MITSUHIDE AKECHI
Drums and flutes echoed through the night sky, signaling the beginning of tonight's show. The tunes continued playing loudly along in accompaniment of the troupe's various acts, serving to keep the audience entertained. However, one audience member showed no sign of amusement. He just sat beside the daimyo; boredom clear in his sharp eyes. He who should not have been here. The fifteenth shogun of the Ashikaga Shogunate- Yoshiaki Ashikaga himself. Yet he should really have taken this opportunity to enjoy himself. He would not have many after.
After confirming the presence of his prey, Mitsuhide noticed that his wife, Eria, was acting strangely. Was she troubled by something? Eria appeared to be searching the crowd for someone, but whoever it was, she hadn't found them. "Is something the matter?" Mitsuhide asked. Eria shook her head with a quiet- "No. It's nothing." She turned her gaze from him but continued her search. Seemingly trying to be more discrete this time. Mitsuhide decided to leave her to it. All that mattered to him at that moment was that she was neither sad nor frightened.
'I worried that seeing the Shogun would bring back traumatic memories, but she's handling it well. I'm glad. Now… to work.' Mitsuhide had a dual purpose for being within this region. It was most fortunate that Nobunaga had chosen to assign him for this mission. The man that had been pushing Mitsuhide to turn against his lord was nothing but a messenger. And he'd tracked his master here. Mitsuhide frowned, 'And it is all connected. Yet we are only now seeing these connections because Yoshiaki's plan has progressed this far.'
Not that any of it really mattered. There was only one thing Mitsuhide regretted, and that was dragging Eria into this mess. He had felt the tears she'd shed that night as if they were acid on his skin, a feeling he'd never forget. Lord Yoshiaki would suffer a fitting punishment for the crime he'd committed.
Mitsuhide ran through his performance in his head once more, making certain of the steps, when Eria tugged on his sleeve. "Can I look at the script before the show begins?" she asked. "And spoil the surprise?" Mitsuhide smirked, holding a kitsune mask to his face. Tonight's role was indeed one Mitsuhide was suited for. There had been little to no difficulty in writing a script and receiving Kamekichi's approval. It would be the last performance of the night. A fitting end to this first act.
"You're not nervous?" Eria questioned. "There's nothing to be nervous about." Mitsuhide answered, his expression neutral. 'Good preparation ensures that. Even the grandest of plans boil down to a series of relatively simple steps.' "Hey! Mitsu! Eria!" came the joyous voice of Kamekichi as he approached. As if a switch had been flipped, Eria quickly adorned a bright smile as she looked to the troupe master, "Kamekichi! Great job with your performance!" she praised. Kamekichi smiled at the young woman before looking at Mitsuhide, "You're up after the break, Mitsu! Everyone's looking forward to your closing act!"
Mitsuhide smiled in return, "Leave it to me." 'Alas, that this will be the last opportunity we have to talk…' Mitsuhide gave a low bow to their host, "I really must thank you and the troupe for everything. These were a wonderful few days." Even though he had been acting the entire time he was here, this small act was neither scripted nor a performance. "I thank you for this opportunity, from the bottom of my heart." Eria joined Mitsuhide in his bow, "...We are very thankful, Kamekichi." she mumbled.
"Don't get me teary-eyed, you two! Let's save all that for after the show, all right?" Kamekichi said. His laugh was a jovial one as he clapped both Eria and Mitsuhide on the shoulder before he went backstage. '...Every one of you are better than society will ever take you for. Though we may never meet again, I wish you all the best.' "Eria?" "Hm?" "Toward the end of my performance, I want you to come up onto the side of the stage," Mitsuhide informed her. Eria gave him a suspicious look, "...Is this some part of a plan of yours?" she asked. He only smiled in response, "Didn't I tell you this morning? I had a rather large role in mind for you."
Eria's gaze only narrowed further, "Mind telling me what I should do then?" "Just follow my lead." He answered. 'We will see to it that this daimyo never can and never will plot rebellion again.' Mitsuhide decided. As for the man who had dared to make her cry- that damned Shogun- he would have to go free tonight. But not before he would be forced to endure twice the humiliation he'd made her feel. Eria caught Mitsuhide's eye, worry lacing her hazel eyes. She let out a sigh, "Fine… Be careful, okay?"
