Good-Byes, Tragedy, and Loss

It had been two weeks since her attempt assassination and Nora wounds were almost completely healed, word spread around fast about Nobunaga planning to ask Emperor No- Gaara for permission to make the young girl his main Wife and most where in a uproar due to the fact she's foreigner with  no noble status what so ever, she had speacily been getting hateful stares from Ranmaru and feeling a cold chill even when he would walk past her. Yes she was use to him being against her being Nobunaga's concubine but it had gotten worse now.

Nora was wearing much different then her usaul clothing today, she was wearing pants and a short yukata while standing in a calm stance as she posed her katana, Mitsuhide stood on the opposite side with his own katana wait for her to make her move.

"Ready" the long haired man asked raising his sword defensively.

The blonde took a deep calming breath as she closed her eyes then nodding. She then opened her eyes quickly when brought the katana to her side flipped it around and charged at the man swiftly.

Mitsuhide ducked rearing his leg to her side"Never leave your side exposed" he stated.

Nora winched and sounds around to strike him below with the handle of her katana surprising him a little.

He grabbed her hand pulling her up "If your gonna kill a man you must fight him as his opponent not his next victim" he nodded.

" There's many ways to kill a man" Nora pointed out" you would be surprised of what women know of men's weak spots" she said as she flatten her hand to strike him in the throat and then kneed him in his privates. A old trick her mother taught her when she was dealing with handsy drunks when she was a bar maid.

"Impressive" Mitsuhide spoke "But a man knows to kill a woman easy when she's exposed, remember this lesson well" he bowed.

She nodded at this and bowed in return, when she stood straight up again she caught a glimpse of Ranmaru staring hard at her on the roof of the palace. He sneered jumping on the other roof, Nora frowned and sighed deeply at this, frankly she was getting tired of his attitude making her march over to where he was and gestured for him sternly for him to come down.She swore he acted no better then Naoki when he was throwing a fit.

She almost fell forward to be bumped by Katsuie; He stared"Be careful where your going" he spoke low.

" I'm sorry " Nora apologized curtly as she regain her composer as quickly and went in her way, not wanting to be near the man alone for very long.

"I heard Nobunaga's sister is coming back" he smiled "It'll be fun when the real fun starts at Azai and the Matsudara."

She spun around to face the man when he mentioned about the two clans" What's happening with the Azai and Matsudara?" She asked with great dread.

"I've heard the 2 clans have started hiring the Ikko Ikki to help fight again Lord Nobunaga those warrior monks have always been a pain" he sneered mentioning the monks.

Nora frowned at this" Azai is Nobunaga's brother-in-law why would plan to attack him? I'm not surprised about Matsudara but From what I've seen they get along fine, and Azai knows his wife loves her brother dearly" she asked.

"It's the blood ties and honor girl" he growled "Azai chose the Matsudara because he knew them longer than the Oda just you wait beautiful, the Lord will have Nagamasa's head on a pike."

Nora covered her mouth horrified as she as she quickly turned away from Katsuie and hurried down the garden, wanting to be anywhere but there at that moment. It all made sense Oda bringing his sister and her children to his palace for a visit so they wouldn't be caught in the crossfire of when he killed and destroyed everyone and  everything in the Azai clan...Nora could feel tears run down her eyes knowing this was all her fault that kind woman would soon lose her husband and her small daughters would lose their father. Not being able to run anymore she stumbled and held onto a tree as she cried softly not even thinking about soreness her body was feeling from not being completely recovered yet.

"Something's on your mind Nora-Chan?" Hideyoshi spoke behind her.

"Judging by your stature your about wreak in sorrow Nora Chan" Okuni spoke twirling her umbrella.

" It's my fault..." Nora said in broken voice quietly" it's my fault that the Azai are going to die" She said as she lowered her knees to the dirt but still holding the tree" Oichi will lose her husband and her daughters will lose their Father" she cried silently.

"Azai knew what he was doing, he believes that he's caring for his family and sacrificing himself in the process, this was not your doing Nora it's his" Okuni said.

"Even if he's putting himself first before his family, he's siding with the enemy that tried to kill you Nora" Hideyoshi reasoned.

