ERIA LOUIS
"Do you really think now's the time to joke around? Look at you!" Hideyoshi glared at him as he gripped Mitsuhide by his robes, indicating the various injuries along his fair skin. Mitsuhide only lowered his gaze in response. '...Hideyoshi…' "What the hell were you thinking, damn it?!" Hideyoshi hissed as he made a fist and reared his arm back- only to punch the wooden bars so hard that they shook under the force. Yet the look in his eyes suggested he was ready to do it again. "...Stop, Hideyoshi. You'll only hurt yourself…" Mitsuhide mumbled. "Oh, shut the hell up! Like you can talk!" Hideyoshi retorted.
Eria watched in silence as the two men stared at each other, an unspoken conversation passing between them. Hideyoshi sighed, "...I'm really pissed off this time. I'm pissed at myself for believing in you countless times, despite the dumb crap you pull. …And more than that, I'm pissed off at you for never thinking to ask me for help…!" The sigh that he exhaled only spoke pages of the pain and frustration Hideyoshi felt. Eria could recall thinking that they must've hated each other; that it was all too easy to imagine them fighting to the death.
But despite the fact that their ideologies and visions of 'right' were the polar opposite to each other- Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide trusted each other in a way that words were not enough to express. Their bond was one stronger than most. "Oh? Is this where the mental torture starts? You've come to bore me to death with nonsense?" Mitsuhide questioned. Hideyoshi's eyes widened, "I-...!" "Off with you, Hideyoshi. Be gone. You shouldn't be in a place like this…" Mitsuhide told him. Hideyoshi frowned, but bit back his reply.
Silence fell as it was just the three of them, no more words to be spoken. '...Mitsuhide's not acting like this to shoo Hideyoshi off… There's a reason...' Mitsuhide carried a purpose, one that stood the reason he deflected attempts to understand him or be his ally. A purpose he wanted to see to fruition, to protect. Something he believed to be worth sacrificing friendship and love, even himself. "This isn't over, Mitsuhide." Hideyoshi told him as he slowly stepped from the bars, "I'm going to figure out what's inside your heart if I have to cut it out of your damn chest." "...My, how romantic."
Hideyoshi shook his head, then turned his gaze to Eria, "Eria, come on. Let's go back." he told her. "I'm not ready to-" she tried to retort, only to be interrupted- "...Leave me, Eria. And never come here again…go, my little mouse…" Mitsuhide pleaded. "...Fine." she sighed. To her surprise, Hideyoshi turned but did not leave. As if he were giving the two time. "But, Mitsuhide, before I leave…" "Yes?" Eria kept her tone soft, a ploy to lure him closer to the bars. As soon as he leaned close enough, she gently cupped his bruised and battered face.
Eria took delight in seeing the way his gaze widened as she kissed his cheek. Had they not been this close, she would've missed the blush on his face or the soft way he whispered her name. "...I'll be waiting for you," she told him, then stood and joined Hideyoshi in leaving. '...I think I'm starting to really understand you, Mitsuhide. You haven't betrayed anyone or done evil, at least for those concepts as defined by others. You've just chosen to live based on a principle you personally believe in. One stable in this chaotic world… Maybe someday I'll learn what that is.'
MITSUHIDE AKECHI
Once the footsteps dissipated, Mitsuhide rolled over in his cell and let out a sigh. "...Truly, it never is the physical torture that brings a man to the breaking point…" he whispered. The damage to be inflicted by the long night's worth of kicks, fists, and blades could only go skin deep. In minutes with mere words at their disposal, Hideyoshi and Eria had dug out Mitsuhide's heart and caused him true pain.
"Though curiously-" Mitsuhide brushed his throbbing fingers across the single pain-free spot on his cheek. Reveling in the warmth that had been Eria kissing him. "...I did not expect her to get revenge in such a daring fashion." He smiled fondly; despite the immense agony it caused him. But that was fine. It was worth it. "Alas. Exhausted as I am, there is no rest for the weary. Now is when my work truly begins…"
Mitsuhide pushed himself up, standing in the darkness of his cell, and adjusted his robes so that they may be more presentable.
