Summary: Akemi's "creative" solution to a difficult question. Kaori freaks out. Akemi subsequently discovers that her attraction to the Warlords doesn't necessarily end with Nobunaga.

If there was ever a time that Akemi was tongue-tied, it was this one. Her eyes searched the deep maroon oceans of Nobunaga's, searching for any sign that this was all in jest. Lips inches from hers, he gazed at her expectantly, completely and utterly serious. There was something incredibly attractive about this man that Akemi could not put into words, the warmth of his body and the delicious taste of his scent already kicking her libido into high gear. This was all so wrong, Akemi swallowed, so wrong that it felt right.

The fact that they were also the centre of attention was not lost on her, and Akemi was certain that not only would the Oda daimyo not take "no" for an answer, she would also have to answer to the blades of his vassals if she chose erroneously. Grasping at Nobunaga's clothing, Akemi rose to meet his lips, ignoring the choked sounds of surprise that erupted around them. "While what I am about to do by no means indicate that I have given myself to you Lord Nobunaga," she whispered so that only he could hear, "it will allow us to make an amiable start. Would you be agreeable to such terms?" She chose her words carefully. This was a calculated risk, but it was the best that she could do in the circumstances. She also really wasn't interested in finding out what the consequences to a "wrong" answer were.

Surprise flickered for a moment in Nobunaga's eyes before a smirk graced his face once more, intrigued by the challenge. "You are bold to make me such a proposal," silver words danced against her mouth before his lips came crashing down on hers, "but I accept."

"Kimi, have you gone crazy?!" Kaori squeaked, disbelief written across her face.

"Ari," Akemi turned to her friend. She had a lot to explain, but now was not the time. "listen-"

"No!" the black-haired girl threw her hands over her ears, confused and disoriented. "I don't know what's going on, but I KNOW that this," she gestured wildly to the lack of personal space between Nobunaga and Akemi, "shouldn't be happening right now!"

"Ari, please calm down." Akemi attempted to stand, growing worried. Nobunaga simply looked amused.

"Don't come any closer!" Kaori's eyes were cloudy with fear, and she took a step back, ready to bolt.

"Ari, you are not acting rationally right now. Please calm down." Akemi continued to speak, but did not move.

"Why don't you listen to what she's saying, woman?!" Hideyoshi suddenly raised his voice, patience wearing thin.

Spooked at his sudden outburst, Kaori screamed loudly and broke into a run, speeding away from the tent and the camp as if the Devil himself were after her.

"Ari! Ari!" Akemi pushed away from Nobunaga and chased after her friend, only to be stopped by Mitsunari at the edge of camp.

"Lady Akemi, please do not run! You are not yet well and your injuries may worsen."

His words had the effect of awaking her from a spell. Hot pain throbbed in every fiber of her being, and she cried out in pain, sinking to the ground.

"Lady Akemi!" Mitsunari rushed to her aid, a worried frown on his face.

"Akemi."

The richness of Nobunaga's voice alone sent shivers of pleasure down her spine. Akemi opened her eyes to see him standing above her, Mitsuhide and Hideyoshi close behind. Embarrassed at her display of helplessness, she averted her eyes to the ground, knuckles white from how tightly she clutched at her kimono.

"It would seem that my lucky charm is a little ball of fire herself." Nobunaga commented with some amusement in his voice as he lifted her into his arms with ease. Feeling herself flush, Akemi bit her lip and turned away.

"Hideyoshi, Masamune should be arriving shortly. You are to search for Kaori with him." Nobunaga shifted his attention to the two Warlords.

"Yes, my Lord. Shall we return here with the woman?" Hideyoshi did not sound amused in the least.

"Bring her to Azuchi. The rest of us will break camp and return there as well. Mitsunari and Mitsuhide, see to the preparations."

"Yes, my Lord."

"Yes, my Lord!"

Tucked against Nobunaga's chest, Akemi could not help but admire the way he led his vassals. It was clear that he commanded absolute respect amongst his men, Lords and soldiers alike. They stood just a little straighter at his words, drawing both purpose and determination from his leadership. Now that she was able to meet him in person, she found it implausible that he would be the type of man to end his own life in a way that Kaori's historical literature had suggested.

