ERIA LOUIS
"Um... I heard a… a strange rumor, regarding Mitsuhide and that guy he captured... Kennyo's agent?" she stuttered out.
The smile quickly left Masamune's face. "...I heard Mitsuhide's kind of… well, the guy said… er- He said that Mitsuhide's job is to… torture people." Eria muttered, uncertainty and hesitancy filled her tone. She didn't want it to be true despite the logical part of her head screaming that it was. Until- "That's right."
Eria felt her blood turn to ice, '...So it really is true.' Masamune appeared to be surprised by her reaction, his eyes wide as he asked- "Is that so shocking? Did you think Mitsuhide's the kind of guy who would take pity on an enemy?" Eria was quick to shake her head and adamantly deny his claims, "No! Of course not, I've seen him-" '...I've seen him shoot a man dead all whilst making me watch.' She could never forget that he'd done that. But a part of her believed that there was another side to Mitsuhide. "...I suppose I'm not one to put 'torturer' and 'decently nice' in the same sentence." she admitted.
Masamune stared at her, "Huh. Did I just hear you right in calling Mitsuhide 'decently nice?' I don't mean to laugh- but that's pretty funny." Eria narrowed her gaze, '...Excuse me?' But before she could ask, Masamune continued- "You've heard about the burning of Enryaku-ji on Mt. Hie, right?" "Uh... A little. Mitsuhide touched upon it when covering Nobunaga's… less noble acts." She answered, loosely crossing her arms as she dreaded what was next to be said.
Masamune frowned, as if he hated recalling the memory, "Well, Mitsuhide himself oversaw that battle. Not that you can call it a battle. But it was his suggestion to completely eradicate the problem." Eria froze, that inkling of dread seeping further, "What… What is that supposed to mean…?" "I mean it was a massacre. A calculated one." '...A... A calculated massacre...' Eria couldn't believe it. She didn't want to believe it. A single sickening beat echoed in her chest.
"Enryaku-ji had hundreds of buildings and several thousand people- including women and children. A lot of those were victims of the degenerate monks themselves, but they all died in the fire. Or the resulting hunt that followed." Masamune told her, clearly noticing how her breathing quickened in distress, yet he'd still chosen to tell her all of that. It was cruel. '...Even innocent people? Then... What was even the point?' Each breath she took tasted of ash, gunpowder, and blood. She didn't want to believe it. Yet she knew it was true.
In all the time she'd spent with Mitsuhide, the one place he'd seemed most calm was that scorching battlefield. "Everyone on the Oda forces knows what Mitsuhide's truly capable of. So it's no surprise the horrors he'd inflict on a guy who tried to take his lord's life." "I just... Was torture really the only option? Is violence all you people resort to…?" Eria mumbled. "Maybe not. But it's the quickest way. If sacrificing one man will save an army… what other choice do you have?" Masamune's hand came to clench the handle of his blade as he frowned.
"War isn't a game, Eria. Lives depend on our actions. Ours and many, many more." He glared at her, his usual laidback and friendly tone now harsh and cruel. His one blue eye was as sharp as ruthless, polished steel. '...He's had to do horrible things too, I bet. But the difference is... He enjoys a fight.' "It sounds like Mitsuhide's really coddled you, lass." Masamune said. "...What are you trying to say?" she asked, her voice angry, and weak. "It means you'll never find another person who'd ever mistake Mitsuhide Akechi for 'decently nice.'"
"I-" she wanted to argue. But all she had at her disposal was her own pathetic and naivety-ridden testimony. "I guess-" "Now Masamune, don't you think you're being a bit too cruel?" came another voice, as soft and sweet as the sunset. Lucille approached the two, holding a baby in her arms, and stood beside Eria. She gently rested her hand on Eria's back, lightly rubbing soothing circles as she glared at Masamune, "Can't you see her distress?" Masamune narrowed his gaze on Lucille, "She's a grown woman, Lucille. She needs to face reality."
Lucille shook her head in disapproval, "Not everyone is strong enough to face reality. Need I remind you that we know nothing about how Eria grew up or even where she's from? Rather than forcing her headfirst into the nightmare that is reality, I personally agree with Akechi's methods of slowly introducing her." Masamune scoffed, "She ain't a child, Lucille." "Doesn't mean we need to be harsh on her, Masamune. It's not good to overwhelm anyone, especially when they may not be ready. Stress can kill."
Eria reached up and lightly gripped on the crimson sleeve of Lucille's kimono, gaining the woman's attention and muttering- "No... Masamune's right, Lucille." "Damn right." Masamune smiled. Of course he was right. Eria had seen how the other warlords respected Mitsuhide, but no one ever said anything good about him as a person. The women in town had only complimented his good looks while subtly acknowledging how cruel he could be. And those Samurai probably had the least positive notations to say about him.