RANMARU MORI
Following Mitsuhide's imprisonment, Ranmaru escaped from the city. Running away to a forest that resided on the border of Azuchi. "...And that is the situation. You see why I felt it was urgent to report to you," Ranmaru said, knelt on one knee with his gaze casting up to the man who stood before him. That man that stared down at him wore a stern expression- one that stood bisected by a vicious and horrendous-looking scar that etched across his face. "Mitsuhide Akechi working with us…? And you say he confessed to it?" the man asked.
Ranmaru nodded, "Yes, Master Kennyo. It's all over Azuchi." Kennyo frowned, finding distaste with the entire situation, "...The Devil King and that murderous viper of his insult me by association." A fire, one of ever-burning embers kindled by hatred, burned in the back of the former monk's dark eyes. Yet Ranmaru, taking notice of his master's reaction, gained the smallest measure of peace. He smiled, "I knew you couldn't have been in league with him, Master! Not someone who hurt us so. But also-"
Ranmaru frowned, "...Much as I don't like the guy, I can't imagine turning against the person you've sworn yourself to after so many years." The young boy bit his lip, knowing full well that his own words could easily apply to himself. "There's…something else, Master Kennyo," he mumbled. "Your expression tells everything but say it." Kennyo prompted. "The disciple that Mitsuhide captured and held prisoner for so long, he…passed away… He was tortured to death…" Ranmaru muttered, his voice cracking.
The wind shoved at the trees, seeming to howl with anguish at the news. "By Mitsuhide's hand?" Kennyo questioned. Ranmaru shook his head, "No, Master. I hate to call it this, but what Mitsuhide had done to him was…light in comparison. Mitsuhide Akechi's usual method used brief instances of pain with recurring emotional pressure. He never killed his victims, even if they urged him to. In his absence, someone else took control. They did this." Ranmaru's face paled as his voice shook, yet he forced himself to continue- "I saw the body. If you could-... if you could call that a body…"
The fire blazed hotter in those dark eyes as a chorus of unforgettable screams joined in. "They must have done it with the goal of getting him to confess that Mitsuhide Akechi was our ally." Ranmaru concluded. Kennyo let out a saddened sigh, "...He held out well…" The two locked hands in a silent prayer. A prayer for their brethren who'd been forced on a soul's journey much too soon. "So, someone wishes to use my name to entrap Mitsuhide and divide the Oda forces." Kennyo summarized. Ranmaru nodded, "I think so too. The only thing I don't understand is why Mitsuhide went along with it."
Daylight began to fade from the sky overhead as dark clouds began their move in. Kennyo's staff gave out a mournful ring as he turned to the horizon, a storm brewing ahead. "We will hold a memorial for our brother, whose life was viciously taken before he could see vengeance done. …Killing Nobunaga comes after." Kennyo decided. "Yes, Master."
KENSHIN UESUGI
Shingen let out a sigh as he unfolded the letter from Yukimura and Sasuke, "Well, it looks like Yoshimoto's escaped us again." Kenshin's frown deepened, "And the Oda refuse to make a move against us, though they keep increasing their defenses." Shingen narrowed his gaze, seeming curious, "It's sounding to me like they've got some internal problems. Time to find out what they are-" In the letter, Yukimura and Sasuke detailed about a minor rebellion that took place at the border of Chugoku. They wrote that it'd been quashed by Nobunaga's left-hand man, Mitsuhide Akechi, and that he'd had a woman at his side.
The two men also reported Yoshimoto had been there, that he'd been seen with Yoshiaki, who Yukimura and Sasuke had both personally spotted. "That pitiful Shogun crawled out of his hole? Why?" Kenshin inquired. "Kenshin, don't you find this suspicious? Particularly in the part where the Oda rebellion mirrors the ones we dealt with?" Shingen pointed out. Kenshin blinked, "...We had rebellions?" he questioned, then had a momentary look of realization, "Oh, right. Those weaklings who were whimpering threats at me. I forgot them as soon as it ended."
"Shingen, are you trying to say the same person is instigating trouble for us and the Oda?" Kenshin asked. Shingen clapped his hands together, "Now you're using your brain! That's right," the older man smiled, "It's never fun when someone intrudes on a party that's invitation only. Especially one you've been planning for a long while." Kenshin scowled, "Then why don't we kill them and get back to it?" "...Just this once, I like the way you're talking."
