#outside of mitsunari

[krys-loves-otome]

So, as a heads up

I'll be spam reblogging some of my old fics for Masamune and my OC Houki as it'll be their shared bday on September 5th.

Reblogs will start at 10:00 AM EST and go to 8:00 PM EST

Overall tag will be Birthday Bash and for individual blocking, Masa's bday tag is happy birthday masa while Houki's is happy birthday houki

Happy birthday to two of my beloveds!

[welp-back-on-my-bs]

Ikesen Morgan Relationships:

Oda:

Mai: "Honestly, I think she is amazing! She is doing so well with being here in the past. I may not have been there, but in the 'sibling meetings', it was brought up. She is also very talented, and I try to help her sometimes if I gave the time"

Nobunaga: "he is on top of the food chain. We have a weekly game night where we play a differnt game each night. It's a lot of fun and it wasn't what I was expecting when he called me to his room. He did mention the little uh... thing from town... heh... we shared some candy for that!"

Hideyoshi: "he honestly is very overprotective. I mean- come on. But I don't exactly blame him for that because of how we met... he is the first person i go to if I can't sleep at night either. He manages to help me relax easily, so it's nice honestly-"

Mitsuhide: "dad number 2. He helped me with survival because and I quote,'You have the survival instincts of a Pidgon.' I mean- I do. But now I'm able to have a better chance to live here on my own. Outside of the other stuff-"

Mitsunari: "Just one of the sweetest people in the Oda. He has treated me extremely well, and I've decided to help him with getting to sleep and eating. After all, how else is he going to keep going on with his passions and live on into a world of peace?"

Ieyasu: "... honestly- he is so indirect about things that get infuriating. Tell me how you ACTIALLY feel dude. But, I do have respect for him for his medicines, and he has taught me more efficient ways to make mine as well."

Masamune: "bitch thinks he can beat me and Moonlight. He has lost most of the races we have done. He is a skilled cook. I'll give him that, and I'll at least try what he makes."

Ramaru: "he often talks to me about feeling guilty. He doesn't share why, but he asks why I don't also feel guilty, too? Those discussions can be quite hard, honestly. But the other times we hang out are nice and peaceful. It's weird..."

Keji: havent met yet

Usui-Takada:

Kenshin: "he took me into his care first. I'll always respect him for that. When I asked him why, he told me that 'You looked lost and frightened. But you held your ground and made a bloody battleground into a peaceful graveyard, respecting each of the men. Someone like that should survive any battle that faces them.'"

Shingen: "Yuki warned me about how flirtatious he could be, so i often stayed away from him. But we ended up bonding over sweets and seeing each other on a more even ground than oh look a 'woman' time to flirt"

Sauske: "I feel lucky to have landed in the same spot ad him. He is sp smart and caring about those he considers friends. I'm glad to be ND glasses buds with him. He may have won out in our training- but that's ok. It just pushed me to work harder!"

Yukimura: "absolute best person to tease. Its so easy and fun too. Along with speaking with Ama and Sauske around him, he gets so lost, but he has picked up on some things. Which is even better!"

Yoshimoto: "People have said that he is a fierce warrior on the battlefield not to be trifled with. But I never met that version of him. The one I met actually taught me the language, and we bonded over the arts. I do wish some of his vessels would stop with the whole die for honor... but that is of this period... and it is horrible..."

Kantesugu: "I dont get along with him as well as I do Mitsunari, we inky met in passing and didn't really interact. When we did, he was direct and straight to the point which I appreciated"

Other:

Kicho: "I met up with him by accident one day. I didn't realize at the time that he was technically an enemy. But... what he told me and what we talked about... heh... couldn't help but relate. I'm glad he is able to be himself now. His true self. I also hope that I can help him whenever he needs me... he even offered to help me funnily enough-"

Motanari: "bitchass mother fucker"

Kennyo: "he is dragging others into his pit of dispair and grief. It's destroying everything around him. At least he knows it... he would definitely refuse me helping him if I were to ever offer. 'Oda rat' or something like that is probably what he would call me..."

Siblings/Mother

Amaryllis:( @silkkorchid ) "Ama is quite fun to be around, literally just- the non biological child of Mitsuhide and Hideyoshi. She helped me get out of my shell a bit and managed to get me out- so I really appreciate her"

Rubia ( @rubia8 ): "Sweet sis, getting dragged into Ama's chaos... we play with strays often that she hides in her room"

Hydrangeas ( @colourless-hydrangeas ): "singlehandedly brought peace via split custody? She is really quite well spoken, and I have a lot of respect for her hand in ending the bloodshed."

Kiyomi ( @just-a-little-silly ): "aparantly- lord Nobunaga has a sister- who has my dad's around her pinky finger. She was honestly what sealed me staying with the Oda. She helped me get a job as a stable hand. If I ever need peace and quiet, we normally just go somewhere together. She honestly treats me, so well..."

[the12thnightproject]

Chapter 26 - Time Warped (Again). While Okatsu deals with the emotional fallout of recent events, Mozumi hosts a badly timed banquet, and Mitsunari consults another book.

Mitsunari x OC; Nobunaga x Mai

Previous Chapter

Logline - In order to protect a political alliance, Katusko and Mitsunari must pretend an engagement. But this “all business” arrangement is threatened by a coup against Nobunaga… and by feelings.

From the Military Notes of Ishida Mitsunari…

It is over. We succeeded in preventing Iekane’s forces from killing Nobunaga. Mitsuhide patted my shoulder and told me I had performed beyond his expectations. I’ve received word that Nobunaga plans to reward me for my service.

I should feel happy… We have won… and Okatsu kissed me. Perhaps as one might kiss a brother, however, her lips touched mine, which is the definition of a kiss.

But Okatsu still plans to leave.

No, that is a mischaracterization of the situation – Okatsu never planned to stay. This is something I knew. This is something I wanted. I no longer want this, but she will be with her family, she will return to a future that is peaceful and safer than here. I will be happy for her.

But…

…wait…

… Where is every--?

When Aki aimed his gun at the minion, I shut my eyes, waiting for images of my past to flash before me, as is foretold in popular fiction.

That didn’t happen.

Either I wasn’t going to die… or popular fiction was wrong. I had a bad feeling it was going to be the latter unless I took steps to avoid that fate. I opened my eyes again, knowing that as soon as Aki killed the minion, I would have to use that moment of distraction to act –

THWUMP!

With more power than grace, Mitsunari hauled himself over the edge of the tower and knocked the minion off his feet.  As a distraction, it worked wonderfully. I grabbed the war fan out of my kimono, jammed it into Iekane’s stomach, then flipped him over my body.

He landed right where Aki was waiting for him.

While Mitsunari was easily dispatching the minion, I grabbed Hikosane and yanked him out of the path of any stray bullet, sword, or –

THUNK.

Unconscious minions.

The second the minion hit the floor, Mitsunari had Hikosane and I in his arms, as far away from the Iekane and Aki’s fight as possible. At the moment, there wasn’t much else we could do except let Aki have his chance at Iekane. The two of them were evenly matched. Aki discarded the musket for his sword, and they battled across the perimeter of the tower, grimly trading hits, swords clanging against each other. Then Iekane backed up a step and pulled out a small rectangular object … was that a cell phone?

“No, you can’t it’s too-” Aki’s words were lost as he leaped at Iekane -

For a moment, out of the corner of my eye, I saw an odd aura – almost like the ones I used to get before a migraine headache. It felt like reality was rippling around me, almost as if the horizon was a curtain that was about to lift. I’ve… seen this before…

Then Aki’s forward motion took both of them over the railing of the tower.

Holy fu-

Mitsunari, Hikosane, and I rushed to the railing, and I was hoping against fate that I would find Aki clinging to the edge of the tower, and not in a broken heap on the ground below. Of course, he’d be clinging to the edge. This was Aki. Slippery. Wily. Acrobatic…

He was not clinging to the tower.

Nor was he – or Iekane – in a heap on the ground below.

In absence of their fight, the birdsong seemed unnaturally loud. None of us said anything to break the quiet. The three of us just stared over the edge, looking at… nothing.

We weren’t that far off the ground… a fall from the tower platform would have been survivable, although neither Aki nor Iekane would have had time to drag themselves into the woods, nor was there any evidence of two adult sized bodies having thudded to the ground.

It was as if they had never been there at all.

Finally, I pulled myself out of the shock, and rushed down the ladder and through the tower to the outside, barely aware that Mitsunari and Hikosane were right behind me.

Aki?

Dad?

Even in my head ‘dad’ didn’t sound right. Aki was… just…  Aki.

And he was gone.

Vanished somewhere between the tower platform and the soft, springy ground – a ground that clearly had not been crushed by two men thudding onto it.

“Where did they go?” Hikosane looked through the brush around the tower.

“Um, ninja tricks,” was all that I could come up with on the fly. I might have been able to formulate a better lie, but my attention was caught by something on the ground. A few stray leaves. Normally, exactly what you’d expect to find on the ground in the middle of a forest.

But they were late Autumn leaves. Maple leaves. Brown and gold where all the trees around us had yet to change color. Nor were any of them maple. I picked one up to examine it. Aside from being out of season, it was just a leaf.

“There may have been men waiting down here to help Iekane escape.” Mitsunari’s explanation to Hikosane sounded more plausible than mine. He glanced at the leaf I had in my hand and nodded.

Aki and Iekane had somehow, without a wormhole, gone elsewhere in time.

“We’re going to go after them, right?” Hikosane tugged on my arm. “Iekane and your father.”

Mitsunari sent a startled look my way – I guess he had missed that part of our drama. “Yes, of course I want to go after them, but now isn’t the time. I’ll need supplies and more arrows,” and a time machine. “Besides, right now we need to get you back to Genba, where I am sure your own father will be watching for you.”

We walked quietly back toward the castle, still alert to any remaining stragglers from Iekane’s crew that would be lurking, ready to jump scare our party. But Masamune and Ieyasu had been quite thorough in the mop-up detail. Masamune’s reputation alone might have been enough to send many those mercenaries running.

I felt a light touch on my shoulder and looked over to see Mitsunari looking at me steadily. “How are you?”

“A few bruises, that’s all.” Hopefully not another black eye. “Nothing that needs medical attention.”

“That was not what I was asking.” He glanced back over his shoulder, to where the tower was still visible in the distance.