Kaori.

Worry rose within Akemi at the thought of her friend. She must be so frightened right now, alone in a dark forest and in an era where she knew no one, completely out of her element. As much as Akemi wanted to help, she knew that there was little she could do except pray for Kaori's safety and take comfort in the fact that two of Sengoku's most esteemed Warlords were out in the forest this moment looking for her—on Nobunaga's orders.

Roused from her train of thoughts by hands other than Nobunaga's grasping at her, Akemi made a startled noise of surprise and clutched at the only, and highly unusual, place of refuge that she had found that night.

"Akemi." The feeling of familiar arms returned around her waist. "I cannot mount my horse while holding you, although I can understand your reluctance to part from me."

Flushed, she glared daggers at him, which he pretended not to notice as he passed her off to the man that had been holding the reins to what she now understood to be Nobunaga's horse. Almost just as quickly, she was back against his chest, now sitting sidesaddle and with a breath-taking view of the forest and night sky.

"It was my honour to be able to assist you, Lady Akemi." The man bowed his head and stepped back.

"Thank you." She hoped that her voice was not too quiet for him to hear, considering it had been a while since she last spoke tonight.

With a snap of the reins, Nobunaga's horse broke into a fast trot and then quickly hastened her pace into a run. Any tension that Akemi may have had in her body left as they flew through the trees, the cool night breeze caressing her face and her hair. It was oddly peaceful to watch their surroundings speed by, silver stars twinkling overhead. A smile blossomed on her lips, slowly spreading from ear to ear. The way Nobunaga was riding fed right into her need for speed.

"What are you thinking about?" His breath tickled the back of her neck.

Suddenly feeling playful, she turned to him with a mischievous grin. "I'm thinking about how much I like this."

His confident expression faltered for just a moment, taken aback by her honesty. "I sense that there is more to your words. Speak."

With the way that Nobunaga looked at her, his commanding tone, which would have normally earned him a ferocious glare and something more in the modern world, did not bother Akemi at all. Feeling bold, she leaned into him. Pulling herself up by his collar until they were eye-to-eye, she smirked. "Go faster."

He smiled deviously and pulled her to his chest. Laughter bubbled up within Akemi as everything around them suddenly became a blur at the sound of Nobunaga's reins. Even though she still had no idea how she had gotten here or how she was going to get home, just for tonight, Akemi decided, she was going to let herself be free. The numerous rules that had previously structured her life—Secret Clearances, investigative deadlines, and the rules of court— all melted into the wind. Worries and propriety be damned. For once, she was going to do what she wanted, and not let anything stand in her way.

I woke up to the sound of birds chirping and the warm feeling of sunshine on my face. Not ready to get out of bed, I turned to the side, grabbing a fistful of covers and pulling them over my head. Something about the texture felt unusual between my fingers, and I cracked open one eye, peeping out of the narrow slit that my covers created between my bed and the rest of the world. A traditional room, ornately decorated, came into view and I was suddenly appraised of the fact that I was no longer in my room. Bolting up, I winced as my back throbbed in protest, and memories of last night flooded into my mind.

The playful banter that I had exchanged with Nobunaga made my cheeks flush, but I was sure that this was nothing compared to what my face must have looked like when he, without so much as a care in the world for what others might think, carried me straight up to the tenshu despite my insistence that I could walk. Arms wrapping around myself, I was surprised to find how much I missed his touch. The warmth of his body felt so right against mine, and those plump, unexpectedly soft lips, lit my body on fire every single time they brushed against mine. Never before had a man made me feel this way. Not even some of the other Team Leads in my division, model-like and amazing as they were, toyed with my sexual desires as much as Oda Nobunaga—a man that I had come to know for barely a day.

I was beginning to understand why some of my friends acted so irrationally when it came to their crushes. If I ever returned home, I promised myself that I would be more understanding and more supportive of them than I had been before.

"Lady Akemi," a soft knock came at the sliding door that separated my quarters from the rest of the tenshu, "I've brought you some warm water to freshen up with."