"Are you concerned for me?" Mitsuhide smiled. Eria crossed her arms, smirking as she said- "Is it not normal for a wife to worry for her husband?" but then, she quietly added, as if reassuring herself- "...Fake husband." Even so, the 'fake' was such a clear afterthought this time that it brought a smile to Mitsuhide's lips. "Real or not, it means a lot to me. Thank you." He told her. His upcoming performance; the festival; the music; all of it seemed to fade away. All he saw was Eria, in all her beauty within the early dusk and glowing firelight. Everything she said to him held so much meaning, she always managed to surprise him.
"You…" She mumbled but trailed off. "Yes?" Mitsuhide prompted. "...What are you waiting for? You have a show to put on, get up there, Mitsu!" she urged. Mitsuhide chuckled, "Yes, yes. I'm going now." But before he left, he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. '...Have I surprised you, my love? If so, take what I have done as but a momentary loss of good sense on this festival evening.' Mitsuhide slipped on his mask and retreated backstage.
ERIA LOUIS
There was no need for Mitsuhide to flee, as not a single complaint about the kiss came from Eria. In fact, she looked happy. Watching the stage, Eria waited for the familiar appearance of her kitsune, before she was interrupted by the familiar voice of a friend. "Eria!" "Hey there, dancer girl!" Turning around, she was met with the usual placid expression of Sasuke and a friendly smile from Yukimura. Eria broke through the crowd to approach her two friends. "I thought I spotted a familiar occipital surface among the audience. I'm glad I was correct." Sasuke said.
"You… never mind, I'm not gonna even try. I'm glad to see you two again." Eria smiled. Yukimura narrowed his gaze, "You're really happy to see your enemies? Geez, you make me forget we're on different sides sometimes." Eria shrugged, "I don't really care for things like enemies. Only thing that matters to me is 'friends.' Speaking of friends… How's your search for Yoshimoto going?" A shake of the head from Yukimura was the only answer she needed. "I think he knows we're onto him. We snuck into that fancy manor to see him, but he was already gone." Yukimura frowned.
Eria had a look of worry in her gaze. "Yoshiaki Ashikaga has many other hidden supporters throughout the country. It is likely Yoshimoto and his vassals have already left to seek refuge with another one of them." Sasuke explained. "Well… It sucks that you missed him." Eria muttered. Suddenly, a spark of realization flashed in Yukimura's gaze before he asked- "Hey, Eria? The guy dressed as a fox who was with you just now. Was that Mitsuhide Akechi?" Panic flashed across Eria's face for a brief moment, which Yukimura took note of.
"I don't know what Azuchi's 'Silver Kitsune' is doing with you, but I have an idea of why he's here. The daimyo's plotting against Nobunaga, isn't he?" Yukimura questioned. Concluding that it was not necessary to keep what they already suspected, Eria shrugged and answered him- "Yes. Mitsuhide is the 'associate' I mentioned before. We're here to investigate the daimyo." "...And it is sounding like you've found him guilty." Sasuke muttered. Both Yukimura and Sasuke seemed to take notice of Yoshiaki Ashikaga sitting next to the daimyo, clearly having their own suspicions about him.
"As it turns out, the Oda forces aren't the only ones dealing with rumors of rebellion. We have them too." Sasuke admitted, causing Eria to draw in a sharpened breath. "No one scary yet, just a bunch of nobles whose only power lies in their pedigree. But they've been communicating with someone." Yukimura added. "...Do you think it's-?" Eria was cut off by the sound of drums, indicating the start of the final act. "That's all the info we've got to share with our enemies." Yukimura said. "But we will be very interested to see how Mitsuhide Akechi deals with the threat of rebellion." Sasuke commented.