Yes. I had been aware that he was really asking, ‘are you ok after watching your father apparently die?’ I had no answer to that. I wasn’t used to delving through my psyche. My mother’s emotions had strangled Toshiie and I for years – I’d never seen any reason to inflict mine on anyone else. Mitsunari was asking me to access the sort of things that were usually packed neatly away. I was afraid if I unpacked them, I would discover feelings that I couldn’t shove back into the suitcase.

But…

Aki’s disappearance… no, I wouldn’t think of him as dead. The man had always seemed indestructible. He wasn’t though. Aki was human. He aged. He could die.

He could die.

He might already be dead.

I couldn’t cry now.

Not here.

Mitsunari took my hands, and gently pulled me into an embrace. Then, with my face pressed against his chest, I cried, while Mitsunari simply held on, his fingers soft across my back.

We returned to the last thing I was in the mood for… another banquet. If Mozumi was humiliated that his wife had not only been cheating on him, but had been treasonously plotting to kill Nobunaga, he chose to pretend otherwise. Or maybe this was banquet was more along the lines of a plea to Nobunaga, the old, ‘hey, I’m sorry a member of the household tried to kill you, but look on the bright side, you didn’t die, so let’s party’ distraction technique.

The mood, at least, was far more subdued than the engagement banquet, and the ‘let’s entertain Nobunaga’ banquets. Most of Mozumi’s vassals were still on the coast, and the ones who had stayed behind, like Susumu, had lost friends and comrades in the struggle. While they were grateful enough to be fed, they (naturally) weren’t in a celebratory mood. Mozumi himself was seated only with Nobunaga and Hideyoshi, all three with their heads together in an intense discussion.

Mozumi didn’t look like he was pleading for his life, but his attitude was far more deferential than it had been a couple weeks ago. I wondered if they were trying to decide Lady Yone’s fate. Normally, she would have been sentenced to death for her treasonous acts, in fact, I was surprised that she had not already been executed. But Mai had pleaded for leniency, for the sake of her daughters, all of whom were under the age of ten. Last I heard, her punishment had yet to be determined.

On the other hand, the happiest person at the banquet was Shohime, who was in her element, alternately – or, well actually simultaneously – flirting with Keiji and Masamune. Both seemed happy enough to reciprocate. I wondered if they were getting her ‘beautiful, perfect, but dumb’ persona, or if now that Hikosane was safe from Lady Yone, Shohime was finally going to be able to allow her true self to emerge.

One person who had escaped the celebration was Mitsuhide, who had claimed that the sight of his injuries would put people off their food. Personally, I thought that unlikely – these men and women had seen far too much danger and battle to care. More likely, he didn’t feel social, or had decided to keep his presence on the down low.

Hikosane had also been able to escape the ‘banquet’ and was supposedly in his room – but I had a feeling he’d snuck out to the stables to hang out with Mitsuhide.

I would have like to have been able to get out of the feasting too – it would have been nice to be able to find a time and space in which to process the events of the few days. But since I was supposed to be an Oda Princess, I couldn’t suddenly claim to be mourning my father (long-dead in my fake backstory). Additionally, to avoid confusion, Hideyoshi had (reluctantly) decided to let the false engagement stand until we returned to Azuchi.

But… I wouldn’t be returning to Azuchi.

Travel in this century being what it was, I intended to part ways with the Oda and Mitsunari as soon as we left Genba. There wasn’t time for me to go all the way to Azuchi and then travel back up to the Togakushi shrine  – I would miss the wormhole if I did.

Until then I would pretend to be a happy, engaged Princess. As such, I looked over and smiled fondly at Mitsunari, who was happily catching up with Ieyasu (less than happy to be caught up with). Déjà vu, Mitsunari’s hand came close to knocking a bowl of soup into Ieyasu’s lap.

Ieyasu braced himself, that familiar scowl descending his face. Mitsunari slowed down, moved his bowl out of the way, and continued the conversation.

Startled, Ieyasu blinked. Then he frowned again – must be disappointed not to have anything to complain about. If I had been in a better mood myself, I would have laughed at him.

Yes, Mitsunari had changed. Well. A little. He was less clumsy. More confident. Oh, under that he was still the too literal absent minded, sweet genius that I …

…couldn’t possibly allow myself to think, to feel about in that way.

Suddenly, I could no longer stand to be in a room full of people and before I could think of any excuse, I jumped to my feet.

“Are you feeling alright, Okatsu?” Looking concerned, Mitsunari reached for my hand, but I was already backing away from the table.

“I’m fine. I thought I’d steal some dessert and take it up to Hikosane.” It was a stupid excuse – Hikosane probably had been fed the same meal we had. But I realized I did want to check in on the kid. “Oh, no stay put,” I added when Mitsunari moved to join me. “I know you haven’t seen Ieyasu in a while, and you want to spend time with your friend.”

Ieyasu sighed the sigh of a man facing a long evening.

Without allowing either of them to say another word, I hurried out of the banquet hall.

Eventually, I tracked Hikosane to the stables – just as I expected, he was pestering Mitsuhide and Kyubei to tell him about their adventures.

“Young man, you are one question away from becoming as annoying as – that one.” Mitsuhide indicated me with a nod of his head.

“Truly? I am honored by the comparison.” Hikosane gave a rather Mitsunari-esque response. Perhaps he had been spending too much time with both of us.

“That was in no way intended to be a compliment.” Mitsuhide stood up, signaling to us all that whatever patience he had was at its end.

“Huh, actually, I took it as a compliment too.” I held out my hand for Hikosane. “If I can annoy you, I must be doing something right.”

Kyubei hastily smothered a laugh, which earned him a look of doom from Mitsuhide.

“Anyway, I will be out of your … wig… soon enough. And you can sooth yourself with the knowledge that Hideyoshi hates me even more than you do.” Every time that man looked at me, his jaw twitched as if he were biting his tongue.

“There is that.” Mitsuhide then turned serious. “Neither I nor Hideyoshi hate you… far from it. You’re simply too volatile for my peace of mind. Doing the work that I, and by association, you, do, requires a certain cold calculation that at this point, you do not yet possess.” I opened my mouth to protest that (which… might have proven his point), but he continued, “And I would regret it if someday you were to acquire that skill.”

He turned back toward Kyubei, who, I belatedly noticed, was sitting in front of a partially completed shogi game – I suppose Hikosane had interrupted them. I wondered if Mitsuhide and Aki would ever get the chance to complete their long-running game. Hopefully, wherever Aki was, he was still alive and would be able to return to this time.

My expression must have been unusually unguarded, because Kyubei said, “Hikosane has told us what happened to Akihira. Do you think Iekane would take him prisoner?” Unspoken was the ‘or simply killed him elsewhere?’

“That’s certainly a possibility.” Or they could both be chasing after each other in a different timeline, but that wasn’t something I could bring up to this audience.

Reminded of his manners – or at least of macro-etiquette in this type of situation, Mitsuhide turned back to me. “I am truly sorry that you lost your mentor. I imagine you were close.”

“He’s her father!” Hikosane had not yet fully learned the lesson of keeping information private, but this likely wasn’t something that I would have been able to hide from Mitsuhide in the long run anyway. “Of course, they were close!”

That bombshell prompted mirror image raised single eyebrows from both Kyubei and Mitsuhide (yeesh, can everyone but me do that?). “Fascinating. That was information that had escaped me.”

I considered telling him that it had been a surprise to me as well, but it would do him no harm to believe that I had always known and had managed to keep it a secret from him. I also imagined I’d get some spy credit chips if he thought that I had grown up being trained by Aki. “Well. You can’t know everything.”

That, in my opinion, was a perfect exit line, so I gave Mitsuhide a version of his own mocking bow, and a more polite one to Kyubei, before leading Hikosane back to the castle.

Hikosane looked back over his shoulder toward the stables as we padded through the corridors of Genba. “I’m looking forward to knowing him better.”

“I don’t think anyone really knows him, aside from Kyubei.” The castle had quieted down for the night. Seemed like the banquet had ended earlier than usual, and people were heading off to bed.

“When Shohime and I are living at Azuchi, I will make it a point to learn as much as I can from and about him.” Hikosane’s voice held a solemn vow, but I was more interested in what he said, and not how.

“You’ll be living at Azuchi?” I slid open the door to his room, and automatically scanned it for samurais and snakes. The page waiting for Hikosane flinched under my stare and stepped backward, nearly tripping over the futon.

“It has not been formalized yet, but we went to Nobunaga and offered ourselves as hostages – no, it’s what I want – and Shohime too,” he added quickly before I could make a protest. “While you may not think it’s necessary, I wish to learn more about governing and I’ll learn more from Nobunaga than my own father.”

This was clearly true, and if his life was still in danger from Iekane, Azuchi was a safer place for him to be. “You’re right, you probably will.”

“I can learn from you too. I’ve never known a kuinochi princess before.” He bowed to me.

Neither have I.

“Hikosane, I’m going on a long journey first – to spend time with my brother and look for my father. I don’t know exactly when I’ll be returning to Azuchi.” Too many directions I wanted and needed to go. No matter where I ended up, part of my heart would be somewhere else.

He looked at me a long time, then ran to me and gave me a long hug. “I am certain I will see you again.”

“You’ll see me tomorrow.” I bowed to him. “Good night, Hiko.”

As he slid closed the door to his room, I wished I were not leaving. I would like to see this child grow up and become whatever it was he was to become. I even wanted to see what kind of damage Shohime would do to the Azuchi warlords.

Who knows… maybe she and Mitsunari would end up together after all. I wished that thought didn’t hurt as much as it did.

I took a deep breath.

And then another.

By the time I got back to our room, I had composed myself… until I opened the door to discover that Mitsunari had lost his mind.

He was …? I tilted my head to try and get a better perspective on what he was… he was… well, it looked like he was playing a game of invisible twister with an octopus.

When he saw me, he blushed, then lost his balance and collapsed in a heap, half on the cushion and half on the floor.

I rushed over to help him up. “Are you alright?” By which I meant both physically and mentally. He scrambled to toss something behind him. It, naturally, bounced off the wall. I put my hands up to avoid getting smacked in the face with it, and –

One of Mozumi’s pillow books?

I looked at the book.

I looked at Mitsunari.

He was still blushing.