The fact that I had just woken up and probably looked worse for wear suddenly got my attention. The desire to keep others from seeing anything else than my polished self got the better of me. "Thank you. Please leave it outside the door for me."

"Yes, Lady Akemi. Shall I prepare some tea for you in the meantime?"

As much as I wanted to ask her to save the trouble, my throat felt a little parched. "I would appreciate that. Thank you."

"Yes, my Lady. I shall return shortly."

I waited until her footsteps faded before retrieving the tray that she had brought me. There was an impressive set of products on display on the dressing table itself, and I took my time with each. The thought of Nobunaga, his gorgeous face illuminated by candlelight as he gazed at me, crossed my mind. Smiling, I carefully pressed the rouge to my lips. While I wasn't decorating myself for war, I was prepared to do battle at least.

After having returned the tray to the maid, I sipped at the tea that she had prepared. It was light and refreshing, just enough to warm me without being overbearing. Stepping out onto the balcony, my mood instantly lifted at the bird's eye view I had of pristine forests and a shimmering blue lake. The reality that I was really in Sengoku settled further into my consciousness. Closing my eyes, I exhaled slowly. I should be worried, consumed with panic at the fact that I was now in a completely different era with no obvious way to return home. Somehow, however, I was unable to fight the happiness that I felt at being able to experience a world that, at one time, I could have only hoped to understand through books and documentaries.

Engrossed in my thoughts, I muffled a cry of surprise when a pair of familiar arms snaked themselves around my waist. Smiling, I titled my head back to meet Nobunaga's gaze. He was even more regal and handsome in the daylight, with a presence as magnificent as that of the sun itself. Heat rose to my face, and I quickly averted my eyes.

A low chuckle resonated in his chest, and Nobunaga spun me around to face him. Gently, he titled my chin upwards. "Akemi, look at me."

There was a certain charm to his words that made it difficult to disobey. Swallowing thickly, I met his eyes, mentally cursing at how flushed my face must have looked. A small squeak escaped my throat when he suddenly closed the distance between our faces. "W-wait! N-not here." Pushing at him, I leaned away as far as I could—my face matching the same shade as the rich red accents of his expensive kosode. We were on the balcony for goodness sake!

"Other people can see us." I half-whined, but the desire to have his lips on mine sizzled within me like a smoldering flame. Nobunaga raised an amused eyebrow.

"You are a terrible liar, Akemi."

"I don't know what you're talking about." I huffed, looking away. It was then that I noticed a crowd of people—most women—had gathered at the castle gates.

"It looks like Hideyoshi and Masamune have returned." Nobunaga's voice brushed against my ear. I fought back an involuntary shiver, and I could feel that delicious devil-like smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "We shall resume our conversation at a later time, when it is more private."

I whirled around at the insinuation beyond those silver words, heat rising to my face.

Nobunaga looked pleased with himself. I narrowed my eyes at him, convinced that he was teasing me on purpose. With a small but audible "hmph" and a pout, I shoved him aside and ran from the room, the Oda daimyo's velvet laughter following at my heels.

"Kimi!" Kaori's voice stopped me dead in my tracks as I rounded a corner in the castle.

"Ari!" I hurried towards her. She looked terrible, flanked on either side by Hideyoshi and another Lord, who I presumed to be Masmaune—head of the Date Clan and the daimyo of Oshu. My breath hitched in my throat as I laid my eyes on the model-like perfection of this man, my body rustling up the same kind of knee-jerk reaction that I had to Nobunaga both last night and earlier this morning. At that moment, I wanted nothing more than to smack myself. Pull yourself together, Akemi. Not only are you way over quota on handsome Sengoku Warlords, you're starting to have indecent reactions every time you encounter one.

"You must be the lass that rose from the flames and saved Nobunaga's life at Honno-ji." Masamune smiled at me, his single blue eye twinkling. "You are certainly as brave as you are beautiful."

Just what kind of wild stories were being thrown about? Puzzled, I turned to Hideyoshi and Kaori. Their expressions told me that they may or may not have had a part to play in Masamune's misunderstanding.

"Pleased to meet you, Lord Masamune." I gave him a small bow, making a mental note to settle things with the other two later.

