Mai
She squints her eyes as the first rays of the sun come by, groaning low at the feeling of her aching joints. Her companion—kind of captor, widely famous ancient Sengoku warlord, pristinely sculptured and more than the healthy amount of handsome guy—Masamune goddamn Date, seems just as relaxed and carefree as he'd been throughout the entire ride, gently squeezing Mai under her ribs after she shows some signs of awakening.
For all her wariness and natural fear towards horse-riding, he'd worked surprisingly well into getting her comfortable with it; a fact pretty much deserving of her praise. Masamune's mare isn't galloping at full speed as of then, bringing Mai to presume they must be close to… whenever they were going to in the first place.
As if by cue, he takes mind in letting her know. "Perfect timing, lass," Masamune's voice feels like a refreshing breeze of clear air, a stark contrast from her past agitated nightmare that was her last night.
The sight, however, is what truly takes her breath away—right under the dawning sun, it looks like a fortress, a castle and a city all in one.
"Let me introduce you Azuchi Castle, home of the Oda forces."
Mai's eyes roam all over the incredible sight displayed before her—for once, compelling enough to make her turn away from that deep ocean in Masamune's eye. And wow, that's the real Azuchi Castle, indeed! If she recalls it right, it's been destroyed not much longer after Nobunaga's death.
"Lovely, is it? A sight for sore eyes…" Masamune's breath tickles the back of her neck and she has to do her very best not to squirm, but it prompts her awake all the same. "You'll grow to like it as well, I'm sure."
"Is that so?" Mai says with a weak voice, "How can you tell?"
"You just strike me as one not up for sitting idle and watch the sunsets, and Azuchi has plenty of activities for you to join up, day and night." His observation practically confirms her ponderings of him—apparently, Masamune is a remarkably perceptive guy as well.
As their wild ride turns to a slower pace, Mai stays put and takes her time looking at all the marvelous buildings coming to sight. Such a beautiful town castle, so full of life, only to be ransacked and destroyed due to the hatred of one single man—the thought of it kind of puts Mai at ease with some other lingering concerns regarding what she truly had done the last night.
Maybe saving Nobunaga, if accidentally, wasn't so bad after all. If this city and its denizens get to survive for at least some more years, then it's probably worth it… right?
She doesn't get the chance to ponder some more about it as Hideyoshi—who's apparently catch up some moments ago—comes up to ride beside Masamune's horse, a frown on his face.
"Don't show yourself to Lord Nobunaga with that expression. You look like a gaping frog." He doesn't even bother greeting the pair of them, returning to his usual scolding.
Man, is that everything that comes from his mouth or what?
Mai glares at him, imitating his frown. "And when, if you may remind me, did I agree to see him?" She wonders, growing annoyed in a split of a second.
For all intents and purposes, Masamune doesn't seem taken aback in the slightest. "Hmm, so you're a morning person. I'll keep that in mind," He appears to muse to himself, and she doesn't quite understand from where that comes from, a brow quirking up in confusion. Although aside from he doesn't seem to disapprove, his joking words spoken right to her ear remind her of how close they are, and how she's still tucked tight against his chest, her face flushing more deeply.
"Aaaaanyway, we're here, so you can put me down already," She truly needs to place some distance between her and Masamune, and fast, or else she can't think straight.
However, her protest appears to make the opposite effect on him, tucking her even closer. "Hmm, I think not. I'm pretty happy with you here," He says in a low and very teasing voice, only for her to hear. Whatever complaint she could make of, Mai's forced to put it off as a giggle bubbles up her throat, his breath tickling her ear.
He's an ass and, for some reason, also believes himself to be funny. And hot like the pits of hell, for heaven's sake! Can't believe I like him already…
Hideyoshi hums in sheer disapproval, though. "Masamune," He frowns even harder, "Lord Nobunaga has taken an interest in this woman. Keep your hands off her,"
If that was her only chance to be 'saved' from the Dragon's claws, then that opportunity passes by with the next gust of wind, but Mai doesn't get particularly upset about that, actually. So that's how it is, huh? I'm a trophy woman now? Oh, that's it! I don't even care if he helped to unify the country or not, I'm showing him who's a trophy after I shove this sandal up his—
Her thoughts are interrupted by an amused rumble, coming from behind her. "And why does that matter? I like her too." Masamune shrugs nonchalantly, sounding even proud of mentioning that, "Men don't thrive in the shadows of other men, in battle or in love…"
Mai stammers, "Hey, you two, I'm right here—" But whatever excuse she could think of, that's also gone at the sight of Masamune's sapphire eye, glinting with the delight of a predator hunting a prey. Yet it doesn't come off as actually offensive, just respectfully curious; with a vibe of figuring out firsthand what she was just about to say in her defense, mixed up with a sort of genuine interest in her true nature, probably both.
