ERIA LOUIS

Eria stared at Nobunaga in surprise, "You know where Mitsuhide is?! I... I thought he got away unseen?" she questioned. "Someone saw him," Masamune corrected, "...Got really close to catching him too, but he got away…" The one-eyed man shrugged, an open smile playing at his expression. Eria glanced at him, "And I'm assuming that someone was you, Masamune?" she asked. "That's right. And he told me before he left-"

"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.

As Masamune spoke, he painted the scene well; too well. So well that Eria could nearly see it; it made her heart pound with a hint of illness. '...Mitsuhide swore to put an end to Nobunaga's life?' "...Who's this 'liege' that Mitsuhide mentioned?" Eria asked. Hideyoshi sighed, a grimace at his lips, "We'll get to that," he told her, then continued- "We all know, thanks to Eria and a certain knobhead, a rebellion in the east was preemptively put down. However- The imperial court in Kyoto still believes the false rumor that a collective planned to strike Lord Nobunaga down. The minor rebellions occurring in Echigo right now are likely giving that rumor the appearance of weight."

"...I remember... Nobunaga and Mitsuhide were meant to go to Kyoto, correct?" Eria brought up. Hideyoshi nodded, "Yes. Because the damned court can't be bothered to investigate problems themselves without pulling us away from our jobs. Ahem…" Hideyoshi took a breath, "Before that could happen, Mitsuhide was, err, accused of conspiring with Kennyo against Lord Nobunaga. And now he's escaped." Another sigh escaped from the light-brown haired man as he shut his eyes, before once more continuing his speech, his brows knitted with a frown, "Our lord thinks that all of this is connected."

Eria's gaze widened, '...All of this… is somehow connected? The rebellions, the summons, hell- even Mitsuhide's stupid confession?' "Those small-time daimyo are living the high life," Masamune spoke up, "They won't rise from their comfy seats unless someone bigger tells them to. And for them to do so all at once? The very moment Kyoto deigns to ask what we're up to…?" he prompted. Eria sighed, "...It's… it's strange. Too much to be a simple coincidence…" Masamune smirked, "Our enemy isn't interested in breaking us apart with poorly planned rebellions. Their goal is to lure Lord Nobunaga to Kyoto." Eria narrowed her gaze, 'What the hell do they plan to do with him in Kyoto? Have the nobles say he's fired or something?' Nobunaga gave a quiet nod in agreement. Yet something was missing. There was something they weren't telling Eria.

That's when Hideyoshi placed a hand on her shoulder, and Lucille had moved to stand beside her. "Lord Nobunaga can't bring an army with him into Kyoto. It would be seen as a declaration of war against the imperial court," Hideyoshi told her, "...And the unification we've sought could be set back another miserable, chaotic hundred years. He'll be allowed to travel with only the normal complement of retainers- which isn't many." Finally, Lucille spoke- "Meanwhile, our very own problem child is loose with valuable information on every key figure in the Oda forces." she sighed.

A feeling of dread crawled through Eria's stomach and made a horrid nest deep within; '...This can't end well with the current situation… Can it?' The pieces slowly came together in her mind, and she wasn't liking it. "So… Someone wants to lure Nobunaga out of Azuchi, and they want him to be as undefended as possible. And…" Eria shuddered, "You all think that… Mitsuhide is working for this someone?" "You may speak plainly. Some scoundrel wishes to assassinate me and Mitsuhide is working with them." Nobunaga explained. 'I wasn't trying to be courteous; I just didn't want that to be the case…'

"I'm impressed with the lass!" Masamune interrupted, "Listening to her, it sounds like Mitsuhide's lessons paid off." "This isn't a laughing matter, Masamune." Hideyoshi glared at him. Despite what they'd said, a part of Eria didn't want to believe any of it. But she had only her gut to go on, and it was currently churning anxiously. "I guess telling the imperial court that you can't make it isn't an option?" Eria suggested. "That was my recommendation. However-" Hideyoshi's face was covered from top to bottom with stress drawn neatly by the wretched hand of anxiety as he looked to his lord.

"...Trap or not, I will let nothing interfere with my ambition." Nobunaga said. '...Lucille, your husband is one of the most reckless imbeciles I've ever had the misfortune of meeting.' "The court holds no true power. But they retain their authority in the eyes of the people. If they are uneasy, the populace becomes uneasy. Then, the unification I've sought will fall." Nobunaga explained, with Hideyoshi nodding in agreement. 'Even though I think it's reckless… It's still noble of him to go and keep the people at ease, I guess. I can see why not even Hideyoshi can bring himself to stop him.'

"That is why we must respond to the summons, regardless of how dangerous it may be," Hideyoshi said. The frown on his lips deepening to a scowl, "If anyone dares to make an attempt on my lord's life, I will throw away my own to protect him!" Lucille shook her head, "Now, now, Hideyoshi… Do you really think Nobunaga needs protection from someone who believes their life to be so valueless that they'd throw it away in a heartbeat? You have so much more value to the Oda alive…" she frowned. Nobunaga agreed with her, "You are to live, Hideyoshi." he told him. "...Y-yes, my lord..."

