Mitsunari looked around. From the red arches and the solar mirrors overlooking the sea, he was in Motonari's base in Itsukushima. But how had he gotten here?

Something clattered against the floor and his head jerked towards the noise. Motonari knelt there in the center of the platform, gasping for breath and his ringblade at his feet. Standing in front of him was a shadow. Mitsunari stared, because it looked like himself.

The shadow strode forward and grabbed Motonari by the collar, lifting him up with one hand. Choking, he pulled at the shadow's fingers, kicking at it. The shadow lifted its katana and he screamed as the tip pierced his chest.

"Stop!" Mitsunari shrieked, surging towards them.

Even with his speed, it wasn't enough. The shadow merely glanced at him and shoved its blade the rest of the way through, and Motonari stopped struggling, his arms falling to his sides.

"Traitorous snake." With a snort, the shadow tossed him aside like garbage.

Mitsunari skidded to a halt as Motonari struck the ground, rolled to a stop and lay there, unmoving, a dark pool spreading under his twisted body.

Falling to his knees beside him, he scooped him into his arms, shaking him. "Motonari…Motonari! Don't…don't leave me!"

The strategist didn't wake. Mitsunari tried again, calling his name, even though he knew the katana had gone straight through the heart.

"Why are you still here?" the shadow demanded. "Why haven't you avenged Hideyoshi-sama's death?"

Mitsunari trembled. "I…I was going to…but the serpent…and now all of this -"

"Excuses, excuses. You're weak. A failure. A complete failure. To think that you can't even do something so simple. And now you put your trust into that strategist? He's all you can think about now, isn't he?"

"He's important to -"

"Even more important than Hideyoshi-sama?" The shadow stepped towards him. "You're pathetic. All it took was one little strategist and now you've forgotten your whole reason for living. You live for Hideyoshi-sama! No one else! He would be so disappointed if he knew. If you're not even going to do your duty, you might as well do everyone a favour and kill yourself!"

Mitsunari looked down at the limp body he held in his arms, at the lifeless face that wouldn't smile or tease him ever again. Tremendous rage flooded through him, and he had just enough clarity to gently set down Motonari's body before he surged to feet, lunging at the shadow, screaming and lashing out at it with his hands -

Jerking awake with a strangled yelp, he lay there, propped up on his elbows, the blood rushing through his ears. His eyes adjusted to the dim candlelight in the room and the grip of the nightmare finally lessened.

He rubbed at his eyes with a hand. When he first encountered that vision, it was so long ago when they traveled to an island searching for Shiranui. The evil apparition residing in the depths of the island used the vision in order to enrage him so that it could feed off his hatred. He hadn't wanted to remember this. Why was it coming back to haunt him, and this time hitting him in all the places where it hurt the most?

But he couldn't deny that he still hadn't killed Ieyasu. It seemed that whenever revenge was within his grasp, it slipped away from him, leaving him to chase after it again.

"Mitsunari?" Motonari asked sleepily. "What's the matter?"

The swordsman reached out with a hand, touching his cheek and gazing into those brown eyes. Still alive. Motonari was still alive, and that was all that mattered.

"It…it's nothing," Mitsunari said, settling down again.

"Did you have a nightmare?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

Pressing against him, Motonari stroked his back with a hand. "I'm right here."

Mitsunari sighed and shut his eyes. He liked it when Motonari did that. It soothed him, and like a lullaby it helped him grow calm enough to fall asleep again.

#

In the morning, Motonari sneaked out, returning to his guest room. Mitsunari watched him go with a twinge of disappointment. This was the last time they could be together like this. To indulge in carnal desires too soon before the start of a campaign would bring misfortune. Until it was over, they must keep themselves pure.

As Mitsunari dressed, his eyes strayed to the shelf where he kept all the little trinkets and mementos from happier time. Padding over, he gazed at them, running his fingers over each one. The newest addition was a charm that Motonari had given him. The memory of the nightmare haunted him and he tore his gaze away. After his lord had been taken from him, his only comfort was the knowledge that he alone could seek justice for what happened. No matter what, he would kill Ieyasu. After that, nothing mattered.

