/tw: descriptions of war, death, blood, Yoshiaki, me taking every opportunity possible to call Yoshiaki ugly, Yoshiaki basically saying "kys" (hinted suicide), also sexual implications! THERE IS SEX IN THIS CHAPTER (not really.)
I keep it light
Late in the evening, by command of Yukimura and Yoshimoto, the castle where Yoshiaki had taken shelter was surrounded. They waited within the nearby shrubs. Everything was set in place for the assault. Yet only one person was missing. "Damn it, where is Mitsuhide?!" Yukimura snarled in an annoyed whisper. Clearly impatient for the white-haired man's arrival. Yoshimoto let out a sigh at the young man's impatience, "Yukimura, how many times will you ask that question?"
Yukimura was quick to turn his gaze on Yoshimoto, frowning at him, "How about as many times as you've been obsessively opening and closing your fan?" he retorted. Despite Yukimura's harsh tone, the annoyed look seemed to lift from Yoshimoto's face. Instead, he wore a calm smile as he spoke- "I apologize if I disturbed you. I cannot seem to remain calm…" Yukimura's face softened slightly as he sighed, "...Don't apologize, dummy. I feel the same," he admitted. It was true- both men were feeling rather tense. After all, the situation at hand was a terrifying one.
"Do you think Eria and Sasuke are all right?" Yoshimoto suddenly asked. Silence filled the air. A troubled expression took hold on Yukimura's face. He didn't reply, he couldn't reply. Just like Yoshimoto- he had that same question. And the answer was nothing but uncertainty. As a suffocating silence filled the air, neither man dared to speak. But then, a noise echoed in the distance. Rustling. Within mere seconds, Mitsuhide appeared before them- his expression an intense frown, "I am sorry to keep you both waiting."
Sasuke stepped out alongside Mitsuhide, "I, Sasuke Sarutobi, have returned as well." "Sasuke?!" Yukimura and Yoshimoto shared an equal expression of shock. Why was Sasuke here? Wasn't he meant to be with Eria on their journey back home? "Weren't you supposed to be-?" Yukimura began his question, only for Sasuke to cut him off. "It's a long story we don't have time for, but we have abandoned our hometown. For good," Sasuke told them. "And Eria?!" Yoshimoto interrupted, his voice sounding panicked and his face portraying every emotion of fear and worry he felt for the woman he seemed to be infatuated with.
This time, Mitsuhide answered. He seemed uncomfortably calm as he spoke, "I have decided against leaving her in another's hands. If anyone is to save her, it will be me." Instantly within that moment, the tension faded. Yukimura and Yoshimoto both let out a sigh of relief and smiled. The only thing that filled the quiet night air now was hope, followed by a small mote of light being carried by the wind.
"We have no time. Is everyone ready?" Mitsuhide asked. Yukimura grinned, "We were only waiting on you," he answered. "I am ready at any time," came Sasuke's voice. But Yoshimoto frowned once more. He'd always hated battle, hated conflict. But if this was for Eria, and for the peaceful world she deserved, he'd do it- "Tonight, I too shall give this battle my all." But after a moment, he then commented, "That said, is it not strange that this particular group should be going to battle together?"
A light, amused scoff fell from Mitsuhide's lips as he smiled, "The rest of you are certainly not my first choice for companions. But you are Eria's chosen…" "She brought us together," Yoshimoto nodded in agreement. Mitsuhide then turned to a black-haired man who'd been silent this entire time, "Kyubei?" he spoke, as if a sort of signal. "Yes, my lord," Kyubei was quick to respond with a nod.
Then, Kyubei beat a signal on the drum- signaling war to begin. The waiting Imagawa forces were quick to rise from their hiding places. "To battle!" Mitsuhide called out. They had one night for this war. And following a single gunshot, the curtains rose.
...
The report quickly echoed into the night. "..Ng.." A watchman made a noise of pain. The other quickly took notice, "Hey, you all ri-" but his question was cut short by his own- "Aaah?!" He turned to his companion, and that was when he saw it. A bullet hole between the man's eyes. With crimson spilling from his brow, the deceased man toppled over and fell from the watchtower. The still-living watchman called out in a panic, "E-Enemy attack! Enemy atta- Guh?!" …But he too was silenced by a second rifle shot as a shadow in the darkness fell from the watchtower; a second body. Leaving the tower completely empty and unattended.
