Malachi's POV

"..Mitsuhide's gotten away?" Ieyasu nodded in confirmation, "Yeah, it was an almost perfect escape." "No one's reported seeing him since, either." Mitsunari added on. A sigh of relief escaped my lips before I even realized it. Ieyasu and Mitsunari had arrived bright and early this morning to keep me informed of the situation at hand.

I have no idea where Mitsuhide is, but after witnessing how awful he was being treated here? I'm glad he got away. "Malachi? You sound almost.." Mitsunari muttered, almost sounding in disbelief. "..I'm relieved. Not that I ever doubted him, of course." I admitted. Though, once I saw it had begun raining, I was a bit worried. He's been mistreated for so long and mortals are so.. fragile. I hope he doesn't catch any illness.

"..You DO realize you could be thrown in the cell he just vacated if anyone heard you?" Ieyasu asked, narrowing his green eyes at me. "Though I was just going to comment that it's been so long since I've last seen you smile." Mitsunari commented, a smile of his own gracing his angelic features. 'Oh.. Haha. Forgot about the conflicts of interest for a moment there.'

I lightly shook my head, "I apologize. I know to the Oda forces, a traitor with valuable information is now on the run, but.." "Eh, it's fine. You can tell the truth around us, at least." Ieyasu spoke, running a hand through the back of his blonde hair. "Yes. And to be honest, I too am relieved." Mitsunari added, "As a matter of fact, I purposely sabotaged the search party so that Lord Mitsuhide might avoid detection."

It was certainly a kind thing of Mitsunari to do. ..If significantly more treasonous than my relief for Mitsuhide's successful escape. "I didn't tell YOU to tell the truth, Mitsunari!" Despite the harsh glare on Ieyasu's face, I knew that Mitsunari's secret was safe with us. I could sense nothing but relief from the other two men, making it evident we were all glad for Mitsuhide.

Even if none of us are free to express it out loud. "Anyway, he left Azuchi in a hurry. Who knows where he's gone to now.." Ieyasu muttered. Mitsunari's expression turned more serious, an opposite to his earlier angelic smile. "We may find out soon." he commented, "Lord Mitsuhide never acted without a plan." I nodded in agreement, "I agree. I think this is just some part of a much bigger plan."

It was much easier to relax if I allowed myself to believe that Mitsuhide had everything under control. Last night, it felt as if my heart was ripped apart, having to watch him go. But starting today, I had to put myself back together. A good way to do that was to figure out just exactly what he's up to. I wasn't sure why, but I felt as if I was close to the answer. Closer than I'd ever been before. But speaking of close, an idea struck me.

"Are you sure this is wise, Lady Malachi?" Ranmaru asked, his voice uncertain. I stood, facing the building in front of me, but kept my head turned to face the young man standing beside me. "Right now, our only connection to Mitsuhide is what he left behind. Our only option is to hope that he left something good in Akechi Manor."