ERIA LOUIS
It was later the next morning after Mitsuhide and Eria had revealed their true feelings for one another… Mitsuhide had just gotten dressed when the door was thrown open with a loud bang echoing throughout the room. "Mitsuhide, Eria, I'm coming in!" Hideyoshi announced. "We see that. Can you not shout it as well?" Mitsuhide deadpanned. Hideyoshi just frowned at him in response, "Hold out your hand, you slippery-tongued devil." "May I hear what I'm being admonished for first?" "No. Now stick out your hand."
"Very we-" Mitsuhide's eyes widened, "...Ahem, Hideyoshi?" he questioned. Eria blinked in surprise at the scene before her, '"Ahem, Hideyoshi" is right…' Hideyoshi had tied Mitsuhide's right hand in a thickened rope, binding it off with a heavy knot. On the other end was a loop. He then slid the loop around his own left wrist and pulled it tight from one end, locking their wrists together. "I really must question the purpose of this," Mitsuhide commented. "It's so you don't ruff off. And just so you know, you're staying tied to me until we reach Azuchi," Hideyoshi informed him.
'...I feel like I don't want to ask…' Mitsuhide narrowed his gaze at Hideyoshi, "Spare me this emotional display and untie me this instant. I swear to every god in existence I won't run." "Good try, but I know for a fact you don't believe in any gods! And I don't believe YOU! You're going to put up with this, just like I'm having to put up with it." Suddenly, Mitsuhide smirked, "Is that to say you dislike being tied to me? Why, Hideyoshi, you'll hurt my feelings!" Hideyoshi glared at him, "After the suffering you put us all through? You SHOULD feel bad." There were little to no signs of relenting within Hideyoshi's demeanor.
'I guess I understand. Hideyoshi's got every right to feel as he does. He's been as torn as I was regarding Mitsuhide.' "Lord Nobunaga told me everything," Hideyoshi said. "Did he now?" Even when faced with Hideyoshi's anger and frustration, Mitsuhide remained as calm as ever. "...Why the hell do you think you always have to carry everything on your own?!" he hissed. "Because it is most efficient," was all Mitsuhide had to say in response. "That's why you make me crazy!" Hideyoshi grabbed Mitsuhide by the lapels, causing Mitsuhide's hand to jerk up with his.
They glared at each other as if they were rivals locked in heated combat. Eria had already seen them fight in such a manner a number of times. But now that she knew the two of them better, it wasn't exactly fighting they were doing per-say… They just wished to protect each other. Hideyoshi wanted to protect Mitsuhide in the open, but he couldn't because Mitsuhide shut him out. To keep the Oda's bright sun from being tainted by the darkness that followed him. The two men cared about each other too much to ever stop protecting one another. The exact reason they always found themselves at odds.
"You may hit me now, if you like. Not only should it soothe your temper, it should be quite amusing to see you fall down with me," Mitsuhide teased. "Like punching you is going to make up for anything! You're going to live and you're going to spend the rest of your life making this up to the Oda forces," Hideyoshi hissed, but then his expression softened ever so slightly- "...Which is why you're coming back. Return with me. And let's serve Lord Nobunaga again, together." "Hideyoshi…" Mitsuhide muttered, emotion wavering deep within those pale golden eyes of his. Yet he wasn't the only one feeling misty.
'...So, Hideyoshi really feels that way, huh? He's decided to stay by Mitsuhide until the end… Just like me.' "If I return, you know I am certain to cause you no end of trouble," Mitsuhide reminded him. Hideyoshi gave a slight shrug, "I'm used to it." "...No wonder you win over so many." Mitsuhide smiled. '...Sometimes I question your sexuality, Mitsuhide…' And just like that, the tension that once stood thick between them faded away. Perhaps they would never come to a proper understanding- But roped together or not, Mitsuhide and Hideyoshi had their own powerful bond. And there was no chance of severing it.
The frown dissipated from Hideyoshi's lips as he smiled brightly, "I'm not going to make you share every plan with me. Just send me a letter before you disappear, all right?" "I make no promises." "You should! After the mess you created this time-!" 'Anddd there they go again.' Eria began to wonder if she should obtain her own rope- to gag them with. The moment's peace may have just been worth it. "You two arguing again? Knock it off and have something to eat!" The sudden entrance from Masamune seemed to quiet them down.