She can't help but wonder what that prey must feel like, being scrutinized by such a wild force as the One-eyed Dragon. He certainly enjoys the thrill of the hunt, but what happens after he takes over his target? Does he like to toy with his prey or does he rather prefer to claim his reward straight away? Maybe it's nothing like that, and he just finds amusement in watching people so willingly falling for the spell that is his incredibly alluring gaze, but that doesn't stop Mai from derailing off; her thoughts wandering to some other… interesting situations.
Such amusing train of thought comes to an end as a large group of women make their way to them, all but delighted. "Hideyoshi! Welcome back!" Their excited calls bring her back to her surroundings, trying to call the attention of the men, waving their hands up incessantly.
They all line up at the gate to apparently welcome them back, cheering and making pretty eyes at the two warlords. "Oh, Masamune, you're as dashing as ever!" One of the ladies throws what looks like her best charming smile, "Who's your friend?"
For the matter, Masamune comes to genuinely surprise her, huffing low in disapproval. "How can you get this welcome every single time, Hideyoshi? Break a heart or two, will you?" His reaction comes to be a discovery for Mai, given the absolute flirt he's first presented himself up to being, giving him a brief odd look.
"What do you take me for?" Hideyoshi scoffs before dismounting and approaching the crowd of women. "Please, ladies, I've told you there's no need to come all this way to the gate for me. What about your work?" His tone gives way to real concern, though, something Mai hasn't expected coming from the same man who'd spent every single moment barking at whatever came from her mouth.
Naturally, the women don't seem to mind that and several come up with their own excuses. Mai can't help but look at Hideyoshi, blinking repeatedly, astonishment clear in her face. "So, he's just a big sweetheart and not an ultra-stiff paranoiac?" She doesn't bother hiding her surprise at the new facts displayed before her eyes.
"Ah, that's how he normally is." Masamune shrugs, not giving it much importance, "I guess you're just special."
"Riiiight, so he's nice to everyone but me," Mai rolls her eyes, "Just so you know, that makes me feel the opposite of special."
"If it helps, it goes both ways." He remarks with a tilt of his head, "There aren't many women who don't fall for Hideyoshi at first sight." His single eye appeases her, a glint of sheer curiosity in it. "That makes me wonder, who are you, really?"
Whoa, what a question. Mai doesn't really know what to say to that—she's just a normal person by her personal standards. Not safe to say the best friend or companion, given the Mai Mizusaki package comes with a non-refundable bundle of depression and a bonus of crippling and severe anxiety, but she tries a lot to make up for it either way, as any regular person would. Her inclination and interest in the arts don't make her any sorts of special either, just as like her average beauty. Well, her D&D alignment is chaotic neutral, but how to start explaining such a thing to someone 500 years in the past, for starters?
However, in the end it's not like she actually has to come up with an honest reply—Masamune's wild eye roaming all over her figure as he leans closer and closer, turning her insides into jelly. Instinctively, her gaze travels down to glance at the curve of his tempting lips, making her unconsciously bite her own in her best attempt to refrain herself.
He truly is as wild as a dragon. And if I don't do something about it, he's definitely going to be the death of me. But oh well, I'd rather have it to be him than the insufferable Hideyoshi, to be honest…
As in cue, another voice rises up in the form of Mai's salvation, recalling her attention. "Welcome back, Lord Hideyoshi, Lord Masamune!" The second warlord she's met after Nobunaga beams brightly, joined by a petite young man, a tousle of fawn-colored hair on his head.
It's Mitsunari Ishida! Ah, that kind one definitely has Mai's approval. He must have been returned with Nobunaga, although the latter is—reasonably so—nowhere to be seen. And she has no idea who's that new companion at Mitsunari's side. I can bet my two legs he's another warlord I should know about, though…
If reluctantly, their arrival turns Masamune's unrelenting teasing to a pause, his smirk switching into a modest smile. "Why, even Ieyasu came to say hi. That's rare."
"… Ieyasu?" The name does ring a bell, Mai's eyes blowing wide as realization slowly dawns on her. "Wait a minute. You mean Ieyasu Tokugawa!?"
Masamune tilts his head back, "You wound me, lass. You know his name and not mine?" One brow quirks up, looking curious and suspicious altogether, "But yeah, he's right there, actually. That sourpuss next to Mitsunari," He points at the fawn-haired man with his chin, "You probably should take this chance to say hi."