With that heavy exchange still lingering within the atmosphere, Masamune elaborated on the threats that still lay ahead. "The culprit's likely to be aware that Lord Nobunaga knows Kyoto is a trap. Probably prepared for that. I'm betting they wanted Mitsuhide just to anticipate our lord's every move," Masamune let out a light chuckle, "They're a crafty one."

Suddenly, a moment of realization struck Eria. "Wait… To me, it's sounding like Mitsuhide can't be in league with Kennyo, then." Both Masamune and Hideyoshi turned away, so Eria took that as her cue to continue- "It's much too suspicious. Like Mitsuhide has been advertising his treachery. But-" "Of course Mitsuhide isn't working with Kennyo." Nobunaga interrupted, "They forced Kennyo's agent to accuse him to conceal who Mitsuhide had truly allied himself with. As for who that is- You have met him once before."

'Huh? If it's not Kennyo, then who is it...? It can't be anyone from Echigo… Not that I can admit to knowing them.' Lucille tapped on Eria's shoulder to gain her attention, giving the girl a sympathetic look, "Eria… Mitsuhide sold his allegiance to Yoshiaki Ashikaga." Eria's eyes widened, a look of horror crossing her face- 'There's- No way. No way he fucking did that.' She shook her head, "I… No. No, he couldn't have. I don't believe it- not him. He wouldn't-!" Nobunaga raised an eyebrow, "You informed me yourself that he was the one behind the rebellion in the western territories."

Nobunaga's voice carried not an ounce of pity. Each word serving to bring Eria's defense of Mitsuhide crumbling down. "It can only be him," Nobunaga reiterated, "The rebellious daimyo had no military backing. They were lured in with promise of status alone. As for the court, who else knows enough to manipulate them without raising questions? And who else would plot my assassination aware he doesn't stand a chance in a fair fight?" '...It… it makes sense. The guy Mitsuhide had been talking to… He was obviously…'

"I thank you for graciously accepting my sudden visit. It seems you are just the man my lord took you for." the stranger spoke. "Not at all," Mitsuhide replied, his usual grin wide, "My apologies for not speaking with you in more welcoming conditions. I'm sure you see the need for privacy. However, I couldn't turn your lord down after reading that most intriguing letter." Eria watched on in confusion. Letter, what letter was he referring to? And... that man's lord? Who was he?

"...Together, let us put an end to the reign of the Devil King of the Sixth Heaven." Eria froze, her blood turning to ice as she heard the words that fell from Mitsuhide's lips. What had she just walked in on…? The stranger smiled and nodded quickly, "Excellent. If you are so resolved, then I would invite you to join my lord quickly. I can bring you to him now if you wish." he offered. But Mitsuhide shook his head, "I will come when the time is right. …I think your lord may find me more useful to his cause if I remain at Nobunaga's side."

'The way he spoke, his dress… That man was practically a mini duplicate of Yoshiaki. But… That means Mitsuhide was working with him… While that creep thought he had every right to demean me…'

"I've always held that there is no such thing as purely right or purely wrong. But Eria- Everything you've said, including your rage, is right." Mitsuhide murmured.

. . .

"We do not know, day to day, who will come out on top. But- That does not give anyone the right to negate yours."

. . .

"And that is our story!"

"Mitsuhide? What-" "They should have never made a kitsune's wife cry."

. . .

Eria felt more than a dozen emotions burst within her. It was too much- too painful- for her to even begin to sort out. "Lass, you all right? You look pale," Masamune asked, concern clear in his tone. "Eria's probably in shock. Like it or not, that idiot was ready to marry her…" Hideyoshi pointed out. She only heard very faintly, as if far in the distance, what they said. Her mind remained elsewhere on questions of higher importance. '...Mitsuhide… What's the truth here…? You… You weren't lying to me, were you? How am I meant to know what's right if you're such a contradiction of yourself?!'

'...Relax, Eria. Calm down. You can't sort this out if you don't think it through.' It was all too easy to get angry at this moment. But going off like a half-cocked rifle wasn't the right call. Eria needed to think. 'What has he really done? What does that information tell me? And… what is he actually doing now?'

"Yoshiaki doubtlessly plans to have me assassinated in Kyoto. And Mitsuhide will surely be there. Eria, you will go with us." Nobunaga decided. Eria let out a small laugh, "Oh, you bet I'm going. You'd have to lock me up just to keep me from going to Kyoto and punching that dumbass in his stupid face." Both Hideyoshi and Masamune looked at Eria with a shared mixture of concern and surprise. "But… I'm mostly going to Mitsuhide. And I refuse to leave until I learn the truth." 'I already told him this the night he left- I believe in Mitsuhide.'

