Malachi's POV
Showing up in the middle of a burning temple was certainly a strange situation, especially when you have no idea how you'd gotten there. Yet here I was, in the midst of a burning temple with a previously unconscious man.
I had no idea who this man was after I'd rescued him, I had honestly just seen a man unconscious in a burning temple and rescued him without thinking. But I hadn't been paying much attention to him after getting outside that burning mess. All I wanted to do was figure out where I was.
Last I remembered was being in Kyoto, Japan on a vacation all by myself. Sad, I know, but I hadn't really cared. I suppose having no real family for quite a few years does that to you. It was a peaceful night stroll throughout the beautiful city, recalling happily how after months of hard work, I had finally secured my dream job. Happy that soon, I'd be considered a professional artist.
I had gone to Kyoto on vacation with the intention to get whatever partying I had in my system out, so I could focus full-heartedly on my new career.
One thing Kyoto was well-known for was the burning of Honno-ji, an incident in which a famously feared Warlord, Nobunaga Oda, had died after being betrayed by one of his most trusted vassals, his left-hand man, Mitsuhide Akechi. The incident had ended up becoming one of the world's biggest mysteries, as no one could figure out Akechi's motive. Or at least, that's what the "A Traveler's Guide to Japan's Hottest Warlords" guide I bought said.
I'll be honest, I'm not well versed in Japanese history. Growing up in a country like America will do that to you, you don't learn about any other country's history besides your own, all while demonizing others. Maybe that was why I'd taken such an interest in different cultures and histories outside of the USA.
I opened up the travel guide once more, trying to figure out the closest famous place I could visit. Then it popped out at me, the stone monument that stood in memorial of the Honno-ji incident, where the temple had once stood before. I read over the article once more, sort of in awe.
Not of Nobunaga Oda, the man who'd died there, I genuinely couldn't be bothered by him. Sure, he'd almost unified all of Japan under his rule, but there were some very.. unpleasant stories tied to his name. I was more interested in the mystery surrounding Mitsuhide Akechi, and how strange the circumstances of Oda's death were. For such a well renowned and fierce Warlord, I can't understand why he'd take his own life. Was Akechi really that much of a formidable opponent that Oda thought he couldn't stand a chance?
Or.. Was it really betrayal after all?
My curiosity getting the better of me, I followed the map to where the monument stood. It was a simple, somber monument, not exactly of impressive size. I wondered if Oda would've been disappointed that this was all his legacy had chalked out to? It was also a bit amusing to me.
For such an important man, this was all his legacy brought out to. Last I'd heard, his two successors were more well known, Hideyoshi Toyotomi and Ieyasu Tokugawa. I suppose that was a bit disappointing. All that hard work and two other men were given more credit.
As I stood and looked at the monument, a man came up to it as well. He had brown hair that got lighter towards the tips, it looked a tad bit messy, and brown eyes hidden behind glasses. He was also wearing a white lab coat with a green button-up and black jeans underneath. To be honest, the lab coat made him stick out a bit.
He stood beside me silently, his eyes fixed on the stone. Despite my curiosity towards humans, I tried not to stare. But I couldn't help myself. He seemed a bit young to be a doctor, perhaps he was a medical student? His serious expression certainly helped convey this image of him. He was honestly more intriguing than the monument itself, I couldn't help but stare.
All of a sudden, a drop of cold rain fell on my face. Looking up, I noticed the dark sheets of cloud that resided overhead. A small "Oh no." left my lips as the clouds suddenly broke and the once tiny drops turned into a massive downpour.
"What poor timing." I heard the man speak next to me, but I'd barely heard him. "'Clear skies all day and night', my ass!" I muttered, remembering the clear lie from the weather forecast earlier that day. I hate rain, more than anything. For someone who wears glasses and often dyes their hair, rain is the bane of my existence. It either fogs up my glasses so I can't see or causes my hair dye to bleed which then causes my skin to be all colorful.