"...It really sounds like Mitsuhide has a lot of enemies." Eria muttered. Lucille sighed, "Of course he does. Who wouldn't when they go happily out of their way to make them?" Masamune nodded in agreement. "What? Why?" Masamune shrugged, "Don't know." Eria felt a bit surprised. The one person who seemed like an actual friend to Mitsuhide didn't even know why he behaved in some ways. Though, it was entirely possible that Masamune only liked Mitsuhide for his unsavory side.
"Just because Mitsuhide's cruel streak is the size of Azuchi Castle doesn't mean anything you saw was a lie, though." Masamune pointed out. A soft smile formed on Lucille's rouge-tinted lips, "Mitsuhide isn't the easiest to get along with. But he keeps things entertaining. And though both Masamune and I have our clear opinions, you're better off deciding what Mitsuhide is to you rather than listening to others, okay?" '...She's right.' Eria didn't feel any comfort from their words, not that Masamune was even trying compared to Lucille, but she still felt some encouragement.
"Those are… really good points. Thanks, Masamune. And you too, Lucille." Masamune left, as did Lucille. But even with them gone, Eria couldn't find it in herself to resume cleaning. She kept thinking about Mitsuhide. About how much she wanted to believe that there was a larger portrait to him. He was a professional torturer, as well as responsible for one of the period's most vile and horrendous massacres. And yet… '...There's no way I'm only thinking this way because he's so mysterious. There must be a reason I keep digging.'
Mitsuhide was like a sealed off area, covered in caution tape and signs yelling about the danger that lay ahead. Everyone knew to stay away and those who were foolish enough to ignore the warnings were never to be seen again. And yet, here Eria was. Passing the signs, ducking beneath the tape, all because of her curiosity. '...Will I see him tomorrow?' Towards the end, all her mind did was twist around and circle to where they'd begun.
Later that night, Eria was sitting in her room when she heard a noise. A wooden creak followed by a tap, resounding from above. "...Is someone there?" Eria called out, the threat of possible danger forcing her self-defense training to kick in. "I'm sorry to put you in a state of red alert, Eria. It's only me." It was… Sasuke? What was he doing in the ceiling? He removed one of the panels and executed a backflip, landing almost silently. "What? Are you just filled with ninja tricks tonight?" Eria teased. "That one is ripped straight from parkour." His attempts at modesty made him come across as no less impressive, but even so-
"Loser." "Fair," he spoke as he removed his mask, joining Eria in sitting on the floor. "I apologize that it's been so long. Have you been doing well?" Sasuke asked, his voice its usual monotone that it always was. "I'm... well enough. I'm glad to see you're alright, though. I was um… getting worried." Eria muttered an answer. Sasuke's gaze darkened as he cast it aside, "I assume you've realized by now I'm a-" "...An enemy ninja working for the Uesugi-Takeda? Yep." "Yes," he answered, "And I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to explain properly before."
But Eria shook her head and smiled, "It's fine. What kind of person would I be had I asked you to reveal your position in the enemy's main city, right in broad daylight?" But then her smile fell as she realized something, "Speaking of… Are you sure it's safe to be sneaking into the castle? Won't they be on the prowl for weirdos like you?" "Yes. But if I were easily caught, I wouldn't be a ninja, or a weirdo as you put it. At least, not a very good one." He answered.
Eria stared at Sasuke, a look of amazement in her eyes. 'He's… He's really adapted well to the Sengoku, hasn't he?' "There is something I had to tell you before I'm sent on my next mission." He said. Eria remained silent, quietly urging him to speak. "The Oda forces and the Uesugi-Takeda are currently in a deadlock at the border of Oda territory. If they stay this way, we may be able to avoid another war before the wormhole opens."
"That would be great... But don't fucking jinx it." Eria said. She would love to never set foot on another battlefield for as long as she lived. But a part of her refused to believe she could ever be that lucky. Sasuke nodded, "That is not to say there won't be other conflicts. These are the warring states. We must remain vigilant." "Mhmm.. I've noticed." Eria commented. 'We just discovered the culprit behind the Honno-ji incident... Who's to say that won't blow up any time soon? There's also a high probability some other idiot will get the bright idea to go after Nobunaga's life.'