For the first time in years, I could think of nothing to say. I might (possibly) have been blushing too. I simply handed the book back to him. My mind still blank, I considered whether I should just back out of the room, then re-enter and do a retake of the entire last five minutes.

Hey. Time travel. It could happen.

@lorei-writes @bestbryn @katriniac @lyds323 @briars7

[moonlight-alphafemale]

Omega Pickle with his babies? 🥹

Omggg Omega!Pickle with his pups 🥺💕

Idk if you wanted a story or headcanons... So I did headcanons.

He so eepy... ❤

╔═══════ ೋღ 🌺 ღೋ ═══════╗

Omega!Pickle interacting his babies💕

╚═══════ ೋღ 🌺 ღೋ ═══════╝

Pickle would definitely have identical triplet sons. He'd definitely have a hard time telling them apart so he'd color code them, giving them different colored bracelets (Baki gave him the bracelets)

When they were first born he definitely did the little 'Lion King' thing, holding the babies up to the sun.

For the first two years Pickle wouldn't dare let the little ones out of his sight. He'd keep them in the nest 24/7 and wouldn't leave.

Nobody is allowed around the triplets, at all. He'd go feral and try to eat anyone that gets too close to the triplets.

He's always holding them. Even when he's asleep, the triplets are always resting peacefully on his chest or in his lap.

He isn't very fond of breastfeeding but he refuses to bottle feed the triplets, so he simply deals with the discomfort to make sure his babies are healthy.

He's late when weening the triplets off of his milk and they don't start eating solid food until they're around three years old. (Only because he stopped producing milk..)

He's also constantly scenting them, rubbing the scent glands on his wrist all over his babies.

He's a very attentive papa. Giving his babies all the love and attention they could ever want. He loves playing with his babies and even humming soft melodies that he's learned from the modern world.

Once the triplets have turned 5 years old he'll finally go back to normal. Partially. He'll leave the nest but he won't go too far.

He'd make little dolls from them out of things he finds outside. The triplets were already supplied with modern toys and games but he still does it just to make the triplets smile.

He taught the triplets how to hide in the nest when he's away.

He finally let's the other fighters meet the triplets, but he's still a little weary.

He'll finally allow the babies to be taught how to speak and walk (only if he's watching) But he won't let them go to school.

He'll teach the little ones how to hunt (even though they don't need it)

He's totally a helicopter parent.

Baki and Mitsunari are the only people Pickle trusts to babysit his triplets.

When the triplets reach 10 years old, he finally let's them be more independent.

Pickle still won't let them go to school so Mitsunari finally decided to hire a private tutor for the triplets.

Pickle takes the triplets to walk around in the forest and hunts with them. They'll stay in the forest for hours, just hunting and eating. The perfect bonding moment.

Pickle still scents the triplets. Even though it annoys them to some degree.

[bontu-the-l0ver]

A warrior kid.

Parte 1.

Part 2:

The first night in the castle was very comfortable for the little kid. She had her own room and she was well fed.

- Mai, is time to wake up.

Hideyoshi entered her room. The little Mai woke up and sat up on the futon.

- Masamune and Lord Nobunaga probably wants to train you right away so I better educate you before they do anything.

Hideyoshi toke Mai and started to help her change clothes.

- A good woman must always look presentable.

Hideyoshi started to fix her hair into a small hair bun that looked a bit off but it would do.

- Okay now let's go give you breakfast.

Hideyoshi took Mai's hand and brought her to a room where she could eat. When the little Mai was eating Hideyoshi corrected her posture.

- Do you know how to write or read Mai?

- Uh... No...

- Then I will teach you.

Hideyoshi let her finish breakfast but every time she lost her posture he corrected her, he didn't hit her but he remarked her bad posture.

Once she finished breakfast Hideyoshi took her to another room to make her starts working with pencil and teach her the basic. Once Hideyoshi was done Masamune came and took Mai to an open space.

- Okay Nobuko, you are still too weak to hold a sword or attack so we will starts with a small training for you.

Masamune started to make her do exercises and after he finished training he cooked her some food.

- Did you enjoy the exercise little Nobuko?

- I feel tired...

- You're not used to do exercise but soon you will and then I'm going to teach you how to use knifes.

Mai looked at Masamune she looked really tired.

- Did you finish your food, Nobuko?

- Ah, yes...

- Okay, for today you're free to go.

Mai smiled and went running looking for something to play she soon found Ieyasu.

- You're here? - Ieyasu asked looking down on her.

- Hi...

- Don't run on the halls.

- Okay...

Iesayu looked at Mai one last time and left. Mai kept running on the halls and she soon found Nobunaga.

- Oh, Nobuko.

- Good day, Lord Nobunaga.

Mai bowed at him

- Huh? - Nobunaga was confused. - Ah... Hideyoshi taught you that? Don't call me that, just Nobunaga... But... I technically adopted you... - Nobunaga started to think a bit. - Call me Father!

- Papa!

- That works too.

Nobunaga nodded proud of Nobuko.

- You know, I will give you some of time and play with you.

Mai smiles at the idea and jumps so Nobunaga can hug her. He did as she wanted and carried her around.

- What do you want to play little Nobuko?

- Hide and Seek!

- Ah, a very nice game indeed.

Nobunaga put her down and let her count to 10 as he went to hide in another room.

Once she finished counting she went looking for him but accidentally bumped into Mitsuhide.

- Nobuko? What are you doing? - Mitsuhide asked.

- I was going to find papa!

- Papa? You mean Lord Nobunaga?

Mai nodded

- I see, playing hide and Seek? - Mitsuhide smiled. - What about we start playing another thing?

- But I have to find papa...

- I'm sure he won't mind, do you wanna ride a horse?

- Yes!!

Mitsuhide took Mai and they went outside for her to see the horses, Mitsuhide smiles at her as she tried to ride one.

---------------------------------------------------

- Lord Nobunaga?

Mitsunari entered the room where Nobunaga was hiding.

- Mitsunari? - Nobunaga asked.

- Everyone is been looking for you. - Mitsunari answered.

- I'm waiting for little Nobuko to find me.

- But she is already asleep.

- Did I hide too well?

- You two were playing? Mitsuhide was playing with her all afternoon.

Nobunaga stayed in silence for a while, it didn't took much to know Mitsuhide did it un purpose.

- I'm going to kill that little sneaky man!

[blueberri-bois]

Flaming Angel

“Mister…”  A soft voice akin to a tinkling bell barely roused him from his deep slumber; little hands pushing frantically on his shoulder.

Deep crimson eyes crack open as he registers his surroundings and the blistering heat that only seems to be growing in temperature. He turns his head to the figure in the corner of his eye to be met with a small boy. The child was covered in soot and severe burns; the small sleeping yukata that he wore was also in tatters. Strangely enough, the boy didn't seem to be affected by the surrounding smoke or his injuries in the slightest.

“We have to leave now, mister... If you stay, you'll die, you know…”  The child spoke again, his voice was raspy but high-pitched and youthful as he continued to kneel by the now-awoken lord's side.

Nobunaga groaned and coughed as he got up from his futon and stood; his bare feet feeling the warmth of the floorboards beneath them. The young boy followed suit, quickly getting to his feet and grabbing onto the older man's large calloused hand in his own, oddly cold, little soot-covered hand. With a gentle tug, the child led him towards the blazing doorway in confidence.

“Don't be scared, okay mister, I'll protect you till we get outside…”  The small boy looked up at him with a gentle and comforting smile as he led him down the hall and passed collapsed beams and smoldering shoji doors.

Nobunaga, still in shock, kept his eyes on the child who somehow ended up inside the burning temple with him. He was sure that there were no children inside before, no, he was positive that he was the only person inside. That would mean that this little boy had entered the building after he had fallen asleep… but why? The feeling of the child's cold hand pulling away from his own snapped him back to reality and the warlord realized that he was now outside.

“I'm glad I came in time… we all would be really sad if you died here…”  The young boy smiles up at him as he grabs a fistful of the older man's yukata.

Nobunaga raises a brow, “We? Who is we?”.

The boy giggled lightheartedly and pointed off to the left with his free hand. The warlord follows his gaze and his crimson eyes widen; a group —a crowd— of people that, if he thought about it, he recognized. People that he used to know that were taken from him by the sands of time. Family, friends, neighbors, and people that he didn't even know all that well were standing just outside the treeline of the forest next to the temple.

“All of us wanted to make sure you didn't die too early, like we did…”  the child's soft voice rings out again, pulling the man's attention back to him as he joins the crowd of distant memories. “We have to go now, Brother Nobunaga… All of us… we're rooting for you, okay?”  

Just as the boy finishes his sentence, he and the rest of the people gathered begin to dissolve into tiny particles of light. The others in the crowd begin to bid the warlord goodbye with smiles and misty eyes. Seemingly, in only seconds, the child's upper body is the only apparition left, dissolving slower than the others.

“Even if I finally got to say goodbye, I'm still not satisfied… I know I'm being selfish, but I can't help it…”  the boy's bell-like voice seemed to echo in the open field as what little was left of him began to fade away. “If it's not too much… will you achieve my dream too?”

Nobunaga couldn't feel the tears streaming down his warm cheeks and he didn't hear the approaching Mitsunari. His leaky eyes stayed locked on the dispersing particles of light that made up the person who was closest to him.

“Thank you… Everyone…”  the warlord muttered.

[ask-ikesen-mitsunari]

Mitsunari, it's getting cold outside. Is Kitty staying warm enough? I've been a little worried.

Yes, Kitty has been staying inside more often and catching mice that's inside

[cloudcountry]

MITSUNARI X READER PLS PLS PLS PLS PLS

(specifically a reader that, instead of being a seamstress or a tactile artist, is instead a poet. Or a poetic writer. He reads all their works and adores them to bits. Info dumping to his Warlord buddies about how good the writing and symbolism is lol! I just want a sweet husband that enjoys my writing w/ me lol).

SUMMARY: domestic bliss with your husband, mitsunari!!

WARNINGS: mentions of aging and death.

COMMENTS: i hope i did him justice!! this is my first time writing for him JASGFDASJ DIES i took it in a bit of a different direction so i hope you like it ^^

You don’t notice your husband as he creeps into your shared bedroom, sliding the door shut behind him as he stares at you. His eyes are soft, crinkling with both love and age as he makes his way over to you.