With the alarm silenced, Mitsuhide lowered his rifle. Smoke easing from the end of the barrel. "You're scary…" Yukimura commented, unease clear in his voice. But Mitsuhide only grinned, "Please. You'll make me modest." But now was no time for banter. "...Break down the gates," Yoshimoto ordered. "Yes, my lord!" Following his orders, the Imagawa vassals carried a heavy ram and slammed it harshly into the gate. The door didn't stand a chance as the lock gave way. Allowing the attacking party to pile into the open castle.
"Very good," Yoshimoto praised. "..And now comes the real fight," Yukimura let out a sigh from his place beside Sasuke. "Mitsuhide, we'll make sure you have a clear path. Just go straight inside," Sasuke spoke. Mitsuhide gave a nod of acknowledgment, "Understood." Then, an unsettling and cruel smile formed on his lips. He didn't even bother to mask the anger flickering in his pale golden eyes as he looked towards the castle. "...It is time for an audience with the Shogun."
...
Inside the castle-
"My lord! Mitsuhide has-!" A messenger attempted to warn. But Yoshiaki only cut him off with a dismissive tone, "Why are you panicking, you fool? They number a mere handful. They do not stand a chance." Yoshiaki said, his look of displeasure from the messenger's audacity to have doubts evident on his face. He sounded confident. Perhaps too confident for his own good. The messenger shook his head, "But their attack is more fierce than we expected! They already have the inner keep surrounded!" "Silence, you sniveler!" Yoshiaki hissed, hurling his sake cup at the man's face. The liquid splashed from the cup and spilled down the messenger's fine robes, pooling a mess on the floor.
A repulsive smirk formed on Yoshiaki's face as he spoke with infuriating confidence, "We still have everything we need to win." He leaned back in his chair, a wince-worthy chuckle befalling his lips. "...Your time in hell is only starting, Kitsune."
...
As Mitushide's party stormed within the castle's walls, an armed mass of soldiers dared to block their path. "You will not get past us! We will protect the Shogun with our life!" one of the soldiers cried. "Which means he's just beyond you. Good news!" Yukimura grinned. He rushed into the crowd of soldiers, swinging his spear and clearing a path. It was a fight of one man against dozens. Yet it was his enemies who were the ones to fall to his fierce attacks. "Come on! Is it nap time or something? That's not all you've got, is it? Don't go shouting that you'll protect something with your life if you don't mean it!" Yukimura complained.
His words seemed to spark rage within the enemy soldiers. "We're not defeated yet, upstarts!" one of the men snarled. A new squad of men who'd been lying in wait pushed forward to take the place of the defeated. Yukimura grinned, clearly pleased at the promise of a grander fight. "Sasuke!" he called to his friend. "Roger," Sasuke responded. He jumped and took a rebound off Yukimura's spear- landing on his feet in the midst of the grouped soldiers. They were stunned by the move, and that singular moment of inactivity was all Sasuke needed.
"Good evening. And also, good night." Was all Sasuke said before it appeared as if a tornado touched ground. A tornado comprised entirely of fleet and sharp kunai. Once it was over, only Sasuke stood standing as all the enemies fell at once. "I- I didn't even see him! W-What was that?!" One of the men complained. Sasuke gave a shrug in response, "Simple ninjutsu. And a bit of parkour." Yukimura charged in again, past the soldiers Sasuke had taken out, and downed another row. Each man fell with a groan, and a path was beginning to clear.
"Excellent work," Mitsuhide praised with a grin as he stepped forward. Ignoring Mitsuhide's words of praise, Yukimura called back to the white-haird man and Yoshimoto- "Yoshimoto, Mitsuhide, you two go on ahead! Sasuke and I got this," "Thank you," Yoshimoto smiled. Without wasting a single second, Mitsuhide and Yoshimoto raced forward before anymore soldiers could show up. "W-Wait!" One of the soldiers called out in exasperation. Now, it was Yukimura and Sasuke who blocked the path. Not allowing the Shogun's forces to progress forward.