In his arms he carried several trays of food that he placed before them. "It's pretty simple fare, but it'll put something in your stomachs before we leave for Azuchi. Lord Nobunaga's already eaten. Don't keep him waiting, but don't rush either," Masamune informed them. Eria nodded then glanced at the two men, "You both heard him, right? No more fighting, just eat." "...I'm postponing this conversation for Eria and Masamune. But ONLY until we're done eating." Hideyoshi said. "Then I'm afraid I must starve. Such a pity," Mitsuhide teased, feigning dramatics. "You're going to eat AND we're going to talk!" Hideyoshi glared at him once more.
The four of them sat down in a circle with Mitsuhide and Hideyoshi being forced to sit side by side, for obvious reasons. That's when Masamune seemed to take notice. "...Uh, are you two bound at the wrist?" He asked, giving them a curious look. "It was horrible, Masamune. I pleaded with Hideyoshi, but he forced me…" Mitsuhide spoke, once again acting dramatic. "Never describe it like that again!" Hideyoshi said, then turned to Masamune- "Masamune, this is only to keep him from running away!"
Masamune chuckled, "Heh. I just figured you two were finally taking the next step. Glad it's working out for you." 'Seems I'm not the only one who thinks they're a bit fruity.' "Did you hear anything I said?" Hideyoshi groaned. "Hideyoshi, I cannot use my chopsticks like this," Mitsuhide complained, but Hideyoshi only glared at him. "Oh no you don't! This rope is staying on until we reach Azuchi. It's not coming off for anything else!" "I know that- I'm asking you to feed me," Mitsuhide smirked. "Screw that. I'm going to punch you." "I was kidding," Mitsuhide responded, his gaze drifting to the one who'd been quiet nearly this entire time- "Eria, would you please?"
Eria blinked at him, "...You want me to feed you?" She nearly lost her grip on her own chopsticks. "Please?" Mitsuhide smiled and opened his mouth like a helpless little bird- only birds did not normally look so conniving. '...Does he not realize how embarrassing this is with Masamune and Hideyoshi here?' "Ignore him, Eria. I can handle this." Hideyoshi told her. "Ignore me and I'm afraid I'll begin crying. You've seen what he's done to me, Eria." Mitsuhide retorted. Eria let out a sigh of defeat, "Just to make things clear- I am only agreeing to such a childish request because of the circumstances, all right? Here you are-" "...Thank you."
Eria held out a slice of cooked vegetable for him, which Mitsuhide ate. "That looks time-consuming," Masamune commented, "How about I help out by feeding you, lass? Here, open up." 'Wha-?' "If anyone is going to feed her, it is going to be me," Mitsuhide interrupted, "Eria, say 'ahh.'" '..Wha-?!' "What the! You're using your chopsticks just fine!" Hideyoshi pointed out. "Am I? …Oh, you seem to be right. Miraculous." He deftly made a mocking gesture with chopsticks in hand at a frowning Hideyoshi.
Eria looked at the scene before her and suddenly burst out laughing. She couldn't help it, nor could she stop. Yet all three men looked at her with a look of surprise. "Lass, you okay?" Masamune asked. "I'm perfectly fine, Masamune. Just… happy that we could have moments like these again. Together." she answered. Masamune smiled, "That we are." Her giggles resumed as Masamune joined in the laughter. Hideyoshi let out what sounded like a reluctant guffaw; even Mitsuhide wore an unreserved smile. A part of Eria was hoping this would be the beginning of days laughing and having fun. With her new family in Azuchi, and with Mitsuhide.
After breakfast ended, they went straight to Nobunaga- "Hideyoshi. Mitsuhide. Why are you two tied together…?" he questioned, his reaction the exact same as Masamune's. 'Wow! Never thought I'd see the day where Nobunaga Oda is shocked.' "I've taken desperate measures to ensure Mitsuhide doesn't flee again," Hideyoshi answered, "I'm going to bring him back to Azuchi and make him confess the truth in front of everyone." But then he added- "...The truth that he isn't a traitor."