"But still...Oichi..." Nora said quietly as she brought her tear stained face up to look at them.

"Oichi will know in due time for now this is a celebration of her return she can't know what's happening" Hideyoshi explained.

"Except once she knows Katsuie will make his move and marry her, Oichi is a mother of 2 girls she'll have to take care of them when they're Father will never comes back" Okuni spoke twirling her umbrella.

Nora scoffed and wiped her eyes at mention of Katsuie" The brute can't wait for Azai to die and I would never trust that...man" she spat with disgust" with children let alone let him 10 feet near them I don't know how Nobunaga can" Nora said.

"Katsuie is one of Nobunaga's trusted comrades as much as I hate to admit it It seems the safest choice Oichi leaves with him and Nobunaga will believe in whatever he says" Okuni sighed.

"It's not like that Okuni you know that, even you too Nora-chan but it can wait Nobunaga needs to plan on how to intercept the Matsudara" Hideyoshi retorted.

Nora held her head as she got up" I think I've had enough of outside... I'll go back to my chambers" Nora said hoarsly as she walked slowly.

"Come with me" Okuni spoke grabbing her hand"I need to tell you something that only you and I know" she added.

Nora became concerned at this" What's wrong?" She asked.

"Meet me down by the river" Okuni spoke walking towards the gardens "I have a boat arranged" she simply said.

Nora stopped at this to look at her seriously" Okuni...what are you trying to say?" She asked.

"Meet me at the river" she simply said again.

"I'll leave you alone" Hideyoshi simply spoke "this is between you and her."

Nora could only sigh deeply a nod in reluctance agreement" Alright...I will" Nora said as her eyes wondered " But first I have to deal with something" Nora said seriously as she had found her target which was Ranmaru who was on the other side of the palace,He filing his nails making them look decent.

Okuni looked towards who she was looking at and nodded in understanding before leaving for her destination. Nora walked over to where Ranmaru was sitting and doing his nails, her arms crossed while keeping a stern gaze on him.

"I see your still sticking around foreigner, shame you didn't go back to England that would've been wiser" he said coyly.

Nora frowned at this" I don't think I could ever adjust there...this has been my home for 14 years and all I've ever known" She pointed out to him before sighing deeply" and you know even if I wanted to he would never allow me to leave.."she told him softly.

"It doesn't matter your very presence insults what we Ninja and Samurai stand for the very idea disgusts me of the foreign presence" he spat the stone floor wiping his mouth.

Nora frowned at him" No I think it's more then that Ranmaru" she said as she walked over closer to him" Your mood has been more foul since Lord Nobunaga announced that he wanted me to be his main wife."

"Oh you think your so clever now that you got to be his whore to do everything that suits his needs!" He half yelled getting up from his turning around to glare at her.

Nora remained calm having been called worst most her life by other Japanese" I love him..." she told him bluntly"I don't know why but I do" she told him seriously"I love him so much  it would shatter my heart if I ever did leave him..."

"You think that after everything he had done including killing your grandmother and the fact that he murdered his sibling and his first wife!?" He huffed"Your pathetic if you think he'll stick by you for good."

Nora flinched slightly at mention of her grandmother and his first wife" And you act like a child"she said as walked over closer to him" I swear if I did know any better It would sound like your jeal-

Nora cut herself off when she realized she said the truth" That's it isn't it?..." She said quietly in shock" Your in love with him" she said in near whisper.

Ranmaru blushed gritting his teeth "So what if I am!! Everything was fine til you showed up I served him far longer than you have" his face scrunched in anger.

Nora's face turned bright red at this, yes she had heard of Lord's, Lady's, and samurai taking and having sex with lovers of the same gender but she never actually met a homosexual before...she was deeply disgusted in her religion and where she was from that was sure... anyone caught doing such acts would be executed...but despite her religion and where she was from Nora didn't look down on it, she might not understand it but she didn't look down on Ranmaru.

" I don't look down on you..." She told him softly" You can't control who you love..."

"Rgh! Your so annoying" he jumped high landing softly on the rooftop"If you care about your religion don't fall in line like the other cattle" he huffed.