"No need to be so formal, lass." Masamune winked at me, and I felt myself being drawn by his easygoing charms. Our eyes met, and it felt as if time had stopped around us. There was something about his gaze that struck a chord deep within me. My body felt like it had been lit on fire, and I wanted nothing more than to pull him down for a kiss. No. Bad. Sanity to Akemi, abort, abort, abort!

"Pardon us, we really need to get going." Tearing my gaze away uneasily, I reached for Kaori's arm and broke into another run, ignoring the confused shouts of Hideyoshi and Masamune behind us.

"Whoa, Kimi, slow down!" Kaori called, but I didn't stop until we reached her room. Slamming the sliding door shut, I took a deep breath before sinking to my knees.

"My god, Kimi. I thought I was the only one liable to bolt like a scared rabbit." Kaori teased, falling to the ground beside me. I stuck my tongue out and grinned.

"I'm so glad you're alright." We both breathed out at the same time.

Our gazes met at the synchrony of ours words, and we stared at each other before dissolving into fits of laughter. In that moment, everything was alright. There were no grudges, no explanations, and no apologizes. Just the sound of our giggles and our complaints vanishing into the air. We laughed until there were tears in our eyes, and hugged each other tightly.

Kaori was the first one to pull away. "Listen, Kimi, this is going to sound crazy, but I need to tell you something important." She then proceeded to recount her encounters with Uesugi Kenshin, Takeda Shingen, a young man around our age named "Yuki", and a strange man who looked like a monk in the forest. I could feel the blood in my veins turn to ice at her every word, both because of what they implied for Sengoku's broader political future and the fact that Kaori had little clue of the gravity of the intelligence that she was now sharing with me.

I reached for her hand. "Ari, thank you for sharing all of that with me, but you need to promise me that you won't tell anyone else what you know."

"Kimi?" She didn't seem to understand.

I leveled her with a stern but caring look. "If my knowledge of history is correct, Kenshin and Shingen are enemies of Nobunaga's. You happening to come across them in the forest after you've deserted the Oda forces' camp may just be a bad coincidence, but that fact alone could put you in serious danger." I squeezed her hand for emphasis.

A long silence fell between us.

"Is that why you did what you did yesterday?" Kaori gave my hand a squeeze.

"Yes, in part." I tried to be as truthful as I could, but a part of me was too embarrassed to tell her that I also kind-of-sort-of had a thing going for Nobunaga, "He saved my life, and I don't like owing debts. Whatever happens next will be a temporary measure until we can figure out what to do to get home." I took a deep breath. "I also don't think Nobunaga is a bad person, a man who concerns himself solely with bloodlust and battle hardly has the capabilities to command the hearts of some of Japan's most powerful Warlords."

My eyes narrowed again at the thought of Kenshin and Shingen. They were men who, according to the history Ari and I had so unassumingly disrupted, should have died. Yet, they were alive and seen alive as recently as last night. Both powerful generals in their own right, their presence would inspire nothing less than war.

Rising with a determined look on my face, I gave Ari's hand another firm squeeze before letting it drop with a smile. "Get some rest. You look exhausted. I'll come by again later." There was no point in scaring her further when she probably just experienced the fright of her life less than 24 hours ago in Kyoto.

"Kimi, wait!" Kaori grabbed at my sleeve as I turned to go. "There's one more thing I need to tell you." She twiddled her thumbs for a moment more. "I also met someone from our time last night. His name is Sasuke, and he was the man who was at Honno-ji with us before we ended up here. He's an astrophysicist and he says that we traveled back in time to Sengoku after getting sucked into a wormhole. He arrived four years before us, and has taken up a vocation as a ninja. I think he works for the men I met last night."

I stared at her. There was no way she could be making this up. Kaori didn't have a science degree, and I doubted anyone in this era even knew what the term "astrophysics" meant much less "wormholes". The part about him being a ninja and working for Kenshin and Shingen, however, worried me. Before I could speak again, there was a soft knock at one of the ceiling panels.

"Kaori, Akemi, is now a good time?"

I was instantly alert, but Kaori seemed to know the voice. "Yes, Sasuke, please come in."