Eria let out a small laugh, "I'm a bit curious myself..." The drums set a background rhythm, shortly being joined by a flute. The first actor ascended the stage, dressed in white with a kitsune mask that shrouded his face. "It would seem he is putting on a Kyogen play. Or what we would consider a Kyogen play." Sasuke whispered. "Kyogen… Short, comical Noh dramas, right?" Eria whispered back. Sasuke nodded, "Yes. The only one I'm aware of that opens with a kitsune is the classic 'To Catch a Fox.'" "What's that one?" Eria questioned.
"In brief, a clever kitsune convinces a fox hunter to stop hunting. But the other actor looks less like a hunter and more like-" A character dressed as a lord took center stage, causing Eria and Sasuke to quiet down. It was most definitely a variant on 'To Catch a Fox' but now, it was a noble lord who had accidentally incurred the wrath of a clever kitsune. The lord comically bemoaned about how his complete and utter idiocy had cost him his power and threatened to fall to any means necessary of getting it back.
Just then, a handsome young man appeared before the lord- the kitsune having disguised himself as human. Eria watched intently, seeming starstruck by watching Mitsuhide rather than the actual play. The disguised kitsune promised his assistance with helping the lord to take over the land and gave him all kinds of suggestions- all of which were mere hilarious ideas, ones that made the audience laugh when the lord tried them to only fail. The kitsune repaid the vicious and idiotic lord by making him appear the fool regarding the kitsune- and the audience.
Just as Mitsuhide had predicted, the audience split with laughter. Only two not seeming to find it comedic, the daimyo and Yoshiaki Ashikaga. They knew enough to be aware of the fact that the idiotic lord was to be a parody of Yoshiaki himself. Yet Yoshiaki dared not move a muscle as he watched. Yukimura smiled, "Heh. That's pretty funny. I guess you guys have some talent on your side." "Outside of political ramifications, it is an excellent performance. I hadn't realized Mitsuhide Akechi hid such talent." Sasuke commented.
Realizing the performance was soon to end, Eria raised her hand in a farewell as she said- "I apologize, but it's my cue soon." Both men's gaze widened as they mumbled a "Huh?" in unison. "See you two another time!" Eria said before racing towards the stage as the conclusion slowly approached. The lord, having realized he'd been made out a complete fool, let his rage befall the kitsune, only to fail again. While the audience burst into an uproarious applause, the daimyo stood shaking with anger. Spotting Mitsuhide's signal, Eria hurried up onto the stage.
MITSUHIDE AKECHI
While Eria waited at the edge of the stage, Mitsuhide finished 'punishing' the lord with a comical stage kick. "And that is our story!" Mitsuhide called for an end to the play as loud cheers followed suit. "Silence! Silence, all of you!" the daimyo screamed in anger. But his shouts were all too easily drowned out by the laughter and applause of the townspeople. But the daimyo did not go ignored, not by Mitsuhide. He gave the daimyo a dramatic bow, taking notice of how Yoshiaki's brow twitched.
With his attention secured, Mitsuhide picked up Eria in his arms and carried her center stage. "...That woman." Yoshiaki muttered, a look of surprise befalling his face. Eria blinked, "Mitsuhide? What-" "What's next? The finale, of course.' Mitsuhide pressed a kiss to her lips. Through the barrier of his mask. Then, he lifted it so she could see his smile, "They should have never made a kitsune's wife cry." Eria blinked again, "You… You did this… because of me?" Her smile was a troubled one, but she still threw her arms around Mitsuhide and hugged him tightly. "Oh, dear!" He muttered, startled by her sudden action, before he smiled once more- …Yours is the greatest applause I could receive.'
Though the happy moment did not last. "...Performer! Take off your mask! Someone, catch that kitsune!" The daimyo shouted. "Belay that order," Yoshiaki interrupted, "Tell me, why did you select this play to be performed in my honor?" "L-Lord Yoshiaki, it was not by my will that they-!" Yoshiaki glared at the man, "That kitsune bowed to you at the performance's conclusion! If you did not command it, then who? Do not think you can lie to me." "M-My… My lord!" 'Everything's gone according to script.'
