MITSUHIDE AKECHI

Mitsuhide escaped, but not into pure moonlight. In the moment of his escape, the sky was covered with heavy and gray clouds as rain poured from the heavens above. The lightless night and the pitter-patter of cold rain masking any and all sound was his tool in evading any pursuers. Having escaped Azuchi, Mitsuhide kept his profile low as he made way through a thick forest. Though the trees provided him with cover, they did little to provide any warmth. With a splash, Mitsuhide came to a halt. He wasn't alone.

A hungry, one-eyed tiger- or a man who closely resembled one- stepped from within the trees to confront Mitsuhide. "I see the dungeons did a real number on you, Mitsuhide," the man chuckled. "...Masamune…" Mitsuhide mumbled. The fierce predator's sword cut through ice rain as Masamune pulled it from its sheath. "How did you know I would take this route? It's off the beaten path." Mitsuhide questioned. "That's probably why," Masamune answered. "Oh?" "Off the beaten path- that describes you pretty well. I figured instinct would get me farther than trying to second-guess you." Masamune explained.

Mitsuhide smirked, "...I suppose you can't outsmart someone who doesn't operate on intelligence." The men moved, circling each other, each with a hand on their swords. Like a fox and a tiger, ready to pounce at a moment's notice. "Whatever I ask, you aren't going to answer me." Masamune stated. "Correct." "Then all that's left is to fight. …Haa!" Masamune's sword only caught rain as it rushed towards Mitsuhide, Mitsuhide's own blade cutting through rain to block it. But the blow was followed by a sharp kick, causing him to disperse the force with his one free hand. "Clear the path, Masamune!" Mitsuhide demanded. "Never!" the one-eyed tiger refused.

Mud and raindrops soared through the air as the brutal combat continued without any indication of an end. Heavy breathing soon melded with wind and rain. "Heh… If you're this spry… I'm beginning to think they didn't torture you enough…" Masamune panted. "You need cunning, not strength… to outwit a wild beast…" Even with his words, Mitsuhide was faltering. He held neither the physicality nor energy needed to match Masamune. "This beast'll put you out of your misery." Masamune decided, swinging his sword with full strength.

Mitsuhide blocked, but was forced to abandon his sword mid-guard to dodge as Masamune threatened to cut through the weapon on raw power alone. Masamune responded with a harsh kick, one that sent Mitsuhide straight into the churned mud. "I'm surprised you thought you could take me after being beaten and starved for days." Masamune commented, a hint of praise in his voice. Mitsuhide glared at the man, "Damn..." he muttered. Masamune smiled, "Your choice, Mitsuhide. Give up and let me bring you back to face your crimes or make me your executioner."

He brought the sharpened edge of his sword against Mitsuhide's exposed throat. Wide-eyed panic surged across Mitsuhide's face- "...I take a third option," he answered, smiling. The panic quickly dissipated; a well-served lie. Mitsuhide reached back and pitched the muddy contents of his hand directly at Masamune, aiming for his one good eye. Masamune stumbled back, momentarily blinded by the act. Mitsuhide scrambled to his feet and was quick to run from the man. "You dirty-!" Masamune shouted, anger in his voice. "Indeed. You should know my methods by now." Mitsuhide laughed.

By the time Masamune cleared his sight enough to see, he was met by Mitsuhide's dirty smile from atop a horse. "...Tch. You even had a horse ready." The once-comrades glared at each other. "In the name of my liege, I swear to put an end to Nobunaga's life." Mitsuhide spoke. Leaving Masamune to only stare as his horse reared up- "You should chase after me, Masamune, if you can." With those final words, Mitsuhide galloped off into the dark of the night. A laugh escaped from Masamune, "...Heh. I knew you'd keep things interesting! All right, Mitsuhide. I'm game. I guess we'll all be seeing what you've got in store for us."

ERIA LOUIS

"..He escaped?" Eria questioned. "Yeah, it was an almost perfect escape." Ieyasu told her. "No one's reported seeing him since, either." Mitsunari added, a frown on his lips. A small breath of relief escaped from Eria. Earlier that morning, Ieyasu and Mitsunari had come by to apprise Eria on the situation. She didn't have a single clue as to where Mitsuhide was, but given how awfully he was treated in the dungeons, she was glad he escaped. Mitsunari blinked in surprise, "Eria? You sound almost…"

"..Yes, I'm relieved. Not that I ever really doubted him, though." she admitted. '...Once I saw the rain, I got worried. He was mistreated down there for so long… I... I hope he's okay.' "...You DO realize you could be thrown in the cell he just vacated if anyone heard you?" Ieyasu frowned. "Though I was just going to comment that it's been so long since I've last seen you smile," Mitsunari said. '...Forgot about the conflicts of interest there.' Eria sighed, "My apologies. I know that to the Oda, a traitor with very valuable information is now on the loose… but." Ieyasu shrugged, "Eh, it's fine. You can tell the truth around us, at least."