He knows better than to disturb you when you’re working, so instead he sits a little ways away from you, telling himself that he’ll look through his books until you’re done.

But even as his hand reaches for a book, his eyes are still trained on you.

He eventually looks away from you and turns his attention to the pages before him, reading about a military strategy he’s studied a million times. The silence is most welcome, the soothing atmosphere in your shared space never failing to bring you both peace after you’ve worked so hard every day.

Of course, there are times when one of you has to open up the door and drag the other outside for some fresh air so the two of you aren’t stuck in a room all day, and of course that someone is normally you, but neither of you would have it any other way.

Dinnertime rolls around and you have enough sense (and time awareness) to place your writing utensil down, gazing at the multitude of pages you’ve covered in satisfaction. Plenty of work was done today.

You’re unsurprised when you turn your head and see your husband buried in a pile of books, his glasses slipping down his nose as he furrows his brow at the page. There’s no telling how long he’s been there, hunched over the pages as he studies them so intently, but you’re one and the same in that regard.

“Mitsunari,” you call, getting up from your seat at your desk and wincing as your knee lets out an alarming crack, “It’s time for dinner.”

He doesn’t answer, but you didn’t expect him to. Carefully, you make your way over to him, making sure you don’t bump into any of his precious books. As you kneel at his side, you gently take the book out of his hands and remove his glasses, setting them aside.

“Mitsunari?” you call his name again, and this time your voice is enough to snap him out of his trance.

“Oh! Hello.” he smiles, so sweetly and brightly when he notices you that it’s a tad embarrassing, “Is it time for dinner yet? I’m so sorry if I kept you waiting.”

Oh, he’s an angel. There’s nothing that brings you more joy than being married to him, you’re certain of it.

“Yes, it is. Would you like to come with me to collect our meals?” you ask, getting up from your kneeling position and offering a hand to him.

“Of course.” he says, voice dreamy and soft, “I’d go anywhere for you.”

It’s bad for your heart, you’ve decided. He can’t just say those things when all you’re doing is getting dinner. But with the way he hums a cheery tune and intertwines your fingers, you can’t bring yourself to object to his flowery words.

Besides, if anyone’s an expert at those words, it should be you.

You and Mitsunari make your way to the kitchen, where sure enough, two trays are waiting for you. You two know each other well enough to know each other's tastes, so after offering a thank you to the chef (who comments on how cute is it that the two of you eat together, being the tease he is) you grab the dinner you know is yours and make your way back to your room.

“Would you like to eat outside today?” you suggest, “Since the sun is going down, it’ll be very pretty outside.”

“If it would make you happy, of course we can.” he wraps an arm around your waist and kisses your temple.

You feel your face grow warm when you feel his smile against your skin.

The evening air is cool as it hits your heated face. Mitsunari sits on the stairs, gazing out at the open sky above. You follow, feeling the world as it turns.

You suddenly feel small.

Your heart squeezes in your chest when you think about how similar your time period and this time period are, even if you call one home and had abandoned the other. It will always be a part of you, just like how the Earth still spins, even five hundred years in the future.

You’re married now. You’re growing older, and it hurts your head to think that with every passing day, you‘re getting closer to the day you’re born.

It’s strangely poetic, to be destined to die long before you’re born.

“What were you writing about today?” Mitsunari asks, his eyes trained on your face.

You probably looked sad, you realize. There wouldn’t have been a reason for him to interrupt with something you love if you looked okay.

“I was writing about someone who found their soulmate, about the effects of aging on the body and how it doesn’t mar the soul...because no matter how fast we decay, the fact that we existed and loved and lost will never stop being true.” you answer, turning your gaze away from him and towards the stars, “I think...I should make my next piece about how the world moves as a whole unit, leaving humans behind in death but bringing new ones into the unit by birth, and how no matter what the Earth will keep spinning because she’s more powerful than any of us know.”

“You have a lovely mind,” he says, gazing at you like you’re the Earth...like you’re the world.

You feel yourself flush again at his praise. He’s far too sweet to you, slathering your heart in his honey-coated words. It makes you sluggish and slow, it makes an utter fool out of someone who should know words like the back of their hand.

For once, you don’t use words, and instead, you lean in to kiss him. He reciprocates immediately, and you take comfort in the fact that the Earth gave you a chance to meet someone like him.

It feels like she’s smiling at the two of you as you thank her.

[amenomiko]

MC: _____! There's a cockroach 😭😭😭😭😭!

Cockroach: *FLIES*

MC: EEEEKKKKK THAT YoSHITaki-look-alike CAN FLY 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

-----

The Assh0le

Nobunaga: *Saves his konpeito jar first*

MC: THIS IS WHY KICHO LEAVES YOU ୧( ಠ Д ಠ )୨!

---

The normal reaction

Hideyoshi, Masamune, Shingen,

Kennyo: *Laughs and quickly catch it and throw it out*

MC: Wash that hand ಠ_ಠ

---

Assh0le +1

Mitsuhide & Keiji: *Didn't do anything because watching her running in circles are more interesting*

MC: You will sleep outside tonight (☉д⊙).

---

The contrary

Ieyasu, Yukimura: Calm down. This thing wont harm you. *Seems calm but deep inside he's SHRIEKING LIKE A GIRL*

MC: ಠ_ಠ...

---

The "Playing Dart"

Kenshin, Kanetsugu: *Throws their sword like playing a dart and cockroach K.O*

MC: MAH HEART 😩😩😩--

---

The "PEW PEW"

Motonari, Kicho: *Shoots it with his gun, one hit K.O*

MC: MAH HEART +1 😩😩😩😩😩😩--

---

The one who screams MORE beautiful than MC herself

Ranmaru: Kyaaaaa!! It's coming QAQQQQ

ALL VASSALS AND MAIDS: Ranmaru!! WE ARE HERE!!!

*Most probably MC was lost in the crowd*

---

The eh..

Sasuke: *Sprays*

Cockroach: *FLIES MORE*

Sasuke: RIP me.

MC: NOOOOOOOO 😱😱😱😱😱😱

---

The eh.. +1

Mitsunari: Oh dear oh dear oh dear (´・д・｀) *Runs but bonk himself on the wall + faint*

MC: FFFFAAAAAKKKKKK 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

---

The uhm..

Yoshimoto: I would love to help but I feel conflicted. That thing is not beautiful.. And if I could choose I'd rather catch you myself 🌸🌸🌸

MC: FAAAAAAKKKKKK AGAINNNN 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

[ikeromantic]

Hideyoshi secret ☺️

You know, I think the idea of Hideyoshi with a secret just tickles the imagination. Approx. 2500 words of our favorite over-protective warlord and something he dares not speak . . .

Hideyoshi sat at Nobunaga’s right hand, doing his best to keep a wide, goofy smile from spreading across his face. It was hard, given the topic of today’s ‘war council’. He could not stop the corners of his lips from turning up, though. 

“It has been a year since my luck charm arrived. We will celebrate her continued service.” Nobunaga’s serious gaze took in all the warlords at the table. 

Masamune was already nodding. “I’ll cook up a feast. I already have a few ideas.”

“I can arrange assist with that,” Mitsunari added, tapping his chin thoughtfully. 

“Please don’t,” Ieyasu groaned.

“Oh, did you need my help instead?” Mitsunari smiled. 

Keiji laughed. “Why don’t you help me line up some entertainment instead?”

That was when Mitsuhide’s crisp voice cut into the chatter. “We should make it a surprise party. So that she doesn’t end up helping all of us with our various tasks. Afterall, the celebrant shouldn’t have to put together her own party.”

“I like this idea.” Nobunaga nodded. 

“Thank you, my lord. Oh! But how ever will we keep it from her? She is such a perceptive little mouse.” Mitsuhide’s eyes widened in sudden concern.

Hideyoshi frowned. He wasn’t sure what Akechi was up to, only that the snake-tongued warlord was up to something. He always was. “I don’t know if -”

“I could take her out for the day and let you all stay to prepare,” Ranmaru offered. He gave Nobunaga a hopeful smile.

“There are other tasks in need of your hands here.” Nobunaga’s frown silenced any further request from his page. 

Mitsunari gestured toward Hideyoshi. “Toyotomi could take her out for the day without rousing suspicion. They are already close friends.”

“Close friends.” Masamune laughed. “Close enough to -”

“That’s a great idea.” Ieysasu interrupted before Masamune could finish. He glared at the one-eyed warlord as if willing him to silence. 

Hideyoshi eyed them both narrowly. 

Mitsuhide’s thin smile grew wider. “I agree. Well thought out, Ishida. But . . . Hideyoshi, will you be able to keep this a secret? We can’t have you spoiling the surprise.”

Nobunaga nodded. “Yes, you must keep it from her until the time to reveal the celebration arrives.”

Hideyoshi swallowed. “I . . . I can do that, my lord.” He wasn’t entirely sure he could, but it was an order. He would have to. 

“Good. Then go to her. We will wait until you leave to begin preparations. You may return with the chatelaine at dusk.”

He stood and bowed before hurrying off to find his lover. She was working with the seamstresses today, stitching a banner for the Oda. It was a huge project, with several of them all holding a swath of white fabric in their laps, working on their quadrant of the design. Hideyoshi felt like an interloper as he stepped inside.

The chatelaine looked up and gave him a bright smile. “Hideyoshi! I didn’t expect to see you until dinner. Did you need something?”

“Yes.” Her expectant expression stumped him. He had no idea what else to say.

“Ummm. Ok. Let me just secure this stitch.” After a moment, she stood up and walked outside with him. “So, what’s up?”

Hideyoshi swallowed, a thin bead of sweat creeping down his forehead as the silence between them stretched. He could not think of a single thing to say in way of explanation. “You - I - ah, you have to come with me.”

The chatelaine studied his face for a moment, looking worried. “Alright. Then, let’s go.” She laid her hand on his. “Where are we going?”

Hideyoshi took a relieved breath. “To town. We can do some shopping. Get something to eat. Whatever you want.” This was fairly safe territory, no need to lie. 

“Like a date? But Hideyoshi, you said you had to work today. Wasn’t there an important war council this morning?” Her wide eyed, trusting look was killing him.