YOSHIMOTO IMAGAWA
A spider had begun to spin its wicked web, the strands stretching to every land within the conflict and affecting all the major players. Trapped within this web was a butterfly, helpless to anything aside from watch. Watch in silence as the spider hashed out its plan. "...You did what to that daimyo?" Yoshimoto breathed; disbelief etched across his face. Yoshiaki gave a dismissive wave of his hand, "I had him done away with. Do not make me repeat myself." The shark-eyed man sat inclined on his arm rest, taking the cup of sake from a woman at his side. Treating her as if she were no more than an extension of the chair.
He had retreated to Kyoto from the western province, returning to his life of luxury that most in hiding would not know. Only the wealth of an expressively loyal ally could allow Yoshiaki to live like this. He was a fallen Shogun, welcomed as a prince would be. Yoshimoto had arrived ahead of the Shogun, just now hearing about the festival's end. "I only ask because it's clear he was being manipulated by Mitsuhide Akechi. And unknowingly at that," Yoshimoto pointed out. His gaze darkened, "Is that worthy of death?" he asked.
Yoshiaki blinked, "You speak as if that one daimyo were irreplaceable! I have already ordered another pawn to replace him." He stared curiously at Yoshimoto; it was like the concept of losing a life hadn't even entered his mind. Yoshimoto kept his expression one of a frozen lake- all sorrow, anger, all of it remained obscured beneath the glassy surface. "My plan is proceeding perfectly. You need not question it. Only prepare," Yoshiaki told him, "For when I have regained that which I was born to receive, you and yours will see your own glory received." Yoshimoto frowned, but said no more. His silence only spoken disagreement.
"Yoshimoto," Yoshiaki began, his tone cold and cruel, "understand why I took you in. You were born with all you need to serve me. Your wit I have no need of." Yoshimoto bit back an argument, only saying- "...You are correct, excellency. Pardon my impudence." his golden eyes dimmed with resignation. "As it happens, I met with an uncommon man on the road. He seemed useful, so I brought him along," Yoshiaki commented, "Run and along and see to his needs, Yoshimoto. And make sure he is 'there' when the time comes." "...Yes, your excellency."
Unsure of what he had meant, Yoshimoto gave a nod and left. In the hallway, he came across a man who was most likely Yoshiaki's 'uncommon' guest. A man with tanned skin, white hair, red eyes and a crazed grin greeted Yoshimoto, his dress that of a pirate's attire. "Yer my handler, huh? Guess we better get along, matey." The man spoke. "You-!" Yoshimoto mumbled, surprise overtaking his delicate features. The man smirked, "Yeah, me. Motonari Mouri, in case yer brain's working as good as yer mouth. A dead man walking. Just like yerself."
Yoshimoto regained his composure, staring directly at the man, "...I am surprised to find the peerless military leader of the Mouri clan is still alive." Motonari scoffed, "And I thought Nobunaga took yer head back in Okehazama. Didn't expect to find you and yer crew living the high life in Kyoto." Yoshimoto glared at Motonari, "What is your aim in getting close to the Shogun?" he asked. Motonari let out a chuckle, "Ooh, you'll hurt my feelings. Ya make it sound like I got ulterior motives or something."
Yoshimoto titled his head curiously, "Why? Do you not? …I have." Motonari's smile dissipated as he let out a whistle, then he smiled again, "...A fallen Shogun and a pretty puppet with a gun to his head. This is WAY more fun than I thought it would be!" His laugh was a long and loud one, his eyes carried the sharp glint of a thousand blades. "Forgive me for a laugh like that, I'll tell ya something good. I'm here to do a little surveying," Motonari admitted. "Surveying?" Yoshimoto prompted.
"So, here's Nobunaga, one move away from claiming everything- and a dozen enemies surrounding him, looking to slit his throat. We've got the assassins who almost got him at Honno-ji, the revived tiger and dragon, and now our very own Shogun," Motonari pointed out, "Me? I'm just lookin' to see which of these piles of kindling is gonna grow into the biggest fire." He explained. "And what will you do once you have determined that?" Yoshimoto asked. A wild grin consumed Motonari's expression, "Toss in a spark and watch as the fires grow out of control! Until they burn EVERYTHING down!"