Mitsunari nodded, "Yes. And to be honest, I too am relieved. As a matter of fact, I purposely sabotaged the search party so that Lord Mitsuhide might avoid detection." It certainly sounded nice of Mitsunari. If significantly more treasonous than Eria's small moment of happiness for Mitsuhide's escape. "I didn't tell YOU to tell the truth, Mitsunari!" Ieyasu reprimanded. Despite the harsh glare the fawn-haired man gave, Eria knew Mitsunari's secret was safe between them. Even if they wouldn't admit it, all of them were glad for Mitsuhide. Though it was something none could express out loud.

"Anyway, he left Azuchi in a hurry. Who knows where he's gone to now…" Ieyasu mumbled. "We may find out soon. Lord Mitsuhide has never acted without a plan." Mitsunari pointed out. "Yeah... Knowing him, this is part of some bigger plan." Eria said. '...It's easier to relax when I let myself believe that Mitsuhide has everything under his control.' Last night, it hurt Eria to watch Mitsuhide go, more than she'd ever let herself admit. But starting today, she had to heal herself. A good way to do that was to simply figure out what he was up to. After all, Eria only felt like she was getting closer and closer. Then, an idea sparked in her mind-

"Are you sure this is wise, Lady Eria?" Ranmaru questioned. Eria sighed, "Ranmaru, right now our only connection is Mitsuhide is what he may have left behind. We can only hope that he left something good in his manor… Or that at least, the guards who ransacked this place last night missed something. Otherwise, we can always help Kyubei with cleaning up." Ranmaru's gaze fell, "Lady Eria, you're too sweet, you know that?" As Ranmaru and Eria walked through the city, Eria could see the effect of the previous night's escape on the populace. Everyone appeared to be on edge.

'..Of all the people, I hadn't expected Ranmaru to come with me.' "Ranmaru.. You do know that if you don't want to, you don't have to come with me." Eria told him. But Ranmaru was quick to shake his head, "No, I'm happy to come with you. I need to figure out what he's thinking too…" Then, he quietly added to himself- "...Not that I don't think we'll find a few skeletons buried under the floorboards- But I want to believe that, no matter what he's done, he's not a traitor. I guess I just…hate the idea of betrayal…"

Kyubei met them at the entrance, smiling immediately at their presence. "Is that-?" He muttered, his gaze on Eria. As if something were unusual about her. "Huh? Is what... what?" Eria questioned. But Kyubei shook his head, "...No, it's nothing. You're both welcome here. Feel free to explore the manor and its premises as you like." Ranmaru smiled brightly at the vassal, "Thanks a bunch!" As he led them inside, Kyubei informed them about the state of Mitsuhide's household.

During an investigation that followed his imprisonment, it was decided Mitsuhide acted alone and his retainers deemed innocent. Though none of them knew what to do in Mitsuhide's absence. And so, the manor continued in such a half-hearted state. "...We're sorry for all that's happened. If you need help cleaning up, Ranmaru and I are happy to lend a hand." Eria told Kyubei. But he shook his head, "I've taken care of the cleaning. If there's anything of Lord Mitsuhide's you would like to look at, please, go ahead."

"...Are you suuure? There's got to be a ton of secret stuff in here he wouldn't want anyone to see." Eria groaned, "...Way to sound suspicious, Ranmaru." But Kyubei only smiled, "I have no idea what you could be talking about." There was something off about Kyubei's smile, it was much too wide to be considered 'normal.' '...Judging from Kyubei's reaction, if there was anything of value here... It's long gone.' "...Even if there are no secrets. Perhaps we can find some kind of… clue. Let's look around." Eria suggested.

"You hear that, Lord Mitsuhide?! We'll turn this place upside down until we find what you've been hiding!" "...Ranmaru.." Eria sighed.

"Nothing! Absolutely nothing!" Ranmaru complained, an air of disbelief in his voice. "I had low expectations to begin with, but even those have been disappointed." Eria frowned. 'Even though I knew it wouldn't be easy. Not with Mitsuhide.' His room was pristine, not a single letter, document, or even scrap of paper left. They searched his other rooms, but they too were devoid of any hint to his pastimes or even potential whereabouts. "No calendars with special dates, no memos to his vassals, no reminders to himself. He got rid of everything!"

"...That's an interesting point, Ranmaru," Eria muttered, "...Why would Mitsuhide feel the need to get rid of everything? Not everything he writes could be full of secrets. But because there's literally nothing, one must turn a suspicious eye on everything." Ranmaru looked at her, "I think, Lady Eria, that may have been his goal." '...Oh really?' "Ooh, I'm Mitsuhide, the scary traitor who threatens nice pages! Even my groceries are secret! Can't trust me now, can you?!" Ranmaru mocked. "It's… It's like he's advertising his treachery..." Eria muttered. Just like how he allowed rumors about him to fester, confessed immediately upon his capture, and even staged such a dramatic jailbreak. All things someone who was truly planning a betrayal wouldn't want.

