Toki wo Koete no Kizuna
Crystal Heart II
Azure- And then I realized... It's not so original anymore.
I found MANY sendai fics over , whereas this was quite a 'new' idea when I first released it (I think?) and I found another fic that had the same inspiration origin as mine (An MAD from youtube/NicoNico). Very nicely written, btw, go check it out sometime, people~! But I'm still going to pull through with this! OTZ
But that aside, omg people are still reading this! It makes me really happy to know that people still is reading this after a year. Though I was staring at the story stats. Number 1 hits- USA! Followed by CANADA! /waves canadian flag/ and third... I couldn't believe it, but Italy!
Hi everyone! I mean, wow. El Savador? Oman? Sudan? Dominican Revar? Sweden! Guatamala! Romania! Saudi Arabia! Belarus! and many, many more... Wow, just… wow. There were people from all over the world, and I'm honored to have all of you read my story /bows/ (…where's Oman and Sudan?) Leave me a little review to say hello! Even if it's just "Hey, I'm from _. Just read the story." Would make me happy. I would love to hear from all the people around the world! ^^!
Alright, so now I'm going to get all the 'why the heck are you updating when you said you won't be updating until the 20th?' The short answer is- Ecology studying is not as appealing as finishing Ieyasu and Mitsunari's story.
On reflection upon the last chapter, I have to say I was disappointed. It felt disjointed. And if anyone else felt the same, I'm very sorry. To be really honest, I had 4 hours of sleep, took 2 exams, and decided to write because staring at a blank screen on my computer was less appealing. (So, I was struck with intense exhaustion when I wrote it) Hopefully I can tie everything back together. If not, I plan on editting the old Crystal Heart I. Now, without further ado, let's give these two star-crossed lovers an ending.
I met him on the day I reached the dormitories of Basara Academy. The plaque hung outside the dormitories with a distasteful name etched on. Honnoji.
I clicked my tongue with disgust, darting my eyes away from the sign and to the grand doors that stood behind the shimmering gates. The morning sun brightly illuminated the building, and the light blue sky added as the backdrop to the peaceful dorms. Honnoji... The irony left a sour taste in my mouth.
Although my senses told me it would be wiser to step away, I pushed the creaky gates open and made it to the large doors, welcoming but also intimidating. My heart began to race as I glared cautiously, still unsure about entering a building named after the temple which housed the burning corpse of the great demon king.
Before I knew it, the decision was made for me.
The grand doors swung inward and the sunlight started streaming in through the cracks, growing larger. The loud, creaking sound resounded in the quiet neighborhood. My body froze as the doors slowly made their way open for me. I swallowed a knot in my throat nervously, gripping the small suitcase next to me tighter. I didn't bring much with me, as I had little luggage to begin with. I left a lot behind when I decided to accept the invitation to the academy, hoping to leave behind all my memories as well as my… bonds.
My breath hitched when I saw a figure emerge from behind the opened doors. The thin man stepped into the sunlight and revealed his pale, white hair and purple, crossed mask. He was dressed in white and royal purple and his strides released an air of importance. His lightly colored lips curved into an elegant and familiar smirk, sending my heart into a hurricane of emotions and nostalgia.
A faint voice released itself from within my throat, barely above a whisper. "…Takenaka Hanbei…"
I shook my head, a surge of pain shot from within the depths of my brain. I lifted my free hand to my eyes and rubbed them violently, trying to clear my thoughts. When I raised my eyes back to him, I felt a sudden surge through my heart as I felt time freeze. He was no longer dressed in white and purple. His royal clothes were replaced with a blazer, perfectly buttoned, and a purple tie peeked out from under. The mask that I had imagined on his sharp features disappeared, showing mystifying lilac eyes. I felt my mouth part, hanging open in confusion by the phantom that had shown itself before me seconds ago.
The man let his pale lips curl into a mischievous grin. Hearing a tiny laugh escape his lips, I regained my posture. I shut my hanging mouth and stood up straight, glaring at the mysterious youth. However, a part of my insides warmed lightly as a small voice, beaming with excitement, began to resound from inside my heart. Hanbei-sama…
"Mitsunari…" As the familiar voice reached my ears, I could feel warm tears forming unexpectedly. I shook away the memories and stared back at him, exasperated. My glare quickly melted when he called my name, like he had many, many years ago…
"Kusanagi… Mitsunari, correct?" The playful smile never left his face, but the mysterious twinkle in his eyes faded as he approached me, hand outreached. "My name is Hanbei…" I flinched at the familiar name, confusion started to swell up as the hopeful light that started to grow from inside began to dim. "Tsuchiya Hanbei." He finished, hand still outreached.