"Once everyone's killed each other- and I kill the winner- I can finally make this world right- my way." Motonari finished. Yoshimoto eyed Motonari wearily as the man gave an overly unhinged chuckle at the scenario only he found amusement in. "I find ugly words like these disagreeable and never wish to use them… But you are a lunatic." Yoshimoto said. Motonari shrugged, "Don't get yer robes in a twist. I take it as a compliment. So, tell me about our boss. What's the grand ol' Shogun have in mind?" "If you must know-"
MITSUHIDE AKECHI
Deep within the dark depths of Azuchi's dungeons, Mitsuhide waited. "...Mealtime, prisoner. You'd better eat everything." The guard informed him. "Oh, I will." Mitsuhide responded. The guard, unkempt hair obscuring his face, handed Mitsuhide a chipped bowl. Inside was a tightly folded piece of paper. Mitsuhide smirked, "What delicious tidbits have we here?" He opened the tiny letter, the message it carried written in characters no bigger than grains of rice.
"The daimyo was executed…?" Mitsuhide muttered. Written along that was also news of similar rebellions occurring in Echigo. "What could their goal be…?" he pondered; his eyes shut in thought before he reached a conclusion- "...That must be it." His eyes opened once more in a flash of pale gold becoming burnished. He smiled, "Better than yesterday's meal." He tore up the letter and swallowed it along with the small handful of dried grains. In the next moment, the guard returned. "Gimme your bowl." "Here."
Mitsuhide titled the empty bowl to show the guard, who leaned closely to inspect it- …As Mitsuhide whispered his message, the guard gave a faint nod then took the bowl and left. "I am counting on you, Kyubei.." Mitsuhide mumbled. His disguised vassal left, and Mitsuhide was once more alone in the darkness and silence. Time seemed to stretch on and on. Finally, footsteps sounded to break the maddening silence as the distant glow of a candle came closer. "...At last." Mitsuhide muttered.
The man, holding a candle, approached the cell and held it up. All so that Mitsuhide could see his face and recognize him. Even though he was dressed more reserved than before, his clothes bore a quality unfitting the dungeons. There was no mistaking him. "It has been some time, Lord Mitsuhide," the messenger commented. "Yes, it has. I was awaiting your arrival," Mitsuhide smiled. It was the same messenger Eria had seen Mitsuhide with. "Am I to understand you expected me?" the messenger asked.
Mitsuhide nodded, "Why, of course. Are you and your lord not the ones who arranged to put me in these dungeons in the first place?" he inquired. But did not wait an answer, "...To convince Nobunaga Oda that I had betrayed him to Kennyo, no doubt. Thus, drawing attention away from the one I truly serve." The messenger blinked, then eyed Mitsuhide suspiciously, "...How did you know?" "You could say I've had a lot of time to think." he answered, "I imagine it was easy enough to frame me. I've earned no small number of enemies."
"Yes," the messenger nodded, "And now you should know what fate awaits you should you displease my lord in any way." Mitsuhide smiled and let out a small chuckle, "I am well aware. Really, there was no need for either of you to waste the effort on my behalf." His smile was graceful, despite his current condition. The messenger gave him a look of indifference. "You lingered too long with the Oda forces. Now that there is no place for you here, my lord requests your presence. It is time to prove your loyalty to his cause."
"I have every intention of doing so," Mitsuhide answered. "...You may find your own way out." The messenger told him, haphazardly tossing the key to him as one would toss scraps to some mangy animal. "Your kindness is appreciated," Mitsuhide commented. "I will be returning ahead of you to my lord's side. You may find him in-" "In Kyoto, yes?" The messenger blinked again, startled, "H-How did you know?" "Dearest me. Did I get it right?" Mitsuhide smiled, "it was just one of several guesses. As I said before, I've had a lot of time to think."
