ERIA LOUIS

Eria watched in shock as a dozen men forced Mitsuhide down to his knees, arms pinned behind his back. "...Such a warm welcome home," he muttered. "What the hell are you doing?! Stop!" Eria shouted, but the soldiers only ignored her as one said- "Mitsuhide Akechi, we're arresting you for conspiracy against Lord Nobunaga!" Eria felt herself freeze, staring in shock as a single desperate thought crossed her mind- '...No… This... NO!' "The agent you captured earlier confessed. He said 'Mitsuhide Akechi was working with us the whole time.'" The soldier sneered.

"Did he now?" Mitsuhide echoed. Eria blinked, it wasn't adding up. The man who confessed before, Kennyo's agent, confessed… a second time? It was all ridiculous and Eria wanted to say as much. But she couldn't. She knew that Mitsuhide had been communicating with someone. At the time she considered that the messenger may have been Kennyo's. It could all fit. Including his keeping her under observation to avoid suspicion. Evidence for Mitsuhide's treachery was clear everywhere one could look, but it all depended on one thing- …Not knowing Mitsuhide.

"Did you not hear me?! I told you to stop!" Eria yelled. "My lady, this is a case of treason! H-hey, where are you-?!" Eria ignored the words of the soldier, pushing back them to make her way towards Mitsuhide. "Tell them it's a lie," she said, staring directly at Mitsuhide, "tell them, Mitsuhide! You haven't plotted against anyone!" "Eria…" her name fell on a soft breath. She crouched down, placing her hands on his shoulders as she stared into pale gold. Just as he reached a hand towards her, moments before his fingers could brush against her skin…

"Alright, step away from him!" one of the soldiers yelled as several pulled Eria away. Mitsuhide's eyes flashed wide open. "What's so dangerous about talking to him?! Let go of me!" Eria fought back, finally letting anger show properly on her face. One of the soldiers eyed her suspiciously, "And why exactly are you so desperate to talk to him? Unless… you're not his accomplice, are you?" Angered gazes immediately turned on Eria. '...In a way… I suppose they're not wrong. I did cover for him and lied for him. But... I have no idea who he's been speaking with.'

"...My accomplice? You insult me!" Mitsuhide's voice sounded as sharp as the crack of a whip. Everyone grew silent at his words. "...You think I would take an ignorant and clumsy little girl into my confidence?" a smirk spread across his lips, "No wonder it was so easy to fool all of you." The soldiers, now confused, exchanged glances. The one that held Eria let her go and turned away. "Now that you've found me out, I've no reason to fight. Boil me, skewer me, or whatever you find most fitting," he shrugged, or well- as best he could being tied up.

Eria stared in horror, 'Now isn't the time to be acting, Mitsuhide! Your life is seriously on the line here!' "To the dungeon with him!" One soldier commanded. Ensuring he was bound properly with rope, the men dragged Mitsuhide to his feet. He looked neither guilty nor repentant. Even with the disgraceful and horrible treatment, Mitsuhide stood dignified without fear. 'Mitsuhide… Are you really going to let them do this...?' She could only watch in miserable silence as he was taken away. She couldn't find the words to say anything to him.

But yet- as if he'd heard her anywhere, Mitsuhide turned his head. The look in his eyes burned, as if he was trying to permanently engrave her image into his memory.

"That strumpet-whelped, son of a fish-mongering, thrice-cursed tramp's used horse merchant's dog…!" 'Hideyoshi… I understand you're mad… But please… Just call him a bitch and get it over with.' Hideyoshi slammed his fist against the mat, for how many times it was by then. From where his fist had landed each time, there was now a dent in the mat. "...Hideyoshi, calm down before you pop a blood vessel," Ieyasu said, then groaned in annoyance- "And, ugh, I can't believe it's up to me to say that now…"

Masamune shrugged, "Someone needs to, now that Mitsuhide's gone." Nobunaga watched, but he remained in silence. Mitsuhide's imprisonment had triggered an emergency council, yet for once, Lucille was not present. Eria had already told them everything she'd witnessed at Mitsuhide's arrest. Yet she kept the meeting she witnessed to herself. She dared not to say a word that could worsen Mitsuhide's situation, or potentially, seal his fate. "...The fact that Lord Mitsuhide confessed to his crimes puts us in a difficult situation," Mitsunari frowned.

"But it's not right!" Ranmaru spoke up, "Lord Mitsuhide couldn't… I mean, he just wouldn't be working with… with Kennyo." Mitsunari gave the young boy a look of sympathy and shook his head lightly, "And yet, we have the guards' testimony saying he did and with no prompting. We cannot free a suspected traitor." Mitsunari's tone was normally sweet, yet even this caused him to speak with an unusual, detached coldness. "...Do you think he's working with Kennyo, Mitsunari?" Eria asked, her own tone harsher than it normally was.