A ninja dropped to the ground beside us, and he took off his mask to reveal the man that I had seen at Honno-ji in modern Japan. The way that he was sneaking around, however, gave me all the confirmation that I needed that he was affiliated with parties hostile to the Oda forces.

"Sasuke, Kaori was just telling me about you." I smiled at him. "It's rather reassuring to know that we're not alone here in Sengoku." Kaori doesn't know that your employers are Nobunaga's enemies, does she?

"Likewise, Akemi. It was a shame that we weren't able to meet last night. Kaori says that you had an asthma attack because of the fire at Honno-ji. Are you feeling any better?" No, she does not.

"Yes, I feel much better now. Thank you." It might be best to keep it that way for now. Although I looked calm on the outside, my mind was doing flips. This was a fine mess that we had gotten ourselves into. Kaori and my only ally from the modern day, stuck on the opposite side of a gruesome war that was most certainly in the making.

"Sasuke, you said something about another wormhole happening three months from now yesterday. Where will it be?" Kaori asked, breaking the tension in the room. I turned to her, relieved that she hadn't caught on to my exchange with the astrophysicist-turned-ninja.

"I'm still working out the precise location, but my calculations point to Honno-ji in Kyoto, the place where the two of you arrived."

"And this wormhole will take us back to present day Japan?" Sasuke nodded, and I felt my body relax—flooded with relief. Good, there was a way home. All Ari and I have to do is hang on tight for three months.

"I will come and find you when it's time, and we can make our way to Kyoto together." Sasuke looked at Kaori and me. "In the meantime, it's best if the two of you stayed here where it's safe. If possible, seek out the protection of a strong Warlord, but do not get too attached to the people of this time." His gaze bore into mine, telling me that he had overheard parts of my conversation with Ari from earlier. "Or else you may find it difficult to leave later on."

I nodded solemnly. "Duly noted."

"Good." He suddenly smiled at the two of us and pulled his mask over his face. "I will try and see the two of you whenever I can, but there may be days when I may be unable to visit. If you need me, send a smoke signal."

"Sasuke, wait." I called after him.

The scientist raised a questioning eyebrow, but there was no time to weigh the propriety of my words. "My quarters are currently in the tenshu, so please do not risk yourself to seek me out there." Even a fool would know that doing so was the equivalent of a death sentence. The thought of Nobunaga's sword coming into contact with Sasuke's neck made me blanche, and I quickly shoved that thought out of my head.

An expression of utter shock blossomed across his face as the implicit meaning behind those words settled in, and I did my best to keep my voice even. "I will try and come to Ari's room or to a safer place in Azuchi when we have to meet. You are the only friend we have from future, and I don't want to lose you for any reason."

"Duly noted." Sasuke smiled, mimicking my words from earlier. "I will see the two of you later." Kaori and I nodded with smiles as we saw him off.

The moment Sasuke left, Kaori rounded on me. "Soooo," there was clear teasing in her voice, "what is this about you occupying the penthouse in this place?"

Another blush erupted across my face. Kaori's eyes were sparkling with mischief. She was not going to let this go easily.

"You're not the only one there, are you?" She took a step closer. "My, my, Kimi. I had never thought you would be someone to pine after a man like this. Was it comfy in the devil's den last night?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." I took a step back.

"I'm sure you don't." The look on her face was absolutely devious.

"I still don't know what you're talking about!" I grinned before making a run for it, ignoring the fact that my back was probably going to kill me later.

Kaori gave chase, and we barreled through the corridors of Azuchi castle, laughing and giggling the entire way.

"You're dead when I catch you!"

"I'd like to see you try!"

We sped by a confused looking Mitsunari, who immediately began to follow us, a worried frown on his handsome face. "Lady Akemi, Lady Kaori, wait! Please don't run! It's dangerous!"

His frantic warnings were lost on me as I bolted into the courtyard, the blue sky and warm sunshine adding to my good mood. Casting a quick glance behind me, I could see that I had left Kaori and Mitsunari far behind. Feeling too giddy to stop now, I dashed along the walls with light steps before colliding face first into a toned chest.