I could feel myself shake lightly, staring at his welcoming hand with wide eyes. "Tsuchiya… Hanbei?" I echoed, heart sinking. I could not refrain myself from comparing his pale complexion and confident smirk with the beautiful man, larger than I will ever be(1), inside my memories.
The youth tilted his head, a playful confusion sat on his delicate, yet dangerous features. "Something wrong, Mitsunari-kun?" He whispered, staring at my shaken eyes with his knowing violet eyes.
"No… nothing." I lied, shakily taking his hand. "K-…. Kusanagi Mitsunari." I finished, shaking his hand weakly. A wide smile crept itself onto his lips as he laughed softly.
"Welcome to the Honnoji dormitories, Mitsunari-kun." My trembling ceased upon hearing his kind voice call my name, like he had those many years ago. He looked fragile, like he once did; the fragile, perilous danger that rid the enemies of the Toyotomi clan.
"I heard about you from one of the teachers." Hanbei… Tsuchiya Hanbei commented, as he began leading me up the stairs, covered with a scarlet carpet. "He told me to take care of you."
"Thank you." I stated, dragging my luggage up the stairs with ease. "…Tsuchiya-senpai."
Hanbei let out a laugh and turned to face me when he reached the top of the stairs. His eyes once again twinkled with unknown knowledge and mysteries. "I am also a first year. But I arrived to the dormitories a few weeks prior, so Hid- I mean, the teacher wanted me to show you around."
I frowned at his stutter, confused. I decided against asking him for a name, as it seems that he never intended to drop any to begin with. Ignoring the surfacing curiosity, I changed the topic. "But, why me?" I asked plainly, cautious. As much as I have loved being in Hanbei's care in the past, I knew that I was only lucky to be standing by his side, and not to face him in tactical war.
Hanbei let out another laugh as we walked down the long halls. I glanced up at the plates next to each door, noting some odd names. As we passed, I noticed a familiar name and froze, staring in shock as my eyes widened in the familiar kanji. Takamichi Motonari. A space was left barren under his name, as if expecting another member to fill the room soon.
Hanbei turned to me once he saw me stop, rooted to the ground and staring at the plate with great shock. When lost in my confusion and disbelief, I suddenly heard Hanbei's soft voice by my ear. "Motonari is also a first year. He arrived two days ago."
I jumped back, a blush creeping itself up to my quickly paling features. He let out another mysterious chuckle. "Students are all trickling in, since school will be starting in a few weeks." Hanbei whipped back and continued walking, silently commanding me to follow. I dare not object.
"I…" Hanbei started as we walked on, not turning to face me. I watched his back as we both walked on quietly. "… will be your new dorm-mate for the next three years." He finished, stopping in front of one of the doors, turning to face me with the usual playful smirk across his lips.
I stared, once again shocked, and blinked a few times as his words registered.
"That's why I was asked to help you." He answered. I swallowed the knots that built up in my throat within the few minutes since I arrived to the strange dormitories.
Hanbei swung the door open after unlocking it with a key he tucked back into his pant pocket. He motioned me to enter the room and stood by the entrance, smiling mischievously. I frowned, disliking the silent answers he was giving me through his mystifying lilac eyes. I gripped my luggage with renewed resolve and stepped into the dorms before he followed and closed the door behind us, locking it as silently as he had unlocked it.
As luck would have it, Hanbei and I were assigned to the same class. Over the few weeks that passed between my arrival to the dormitories and the start of school, I met many familiar faces around the dorms, but none did I ever approach.
Mouri Motonari. Chousokabe Motochika. Akai Nagamasa. Katakura Kojuro. Fuuma Kotaro. Maeda Toshiie. Saika Magoichi. And even the accursed younger sister of the demon king, Oda Ichi.
What I had not expected, was to find him in the schools as well. I growled angrily on the first day of school as my eyes shot venomous glares to the bright smile I used to admire when I was a foolish, naïve child, being lied to. My heart sank into darkness as my heart raced with the intent to kill. I could feel as tears of disgust nearly formed in my eyes as his eyes locked onto mine, a sorry and regretful look plastered across his face from the other side of the classroom.