Mitsunari frowned, "I cannot say at this point. There is a concerning amount of evidence pointing to his guilt." "That's just it! There's TOO much! Not only did Kennyo's accomplice suddenly out their connection- …We also discover a ton of letters between them hidden in his things? That's obviously a setup!" came a second outburst from Ranmaru. "Honestly, the biggest clue is that if Mitsuhide were going to betray us, he wouldn't let himself get caught like this." Ieyasu pointed out. "Yeah. Whenever he does something bad, he'll muddle the situation and be on his way out before you can pin it on him," said Masamune.

Hideyoshi let out an annoyed sigh, "If only he hadn't purposefully made everyone suspicious of him, this would be a lot easier to sort out," he slammed his fist once more, "Damn that reckless idiot!" '...Seems everyone trusts in Mitsuhide's innocence… But.' "Eria." Eria startled from her reverie at the cold and commanding voice, looking up, she was met with the harsh gaze of Nobunaga. "...Yes?" she muttered. "You reported that you heard him say 'Now that you've found me out, I've no reason to fight.' Is that correct?" Nobunaga questioned. A sense of dread eased its way into Eria's gut as she gave a hesitant nod, "Yes, that is… correct." "I see."

Nobunaga's gaze swept across the room, gathering the attention of everyone. "Mitsuhide will remain imprisoned while the investigation into his treason goes on. When the rest of this plot is successfully uncovered, Mitsuhide is to be executed," Nobunaga decided. Eria inhaled a sharp breath, clenching her fists as horror flooded her gaze, '...They'll execute him… Just like that…?' "My lord! Please, I beg you to rethink this decision! Mitsuhide's not…! He's not…!" Hideyoshi pleaded, but trailed off as Masamune shook his head at him, "Hideyoshi. It's our lord's decision. It's done."

But then, Masamune quietly added- "...As long as Mitsuhide sticks to his story, that is." '...No, he can't. He can't do that!' "Well, it's back to work for the rest of us…" Ieyasu sighed, "We have to find some way to fill the huge hole he left, stop the Uesugi-Takeda alliance's advance and-" "...And then catch Kennyo and get him to clear Lord Mitsuhide's name. Yes?" Mitsunari questioned. Ieyasu glared at the gray-haired man, "Stop stealing my words or I'll throw you in jail." "Eria, you will report to me on the suspected rebellion in Chugoku in Mitsuhide's place," Nobunaga commanded. '...Can I do that later? I have no interest in conversing further with the man who just sentenced my fianc- faux fiancé, to execution.'

But she didn't dare say that, Eria only whispered- "...Okay." Nobunaga's gaze turned to his right-hand man, "Hideyoshi, you will stay and listen. When she is done, convey what we have learned to the messenger from the imperial court." "...My lord," Hideyoshi nodded. Everyone else filed out of the room, leaving just Eria and Hideyoshi with Nobunaga. However- '...Ranmaru?' The young boy started pushing himself up, only to stumble with a slow save to catch himself. He appeared deathly pale. "Ranmaru? Are you alright? You look sick..." Eria said.

He appeared startled by her notice, but shook his head, "...Lady Eria…I'm…I'm just sick of all these nasty surprises…that's all…" Eria nodded, "I..understand." "You don't need to feel bad, Lady Eria. …There's no connection between Lord Mitsuhide and Kennyo. I promise you there's not." He said, then left, a look of determination in that stormy-gray gaze of his. '...I was under the impression that Ranmaru hated Mitsuhide, why would he defend him like that…? Unless…' "Eria, do not keep me waiting," Nobunaga interrupted. "Right.. So… upon our arrival-"

By the time Eria concluded, Nobunaga wore a dangerous grin, "Hmph. So that defanged Shogun-in-name-only has decided to take up arms against me once more?" Eria nodded, "...I have heard a rumor that he may be currently enacting the exact same thing to the Uesugi-Takeda as well." "Then I am not his only target? Interesting..." Hideyoshi blinked, "I'm impressed you found out so much in such a short time." "Well… Word travels on the road," Eria muttered. '...Especially when you're friends with the enemy. Oops-'

"You have done well. You may take what rest you need, Eria." Nobunaga spoke. Eria nodded, "Thank you. But… before I go- …I would also like to ask that you reconsider your… punishment for Mitsuhide." Nobunaga tilted his head, "How so?" '...I have his attention, now I just have to make him understand… Things can't end this way.' "...I'm not saying you have to let him go free right now. But please… arrange a private audience with him, let him tell you the truth. Please!" she begged, keeping her gaze firm on Nobunaga.