"Easy, lass." Masamune's delicious voice made the hairs at the back of my neck stand on end. In an instant, his hands were around my waist, drawing me close. Subconsciously, I leaned into his touch before my eyes widened in recognition of what my body was trying to get at. Pulling back slightly, I gazed up at him, gorgeous and alluring against the blue sky that I loved the most.

Before I knew it, his fingers were tracing the side of my jaw. Ignoring the frantic pleadings of my sanity, I clutched at Masamune's kimono. The thought that we were going to be found any minute nipped at the back of my mind, simultaneously fueling a sense of dread and excitement deep within me. There must be something in Sengoku's water that was making me wild. Or perhaps it was the fact that I would be able to start de novo here without any baggage from the life that I had built back home.

Then, before either of Masamue and I realized it, his lips were on mine. Our tongues battled each other for dominance before we pulled apart at the sound of footsteps. Briefly averting my gaze to Masamune once more, I saw that his single eye held a familiar expression of something beyond interest that I had seen in Nobunaga's the night before. I didn't need a mirror to confirm that mine probably looked the same way.

"Okay, I-pant-give-pant-up." Kaori stopped in front of us, out of breath. "I-pant-forgot how fast-pant-you could run."

"Sorry Ari." I laughed, hugging her, my back already starting to throb. "You put up a good chase. All those morning runs are finally paying off, see?"

"Lady Akemi! Lady Kaori!" Mitsunari emerged from the castle, looking worried. "Please be more careful, Lady Akemi, your in-"

"Oh, I nearly forgot!" Masmune exclaimed loudly, catching the panicked expression in my eyes just as Mitsunari nearly revealed my secret to Kaori. "It's nearly time to head to the Great Hall, Lord Nobunaga has called a War Council to discuss yesterday's events."

"You're right, Lord Masmune. How could I have forgotten. Please come this way, Lady Akemi, Lady Kaori." Mitsunari smiled, leading us back into the castle.

Falling into place beside Masamune, I smiled. "Thanks for that."

"You're welcome, lass." The daimyo of Oshu smiled effortlessly with a wink, and I felt heat rise into my cheeks again.

The Great Hall was outfitted with regal décor that demanded both one's attention and respect. As two of the lowest ranking members of the audience, Kaori and I took the furthest seats. My back hissed with pain as I sat, and I bit my lip to stop myself from grimacing. I didn't want Ari to be worried about me after all that she had been through. All the Lords, with the exception of Nobunaga, were gathered with solemn expressions on their faces. My gaze settled on the empty dias, ceremoniously elevated above the tatami mats where the rest of us kneeled. To be honest, I felt a little awe-struck that the man with whom I had so playfully bantered just a few hours earlier commanded so much reverence even in his absence.

The door to the Hall suddenly slid open, and Nobunaga entered with an overwhelming presence that befitted his title—the Devil King of the Sixth Heaven. The power that he exuded was so tangible I could almost taste it. The Lords all bowed their heads. Kaori and I followed their lead.

Nobunaga called on Mitsuhide to give his report, who then proceeded to inform the audience that several suspicious men who were seen last night near Honno-ji had escaped, seemingly aided by someone with an acute understanding of military tactics. His questioning of the monks was that another individual had suddenly joined them a few days before Honno-ji went up in flames, but had disappeared yesterday morning—the day of the assassination attempt.

"Mitsuhide. You are to find the truth behind this matter."

"Yes, my Lord."

"Akemi, Kaori." Nobunaga's eyes were now on us. "In order that the two of you assimilate here without further issues, you will collectively be known as Princesses of Oda, sisters who have come to Azuchi seeking refuge."

I could see the signs of protest swishing around in Kaori's mouth. Grabbing her hand, I gave it a harsh squeeze, imploring her to watch her tongue. Holding myself steady, I bowed my head gracefully. "Yes, my Lord."

"What does that even mean. Is there something we're supposed to do?" Kaori whispered beside me.

"You may do whatever you like, Kaori." Nobunaga responded as if she was speaking to him. "Play cards, take leisurely strolls through the gardens, indulge yourself with material goods—it doesn't matter to me."

"No thank you! I'll go crazy with boredom that way."

As much as I wanted to have a firm discussion with Kaori about back-talking to arguably the most powerful man in Japan, I agreed. We were both career women, and our moral compasses demanded that we earn our keep.