“Y-yes. I did. I do.” He cleared his throat. “Let’s just, let’s go.” As he looked up from her, he caught a glimpse of Mitsuhide grinning at them from down the hall, but just as he caught sight of the snake, Akechi turned down a different hall, disappearing from view. 

The chatelaine nodded. “Alright. It’s just a little weird. You know you can tell me if something is wrong.”

Hideyoshi took a steadying breath. “Yes. I do know that.” He had to think of some good story or she would spend the whole day worried. But his mind was a blank. He would just have to get through it by not saying anything. Avoid and redirect. Yes. That had to work.

The walk to town was pleasant. Neither said much, just enjoyed each other’s company. They made their way to the market district near the docks, where Hideyoshi hoped she would be so distracted by the shops that she wouldn’t ask too many questions. 

The distraction worked for a little while, especially as she examined some of the fabric and thread imports. But after an hour or so, her head snapped up with a sudden realization. “Hideyoshi! Oh my god. I just remembered. I promised Mitsunari I would help him reshelve the books and scrolls he pulled to study past crop failures. It’s a huge pile.” She frowned. “We’re going to have to cut today short. But if you want, you could help us. There’s certainly enough work for another pair of hands.”

“M-mitsunari?” Hideyoshi stammered, feeling the secret well up in his throat, ready to spill. “He . . . he won’t be . . . working on that. Today.”

She wrinkled her nose. “What? Why do you say that?”

Hideyoshi’s mind battled between two equal but opposite directives. Never lie to the woman you love. Always obey Nobunaga in all things. Never - always - never - always . . . “Ahhh, be-because . . . Nobunaga . . . has him doing something else. Yes. He, he’s busy with other tasks.”

“Oh. So Nobunaga had something important for him today?”

“Y-yes. Exactly.” Hideyoshi felt sweat trickle down the back of his neck. How did Mitsuhide do this all the time?

As if thinking his name summoned him, Hideyoshi caught sight of his mop of white hair in the market crowd. But he disappeared as soon as sighted. 

“Hideyoshi, are you ok? You look like you don’t feel well.” The chatelaine laid the back of her palm to his cheek. “You’re flushed and a little warm.”

“I’m fine.” He glanced around hoping for rescue. It came in the form of a little tea shop. “Hey! Let’s go have a snack.”

She eyed him suspiciously but nodded. “Alright. Maybe you’ll feel better with something in your belly.” 

The tea shop provided a solid distraction as the chatelaine gleefully sampled treats and tried new tea blends. Hideyoshi began to relax into the natural conversation they normally shared, almost forgetting the real, secret reason for their date today. Right up until the chatelaine pulled it back into the spotlight.

“So, we usually have to plan our days off weeks ahead of time. Because we’re both so busy, especially you, with all that Nobunaga relies on you for.” She ran a finger around the rim of the empty plate between them. “Mind telling me how you surprised me today? Because last night, you were pretty sure today was going to be another busy day.”

“I . . . I did?”

The chatelaine’s eyes narrowed. “Hideyoshi.”

He looked away from her, his eyes darting around the tea house desperately. He couldn’t say it. Party. Surprise party. No. His jaw clenched. Say anything else, he told himself. Anything. “Ranmaru.”

“Ranmaru?” Her brows drew together in confusion.

“Ranmaru looked. Nice. This morning.”

Her head tilted. “I don’t understand what that has to do with my question.”

“He. Ah. He wanted to take you. Out. Today.” Yes, that was true! And it didn’t give away the secret. Hideyoshi mentally patted himself on the back. 

For a long moment, the chatelaine just stared at him with that confused frown she wore. Then she laughed, covering her mouth. “Oh! I see! You were jealous!” She reached across the table to hold his hand. “Hideyoshi, you should know by now there’s no reason to be jealous. I love you and only you.”

It had not occurred to him that he might be jealous of Ranmaru. He nodded without saying anything.

“You silly silly man.” She sighed in contentment. “So where else are we going on this surprise date?”

Hideyoshi had not planned this out and had no idea where to go next but at least the immediate crisis was over. And it just so happened that he knew a place. “It’s a little outside of town. Let’s go.”

The place he took her was about an hour outside of Azuchi, to the edge of a large, shallow lake. The grassy meadow around them was full of blooming flowers and the happy hum of bees. A gentle breeze blew in off the lake and made the afternoon just a little cooler and more pleasant. 

They sat together under the boughs of an old tree and admired the view. For a few hours, Hideyoshi did not need to think about keeping The Secret. He could just relax and enjoy the company of his lover and the beautiful day. He felt almost guilty for it, but this was on Nobunaga’s direct order so . . . 

Everything was going perfectly for awhile until - “You know, we should have packed a picnic. Maybe we can stop in town on the way back and grab dinner?” 

Hideyoshi shook his head. “No need. We’ll have dinner at the castle.” Then he stopped, realizing he was treading a thin line, close to giving up The Secret.

“Oh? Do you have something planned?” The chatelaine batted her eyes at him, playfully flirtatious.

No would be a lie and he just couldn’t force his lips to form the word. And yes . . . yes was too close to the truth. 

“Your face is turning red again.” She frowned at him. “Hideyoshi. For real, is something wrong? You’ve been acting weird all day. Not that it’s a bad weird? I mean, I like being surprised with a day out together but why? What’s going on?”

“Nothing is - nothing is wrong.” Ok, that was true. Good job, Hideyoshi thought. So, what next? “Ah. I . . . we . . . you . . .”

“Yes, those are all subject pronouns. Usually followed by a verb? An object?” She poked his arm. “Hideyoshi, are you hiding something from me?”

“M-me? Hiding?” Hideyoshi felt something akin to panic. Like being on a battlefield just before the charge. His defenses were already crumbling. Surprise party hung on his tongue, ready to burst out the next time he opened his mouth. 

Then, out of nowhere, like some trickster spirit, Mitsuhide spoke. “There you are! Hideyoshi. Is this what you decided to do with your mandatory day off?”

The chatelaine jumped at the unexpected arrival, turning to look at Akechi. “Mitsuhide! You almost gave me a heart attack! How did you find us? Where did you come from? I didn’t hear you walk up!”

Hideyoshi had similar questions, but didn’t dare say a word as The Secret was still clamoring for release.

“Oh, I have my ways.” Mitsuhide smiled thinly. “Nobunaga asked me to check up on his monkey. Make sure he was relaxing.”

She glanced over at Hideyoshi and back to Mitsuhide. “So he was ordered to relax?”

Mitsuhide nodded. “Yes. It turns out our dear Hideyoshi has been working too hard.” His golden eyes sparked with mischief. “I didn’t trust him to actually take a day off, but it seems I was wrong.” He looked pointedly at Hideyoshi. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Y-yes.” Hideyoshi found his voice. “Did you . . . did you follow us all the way out here? Have you been watching me all day? I thought I saw you -”

“Excellent. Excellent. And look! What a large butterfly!” Mitsuhide pointed toward the lake.

Hideyoshi and the chatelaine both turned to see, but there was nothing there. And when they looked back, Mitsuhide was gone. 

“He is such a weirdo.” The chatelaine sighed and snuggled against Hideyoshi’s arm. “Anyway, you could have told me you were taking a mandatory rest. Next time, be honest, ok?”

“I . . . honest?” Hideyoshi felt like he might burst with the unfairness of it all. Mitsuhide did this on purpose. And after the party . . . well. Hideyoshi was going to have a word. “Right. Yes. Sorry.”

“It’s ok.” She smiled up at him. “I understand. You’re a proud man. But you don’t have to be like that in front of me. It’s ok to show weakness sometimes!”

Hideyoshi nodded, wracking another point to Mitsuhide’s crimes. 

“Even great men need to take a rest. You’re always telling me to take it easy. You should practice your own advice.”

And another. Damn that snake. “You’re right.”

She was extra solicitous of his wellbeing the rest of the day, which made him incredibly uncomfortable. Not telling her the truth was like being a part of Mitsuhide’s creative lie. It bothered him like an itch he couldn’t reach to scratch. Thankfully, all he really had to do was keep his mouth shut until they got back to Azuchi. It wasn’t easy, but he could do it.

The chatelaine’s expression when they arrived home was worth every minute of torment though. As they walked into the main hall, everyone jumped out to greet them - well, almost everyone. Ieyasu did no jumping. But he did almost smile which for him was practically the same thing. 

“I can’t believe you kept this a secret,” she murmured. 

“Me either,” Hideyoshi laughed.

[berry-hwa]

As per my suggestion...!!

heres the promised mermaid au fic!!! I might not ever finish it because theres a lot of worldbuilding and writing stuff that i dont have time for😔i havent looked over this in a while and it isnt beta read either so ignore any mistakes!! All that aside now, pls enjoy!!

Well, here I am.

Looking up, her expression hardly wavered at the luxurious and magnificent hotel she stood in front of.

Here it is. Tres Spades.

Her glance shifted low to the dark blue dress she wore specifically for the famous I.V.C held at the hotel. Her pearl necklace reflected the huge amount of light from both the inside and outside and her silk, white gloves held onto a matching white clutch. She wasn't gonna look like anyone present at the party, but she was fine with that. The party wasn't what was on her mind anyway, it didn't matter if she stood out or not.

All she had to do was get to the penthouse.

Walking through crowds and crowds of people, her white heels clicked with every step she took on the recently cleaned floor. As she reached the room the I.V.C was held at, she was suddenly startled by someone talking behind her.

"Woah! I've never seen you around here. Is this your first time attending the I.V.C perhaps?"

She spun around to find two men looking at her, their eyes not leaving hers. She recognized one of the two almost instantly.

"Oh! Why yes, this is my first time here. I was looking for Mr. Ichinomiya? He was supposed to escort me to the party." She flashed a radiant smile, hoping to catch the two off-guard. As she stared at them, she realized the identity of the second man who strangely wore a fedora hat.

"Oh! We're his accomplices, and I haven't heard anything about you from Mr. Ichinomiya...would you give us your name?" The blonde smiled, crossing his arms and waiting for an answer. Her heart slowly began beating faster as she thought of a made-up name.

"Misaki. My name is Misaki." She extended her hand out for a handshake, which the brunette took and gave the back of it a gentle kiss. Her heartbeat slowly went back to normal and her smile slightly fell.

"A beautiful name for a beautiful lady. My name is Mitsunari Baba, but you can call me Micchy or Mitsu for short. And you probably already know who my friend is." Baba glanced back and forth between the blonde and the woman.