Nora looked at him and with soft eyes at this" I do care about my mother's religion Ranmaru...it in the ways I still stay connected to her, but their's a different in believing in your belief's and using your faith as excuse to mask you hate and prejudice" she told him plainly.

"I'll see you when the meeting is finished" he gritted jumping towards the other rooftops.

Nora shook her head at him" He really is a child" she then chuckled a little" Can see what attracted Nobunaga to him he's cute when he flustered" she commented to herself as she walked towards river trying to process the new information about Ranmaru and Nobunaga or wonder if their relationship will continue even after she and  him marry...Nora eyes grew sad knowing most Lord's had many wives and concubines if she even  considered Ranmaru as that and he most likely have or bring in more but she could not help but feel a sense of heartache at this making her clutch her chest. She soon spotted the other woman's umbrella making her come over to her.

Okuni sat peacefully inside the boat awaiting Nora's arrival to enjoy the ride they'll be in"I trust you'll feel better for a boat ride" she smiled.

Nora shook off her sadness and smile at friend at this and nodded" It been awhile since I've been on a boat though."

"Don't worry just row the boat the river will sail us safely while we talk" Okuni assured.

Nora nodded as she began to row" You know my birth father was a fisherman....but sadly I never got to meet him" Nora said softly.

"I know, he talks about you often" Okuni giggled

Nora paused her rowing at this" H-e he talks to you?" Nora asked quietly in shock.

"He lies in Izumo but not resting..the dead still have a hard time in trying to move on...his biggest regret was not seeing your birth...We can't always bring the dead back to life there's a reason the dead must rest" she explained.

Nora covered her mouth at this as she felt herself tear up at this, she also wondered what her birth father was like of course her mother would tell her about him often but it wasn't the same...but she knew he how much loved her just from her mother telling her about he killed her violent and abusive grandfather just to protect unborn Nora from him and how he mother said he would kiss her mother's pregnant belly and talk to her always.

"Izumo has become very challenging at this rate" she sighed twirling the umbrella.

Nodded in agreement at this" I know this very well...it's the reason my mother died...she couldn't bring herself to keep on living after not only losing my father but my step father as well..." Nora closed her eyes sadly" she lost 2 men she loved and she was too drowned in her grief to notice her children still needed her..." Nora said as she put her hand in the water.

Nora also agreed about the spirits being restless" Yes I think Hino-Enma being in large populated area is proof of the restlessness...she mostly lure in targets to isolated dark areas..."

"Nora I know you heard me talk about Izumo but look at me and tell me what do you see?" Okuni asked, their boat rowed smoothly through the quiet waters.

Nora looked around closely when she really paid attention is when she noticed glowing soft orbs" I haven't seen them in awhile" the blonde said softly as brought her hand out to touch one.

"Nora you didn't answer my question, what am I?" Okuni asked a second time noticing the soft glowing orbs called to her.

She opened her palm letting the orb dance in her finger tips "Oh you poor boy you tried your best into saving your family" she cooed softly"Alright Izumo is where you'll rest" Okuni giggled lifting the orb into the air.

Nora turned to look at Okuni and this time really looked at her" Your...your not human are you Okuni?" Nora asked carefully.

Okuni smiled "I may look human but I'm not."

Another landed softly on her finger tips whispering "It's not your fault, I'm sure your son fought valiantly, no he's still alive your bloodline is still alive" she cooed softly lifting the soul up "Rest in Izumo."

The orbs danced around in the air, laughter of children could be heard as small orbs danced, a couple danced around Nora and rubbed against her cheek fondly before floating off, Nora laughed warmly.

"I'm a guardian of sorts a guide to the dead" Okuni explained as the Orbs flew around them.

Nora eyes opened in realization when she remembered old stories her grandmother told her" Okuni? Are you Shinigami?" She asked surprised.

Okuni smiled "Shinigami are God's of death,I'm the ferryman or the good spirit I guide these wandering souls if they choose to come to me" she grinned holding one soul in her hand.

"Shinigami reside in the Darkness Izumo is not part of the darkness" Okuni explained.

Nora heard the sounds of what appeared to be a baby crying she could see it was a pure white orb, the blonde gently guided it to her chest with her hands" You poor thing...you died before you mother could even glance at you" she said as she held the baby spirit close to her" You'll see your mama again someday" she whispered to it" just know she loves you and will never forget you" Nora told the orb.