Mitsuhide smiled, "I believe that brings our festival to an end. Hold onto me, Eria." Eria let out a small laugh, "...I won't dare let go." Mitsuhide bowed his head to thank the audience in advance; for their enthusiasm would serve to delay any pursuers. Holding his wife- though feigned their relationship was, there was none he loved more- he took her and fled into the night…
"I see no pursuers. We can slow down now." Mitsuhide said. Eria nodded, "Good, we don't want to exhaust the horses. There's still a long way to go." With Eria still in his arms, they rode under the stars as they provided ample light to find a way home. They'd left their costumes behind. A shame in Mitsuhide's eyes. Eria had altered them herself and that made them more… special. 'Tonight brings our false marriage to an end. Tomorrow, I take on a new role: that of the unfathomable traitor.' Outside of the horses' hooves and their breathing, the night dared not speak. Neither did Eria.
"Are you cold?" Mitsuhide asked. Eria shook her head, "...The opposite." Mitsuhide had prepared their escape before the show started. He and Eria had traveled with little, the horse had been packed and waiting in the darkness beyond the stage. As for Kamekichi and the troupe, Mitsuhide had left behind a letter to the daimyo that should have made it clear he worked alone. Should he try to revenge himself on them despite that, Mitsuhide had preparations for that as well. They would be protected. 'We have put an end to this region's dreams of rebellion, and I have learned what the Shogun is up to. This trip was a success. The only thing I regret is-'
Eria stayed quiet in his hold, even as he caressed her gently. "You're unusually quiet. Were you dissatisfied with the conclusion of tonight's performance?" Mitsuhide asked. "Again, the opposite." Eria answered with a smile. 'I'm glad to hear that.' Revenge may feel sweet, but the damage done to Mitsuhide's beloved was irreversible. And perhaps he'd only gotten revenge for himself, a man so enraged that his love suffered such indignity. "...Thank you. For what you did..." Eria whispered. 'You need not thank me.'
"I was only performing my husbandly duties. I could not stay quiet after what they put you through." Mitsuhide admitted. 'I am sorry I got you involved. Were it not for me, you would not have been there for that to happen.' It was his fault, and there was nothing he could say nor do that would keep that truth from being a reality. 'Let me at least shield you from the cold wind.' Mitsuhide brushed back her hair and kept her in his arms, an embrace she did not fight. "Goodness, what have you done with my dearest wife? She's not normally this compliant," Mitsuhide smirked.
Eria smiled, but then it fell as she sighed, "...I'm finding it incredibly difficult to dislike you..." she muttered. "Oh?" "...Everything about you… makes my heart race," she whispered, "...I thought my standards were terrible before, but I think you've ruined them." Mitsuhide's eyes widened, '...Eria, you mustn't…' A rose-tint was quick to cover his face, '...You mustn't sound so serious when you say that. Or else all that I've planned… will be for naught.' All that needed to happen for these next two months was for Mitsuhide to remain by her side and keep her safe, that was it.
Mitsuhide was content to love her one-sidedly. Selfishly, hidden in his desire. Eria didn't need to love him back, that's what he'd thought. '...I thought I wanted nothing for myself. But when I'm with you, I find I desire so much more.' "...You do know, once we return to Azuchi, our pretend marriage will be over." Mitsuhide pointed out. Eria nodded, "...I'm aware." Mitsuhide smiled, "Then I suppose I have no choice... I will have to cherish you dearly while I can, to make up for the lifetime we will lose upon our return."
Mitsuhide moved his hand, drawing a finger along the smooth curve of Eria's ear. A sigh escaped her lips, carrying the softened tunes of mourning and pleasure. Then, she looked at him, a dark mist in her eyes. "...How strange is it that I want you to? ...I don't believe I'm ready to lose my dearest husband." she whispered. Mitsuhide found himself rendered speechless. 'My little one, you make it seem- if not easy to throw everything away, then so worthwhile.' Her face was flushed the color of pink summer flowers, a silent plea in her eyes.
And the strong resistance to pleas Mitsuhide had built up immediately buckled to kneel at her feet. "...If he truly must go… Then lie to me one last time, make believe that he… and all of this… was real. Lie to me tonight, just this once, I won't be angry." She muttered, reaching a hand to caress the side of Mitsuhide's face. He blushed, placing his hand over hers, "My wife… my Eria…" He tightened his hold on her as she hugged him back. 'I was content to be alone in my love of you. …I never once asked for you to love me back. But I see now I was lying to my own heart.'