"I'm afraid you're the ones who will have to wait," Sasuke spoke. The soldiers looked angered, and one scowled- "Lowlife scum!" Yukimura scoffed, "You'll never get past us. We'll protect our friends, and we'll survive, too!" then he grinned, "So bring it!"
...
"...Up ahead," Yoshimoto whispered to Mitsuhide. He nodded in response and smiled, "Indeed. A familiar face…" Both men came to a halt. Before them stood the entrance to the castle's main chamber. …And a man blocking their path. Yoshiaki's personal messenger showed little to none of his usual nonchalance. No- His face was twisted with burning, hot anger. "You traitors! How dare you betray the Shogun?!" the man hissed. Hatred seething in his every word. Mitsuhide grinned and held back a snicker of amusement, he shook his head at the man, "I have no words for you, only Yoshiaki."
The messenger grit his teeth, "You're not permitted to see him!" Long sword drawn, the messenger took a dive towards the two men. His weapon was met with harsh resistance. But not of steel- …Yoshimoto had blocked the man's sword using his scabbard. Locking the blade tight between handle and sheathe. He narrowed his golden gaze at the messenger as he spoke with an impassive tone to Mitsuhide, "Go ahead, Mitsuhide. It is time I return my debt to you at Honno-ji." Aside from the sound of metal screeching and struggling, silence filtered the air for but a moment. "...I shall," Mitsuhide finally spoke.
Despite their obvious rivalry- having taken an interest in the same woman. They found it in themselves to be civil, even if just for her sake. Because they were both fools who'd sacrifice themselves for her happiness- and her happiness just happened to reside with Mitsuhide. It hurt, but a sacrifice Yoshimoto was willing to make. Maybe in a different life, he'd have a chance… Yoshimoto smiled at Mitsuhide and dipped his chin in an 'after you' gesture. Mitsuhide returned that elegant smile with a sharp one of his own, and quickly moved past the two men.
"Mitsuhide-!" the messenger shouted, enraged. He seemed as though he were about to go after him, but Yoshimoto intercepted- "You're concerned with the wrong man, I am afraid." Yoshimoto released the man's sword with a push and nearly sent him tumbling back. The messenger seemed frustrated as he stared at Yoshimoto, "Yoshimoto! How could you betray him as well?!" Yoshimoto only let out a sigh in reply, "..I've been thinking about the meaning of betrayal. And I wonder, have any of us truly betrayed one another?" He tilted his head, "Are we not being true to our beliefs? I prefer to believe that is the reason we are all here."
With grace that could only belong to that of a dancer, Yoshimoto drew his sword. He took his stance with a perfect guard, and he smiled, "Let us fight. For our beliefs and for which we each hold irreplaceable."
...
"...You have arrived, I see," came Yoshiaki's irritable voice from his seat as soon as he saw Mitsuhide enter the main hall. It was completely silent. No one else was around. Behind those closed doors, the sounds of battle went on as distant background noise. Mitsuhide wore his usual grin, "It has been some time since we last saw one another, Your Excellency. How fare you?" "Well enough," Yoshiaki responded. "..I am glad to hear that," Mitsuhide replied with an odd-sounding kindness. But then, he withdrew his sword and held the sharpened tip to Yoshiaki's brow.
"It would be a shame for you to die in poor health. But before I kill you, I must ask you something," Mitsuhide spoke. And suddenly, Yoshiaki's impassive expression turned to a cruel grin as he looked up at the white-haired man, "You wish to know where I keep the antidote to the poison that is killing that woman, is that right?" He broke into laughter, "Oh you poor, pitiful creature! You may threaten me all you wish, but you know your only recourse is to obey my every command. Harm me and you will never get that antidote. Then that woman of yours will most certainly die."
Mitsuhide frowned, his grip on the blade's handle tightening as his hand shook. "Ah, but you are too late. For the antidote is not here. I gave it to someone I trust to hide it," Yoshiaki said. Mitsuhide's anger seemed to seep from his every being as he muttered, "You… don't have it…?" Yoshiaki was barely able to conceal the mockery-filled false pity that were his next words, "Does it sadden you to know she will die, Mitsuhide?" "...Sad…? Does it sadden me…?" Mitsuhide repeated before he fell silent.