"Of course, Kisaki Ota. I'd be ashamed if I didn't know who you were." She bowed and internally cringed, her patience slowly running low. She wasn't here to chat up some men...but, if they managed to get her up to the penthouse, at least the lying would be worth it.

"You flatter me Miss Misaki! Now, what was that about Mr. Ichinomiya escorting you to the I.V.C?"

"Ah, right. We talked over the phone weeks prior to the I.V.C, but he must have forgotten. He's a busy man after all, and so am I." Lying in situations as such was her specialty, but for some reason she felt as if she was being read easily. Can they tell?

"Boss is a very busy man. If you'd like, we could escort you around the I.V.C ourselves?" Baba gave her a handsome smile that would swoon women in her place, but she was barely phased. It wasn't her job to begin flirting with a thief.

She tried to shake off the unusual feeling she felt when she realized Ota's smile had also fallen a bit as he stared at her. Not at her, but her necklace specifically. The only explanation that sat right with her was that he'd been looking at it from an artist's point of view. She didn't know if he realized the necklace was made out of real pearls, however.

"I would appreciate it very much, Mitsunari." She smiled again for the sake of being polite.

From nearly getting lost in the sea of people to stumbling upon a mysterious looking hallway and being sold at a black market auction held in the basement of the hotel, she was only a few steps away from her goal. It didn't matter who bought her, she would escape them either way. Her eyes were set on finding one man and that man only. Her surprise when she heard she was sold to seat #100 came as a shock even to her. She fell right into the hands of the man she had her eyes on.

The cage she sat in had been carried all the way up to the penthouse, her heart racing as she realized how close she was to her target. Even if they didn't speak and wore masks, she knew exactly who the two men that carried her up there were as well.

And when she was brought in, she found herself face to face with him. Eisuke Ichinomiya.

"Who are you?"

"Boss, this is the lady that we-"

"If you let me out of this cage, I will tell you exactly who I am and what I'm doing here."

She stared at the five men who stared back at her. Her smile from earlier was replaced with a fierce gaze at Eisuke, who was staring at her cautiously.

"And how do we know you don't have any ulterior motives?" A strong looking man stood up which she quickly identified as Soryu, Eisuke's childhood friend and a mobster.

"If your security is good at checking whether or not people have weapons on them, then you don't have to be afraid Mr. Oh." She held her chin high and smiled internally at his slightly bewildered face.

"...You know who we are?" Eisuke spoke, eyebrows narrowing as he stared at her through his eyelashes. She could sense he was conflicted and a little confused.

"I know you all. And we'd be able to talk like normal people if you let me out of this cage," She crossed her arms, gaze not faltering as she stared back at Eisuke, "But we probably already know the phrase "normal people" doesn't suit you at all, right Ichinomiya?"

She saw his eyebrow twitch. As she guessed earlier, Baba and Ota took their masks off, their gazes switching back and forth between the woman and Eisuke.

"Is your definition of a succesful individual 'abnormal'?" Eisuke crossed his arms and took a sip of his wine, placing it on the table in front of him afterwards.

"I think we both know what I mean here." Her gaze went to the wine glass in front of him. Lowering her open palm, she aimed it directly at the glass before knocking it over, the wine spilling on Eisuke's leg.

All the men's eyes widened and Eisuke swiftly stood up, panic evident on his features.

"Eisuke, go!" Soryu suddenly yelled at him. Realizing he had to move as fast as he could, he dashed towards the staircase with a curse, managing to make it up before anyone could see anything.

When they made sure he was out of sight, everyone shot a glare at the woman. Only Ota seemed to stand still, still comprehending what had just happened.

"What the hell was that?" Soryu approached the cage, gun in hand now. The woman only grinned as the realization that she'd indeed found the man she was looking for began setting in.

"I think you know exactly what it was." Her fingers tapped at the golden cage as the mobster stared her down. She felt confident knowing she wouldn't be killed in that moment after what she did. They needed answers and she was aware of that. There was also no way they'd let her go unless they heard the full story, unless they didn't let her go at all. She was bought by them after all.

"I...don't get it. How did you knock over that glass?" Baba stared, still a little stunned. She rolled her eyes and glanced at the thief who was looking at her for an answer.

"I'm pretty sure you know that as well." Before looking away, she caught a glimpse of Ota looking almost...solemn, as he stared off into the distance.

"Come on now, you can't all play dumb. I'm here for one reason and one reason only."

"And that is?"

"Eisuke."

Soryu stared at her once more with a stern look on his face. Was he gonna let her out? She made it clear she'd explain everything if she was out of the cage...but how could he trust her like that? Especially when he didn't even know her name?

"Open the cage Mitsunari." A deep voice from the back spoke, the woman recognizing it as Mamoru's. At least he's not entirely stupid, as much as he is lazy.

Baba hesitantly reached into his pocket to take out a key, Soryu stepping away to make space. Opening the cage, the woman stepped out, arms crossed over one another. The men continued to stare at her for a moment before they heard footsteps coming from the staircase.

Her eyes immediately locked with Eisuke's as she looked up. He looked both furious and confused as he walked down each step.

"I'm gonna ask this one last time. Who are you and what are you doing here?" Making his way towards her, he stood in-between Baba and Soryu, eyes staring daggers into the woman. He only recieved a grin in return.

"I heard a siren call from miles away, and it lead me here in your hotel."

The CEO stared in pure confusion. He almost wanted to laugh at how ridiculous she sounded. A siren call. Is she for real?

Sure, it might not have sounded...that ridiculous, given the situation he was suddenly thrust into in less than twenty seconds. His eyes traveled to her neck adorned by the pearl necklace. He could feel his throat going dry even as he swallowed.

Those are real pearls.

And, sure, seeing real pearls hung on a string as an accessory wasn't the most unusual thing Eisuke had seen. But the way this woman was dressed bewildered him.

He estimated the cost of both her dress and heels were most probably around 200 dollars. Her gloves were made of silk, therefore they had to have been a little expensive. The pearls were what threw him off. A single, real white pearl was already expensive, but her necklace consisted of at least thirty pearls that varied in colors and shapes. He even recognized one of the rarest blue pearls hung onto the string, and he could feel the nervousness bubbling to the surface the more he stared.

"You've...gotta be kidding right?" The thief asked, gaze shifting to Eisuke who tried so hard to keep his expression as neutral as possible. Both him and Soryu were begining to catch onto the situation.

"I'm very serious. I came here specifically to talk to Eisuke, on behalf of my people."

"Your...people?" Puzzled, Soryu raised an eyebrow at her, his eyes now also shifting to look at Eisuke.

"I know what you are Eisuke. And we need your help." The woman's tone slowly morphed into one of pleading, as did her expression. Eisuke stared for what seemed like hours before sighing and turning his back to her.

"You have five minutes to explain."

"Five?!"

"Yes, only five."

She stared at his back as he walked over to the couch and sat down, Soryu and Baba following. She was glad she got the opportunity to talk...but five minutes? Really?!

"Alright I...just, do you mind bringing a glass of water?" Her gaze went to the artist who seemed to think about her question a little longer than he had to before nervously answering.

"Sure..." He put on a smile and strode over to the kitchen in the penthouse. Taking a deep breath before exhaling, her gaze returned to Eisuke who now sat on the couch, waiting for his explanation.

"First of all, I'd like to apologize for barging in all of a sudden and spilling wine on you. You were probably all confused and angry, especially you, Ichinomiya." Her heels clicked as she walked over to the four men, Eisuke's eyebrows forming into a frown as he recalled what happened.

"Apologize another time, get to your story." He swiftly crossed his legs and rest his chin in his palm as he waited for her to begin, as if he were a teacher about to listen to a student's excuse for a missed assignment.

By the time she stopped staring Eisuke down, Ota had come back with a glass of water as she'd asked. Funny how she has barely been here for five minutes and is ordering people around as if she owns the penthouse.

Thanking the artist, she set the glass down on the coffee table and waited for Ota to grab a seat, only for him to stand next to the couch Baba, Soryu and Eisuke sat on.

"As I said...I know what you are, Eisuke. Even if you might not know exactly what you are, we desperately need your help." She began, voice brave despite her slowly plummetting spirit.

"Who is this "we" you've been throwing around?" Baba exclaimed before getting interrupted by the woman.

"I'll get there. Let me explain."

"You fell into a pool when you were young in London...right?" She raised an eyebrow and looked at Eisuke for his reaction. He definitely didn't disappoint. His eyes went wide and he was now listening to her more cautiously, the nervous feeling on the verge of overflowing.

"You became a mermaid. Or...a merman. Otherwise known as a siren." She explained like she was some lunatic, but Eisuke knew better than to assume that when she was right. Except he had no idea what she meant by the siren part of it.

"How do you know any of this. Only my manager and some acquaintances are aware of what happened. How did you manage to find out what happened a decade ago?"

"That's not important. What is important is that I'm a real mermaid born at sea, and my people have and I have been threatened by the human race for years," She looked down, remembering the last moments with her family before they were taken from her, "They sacrificed themselves so I would stay alive and get help."

"It took you this long to find me?" Eisuke interrupted, his thoughts now racing. Had she been stalking him? Did she somehow bribe someone to tell her about him? What kind of help did she need exactly?

"I've known about you ever since you fell into that pool. You see, I'm from Britain myself, and all of us have known about you ever since that day." She explained briefly, not leaving any room for questions as she continued quickly afterwards.

"You're the first merman to have ever fallen in the pool in that cave in nearly sixty years. It just so happened that you became a siren on the day the last merman transformed 43 years before you did." She briefly caught a glimpse at Ota looking down at the floor as if he was holding something back. Did he wanna ask a question?

She decided to ignore it, passing it as just him being lost in his thoughts.

"This is...too much information," Eisuke rubbed his temple, her words barely registering. He was finally used to being this weird form of a human after so long, and suddenly there's so much information shoved into him it's almost too overwhelming.

"You think? You gave me five minutes to explain, I'm using that time wisely." She may have been aware of the conflicted situation he was in at that moment as he slowly took in what she was saying. Still though, she figured she might as well drop the bomb as quickly as she could, even if it confused Eisuke at first.

"We've been looking for a siren for years now due to our problems with the human race. And that just so happened to be you..."

