YOSHIMOTO IMAGAWA
"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." Following Mitsuhide's words, a chill took its spot within the room. A chill so biting that even Motonari felt it pierce his skin. Yet the kitsune continued, "The news of Nobunaga Oda's death will turn this land upon its head. Chaos will erupt everywhere-" he smiled, "...Until you reveal yourself once more. The imperial court will bow to you, for in you, they will finally have a figure to rally behind. And you, my excellency, will once more find yourself exactly where you deserve to be."
"I do not require you to elaborate what I already know. This has been my plan from the beginning," Yoshiaki spoke; a malicious yet joyed smile upon his face, "...Now, explain your scheme for ridding us of that upstart wretch Nobunaga to my pawns." Yoshiaki commanded. Mitsuhide nodded and turned his pale golden gaze to Yoshimoto and Motonari, "During the night, we will swarm him and his entourage in their sleep and kill them." "Will Nobunaga not have realized this is a trap and conceal his whereabouts?" Yoshiaki questioned.
Mitsuhide smirked, "Not at all. It is obvious where he'll be." "Oh?" "Nobunaga and his entourage will be staying at Honno-ji." Suddenly, a wicked laughter erupted from the one crazed lunatic in the room; bringing a frown to Yoshimoto's lips once more, "...Ah, of course." Yoshiaki's attendants glared at the two men for the tactless responses they dared to utter. "Foolishness! Surely, you do not believe that?! Nobunaga almost lost his life in that very temple two months ago. He would never stay there!" One of them argued, shouting at Mitsuhide.
"Indeed! Who would even think to walk into such a dangerous place a second time?!" The other hissed. Yoshimoto narrowed his gaze, "...Those planning him harm would not expect it either. That is the very reason Nobunaga will do it. He has always misled his enemies that way." Upon hearing Yoshimoto's words, the two attendants were rather quick to shut up. Motonari smirked, "Trust a former enemy to lay it out for ya. An' you can vouch for him doing that, can't ya, Mitsuhide?" "Yes. Nobunaga will be at Honno-ji, I assure you. He will take advantage of having a small entourage to hide himself away quietly." Mitsuhide confirmed.
With a smile held in place, Yoshiaki sipped at his sake. "...It is as Mitsuhide says. Nobunaga will be at Honno-ji." "Your excellency, could it be you already knew?" Mitsuhide asked. Yoshiaki let out a small chuckle as he looked at Mitsuhide, "Do not presume to think you are the only loyal agent working for me inside the Oda forces." "Shogun, you are both wise and powerful!" the two attendants cried. Ignoring their mindless praise, Yoshimoto watched as Yoshiaki kept his shark-like gaze fixed on Mitsuhide. "If only you had told me, your excellency!" Mitsuhide smiled.
"I had to test your loyalty- whether or not you would reveal the location of your former master." Yoshiaki said. "I have only ever had one master, and that is you." "Prove that to me at Honno-ji then. There, you shall remove Nobunaga's distasteful head from his body. In front of my eyes." Yoshiaki demanded. "Your will be done, excellency." With a hand touched to his head, Mitsuhide gave a bow of deep respect. "Nobunaga will not stay in Kyoto long. We will finish everything the night of his arrival."
Suddenly, the chilly yet silent atmosphere was interrupted- "...Hold up! Hold yer damn horses! I just heard something I'm not gonna stand for." Mitsuhide stared impassively at the pirate, "Has something I've said troubled you?" he asked. Motonari glared back, "More like the whole damn thing! Yer gonna do everything in one night? QUIETLY?" he shook his head angrily, "I came here for a party so big it's gonna turn the whole land on its head, and you tell me it's gonna last one damn night?"
"Oh, it will turn everything on its head, but I'm afraid it will be a rather wordless celebration." Mitsuhide told him. "Well that ain't a celebration to me! Where's the blood? The fire? The screaming?!" Motonari demanded. Rather than showing any further emotion to Motonari's outburst, Mitsuhide just smiled- "My, but you seem to have a most interesting definition of 'celebration,' Lord Motonari." he commented. The laugh that followed was almost nothing more than a polite titter.
"And do you have any suggestions, Lord Yoshimoto?" Mitsuhide asked, looking at the man who'd been almost completely silent. But he only shook his head, "Do as you wish. My vassals and I are at your disposal." "How encouraging. As is having a well-regarded commander such as yourself on our side." Yoshimoto's gaze narrowed further at Mitsuhide's comment, "'Well-regarded.' What a thoughtful compliment." he said, though no kindness remained in his words. Motonari only clicked his tongue in frustration, clearly disliking this flagrant political maneuvering.