Hanbei turned to me, then back to him, then back to me, before letting out a soft chuckle. I darted my glare from him back to Hanbei, eyes flaring to kill. "Tomitake Ieyasu." Hanbei started, eyes laughing along. "He's in the dorms on the other side of the stairs, so that's why you haven't seen him much in the dorms. I think his dorm partner is…"
"I know." I hissed; each word drenched with venomous loathing. Hanbei, taken aback, stared at me, eyes slightly widened. "I didn't know he came to Basara Academy as well. If I did, I wouldn't have come to this school." I continued, calming my murderous tone.
Upon reflection after the words seethed through my lips, I closed my eyes. No, I would've done anything to see Hanbei-sama again. And… my eyes rested themselves on the chuckling youth, sharing the same health as I. I would give the world to see him rid of disease and war.
As the years passed, Ieyasu became more and more bold. He would approach me during school, on the way from school, and sabotage me when I leave the dorms. The most interaction I actually returned was to either throw insults or punches at him. As days turned into weeks and into years, I never once gave him the time to explain or a moment to apologize.
I didn't want to hear it.
He betrayed me, not once, not twice, but over and over again. Even after 400 years, he lied to me, stayed by me and led my hand, pretending to make amends as my friend. The thought of the word threw me into such disgust I felt my stomach churn with the urge to throw up.
He lied to me, staying by my side. He knew; knew that I was the man he was destined to fight. And he knew that he murdered the ones so close to me I could call family. Despite all this, he stuck beside me, lied to me, made me believe that he was a friend, a brother… a… a…
I could feel my stomach somersault each time I am reminded of the memories. The sick premonition returns to my heart as I replayed the visions that first surfaced from the deepest part of my dark mind, shadowed for my protection when I was born.
As I slashed down another lowly soldier, protected with weak and tattered armor, I turned to the rocky hill which I knew Hideyoshi-sama was positioned. The dust and sand blew across the battlefield, the wind racking up as the dark clouds gathered. I clenched my teeth, feeling the darkness reach from the abyss and encircle me. Why, Ieyasu? Were you not a soldier of the Toyotomi clan? I closed my eyes in remorse as I somersaulted into the air and slashed the men around me in one fell swoop. Their lifeless bodies crumbled under my dark blade, collapsing over into their own pool of crimson blood.
I heard a loud impact from over the hill, and my eyes shot wide open. My eyes rose to the rocks, where I felt a shift in the dark air. Lightning split the sky, striking towards the hill in grave premonition. Cutting down the men with ease, I began to scramble towards Hideyoshi-sama, followed closely by the mysterious man in bandages, Otani Yoshitsugu. The cold air whipped past my face, causing my body to freeze to the core.
With an effortless jump, I launched myself up to the hill, landing on the hard rock, cold and lifeless. I froze as my eyes lead themselves to the scene before me, feeling my feet nearly give way. My breath came out haphazardly, the cold air forming white mist as I let out wheezed gasps.
The man I used to share sake with after victories, small or large, the man I had shared my ambition and loyalty with, the man I had once called my brother, the man I had once trusted my back to, the man who I had considered one of the most precious people in my life…
He stood, his face covered by the shadows, looming over my dearest person, my family, my lord… the one who gave me a reason to live, Hideyoshi-sama. He laid, motionless, lifeless, on the cold, rocky floor. My arm shook slightly, unnerved, until I clenched my sword with all my strength. My feet gained strength as I charged, pounding the rocky ground. My voice came out strong as I lost my mind to anger. My piercing yell fell through into the deafening silence. The dark skies gave way to rain, as the chilling droplets streamed down in sorrow.
I slashed my sword with all my might upon nearing contact with Ieyasu's back. He suddenly jumped, escaping my attack but only barely. I didn't chase him, merely dropping to my knees in front of my lord. The sword I held clattered loudly as metal met rock.
The cold droplets fell down as I felt the piercing rain roll down my face and drench my hair. I shakily reached out, softly caressing my master's unmoving, large hand. The water droplets pooled around us, the sound of pattering rain echoed into the distant, muffled cries of battle. With much effort, I pulled my master up, holding up his broken, lifeless body in my arms. Seething with anger, I felt my body shake with despair. I failed to notice Yoshitsugu approach us, his eyes staring down at the pale man that once stood with glory and dreams.
I stared into the painfully peaceful face of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, no longer dreaming. "Ieyasu…" I murmured, the words escaping my lips with pure hatred and remorse. "I… will KILL YOU!" I screamed into the skies, the rain pattering loudly, fusing with my burning tears.
Never. Not one day as long as he still stands will I give up my revenge on the man who murdered my master. Not one day as long as he still stands will I forget his insolence, no matter how much time has passed. Not one day, as long as you still stand, as long as you still breathe, will I forgive you, Ieyasu.
