Daimyo: Honorific for a Japanese feudal lord.
Kodachi: Small or short tachi (sword).
Gunsen: A type of folding war fan used by the average warriors to cool themselves off.
Masamune
Masamune looks around the large room, spotting Mai with Kojuro near the back of the hall, dealing with a bunch of men rushing in from a back door. Truthfully, he hasn't been looking forward to getting the Princess in the middle of a fight, but having Kojuro watching out for her brushes away any concern he may have, knowing with utmost certainty she'd be alright with him.
Without another obstacle, he faces Yoshitoshi once more, more of his guards standing in his way to the daimyo. These guys aren't what I'd call a challenge. They're fighting their fear, not me. Lose to the enemy or face the wrath of their lord.
He feels a little sad for them, as well as annoyed—hard to get up the will to fight when your Lord's a pathetic fool like that. Yoshitoshi just hides behind his troops, looking at them like they were no more than human shields.
Rage builds up in Masamune at the sight. "Picking on the weak and oppressed isn't a good way to rule." He snarls, knocking out another guy with ease at his right.
"It's the way it's done!" Yoshitoshi says back with defiance.
"Then prove it. Come on, leader, let's finish this!" Deep down, he expects his challenging call to frighten him, but the daimyo's terrified reaction almost makes him laugh.
"Y-you all can handle him!" His voice quavers, stumbling back on his feet. "Just keep them away from me, got that?"
Some of his warriors turn to their Lord in near shock, "My lord!? Where are you going?" However, they're left speechless as they all watch Yoshitoshi go pale with fear, all but fleeing the room through a back door without further ado.
Rotten swine. He's worse than I thought.
"You can't pick where you're born, but you guys got a rough deal." Several of the soldiers he's been fighting then look at Masamune in astonishment. "We'll capture your 'daimyo' and bring him in. After that, Lord Nobunaga will send someone new to take care of this land. You don't have any reason to serve that criminal any longer. If you still want to fight though… then bring it on,"
His voice echoes throughout the room, the tumultuous sounds of battle quieting down. Yoshitoshi's men unanimously put down their swords at last. I'm a little sad no one took me up on that last offer. Admittedly so, he'd wanted to show off to the lass a bit.
Although surprisingly, when Masamune turns to his comrades, there's only Ieyasu and Hideyoshi there. "Your vassal took Mai off to the back gate," Ieyasu appears to read his mind, replying to his unvoiced question, "I'm going to go check on them,"
Hideyoshi finally sheaths his sword, "Thanks, Masamune. I can wrap things up here. It's better if you go find Yoshitoshi,"
Masamune nods sternly, not needing another cue and running through the door Yoshitoshi had escaped through.
An intricate set of hallways meets him, coming to a stop so to figure out which way to go. Slippery bastard, where in heavens and hells is he? Keeping his sword close to prevent an ambush, Masamune relies on his instinct and turns to the right, slamming every door open in his way, frustratingly to no avail.
And yet, at the end of a dark hallway far ahead, the daimyo's shout finally gives his position away. "Who are you!? Get out of my way!"
Masamune picks up his pace, the hairs on the back of his head standing up, a wary feeling pooling around his gut—the one of danger. "Ugh, the soldiers, the peasants, they're all worthless! Where's my horse? Someone fetch me my horse!"
Following the rising sound of his voice, he's about to draw his sword once more… until his breath hitches at the sound of another, that one quite familiar.
"You're not going anywhere, you scum!" Somehow, his heart skips a beat.
Mai!? What does the lass think she's doing?
The swing of metal echoes around afterwards, and Masamune runs as fast as his legs can carry him, growing desperate. After escaping the long corridor, he finally spots the two of them; the Princess struggling to block the man's only way out with her body, pushing him back as best as she can muster.
"Hands off me, you peasant!" Yoshitoshi wails with rage, unsheathing his kodachi before the lass.
Is she actually fighting him? She doesn't even have a—
Masamune's heart pounds hard against his chest, his feet unwilling to obey his commands and move forward all in a sudden, of all inconvenient times. However, apparently he was completely wrong about his former statement, as she then procures something short and metallic from the hems of her kimono.
He only watches, utterly astounded at her recklessness, as Mai parries Yoshitoshi's swing of his blade with… a war fan?
From where did she even get that!? But Masamune can't bring himself to voice out his surprise after hearing her gasp in shock, almost looking as even she can't believe what she just did. In the next moment, her confidence appears to seep in, though, kicking her leg up to her opponent's wrist and effectively disarming him.