"Eria…" she heard Hideyoshi mutter. "I will not." Nobunaga answered. '...You can't listen to anyone other than yourself, can you? I wonder how Lucille puts up with a tyrant such as you.' Eria clenched her jaw, "...Do you actually have reason to believe he'd betray you? Do you not trust him?" Nobunaga narrowed his gaze, "There is only one thing I trust about Mitsuhide… It is that the moment he turns against me is the moment I have strayed from my path." '...What does that even mean?' But before she ask further questions- "We are done discussing this."

Dissatisfied, Eria didn't fight further. She left with Hideyoshi.

"...Hideyoshi, can I ask… what's your take on what Nobunaga said?" she asked. "It might be hard to tell, but our lord has a lot of trust in Mitsuhide. He always has." he answered. "...How long has Mitsuhide been at his side?" "A long time. And they've been through a lot. Nobunaga once took to the vanguard personally to come to Mitsuhide's rescue. Do you know what makes this even worse? They were fighting Kennyo at the time. Now here we are…" Hideyoshi frowned. '...I had heard he'd fought Kennyo, but I didn't know that much.'

For all the history lessons, Mitsuhide would always gloss over any parts he'd had to play. Hideyoshi narrowed his gaze, "Lord Nobunaga's always let that idiot do as he pleases because he puts that much faith in him. But Mitsuhide refuses to admit where his loyalties lie and keeps his thoughts to himself. I wish…I wish he'd open up." '...Hideyoshi...' The man let out a sigh, "If only I knew what was in his heart." Eria cast her gaze down, nodding. It was a feeling she understood well.

It had been a week since Eria last saw her room. But rather than unpacking, she just sat on the floor in a daze. She didn't know what was in Mitsuhide's heart either. She wasn't sure she ever did, yet all the same- Eria could recall the tears that fell from her eyes that horrific night. She could recall the way Mitsuhide tenderly brushed them away. She could recall how tightly he held her in an embrace as they made their escape from the festival. Their final night together. Had it all been fake? …Not that it mattered now. All Eria could control was how she felt about Mitsuhide. '...I've been in love with him for… so, so long. But I kept fighting it. He teased me a lot- but I loved that too. …I have to see him again; I can't let it end this way.'

A shaky sigh escaped Eria, '...He'll most likely pretend he doesn't care, shoo me away even. He most definitely won't tell me a thing. But does that really matter...? No, it doesn't. I'm not going for answers. I'm going because… because he's the one I love.'

MITSUHIDE AKECHI

That evening, Mitsuhide sat within his cell. The shift from cool to cold being the only indication of time within a place that light did not dare touch. Suddenly, he opened his eyes. "...Guests? They must have changed the rules since removing me of my position..." he muttered. Footsteps, heavy footsteps indicating three pairs of feet. Mitsuhide recognized the men who stood before the bars of his cell. "...And who do we have here?" he questioned. "Looks like they finally found you out for the monster you are, Kitsune." one of the men sneered.

One wore a mocking smirk, "Remember us, 'Lord' Mitsuhide? We're here to thank you for that conversation that 'never happened.'" It was the same group of Samurai that had threatened Eria in town. One of the men unlocked the cell, possibly having obtained the key through bribing the guard, and crawled inside the cramped space. "Welcome. My current lodgings are somewhat spare, but make yourself comfortable." Mitsuhide smiled, "I'm only sorry I have no tea to prepare." The third man glared at him, "Smart-mouthed snake! Let's see how cocky you are now."

With a flaring temper, one of the men tied Mitsuhide's wrists behind his back. Ensuring that the ropes were tight. "Just so you're aware," the first man spoke up, "this isn't revenge. Call it…inspiration. You know how you always got information out of people. We're here to do the same. We're going to make you tell us everything you know about Kennyo." The second man let out a sinister laugh, "You might have to write it down though!" But Mitsuhide's smile didn't falter, it remained firm in place, "Oh dear. I do hope you'll be gentle with me." The third man scoffed, "Keep laughing!" as he kicked Mitsuhide in the jaw.

Mitsuhide's head snapped upwards, his smile fallen. But he was quick to shake his head and smile again, "...Starting out with physical violence? I fear for my successors, if they have this little patience." The men stared at him, seemingly disgusted with the strange way he appeared to revel in the threat of violence. "Such passionate looks, gentlemen. I've heard of jailers taking a fondness to their captives, but never so quickly." Mitsuhide teased. "Shut your damn mouth before we shut it for you!" the third Samurai yelled.

But the first one stopped him, "...Not yet. He needs to stay talking until I get to hear the cocky bastard cry and beg for mercy." Mitsuhide chuckled, "There. That is more like it. There really is no need to rush. After all, I expect we will have plenty of time." Mitsuhide spit the blood from his mouth, then sat up straight.

