I Will Protect You

One Shot

Characters owned by Voltage, inc.

I tried to protect Lord Hanbei from the upcoming blade. So I shield him with my body.

He can barely move, so I have to do this - I think. He needs to meet with Lord Hideyoshi.

Lord Hanbei...

I closed my eyes, preparing from the pain that will surely come. When it does come: "Ah!" A scream tears my throat sore, eyes closing to the pain.

I never have... Never experienced this kind of pain. Pains stings through my whole body, unable to decipher where the sword pierced. It spread like a wildfire though my body, rendering my mind numb. I huffed, knowing I gradually am loosing my blood and strength. I open my eyes.

I need to act. I need--

With one last push I tried not to fall on top of Lord Hanbei. But I can't get far, my feet stagger and I fall just beside the man sideways. My breathing becomes raspy and ragged. There's a strange ringing in my ears... I can barely hear anything. But I can hear in the distance a voice - that I longed to hear.

But I can't move my head to find that person.

Blood soaks my clothes, I can feel the slick sounds and slides of the blood on my skin and some of the blood gets into my mouth and nose - the disgusting smell of iron makes it much harder to breath. I shiver, seeing the red all around.

I might die, I might die--the thought shoots through my head as I fade away.

A moment later I feel someone trying to tend my wounds without moving me too much because if I did, my wound would probably dripping more blood. And I hear Lord Mitsunari's voice.

"Reiko, you have to stay awake." The voice emphasises. "You have to stay alive!"

I can hear him saying that, a tremor in his voice. His voice sound so sincere and desperate. He really does care. And then Lord Mitsunari give me some pills saying that it will replace my loss of blood.

"How is she..?" Lord Hideyoshi's voice asking Lord Mitsunari.

"We need to bandage the wound. Can you do it, Hideyoshi? You probably have to rip some of her clothes."

"I'll do it!"

That warm, loving hand hovers over my body. He mumbles, asking permission to rip some of the cloth... I nod. His hand is gentle as he tries not to cause me pain. And he doesn't. A pressure lifts off my chest - I can see him again.

"L-lord Hi-deyoshi..." I rasp. If this moment is really my last moment, I want to properly say goodbye to him. and I want to pour all my love to him one last time.

"Don't talk. You'll be fine." Even so... It sounds more unbelievable than me being his. "You will live." He goes silent for a moment.

"I'm sorry for leaving you... I wanted to protect you. So... please don't die on me, please!"

Tears wet the side of my cheek. I want to, I want to fulfil in his wishes and even be greedy enough to stay beside him but... I want to and that will not happen. My desires aren't to be fulfilled.

"I am... sorry if I h-have to leave you... I... wished to be y-yours, My lord." I choke on those words. I blink, trying to ward the blur away.

"No... No, no. No-!"

He leans down his head over my head, clutching the fabric and wetting it with saline water. And I really feel warm in this position. I really don't want to leave him. When he finally said that he want to protect me from now on. Not now. Please dear God, don't take my life just yet.

I want to be alongside this man that I love with all my heart.

I feel like my eyes is so heavy that I can't make them stay open any longer.

Is this really the end? I don't want to close my eyes, afraid that I can not open them anymore.

But... I still have to.

I hope I can open them again. That is my last pray before everything becomes dark as I hear that person's cry, calling for my name like a hopeless chant.

*KaSaHa*

Hideyoshi's bones became apparent over the week Reiko stayed unconscious. The bowl of food by the table is left untouched, only a few flies fly over it. His feet cramp and back ache from the constant sitting position.

His brows are knotted, taking a tentative gulp with a shaking hand - he caresses her face.

Hanbei couldn't be saved. The funeral has been held. Hideyoshi's smile is wiped from his face. His best friend is long gone, and now, his lover is in the danger of never waking up. She might be gone any minute.

He can't help but grab at straws. Maybe this situation will improve, maybe she'll wake up...

Or maybe not.

He holds her hands, unable to think clearly except the chant on his lips. I won't leave her again. Just please... He freezes.

Hideyoshi felt the hand he was holding is twitching lightly.

He looks up to her face and hoping for some movement or anything.

"Rei-Reiko?" he tried to call her slowly. He touches her head and pets it very carefully. As if she could break if he isn't.

Her eyes move a bit. And it begins to open very slowly while blinking a few times, adjusting her eyes with the light that coming in.

Hideyoshi's smile grew wider. "Reiko... Reiko..." he called a few times. Getting attention from the girl because she focuses her gaze away from him.

"...Lord? Lord... Hideyoshi?" She tried calling. But her voice is hoarse, no water flowed through her throat for while. But the smile that she gives is genuine.

"...D-Do you want some water?" he asked. "Are you okay?"

She nodded slightly, to which question; it didn't matter.

Hideyoshi helped her to make her head slightly higher to drink from a small pot. He lays her down again after she finished.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, eyes soft and longing.

"Awful," she answered while smiling slightly. Although her body is so hurt all around. She still smiles from happiness.

But the pain is the proof that she is still alive and she will live.

"Well, it's to be expected if you have a wound that big on your back," Hideyoshi unsurely smiled and tried to joke a bit.

"I guess... So."

"...I'm so sorry I made you go through this. I'll-I'll never leave you again..." He looked away for a moment. "I love you, Reiko!" Hideyoshi confessed looking straight at her teary eyes.

She starts, her hands shaking. "Lord Hideyoshi... I love you, too," she answered as her tears flow.

"Will you become my lady, Okada Reiko?" His eyes are red. Happy that she lives, happy that she will live with him.

"Yes." Reiko sobs. "Yes, Lord Hideyoshi!"

Hideyoshi kisses her eyes and peck her forehead. He slowly caresses the girl's hair, slipping through the locks and cupping the chin.

"Now, your name will be Lady Toyotomi Reiko, how's that sound?"

"It has a nice ring to it." she replied, her eyes were dry.

"My lady..." he mumbled and kissed her temple. From here on out he will build a world where Reiko can live peacefully. He will fight to make a world without war just like she wants it. And of course he will surely protect her.

This promise he will bring it to his grave...

~End~

Author's note: Well this is just some spin-off from Hideyoshi route. I just recently played this game and I fall in love with the characters and the plot. Okay that's all from me, see ya!