"You caused that big fight in there! You don't get to run, coward!" With incredible skill—and practiced ease, as far as Masamune's more than stunned eye can see—Mai twists the daimyo's arm and pulls it to his back, bringing the man down to his knees with the motion. "Now you're going to go back inside with me and tell them all to stop, or else…"
She's truly spirited, I've got to give her that!
"You can't order me around, woman!" Sadly so, Yoshitoshi is far stronger than her, managing to wriggle himself off her grasp and trying to make a run for it.
Hah, that's not happening. A mean smirk narrows Masamune's face, getting in the man's way and effectively blocking his other exit. His sword gleams menacingly as it catches the dim moonlight coming from a window, eye blazing as time seems to come to a stop; announcing that exact moment previous to swinging his blade and strike him down once and for all.
… Until his momentum gets cut down short. "Ungh!"
Yoshitoshi grunts heavily, eyes rolling up and tripping on his own feet, dropping flat on the floor. Masamune's gaze shoots up; jaw falling open as, behind the man, Mai shows herself with her gunsen up before her face in an offensive stance. Her amber eyes blow wide a moment later, appearing to realize what she'd just done.
"D-dear gods… wh-what…" Her face goes pale as a ghost, "What have I done…"
She begins trembling from head to toe, looking for all it takes shocked to the core, tears brimming in her feline eyes. Her gaze loses its focus, becoming the picture of horror, yet in an act of reflex Masamune rushes forward, catching her before she falls onto her knees.
He holds her by the shoulders, trying to shake her out of her panic the same way he'd done many times in the past with several of his men. "Fighting without a sword, lass? Where's your head?" He says jokingly, attempting to brush her off her daze. "It wouldn't be on your neck right now if I'd been any slower…"
The Princess' free hand snaps to grasp his wrist. "Ma-Masamune!" Her eyes seem to regain her focus, recovering quite fast in comparison to some. In fact, it's suspiciously faster for someone who'd, presumably, been attacked for the first time and could have died.
However, even the remarkable way she recomposes herself amuses him—the lass is truly lots of fun. To some extent, it's even endearing.
Not long after and past Yoshitoshi's knocked out figure, Ieyasu and Kojuro run towards them, looking pretty much out of breath. The former must have realized Mai wasn't where she was supposed to be and has been searching for her, given the alarmed look in his face.
"Milady! Are you alright?" Kojuro kneels unceremoniously before Masamune and her, sheer worry plastered all over his face. "I beg of you, please don't disappear on me again. You almost gave me a heart attack!"
Masamune snickers at that, a sense of pride seeping into him—it kind of fits the lass to be giving a worrier like Kojuro a run for his money. Sheathing his sword back into his scabbard, he scoots closer to her trembling form, appearing quite about to burst into tears in any second.
"Is that… Yoshitoshi?" Ieyasu's mouth hangs wide open at the sight of the daimyo splattered over the floor.
At that, Mai drops her gunsen as if it'd just bitten her, hands on her mouth, "Oh gods… I'm so sorry, I-I…" Tears finally fall onto her cheeks like a cascade, her voice breaking and looking terrified of herself, "I didn't mean to—"
"Kill him, you mean? He's not dead." Ieyasu says flatly after checking the guy's pulse, "What did you two do to him, though?"
Masamune turns to the surprised faces of his comrades, grinning proudly. "Don't look at me, I did nothing." The skeptical glare Ieyasu and Kojuro simultaneously shoot at him practically confirm either of them believes a single word of it, "For once, it's true! It was the lass who knocked him down. Didn't even let the guy come near me!"
Both glance at the Princess at that, her deeply shameful face mostly confirming it for him. "Kojuro, can you tie him up?" Masamune opts out for cutting the shocking fact short, presuming it wouldn't be good for her to be prodded further. "And make note, the honor of capturing him goes to Mai, are we clear?"
The small praise makes Ieyasu roll his eyes, "I'll remember she did that without a proper weapon, like an idiot." With that sturdy barb, Ieyasu helps Kojuro onto his task, propping the fainted body up to Kojuro's shoulders.
"Fat bastard weighs a ton. I really can't believe this guy's guts…" Kojuro grumbles without any shame in the world, yet regardless goes on to carry the daimyo as best as he can muster.
Once straightened up, his old friend and retainer throw a curious look at him and the Princess, appearing to be pondering about something as he opens his mouth. Whatever it is, Kojuro changes his mind a moment later, retreating into the main hall with the fainted Yoshitoshi over his back. Masamune watches him go, opting out for asking him what in hells that look was in another time, the source of his most pressing thoughts still lying next to him on the floor.