But his silence lasted for just a moment. He glared harshly at the Shogun, and his quiet voice broke into a hateful anger, "You have no idea what the thought of her dying does to me!" Upon being faced with Mitsuhide's pain, Yoshiaki could only laugh without a single hint of remorse like the monster he was. He grinned again, cruel and disgusting as he spoke, "Finally! There is the man behind the mask! All illusions are gone now, aren't they, you creature?! You're not worthy of being called a man. You are a fool, Mitsuhide. Letting some woman, a lesser creature, dictate your actions."
Mitsuhide scowled, "You're right. I'm not a man- I'm nothing. Not without her! …But I would give up everything, including my life for Eria," he admitted. "Then you'd best put down your sword, fall to your knees, and kiss my feet as you beg for my forgiveness," Yoshiaki ordered, "...And then slit your belly open with this." He reached a hand behind him before pulling out a knife, allowing Mitsuhide to view its deadly glint. It was untouched, unused… and razor sharp. Yoshiaki grinned cruelly as he held up the knife, "If the slow agony of your death pleases me sufficiently, I will see the antidote is delivered to that woman of yours."
Mitsuhide narrowed his gaze suspiciously at Yoshiaki, "What proof do I have that you will do as you say?" Yoshiaki scowled and glared at Mitsuhide, "You don't! But you will do it anyway. You will do it because you have no choice, Mitsuhide!" Mitsuhide's pale golden eyes remained fixed on the sharp of the knife's blade. "Do not keep me waiting! Do it now!" Yoshiaki demanded. Without a word, Mitsuhide's fingers slowly loosened around his sword's handle. And then, it slipped from his grasp. Clattering to the floor with a dull thud.
"...So, this is how it ends…" he whispers. Mitsuhide slowly approached Yoshiaki, his heart thudding in his ear. Was he really going to do this? It was a rare feeling… to be so uncertain of something. But if it were for Eria, he'd do anything. Mitsuhide knelt before Yoshiaki, causing a laugh to come from the man. With his head lowered, Mitsuhide offered shaky hands to Yoshiaki. "You can regret defying me in hell," Yoshiaki spoke as he set the ceremonial knife in Mitsuhide's hands.
It was at that moment that Yoshiaki felt a sharp prick, and his eyes widened. A miniscule red dot appeared on his hand, which grew into a thin red line. "What do you think you're doing?!" Yoshiaki shouted in surprise as he leapt back, cradling his cut hand. Mitsuhide suddenly stood to his full height, all desperation that'd once shown on his face was long gone. He smirked at Yoshiaki, "...I believe I have changed my mind." "What?!" Yoshiaki shouted in angered surprise, "You dare to harm me not once, but twice? The insolence! There is no returning from this! My guards will come at once and kill you for this! That half-bred woman of yours will die!"
"...Yes. And when she dies, I will die as well. But Eria and I will not have died in vain." Mitsuhide responded. Causing Yoshiaki to blink in confusion, "What do you mean?" The white-haired man tok one slow step towards Yoshiaki. Frightening, with every step that Mitsuhide took, Yoshiaki took one back. Inching closer and closer to the wall. His back hit it with a soft thud, cutting off any and all path of retreat. Mitsuhide leaned in close, and held his hand out for Yoshiaki to see. "..Do you recall this, Your Excellency?" Mitsuhide asked.
Held within Mitsuhide's long fingers was a tiny and sharp triangular piece of pronged steel. "Why would I recognize something as small as-?" Yoshiaki began, but then he stopped as realization settled in, "...No…" he whispered. All color drained from his face at once. "Is… Is that… from the p-poisoned arrow…?" Yoshiaki whispered, as though he dreaded every word and the possible response they'd elicit. Mitsuhide's grin spread into a wide smirk, "Correct. This is the very arrowhead that poisoned the love of my life on your orders. …And this is what I just scratched you with."