That day I woke with strengthened resolve. I stared into the blaring window as the sunlight streamed into my empty room. I slowly placed my feet to the cold floor and lifted my sore body. I gathered some clothes and made my way out of my private room and into the dorm living room outside, where I was greeted by glittering purple eyes.
"Good morning, Mitsunari-kun." Hanbei was sitting in the kitchen, a hot coffee mug in one hand, and newspaper in another. Seeing me, his eyes widened and dropped both papers and cup. He got up, the scraping of the wooden chair against the kitchen floor resounded in the empty morning.
"Mitsunari-kun…" He whispered, approaching me with caution. "Are you… alright?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with worry which he had failed to hide.
I nodded. "Good morning, Hanbei." My voice was hollow. "I'm going to take a shower first. You should head to school first."
I watched as Hanbei merely nodded, shocked and confused. His mouth quivered slightly open before he closed it and his eyes trailed me as I entered the washroom. I could hear a painful sigh from the other room, and then the sound of a door opening, closing, and locking. I closed my eyes and continued to strip.
I clenched my fists and grit my teeth. I could feel my fingers ache and jaw sore as I entered the classroom when the lunch bell rang, signaling class. As the door slid violently open, the students in the class shot their eyes to me, each stared with caution. I met their eyes, surveying to find a pair of topaz yellow; the familiar eyes that I used to admire from my childhood.
I stared at him as my gold met his topaz. He stood up and ran over to me, worry plastered across his features. His gripped my shoulder tightly and looked down at me, shuddering slightly. "Mitsunari? Are you okay?" the words escaped quietly as his grip tightened.
I glared up at him, holding my seething anger still. "After class" my voice came out raspy, shakily. "Meet me in the Home Ec room on the third floor." Emptiness. That's the only word that could explain the voice that was released from my dry mouth.
Ieyasu's eyes widened and his face twisted into a foolish smile. His mouth moved wordlessly as he tried to utter some kind of response. After a moment, his voice came out croakily but with a hint of excitement. "Y-Yeah… Yeah! Okay!" He practically yelled, nodding vigorously. "There's something I really want to tell you, too, Mitsunari." He called my name sweetly, while my heart dropped with what I had thought was disgust. The panging pain in my chest wrenched tightly.
My eyes trailed away from his eager smile, not realizing the pained expression that twisted my face. My teeth clenched, wired tight with mixed emotions and sick ambition.
The door to the home economics room was wide open. I peeked in to see a large figure, tracing his hand across the silver counter by the window, a blissful smile placed across his lips. I watched as his mind wandered and his eyes stuck on where his hand had laid, and at the same time, distantly travelling in his own memories.
He had not noticed when I entered the room and grabbed the silver on the counter next to the door. I hid my hand behind me and closed the door with my other hand. The sound of the door sliding to a close snapped Ieyasu out of his trance as he looked up at me, the smile he had widening.
"Mitsunari." His voice was in high spirits. He waited as I walked, slowly, up to him. I paced step by step, the sound of my shoes tapping on the floor echoed in the empty room. Wind blew in quietly from behind Ieyasu, lifting the curtains as it surveyed the room. I could see the sunlight beaming in, reflected off the silver counters and sinks.
"I didn't think you would ever talk to me again, especially since you were ignoring me 2 years ago, too." Ieyasu laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was surprised to find you in the same school as me, but I guess everyone from our past gathered here." I twitched at his voice; the same, low voice that I heard resonating in my memories before the me who lived 400 years ago, fell, ironically from a slash from the back.
I continued to walk slowly towards him, silent, save for the loud ringing between my shoes and floor. "Mitsunari… I want to tell you something." His gaze hardened as his eyes came back to me and his posture straightened. His hands fell to his sides and his mouth curved into a nervous frown.
My heartbeat hastened with each step. I tightened my grip and my teeth once again locked together. I could feel my eyes twitch with mixed uncertainty and resolve. I felt afraid, fearing the sudden growing doubt flowering from within the hate that shrouded my heart. Shaking my head, I told myself, I have to do this. My soul has lived for 400 years only to get my revenge. Revenge… I raised my eyes to meet topaz orbs. Revenge, for bitter and cold betrayal.
