A/N: Title name sucks but it's called I never wrote chapter titles until I started writing on AO3 so deal with it.
Malachi's POV
I exited my room, pressing a hand to my head as the loud ringing overstimulated my senses. I strained my eyes as I looked out onto the halls. Was there a fire? That's when I noticed, I wasn't the only one. Doors were opening left and right, vassals running everywhere. "..Up! Everyone up! Arm yourselves! Everyone with a weapon is to join in the search!" Not a fire then. The vassals were armed to kill.
What on Earth are they searching for? Intruders? A panicked voice interrupted my thoughts, "..Malachi?! What are you doing standing there?! Get back to your room, now!" I stared at the man addressing me, trying to discern who he was. I didn't have my glasses on, but I quickly recognized the slightly messy blonde hair of Ieyasu. "Ieyasu..? No! Not until you give me some idea of what's going on!"
Ieyasu quickly averted his gaze, "..Mgh.." But then he turned his green gaze to meet mine, "Mitsuhide's.. He's escaped, all right?!" I felt my eyes widen at his statement and I stepped back in my shock, "He broke out of his cell?!" "..He was a traitor after all- at least, that's what every single person in Azuchi is thinking. There's no protecting him now that he's done this. The moment he's caught, he's a dead man."
I could practically hear Ieyasu murmuring 'Don't let that idiot get caught' under his breath as he turned to walk away. Without thinking, I blurted out- "Ieyasu, let me assist in the search." Ieyasu glared at me, "Are you an idiot too? You need to stay as far away from this situation as possible! Before someone gets the idea to lure him into a trap by grabbing you and using you as bait!" His words were harsh, but Ieyasu had a point.
"You know how many enemies he has- and how nasty they can get.. The safest place for you is in your room.. And maybe put something heavy in front of the door." Ieyasu told me. I let out a sigh of defeat, "..You're right." "Look, I'll.. I'll tell you as soon as I have news." Ieyasu clenched his hands before giving me a very stilted attempt at a pat on the head. Then he ran off.
I returned to my room, but I kept it dark, just in case. But I didn't dare try to sleep. I huddled up in my blanket to wait out the long night. After that loud burst of activity, the castle was horribly silent. Too silent. Suffocatingly silent. Everyone was out searching, there wasn't a single doubt in my mind. I only had one thought on my mind. I didn't want Mitsuhide to get himself caught. ..But I had no idea what the hell he was even thinking. Why would he do this?
It was such a silly question. Even if he were here to hear me, he wouldn't give me an answer. At least, not a satisfying one. Just then, I heard a sound. A rattling coming from the window. But no matter how far out I threw my senses, I was detecting nobody.. There's noise, but.. No one's here? Suddenly, the window opened from the outside. Moonlight quickly came spilling in the room, and a figure stood there.
"You're still awake, little one? It's not good to spend so much time in the dark, you know." I stared at him in shock, pleased to hear his familiar voice, shocked to see him, horrified that I couldn't even sense his presence.. "..Mitsuhide?"