Shock and terror raged through Yoshiaki's mind. He was speechless. He couldn't believe Mitsuhide would dare to do this to him. "...Do you know what my little one said to me as the poison ravaged her body? …She asked me… to stay with her, always…" Mitsuhide spoke coldly as he stared down at Yoshiaki, "..And I will grant her wish. But it would be regrettable to die without having gotten a bit of revenge on you." A smile formed on his lips, "Come join us in hell, Yoshiaki." Yoshiaki's brow furrowed as he glared back at Mitsuhide, "Y-You tricked me…!" Wrath ravaging his mind, he shoved Mitsuhide away.
"Oh dear…" Mitsuhide blinked, watching as Yoshiaki retreated into one of the room's four corners. "...Betrayed twice…!" he mumbled to himself, fumming in his hatred, " I won't die like this…!" Mitsuhide watched as Yoshiaki rifled through the heavy folds that was his robe, lifting a tiny pouch in his trembling hand. He carefully poured out three tiny pills, and swallowed in a single gulp. Panting as the stress slowly lifted from his body. Mitsuhide walked up to the man, "So, you did have the antidote on you…" Far too late… Yoshiaki realized what his hasty panic had revealed.
Mitsuhide was quick to snatch the pouch out of his hands. "N-No! This isn't-!" Yoshiaki tried to deny, but Mitsuhide cut him off. "There's no need to keep up the lie. I knew from the beginning you had the antidote on your person." Yoshiaki stared at Mitsuhide in disbelief, "H-How?" he whispered. "It was the only way you could control me. You would not give up such a powerful tool. You've never been good at giving up power," Mitsuhide answered, "...And as for handing it off to 'someone you trust,' I know very well that no such person exists." "Y-You villai…! Agh!" Yoshiaki grit his teeth, clutching a hand to his chest, "M-My… my h-heart…! It… It hurts.." His sharp eyes slowly turned bloodshot.
Mitsuhide smiled cruelly once more, "Oh yes. About the arrowhead I struck you with… It was a perfectly regular arrowhead. There was no poison on it whatsoever." Yoshiaki coughed, "What…?" Mitsuhide continued- "Judging by the lethality of the poison, I expect the antitoxin must be quite pernicious to a healthy body." Yoshiaki continued to cough and struggle to breathe as the antitoxin raged his body. It felt as though he were being burned from the inside. He collapsed to his knees, his heart racing much too fast as he broke into a fever.
"As I suspected," Mitsuhide commented. "Y-You planned… t-this…!" Yoshiaki hissed, "B-Betrayed… t-three t-times…!" Mitsuhide let out a sigh, "You should not feel ashamed that you were tricked. I'm something of an expert at deceiving people." Suddenly, the door pushed open and Yoshimoto peaked in, "...Mitsuhide? I have taken care of things outside." Then, he entered. Leading Yoshiaki's messenger in, wounded and bound. "My lord! Forgive me! If my death will redeem my disgrace-" the man attempted to speak, but Yoshiaki only hissed at him, "D-...Die then…! Useless… fool! D-die! Die…!" He foamed at the mouth, his eyes full of hatred and jealousy as he stared upon his loyal servant.
His messenger could only look at the man he'd served for so long with unwavering loyalty in a look of distant and detached shock at the cruelty within his words. "A-all of you… should die ins-stead of me…! You… you insects… do-don't deserve to l-live…!" Yoshiaki snarled. Yoshimoto let out a disappointed sigh, turning his attention to the messenger, "Do you see the true face of the man you almost gave your life to protect?" Shame, regret, despair… All of these emotions painted a pitiful picture upon the messenger's face at once. He fell to his knees, unable to speak.
Mitsuhide kept his gaze firm on Yoshiaki, "Three of these pills is the proper dosage, yes? Thank you for the antidote and its instructions." Ungrateful as always, Yoshiaki scowled at Mitsuhide's thanks, "C-cur…se you… c-...c…urse y-you…" Mitsuhide only shrugged in response, "...If you like. I've been cursed many times before." No longer bothering to give the ungrateful, dying man his attention, Mitsuhide walked away. Then stopped to pick up his sword and return it to its sheath. "...Do fare well, Your Excellency," Mitsuhide murmured with a grin, "Try not to feel too lonely in hell."