"Mitsunari, after all these years, I…" With my last inch of resolve, I held my breath and in swift speed, pulled the kitchen knife from my back and held it out towards him. The sunlight gleamed on the knife, reflecting a flash towards his eyes. I watched, as if my world slowed, as Ieyasu's eyes widen and his hands came up to shield his eyes. His mouth slowly hung open as I jumped, poised to thrust my blade into his heart, waiting for the warm blood to pour out as retribution.
Tapping into his old memories, Ieyasu quickly side-stepped, allowing me to miss. His sudden movements knocked over a stool and various objects from a nearby counter. I quickly turned, my instincts sharpened from my old, unforgettable sword skills as a samurai, and was ready to charge once again. However, my eyes were fixed on the shocked target, and my seventeen-year old body was unable to match my samurai mind. My feet tangled over the stool that had made its way between us, and I could feel my body sway. I reached to my side to hold onto support, but the window was resentfully open. I then felt my body plummet.
My eyes had shut themselves without my command, and my hand had released the knife. My heart felt like it stopped as I felt wind whip by my face. Within the seconds that I soared down, I smiled bitterly, thoughts gathering and leaving my mind.
Mitsunari, you are making too much of this, my friend.
Then bow your head in apology.
Mitsunari, if you talk like that, people will dislike you...
Should I say what I don't think, then?
Mitsunari! Watch out!
Why did you save me! I haven't asked for your help! Disappear... just roll over and die!
Don't just... say such things with a straight face, Mitsunari...
IEYASU! You insolent cur! I will never forgive you, EVER!
Why champion hatred, Mitsunari? Why nurse these sins of old?
What am I supposed to do now! How am I supposed to live, now!
Ieyasu, why did you bring me here? I have no wish to be in your presence unless you are here to relent your neck to my sword!
Mitsunari, I want nothing more than to become what we were before.
Ieyasu, you… How DARE you say such things to me after all you have done! You took everything from me and now I have nothing!
Mitsunari, I- NO!
I felt my back ache as the memories of cold steel against my bare back returned. I groaned, just to hear myself to ensure that I was still alive. I shuffled uncomfortably, trying to move my limbs. Just as I tried, I felt heavy heat surround me. I slowly opened my eyes, realizing that I was being suffocated by a large warmth. Something cold trickled down from my forehead and the smell of metal emanated from the figure that surrounded me. The familiar smell of blood enveloped my surroundings.
I shifted and pushed myself up, my hand resting on warm muscles. I looked down and my eyes widened. I shakily lifted my hand to touch the cold liquid, the sticky crimson drenched my fingers.
My eyes trailed back down to closed eyes. My heart froze in disbelief as my mouth ran dry. The premonition that sank my stomach 400 years ago returned in a flash as I quickly covered my mouth, afraid that I would empty my stomach from the sick feeling that erupted from my heart.
"Ieyasu…" I whispered, pale fingers ran down his face, still warm. My voice quivered with disbelief, my body shook with fear, and success. A small and bitter laugh escaped my lips as I stood up, my legs knocked.
"He's dead! I DID IT! Hideyoshi-sama, I did it!" My silent snicker grew into a loud, resonating laugh, echoing through the school grounds as I raised my hands to the sky. Students that stood about the grounds turned to us, whispering and gasping at the horrid scene. My heart sank with each laugh, and my empty joy grew into nothingness. I shook, confused.
"It's just… so empty…" I trailed my gaze back down at him, ignoring the calls and screams that formed the chaos around us. Everything but Ieyasu and I sunk into a dark void. Their voice faded, and even the bright sun turned into a dark moon of our exchange. My heart sank as my words echoed in my mind. The grudge of 400 years, now was supposed to dissipate. But what, was I supposed to feel?
"Hey, Hey get up!" I shook him. "You dare disobey? Get up! I command you to rise to your feet so that I can kill you again!" I tried to drag him, lifting him by the collar of his blood-soaked shirt, but to no avail. His body ran limp as he fell from my grip back into the cold floor. My shoulders began to shake.
"Ieyasu… You dared to die." I felt my mind darken with each word. I felt my body part from my soul as I watched my body quake. "I killed you in Hideyoshi-sama's name. Your death is in service for Hideyoshi-sama." My voice was hoarse. I watched, as Ishida Mitsunari returned to this body. "But why is it that now that you're gone, my life seemed to have lost its meaning?"
He(2) screamed into the skies and clenched his head as he fell to his knees. His eyes went blank as his hands fell to the ground with lost energy. In frustration, he punched the cement floor as the skin on his hand broke, revealing raw flesh and blood.
