitsuhide. Mitsuhide's face was pure anguish, “I've been foolish... blind to my own weakness...”

 

“Mitsuhide...”

 

A gun shot.

 

Nobunaga stiffens, he smiles, “Mitsuhide, your Japan is one... that I would have liked to have seen.” Nobunaga falls to the ground with a loud thud. Mitsuhide's face becomes one of horror. He falls to the ground on his knees beside Nobunaga, “No!!!!”

 

In his head he can hear Nobunaga's voice; Live on Mitsuhide...

ﻬ

Magoichi hid on a portion of the roof of the temple that was no longer burning. Musket ready. He had a clear view of Nobunaga and Mitsuhide fighting. And suddenly, they stopped. Mitsuhide would have won... But now was Magoichi's chance, “It's over, Nobunaga.”

 

He fires.

 

As the bullet hits its target Magoichi hears Nobunaga's voice; What do you desire?

 

Nobunaga falls.

 

“What...? What did he say? What do I desire? That's easy. I want Nobunaga dead. But... what do I do now that he is? What does anybody do... What happens next?”

 

 

***

Sunrise

 

Nohime had seen the final battle. She had seen Mitsuhide falter. She had heard the gunshot. She had seen the death of her husband.

 

Now she was at the ruins of the temple. Next to her was Mitsuhide.

 

“I am sorry that I faltered.”

 

“It is all right Mitsuhide. You are a merciful man. You will make a much better ruler than Nobunaga.”

 

Mitsuhide looked up at her, “I do not know if...”

 

“Shh... I will be by your side. We are free. Free to live. Free to love. Free of Nobunaga's cruelty.”

 

He smiled, “Yes... free.” Mitsuhide pulled her to him and kissed her freely for the first time.

 

He pulled back, “Nohime... since you are with child... I think it would be best if you and I... um...”

 

“Married?”

 

“Yes. Yes, married.”

 

She smiled, “I will marry you with my head held high.”