ERIA LOUIS

Eria woke up the next morning with a yawn, blinking several times due to how dry her eyes felt. By the time her vision finally cleared, she saw that Mitsuhide was already in costume. He sat at the desk in the room, scribbling away with a quill. She watched him in silence, a part of her admiring the way he wrote. Until she realized she should probably say something. "Um- Good… Good morning," she murmured. "Good morning, sleepy little mouse. Clean up quickly. I have something to tell you before breakfast," Mitsuhide informed her.

"Okay. About last night-" Eria muttered, but Mitsuhide didn't respond. He only continued to write. He was most likely wondering why she wasn't getting ready yet. Still, she had to say something. "Even… Even if you were just doing it to keep up with routine… I'm grateful that you took care of me last night, thank you..." she said, struggling to suppress her smile when she thought of the previous night. "You're a good husband- err, faux husband to me... You'd probably be a great real one-"

His brush came to a sudden halt, "...Such dangerous words…" he muttered. "Huh? Did you say something?" Eria questioned. "I'm simply drafting this letter," he replied, "Now get prepared. Unless your aim is to force me to wash your face for you. Well, little mouse? Shall I get a bucket…?" "Haha... Considering I don't know your plans for said bucket, I must politely decline." Eria responded. She was quick to busy herself with getting ready for the day, though a single question remained in her mind.

'..Is it just me, or is Mitsuhide acting pretty different? He seems more… brusque? The opposite of his normal speech... Everything was normal last night… Perhaps it's something else?' Upon Eria's return to their room- "Read this." Mitsuhide quickly shoved a sheet of paper into her hands. Eria stared down at the script, quickly recognizing it as Nobunaga's handwriting. As she slowly deciphered the letter, she felt herself tense at the contents while Mitsuhide remained his normal, unreadable expression.

"...Nobunaga's received a summons from the imperial court?" she questioned. Mitsuhide nodded with a frown, "Someone falsely reported on our investigation of the daimyo to the imperial court in Kyoto." All Eria and Mitsuhide were doing was investigating rumors of a rebellion in a small territory. However, the court in Kyoto heard an entirely different story. Now, it was a much larger territory, with tens of thousands of soldiers. '...But why?' Further, the letter stated that the court had sent a messenger directly to Azuchi to report more.

"We must return to Azuchi quickly and inform our lord and the nobles about the true state of affairs here." Mitsuhide said, then added- "Once we've rendered their rebellion useless, that is." Eria startled, "Hold on- Aren't we skipping a few steps again? Are we even sure they're going to rebel?" Eria felt nothing lost on the man, yet she saw no reason to accuse him of treason. "I've already acquired evidence of his treachery," Mitsuhide answered. '...Wait. That fast?!' "Evidence? What do you mean by evidence?"

Mitsuhide raised a hand and smugly tapped a finger against his temple, "Right here." Eria stared at him, slightly awestruck, "It's only been a day... That's… honestly incredible." 'I guess he doesn't have the position of Nobunaga's left-hand man for nothing... Whereas me…' The only information Eria had managed to obtain was that these men were creeps- which could, maybe, be assumed. 'However... I did see… Hm. I don't think I should tell Mitsuhide that.' Before she could shoot herself down any further, Mitsuhide patted Eria on the head.

"What you told me last night was quite useful." Mitsuhide informed her. "Wait, something good came out of my sobbing? Mind telling me what...?" Eria asked. Though he only smirked in response, "You'll find out." Mitsuhide took the letter and folded it back up before tucking it away. "It would be a shame to return to our lord with only the information he wanted and no souvenir. We shall settle things at tomorrow's festival." he said. '...Hm. He's planning something.' Even so, Eria had no idea as to what his plan could be, let alone how he came up with it in a single night. But without a doubt, it had to be a good one.

After all, he was Mitsuhide Akechi, the secretive schemer. It was as if he had the perfected talent of making anything work. Eria simply nodded, "Well, if you need my help, you have it." "Indeed. I have a rather large role in mind for you. Now, let us set the stage."

That following afternoon, Eria used her break from the rehearsals to purchase the things Mitsuhide had asked for his performance. It felt a bit like shopping at a convenience store, at least, compared to the multi-floor mega mall that was Azuchi. 'Hm... It seems they don't have the right color cloth… Good thing I know how to dye.' She had just tucked her purchases away into her bag, when she heard an unexpected yet familiar voice- "Eria, is that you?" "What the heck are you doing here?!" Eria whipped her head around, meeting the familiar gazes of- "Yukimura? Sasuke?! I could ask you both the same thing!"