The messenger narrowed his gaze, "...I've heard rumors you are some kind of monster. A satori or a kitsune. It's not true, is it?" The man leaned close and peered at Mitsuhide's candlelit face, seeming spellbound by the pale gold that were the white-haired man's eyes. But even in the flickering dimness, nothing to be seen remained there. Like looking in the darkness itself. "Fear not what I am. For any powers I possess are for the sole benefit of our lord," Mitsuhide answered, "...And they will be put to good use in quashing the ambitions of Nobunaga Oda once and for all."
ERIA LOUIS
Later in the evening, just before bed... A loud bell clanged throughout the castle with no indication of when it would stop. 'An alarm bell...? Fire?' Eria pondered. She ran out of her room only to discover she was not the only one. Doors opened left and right with vassals running all over the place. "...Up! Everyone up! Arm yourselves!" one of them shouted. "Everyone with a weapon is to join in the search!" called another. '...Search? For what? Intruders?' "...Eria?! What are you doing standing there?! Get back to your room, now!" Ieyasu shouted.
"..Not until you tell me what's happening, Ieyasu." she replied. Ieyasu grit his teeth, seeming to think over his next words. "Mitsuhide's…he's escaped, all right?!" the blonde answered. Eria blinked, taking a moment to process Ieyasu's words, "He... He broke out of the dungeon?" Ieyasu nodded, "...He was a traitor after all- at least, that's what every single person in Azuchi is thinking. There's no protecting him now that he's done this. The moment he's caught, he's a dead man."
Eria could hear Ieyasu murmuring "Don't let that idiot get caught" beneath his breath. "Ieyasu, I want to help search for him-" "Are you an idiot too?" Ieyasu hissed, "You need to stay as far away from this situation as possible! Before someone gets the idea to lure him into a trap by grabbing you and using you as bait!" His words were harsh, yet he had a point. "You know how many enemies he has- and how nasty they can get…" Ieyasu reminded her, "The safest place for you is in your room…and maybe put something heavy in front of the door." Eria sighed, "...You have a point."
"Look, I'll… I'll tell you as soon as I have news," Ieyasu reassured. He clenched his hands before giving a very stilted attempt at patting Eria on the head, then he ran off.
Just in case, Eria kept her room dark. But she couldn't even consider bringing herself to sleep. She decided to just huddle up and wait out the long night. After that sudden burst of activity, the castle fell horribly silent. Too silent to be comfortable. Everyone was out on the search, there wasn't a single doubt in her mind about that. 'Mitsuhide… Please, don't get caught... But what the hell were you thinking?!' It was such a silly question. And even if he were here to hear her, he wouldn't dare give an answer-
Just then, there was a sound. Something rattling. 'Sasuke... No. That's not the ceiling... That's… the window?!' The window opened from the outside, moonlight spilled in as a shape took form. "You're still awake, little one? It's not good to spend so much time in the dark, you know." came a familiar voice. Eria blinked, once, twice, like she couldn't believe her eyes before muttering- "...Mitsuhide?" 'Is this… am I dreaming? There's no way-' "You haven't fallen asleep and you aren't dreaming this. I'm real." He told her.
Eria sighed, "Of course, it is you. Only you could do a creepily perfect job at reading my thoughts." The moon behind him kept her from seeing him clearly as he sat at the edge of her window. "...Come closer, so that I might see your face better." Mitsuhide said, with a single beckoning of his hand. "...Oh really? Can't I see you too then?" The moment Eria stood close enough, Mitsuhide caught her in his arms. His embrace felt desperately tight.
His hair was wet; his skin felt cold and clammy, as if he'd had to hastily wash. While his arms were bandaged all the way down to his fingers. '...He has more wounds than before... And he's thinner than before. Damn them!' Eria hugged him back, keeping her hold gentle. Even though she wished to hold him just as tight. "Now this is a much warmer welcome than I expected. Have you missed me that much?" Mitsuhide teased. "...In a moment, please. I believe we have much more important discussions… Like why the fuck did you escape from prison."
"Information travels fast," Mitsuhide commented. "'Information?' Perhaps you somehow didn't hear the alarm bells they had ringing because I sure as hell did!" Eria wanted to banter with him like normal. Smile at each other like normal. She tried but… her stupid, annoying tears got in the way. "You mustn't scrub them like that," Mitsuhide scolded her as he gently guided her hand from her eyes, wiping tears away with fingertips covered in bandage. '...You've made me cry more than I have in all my life. But you're also the one to always wipe them away... I wonder why.'