"I would feel the same way, Lord Nobunaga." Mitsunari looked at us with a gentle us. "Perhaps Lady Akemi and Lady Kaori could be of use some way." Nobunaga considered his suggestion.

"Alright. I appoint you, Kaori, as my chatelaine. Akemi," his gaze drilled into mine, "you will be assisting with my correspondences and administrative affairs."

"Yes, my Lord." I smiled, pleased with the opportunity to learn about Nobunaga's governing policies first hand. "I will not disappoint you."

Eyes locked on mine, Nobunaga grabbed my waist and pulled me against him. My eyes widened in surprise, and my heart pounded frantically inside my chest. Smiling, he ran a hand through my hair. "I plan on taking very good care of you, Akemi."

"H-hey! What are you doing?!" Kaori mistook my reaction for fear, and was now actively reaching for Nobunaga, trying to dislodge his hold on me.

"Insolent woman, how dare you lay your hands on Lord Nobunaga!" Hideyoshi's furious shout echoed around the room.

"He can't just go and grab people like that without their permission!" Ari was not backing down.

"A thousand deaths will not atone for your crime!" Hideyoshi was unabated. Anger seethed from him as he reached for his sword.

"Hideyoshi! You can't be serious!" Ieyasu and Masamune were instantly on their feet.

The moment that I heard Hideyoshi's blade shrilling against the bamboo sheath, my body went into auto-pilot. Pushing away from Nobunaga, I threw myself at Kaori. The tip of Hideyoshi's sword scraped the back of my kimono, making a large slit in the middle that revealed my bandages as I pushed my stunned friend out of the way.

A heavy silence fell across the room as we all stared at another.

"K-kimi, y-you're bleeding." Kaori's broken words caused the air around us to shatter like ice. I closed my eyes and bit my lip so hard that I drew blood. Raw pain reverberated through every fiber of my being, and I wanted nothing more than to scream in agony. Forcing myself to keep calm, I drew the rest of my kimono around me and stood shakily. Locking gazes with Nobunaga, I pushed my body into a bow. "I beg your forgiveness, my Lord."

Then, without another word, I marched out of the Great Hall without so much as a look behind me. My pride had taken a huge beating, and I wasn't going to let them see me in pieces. Moving as if I was in a daze, I soon found myself in the garden. Staring defiantly at the sky that I had been admiring just an hour earlier, tears streamed down the sides of my face.

"Akemi."

Turning, I met Nobunaga's eyes. His gaze was stern, but there was a small hint of worry veiled behind his seeming indifference. Wordlessly, I implored him to understand my frustrations. My body physically hurt, but my pride was even more wounded. I hated not being able to take care of myself, since that was what I was used to doing, and I hated the fact that ever since I had arrived in Sengoku, I needed to be constantly saved by someone else. I wanted to rely on myself here, just as I did at home. I didn't want to be a burden to anyone.

"I have never encountered a woman so stubborn." A smirk graced Nobunaga's lips as he extended his hand to me. "You shall prove yourself useful to me, Akemi. In the meantime, I expect you to keep out of trouble."

My heart leaped with joy at those words. He could relate to how I felt. I guess the desire to prove oneself was something that could transcend both the cultural and language barriers of 500 years.

"I will, I promise." This time, it was me who stepped willingly into his embrace. "Say, don't you have a War Council to see to? Why are you out here?"

"Is your opinion of me so low that you would expect me to ignore my lucky charm as she bled to death in my castle grounds?"

"What did I just say about treating me like a decent human being?" I growled.

"I don't recall hearing anything." Smirking, Nobunaga hoisted me into a princess-style carry and marched triumphantly inside.

"I hate you." Pouting, I leaned my head against his chest and tried my best not to smile. Despite all my talk of being independent, I kind of liked being held by him like this.

Looking down at me, Nobunaga's eyes were a mixture of amusement and desire. "You tense so easily, Akemi. I wonder what your reactions will look like when you finally warm my bed."

Refusing to be teased again, I readied my counterattack with a strange feeling that I may end up eating my words. "Oh, wouldn't you like to find out."