She didn't believe it. But based on appearances, neither did they. But it was really them. "Once more, we run into each other while shopping. Could this be what they mean by 'market forces?'" Sasuke commented. Yukimura frowned at him, "I don't know what that means, but I bet you that's not it." As Sasuke moved to take a step towards Eria, Yukimura held him back. "...Watch it. Don't forget, Sasuke, we've just been spotted by an enemy. Even if that enemy's a boar woman." Yukimura warned, then he looked at Eria, "Eria. I heard who you really are."

Eria placed a hand on her waist and rolled her eyes, "Need I remind you that you quite literally shouted out to this 'enemy?' But even so, you should know I'm not YOUR enemy-" she spoke, keeping her hand on her waist as she moved closer to them, glaring at Yukimura. "W-What?" He stammered. "I'm also not a boar woman, Yuki." she smiled. He blinked his honey brown eyes at her. "Say I were your enemy; I probably would've attacked you by now and ran off to inform my… associate." Eria told him.

Yukimura shrugged, "Well, that's fair. You're too weird to be any enemy anyway- but just weird enough to be Sasuke's friend." He smiled. "Yukimura, you understand that you have retroactively applied the quality of 'weird' to yourself." Sasuke's usual monotone voice chimed in. "Eh, it's fine." Eria let out a small laugh, "Glad to see you two are the same." Right as everything felt like a sense of normalcy, Eria remembered-

"So, I'm kind of here on a… mission, hence the dress," she began, gesturing to her clothing as she spoke, "But I happened to notice Yoshimoto yesterday. Is he the reason you're both here?" Both of them wore a surprised look that sent a strike of surprise into Eria as well. "He's here?!" Yukimura questioned. "Um... You weren't aware-?" Sasuke shook his head, then said- "Eria, our being here has nothing to do with the ongoing conflict with the Oda forces. We've been searching for Yoshimoto and the Imagawa vassals. They disappeared from Echigo without a word." '...Disappeared?'

"...Why would Yoshimoto do that?" Eria questioned. "We don't know," Yukimura said, "But we know it caused a big stir. Especially since it happened in the middle of the war." Sasuke nodded, "There is no doubt that Yoshimoto left voluntarily, but he may have been influenced by someone to leave." Both appeared worried. Though Yukimura more so expressed his worry with a mark of frustration. The search must've been going on for a while. Eria's gaze drifted to Sasuke, "Is this what you told me about the other night?" "Yes, in fact. We tracked Yoshimoto to this region by following the sighs of various lovesick tea-house waitresses. If you have information about his whereabouts, we would appreciate it."

Eria chewed on her bottom lip, "I only saw him once…" she said. Then began to describe seeing Yoshimoto at the previous day's surprise VIP inspection. Sasuke and Yukimura shared a reaction of chilly unease. "...That other guy with the daimyo, you sure they called him 'Lord Yoshiaki?'" Yukimura asked. Eria nodded, "Positive. I don't know much about him, aside from the fact that he's a prick and must hold some high position of power." She felt a chill run through her body, as she recalled her previous interaction with the shark-eyed man.

Sasuke cast his gaze aside, "This speaks of trouble." Yukimura wore a similar expression, "Damn. Didn't think it would get this bad." 'Okayy.. I think I need some answers.' "Well, you certainly seem like you know who this Yoshiaki guy is. Mind telling me? Is he dangerous?" Eria inquired. "Very much so. Assuming he is indeed the fifteenth shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate, Ashikaga Yoshiaki." Sasuke said. Eria's gaze widened, 'THAT guy, the same one who I was nearly forced to sleep with- was the final Ashikaga shogun?!'

Mitsuhide had briefed Eria on him during their studies...

"So… This latest shogun wasn't actually deposed, but rather driven from the capital?" Eria questioned. Mitsuhide nodded, "Yes, by Lord Nobunaga himself. Initially, our lord supported Yoshiaki during the early days of his campaign of unification, until they came into conflict. Yoshiaki took particular offense at power and authority being taken from him and distributed to those he deemed 'unworthy.' He challenged Lord Nobunaga to battle and was defeated, losing everything as he was chased out of Kyoto."

"I have heard a rumor he currently resides in the port of Tomonoura, in Chugoku."

The shogun that just so happened to have a bone to pick with Nobunaga was currently being wined and dined by the daimyo who just so happened to be plotting a rebellion. That certainly added quite a bit of weight to his potential betrayal. '...Mitsuhide must have realized this too. It certainly did seem like he recognized Yoshiaki yesterday. And after I confirmed the guy's identity… he suddenly announced that he had the proof necessary. It all fits… Except…' "What would Yoshimoto be doing with someone like Yoshiaki?" Eria questioned.

"We'll have to talk to him to find out. Can you tell us where the daimyo's staying?" Yukimura replied. Eria nodded, "I can. You'll want to turn down this road-" Yukimura smiled, "...Uh-huh. Got it. Thanks." No sooner had Eria finished giving him directions, than Yukimura had already dashed off. '...Are you actually going there now?!' "...Is Yuki running off like that a good idea?" She asked. "There's nothing to worry about. Yukimura is very direct. But he's not reckless," Sasuke explained, "I anticipate he's gone to inspect the premises and secure an infiltration route. I should probably catch up with him."