"While I appreciate the lengths you are going for my sake, Hideyoshi, I will not be returning to Azuchi." Mitsuhide informed him. 'Excuse me?' "What do you mean?" Hideyoshi asaked. "...Mitsuhide, why not?" Eria mumbled. "...It is Yoshiaki. You intend to chase after him?" Nobunaga asked. Mitsuhide nodded, "That is correct." 'Oh right. That bastard Shogun is still on the loose.' "Isn't it better to go back to Azuchi first and arrange a hunting party? A large, well-prepared one." Masamune suggested.
"I am not doing this as a member of the Oda forces," Mitsuhide answered. "What?" muttered both Hideyoshi and Masamune. '...He better not be planning to fight alone again.' Yet he only calmly deflected the stares of everyone. Sensing the determination he held, Eria lent Mitsuhide her ear. "My lord, you have cleared up all the 'loose ends' from last night's battle, have you not?" Mitsuhide questioned. "Yes. Anyone in the vicinity who saw anything were pressed into silence. Vile or not, that man is the Shogun. If anyone knew of your attack on him, you would not escape punishment. I will not abandon a valuable pawn to execution for high treason."
"You honor me with your kindness, my lord." Mitsuhide smiled. Then he explained- "Shogun Yoshiaki's cowardly escape was too shameful for him to act in public again, at least for a time." From the sounds of things, thanks to both sides, yesterday's battle would be never mentioned within History's records. "But he will undoubtedly prepare another tap for you, my lord. And another. His position renders him invulnerable. …Invulnerable from you." Mitsuhide told him, "However, I am still known as a traitor to the Oda forces. My actions will not reflect on you. If I kill the Shogun, I will just be the kind of irredeemable villain who turns on every master."
There would be no recovery from the public's eye from the act he had spoken so nonchalantly about. Mitsuhide would always look to expend himself first within any plan he created. "Why do you always have to do things on your own?!" Hideyoshi shouted. "I anticipated your response, which is why I have chosen to tell you my plans in advance this time." Hearing those words from Mitsuhide caused realization to strike both Eria and Hideyoshi. It was true. Mitsuhide would normally keep his silence until came the time he'd disappear for his work. "...Do you have a plan?" Hideyoshi asked.
Mitsuhide smirked, "What do you think? Of course I do." "...And if it goes well, what proof do we have that you're coming back?" Hideyoshi questioned. "Hideyoshi… I don't ask you to trust me. There would be no point, as I am certain to lie to you again." "Mitsu-!" Mitsuhide's expression softened, "...But you asked me to return and serve Lord Nobunaga with you again. That much, I swear to do, for the rest of my life." The lines of tension faded from Hideyoshi's face, as though he no longer doubted Mitsuhide.
Mitsuhide always seemed to be smiling. Yet there was a clear difference between a crafted one and that of one who was truly happy. He was not saying those words just to please Hideyoshi. Mitsuhide actually wanted it. Which meant he was finally allowing himself to share a little portion of his burden with those he loved. What Hideyoshi said had actually affected him. And Mitsuhide was now trying to do better, for Hideyoshi's sake. Eria began to see that Mitsuhide's path from within the darkness may not have been so long after all…
Yet Hideyoshi frowned again, "...The problem is… I only have your word." 'Hm. I believe I can help with that.' "I can guarantee that he'll come back, Hideyoshi." Eria spoke up. "How are you going to do that?" Masamune asked. Eria shrugged, "Quite simple really. I'll go with him." "You will?" both Hideyoshi and Masamune questioned. "Eria, it is too-" Mitsuhide tried to argue, only for Eria to interrupt him- "Sorry, but it's Nobunaga's orders! He said, and I quote, 'Eria, when this battle is over, you are to bring Mitsuhide back to me.'"
Mitsuhide's lips formed a tight line as he frowned. Eria continued, "Since we're going after the Shogun, I'd say it counts as the same battle. What do you think, 'my lord?'" Nobunaga grinned, "You are correct, Eria. Which is why you are to continue to do as I command." "Just this once… Gladly." Eria replied. "There is little I can do when you team up on me." Mitsuhide muttered. But Eria only smiled, "I'll keep the promise I made as well, Mitsuhide. I won't ever leave you." 'You spent these first months protecting me. Now it's my turn.'