But they were things one might do if it was important to believe they were the bad guy.

Mitsuhide's goal all along had been to convince everyone in Azuchi of his treason. But exactly for what reason? Eria and Ranmaru found nothing concrete. Yet with this new revelation, Eria felt they were closing in on Mitsuhide. "Well, I think that's all we're going to find. Let's buy some sweet dumplings and have a snack instead!" Ranmaru cheerfully suggested, "We can bring some back for Kyubei too, as thanks for letting us rifle through the place!"

Eria nodded, "Okay. I'll go with you-" "I'll get them! You stay here and rest, Lady Eria!" Without being able to get another word in, Eria watched as Ranmaru sprung to his feet and raced out the door. Ever the source of energy he was. '...He's very agile. I guess being Nobunaga's page helps keep him in shape.' Soon after Ranmaru's departure, Kyubei quietly entered the room. "Lady Eria, do you have a moment?" he asked. "Oh. Of course, Kyubei."

Kyubei led Eria out to the garden, where she spotted a familiar face. "Oh, Chimaki!" As Eria sat down on the veranda, Chimaki came over to nuzzle Eria's leg with her nose. "...Aw. You remember me?" Eria whispered softly. "It seems she missed you. She's never been that close to any of us," Kyubei commented. He gave a wry smile as he sat beside Eria. "What was it you wanted to talk about?" Eria asked. "...That hair ornament looks good on you," the dark-haired man commented.

It was only then that it struck Eria; she was still wearing it. The pale blue, beautiful bellflowers that Mitsuhide had pinned in her hair. "I was the one who delivered it to Lord Mitsuhide while he was imprisoned." Kyubei admitted. "What?" Eria turned to face him, hazel meeting blue as Kyubei stared back at her. "I asked if he needed anything before he left. He said there was only one thing he absolutely had to get…" Eria chose to ignore that Kyubei had known in advance of Mitsuhide's escape. Instead, she felt a spark of joy.

'...Seemed his torturers weren't going to play fair, but at least Mitsuhide had some allies. And it seems Kyubei is… a lot cooler than I gave him credit for.' "My lord actually prepared that gift for you before your trip to the western border," Kyubei told her, "I believe it was his intent to give it to you upon your return to Azuchi." '...Mitsuhide planned this that long ago?' "Are you aware that the blue bellflower is the Akechi clan's crest?" That flower is very meaningful to his family." Kyubei said.

"Kyubei… Can you tell me more?" Eria asked. Kyubei nodded, then continued- "It is said his ancestor decorated his helmet with a single blue bellflower, and it won him a battle where all hope seemed lost. An Akechi gives you a bellflower to pray for you. To wish for your victory regardless of what trials you face." '...A prayer?' Kyubei smiled softly at her, "You are so important to him, my lady. More than any soul in this world has ever been." His gaze turned out to the garden, the greenery standing vibrant in the aftermath of the previous night's sudden shower. Eria's heart felt too heavy to speak.

'...I should've been the one to give Mitsuhide this flower, not the other way around.' Eria recalled his smile before his departure the previous night. He was the one going to fight. And he was going alone. Yet Eria had been fighting, hadn't she? Fighting to survive this time period and return to her own. Mitsuhide knew that. It was his reason for teaching her to survive, to face her fears while keeping her humanity. Even now, he was still trying to encourage her. "...Kyubei," Eria muttered, "...Thank you. For telling me that." "Not at all, my lady."

"I'm baaack!" Ranmaru announced, his smile quickly dissipating as soon as he noticed the state of Eria, "...Lady Eria, why are you crying?! Kyubei, you didn't say something mean to her, did you?!" Eria laughed and shook her head, "Ranmaru.. It's... It's n-not his fault." "I'm not giving a sweet dumpling to anyone who makes Lady Eria cry, you know!" Ranmaru pouted. "I would be devastated. Lady Eria, perhaps I could ask you to stop crying for my sake?" Kyubei spoke. Eria laughed, "Oh, yes. Of course, Kyubei. Anything for you."

"Heyyy! Stop teaming up just to get at my dumplings!" They all shared a good laugh in the garden. A part of Eria could only wish that someday, Mitsuhide would be there with them. He deserved to be in the sun, basking in its light as it dried the last droplets of dew from the grass- To join in their laughter; to look fondly on Chimaki as she slept. But as Eria found out that very night, that kind of gentle peace could never last. Not for any of them...

"You wanted to see me, Nobunaga?" Eria inquired. He was in the tenshu. Along with Lucille and Hideyoshi, who shared a stone-faced expression. And Masamune, who wore the strangest smile. "Tomorrow, Hideyoshi and I will depart for the capital. Eria, you will go with us." Nobunaga announced. Eria blinked, it was sudden, and apparently, an order. A grin formed on Nobunaga's lips, "...You will go if you wish to see the slippery kitsune who betrayed the Oda forces, that is." '...Mitsuhide is in Kyoto?!'