"This little girl died from a fall breaking her neck, I promise sweetheart where your going is peaceful a place where you can rest in peace" she soothed the soul allowing it to roam in the sky.

" My grandmother use to tell me horror stories about Shinigami..." Nora said as she brought the baby to float in the sky" she said it was place where those who died with so much rage that they couldn't let go of... wondering in endless abyss..."

Nora chuckled" She mostly told me scary stories like those to get me to behave."

"It's a realm of nothingness, you can never move on that's how you become a Shinigami" Okuni explained

"I'm sure she means well, she has talked a bit about you before resting" Okuni said.

Nora nodded" Yes my grandmother act strict and sour most times but was deep down was very caring and kind...she taught me how to control my ability..." Nora said fondly.

" Is that what happened with Hino-Enma?" Nora asked nervously " Jorogumo told me she was once human" she asked.

"She indeed was once human but this happened 1000 years ago around the year of 666..."

"Were getting close to the Kappa's territory just be careful they are harmless but it doesn't mean they're incapable of killing" she finished twirling her umbrella.

Nora lit up at mention of the kappa" Kappa actually always been quite friendly with me even more so with my brother who use to play with them, my grandmother said they are attracted to our aura's" Nora said as she looked into the water and started chuckle" once Naoki brought a bunch of them home you could only imange the look on my parent's and grandmother's faces too see the kitchen cover in kappa haha" she laughed warmly"They love cucumbers" Nora said with a smile.

"and Kappa pass gas, look up women's skirts, blow water out of their beaks" Okuni giggled.

Nora rolled her eyes as she laughed" Now you sound like Hideyoshi hahaha" Nora said as she looked at  Kappa starong at them curiously.

"Except the monkey himself makes the monkey noises" Okuni pointed out.

Nora expression then turned grave thinking of the demon vampire"I feeling she isn't done with me yet" Nora said grimly" This is the second time I bested her... she's not the type to give up" Nora said as she watched more Kappa pop their heads out the water.

"Of course not" Okuni said.

Another orb came up to Nora and she brought it into her hands" I see your husband died in the war and you died from small poxs and then your child later from starvation" Nora said sadly before giving the orb a small smile" Go to your daughter and husband... they are waiting for you" she said as she gestured the orb to float up.

"Nora you seem to have a knack for spirit's my offer still stands if you wish to go to Izumo with me" Okuni offered.

Nora face became solemn" Okuni...is it true...is the woman in my family cursed...like my mother said" Nora said depressingly" cause everyone seems to die around us.."

"No it's emotions of the dead stirring because of Oni and the restless noise"Okuni then gasped softly looking towards her left "Nora-chan the kappa are close" she whispered.

Nora blinked in surprise at this she slowly turned her head to to see a couple hanging on the boat.

A few of their webbed hands clung to the boats edge "Hellooo girls~" the first one croaked.

"Your all alone out here?" The second gurgled some spit.

"You two got fantastic tits tucked nicely in those robes" the 3rd croaked.

Nora turned bright red when they said there comments" Hello..how are you" Nora asked polietly.

"How do you do" another kappa spoke leaping onto the boat.

"You like cucumbers?" Another cocked his head to the side.

"Why are you out here pretty ladies?" The first one croaked.

"Do you like these panties I took" one had a lisp spoke showing the wet pantaloons.

"Do you like music ladies?" The 2nd Kappa questioned.

Nora and Okuni heads where getting scrambled by all the question but Nora managed to catch some of them and smiled at the kappa" Yes I like cucumbers I used to grow some, my friend and I thought it would be a good idea for a boat ride" she said as she gestured to Okuni but soon Nora turn full body red at the sight of the underwear" um yes they're lovely" when the other mention music Nora became normal again" Yes we do very much " she said as she nodded.

Okuni giggled attempting to keep her mouth closed but failed"You like partying?" The Kappa with a deep voice said.

This kappa looked much larger then the others both girls could easily guess he was the Alpha" Oh my.." Nora said amazed having never seen this large of a Kappa before.

"We need more girls at the party" a female Kappa rose up from the water.