With a breathless gasp, Yoshiaki fell to the floor. Unable to keep still, he could just barely glimpse at the figure that gracefully left the room. That was the final sight the Shogun would ever see. A swirl of silver robes… and a haunting smile. The smile of a cruel, trickster kitsune.
...
'...It's… too bright…' That was the first thought Eria had, after what had been a long time in the darkness. But it wasn't just bright. There was also a cool feeling. A cool hand pressing against her forehead. '...Why… why does this… feel familiar…?' She slowly opened her eyes, only to immediately regret it as the light was far brighter now. Squinting, she could just barely make out the room she was in. She took in a breath of fresh air. And smelt a familiar scent, perfume. It was subtle but sweet. But what was the most familiar and the most welcoming… was the sweet voice that reached her ears.
"Good morning, Eria." '...M-Mitsuhide..?' She glanced in the direction of the voice, and then lifted a weak hand to touch his cheek. He smiled at her, "I told you I would return." Eria smiled back, and spoke in a quiet voice, "...Welcome back…" It was no longer too bright. No… it was bright enough. The view of her beloved in the light. When she saw that smile of his, she knew… It was all over. And a new day would finally begin.
...
It took several days for Eria to fully recover.
"Thank you for coming to see us off. I'm relieved to see you're better now," Yoshimoto offered her a kind smile. But she shook her head, "...I should be the one thanking you guys." Eria gave them all a polite bow. Yoshiaki was nothing but a memory now. And it was thanks to everyone's efforts that Eria had managed to survive. The poison had done a severe number on her, and even with the antidote, it took awhile before she was healthy enough to get around on her own. Today was the day Yoshimoto and the Imagawa Vassals would finally return to Echigo alongside Yukimura and Sasuke.
Yoshimoto had agonized over the return for a long time. But eventually, he decided to go back and give his apology to Shingen and Kenshin in person. They had all held off on their trip until Eria was better, too. '...My friends are too nice.' Eria dipped her head respectfully, "I'm sorry that Mitsuhide isn't here. I did invite him to come see everyone off, but he insisted he was busy." Yukimura crossed his arms and tilted his head at her words, "Why are you sorry, Eria? Our deal was to work together until we defeated the Shogun. We're back to being enemies." Eria held back a small scoff and smiled, '...Are we really, though?'
"...You know I'll never view you guys as enemies, Yuki," she replied with a smile. "I believe that estimation stems from the reality that we are not and will never truly be your enemies, Eria," Sasuke spoke up. That warm scientific approximation of his helped ease some of the sorrow away from this situation. "Just… Take care, everyone," Eria said, giving a small wave. But Yukimura only scoffed at her words, "Says the girl who just now got out of bed! Take care of yourself first, dummy." Eria playfully scoffed back, "Excuse me? Just who are you calling a dummy, Yuki?!"
"Please don't take offense, Eria," Sasuke intervened, "'Dummy' is Yukimura's way of expressing affection." Yukimura blinked, and an embarrassed blush tinted his cheeks, "Don't tell her that, you- argh.. You dummy!" "There. A perfect example." Eria blinked, then laughed softly, "Ah yes.. I see."
"Does that apply to me, too?" Yoshimoto piped up, "For he is frequently calling me some clever variant of 'dummy.'" '...Like when he called you Lord Dumbass?' Sasuke nodded at Yoshimoto's question, "Yes. In fact, variants indicate an unusually high level of affection." "Will you quit it?!" Yukimura pouted. Eria only laughed again, 'Wow! Who knew Yuki was so affectionate of Yoshimoto? ..I hope these guys never change. And- I hope everyone in Echigo will be pleased to have Yoshimoto back.'
Yoshimoto sighed softly with a smile, "...We should probably get going." Yukimura nodded in agreement, and smiled too, "We'll meet again somewhere, as long as we all stay alive. See you, Eria." "I'll be back to spy in Azuchi soon, Eria. I'll try to bring some souvenirs with me as well," Sasuke said. Eria held back a laugh and smiled, "...Sounds fun. Ah- minus the espionage, of course." With the refreshing atmosphere, Yukimura mounted up and raced away. Sasuke followed behind him, though, he turned several times to continue waving goodbye. The only one left now was Yoshimoto.
