#PoCon secret santa

[rdmfavcpls]

My Little Secret

Title: My Little Secret

Category: Samurai Warriors/Pokemon Conquest

Rating: T

Pairing: Aya/Kanetsugu

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. 

[birddad]

happy holidays to @tepig62900 !! i love hanbei, so this was a delight, i hope you like it!! i hope you have a wonderful, safe, and happy holidays!!

thank you to @ransei-secretsanta for organising this every year!!

[lesbianchandelure]

happy belated holidays to @sianri !!! we felt bad that you had to wait so long for your gift, so I decided to whip up an extra Nene moodboard as an apology on behalf of the PoCon Secret Santa team. with this, all the gift exchanging should finally be at a close!

[complementary-oxymorons]

Merry day to @aya-is-the-queen! I’m your secret santa for the PoCon Secret Santa event c: I hope you like the edits and the piece of writing;; I don’t think I managed to make em in-character enough tho aaaa

Night fell over Illusio as it always had. Inky indigo gently faded into the golden transience of twilight, silvery stars peeking out to frolic with the purple crystals that set the kingdom aglow with a wash of gentle light.

Within the castle, Aya sat alone in a quiet room, letting the chill wind blow in through the window and kiss her cheeks until they pinked sweetly under their relentless affections. She gazed out into the kingdom, watching the dark shapes of their people as they returned to their homes for the evening. Many of them held lanterns to light their way, the elegant paper constructs flickering lavender in the fading light. Her icy, warm gaze turned to the energy that had gathered closer to the castle, and she couldn’t help the fond smile that passed over her lips.

People were swarming all over the path that led to the castle, setting up shop and carting miscellaneous what-nots to and from the various stalls that were in different degrees of completion. With the winter solstice festival only a week away, everyone was trying their best to complete their preparations in time, if only to share the holiday cheer with everyone when the day finally arrived.

Aya barely moved from her spot when she heard the door slide open behind her, the soft patter of socked feet making its way into the room. She heard a quiet chuckle, and lifted her fingers to hide her smile.

“I had a feeling you’d be here.”

Kanetsugu made his way over to her, stopping just behind her. “May I?” he asked, waiting quietly for her permission.

“As you wish, my dearest.” Aya shifted aside a little, opening a spot by the window for Kanetsugu to make himself comfortable. He thanked her for the invitation, settling into the spot in his quiet, elegant manner.

“Looking over the preparations for the festival?” he inquired politely, following her line of sight. The two watched as one of the stall owners hoisted a wooden beam over her shoulder, only to yell in surprise when her accompanying Gardevoir decided to help with the job and lift her onto the roof.

“Of course,” she replied. “It sets the mood for the winter, and the end of the year.” Out of the corner of her eye, she could catch him glancing over at her, clenching and unclenching his jaw as if he wanted to ask for something. Aya nearly laughed at this familiar attempt at demurity, moving her hands aside to pat her lap. “You know, you only have to ask and I’ll let you.”

Kanetsugu huffed, his cheeks pinking ever so slightly as he lay his head on her lap. “I couldn’t possibly do that, my lady,” he protested. “It wouldn’t sound proper, coming from me.” He tucked his legs in and curled up comfortably, looking out over Illusio alongside her.

“Mmhm,” was Aya’s only response, a smirk curving at her lips as her deft fingers quickly undid Kanetsugu’s neat ponytail. Silky raven locks quickly tumbled into her lap, and she heard him let out a small, satisfied sigh.

“Do you have-” she began, but Kanetsugu cut her off by handing her a simple black comb. “This was your intention from the start, wasn’t it?” she teased, picking it up and starting to comb his hair.

“It was,” he admitted, a slightly sheepish expression on his face. “I hope it’s alright, my love.” Kanetsugu let his eyes slide shut as Aya let out a little hum of assent, slowly and lovingly beginning to work out the few tangles in his hair. He sucked in a breath and let out a long exhale, feeling the tension from the day melt from his body and relaxation settle in.

“Aya?” he mumbled, barely able to keep his eyes open.

“Yes, dear one?” she responded patiently, petting his head and threading her fingers through his hair.

“I love you."

[fyeahpokemonconquest]

With the holidays on the horizon, how many people would be interested in some kind of PoCon secret santa?

[birddad]

happy holidays to @daphneblakess !! i really hope you like it!! thank you so much for your patience ;;

thank you so much to @ransei-secretsanta for organising such a fun and wonderful exchange!! :’-)