Summary: After a gruesome battle, a day before harvesting season, the Uesugi clan goes to retire for the night, while others focus on healing the wounded. One important figure hides among the shadows to focus on others.
Disclaimer: I do not owe any rights to the Samurai Warriors or the Pokemon franchise.
Author’s Note: This is my secret santa gift for @setethx for the Samurai Warriors Secret Santa Exchange. That’s right! I was your secret Santa! I hope you enjoy this story!
~~Story Begins~~
The lingering scent of gunpowder, smoke, and blood flew into the light spring breeze as the leaves danced into the Uesugi camp in a swirl of reds and oranges. The cries of worried Pokemon partners, families, and wounded soldiers filled the otherwise silent night where they would otherwise be asleep in preparation for the busy day tomorrow.
In one of the tents saved for the wounded, an Alakazam watched in worry as his partner helped tended to the wounded soldiers, ignoring their own serious injuries, especially the deep gash he had quickly bandaged so no one would notice his side bleeding.
“I can sense your worry, my friend,” Alakazam’s partner said. “I will take care of my wound once the seeds have been planted for the harvest season. A lot of our farmers were caught in this battle with the Oda forces and they will need all of the help they can get.”
Alakazam nodded its head. It did love its human partner and shared its views of righteous and justice. It was how its human trained him since he was a small Abra, but he still worried over his human. The psychic pokemon could already tell that the wound was taking its toll on him, but if left untreated, it’s going to get infected.
“Lord Kanetsuga,” a peasant said as they entered the wounded tent. “I know it has been a long night for our soldiers and our lords, but we could use the help in getting our crops planted.”
The peasant bowed as he continued to talk. “We understand if you cannot help us this season as you fought extremely valiantly in the battlefield and helped take care of the wounded.”
Kanetsuga laughed. “Nonsense, my friend,” he said with a laugh. “I would be more than happy to help with the harvest season again. We must cheer up the spirits of the people as well as it is a time to celebrate! Just allow me a few minutes before I join.”
“Of course, thank you so much Lord Kanetsugu,” the peasant said before leaving.
Alakazam looked at its partner who had already lost some color. It raised its concern in its heart and Kanetsuga could feel it. He patted Alakazam's head with a weak smile. “Don’t worry, once the planting is done, I’ll take care of the wound and then sleep. You go ahead and get some rest. You worked just as hard as I did during the battle and must be exhausted.”
Alakazam watched its partner leave the tent as the dawn’s early rays started to break through the night. The pokemon left the tent and proceeded to head to its human’s private tent.
The sun has risen a few times and something was wrong back in Illusion Froslass and her human partner could sense it as they returned from their training in Avia. They had heard about the Oda forces invading from Cragspur to Illusio, but Kanetsuga had defended it bravely.
“How interesting,” Aya said. “Kanetsuga would have been at the entrance with a report over the month’s events. He’s not in sight and neither is his Alakazam.”
Her Frolass let out a hum of questioning.
“Maybe the unsuspecting warlord of Aurora moved him to a different kingdom,” Aya said and shook her head. “No. They have been strategic in making sure that someone who is originally from the kingdom and knows the terrain stays there.”
“Lady Aya,” a messenger said as he ran up to her. “I’m sorry for the delay, but I have the report.”
“Where is Kanetsugu?” Aya said. “It is unusual for him to relay on a messenger when my dear brother or myself return.”
The messenger looked nervous. “He is currently unable to, Lady Aya. That’s what my report is about.”
“Oh? He has been known to get sidetracked with helping around Illusion, but he never forgets when we are scheduled to return,” Aya said.
The messenger shook his head. “Lady Aya, Lord Kanetsuga is currently running a dangerous high fever. The doctors are unsure if he will make it through another month.”
“Lead me to him,” Aya said in the chill tone of voice that was usually reserved for Lady No.
“Yes, ma’am,” the messenger said, “but as a warning, he hasn’t been very conscious or audible in what he’s saying.”
When Aya reached his private quarters and walked inside, she instantly knew this was going to be a tough battle. Alakazam looked up at her from his spot by Kanetsuga’s side, his powers were still working on changing the bandages on the wound that was infected with puss leaking out.
“You have been doing a good job of taking care of your partner by yourself,” Aya said. “Get some rest. Frolass and I will help.”
Aya would not let anyone know that she was slightly pleased when Kanetsuga leaned his head into her chilled hands when she placed them on his sweaty forehead or that the happy hum he let out was as adorable as her Frolass.
Maybe when Ransei is finally united as one country and the war is over, maybe she will tease Kanetsugu about this. Then maybe she could convince her brother to nudge Kanetsugu to act on his feelings for her, but with a war where Nobunga has no problems exploiting weaknesses, and No taunting her about beauty whenever they are in each other’s presence, she can only enjoy these little moments. Until then, she will enjoy these moments where they can be themselves with their pokemon and not have to worry about expectations.