"Alright. Good luck and be careful." Eria told him. "Thank you. As long as you're here, we may see each other again." Sasuke responded, "And with that, I ker-vanish." It was less of a 'vanishing' and more of a chasing after Yukimura. But nonetheless, Sasuke left. 'Pfft- Loser.' Eria thought with a fond smile. Part of her was thrilled having met up with them here. But the other part of her had a really bad feeling about everything.

The fact that he was a shogun did nothing to make Eria hate him any less. And she hated the fact that they were being forced into getting tangled further with him. Feeling a chill within, Eria clutched her bag against her chest- "Excuse me, miss. This will only take a moment." "Wha-?!" Someone clasped their hand over Eria's mouth from behind and dragged her from the market.

'Okay, dickhead, no more playing nice!' As soon as they were alone, Eria turned the stranger's force against them and flipped them down. Eria looked at her attacker, only to be surprised when she met a familiar golden gaze. "Oh-!" the man muttered. '...Yoshimoto?' The good news, Eria's self-defense training had worked. The bad news, her target. Yoshimoto looked up at her from his place in the dirt with a sheepish grin. "...Eria, I see you are not only a patron of the fine arts, but of the martial arts as well." He said.

"I... I'm so sorry. Are you okay? I didn't hurt you?" she questioned. Yoshimoto smiled, "I will be alright. I apologize for handling you so rudely. But I dearly wished to talk to you in private." Eria stared at him, "You could have just said something rather than drag me..." "I would have, but as you may have noticed, I am somewhat… striking. It makes private conversations difficult." He replied. 'Wow. So he knows that some think he's stupidly pretty. Good to know.' Back in Azuchi, she could recall dozens of eyes on him wherever he went. It really puts being observed by Mitsuhide into perspective.

Here in this much smaller town, Yoshimoto couldn't hide himself amidst a big crowd. As no crowd big enough existed. "I am most worried about alerting Yukimura and Sasuke to my presence." He admitted. Eria tilted her head, "You do know they came here looking for you, right? They sounded worried." Yoshimoto wore a saddened smile, "...I expect they are." But it quickly disappeared, "Leaving that aside, I was actually looking for you." "...For me? Why?" she questioned. "Last night, I caught sight of you as you left the manor. I asked my vassals what had happened-"

Eria felt her heart drop as Yoshimoto continued- "...I'm dreadfully sorry you had to go through that." "...It's… fine." she replied, her tone abrasive. Though she heard nothing but sympathy in his tone, the wound felt fresh, and she preferred not to be reminded. Even if Mitsuhide's bandaging held strong. She was getting over it, slowly. "Where I'm from… we don't treat others like that. But. I'm well aware, and I'm fine." she said. "Are you sure?" Yoshimoto questioned. Eria feigned a smile and nodded, "Mmhmm. Anyway... Did you do all this just to check on me? If so... Thank you, I… I appreciate it."

There was a pause before Yoshimoto spoke again. "You are incredibly strong. Life and all its forces move through you as naturally as the wind, trees, and water. …Yet you outshine them." He smiled, warmth in his gaze. '...I'm not that shiny. It's… It's mostly thanks to Mitsuhide.' "I feel as though you are the opposite of me," Yoshimoto admitted. Eria laughed and brushed him off, "That's not possible. You stand out a lot more than I do. Are we forgetting how many eyes were on you back in Azuchi? When you talk about art… It appears that's when you really come alive."

"I'm pleased to hear you say that." Yoshimoto smiled, his gaze somewhat off in the distance. It was strange. Almost like… he was saying goodbye. "Yoshimoto… Can I ask… Why are you with Yoshiaki?" she asked. "Hmm?" Eria continued- "Yukimura and Sasuke are worried about you. That probably means all of Echigo is. …Why did you decide to leave?" she asked. Yoshimoto wore a mournful yet beautiful smile, "You could say… to see the once-stalled fall of the Imagawa clan come to its natural conclusion." '...Natural conclusion? What happens when a clan falls? …Destruction…?'

Yoshimoto's smile looked weak, trapped even. "What do you mean by that?" Eria questioned. But he didn't answer. His gaze darkened as he looked directly into her eyes, "...Be careful on your way back, Eria." He then turned to go. "Yoshimoto, please...! Talk to Yukimura and Sasuke first. Whatever you're dealing with- remember, there are people who care about you and would do anything to help you." Eria shouted after him. He walked as though the wind carried him, like his steps were not his own to make. He glanced back, his expression appearing resigned. "...Thank you. I'm pleased we were able to talk again. I will not forget today." He breathed. And like that, Yoshimoto was gone.