Okuni looked at him closely "Oh my your Royal Highness Lord Kappa good to see you what's this party this time" she smiled kindly.

Nora leaned over to Okuni " Do the kappa in this area have a lot of parties? " She asked her friend curiously" the ones in my home town mostly just play with the children or eat out of the gardens"A couple of the kappa where now climbing into the boat rocking it bit"whoa!" Nora said caught off guard.

"Each Kappa is different it usually depends on the ones you meet" Okuni explained, a few got on board taking seats.

Couple snuggled up to Okuni and Nora" Your Highness look at this girl her hair is like the sun" One said in awe as he touch Nora's hair.

" She forgiener! Interseting!" Another said.

"It's always good for Lady Okuni to come with us" the lisp one said

"There both so pretty" the first one croaked.

" Oh!Oh! Can we bring the golden one too!" One shouted excited.

" So what kind of party are you having?" Nora asked not really used to positive attention due only receiving negative for most of her life.

"We're doing a barbecue, with music and meat on the fire and songs" the lisp one croaked.

"We all pitch in to make a bonfire" the 2nd Kappa spoke.

" Well I'm fine with " Nora turned her gaze towards her friend" How about you Okuni?" She asked her.

"I definitely believe this will be an honor to celebrate and enjoy the festivities of a Kappa kingdom" Okuni spoke.

The Alpha Kappa slammed his hands together "Boys escort the ladies to the Party and no drowning or eating! Or suffer from the regal bow!" He growled diving into the water.

The kappa gulped and nodded quickly in understanding as she got out the water and began to push the boat and swim in the direction of the party. They pushed boat for a couple minutes until finally they arrived to show was a bonfire on a patch of lsndand bunch of Kappa singing, dancing, flirting, drinking, or eating.

All their attention quickly turned to the women when their boat emerged closer.

" Hey look woman!"one shouted with excitement

"Girls" one croaked

"Women!?" Another chimed in.

"Girls!!" One shouted

All the kappa rushed overvto the edge or swam in the water to get closer just to take glance at at the two women.

"Don't move Nora let the the king do the rest" Okuni spoke gently.The king rose from the water letting out a roar.

"THESE WOMEN WILL NOT BE TOUCHED OR FUCKED BY ANY OF YOU DO YOU UNDERSTAND!!" the king hollored to them dead serious.

They saluted "We hear you great and honourable King!" They said in unison scrambling back to the bonfire.

Okuni and Nora then helped out the row boat by the king once they arrived on land, there where a still few lusting eyes of kappa on them causing Kyuubi to manifest and growl warningly at them.

" Kyuubi behave" Nora said sternly.

Okuni twirled her umbrella.

Kyuubi look at Nora and then the kappa before letting out a huff and disappearing, it wasn't long before tensions died down and everyone began to party again. Everyone was having such a good time, of drinking dancing and laughter, it been a long time since Nora laughed so much. The 2 woman didn't notice they had lost tract of time until it was too late.

Nora looked at the horizon to see the setting sun making her smile drop instantly, her eyes widened" Oh no Okuni! It's sun down!" she said as she sat up quickly from the log she was sitting on.

"Than it's time I let you know" she sighed getting up.

"I'm leaving" she said sadly.

Sadness instantly filled the blonde at this" S-So soon.." Nora weakly, the thought her very good friend leaving making her have a gaping whole in her heart.

Okuni led Nora back into the row boat not before both girls said goodbye to the kappa who all enthusiastically waved goodbye back as they drifted away in the boat.

"Izumo calls for me..."

Nora looked at the floating orbs going to sly above at this then nodding in understanding" I see..." She said as turned her gaze back Okuni" I'll miss you " Nora said with a sad smile, the row boat was silent with only the noise of the spirits gentle voices and sound of nature could be heard.

Nora brought her gaze towards the sky" Trouble...is is going on up their... isn't it?" Nora asked Okuni softly as she brought her gaze back to them.

"The Oni are swarming the the lands I must go home to guide more spirit's of the dead" Okuni answered twirling her umbrella.

Nora nodded at this " Yes...I've been seeing them more frequently then before " the blonde said grimly, even though she was under Oda protection now it didn't mean she didn't catch glimpse of them lingering near the Demon Lord's terriotory.