Tears trickled down his pale face, dripping onto the bloody mess. "I have been a fool." An empty victory. I watched as Hanbei forced his path into the darkness that shrouded the two. He gasped at the sight of the limp Ieyasu and quickly reached around the other, holding him tightly as he sobbed quietly. Hanbei whispered quiet, reassuring words into his ear, patting his hair in a rhythmic manner.
Then I heard yells of wizened voices. Sirens. More yelling. And then silence.
I came to in a world of white. My head ached sorely and sitting up was nothing less than painful. I groaned slowly as I tried to pull myself up from the white sheets before my tired thoughts were interjected by a familiar voice.
"Mitsunari-kun…" Hanbei glided past the floor between the window he was looking out of and towards my hospital bed. He laid a cold hand on my own, his lilac eyes stared into mine, strained.
I let out a bitter laugh. "I'm fine." I reassured him. After the three years being together, we have grown close. Although we could not be friends in the past, our status is the same in our present.
Hanbei let out a sigh of relief and sat in the chair next to me, his hands never released mine. I closed my eyes, trying to remember the tragedy that occurred in my last wake. The feeling of losing my body into darkness left me a shudder. I bit my lip in memory as an unexpected tear dripped from my eyes, causing a gasp to be released. My heart sank.
"Mitsunari-kun…!" Hanbei gasped, his face furrowed into a painful frown. He looked down at our entwined hands before slowly letting go. My face lifted up and my eyes met his as I felt the loss of warmth.
He turned to me, a bitter smile laid across his lips. "Why…" He merely asked.
My eyes widened slowly as the words sunk in. I held my head as I felt my shoulders shake, the tears coming down more violently than before.
"Mitsunari-kun… Ieyasu has died once already." Hanbei stood up and turned from me. He glided to the window and placed his hands on the window sill. I stared into the white sheets, stained from my hot tears. I shut my eyes and locked my jaw, silencing my sobs with great effort. "Let your hate and pain die alongside Ishida Mitsunari."
I felt my body freeze and my heart skip a beat at the name. I quickly looked up at Hanbei, mouth slightly open, ready to ask but not knowing where the words I want to speak had left to.
Hanbei kept his back to me, still staring out into the afternoon sun. He suddenly keeled over, placing a hand to his lips as he began a coughing fit so familiar and so frightening.
"Hanbei-sama!" I nearly toppled out of my bed as my legs have yet to have their strength return. My heart began to race and my headache instantly dissipated as I watched my superior fell to his knees.
Giving out a bitter laugh, Hanbei regained his posture and roughly wiped his lips. He turned to me, a sad smile evident across his features. "Do not worry, Mitsunari-kun." He closed his eyes, the bitter smile never left. "I have finally rid my body from the disease from years past."
With relief, I turned my eyes back to the sheets, gripping them with immense strength. I watched as my knuckles paled and the sheets crumpled roughly.
"It died." He stated. I never lifted my gaze. "It died along with Takenaka Hanbei."
So he knew. I gave a cynical laugh. None of us could escape from the warring era.
As if reading my mind, Hanbei shook his head. "No, Mitsunari. We all escaped." He turned back to the window as I watched him. He motioned out into the vast sky and tall buildings. "This, is where we live now."
My eyes widened slightly as realization dawned on me. The sky was blue, and civilizations lived without hate nor war, something I had once thought impossible 400 years ago. The memory of a young child, kneeling down and holding my hand gently returned. He would hold up a fist, in which I knew that no crystal would be. His constant childish lies merely angered me. And also brought an unfamiliar warmth into the cold darkness I was so accustomed to.
The sound of the door caught our attention. In came the sound of squeaking steel as a young high school boy wheeled himself into my room, a smile across his lips. "You're awake!" The familiar voice that I had thought I would never hear again enveloped me.
Hanbei smiled at him. "And I see you are, as well." He turned back to me, who sat there, mouth open, eyes wide, and tears overflowing uncontrollably.
My eyes were glued to the smiling face I haven't seen for years. I had missed Hanbei glance over to me and smile. He proceeded towards the boy resting on the wheelchair and placed a hand on his shoulder. He gripped it tightly before the two exchanged a look I could not understand. After a knowing second, Hanbei broke their eye contact and proceeded to the door.
"I'll let you two talk things out." He waved to us as he opened the door before he stepped out and closed it again, locking me in with him. My mouth trembled as I fought to find the right words… to find any words. The tears slowed, but never stopped.
He wheeled himself towards me, a confident smirk across his features. He braked by my bedside and reached a warm hand to my cheek. I twitched as I felt the warmth on my cold face. Before I had to decide on the words, I felt warm lips against my own.