Eria recalled learning about Yoshimoto Imagawa during Mitsuhide's history lectures. The Imagawa clan had been immensely powerful- until they suffered this era's greatest defeat at the Battle of Okehazama and lost everything to Nobunaga Oda. Officially being 'destroyed,' the clan was no more than Yoshimoto and a handful of vassals taking refuge in Echigo. …The last Shogun and the fallen Imagawa clan… Both have been chased off history's stage by Nobunaga. Now, they stood together. And Yoshimoto's look of despair. It all had to mean something.

A cold realization struck Eria, '...This isn't rebellion. This all reeks of revenge. …I need to tell Mitsuhide.'

"Mitsuhi-...!" Eria called out, cutting herself off for a quick moment. "Is that my sweet wife? You finished shopping, I see." the man in question said. He signaled to the others to take a break before coming over to see Eria and taking the shopping bag from her hands. It was quite an impressive feat that Mitsuhide had worked his way into co-director despite having arrived only the previous day. Not that this was the time for a festival. "Mitsu? …Could I talk with you in private?" Eria muttered. Mitsuhide's gaze widened, "Private? Shopping appears to have been very stimulating."

Eria rolled her eyes, "Ah yes. We're totally gonna go have sex right now." she mumbled, her tone laced with sarcasm as she grabbed him and dragged him around to the back of the stage. "...Tell me, did you realize the man I met the other night was the Shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiaki?" she asked. He didn't answer, nor did his placid expression give anything away. His poker face appeared to be more of a mask. Eria decided to continue- "You yourself told me that he lost to Nobunaga... And now he's here, in a hotbed of rebellion. There's something more going on, isn't it?" Mitsuhide only shrugged in response.

"You ask as if this is of some concern to you. This is not your time. Or are you not returning to your future?" Mitsuhide said, a frown harsh on his lips. "Am I not allowed to be concerned? Have you forgotten that the past affects the future? NONE of this happened before!" Eria bit back, "Whether you like it or not, this IS a concern to me!" "Why?" he questioned. "...Because I care. I care about the people of this time, about my friends, about the Oda warlords. And… I care about you. A lot more than I'm happy with admitting." she answered.

Mitsuhide's eyes flashed wide open before returning to their neutral state. "...And here I was wondering if it was something important you had to tell me…" Mitsuhide let out a sigh, "If you're done, we should return to the troupe. Right now, it is the festival that is of the utmost importance." He turned around, just like that as if it was the end. Eria grabbed him, "Can't you tell me just- anything?! Anything at all?! Aren't we supposed to be working together on this-?"

Mitsuhide frowned, his thin eyebrows drawn tight. Though his frown wasn't really what Eria was looking at. She startled, noting how his face was slightly redder than before. 'You're uh… Your face… You're… blushing?' Eria wasn't aware that she had tugged so hard, his placid mask had come crumbling off. But was he really blushing? "...Let us go." Mitsuhide spoke, his tone more gruff than normal. "...Okay." Eria muttered, letting go of him. She watched as Mitsuhide marched off, more haltingly. Not his usual fluid and overly graceful pace. He looked more… clumsy. '...That's cute. But what could have caused him to react that way? All I said was- …That I cared about him. A lot...'

Whatever had struck Mitsuhide, struck Eria as well. She felt a hot flush in her face and the sudden inability to move naturally. After what felt like a dozen deep breaths and a quick temperature check, Eria returned to the troupe. "Eria, I need you to hurry up with those props. Our show is tomorrow, you know." Mitsuhide scolded. "On it." she replied. He was no longer blushing, though that wasn't a surprise. Yet he had been, Mitsuhide was definitely blushing before. Their discussion had been quickly cut off before she could get any answers. But she learnt something good, something important. …Important to her, at the least. And to him, though arguable.

'..That slick silver tongue of his gets awfully curt when he's bashful... Hm. Wasn't he curt to me this morning...? Was that due to last night, or when I thanked him...? Whatever it was… This is useful information.' A grin formed on Eria's lips as she felt as though she'd uncovered some amazing piece of history. Something no other scholar knew. She shook her head, remembering how she had work to do. 'Hm... These costume designs of his… We don't have time to make full ones, so they'll have to modifications- uh… what ARE these?'

"Mitsu, what sort of show exactly are you putting on tomorrow?" Eria questioned. "Why, it's a comedy. I wrote it myself." He answered. "...You wrote a comedy? You're capable of being funny?" Eria asked, her expression and tone a matching sense of deadpan. "You can judge for yourself at the show tomorrow. But what a show it should be." He answered. Eria felt the dread set in, but Mitsuhide was smiling. And she trusted him, including her dread. So, she did exactly as he'd asked of her. And at last, the night of the long-fated festival arrived…