"Nora you realize I might not ever see you again?""You can see spirit's and kill demons are you sure you don't want me to take you to Izumo" she cocked her head.

"I can take away the pain and guide to rest"She extended her arm"all you have to do is take my hand."

Nora looked at her hand and then turned her head to look behind at the palace slowly, long ago she wouldn't have hesitated to take up her friend's offer knowing that Naoki would be taken care of and because she mostly  thought she didn't have purpose.

" I can't leave Okuni..." She said queitly as she brought her gaze back to her" Even though I want to see my mother...my step father... My grandmother and....m-my birth father again...and even though I will miss you so much... She could feel tears fall down her eyes" I can't bring myself to leave him..."

Okuni retracted her hand bringing it to her small pouch digging into her contents.

"I understand if you don't want to go but I cannot leave you empty handed" she took out a jaded and gold charm out her pouch.

Nora looked down at in curiousity" A charm?" She asked.

"This Omamori belong to the first Emperor of Japan who saved his people from the Oni that nearly drove them from Extinction."

"This charm was used to detect Oni and tortured souls keep it" she pulled Nora's hand placing it into her palm.

Nora green eyes widen in surprise as she traced the symbols" thank you" Nora said as the boat hit the palace dock.

"Think of me when you use it for protection" she smiled hugging her gently"When you decide to visit the Kappa kingdom be sure to party with them again" she giggled releasing her.

Nora hugged her back and nodded back before slowly moving back and laughing at what her friend said" I'll be sure" she said as she whipped her eyes.

" I'll miss you my friend" Nora said sadly.

Nora got up from the boat as it departed she stood by the dock watching Okuni slowly shrink from a distance"and I you" she whispered twirling her umbrella as the gentle waves of the river took her.

It wasn't long before the dark haired girl vanished from sight, Nora held the charm close as she walked back to the Honnoji main grounds sadly and slowly she didn't really notice that gaurds scattering around looking for her.

"Nora!" Lady No's voice rung.

No's voice cut the blonde out her thoughts, The older woman grabbed her shoulders "you were gone for almost 12 hours what happened to you??"You made me, Oda, and Hideyoshi worried sick!" She half-yelled.

The older woman then paused when she saw the younger girl's tear stained face.

" I'm sorry...I lost track of time" she said quietly.

"Oh" No hugged close to her chest "Come now we'll have some tea after you talk to Lord Nobunaga."

Nora only nodded as she felt No gently drag her away the gaurds began to hollored of their arrival as they made their way into palace.

------

When they reached the Oda's main office Nora could see a mixture of relief,anger, and concern on the demon Lord's face. Nora just silently walked over to the middle of the room and bowed"I'm sorry I worried you my Lord" she apologized softly.

He slapped her by the back of his hand then shoving her close to his chest. Nora wasn't really surprised by the slap she honestly expected but was taken back by the embrace mostly because he was showing his affection in infront of others nonless she welcomed it as she leaned into his chest.

" I'm sorry..." Apologized again quietly as she felt a couple tears go down her eyes.

"Go to your room we'll talk later" he spoke in English that made lady No confused.

" You have been practicing" Nora said in English as No guided her away out his office and back to her Chambers, the blonde noticed that her clothes for the celebration tonight already picked out for her.

" Okuni left..." Nora said bluntly as she went over to touch her clothes laid out in front of her" I don't think she will come back" Nora said sadly.

It was then a new person came into her room making both women turn around and see who it was.



She eyed the two with a calm demeanor, She grabbed the clothes set for Okuni wrapping them in her hands.

Nora while curious who this woman was let her take the clothes knowing they wouldn't be used" Good evening..." Nora replied softly.

She responded with a nod "Lord Ieyasu and Lord Nobunaga are expecting you" she spoke turning away exiting the door.

It was then Nora was led to bathe away the day's dirt and sweat then  began to change into the dress provided for her and put some her hair pin back by a couple pins dangling blue clear flower pin and pale blue kimono with white lotuses when she was dry.

When she was done Lady No did her make up since Okuni was no longer there and then led the young girl into the room of where Oda and Ieyasu  where, Nora entered the room somberly as she held the omamori tightly next to her person as she walked over and bowed to them " My Lords.." she said polietly.