His eyes remained closed as mine widened. The tears halted as my mind raced, confused. I could feel his nostalgic, familiar heat against me. His hand had made their ways on top of mine and was gripping it with great strength, harder than he did when we were children. The memorable grip of years ago left a sad smile on my lips when we parted.
"Mitsunari…" He whispered. A blush crept its way to my face as I realized his soft lips were on mine merely moments before. "…Mitsunari, I'm sorry."
The words settled as I felt the emptiness return. The words meant so much yet meant nothing. Not knowing how to answer him, I just stared into the sheets in my free hand.
"Mitsunari." He let out a sigh. "I was so happy you were willing to talk to me again."
My mouth pressed together into a thin line. I didn't know what to say to him as words floated through my brain.
"Hanbei… came to talk to me." My eyes raised, staring at him. I couldn't even muster the words to ask. "He told me that he will take you for himself if I didn't do anything."
My brows furrowed as my lips turned into a frown. "I was scared. I didn't want him to take you from me." His grip tightened. I felt my hand being crushed by his grip, but I didn't pull away. "So I made a deal with him."
My gaze hardened as I asked him with my eyes. "I had to act on that day, or else he will take you. That's what he said." He laughed. "So I was in luck when you asked to see me instead."
I looked away, regret and remorse filled my heart. That day… was a grim day that will haunt me… adding to the remorse that has already built up for the past 400 years.
"But I have to admit. When you came into the classroom, I was shocked." I didn't look back at him, still playing my actions on repeat in my mind. "Your eyes were gone… Misty… Like how you looked 4 years ago."
4 years ago… that was when my memories awoken, and when our relationship broke into manifested hatred and betrayal.
"I was always guilty. I felt like I had no right to talk to you… Since…" his words got caught in his throat. He cleared it, and continued. "Since I was the one who killed you."
My eyes trailed back to his, emotionless. The last moments of Ishida Mitsunari replayed themselves in my head too many times, night after night, since my awakening. The last words I heard were from Ieyasu's low, shocked voice.
Mitsunari, I- NO!
"You know, I always had this memory. It was also the first memory that awoken from Tokugawa Ieyasu." He dropped his eyes to our entwined hands, his brows furrowed as a pained expression crossed his features. "You laid in front of me, broken. On my hands, pooling around you, painted across the fields in front of the mansion; blood was everywhere. I… Tokugawa Ieyasu sat down, and began crying over your corpse."
A vivid memory. Just like the many that whirled around my mind.
"Mitsunari, I'm so-"
I cut him off.
"No." My hoarse voice came out, so unfamiliar to myself. "No… It's all over now."
Ieyasu's eyes widened as hope returned to them. I gripped the hand that held mine tightly as I spoke. "It's all over now."
Ieyasu nodded before pushing himself out of his wheelchair despite my objections. He smiled strongly at me as he fell on his knees. Confusion and fear elapsed on my eyes as he took my hand into his. He looked into my eyes, reassuring me with his strong, topaz orbs. I swallowed the uncertainty swelling from my gut.
He held out his other hand, gripped in a strong fist. I frowned at him, fighting the blush that crept up. "We're not kids anymore. Enough with this, Ieyasu."
Ieyasu merely laughed, as he recited, "My princess, I want to make you happy." I crinkled my nose. Half surprised he still remember the lines from a story book told to us years ago, and half annoyed that he is still playing such childish pranks on me. "Once in our lives, as our love crystallizes, so too, do our hearts… They are the manifestation of our love."
"In time, they are given over to the one who inspired them… who wished them happiness."
He reached his fist forward, slowly relaxing each finger at a time, uncovering his fist. "Princess, please accept my crystal heart." He opened his palm, revealing nothing.
I opened my mouth, ready to yell at his foolishness as anger began to grow from the pit of my stomach.
"I would give you my heart, but that would not be happiness for you." He merely stated, his hand trailed down to his chest. I frowned, my pale face deepened crimson as I felt the heat rise. "My death brought nothing but tears to your beautiful face-"
"Then don't die on me." I cut him off, the blush growing deeper.
Ieyasu's lips curled into a smile. "I will never. Not unless it is you who wishes my death."
So ironic… I laughed painfully.
"I want to leave." I mumbled as I watched the students bustle about under me. I stood on the roof of the school, letting the wind rustle my hair as I watched the busying of men under us. Ieyasu looked up from where he sat, next to me, reading a manga.