"My pawns are in place. Tonight, we drink in celebration of my future success." Yoshiaki announced, his lips curving thinly in the smallest hint of pleasure as he drank another cup of sake. "Since we are celebrating, Mitsuhide, you are to perform a dance for our pleasure." he decided. "It would be my honor." The white-haired man stepped forward, accepting a fan from the hands of one of Yoshiaki's attendants.
His singing resounding sonorous; Mitsuhide moved the fan through the air, as though it were nothing more than a leaf on the wind or a fish swimming downstream. He moved with unearthly grace, his body acting an instrument of the dance. Like he were not human, but a mythical creature that did not belong to this mortal world. Yoshiaki watched him with a stunned expression; like he had found himself within a well-crafted illusion… One that was oddly familiar.
Once the song and dance were concluded, Mitsuhide found himself called to Yoshiaki's side. "Mitsuhide, remind us-" "Of what, your excellency?" Yoshiaki held his cup towards the man to refill, "...How long has it been since I last saw you?" Yoshiaki asked. The briefest of moments of silence followed before Mitsuhide gave his answer- "I'm not certain. It must have been years." Yoshiaki stared hard at the silvery features of the pourer reflected within the clear liquid.
"...That is correct. Though I recently beheld a man who reminded me very much of you," Yoshiaki commented before a wicked and dangerous smirk took its place on his lips, "We should hope a kitsune has not secreted its way into my court disguised as my loyal vassal." Yoshimoto blinked, using his fan to hide his surprise. "Huh?" Motonari muttered. But Mitsuhide gave no reaction to the accusation, "A kitsune, your excellency? I am afraid I do not know of what you speak." "If you do not, then all is well." Yoshiaki drank the cup down, a hard clack echoing as he placed it on the tray.
"The Devil King's hold on my domain will soon end. Once it is back in its rightful hands, I will restore the world to how it was meant to be: a respectful and structured world." Neither Yoshimoto or Motonari spoke, choosing to keep their comments to themselves. Only Mitsuhide dared to speak- "...I am certain it will be." With a bright smile, he moved to refill Yoshiaki's cup once more. "I have had enough drink. Retire now. All of you." Yoshiaki commanded, waving his hand dismissively. "Yes, your excellency."
YOSHIAKI ASHIKAGA
Once the three men left, Yoshiaki called his messenger over. "Continue your investigation on Mitsuhide," he commanded. "My lord, we've already turned Azuchi upside down looking for information on-" Yoshiaki frowned, glaring at the messenger, "Look further. I need something of his. Something so valuable he is helpless as long as I hold it. Mitsuhide is a two-edged sword. You cannot use him reliably without risking a cut. That sword is in my hands- for now. We must collar him quickly so that he can never again leave."
"...My lord." The messenger spoke quietly, but said no further…
YOSHIMOTO IMAGAWA
"...You two enjoy your party. I'm setting out." The three men had exited out into the hallway- only Motonari kept walking forward. "Are you leaving the shogun's service? Now, right as the curtain is about to rise?" Yoshimoto asked. "I'm sailing against the wind. Thought the shogun had a real party planned, but his idea of celebration ain't enough for me." Motonari answered. "How very unfortunate. I'd hoped for a chance to collaborate with the warlord famed for his domination of the south." Mitsuhide commented, causing a smirk to form on Motonari's face. "Heh. Live long enough and you'll see me again. Hell, I'll send ya a personal invite to MY party. Tell ya what, it'll be a real killer!" the pirate laughed. "Goodness gracious."
Yoshimoto looked at Motonari, disdain clear in his expression, "...I won't miss you and I dearly hope not to see you again, so I will ask: where do you intend to go?" Motonari chuckled, "Where does a shark go when it's hungry? Any case, I'm leaving ya enough 'fireworks' to kick off your own celebration with a bang. Be responsible with 'em! Ahahah!" Yoshimoto's gaze narrowed to a glare as he watched the man go. The hallway fell quiet with the pirate's absence. "...That is one less potential assassin," Yoshimoto muttered.
"We need not mourn his loss. We still have you, Lord Yoshimoto." Mitsuhide spoke, "And I must say, I'm honored for the clan to meet you, for I had heard you were deceased. Your clan destroyed…" "You've heard right." Yoshimoto corrected, "I but lead a sad shroud of walking ghosts who do not know that they are dead. Although, perhaps 'lead' is the wrong term." Mitsuhide blinked, "Is that so?" The eyes that Mitsuhide looked into were a pool of gold but crystal clear; resting on an open book of an expression with so much to say.