"Are you not going to call for help? I am a traitor and an escaped prisoner you know." Mitsuhide smirked. "Yeah, and I can kick your ass. But… There's no need for it with you." Eria looked into his eyes, taking note of the long, silvery eyelashes that only accentuated their beauty. "...I know what you're doing," Eria muttered, "There's something you're fighting for, an ideal. And it's so important to you that you'll even pretend to be the villain just to see it through..." Mitsuhide didn't say anything, only listened quietly.
"I haven't a single clue as to what it is- …But I'll believe in it, because I believe in you." Mitsuhide smiled, "Goodness, it is almost admirable how simple a soul you are to say such silly things." '...Say what you like- you always do.' Eria smiled back, "Fine, be like that. But just know that I'll keep believing in you until I discover what this ideal of yours is. You don't have to tell me any time soon, I can be patient. But when that day finally comes- …Don't be afraid to share your burden with me, stop trying to carry everything alone. I'm here, I'm here for you."
A light blush tinted Mitsuhide's face, "Eria…" her name fell on a quiet breath. '...I've made my request. The rest is up to him.' Eria took a short breath and pursed her lips tight. Only because she felt as though she would cry again. Tears for her beloved who would smile with a broken lip, who would smile despite his horrific wounds and who she loved beyond reason. "It's hard to imagine relying on someone who cries quite as much as you do. …But I will think about it," he answered. As Eria gazed into that strangely pleased look, it felt as though the moments stretched into infinity.
Until the noise returned to the castle. Shouting, tromping feet that all indicated the guards having circled back. '...He has to go!' "...This is for you, Eria." Mitsuhide suddenly said. 'Huh? What? Where did he-?' Mitsuhide pulled out a long hair pin, beautifully decorated with a pale blue bellflower. He brushed open the five delicate petals carefully before tucking it in her hair with bandaged hands, partially obscuring the black streak that always stood on broad display. "A... A gift...?" she questioned. "Yes. A farewell gift... Though I had no qualms with it, I noticed your dislike of that single black streak." he told her, "It suits you. Just like I imagined it would."
Eria blinked and stared at him, "...Tell me you didn't come all this way, risking your own life, just to give me this bellflower..." Mitsuhide shook his head, "No, not at all. The gift is an afterthought. I'm here to tease you…one last time." His moon-limned shadow fell over Eria, yet she was not in the darkness. For she felt as though she were consumed by light. Mitsuhide pressed his lips to hers, a goodbye kiss. Yet it was not the same as the chaste one they'd shared as husband and wife.
Mitsuhide sought her, and she responded- giving him all she could in that kiss, and feeling his desire in return. "Mitsuhide…" she whispered. "Plead with me all you want; it will do no good. That is all I have for you this time." he smiled. "...There'll… There'll be a next time, won't there...?" she muttered. Mitsuhide gave her a wordless smile and let go of her. Everything she wanted- the only thing she had ever desperately wanted- left her grasp. He touched a gentle kiss to her head, as if it was a final goodbye.
"...Be good for me, my little one. Though we may never see each other again." He said. "...M-Mitsuhide!" He left her with a smile, then disappeared out from the window. Eria looked for him in the dark, listened for him. But he was already gone. Only the racing of her heartbeat and the bellflower placed in her hair told her that he was ever actually there. '...Be strong, Eria, please… He didn't say "goodbye." Not yet! You've got a lot more teasing to do, Mitsuhide. You did this to me, and now, I won't let that single kiss be the end. Next time I see you… I don't know if I can let you go… Not until I tell you how I feel. Not until you tell me how you feel.'
She would learn the truth behind his kindness, his teasing words, why he'd been there for her all along, mocking her and teaching her and guiding her… why he had kissed her tonight. '...I'll see him again. No matter what it takes. …Even if it hurts.' Never had such a sweet kiss felt so bittersweet. The sensation lingering on only serving to ache her heart more than ever before.