Then, I finally noticed the man had turned his attention to me and was talking to me, "Are you alright? Do you have an umbrella?" He asked, "Yes, but not on me." I replied. I looked into his eyes, when suddenly- "Huh!" "AH-"
A bolt of lightning struck down in front of us, shattering the monument into pieces right before our eyes. I was in disbelief. That couldn't have just happened.. I had never seen lightning that close before. Suddenly, in a panicked voice, I heard him speak one last time, "Be careful, miss-" "Huh?" He offered me his hand, but then, there was a loud crash and everything appeared to bend and warp into darkness.
That was when I'd opened my eyes, and found myself in that burning temple. I remember being in shock when I opened my eyes there, after all, it had been raining and now it wasn't. I was outside and now I was inside. It didn't make any sense. Not to mention the smoke from the fire had been particularly disorientating. My first instinct had been to cover my mouth and look through the smoke, but I couldn't see the man anywhere.
Instead, I had seen a completely different scene unfold before me. A man adorned in a suit of ancient Japanese armor lay passed out on the wooden floor. Another man, holding some sort of.. stick, was approaching him. And that's when I realized the stick was actually a sword, being illuminated by the sparks from the aflame walls. And I immediately went into fight or flight mode.
Without thinking, I had called out a warning, "Hey, you, look out!" to the unconscious, armored man, and it seemed to have startled the sword wielding man. The sword wielding man disappeared, and I approached the unconscious man, shaking him urgently awake.
I let out a sigh of relief when he finally woke, lifting his eyelids lazily. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice deep yet clearly still sleepy. I grabbed his arm, attempting to pull him up, "No time to explain right now, we have to get you out of here now!" I spoke, my voice filled with urgency. He didn't seem to budge at first, which was infuriating. I glared at him, trying to silently convey that there's a building on fire and another man near here attempting to kill him and it's probably not best to stick around!
Almost as if he had got my message, he took my hand and allowed me to lead him out of there. I wasn't sure who he was, all I knew is that I hadn't wanted to see him hurt or worse. I knew I couldn't live with the fact that I had left someone to die when I could've done something.
Backing away from the quickly spreading flames, a man with a youthful appearance watched the two of them escape, his eyes wide. "...I'm sorry... I'm sorry but I couldn't do it. . ." he spoke softly. Too softly to be heard as the raging fire swallowed his tearful apology. Then, he too, escaped the burning temple.
And now, here I stood. Shocked that I'd had the courage to rescue someone from a burning building, and I hadn't even known the guy! Behind me, I could hear the building being engulfed in flames, yet I didn't pay much mind. I was still confused as to how I'd gotten here and where the medical student had gone off to.
This has to be some sort of dream.. Right? There's no way in hell this is real.. But his voice broke through my thoughts, "Someone tried to do away with me while I slept? Audacious, but foolish." He spoke, the drowsiness had left his voice, making him sound powerful and commanding.
"Killing my guards and getting that close to me is another matter." He turned to me, and looked down at where I had still held his hand, "You there. Woman. Let go of me." I quickly drew away my hand, not having realized that I still held his. "Sorry- Wait.. Woman?" I was taken aback, did he really think I was a woman? Now that I recall.. That other guy called me 'miss'.. Maybe I need to make further adjustments to my appearance..
I hadn't noticed him looking over me thoughtfully, until he spoke again. "You saved my life. You may be some girl the monks snuck in for amusement, but I owe you my thanks." I was too stunned to speak. Some girl? Monks? What the hell was he going on about? Annoyed, I spoke, "Really? I must have missed all the amused monks in the massive fire we just escaped. I don't know how I got in there."
Who even is this guy? I wondered as I got a better look at him. He had dark hair and proud yet brutal red eyes. He was dressed similarly to a star in a samurai drama, he also spoke like one too. But I could tell by the materials that his clothes were authentic. Just about as authentic as the sword on his belt.
"What are you staring at? Surely you know who I am." I shook my head, "I actually do not." "You saved me without knowing who I am? Not expecting reward or favor?" I shook my head once more, "I genuinely have no idea who you are, nor do I care-" I attempted to walk away, but he continued speaking. Not wanting to be rude, I continued to listen.
"So be it. I shall tell you my name anyway. I am the man who will rule all under the sun-" Wow, he has an ego, doesn't he? "I already said you don't need to tell me, I don't care-" "What?" He seemed offended. But I didn't actually want to know. Something in my gut was telling me that whatever he had to say, I wasn't going to like it.