"My next mission involves investigating a powerful potential third belligerent." Sasuke told her. Eria's eyes widened as she motioned for him to be quiet, "Okay, 1. I don't think you should be telling me, someone on your enemy's side, such information. And 2... Is that to say that there might be another person to get involved here?" "It's difficult to say. It relates to a sudden workplace incident- no, you're right. I shouldn't say anymore." Sasuke sighed, meeting her gaze, "You should try and continue to enjoy life here under the protection of whatever warlord you find least problematic."
"...Difficult choice, they all suck. But... Thank you for coming to talk to me." Eria smiled. "You're welcome. How has life been for you, if I may ask? Perhaps my four years of experience can help you with any problems." He suggested. Eria paused, '...Problems, hm?' "None in particular... Aside from Mitsuhide being a pain in my ass and stirring an emotional whirlwind." Sasuke's gaze widened, "'Mitsuhide?' You haven't had the opportunity to get close to THE Mitsuhide Akechi, have you?" "...I wouldn't say close."
"You probably know more about him than I do, Sasuke. What does posterity have to say about Mitsuhide?" Eria asked. Perhaps the distant, impersonal lens of history would carry more insight than those of this time period. Eria watched as the gears in Sasuke's brain seemed to turn before they came to an abrupt stop. "Very little is known about Mitsuhide Akechi." He answered, "Of course he's the orchestrator of the Honno-ji incident, who then held power for just thirteen days before being killed."
Eria rolled her eyes, "Yeah. In my short time staying in Japan, I've caught a few specials, seen some books. 'Fiery Betrayal,' 'The Thirteen-Day Ruler,' 'Mitsuhide vs. Hideyoshi!'" "No one knows the concrete reason for his betrayal against Nobunaga Oda. It remains one of Japan's greatest mysteries." Sasuke spoke. '...Nobody knows..hm.' In this strange, alternate timeline, Mitsuhide wasn't responsible for Honno-ji. Yet the rumors of his seemingly inevitable betrayal followed wherever he went.
"If his motives for causing Nobunaga's death are a mystery, his pre-incident life is not much clearer. Speculation runs rampant." Sasuke began, "Mitsuhide Akechi is like a picture out of focus. We historians recognize his impact yet know no details." Eria wore an awkward smile, "...Is it strange to say that's a fitting description, considering what I know of him?" "If he gives you that impression despite you knowing him personally, that does make me feel better." Sasuke answered.
"Yeah. It's funny because I was hoping you'd know something I didn't... I have no idea what he's even thinking. He's been my instructor here, but he also teases me regularly about my skills." Eria explained, pausing when she noticed the way Sasuke was smiling at her. "...You're smiling as you describe him." He told her. "...Am I actually?" "You are." Eria covered her face, embarrassed. 'I... I don't mean to.' Now Sasuke was giving her a teasing smile, which only made her blush deepen. "I'm relieved to see you're enjoying a happy Sengoku period life," Sasuke said, "I probably won't see you often, but I'm wishing you success in making it through the next two and a half months."
"You too, Sasuke. Be careful." "I will. And with that, I ker-vanish." Sasuke vaulted back into the ceiling, closing the panel behind him. Alone in her room, Eria crawled in her futon. No one knew the truth about Mitsuhide. Not his friends, enemies. Not the present, not the past. Was it even possible for Eria to figure him out? '...I want to try. I really do...' An image of Mitsuhide formed in her mind as she fell asleep. The image blurred like the moon behind a cluster of clouds as she drifted off into dreamland.
The rumors that surrounded Mitsuhide only grew worse with each passing day. "Now they're claiming that he was secretly working WITH Kennyo?!" Eria exclaimed. Mitsunari nodded, "Yes. And it is expected that, in time, it will be treated as more than just a rumor." "They all say it's the only way he could have caught Kennyo's agent so easily." Ieyasu explained. '...Did they never consider that maybe, just maybe, Kennyo and his agents are INCOMPETENT?' Eria shook her head, "That's ridiculous. If he were working with the enemy, why would he torture an ally?"
Ieyasu's gaze hardened, "Their argument is that he did it to prove himself to Nobunaga. And by doing so, get Nobunaga off his guard." Eria sighed. If they've told themselves that Mitsuhide Akechi is a double agent, there was really no way to convince them otherwise. Mitsunari gave Eria a reassuring smile, "It is quite the logical stretch, and furthermore, there's no evidence. Furthermore, if you were going to learn of the rumor eventually, we thought it best it came from friends."