At least, that was what he had thought. Then he met Motonari, and everything changed. Being with him made the joy of living burn bright in his heart. And now, he couldn't imagine being without him, without his teasing words and his wisdom.

But was this truly something he should have done? He hadn't even recovered from his grief - far from it. And yet he and Motonari shared a passionate relationship. Was it really all right for him to live for someone else when it should be his lord who was most important?

Stomping those thoughts to the back of his mind, he left the room. It was just a stupid dream. Motonari was important to him and he would never let go of him.

"Mitsunari, wait up!"

A smile stretched across his face and he turned.

Ishida Masazumi strode down the hall with a princely gait, joining his younger brother. Although the two were four years apart, they closely resembled each other, sharing the same yellow eyes and silver hair, although Masazumi's shone with a bluish tint. Unlike Mitsunari, Masazumi was powerfully built and preferred using large swords. This, coupled with setsuna, made him a lethal force on the battlefield.

"Onii-sama," Mitsunari said, "you seem better after a good night's rest."

"Indeed. I'm sorry if I was short with you when I returned last night."

Mitsunari shook his head and they walked through the corridors together, just like they always did. "I'm glad you're home."

Masazumi patted his back. "I missed you too."

"How was Sawayama?"

"It's all right now. I'm glad there aren't any more of those clay soldiers stomping around." Masazumi's gaze hardened. "Now there is only one battle left to fight."

Clenching his jaw, the younger Ishida nodded.

In the map room, Motonari and Yoshitsugu pored over the most recent map intelligence. Shiranui lay on the floor nearby, yawning, while Chibi climbed all over top of her. When it saw Mitsunari, it bounded over to him, tail wagging, and danced back and forth. Smiling, he rubbed the puppy's head.

"What's the situation like now?" he asked, straightening.

"We should be able to strike out soon against the Eastern Army," Yoshitsugu said. "It is a good opportunity. We'll have the upper hand." He glanced at the brothers. "With both the Cruel King and the Dark King on the battlefield, we have a significant advantage."

"Of course," Motonari remarked. "They are worth four hundred men each."

The corner of Masazumi's mouth lifted in a derisive grin. "Don't try to flatter me, Mouri. You won't earn my trust that way."

Glancing uncertainly between the two, Mitsunari waited, in case he had to intervene. The older Ishida respected the friendship he saw between Mitsunari and Motonari, but he was still wary of the strategist. After all, Motonari had attempted to betray Mitsunari before, so long ago, and Masazumi did not forget slights against his younger brother.

Motonari only smiled slyly. "You've nothing to fear from me, Bigger Ishida," he said, using the nickname coined by Motochika.

Masazumi snorted, but did not reply.

As the strategists discussed the terrain, Mitsunari barely listened. The battle with the serpent's forces had been a long one. Both the Western and Eastern armies cooperated in a pincer movement, closing in on both sides, but with some manipulation from Motonari and Yoshitsugu, the Eastern Army did most of the work. So now the Western Army had the advantage in numbers. As for the serpent, no one knew exactly what happened - just that Shiranui had defeated the creature and had the wounds to show for it. Her human companions hadn't been able to help her, unable to get past the firestorm and poisonous smoke caused by the serpent. Mitsunari had his doubts but if it was Shiranui, anything was possible. And she was good at exorcism.

And now, with this latest obstacle out of his way, he was free to close in on Ieyasu once and for all. His heart shivered with anticipation. Finally, he had the chance to spill the blood he had waited so long for.

"All our forces are ready," Motonari said. "We can move out within a few days, to accommodate Chousokabe."

Motochika. Mitsunari had forgotten to speak to the strategist about him. With the next battle looming so close, it couldn't wait.

After the meeting was done and they left the room, Mitsunari accompanied Motonari back to the guest room where they would have some privacy, and usual the wolves went with them.

"I'm surprised your brother isn't tailing us," Motonari said as they sat down.

"I told you before, he won't try to force us apart. Give it time. He'll trust you eventually."

Motonari glanced at him. "You two could almost be twins. Almost."

"We get that a lot. Ever since we were little, we have always done everything together." He chuckled.