"You're a curious one, woman. No one's ever spoken so impudently to me before." Oh my god. He's spoiled as well? That just makes it worse. It also seems he's never heard of a trans person before seeing as he keeps referring to me as 'woman'. But.. Something's telling me I shouldn't correct him..
Suddenly, he let out an amused laugh that seemed to echo into the night. At least I hadn't pissed him off.. But.. Is there really anything to be laughing about going on right now? "You intrigue me, which is almost as worthy of praise as saving my life. I am the Lord of Azuchi Castle and Daimyo of Owari, Nobunaga Oda."
Nobunaga Oda.. Did he really just say that his name was Nobunaga Oda? As in the guy who died nearly 500 years ago? THAT Nobunaga Oda? I stared at him in shock, then without another word, I turned toward the gate of the burning temple. There was a sign on the gate, engraved with the unmistakable name 'Honno-ji'.
Feeling my nerves building up, I asked, "Pardon me for asking something so strange, but what year is it?" "It is 1582, why?" It suddenly felt as if reality itself came crashing down onto me. How the hell had I gone all the way back to 1582 from 20XX?!
My mind suddenly went back to the 'Hottest Warlords' travel guide. "In the year 1582, betrayed by Mitsuhide Akechi, Nobunaga committed suicide amidst the fiery wreckage of Honno-ji." This has to be a dream. Moving, almost as if I was a machine, I raised my hand to my face and pinched my cheek, hard. Pain. Well fuck, looks like this isn't a dream! But.. does that mean I actually went back to the night Oda was supposed to die?
"What are you pinching yourself for?" He asked, an amused smile on his lips. "I've given my name. It's your turn." I didn't exactly feel comfortable telling him my name, seeing as he already thought I was a woman, but right as I tried to speak, I was interrupted.
The self-proclaimed Nobunaga Oda took a full step forward and took my chin in his hand, forcing me to meet his eyes. "Give me your name." He spoke, almost like a commander speaking down to his vassals. Realizing I couldn't get out of this, I told him. "Malachi.. My name is Malachi."
"Malachi, then?" He repeated, "Strange name for a woman but.. A good name nonetheless." I wasn't sure whether to be offended by that or not. "Glad you approve. Now, let go of me." I brushed his hand off and put some distance between us. All I wanted at that moment was to figure out what the hell was going on.
My head was spinning and I felt myself begin to shake. But then, I could sense the presence of a large group heading in our direction. "Lord Nobunaga, you're safe!" A man spoke, his voice almost.. angelic? Who the hell is this? "Mitsunari? Why are you here? Where is Hideyoshi?" "Lord Hideyoshi sent me ahead. He should be here shortly."
The man called Mitsunari took in the sight of the burning temple with a frown. "We received information about an assassination attempt. It appears to have been true. I had my men search the grounds, but whoever it was had already fled." Taking this as a good distraction, I tried to slowly walk away. But it seemed whoever Mitsunari is had already been curious about my presence.
He looked at me for a brief moment, before turning to his lord, "If I may ask, who is this? I saw the two of you leave the temple together." FUCK. Nobunaga looked at me, almost as if he was commanding me to do as he said. "Malachi, present yourself to my subordinate." He indicated to Mitsunari with a nod and waited. But I only glanced at him sideways. Did he really think he could command me like I was one of his vassals and I'd obey like some obedient dog?
"I apologize, did I miss the part where I became a subordinate too? I don't have to follow your orders like some obedient dog." I replied, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "Then you're choosing to disobey me?" I never said I would obey you, now did I? His glare was as sharp as a knife, but I wasn't going to back down. But I will admit, he was intimidating.
"Please, this is on me. It was rude of me not to introduce myself first." The other man turned to me, a sweet smile residing on his features. "My name is Mitsunari Ishida. I serve at the side of Lord Hideyoshi, Lord Nobunaga's right-hand man." Mitsunari explained. Which allowed me to finally get a good look at him.
He had gray hair, almost black, with soft violet eyes and gentle features. If it wasn't for his outfit, I would've found it hard to believe he was a warlord too. "Erm.. A pleasure to meet you. I'm Malachi." Mitsunari seemed kind, which was a welcome change of pace. He was also incredibly pretty. "I don't know who she is, but she woke me up and saw me to safety." Nobunaga interjected.