Nobunaga brought her close to his side sipping saki with content, the older man ran his hand through her long hair which Nora discovered by now was one his favorite  things to do" I'm surprised you sister isn't here" Nora replied softly.

Nora could sense he had many questions about her whereabouts today. She clutched her knees tightly" I know you angry and most definitely was worried about me speacily after what happened and with recent events, it went on a boat ride with Okuni and lost track of time" Nora explained calmly.

"Ever since what happened to you I want nothing more than the Matsudara to be erased nothing more than a story" he spoke in his language.

"And I understand your anger I do...and but..." She shut her eyes tightly" But  Azai...." she struggled to say as she took a deep breath" he's your sisteri husband...your nieces father..." She replied queitly.

"I DON'T CARE!!!" He roared pounding the tabe in rage.

She brought her hand to cover her eyes" I know who he's allied with but...I can't stop thinking who's going to be most affected..." He voice nearly cracked.

"He made his choice, he knew what he was doing and he chose to abandon my sister and her daughter's over to the Matsudara!!?"

"I explained what they had done and showed the dagger as proof..he didn't believe me" Nobunaga huffed in anger.

Nora tear-filled green eyes widen at this" Does...does Oichi know what happened?" Nora asked.

"Nobunaga!!" Oichi screamed

Running straight up to her brother.

Nora was caught off guard by this but gave the siblings their space do they could have their moment together.

Oda looked up to see his sister Oichi's tear struck face, she slapped him across the face "You bastard I knew you would do this sooner or later your gonna murder my husband you swore to never harm him but you lied!"

"Even before my wedding I knew you didn't like him! You wouldn't even give thought but killing mother warned me you would do this again after father left us, you killed our brother for power you heartless bastard!" She shouted pounding onto his chest.

Nora eyes widen when Oda sister said this" Oichi he's yours brother...he loves you...if you want hate or blame someone pick me it's my fault" Nora cried softly to her.

Nobunaga turned his head to Katsuie Shibata "Shibata take my sister to her Chambers she's lost it and needs time for recovery" Katsuie nodded eagerly gently taking Oichi in his arms who continued to sob "That thing is not my brother! my brother died the moment our father died!" She wailed while holding onto the burly man"keep that Oni away from my daughters!" her voice echoed the hallways"keep that thing away from me!!" Her voice echoed.

Nora couldn't help herself and began to sob as well, bringing the charm tighter to her chest"Even before you begin your attack,while your plans are ripening like grapes,the Lord will cut off your new growth with pruning shears, He will snip off and discard your spreading branches." Nora began say qoutes from the Bible as a way of comfort.

"She's in shock I apologize for the scene she caused" Nobunaga said to everyone in his table, Everyone nodded respectively, Hideyoshi gingerly took Nora by her hands.

"A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace...." she could feel her speech became stuttered and with her being lost in her own sorrow.

"We'll give Oichi time and healing a mother should focus on her children" Hideyoshi gulped.

"E-Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" her voice nearly broke as she recited.

"Nora look at me" Hideyoshi spoke cupping her face to look at him"I'm here your friend and always your friend" he said softly.

Nora held his hand on her face and shook her head" No..No you will leave too... everyone around me dies...I'm a curse" she cried.

Hideyoshi pulled her close to him "It just happens Nora, we all die eventually there's no curse holding you in place it's the circumstance that played out think about it you've been here for awhile with me, Okuni and Mitsuhide and we didn't die" he assured.

" Never said it happens all at once...it slowly plays out" She said with a near whisper, Nora then tried to stand up" I need to go talk to her s-she needs to know the truth" she told Hideyoshi quietly as she tried to stand.

"No Oichi is in shock she needs to focus on her kids please Nora let it go" Hideyoshi spoke grabbing her arm"And yet we're still here stop believing in curses Nora" he said.

Nora sat back down in reluctance at this but it did little to console sorrow she shared with Oichi...she kept her head lowered as she sat straight staring at the charm Okuni gave her as Oda and the others went on with eating and drinking.

"She shouldn't hate you my Lord...she should hate me" Nora told Oda in a broken voice.