Mai keeps quiet, too quiet, probably still digesting the entire situation. Damn, I forgot to check her for injuries. I hope she's alright. "Now, then, lass. Something important: Are you hurt?" Complying, she looks over herself with a worried frown, and Masamune gets close enough once again to inspect her as well—it does take some experience to recognize the really bad injuries, after all.
"Just crumpled clothes, it seems," She then appears to catch a glimpse down at Masamune's arm, growing stiff all in a sudden. Admittedly, it's a little bloodied after the short battle but it doesn't even bother him.
Instead, her troubled stare irks him so, a frown narrowing his face reflexively. For all it takes, he truly has no idea why that look exactly bothers him, yet he's certain he doesn't want to see it ever again.
"All right. Come on, take my hand," He brushes that off as fast as it came; several thoughts are racing in his mind already, there's no use adding another worry onto the pile.
Her jaw sets straight, "No. I can stand on my own," Denying his help, the lass props herself up quickly, avoiding his eye for some reason. I guess she's still hanging tough. I figured she'd be more tired.
Masamune decides not to look too much into it. "Okay, then let's get ready. Soon as we reunite with Hideyoshi and my men, we'll return to Azuchi Castle."
"And you better slow down on the trip back, Masamune." Ieyasu approaches the two of them, "The rest of us are exhausted,"
"Are you sure it isn't that slow pace what's tiring you out?"
The remaining trio returns to the hall shortly after, Yoshitoshi still hanging flat upon Kojuro's back when they meet him. Mai follows Masamune and Ieyasu, but remains unnervingly quiet the whole time.
I just hope there weren't any casualties on the civilian side. That's literally the last we need right now.
"All of us have plenty of reasons to thank you!"
"All right, all right, I understand," Masamune excuses himself with an easygoing smile, "Now go home. Let your wife and child know you're okay!" He waves goodbye to the farmers seeing them off, mounting his mare without further ado.
Once their new hostage is secured for traveling, Hideyoshi comes out from the throng of villagers with the Princess next to him. "Good job back there, Masamune," He nods firmly, visibly pleased with the overall outcome of their mission, "But go slow this time, please."
From atop his mount, he does the best imitation of Ieyasu's exasperated eye roll, "I know. Ieyasu already lectured me. Come on, Mai, you're with me."
"Can I put in my vote for slower too?" She's quick to add, and with three against one there's not much Masamune can do about; although Mai's objection is far more valid than his associates.
Helping her onto his horse, they ride off silently into the night. Hm? Why's she sitting all the way up there? "Sit back, kitten. It's going to be an easier ride that way,"
The lass gasps slightly as he pulls her to the middle with him, strangely as if shunning his touch. Right then, it's when Masamune realizes just how painfully stiff she is. Is she really that worn down? Or is it something else?
"You're quite the touchy-feely guy, aren't you?" She doesn't truly pose it as a question, and the odd term makes him curious.
"Well, I do like both those things. But right now I'm just trying to keep you on the horse, though." He says sincerely. I believe she needs some horseback riding lessons. However, someone as tough as her will probably figure out how to ride on her own soon enough, perhaps even without his help.
Mai seems to pause, amber eyes narrowing in thought. "Masamune, do you like fighting?"
He gives her the only answer he has. "If it's a fight where both sides are fighting with conviction—a worthy one—then yeah, I do." Come to think of it briefly, a strong conviction is precisely what Mai just conveyed back in the palace's hallways, chastising a man nearly double her size with a sword close to her throat.
"Ahahaha!" Now that she's out of danger, Masamune feels like looking back on that scene and laughing it out, his chest rumbling merrily.
"Hey, what's so funny?" The Princess shoots him a frown.
"I was just remembering you in the hallway. That was a rash thing to do, lass. Even I wouldn't fight a guy twice my size, and with a war fan no less!" Even with trying to, he can't stop shaking with unadulterated laughter for a full minute. "Where did you get it, by the way?"
At the mention of it, she pats above her obi, making sure her weapon is safely tucked in the front of her kimono. "Nobunaga found out I know how to use a gunsen and probably wanted me to prove I'm worthy of his gifts. Or something like that, I guess…" Hearing her small grumbling, Masamune assumes she probably didn't fully open up with Nobunaga just yet, and isn't looking like she's about to anytime soon.