ERIA LOUIS

Eria snuck into the dungeon after deceiving the guard about a schedule shift, but upon seeing how dark and disgusting the place was- she felt sick. '...I'm not a clean freak but… it disgusts me that they really keep people in these conditions.' Eria took a deep breath and gathered up her courage, continuing onward through the horribly depressing place. She was motivated by a single desire. The desire to see Mitsuhide again. Finally, in the dimness, she spotted a flash of white.

"...Eria…? What…are you doing here…?" he questioned. "Mitsuhi-" Eria smiled, but it quickly turned to horror as she took in his appearance, "...Oh… Oh my god." His clothing had been ripped, torn, sliced even, revealing just how bruised and bloody he was underneath. His hands had been bound much too tightly with rope. His handsome face… appeared near-unrecognizable. His lip badly split and dyed an unnatural red with blood. '...Who the fuck did this to him?!'

Eria let out a shaky breath, "...I'll only be a moment. I need to get you patched up…" Mitsuhide frowned, "...Leave… And do not come back." She glared at him, "Oh yeah. Like hell I'm gonna do that!" Mitsuhide only lowered his head in response, not daring to speak. Eria ran out and quickly returned with medical supplies-

"...I'm back. And right now, I need you to move closer to the bars so I can help you." she told him. Mitsuhide grit his teeth, "Do not waste the effort on a prisoner…" "Oh, enough of this! I wasn't asking, Mitsuhide! Now just over here, crawl if you have to but damnit! Just do it!" Eria's voice was shaky, a struggle to not shout. But try as she may, that did not stop the tears from forming. They fell in hot droplets against her hands as she grabbed the bars. "...Don't start to cry now. I'm weak to your tears," Mitsuhide said.

With a pained groan, Mitsuhide sat up and dragged himself to the bars before slumping against them. It was close enough. Eria cut the ropes from his wrists. His hands were purple, with chafed wrists that were swollen and bloody. '...Bastards...' "...Did whoever did this even bother with questioning you?" she asked. "In our time, little mouse, the cell is often no more than a place to mete out justice the public doesn't care to see." He answered. Eria bit her lip in distaste, "...This is torture, Mitsuhide. It's not anything so simple to sound dispassionate about."

Eria grabbed a dampened cloth and gently touched it to his bloody lip. She could only imagine how badly it hurt, but he didn't flinch. Mitsuhide smiled, "...How wrong this all feels. From my perspective, you are the one behind bars- And you look as though someone has inflicted grievous harm upon you." Mitsuhide reached hand through the bars to try and dry her tears. But Eria only gasped as she saw the further damage. She had only noticed his wrists before, but his fingers had been smashed with nails missing.

"...That's- disgusting... Sick sons of-" "Shh. Do not hold a grudge for my sake, little one. Compared to what I've done, this isn't even punishment." Mitsuhide told her, "...Besides, I'm hardly defeated. Look." He stuck his tongue out at her. 'Um-? What is this meant to be...?' "...What exactly am I meant to be seeing?" she asked. "...Do I still have a tongue?" he asked. "...Yes? How else would you be talking to me?" "Excellent. Then my most potent weapon is safe." Despite his injuries, Mitsuhide wore something of a clever smile.

It wasn't enough to make Eria smile, but her tears did stop. "Forgive me. I borrowed that from an anecdote in history. But the message is a good one. In short, as for me- …You have nothing to worry about." Despite his words, it was impossible not to worry, even with seeing what they'd done to him. But his smile remained clear with an intact mind. '...Of course. Mitsuhide always has the situation under control. If he's here, it's for a reason.' Despite all he'd endured, Mitsuhide showed no anger, no sadness, no despair. All Eria could see in him was confidence.

"...Why, though?" Eria asked. "Why?" Mitsuhide echoed, as if to ask what she meant. "I understand you're doing what you believe to be right… I just can't understand why you insist on doing this alone." She saw his eyes waver at her words. But just as she thought she could see something in them- "There you are, Mitsu-...What the hell have they done to you?! Who ordered this?!" 'Hideyoshi?!' Mitsuhide smiled, feigning exasperation- "Gracious. Now I have two overly sentimental visitors." "Excuse me? I'm not as sentimental as Hideyoshi..." "Is that all you have to say for yourself?!"

Hideyoshi strode over towards the cell and reached a hand to grab Mitsuhide through the bars, but Eria grabbed Hideyoshi instead. "Hideyoshi, I understand your anger, but now is NOT the time! He's in rough shape as it is." Hideyoshi grit his teeth, "I know…I know and yet…I can't take this anymore!" "You should really work on your patience. I hear it's an attractive quality in men." Mitsuhide commented. Hideyoshi glared at him, "Do you really think now's the time to joke around? Look at you!" Mitsuhide lowered his gaze.

'...Hideyoshi…' "What the hell were you thinking, damn it?!" Hideyoshi hissed as he made a fist and reared his arm back-