"They seem in such a hurry. I suppose I shouldn't dally too long or else get left behind. But before I leave-" He sighed, and turned his attention to Eria. His expression turned more serious, "...Eria, I believe you are aware by now, but I'm in love with you." She blinked, "..Oh." 'Damn. Just saying it like that?' It wasn't that she was surprised by the confession. No, she'd been aware. But rather, the way he said it took her by surprise. As though he were describing the weather around them; an immutable factoid.
'...I'm sure you're an amazing guy, Yoshimoto. But I apologize.' Eria hesitated a moment, then gave him a sympathetic look, "..Look, Yoshimoto… I-" But before she could speak, Yoshimoto held up one finger. And it stopped just before her lips, shushing her. He smiled solemnly at her, "I cannot let you finish that sentence. All I wish for you to take with you is that, although you may never be able to return home like myself- …There are many in this world who love you dearly, and shall be praying for your happiness."
Eria blinked for a moment, then she let out a soft sigh before smiling warmly at him, "..Thank you, Yoshimoto. I hope for your happiness, too." His smile turned genuine, and appeared as beautiful as blooming flowers in spring. He then mounted his steed, and left to catch up with Yukimura and Sasuke. All three of them rode off, slowly growing distant over the horizon. '..I'm really happy to have met these people.' And she fully expected that- the longer she stayed here in the Sengoku, the more wonderful people she'd continue to meet.
Eria continued to watch as they rode off until she could no longer see them. Then, she took in a deep breath of fresh air. This was her new world.
...
"...Is that?" Sasuke questioned with a surprised expression. At the border of Kyoto, the three of them spotted a man resting beneath the shade of a willow tree. "Mitsuhide?" Yoshimoto questioned. Mitsuhide looked up and met the gazes of the three men- And he gave a silent bow of gratitude to them. Yukimura wore an amused grin, "Heh. Trying to act all cool…" As they passed him by… Yukimura lifted his hand in acknowledgment, Sasuke gave a brief nod of his head, and Yoshimoto simply smiled. Mitsuhide didn't look back as they rode away. He simply began to walk in the opposite direction.
These men had gathered together for Eria's sake. But now, the alliance was long over. Would they ever have to find themselves working together again? …The world was vast and filled with intricacies and complications. No one could truly say for certain. And no one dared to question what fate had in store.
...
Mitsuhide still wasn't back yet. He had told Eria to go ahead and sleep. But despite her efforts, sleep wasn't happening. It was all so quiet. So much more quieter now that the others had left. Even Kyubei had departed ahead of them to report on matters to Azuchi. 'Wait… That means it's just… It's just Mitsuhide and me tonight.' Just when was the last time they'd had that sort of privacy? Eria couldn't recall, but it left her heart racing. '...I'm definitely not sleeping yet now. Just when is he going to be back?!'
Eria nearly jumped when the door slid open. "Ah.. M-Mitsuhide…" she mumbled softly. She suddenly felt so embarrassed. "Eria? You're still awake?" He questioned, to which she nodded slowly. "Mhm. I couldn't sleep… Welcome back." Mitsuhide smiled at her, "Thank you. I'm happy to be back." Mitsuhide changed for sleep, then slid into the futon beside Eria. But she laid silently, anxious, and unsure whether she should say something or not… There was just barely a tiny amount of space between their bodies under the covers. And Eria found her nerves unwilling to let her lie still.
"Well then, good night, Eria." Mitsuhide spoke. She blinked, "H-Huh? Oh.. um- G-Good night?" she answered. Was Mitsuhide going to sleep? Were those words aimed at her? …Eria couldn't help but notice that the lantern was still lit. Did Mitsuhide really want to say good night? …These situations were always so confusing for Eria. Just when she glanced over at him- "Yes?" he questioned with a grin. He was staring right at her, and he was close... And once their gazes locked, they both found themselves unable to look away.