Mai sighs, shrugging her shoulders, "I get it, though! I shouldn't have done that. I'm very, very sorry for it." Her gaze drops down, apologetic. "He just made me so angry…"
Masamune cuts his laughter short after hearing the chagrin in her voice, landing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Sorry. I didn't mean to give you the wrong impression."
"Well, you sure laughed a lot…"
"It might have been rash, but it was impressive of you, and did a good thing. You stuck to your principles, Mai. You should never apologize for that." He says with utmost confidence, delivering the same words he would to any of his men, to the best approximation as his father once did with him. "You fought for something you believe in, something you couldn't give up. That's the only way to fight,"
For some reason, Mai peers up at him with wide eyes, leaving him to ponder. Maybe her culture and time are so removed from war she's never had to even think about it; or as much as she's able to defend herself to some extent, perhaps she never had the pressing need of fighting back anyone. But even if she came from a mysterious place like the future, it hasn't hurt her courage in the slightest.
The 'future time'—the mere thought of it is enough to make his head swirl with so many questions, piling up dangerously fast in his ever racing mind. Regardless, for the moment all Masamune knows is that, first and foremost, he needs to work and truly come in terms with that fact. As for the rest, surely it's best to figure it out on the fly, as usual.
I don't know what it is that drives her as much, but truth is, I do like it. She's got the courage of a true northerner.
As if in defeat, Mai lets out a little breath and finally leans back against him, losing all the tension she was showing before. It's hard to get what just made her relax, yet even so, Masamune does it as well, feeling somewhat relieved as a sheepish smile clings to her face.
"In any case, I don't know what it'd have happened if you hadn't come when you did. Probably would have died…" She can't seem to help to admit it, her voice still strained.
"True. I guess that means you owe me your life. What should I ask for in return?" He pretends to be thinking about it, eager to shift the sort of gloomy mood they've accidentally fallen into.
She arches a brow, appearing to grow skeptical. "You can ask for a thank you? I don't have any money yet, but I can afford heartfelt gratitude,"
The wary tone makes him snicker, "I'm not expecting an expensive gift, kitten," Wrapping his arms around her, he rests his chin on her shoulder, mindful of his armor, "Mmh, something free, something free. It's on the tip of my tongue…" He drawls out his words close to her ear purposefully, making her jolt, reacting with amusing candor.
She doesn't hide anything—and in a world of spies and schemers like his, that's refreshing. Although the truth is, it's truly hard to refrain himself from playing with her with how cute she reacts to his teasing every single time. She and Shogetsu are so much alike in some ways, it's no wonder the kit got along with her so easily.
Aside from squirming a little, the Princess doesn't outright reject his playful approach, though. "I have just blindly walked into the dragon's lair, isn't it?" Finally, her voice eases as well, becoming fully relaxed around him, even daring to join in the banter.
"Mmh, have you?" Masamune says in a velvety tone, pleased to feel her returning to her usual normal self. The innuendo spurs him on, and to test the waters further he hugs her body tighter, teasingly brushing his fingers just below her obi, blowing a heated breath of air on her ear.
To his delight, she shivers. "It tickles! Didn't you want me to stay on the horse?" Have I just found a sensitive spot? Hells, she's so fun.
"You could throw your arms around me if you need help staying on, kitten…"
Hideyoshi comes up beside his horse only to scold him. "Masamune, whatever you're doing, stop." Either way, he complies this time and cuts his play short, not being truly entertaining with as many prying eyes about.
"I was merely whispering in the lass' ear," He puts on his most innocent face, freeing the Princess from his grasp.
"Uh-huh. You tease…" Masamune laughs it off, and after giving him a look, Mai breaks into laughter as well.
She's got such a beautiful smile, I could honestly watch it forever…
Dawn is nearly upon them by the time they return to Azuchi Castle, the ruckus from Masamune's envoy irrupting what looked like another tranquil beginning of the day in town. "Everyone get a little rest." Hideyoshi suggests, looking quite worn down himself, "We'll report the details of tonight to Lord Nobunaga later in the morning. It's important he knows these rumors of Takeda and Uesugi being presumably alive."
"Yeah. Let's lock up Yoshitoshi for now." Ieyasu's tone comes gruffer than usual, giving away how tired he seems to be.
"Hey, Mai? We're back." She's warm and comfortable in Masamune's arms, managing to scoot closer and cuddle over the softer side of his front armor, but she doesn't respond right away, "… Mai?" When Masamune looks down, his shock returns with force.
What? The kitten is sleeping!