"May I ask, why are you allied with Lord Yoshiaki?" he asked. "...To set the ghosts free." Yoshimoto answered, then posed his own question- "And why have you returned here, Mitsuhide?" "I had sworn an oath of allegiance to serve the shogun faithfully until he defeats Nobunaga Oda. Why should I not rush here at his call?" Yoshimoto stared at him for a moment, "Is that really it?" he asked. When Mitsuhide did not answer, he chose to ask another question- "...Do you know of a woman called Eria?"
There was a quick change in Mitsuhide's demeanor as he frowned at the mere mention of her. That simple half of a moment was enough to rid his expression of the heart-rending emotions that would threaten to overtake it. Clearly having noticed his reaction, Yoshimoto continued with a smile- "I was near Chugoku recently and hid myself my last night there to stay and watch a certain festival. It was quite entertaining. …Particularly the final act. A kitsune swept a beautiful dancer off the stage. I wonder where the two of them are now?"
Regaining what threads remained of his composure, Mitsuhide, too, smiled, "I would not know." "I do not know you very well, Mitsuhide Akechi," Yoshimoto said suddenly, "But I know somewhat of Eria. If she found out where her kitsune had run off to, I believe she would be very sad." Mitsuhide narrowed his gaze, "...Do not dare speak for her," he muttered, his tone almost threatening. "I speak only of what she and I have shared. Or is that to say you were unaware of that part of her…?" A bitter chill of winter's death met the calm frozen lake. Neither spoke but not like they needed to.
Finally, it was winter's death that broke the silence with a frigid smile, "This is not the place for long conversation- especially about so insignificant a girl." Yoshimoto glared at him, "I, too, find no point in discussing things with those who cannot be moved. When is Nobunaga due to arrive in Kyoto?" "In three days," Mitsuhide answered, "I will keep a watch on Honno-ji." "Then I will prepare my vassals to move as necessary." "I will be counting on you. Good evening." As Mitsuhide turned to go, his scarves moved behind him like tails in the wind.
In a soft tone, Yoshimoto called out to him- "...Mitsuhide. A question." "Yes?" he turned his attention to the dark-haired man. "For the Imagawa, this next battle is the final performance. A last bow on this chaotic stage. Tell me, what is it to you?" "I cannot say," Mitsuhide answered, "For I am but an actor, playing the role my Lord Yoshiaki gives to me. Now, farewell." Yoshimoto watched as he went, a frown playing at his porcelain lips as glare crossed his golden gaze, "...You were born to play a kitsune."
…Three days later.
MITSUHIDE AKECHI
"They've arrived." Mitsuhide muttered. He stood watching from the shadows as a small party entered the grounds that held the hastily repaired Honno-ji. Disguised or not, there was no mistaking the overly magisterial way Nobunaga Oda carried himself. Always at his side, with careful steps and eyes that looked for and saw danger at every step, was Hideyoshi. Immediately behind them was- Mitsuhide's gaze widened as he clapped his hands over his mouth. Even with the years of restraint and self-control, he found he had little to no power to stop her name from tumbling from his lips.
He frowned, a troubled look overtaking his features, "...Why are you here? Why…?!"
ERIA LOUIS
"Hideyoshi, I'd like to run an idea by you." Hideyoshi turned his attention to the blonde woman, "What is it?" he asked. They'd arrived at the temple- which was surprisingly quite nice appearing when not on fire- and had set down their belongings. "Obviously I cannot go with you and Nobunaga to what's sounding like a ROUSING time of trying to convince a bunch of nobles how wrong they are- So I thought maybe I could wait here and make a nice 'safe' dinner for everyone instead…" Eria suggested. Hideyoshi smiled at her, "I think we'd all appreciate that. Not to cast doubt on the monks who've been so kind, but we can't discount the possibility they're planning to poison us."
Eria nodded, "Mmhm. Which is why I'll triple check everything, so everyone can eat without a single worry." "Thanks, Eria. I still have my reservations about bringing you along, but right now, I'm glad you're here." Hideyoshi admitted. He gave her one of his signature friendly head pats before going to join Nobunaga in prep for the meeting. Eria took in a deep breath, enjoying the cool summer air. '...I'm finally back here in Kyoto. I just wish it were under better circumstances.' she glanced back at Nobunaga and Hideyoshi, '...I hope they both stay safe.'
As they readied to leave, Eria saw them off, silently praying once more of their safe returns. Later that evening, with a friendly monk as a guide, Eria headed to the market to buy ingredients for dinner.