Her frightless demeanor began to wear off, quickly replaced by someone in genuine need of help. Eisuke stared at her, her words still registering. So he was a siren. Was it good that he finally knew his identity after so many years? He certainly didn't feel any better knowing, that's for sure. What if she was lying?

"Can you prove to me in any way that you're telling the truth?"

The woman stared at him. Of course, Eisuke Ichinomiya of all people would never believe some girl suddenly showing up at his penthouse, telling him he was a damn siren and that there were real mer-people living in the sea with no proof. The whole story seemed like a sick joke. Even if she knew things many others hadn't known, even if she held information that Eisuke had never revealed publicly...he had to know.

"If you'll allow me to," She raised her open palm once more and focused her energy on the glass of water in front of her. Soon enough, they saw what looked like a bubble rise out of the glass. Eisuke knew she wasn't lying the moment he saw the "bubble" rise higher and higher, but still wanted to see what she would do. As the water reached her head, her hand suddenly dropped to her side, as did the bubble. The CEO's eyes widened as it splashed over her head and he was already begining to count down the seconds it took for her to transform. No sooner than that did Baba get up and rushed over to her, holding her up by her arms as her legs disappeared and were replaced by a sparkling blue tail.

"Is that enough proof for you, Ichinomiya?"

[not-krys]

I remember your details for things I've never considered, in your fanfics! Oddly its mostly the pregnancy fanfics that stick out to me the most, how Arthur warms up the stethoscope before using it on her, or the one about Abby waiting for vincent to come home. They've always stuck in my mind due to some of the details and how easy it was to visualize them super well, so thats what I remember the most! Good details and great at putting together scenes.

I also remember the zoned out mitsunari fanfic hehehe

Anon or not, tell me what passage, fic, line of narration, or anything you remember about me as a writer (ask was sent to the wrong blog, but I'll answer it here anyway since it is a writing related question!)

About details! I usually try to keep two main things in mind when I come up with them. First one is to keep who I'm describing in mind. With the Arthur x Reader pregnancy fic in particular, I remembered that he was a former doctor and that he has an knack for noticing and remembering small details. In the fic, he says that his partner complained last time he had checked in that the bell was cold, so for this checkup, he warmed it for his partner's sake.

Funnily enough, the stethoscope moment almost didn't happen as when I looking through my original notes, it was up for debate. Screenie below to show how the thought process sort of went (and with the timestamp pictured because I wasn't kidding when I said this fic came to me in the middle of the night, not even fully convinced I was gonna participate in Arthur Week then)

Same can be shown with the Abby waiting for Vincent fic. I'm assuming you're talking about the 'First Kicks' fic where Abby is waiting for Vincent as a storm brews outside as I also a WIP Wednesday where Vincent comes home to find her sleeping, but I'll go with First Kicks for example's sake.

Abby's a nervous person, especially worried when Vincent was caught in the storm. She calms herself when she looks at her reflection and sees her anxious self, realizing that's she's making a mountain out of a mole hill, and talks to her son to settle her nerves.

The other thing I keep in mind is an offshoot of 'show don't tell' in that, to help enrich a scene, evoke the five major senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste).  The quiet of the room while Arthur's listens to the baby's heartbeat (so quiet, a pin dropping would sound like a gun going off), the blue satin ribbons on the reader's clothes, how the stethoscope tickles when it makes contact, etc.

Same thing with Abby's story: Abby looks at herself in the window with the rain pouring down, which breaks up her reflection as rain does on windows; hearing the door open and some muttered Dutch lets Abby know that Vincent's back; smelling the rain on him because he was just outside and got soaked in it; feeling those cold hands on her belly and her jumping back because cold (previously wet) hands touching your belly? It'd be a surprise at the very least!

And because I'm feeling cheeky, all the things can also be applied to the zoned-out Mitsunari fic (mind the summary and the tags, this is a smoot fic). Keeping both characters in mind (Houki is a proper lady that wants to try something but is a little embarrassed about it so she sneaks around to get what she wants, while Mitsunari is also a curious critter and wanted to see what Houki was trying to do and isn't judging her for tricking him) and scene-chewing in describing things with the five major senses (salty taste of Mitsunari's finger, feeling the cool air on her [redacted], hearing his whispers against her ear, seeing that Mitsun has two hands (two hands!) and where they decide to travel), things like that.

(No, I'm not screenshotting an example from that fic for propriety's sake, ya filthy animals.)

So, yeah, that's a little bit about me explaining how I do some details and how it all can come together to make a scene in a story. Kinda sorry for the rambling if this was something you knew about already, but I had fun discussing details either way.

Thanks for the ask, Scummy!

[pierswife]

Okay, I do have to ask, though ... when you played SW, who was your favorite character (or who were your favorite characters) to play? I know gameplay varies a bit depending on the games, but I'm still curious!

My frame of reference is SW4 (if my posting didn't make that obvious asdfghjkl), and I tend to favor characters with a Hyper Attack focus ... something about the speed they have is very appealing. Hence, me being a Yoshitsugu/Masamune girlie ... I can't remember Hanbei's "specialty" off the top of my head, but I also know I love playing him, too.

~ throughpatchesofviolet 🪻

@throughpatchesofviolet

OKAY OKAY OKAY HI SARAH NOW THAT I CAN PROPERLY SIT AT MY PC

You see this girl? This girl right here? This is my fucking daughter. I am plucking her out of the game and we're going to go on so many fun little adventures together. Gracia also happens to be one of my favorite characters to play as across the games! I've always enjoyed the magical aspect of her weapon and how it takes some serious skill to get good at crowd-control combat with her outside of hyper attacks. My first game for Samurai Warriors was her introduction game, actually! Which was Samurai Warriors 2: XL! So I ended up getting a soft spot for Magoichi as well since he was the supporting lead in her story for that game. They had such a cute almost father-daughter relationship and whenever it gets a nod in the newer games it makes me smile all goofy. I also really identified with her when I was younger with her wanderlust and want to learn more about the world! I would also kill to cosplay as her one day because that's legit my dream aesthetic.

Out of the games though, I have the most hours sunk into the 3DS games (the first one being based on 3 and the second one being based on 4)! While they aren't the best versions of the game to play graphics and speed-wise, they were still super super fun and I frickin LOVED how the developers made sure each character got their own little story line events with the MC (which was basically just an edit mode character) and side stories! Like those games are LONG. But I enjoy them very very much and it was great to be able to play one of my favorite series of games on the go.

As for other characters I like to play? Takatora and Masamune are SUPER fun. I'm also a sucker for Kiyomasa, Masanori, and Mitsunari because they're all super fun to play too. Oh! And Nene! Love the ninjas in general. Lady No is also pretty fun. And I use Naotora's weapon on one of my edit mode characters in Samurai Warriors 4 Empires (Koei I am begging please bring 4 Empires to PC so I don't have to dig my PS3 out every time I want to play it). Honestly I could go on and on with the list! I find almost everyone very fun to play as (with an exception of Kanbei, I like him as a character but his moveset leaves a lot to be desired for me).

[the12thnightproject]

Chapter 32 - The Consultant - Mitsunari POV chapter... in case you were curious about what Shingen and Mitsunari were discussing... 

Mitsunari x OC; Nobunaga x Mai

Previous Chapter

Logline -  In order to protect a political alliance, Katusko and Mitsunari must pretend an engagement. But this “all business” arrangement is threatened by a coup against Nobunaga… and by feelings.

From the Military Notes of Ishida Mitsunari…

Lord Shingen is an acknowledged expert on tactics and strategy. He’s also an acknowledged expert on love and romance….

When books fail to provide an answer, sometimes the only solution is to consult an expert.

“Another one?” Even after running into two other versions of herself, Okatsu still seemed startled to see a second version of Lord Shingen.

To Mitsunari, the man was simply an obstacle in finding time to tell Okatsu how he felt. As soon as they joined the others, it would be Toshiie who would first grab her attention, but Mitsunari was sure that his timeline’s Lord Shingen would live up to his reputation and try to charm her. “While it was no strain to meet two additional Okatsus, I could have lived happily without encountering two Takeda Shingens.”

It was interesting, though, to see how his own timeline’s Lord Shingen differed from the one he had met earlier. This man… certainly, no one had ever accused Mitsunari of being observant, but even he could see that this man was ill. (Although not so ill that he couldn’t flirt with Okatsu). “Hello Angel. The future is looking brighter already. To meet such a dazzling creature as yourself is evidence that fortune is smiling upon me today.”

No. This could not happen. Fate wouldn’t be so unkind as to not only take Okatsu away from him, but also send her right into the arms of someone like Lord Shingen. He needed to say something. He needed to do… something.

Something more than glare at the man.

“Ishida Mitsunari.” Even ill, Lord Shingen managed to make Mitsunari’s name sound like a threat.

Years and years of Hideyoshi’s gentle suggestions on manners and conversation ensured that Mitsunari’s next ‘something’ was to bow and return the greeting. “Lord Shingen. I had never expected to see you outside of a battlefield.”

Lord Shingen understood the implied threat in that. “I intend for you to get that opportunity as well.”

“I look forward to that.” It might be an interesting exercise to pit himself against Shingen in battlefield tactics. And if Shingen didn’t move away from Okatsu, he would be pitting himself against the man quite soon. Imminently. “However, at the moment, you are standing far too close to Lady Okatsu.”

“Ah. I see now.” Shingen’s laugh was interrupted by a terrible cough. “’Lady’ Okatsu? You are the mysterious Oda Princess who accompanied his entourage to Genba?”

He could tell that Okatsu was surprised by Shingen’s knowledge, and he took the opportunity to move closer to her. “Lord Shingen’s spy network rivals Mitsuhide’s.”

Apparently, Shingen felted he needed to impress Okatsu. “It’s better than Mitsuhide’s.”

Mitusnari was about to take that statement apart and dispute it with evidence and statistics, but Okatsu had already moved the conversation into another direction, by asking Sasuke what time he expected the wormhole to arrive tomorrow.

Tomorrow.

He had less than a day with her.

Less than a day to tell her how he felt.

Less than a day to ask her to come back.

“Are you bringing Lord Shingen to the future as well?” Okatsu gave the man a quick glance.

No.

No. No. No!