He sighed, and smiled, "...Then I shall never let you go." He spoke, tenderly ruffling her hair, "I'll be counting on you during our trip." Eria crossed her arms, "Well, good thing I already know we make decent traveling companions." Then, she turned to Hideyoshi, "And there you have it. I promise you, Hideyoshi, that both Mitsuhide and I will return to Azuchi. You can trust me." Hideyoshi let out a displeased noise.
After much deliberation, Hideyoshi chose to withdraw a dagger and sever the rope that binded him and Mitsuhide. "I can't take your word for it, Mitsuhide…but I trust Eria." Hideyoshi said, "Finally, just so you know, cutting this rope doesn't signify me letting you go. I've cut it so that you come back. And you'd better come back. If you die, I'll go to hell to find you and kick your sorry ass for daring to die!" Hideyoshi threatened. Mitsuhide chuckled, "As if hell doesn't sound dreadful enough. I suppose I shall have to avoid that fate, then." He gently massaged his freed wrist with a smile.
"Mitsuhide," Nobunaga began, "If you die, I will lose both you and Hideyoshi, who will apparently follow after you. Do not rob me of both my hands. …Come back alive." "Yes, my lord." Mitsuhide replied. "They aren't the only ones who'll be waiting for you," Masamune pointed out, "Ieyasu and Mitsunari and Ranmaru will be too. …And I'll be waiting. In fact, I'll be cooking up a pile of tasty dishes for your return." "You know I have lost my sense of taste," Mitsuhide pointed out. "Guess we'll have to find it for you!" Masamune teased. Mitsuhide shook his head; still smiling, "Just try not to get your hopes up."
Masamune gave Mitsuhide a vigorous pat on the shoulder. '...He's never really been that alone, has he? Even with the secrets he kept, even when he left for his reckless missions… Everyone has always believed in him, and been entirely ready to accept him back upon his return. …I'm happy for him.'
MITSUHIDE AKECHI
With everything settled, it was time for the Oda to leave- Mitsuhide watched as Eria waved them goodbye, fully knowing that they'd see them again. Once they had gone, it was just her with him, and the quiet of the temple's courtyard. 'This was most certainly not going the way I had planned… In fact, I can safely say that all my plans have gone astray.' After his betrayal of both the Oda and the Ashikaga, Mitsuhide had been prepared to give up everything. All to accept the title as "this era's greatest traitor."
His sacrifice, his blood, all would spare more than getting involved. Possibly even spare their lives. The less that would have to suffer, the better. That had always been the case within Mitsuhide's mind. '...And a good plan it was.' Yet Mitsuhide had let his target escape. Normally, that'd be a tragedy, and a major one at that. Except Yoshiaki had been the only loss that night. Not only did he retain his 'family'; they had become closer than before.
And the woman he loved with all his heart… Not only did she return his feelings, she had also sworn to remain by his side for all to come. Mitsuhide Akechi had never experienced such failure. Yet it felt good.
"We'll be going on another trip, you and I." Mitsuhide commented. "Yes, yes we will." Eria replied. "You have no regrets?" he asked. She shook her head, "Nope. Not a single one." The gleaming smile that she wore as she looked at Mitsuhide… what a sight it truly was. 'I must relent, it seems… It is impossible for me to let Eria go.'
"...Mitsuhide, I've got a couple of… guesses about various things, and I'd like you to confirm if I'm correct." She prompted. "Go ahead." Eria took a deep breath, "When you first told me you were taking on the role of my instructor to watch over me… it was the other way around, wasn't it? You had always intended on teaching me the ways to survive. You just needed an excuse, correct?" Mitsuhide blinked in surprise, 'It was only a matter of time before she pieced it all together…'
Eria continued, "And when you decided to tighten your 'watch' on me after I'd seen you and Yoshiaki's messenger, choosing to keep me close at all hours- That was to keep the Shogun thinking you were on his side, and to keep me safe from his influence… Wasn't it? You also took me on that mission because it was too dangerous for me to be left alone." A slight frown formed on Mitsuhide's lips as he thought over her words. It was unusual. To think he'd be happy to have someone else read his mind, as he did so easily with others.