He quickly dropped his book and stood up next to me, leaning over to watch the children as well. "Right now?"
"No, I mean…" I turned around, resting my back against the fence. "I want to leave Japan."
"Where do you want to go?" Ieyasu asked, his eyes locked onto me.
"I don't know. But I want to leave everything behind and walk anew…" I turned back to face him, a rare smile on my lips. "As myself. As Kusanagi Mitsunari."
Ieyasu smiled back and brought his arms around me, pulling me into a warm, tight hug. I closed my eyes in his embrace. "Let's go. Not right away, of course, but after we graduate…"
He looked down at me as I raised my head, a light blush across my face. "Let's leave this land and find our own. As ourselves."
I silently looked down, a soft smile made its way to my lips. He let me go, and instantly I missed the warmth. An evident frown made its way to my face.
Once again, he kneed down and held my right hand. "Ieyasu." I growled. "Stop this foolishness. If you keep doing this every time, I-"
Ieyasu cut me off as he shifted his hand into his pocket and emerged as a fist. He raised it to me and once again, recited, "My princess, I want to make you happy. Once in our lives, as our love crystallizes, so too, do our hearts… They are the manifestation of our love. In time, they are given over to the one who inspired them… who wished them happiness."
He once again reached his fist forward, slowly relaxing each finger at a time, uncovering his fist. I rolled my eyes, tired of this stupid play. "Mitsunari, please accept my crystal heart."
Confused at his change in lines, I glanced down, ready to retort, but the glimmer of something silver caught my eyes and my words got stuck in my throat. A blush didn't even creep into my features, as it always automatically does. My eyes locked onto the silver band in his hand, glimmering in the afternoon sun.
"My love…" He smiled up at me, confident and pleased. "I'll give you happiness, itself."
Crystal Heart- END
(1) Large, here, doesn't mean by actual size. Mitsunari is comparing Hanbei's accomplishments and his abilities, as Mitsunari truly looked up to the man.
(2) Mitsunari begins to speak in third person, because he lost his grasp of who he truly is after he lost his mind in Ieyasu's fall. He begins to imagine himself as Ishida Mitsunari, since he couldn't believe that these feelings and his actions belonged to himself. Another words, he rejected himself.
Azure- And that's the end of Crystal Heart. I had to somehow tie in the 'crystal heart' in the end, since I forgot about it…
This might actually be my favourite out of all the other characters. To be honest, I'm afraid Mitsu had to go OOC in the end to be happy. I mean, when is he EVER happy! So, please accept his OOC-ness as I really, really, REALLY want to see him happy. /cries a little/
Most scenes/lines were actually ripped straight from the Japanese and English(North American) version of Sengoku Basara 3. I had my sister sit in front of me, playing the Mitsunari storyline while I wrote. That's why the moment where Mitsunari 'killed' Ieyasu was so… I guess well written? I personally thought that and the part where Hideyoshi died was the best written. (Since I ripped it straight out of the scenes) /very ashamed./
Actually, the 'fall from the window' scene was ripped from Eerie Queerie volume 2 (Shuri Shiozu, you are my goddess…)
So, super disclaimer- I don't own Sengoku Basara, Sengoku Basara SCENES, Sengoku Basara LINES, Eerie Queerie, Crystal Heart, and… everything, almost, because Azure is not original at all. /cries/
The two will be back for the final chapter. As there is SOMETHING I have yet to reveal, and only a select few others know in the story. It is very important for the two, and thus they will return, along with Motochika and Motonari!
Super Fun Sengoku Basara Gaaaame- can anyone figure out which scenes were ripped from Sengoku Basara 3, and from where? Heh heh~
Also, sorry. Suddenly started shipping Hanbei/Mitsunari before. That was a total accident. What the crap happened there…?
Review Reply:
Only 1 review this time, but I'm happy to get it :)
JapanManiac- Hi again! I'm so glad someone came back to read it despite the LONG lapse! Yes, I thought of making each character have a different reaction to their past. Some accept it, others despise it, and some don't even remember it! I'm glad the Ieyasu turned out well! I hope MitsuMitsu turned out human as well... Though I tried really hard to incorporate his game character into it. Maybe a future chappie will be called Oreo Cookies! haha! Thank you for liking my crazy ideas. Hope you enjoyed this chapter as well! ^^
39 visitors made it to Crystal Heart I, so to everyone else who read it but didn't review- Thank you for reading! It's sad that it seems I lost some readers before (but it's my fault for the long delay), but hello to all new readers! ^^