"Miss Eria, I think I dropped my hand towel along the way. Can I ask you to wait for me?" the monk asked. Eria smiled and nodded, "That's fine. I'll be right here." As the monk ran in the direction they'd come from, Eria took the moment to check her bags. 'Even if Nobunaga and Hideyoshi come back safe- and they better- …there's only more trouble on the horizon.' The shogun had them right where he wanted them, and Eria could only imagine that he'd do all he could to keep them from leaving Kyoto alive. But Eria had better things to do than allow shark-eyes to keep living in her mind rent free.
'...I hope I can see Mitsuhide again. Alive, at the very least… and soon.' Mitsuhide had told her that prayer never worked, and while a part of her believed that- "...You foolish mouse!" he hissed under his breath. -her prayer was answered. Eria turned to face him, eyes wide, "Mi-?!" "Come!" 'Huh?!' Eria was grabbed by him and taken to an empty storehouse. He glared at her, his displeasure clear, "How clueless can you be…!" '...It's really him…' "I…I can't believe you're actually here…" she mumbled, a small smile creeping on her lips.
Without a second thought, Eria hugged Mitsuhide tight. A small reassurance to herself that it was really him. "...I missed you…" she mumbled, almost embarrassed. A broken sigh spilled from Mitsuhide- his breath withheld. Then he pulled her away, pulled himself away from her. His eyes shined in the darkness of the storehouse. "What do you think you're doing in Kyoto?" he asked. Eria narrowed her gaze, staring up at him, "I'm here because of you, obviously." He almost appeared to struggle with him just to hold her gaze.
He narrowed his gaze at her, "...Did the Oda forces not reveal to you who I have sold my loyalty to?" Eria shrugged, "They did. And I have to say, I'm not a fan of your new boss." "Yet you followed me regardless?" he questioned. Eria nodded, "I did. Probably for that same reason. And because I think this entire situation is total bullshit." "Hmph. It was my mistake trying to teach a mouse how to think. You've learned nothing, foolish creature." Mitsuhide muttered. Eria rolled her eyes with a small smile, "Yeah, yeah, I'm foolish or whatever. But in case you've forgotten, I'm YOUR foolish little mouse."
She took one step forward, keeping her gaze firm, "And much like a foolish mouse, not even the sight of a trap will keep me from pursuing what I want, Mitsuhide." "...Did I not tell you to be good for me? Why? Why couldn't you have just stayed behind…?" he whispered, his voice sounding as though it would crack through the facade any moment. No longer holding back, Mitsuhide threw his arms around Eria and embraced her tight. But just as he drew in a breath to speak- "Miss Eria? Are you still here?" the monk from earlier called out.
"...Eria, leave Kyoto immediately! Go now!" Mitsuhide urged. "Wait! We need to-!" He slipped outside, but when Eria pushed open the door to follow him, she lost him in the glare of the setting sun. "...Miss Eria…? There you are! Did something happen?" the monk asked. "No." she answered, leaving no room for further questions. Eria readjusted her bags and took in a deep breath. '...Based on what Mitsuhide said, shark-eyes is plotting something. Tonight. I know he wants me out of this but… I have no intention of going anywhere. I've found him again… and I'm not ready to let go.'
MITSUHIDE AKECHI
That night, the air was warm and the city laid quiet. It did not dare to wake, not even as soldiers filed through the streets. Yoshiaki's personal guard and what remained of the Imagawa vassals stood lined up, a mixture of excitement and bloodlust across each of their faces. "Now is the time to repay that upstart for making fools of us all!" one of Yoshiaki's men called. "We'll kill Nobunaga and restore the Imagawa clan!" "I am pleased everyone is motivated." Mitsuhide commented. "...So they seem." Yoshimoto muttered. Mitsuhide looked at the man, "You do not sound enthusiastic, Lord Yoshimoto."
"Enthusiastic about taking lives?" he questioned, sounding disgusted, "I cannot imagine the mind that looks forward to such a grim act. I have never enjoyed battle. I am only here to fulfill my responsibility to my bloodline." he insisted. "...Very well," Mitsuhide muttered. From within a palanquin that the soldiers carried, Yoshiaki's voice could be heard. "Mitsuhide, I grant you the vanguard." "Yes, your excellency." "We are looking forward to witnessing you cut off the head of that wretch Nobunaga." Yoshiaki grinned.
"Then I invite you to watch very closely as I show you where my true loyalties lie." Mitsuhide bowed to Yoshiaki before taking the lead of an army numbering over a hundred men. "Shall we go for a stroll, gentlemen?" he called out, "...The enemy is at Honno-ji."