Notes: Warning, this chapter contains mention of blood.
Mitsuhide's POV
"I CANNOT do this! I really, really can't!" "Everyone says that at first. Don't fret." Of course, no one had ever said it like she did. Malachi was clearly very adamant about not wanting to ride a horse. And yet, it would greatly enhance what she is capable of doing in a desperate situation. Being able to ride can make the difference between life and death in War.
Suddenly, she smiled, yet the fact she was upset was still clear in her eyes. "Mitsuhide, you're tall. So maybe you don't understand that humans aren't meant to scale moving things TWICE their height!" she exclaimed, yet I didn't falter. "There's no need to impose the limitations of others on yourself. Strive, and discover what new heights you can reach." I attempted to encourage her, but, Malachi certainly wasn't having it. "..You mean fall from?! Anyway, I thought you were just supposed to watch me so I don't turn against Nobunaga?!"
Ah, she's beginning to suspect my motives. That meant my lessons were working. "Isn't teaching me these skills just turning me into more of a risk? You could really stop at any time..!" I smiled at her, "Oh, I could, but I find tormenting you so much fun." As I grinned at her, it created the proper effect. And, my words had only been partly a lie. "That being said, I recommend calming down. Horses are sensitive to fear. Just give her clear instructions on where you want to go."
"No clutching her like a barrel, and no shouting. You wouldn't want to make that..rather large..horse uncomfortable. Though lucky for you, this mare is several times more sensible and level-headed than you are." I gave her an encouraging pat on the back- but she glared at me. "Okay one- You could've just said shut the fuck up and that would've been nicer. And two- NO! I'm not doing this! I'm not a TOY, Mitsuhide, and you're crazy if you think I'll allow you to treat me like one!"
Then, she shoved me and ran away. All things having been considered, that was a fair reaction from her. 'But if you think you can escape me, little mouse, you still have so much to learn..'
"Did I..lose him..?" Malachi had run exactly where I'd planned her to. I caught a glimpse of her, crouching to the ground and attempting to catch her breath. Then, she heard my footsteps and turned around sharply. "You are a very taxing pupil." I glared at her. "How the FUCK did you find me so quickly?" "I knew you were apt to run, so I closed key gates before we started. 'Guide your opponent.' A simple tactic. Now, come. Do not leave your steed unless it is a matter of life or death."
She glared at me, hatred blazing in her eyes. "No. I refuse to move from here." "Petulant children require discipline." "What are you-? Hey?!" Allowing yourself to get too scared and you risk growing stiff and unresponsive. Better to move and keep your reactions in a timely manner. I lifted Malachi up despite her protests, then I placed her atop the horse. "Follow the path. The open gates will lead you around the castle. Don't come back until you're done. Now go." I told her. Malachi let out a yell after I gave the horse a slap on the hind leg and it took off with a whine. Now, off to the first checkpoint.
I met Malachi at the gates of Azuchi Castle, but she had not yet gotten control of the horse. "..Stop! Whoa, girl! Please.. Listen to me!" She attempted to calm the horse, her voice sounding like she had done something similar before. But, she accidentally yanked on the horse's mane, an act which caused the horse to rear up in defense. Malachi lost her grip and went toppling off.
I raced forward and caught her in my arms, yet it wasn't as gentle a catch as I would've liked. "It really wouldn't kill you to listen to me. Yet you remain so troublesome, little one." However, she didn't react to my teasing. Her eyes glazed over with pain, and then I noticed the warm liquid slowly staining her kimono from underneath. Blood.
Malachi pushed herself away from me, panic flashing in her eyes. "Malachi-" Without giving me any time to speak, she ran away back towards the castle. As I was about to chase after her, I'd realized something-
The blood hadn't been crimson.
It had been dark, almost.. violet.