After apparently making up his mind—if that lingering of his eye is anything to go by—Masamune then helps her off his horse after dismounting himself first. As very shamelessly as he seems to be and without formerly giving a hint of announcement, he takes Mai's hand in his, leading her through Hideyoshi's throng of admirers. They come to a stop at an imposing gate, before Mitsunari and the man who's supposed to be Ieyasu Tokugawa.
Mitsunari beams one of his angelic, bright smiles. "I've been expecting your arrival, Lady Mai." His smile is like an ice cream on a very hot day, genuinely helping with Mai's sudden tension.
That is until she recalls the reason why she's there, standing among historical figures of Japan of the past, in a castle city lost in time. She stammers for a moment. "I'm… I'm sorry, Mitsunari," She's not sure why she's apologizing in the first place but he's, in fact, the only one she feels she kind of owes some politeness. "But the truth is, I don't really have anything more to say to Nobunaga."
Mitsunari's companion doesn't seem surprised in the slightest. "She looks pitiful." It's the only thing he says, speaking right over her, delivering his harsh assessment with a disapproving frown. "You're Mai, then."
"Yes, I am. And, wow, so you're really Ieyasu Tokugawa…" She can't help but stare at him wide-eyed, genuinely baffled to be in the presence of the very unifier of Japan, of all people in the world. Should she bow and show more respect? Is she worthy of breathing the same air as him? Oh, wow, what one actually does in a situation like this?
He doesn't seem to take that up pretty well, though, taking a defensive stance and crossing his arms. "What if I am?"
"What if you are… what?" She's taken aback at Ieyasu's ice cold eyes fixed on her. Is it really the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate such a little snot? He's pretty though, with a dollish face like Mitsunari next to him, but that makes his peevish attitude even worse, somehow.
"Ieyasu," Hideyoshi tsks as he joins the group with a wry smile, almost using the same scolding tone he did so with Masamune but appearing to refrain himself at the last moment, "That's really no way to greet someone. Can't you give them a smile at least?"
Masamune snickers beside her, his hand warm and somewhat reassuring as he keeps holding her. "Mmh, but can he? I'm not sure I've ever seen him do it." He tilts his head as if pretending to ponder about it, "What does your smile look like?"
"Why is that important?" Ieyasu frowns even harder, turning a skeptical look over his associates—if they can be called like that.
"Don't be so unsociable." Hideyoshi insists, shaking his head in disapproval. "You need to let loose, learn to smile and laugh,"
Masamune seems to be up for assisting—or actually, if his playful smirk is anything to go by, stirring some more trouble instead. "I'll help with that! 'Yoshi, you take his left!"
Scrunching his face up, Ieyasu is quick to scramble out from under Hideyoshi and Masamune's tickling grasps. "S-stop it! You're both annoying me!"
They all seem very friendly with each other, pretty much like a bunch of big brothers, prompting Mai to let down her guard some more. She can't help to watch them in astonishment, however, mouth hanging low and a tang of unexpected disappointment coming up at the absence of Masamune's hand.
That is, until Mitsunari turns to her, speaking in a low voice. "Like Lord Masamune, Lord Ieyasu is also allied with Lord Nobunaga," He explains with his usual and recurrent politeness, "He came at once after hearing news of the assassination attempt."
Mai hums in thought. So that's why the all the famous warlords are all here, then, and not scrambled over the country as I've thought. But is Nobunaga truly held in so high regards for all of them to come so quickly?
Mitsunari recalls the attention of the group. "Hey, everyone! Shall we save the happy reunion until after our new arrivals get some rest?" Among the men, Ieyasu doesn't seem remotely happy but either come up with a witty remark. "Lady Mai, the room you'll be staying in is already prepared. You should get some rest as well,"
Blatantly ignoring her early refusal, Mitsunari and the rest of the warlords—not counting Ieyasu, who practically ignores them all and strides ahead—usher her into the keep of Azuchi Castle.
Oh boy, why do I feel like I'm walking straight into the lion's den?
A-N: Hey'ya! I'm queuing the last part of the prologue for next Thursday - who also happens to be my birthday, woot!
Thank you soooooooo much for all your lovely comments, guys! It makes me all sorts of giddy to know you're in for this, mostly with a multi chaptered fic which, as far as I've seen, doesn't seem to be quite a thing in this fandom. Regardless, I'm truly flattered and more than happy for this to be well received, asndioandoaoni