Prompting his mare to a stop, Hideyoshi approaches him with a concerned frown. "What's wrong?" He wonders.
"Is she alright? I haven't heard her yelling at you for the last few hours," Ieyasu adds, curiously poking his head behind Hideyoshi.
Both come closer to take a wary look, to end up sharing in Masamune's surprise. "… She's asleep." He snorts in utter disbelief, "I can't believe she actually fell asleep on my horse!"
"Mmh," Mai stirs a little, and he can't help teasingly poking her cheek. Delight courses through him when she purrs, squirming slightly and rolling around in his arms at that, "So fast… don't… stupid Masamune—"
A genuine chuckle rumbles through his chest, "Heh. Did you hear her call me stupid just now?"
Hideyoshi sighs, "Let her be. The overnight trip must have been too much for her, coupled with all the stress."
"Recklessly charging a man with a small gunsen, able to sleep out in the open without a care, and she insists she's not a fighter? She's the boldest woman I've ever seen!" Unable to help it, his smile widens when looking down at that innocently sleeping face.
She sleeps like she's ever experienced danger, not like someone who's just survived her first skirmish. Something about that thought warms his heart, an endearing gleam crossing his eye. Even though she may not be strong, she's courageous and delightfully honest. What an intriguing lass.
He almost doesn't realize just how gently he was looking at her until Kojuro comes up beside his horse with an amused look in his dark blue eyes. "Want me to see her to her chambers, my lord?"
"Nah. In honor of her bravery, I'll carry her up to bed myself." Masamune suddenly decides, propping himself down his horse with the Princess in his arms. She barely stirs at the motion, lying more heavily onto his chest.
His retainer complies with a polite albeit brief bow before seeing himself off, taking the rest of the troops alongside him, heading towards their manor. Ieyasu dismounts not long after, shooting Masamune a skeptical look.
"You're enjoying this." He seems inclined to assume beforehand, and it takes a vague glance to notice how little he approves.
Masamune quirks a brow, "Shouldn't I be? Her arrival has really livened this place up," And with that, he makes his retreat into the castle, leaving his blonde associate to his own thoughts.
While walking the then quiet hallways, the so peaceful sight of the Princess in his arms prompts him somewhat melancholic. Memories of the past rush through once again, voices of people who he'd always hold dear in his heart whispering, murmuring. Though some of them are haunting to some extent, some others are soothing; a reminder of better times and beautiful people who'd crossed his path.
And the one currently assaulting his mind could probably be one of the loveliest voices he'd ever heard—her melodic hum still fresh, almost as if she's ever gone.
"Don't listen to her, Bontenmaru. It wasn't fate what brought us to this, just a sad misfortune. And I know in my heart you, of all people, won't be stopped by this."
"I'm not upset because of mother or myself. It's you who I'm worried about, Mego. I want to do all I can to ease your pain, but nothing seems to be enough."
"Hush, you're doing much more than just enough. You'll be such a great husband."
"Can you… not bring that up right now? Tell me what I can do instead,"
"Well, what about helping me to my bedroom? I'm feeling tired, I think I could use a nap…"
Pushing the screens aside, Masamune saunters into Mai's room, carefully dropping her into her futon before loosening her obi, figuring she'd be more comfortable. Her war fan peeks from the hems of her kimono and he sets it aside next to her pillow, where her soft copper locks fall down like a cascade after untying her ponytail.
"Nng…" The lass stirs a little, rolling to the side, "Such a tease…"
"Hah. Is that so?" But the Princess doesn't reply, appearing to fall into a deeper and more relaxed slumber. He doesn't prod further, sparing himself a moment to just watch her sleeping figure, the beginnings of a smile curling on her lips, somehow easing his ever racing thoughts.
A brief glance around Mai's room sets his eye on a table; parchment, ink, and brush at the ready. Oh, that's right, I forgot to write a letter today.
Feeling like watching over her for a little while, he sets down to make a quick letter for the lass. After all, it is a nice way to give his thanks—and regardless of her impressive display of courage, Mai seems to be someone who could use some reminders.
A-N: Welp! Chapters are getting longer at this point, probably now that I'm getting more confident with the overall narrative. Sorry if you're not used to that or somewhat conflicts the reading - I know of people not quite fond with long chapters, lol.
Also, I'm taking some liberties with adding more characters and depth, mostly to Masamune and Shingen's background, and as much as it's completely alright if you'd like to ask some questions, probably most of this will be explained and developed in further parts :D
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and even better end of the year. Here's to the next being even more wholesome :D :D