"Is something wrong?" Mitsuhide asked. "No…" Eria quickly responded, "I- wait.. No. not no. I mean-! Ah. ..No, nothing's wrong." "Ah. I see." Mitsuhide chuckled softly and leaned in closer. He watched her with his chin resting on his hand. Eria stared at him, attempting to just read.. something, anything, from his gaze.
Mitsuhide's gaze were moving up and down her slowly, like he were caressing her body lovingly with his eyes. '..Is he- thinking what I think he is…?' She felt herself become flustered at the mere thought. "...Mitsuhide-?" Eria spoke up in a quiet voice. "Yes, Eria?" he prompted. Eria leaned towards him as well, but they weren't close enough. No- it didn't feel like they'd be close enough until she could feel his body against hers. "Are you… tired?" she asked. Mitsuhide shook his head, "Not particularly." "..Exhausted from work?" she asked. He shook his head again, "I'm not exhausted, no."
"..Then.. is that look trying to say you want to-?" Eria paused, feeling too embarrassed to even ask. But Mitsuhide wouldn't let her off the hook, "..Do I want to what?" It was only then that she realized the game he was playing. '..God- you tease.' He grinned at her, long white eyelashes fluttering over his low-lidded eyes, "...If you want something from me, perhaps you should tell me exactly what it is?" A blush dusted her pale cheeks and she frowned at him, '..Or I can play coy with you too, trickster.'
Without another word, Eria nuzzled up closer to his chest. There was a small patch of skin near his collarbone left exposed by his loosened night robes. But Mitsuhide only chuckled, "That won't work, I'm afraid. Now say it. Tell me what you want. I wish to hear it from your lips." His fingers curled softly in her blonde hair, but just enough to grip and raise her head to meet his. '...I don't have such patience.' His eyes were a clear invitation, and she no longer had the willpower to play hard to get. Mitsuhide could see that look in her eyes, the pink on her cheeks. Tonight… he'd tease her more than he'd ever done before.
But it would be a lie if she said she hated it. Eria let out a soft sigh, "...Mitsuhide, I can tell you want to… erm- ..have sex." she whispered, sounding embarrassed, "And I- …I don't mind…" He chuckled against, his fingers beginning to lightly trail through her hair, "...I believe you mean 'make love' to you. But yes… It would be my pleasure. However- I feel as though I cannot push you, knowing all you've recovered from." Those words were surprising to Eria, but he was right.
He smiled at her, "So, rather than render you unable to walk again when you've only just regained the ability to do so…" 'OH damn-' "...I have decided to steal your sweet voice instead. To pleasure you until you are no longer able to cry out with words."
And act on his words, he did. Mitsuhide held Eria close. Lavishing her body- using fingers that got to know her intimately. That learned how to push her towards that breaking point. And she nearly did. Her voice- it was a sound she'd never heard herself make before. A sweet yet sharp cry. And her breath had been stolen from her when she finally felt him withdraw away. In the end, all she had the strength left to do was hide her face against his chest. But- "...Show me your face." Mitsuhide gently lifted her chin and he smiled at her flushed and exhausted face… before he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, "...You are beautiful."
When she looked into his eyes, she felt as if she could cry. She saw the way he was straining to hold himself back, to hide just how much he desired her. The fact that he loved her wasn't even a question that dared to cross her mind. His words; his gaze; his body; his everything told her. And she had never before felt so loved by one person. '...You make me unbelievably happy, Mitsuhide.' So many emotions swirled within. Yet all bore one simple message. And she wanted to express that to him. Every last bit. Yet no words would ever be enough to do so.
Eria let out a soft sigh, and smiled at him, "...Mitsuhide.. I love you." 'I've already said those words to him more than anyone before…' "...And yet… No matter how many times you tell me, I'll never grow tired of hearing it." He smiled back at her as he stroked her hair once more. They both smiled, and before Eria knew it- Mitsuhide's lips were on hers. His tongue slipped into her mouth as he held her close, her fingers tangled in his white locks. …It was this night that she realized why it was no surprise that returning to the present barely crossed her mind the last three months.
The choice to leave him had never been a choice Eria had. Without Mitsuhide… She'd no longer be complete.