"My lord, it's too dangerous to bring Eria! Even we don't know what awaits us!" Hideyoshi argued. "I understand you feel sorry for her on account of Mitsuhide and what happened, but it is not out of pity that I bring her, you foolish monkey." Nobunaga bit back. Hideyoshi stuttered, "M-my lord?" Nobunaga smirked, "I am bringing her because she will be more useful to us than an army of guards." 'I think he's overestimating me- no, I KNOW he's overestimating me. What the hell does he expect me to do?!'

Eria looked into the crimson that was Nobunaga's gaze. It carried the same mysterious confidence that his smile did. She didn't know what he wanted, yet she wouldn't let that change her resolve. She was going, no matter what anyone were to say. "I appreciate your concern, Hideyoshi. I understand the danger, but that won't stop me." she said, "I certainly don't believe I can replace an entire army. But I can at least work as hard as a dozen men." Hideyoshi blinked in surprise, "Well, I-" "Hideyoshi, if you're still worried, best thing you can do is keep an eye on her yourself. Don't think she'll need it though." Masamune spoke up.

A noise that only accentuated Hideyoshi's displeasure escaped his throat, but he argued no further. Only placing both his hands on Eria's shoulders as he gave her a warm smile, "Just don't be reckless. If anything happens, come find me right away. And stay in sight!" Eria smiled back, "Alright. I can do that, Hideyoshi." "Eria, can you ride?" Nobunaga asked. 'That sounds a bit…' She nodded, "Yes. Mitsuhide taught me." 'And I think I made it a tiny bit worse… Or maybe I'm just dirty-minded.'

"You will be expected to keep pace with us. Do so and I can promise you your safety." Nobunaga told her. "Sounds good." "Now, Masamune-" Nobunaga turned his gaze to the one-eyed man, indicating that he should come near. Masamune did so, bending down on one knee. Nobunaga spoke quietly in a tone that Eria couldn't hear, but whatever he'd said, it brought a smile to Masamune's face. "Do you understand?" Nobunaga asked. "...Perfectly, my lord. Now, if you'll excuse me." Humming along the way, Masamune left the tenshu.

"Lord Nobunaga? What did you discuss with him?" Hideyoshi asked. "That is not for you to know." Was all Nobunaga had said in response. "...My apologies." Despite his submission, Hideyoshi appeared to be no more satisfied with Nobunaga's brush off than Eria was. She wanted to know as well. After all, the only times she'd ever seen Masamune that happy was when he'd be off to fight. "We leave at morning's light. Make sure both of you are prepared." Nobunaga told them. "Yes, my lord!" "Yes!" 'Mitsuhide… I'll see you soon. I don't know what our reunion is going to be like, or if any of us will even survive… But I'll be there. I have to see you, even if it's the last time. And I have to learn the truth.'

Even if the truth was ladened with fire and ash, she had to. After all- Eria had already consigned herself to hell just for him.

The next morning, Eria departed for Kyoto with Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and a handful of others. But within Kyoto, the last few threads of the spider's web were weaving together.

YOSHIMOTO IMAGAWA

"Lord Yoshiaki, the one you called for has arrived," the messenger spoke. "Finally, then? He has certainly taken our time." the shark-eyed man replied. A subtle scowl formed on Yoshimoto's porcelain lips, "...You have acquired yet another pawn?" he questioned. Paying the barbs hidden within Yoshimoto's words no mind, a wicked smile formed at Yoshiaki's lips. "Yoshimoto, this one is no mere pawn. He is the poison by which I will secure what is mine." "Heh. I'm always up for a good poisoning!" Motonari grinned. "Enter." The messenger commanded.

While Yoshimoto watched with an impassive gaze; Motonari looked toward the door with childlike glee deep within that crimson. When the lavish screen doors slid smoothly open- Both men found themselves left speechless at the kitsune that entered. "It has been some time, Lord Yoshiaki. I hope you have been well," he spoke. "We are glad for your arrival, Mitsuhide." Yoshiaki said. "Mitsuhide Akechi…?" Yoshimoto questioned; disbelief laced his voice. Motonari smirked, "Thought you were fishin' up minnows but ya got yourself a shark on the line, Lord Shogun."

A distasteful frown played at Yoshiaki's already distasteful features at Motonari's comment, "Of what do you speak? Mitsuhide is no shark. This one is and has always been my loyal vassal." Mitsuhide smiled at the man's words, "The night I received your messenger, your excellency, I felt tears come to my eyes. 'At last,' I thought, 'the time has come.' Through all the days I was forced into Nobunaga Oda's repugnant service, there was not one in which I forgot my true lord." The smirk returned to Yoshiaki's face, "...You have not forgotten your talent for flattery."

"Let me prove to you that it is more than words," Mitsuhide offered, a dangerous smirk playing at his own expression, "I swear to you I will see our most hated enemy dead with my own hands."