"She did!" Mitsunari exclaimed, then turned back to me, his expression brightening. "I can't thank you enough for protecting our lord's life." Deciding to be honest, I told him the truth. "No need to thank me. I did it without thinking." "But what brought you here tonight?" Mitsunari asked. Oh if only I knew the answer to that.. I genuinely have no idea.
Taking a good look at me, Mitsunari spoke once more, "You don't appear to be a nun. And your outfit is unusual, especially for a woman. Are you from abroad?" I almost replied yes, then remembered that America didn't exist during the 16th century. Then I remembered I didn't have an explanation for the clothing I wore.
Glancing down, I remembered that earlier that morning, I had chosen to wear a plain white tee with a black denim jacket and black pants, along with leather boots. But now my pants were dirty from smoke and my shirt and jacket were partially burnt and torn from the flame. Deciding once more to be honest, I blurted out, "Actually, I'm from a different time than yours altogether."
Both of them stared at me in surprise and muttered out, "What?" in unison. I'm sure it's going to sound strange, but.. May as well be honest, right? "I'm from about 500 years in the future.." They both continued to stare at me in shock, then disbelief. "She's a story-teller too. Although I've never heard such an absurd tale!" Nobunaga laughed while Mitsunari looked at me in concern. "You poor thing. The smoke from the fire was very disorientating, I'm sure."
Really? Neither of them are even considering it? I guess I'd have trouble believing it too.. I was about to argue, "I really am from the future though-" but Mitsunari interrupted me. "Sit down over here and get some fresh air. Someone will bring you a change of clothes. Once you're freshened up, you'll feel much better."
I was annoyed, but Mitsunari seemed nice so.. I didn't want to be mean. I muttered a small "Thank you" and gave Mitsunari a bow. But he took my hands in his and held on until a soldier came up with a bundle. Mitsunari gave me another sweet smile, "Now, let's get you into these, shall we, Lady Malachi?"
It had been a struggle to attempt to put on a kimono, but I'd figured it out. Once I'd finished changing, I stepped out of the tent and Mitsunari guided me towards the center of a hastily assembled camp. "Wait right here. I'll bring you a warm cup of good, clean water to clear your throat." Mitsunari gave me another warm, gentle smile then wandered off.
As much as I appreciate his hospitality, I wish he wouldn't at the same time. I'd much rather try to find a way back to 20XX. After Mitsunari had left, I noticed that the only other person nearby was Nobunaga. "You clean up well." He commented. Oh, thank you, asshat. It's a skill you learn after living alone most of your life. But I knew I couldn't say that.
I didn't bother to reply and paid no mind to his lingering gaze. Instead, I turned and kept my gaze on the entrance, waiting for Mitsunari. Glancing up, I noticed that the smoke from the temple had started to clear. I guess Mitsunari's troops must've done that. It felt a bit easier to breathe now, but not that much considering my anxiety levels.
Then, I noticed someone enter camp. Someone who wasn't Mitsunari. I got a better look at him as he approached, the man had pale skin, white hair, and light yellow eyes with long eyelashes that, surprisingly, complimented him well.
"My lord, I see you are well." He greeted Nobunaga. "Mitsuhide?" I felt my entire body freeze up as Nobuanag's word. Mitsuhide? As in Mitsuhide Akechi? The asshole who betrayed Nobunaga Oda and started this entire incident?! THAT Mitsuhide is the same one, standing in front of us, right now?
"I hurried here when I heard about the attack, but it seems there was nothing for me to worry about." He spoke, his deep voice surprisingly calm, yet it matched the calm and composed smile on his face. "You, worry? Don't make me laugh. I've never even seen you sweat." As I watched Nobunaga smile at the man I had known as his betrayer, another person burst through the curtain.
This one had golden brown hair with golden eyes to match, and he spoke in a panicked voice. "Lord Nobuanga! Are you injured?" "Hideyoshi. The only injury I suffered is to my pride in letting my assailant escape." Nobunaga replied in a calm voice. "I see." The man, Hideyoshi, let out a sigh of relief, a smile gracing his features.