"I admit that I get uncomfortable around him. I can't quite explain. There's some kind of aura around him that unsettles me."

Mitsunari looked away. "I know. He has that effect on people. So do I. That's why people fear us."

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Motonari asked in a gentler tone.

"I want your opinion about Chousokabe."

"Oh?"

"Now that he knows the truth about the attack on Shikoku…he doesn't doubt Ieyasu anymore." Mitsunari's hands clenched. "Do you think he will interfere with my revenge?"

The strategist looked at him, long and hard. For the first time that gaze made him uncomfortable, and he didn't know why.

"He didn't interfere at Sekigahara," Motonari said.

"No. He was occupied."

"Of course he was. I enjoyed having him at my beck and call for most of the battle. At no point did he run off and try to help Tokugawa."

"You can predict him, can't you? Will he try to stop me?"

Those eyes studied him again. "Most likely."

"If he does, I…" Looking at the floor, his hand curled into a fist. "I'll kill anyone who stands between Ieyasu and me. I have to avenge Hideyoshi-sama. I have to do this!"

"But you don't want to hurt Chousokabe. You think of him as a good man, don't you?"

"He was kind to me. I don't want to repay him with cruelty, but if I don't have a choice…"

"Mitsunari." Motonari's tone changed so suddenly that he looked up, startled. "Have you ever considered the fact that killing Tokugawa won't change anything?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Killing him won't bring your lord back. It won't undo all the suffering you went through, or restore the old days you long for. It might satisfy your hatred, but in the end it will leave you with nothing."

Mitsunari slammed a hand against the floor. "You of all people should know that the only thing I want most is Ieyasu's death! And yet you're trying to dissuade me from killing him? Have you lost your mind?"

With his usual calm, Motonari met his gaze. "How strange. Chousokabe was in a similar position with his dead men and you were the one who convinced him not to seek vengeance. Yet when it comes to yourself, you're blind."

"Why are you saying these things to me? Stop it! I don't want to hear any more!"

The strategist seemed about to argue but thought better of it. "It's clear that I can't change your mind. If that's the case, then I'll just have to help you get what you want."

His anger subsided. "…You will?"

"Just who do you think I am?" Motonari asked with a smile.

Mitsunari relaxed. Of course. One of the most cunning strategists in the West was helping him. Motonari executed his plans beautifully and nothing ever went wrong. Which meant that this time, for certain, he would have his revenge and appease his lord's spirit.

"I'll deliver Tokugawa straight to your blade, if you would prefer," Motonari said. "I just need a little time to think."

"I don't care if we need an extra day, if it means that your scheme will succeed. Do what you must."

"That's what I wanted to hear."

His cheeks tingling with heat, he lowered his head. "You've done so much for me. After this, I…I suppose I'll be in your debt."

Motonari just shook his head and smiled.

Later that evening, the strategist requested to see him and he went to the guest room. The wolves greeted him as he entered, and Motonari knelt on the floor grinding raw plant materials into powder and measuring them.

"What are you doing?" Mitsunari asked.

"It's just medicine. I've been having headaches lately. It should help."

"Is it bad?"

The strategist snorted. "They're just headaches. It must have to do with the weather."

"So did you think of something?"

"Yes." Their eyes met. "I'm setting out to meet with Chousokabe tomorrow morning. I'll also pass him the news that he should come to assist us within a few days."

"You're going to see him, alone?"

"I know what you're thinking. I doubt he'll try anything, seeing as we settled our dispute not too long ago. He may not welcome me, but he won't attack me."

"Let me come with you."

"No. For this to work, I should go alone. You worry too much about me," he added.

Mitsunari looked away. "But it's not safe..."

"I know how to handle Chousokabe."

"What are you going to say to him?"

Motonari poured the powder into a paper packet. "I'll speak to him about Ieyasu. About you. Depending on his response, it could change my plans. In the end, though, it's about preventing his interference."

Even though he was still discouraged by Motonari's decision to go alone, he nodded. It felt like something would go wrong. But he trusted Motonari's judgment. If Mitsunari insisted on going, his presence might influence Motochika's reaction, and Motonari probably didn't want that. So it was best if he obeyed and let the strategist carry out his plan.