Eria smiled, "...I appreciate that." After the torture allegations, the truth only seemed to blur further and further. However, the rumor seemed too easy to disprove, making it obviously fake. Eria was glad they'd let her know- and shot down the nasty speculation so quickly. "Mitsuhide actually fought against Kennyo in one of the attacks on Ishiyama Hongan-ji. They couldn't possibly work together." Ieyasu pointed out. Mitsunari frowned, "I have heard people say it is not beyond Lord Mitsuhide's power to persuade a former enemy, however… I believe they are grasping at straws. I am a little concerned there may be a plot against him."
"Like someone is purposely trying to ruin Mitsuhide's reputation?" Eria inquired. But Ieyasu brushed it off, "Don't worry about it. They won't succeed. There's no one better at subterfuge than Mitsuhide." '...That doesn't mean there's not a problem if someone is out to get him.' "Do you think he knows?" Eria asked. "I'm certain he does. Most of the Oda force's information comes to Lord Mitsuhide first after all." Mitsunari told her. '...That can't be a great feeling... Knowing someone is spreading foul rumors about you...'
Next thing Eria knew, she felt a sharp pang of sympathy as she stood. "...I'm going to pay him a visit." she muttered. "You are?" Both of them blurted out in unison, matching looks of disbelief on their faces. Eria nodded, "Yes. Now, could one of you maybe tell me where I could find his manor?"
"I will inform my lord. Please wait here, Lady Eria. It will only be a moment." "Thank you, Kyubei." Eria had been led to a room that carried a heavy fragrant of incense. 'Is this Mitsuhide's room?' Eria wondered. It was clean, indicating a clean mind. Except that it was incredibly bare, with just a desk in the center and a potted plant off to the side, his rifle propped up next to it. Nothing to really indicate his interests nor accomplishments. Perhaps he just wasn't into decorating. "Keep examining my room so intently and you're sure to find something that will embarrass me horribly."
Eria startled, "Ah- M-Mitsuhide?!" She hadn't even heard him, yet there he was. Standing in the door frame with crossed arms. Eria met his gaze, taking a breath and regaining her composure. "...It's not like I was snooping or anything. I just thought... This room, it matches you well." She told him. "Is that to say you admit to having an interest in me? My, and I hadn't the slightest idea." Mitsuhide smiled, "You are welcome to examine me just as closely as you have my room, if you like. Go on. Look-"
Eria let out an exasperated sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose, "...I would rather not. Stop twisting my words, would you?" Even so, her face flushed red at the mere thought of... 'examining' him. They'd only been talking for all of what felt to be three seconds, yet he already had her in the palm of his hand. "That said, I did not expect you to come visit me." Mitsuhide said. "...That is fair. I had no intention to... Then I heard the rumors regarding you and Kennyo." Eria said, "They say you're working with him."
Mitsuhide remained impassive though, not letting any idea of his thoughts whatsoever cross his face. He simply said- "That is what they say." as if completely unfazed. "And? You're here to discern the truth?" He questioned. '...What?' "It's natural to be afraid that the person watching you works for the enemy. Who knows what harm they could inflict on you? But you should never put yourself in a position to ask someone accused of betrayal if they mean to do so." Mitsuhide told her.
Eria stared at him. Was that why he thought she was here? At least... It confirmed that he couldn't read minds, as he'd claimed before. "You're wrong." said Eria, "...I. I wanted to let you know... That even if others doubt you, I. for whatever reason, I don't." she muttered. Mitsuhide's teasing grin fell, "...What…?" 'Fuck... What am I saying?' "I have a dreadful suspicion-" Mitsuhide started, "...You've come here to 'cheer me up.'" "That was the original intention, but now I see there was no point so I'm just going to-"
Eria, averting her gaze, headed for the door. But Mitsuhide's sudden laughter caused her to stop and look at him. "...Why are you laughing?" she asked. "You were actually worried for my emotional condition in light of this news?" Mitsuhide asked. "...I guess I was. Is that so wrong? Rumors tend to cause others to lose concentration and make them angry. It... It's terrible." '...I would know.' Mitsuhide only smiled in response, "I fear your ability to sympathize with people will put you in danger someday. What if the gossip turned out to be true?"
'..What the hell is he saying?' Mitsuhide's smile fell, his expression turning serious, "Fewer people than you think act with good intentions, Eria." He shut the door behind him, an audible noise echoing through the room. '...What is he-?' Mitsuhide took one step towards Eria. Then another before he kneeled in front of her. Yet with his height, he still cast a shadow over her. A shadow limned in the palest of silver. "More take advantage of the good-hearted than you suspect, playing their sympathy for ill purposes." He whispered, his voice dropping, "...And they may be closer to you than you think…"
Mitsuhide caught Eria's chin, his low voice burning in her ears. And as his lips drew closer… 'Oh, 'living hell' may be right...!'