But though Eria had learned from him, her command of this new skill was not yet flawless. Mitsuhide smiled as he met her gaze, "You are… partly correct." He answered. Eria's gaze narrowed slightly as she inclined her head to one side. 'Whether my ploys will work again you now remains to be seen. I've never come up against someone who uses honesty as their weapon…' "I did not keep you by my side only to protect you," he began, "...It was because I was in love with you."
Eria's gaze widened in surprise, "Wait, what?! All the way back then? I… why? Why were you in love with me?" she asked. "Do you remember that time you spoke up in my defense while you thought I was away?" Mitsuhide asked. "...uhm." "It was at the tea house, on your day off," he prompted. It had been the time when a group of Samurai were talking to Eria, namely, disrespecting Mitsuhide. All because he had been from the lower class. Yet Eria spoke up in his defense, claiming that status did not matter, but skill did.
She had managed to give him quite the shock back then. "You don't need to force yourself to recall it. I remember it well. All that you've said… Though powerless by our world's definition, you always stood up for your ideals. You were… almost too bright for me," Mitsuhide admitted. He had once turned his back on that light. Now, he hoped the sight of her would continue to lead on and inspire him for the years to come. "I decided long ago that I would never tell you how I felt…but I could not help showing you affection."
Eria didn't say anything, only stared down at the ground. She was at a clear loss for words as Mitsuhide drew his fingers through her soft blonde locks. He continued- "Yet it was only when we pretended to be married that I could tell you the truth without fear of being discovered." Recognition sparked in those unblinking hazel eyes. All the times he had said he adored her, or loved her, or showed any ounce of kindness to her, or referred to themselves as a couple… Every word he spoke to her. Every time they'd been together. All of it-
'...It was all true. Those wonderful times with you were all I wished for, my love.' He had spent a life spinning webs decorated beautifully with lies, all to entrap others. He'd even lied to himself to make it seem more convincing. But he didn't want that anymore. He only wanted to use his words for her, and her alone. "...I have always been in love with you…" he repeated. A gasp fell from her lips as tears gathered in her eyes.
Mitsuhide caught Eria in his arms, holding her tight in his embrace. "...You… you horrible, perfect tease! Ugh..! Mitsuhide…" she muttered, her tone falling quiet, "...I've never loved someone as much as I love you…" He smiled, "I love you, too." 'When I saw at the end of our first trip that you had the same feelings for me… Can you even imagine how that felt?' He gently patted her back as she calmed down. That simple pleasure of just being able to touch her joined in with the knowledge that she was his lover now, and he was hers.
'I cannot change the way I live at this point. And I still have my ideals. I will do anything to accomplish my wish. Though I shall strike one thing from that list for you, my one and only love.' "...Eria, let me see your face," he said. "...I'm right here," she muttered, looking up at him. A teary-eyed smile playing at her lips. But it failed to bother him as he kissed her. Happiness being the only thing to fill his being as he did so. 'No matter what happens, I will not throw away my life. I refuse to die and leave you alone. Should the worst be yet to come, I will endure that and all the horrors I have seen, to live and remain at your side.'
'It will be worth it…to live with you.'
YOSHIAKI ASHIKAGA
Despite the pleasant moment between two lovers down at Honno-ji… A plotting spider had escaped deep within the mountains of Kyoto… "You worthless incompetents! You worthless chaff!" "We beg your forgiveness! It was… it was all our faults. Please, my lord, we beg your forgiveness!" Yoshiaki Ashikaga beat and berate the men who had risked their lives to carry him safely from Honno-ji. They dared not speak against him. Their cries blending in with those of the animals that their lord viewed them as.
Yoshiaki grit his teeth, "...Hmph. Kicking the 'dirt' only soils my shoes. It does not soothe my anger over this disgrace! That accursed kitsune! He will regret the day he ever thought to turn against one such as me!" Suddenly, an idea popped into the Shogun's mind. And a cruel smile formed on his distasteful face, "...I will show him a hell so deep there is no escape, and only at the depth of his despair will I mercifully grant him death."