"And now Hideyoshi Toyotomi shows up! Just fan-fucking-tastic." I thought, or at least I thought I had. Apparently, I'd spoken out loud, enough for Hideyoshi to hear me. "Aren't we outspoken? Have we met?" He asked. Without giving me a chance to speak, Nobunaga spoke for me. "Let her be. Her name is Malachi, and she's the one who saved my life."
My nerves only heightened when both Akechi and Toyotomi were now looking at me. "You saved Nobunaga's life..?" Akechi muttered, almost in disbelief. Yeah, I couldn't believe it either. And frankly, I'm wishing I'd walked away when I had the chance. But Akechi's disbelief disappeared, a teasing smile taking its place. "And you're such a slender thing. But it appears your courage makes up for it."
Thanks, Akechi. You're a pretty face but your personality only makes you unbearable and not worth the effort. But luckily for me, the attention was taken off me and quickly placed onto Mitsuhide. "Mitsuhide, what are you doing here?" Hideyoshi asked. A more serious expression rested on his features.
"I was wondering the same thing. I didn't know you were in Kyoto. What about the campaign?" "When I heard about the threat on Lord Nobunaga's life, I dropped everything to come here. But I never heard anything about you being in Kyoto." "Are you implying something?" The two men glared at each other, and the tension was so thick you could probably cut it with a knife yet the knife would break.
I was a bit surprised that Hideyoshi was already suspicious that Mitsuhide is responsible for the attack. But not entirely surprised at the same time. But then, Mitsuhide's teasing smile returned, "All men have secrets in these chaotic times. Are you saying you act with no ambition of your own?" "Stop being evasive. Confess." Hideyoshi's eyes flared as he gripped his sword, almost ready to draw.
I had secretly been hoping that Hideyoshi was as nice as his appearance suggested, but it seems that I was wrong. "If I find out you played any part in this attack on our lord, Mitsuhide, I'll show you no mercy." Hideyoshi spoke through gritted teeth.
"I don't think it was him!" A voice called out, and both Mitsuhide and Hideyoshi turned sharply in my direction. That was when I realized, the voice had been mine, and I'd spoken without thinking. I slapped a hand over my own mouth, avoiding their gazes. I hadn't wanted to get in between them, but I guess I hadn't wanted to see bloodshed either.
Realizing I needed to come up with an excuse to my outburst, I spoke once more, "I caught a glimpse of the man who attacked Nobunaga- um.. Lord Nobunaga. His stature was.. Different from Akechi's. And he seemed more youthful- Not that I'm calling you old." I spoke, almost frantically, my voice all over the place. However, I was sure now it wasn't Mitsuhide in that temple as I slowly recalled the details once more.
Hideyoshi glared at me, and spoke harshly, "Micah, was it? Stay out of this. We'll settle things with you later, and learn why you've schemed to get so close to Lord Nobunaga." Excuse me? First, you get my name wrong, and second, you think I want to be anywhere near Nobunaga? I don't even want to touch him with a 10ft pole.
Angrily, I spoke out, "It's Malachi, not Micah, thanks asshole. And excuse me! I was there by chance. I'm not the schemer here." Before further argument could continue, Nobunaga stepped in. "Enough, Hideyoshi. Regardless of what brings Mitsuhide here, I am alive and well." That seemed to make Hideyoshi back down. "My apologies, Lord Nobunaga." He immediately let go of his sword, his hand relaxing just a bit.
"Hideyoshi, Mitsuhide, give us a moment. I have something I'd like to discuss with Malachi." Nobunaga spoke. If my nerves weren't already through the roof, they certainly are now. What the hell could he want? Without any argument, Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide stepped aside as Nobunaga approached me.
"If you're angry about me calling Hideyoshi an asshole, I'm sorry-" I began, but Nobunaga only laughed. "Your bold lies about coming from the future and your strange language aside, you saved my life. I'm intrigued by you. You're a woman who carries fortune's favor, of that I'm certain." I stared at him in confusion, what the hell was he going on about now?
"I could argue that-" I began, but I was interrupted. My eyes widened as I'd realized that Nobunaga had slipped one arm around my waist, drawing me possessively towards him. "How would you like to rule the world by my side?"
I'm sorry- WHAT.