Mitsuhide didn't want to let her go. Not back to her future, not anywhere, not ever. He wanted to take her and run away, make her his. Just like how she made him hers when she pressed against him, sharing her warmth with him. "I didn't expect you to like this so," he teased. "...Just for this night… I'm lying as well." she mumbled. '..." Just for tonight." Yes, of course. This cannot last.' Mitsuhide repeated those words to himself, feeling rationality returning to his grasp. Just then, Eria looked up at him.
"..Have I ever said what a wonderful actor you are? Not just on stage… the entire trip too." She commented. '...Lie to you, my love? Oh, if only these feelings were feigned…' The bits of rationality he had pulled together, and all his good sense crumbled through his hands like sand. He feared to speak, for it seemed even the briefest of responses would reveal the painful quake of his voice. "...I'm…much worse at acting than you think." He answered. "That's not-" Eria tried to argue but was cut off. Mitsuhide could not hold back another moment, and finally pressed his lips against hers.
It was just a touch but was a maddening one. 'I must have lost my sanity. Both of us have…' As he pulled away, he sucked in a breath of icy air. The more frigid, the better, before forcing a smile onto his face- "What a curious expression you have. It was only a kiss." Mitsuhide lightly poked her forehead, to tease her. Eria blinked, before narrowing her gaze, "Hm... I'm not sure. Was that 'only' a kiss?"
Mitsuhide shook his head, still smiling- "Not only, in truth. It was my attempt to show my dearest wife how much I love her." "...So, you decided to kiss me because I'm your wife?" she whispered. "...You cannot be surprised. I just told you I would cherish you as a husband until we returned to Azuchi. Or is the problem that it was not enough?" "No-!" Though Eria snapped back at him, she did not let go. Nor did he let go. '...You and I should never have met…' Mitsuhide had submerged himself in darkness, avoiding the light. For it was the only way he could achieve his goals.
'I would do the same if I could choose again. And I don't intend to change my ways going forward. It is simply that… I had not realized how weak I was. How starved for love I'd been. How the- yes, the taste of it could break me down so completely.' They should never have met, Eria and Mitsuhide. But he would never ask for it to have never occurred. For the short while he and Eria had until their return, he treasured this: a life he could not have and would soon lose…
'...Something is odd.' By the time they approached the city, Mitsuhide had regained something of his former self. Which is why, the moment he saw soldiers waiting at the gate, he knew something had gone wrong in his absence. 'This is going to go badly. Very fast.' But he did not wish to worry Eria and so, Mitsuhide kept his concerns to himself, smiling at Eria. "You did well, Eria." "...Thank you." she whispered; her tone different from the light-hearted adoration it'd been mere hours ago.
'Our pretend marriage ended with the dawn. But now, it seems I will have to give up my love for you as well. The good news is… you will be free of me…' Mitsuhide helped her down from the horse. 'This will be the last time we touch. …If I'm allowed one mercy, let me think of you, at least.' Mitsuhide had originally planned to give something to Eria upon their return. Something in celebration of their long trip together. It was his heart and all the love for her that it came with. It would be hers to keep, for eternity. However-
"Don't move! You'll come no closer." a soldier shouted. A dozen of them drew their weapons and moved to encircle Mitsuhide. They forced him down to his knees, arms twisted behind his back. 'While this turn of events was unplanned-' "...Such a warm welcome home." Mitsuhide muttered. "What the hell are you doing?! Stop!" Eria shouted. The soldiers ignored her, one saying- "Mitsuhide Akechi, we're arresting you for conspiracy against Lord Nobunaga!" '...It was never outside the realm of possibility.'
The only question that remained was of who, and Mitsuhide did not like to guess without more information. For he had a few too many enemies right now. 'It was a pleasant journey… Truly, it was…' He looked at Eria, hoping to burn her image upon his heart. All in the hope he might never forget her as he returned to the darkness he had once called home. '...Now, it is back to work. Though I may find it more difficult to focus than before. For I've something more important than myself.'