He couldn’t allow that… couldn’t send Okatsu away with a man who was eyeing her like she was a toy brought in for his personal amusement. Even in Azuchi, Lord Shingen’s reputation as a flirt was legendary. If he and Okatsu went into the future together, Mitsunari would never have a chance with her.

“I have yet to be convinced that the healers in your future will be able to cure me. The idea continues to be a point of discussion.” Ok good. Lord Shingen seemed skeptical of time travel.

But… cure? Was the man’s illness serious?

“It’s true that I can’t guarantee success.” Toshiie inclined his head toward Lord Shingen. “But I would know more after running some tests.”

“I have not made a final decision on the matter. It’s difficult to agree to this journey when the people of Kai are homeless, and our lands are overrun by Nobunaga’s brutes.” He glared at Mitsunari, but then paused to cough and wheeze.

How ill did a person need to be to go to the future for a cure?

When Shingen spoke again, he sounded… sad. Yes, that was the emotion. “If there is no cure to be found, I will have wasted my final months chasing a dream, rather than on the battlefield with my people.”

Lord Shingen believed he was dying. Neither Toshiie nor Sasuke corrected him on the matter, so that quite possibly was the case. Which, as a member of the Oda clan, should have come as a relief to Mitsunari, but… now face to face with the man, it was hard not to feel like it was a waste.

He recalled the other Lord Shingen – the one who had clearly time travelled before. That man had been healthy. That man had also been in love with (possibly married to?) the other Katsuko. Logically, then if this Lord Shingen travelled to the future with Sasuke, Toshiie, and Okatsu, he would return healthy.

Although context suggested Shingen might also be married to Okatsu at that point.

If he stopped Lord Shingen from going to the future, then, logically, he could prevent that marriage as well. But would it be right to sign the man’s death sentence? Mitsunari could kill a man on a battlefield. This was not a battle though, and…

He was working through the ethics of the situation when Okatsu took the decision out of his hands. “Um, I think it worked.”

“Worked?” Sasuke turned his attention to her, his posture suddenly alert.

“It’s… a long story – but it also might explain why your observations gone haywire.”

Hay… wire? Mitsunari added the word to his internal list. It was interesting how Okatsu’s language changed when she was around people who were from her time. He wondered how hard she had had to work to pass unnoticed in this era. Possibly harder than she had worked to become a Princess.

While Mitsunari was still pondering another facet of Okatsu, Lord Shingen had taken advantage of his distraction and led her toward the fire. “This appears to be a tale best told with a meal… and…” he opened a basket which contained an assortment of pastry, “of course, sweets.” He sat down, then patted the space next to him. “Come sit by me, Angel, and tell me more.”

That… that… Mitsunari ran through the list of obscenities he had collected from Hideyoshi, who had quite the vocabulary when he was agitated… which, generally speaking, happened after conversations with Mitsuhide, or when Masamune was late for war council again.

That bastard!

“Shingen, do I have to remind you that Katsuko is my sister?” Toshiie sat himself down in the space that Shingen had indicated.

And Okatsu sat next to Mitsunari.

She chose me!

He elected to ignore the fact that technically there had been nowhere else to sit.

Mitsunari was happy to bask in her nearness, happy for her warmth, happy that she, without asking, removed his carrots from the bowl of stew that Sasuke had handed him. He quickly returned the favor and took care of the mushrooms in her dish, while Okatsu told the others what had happened earlier today. “Aki disappeared – right after you two left for Kasugayama. Iekane showed up at the tower and had some sort of device that I think might have allowed him to go to another time. Or another timeline? Mitsunari and I went looking for him today. Or, well, last week, I guess.”

To allow her to finish her food, Mitsunari continued the explanation. “What Okatsu means is that for us, our search has lasted a day, but we spent the afternoon in a place where time has no meaning. When we left, we discovered a week had passed.”

“Time has no meaning? Holy Crap on a cracker!” Sasuke almost dumped his food on the ground, but Okatsu rescued it at the last moment.

Did that mean that when she performed similar rescues for Mitsunari, that it was simply an aspect of her personality, and not something special she did just for him? That pit that had opened up in his stomach when they met up with this Lord Shingen grew wider and deeper.

But now was not the time to explore that pit. Perhaps if they could further map the mechanics of time travel, they could find a way to travel from the past to the future more easily and often. Okatsu could return to this time. Or… could he visit her?

The idea was frightening and exhilarating at the same time.

He sat up straighter, forcing himself to contribute to and concentrate on the conversation, especially to what Sasuke was saying and not saying, in response to their story. “We found Akihira’s manor to be deserted – in fact it appeared that it had been in disuse for years, even though Okatsu had been living there until a few weeks ago. Inside we found a hidden room. The room was nearly empty, aside from two trunks containing clothing that Okatsu recognized as Akihira’s. However, before we could investigate further, we were interrupted by two other people looking for Akihira.” He looked at Lord Shingen. “One of them was you.”

“Multiverses! I knew it!” Sasuke waved his fist in the air, then subsided at a quelling look from Lord Shingen.

Another new word. Multiverse. That one more than likely referred to the multiple ways the future could develop if even a portion, a whisper of something changed. So perhaps Okatsu wasn’t destined for Lord Shingen. Perhaps whatever that other Katsuko had experienced had caused her to fall in love with Shingen and he with her. But his Okatsu hadn’t had those experiences. Though that thought made Mitsunari feel slightly better, he still did not like the idea of Okatsu and Lord Shingen spending any time together in the future.

“The other person… was me. Except, not-me. Anyway sir,” Okatsu directed her comment to Lord Shingen. “You, or rather he, was not at all ill – he appeared to be strong and healthy, and he did not have a cough or any problems breathing. He and Katsu said that they had travelled through a wormhole previously. Therefore, I figure that whatever disease you have is treatable.”

“Beauty and brains. Thank you, Angel. Yes, that does appear to be a logical conclusion.” Lord Shingen nodded, then leaned backward against a tree. At that moment, he seemed very tired, and years older than the rest of them.

“Katsu-” Mitsunari used the other Katsuko’s preferred name to distinguish between them, “mentioned having been in the wrong timeline prior to this – however we were interrupted again. The second interruption was from you, Sasuke.”

Sasuke made that strange fist waving gesture again. It was… an odd gesture, one that ought to seem threatening, and yet Mitsunari thought he understood that meant the ninja was excited. “Was I with the other Lord Shingen and the other Katsu?”

“Um. No. You were with a third Katsu.” Okatsu let out a long sigh – yes, this must be the most stressful for her. At least Mitsunari had not run into multiple versions of himself… although… if he had… what would they have talked about, he wondered.

Realizing he had let a conversational pause hang on too long, Mitsunari picked up the threads of the story. “When we returned to this – timeline – a week had passed. Although neither Okatsu nor I felt hungry or tired.”

“Interesting that you were able to exist in the same space as the other Katsus.” Sasuke pushed his glasses further up the bridge of his nose. “In some multiverse theory, it’s impossible for the alternates to meet without causing damage to the fabric of reality.”

Okatsu scrunched up her nose (a facial expression that Mitsunari added to his library of Okatsu moments), then said, “Alternates? I’m already weirded out enough without slapping a sci-fi label on it.”

“You aren’t twins or clones, and ‘duplicates’ seemed even worse.” Sasuke waved that all away. “However, it might be a good idea for your brother to take your vital signs.”

Vital signs? What were those? Whatever it was, it had been a signal for Okatsu to make her way to her brother, who began pulling more of those interesting items out of his bag. Mitsunari considered watching, but then it occurred to him that another fascinating opportunity had arisen, given him the chance to talk with an expert in the field of strategy… and women.

“Lord Shingen, for the sake of our current company, I propose that we agree to a truce.” Mitsunari brought an offering of hot tea over to the man, who was still resting uncomfortably against that tree.

Shingen started to speak, then succumbed to a coughing fit.  To Mitsunari’s horror it appeared that the man was coughing up blood. “As you have surmised, I’m not in the best condition to duel, in any case.” He took a long sip of the tea. “Although I admit to being curious of your abilities. My spies tell me that you’re surprisingly good.”

Mitsunari took that as an invitation to sit down. “It is less of a thinking and more of a knowing.” He could see battles playing out in his head as easily as the texts of books, but people were already… to use Okatsu’s words, weirded out by the fact that he could reread books in his head. To confess that he could see how future battles would play out might result in accusations of demonic possession. “However…” He paused wondered if he could, or even should ask Shingen for advice.

“However…?” Lord Shingen merely looked at him and waited patiently for him to continue.

“I wished to discuss a matter of strategy with you.” Before Lord Shingen could point out that truce or not, they were still enemies, Mitsunari rushed to add, “Not about war. I … I am given to understand that you are an expert in love.”

Lord Shingen looked at him, then at Okatsu, then back to him. “Ah. Yes. There does appear to be some attachment there.”

“To me? Or to her? We are friends. Our engagement was a ruse, but… I wish for it to be real. Or even… the sort of relationship leads to an engagement.” Wait. He was already getting things mixed up. He should tell the story from the beginning. Even someone as intelligent as Lord Shingen would not be able to follow otherwise.

He had gotten as far as explaining the Kitty Strategy, when Lord Shingen began laughing so hard that it turned into a coughing fit, and Mitsunari was momentarily worried that he had killed the man.

He started to wave Toshiie over, but Lord Shingen shook his head. “I’m not going to expire this instant. How did Okatsu react to your tactics?”

“Er, I believe she thought I needed sunshine and rest.” Or maybe she hadn’t noticed much at all. “It was not the best plan.”

Shingen patted him on the shoulder. “It wasn’t a horrible plan, because affection, play, and food are as necessary for humans as they are for cats. It’s simply that you needed to extrapolate what affection, play and food would be most appropriate for Okatsu. Plus, a bit of flirtation wouldn’t be amiss either.”

Mitsunari’s spirits, which had begun to improve, plummeted again. “I don’t know what to say. Er, could you perhaps, loan me a few phrases?”

After a short pause, Shingen offered, “Mmm, how about, ‘something’s wrong with my eyes, because I can’t take them off you’.”

“Should I wear my glasses when I say that? Because that would show that there is something wrong with my eyes.” He practiced saying the words in his head, but they sounded odd. Not-him. He tried the line out loud. “Something’s wrong with my eyes, because I can’t take them off you.”

Lord Shingen visibly winced. “Er, let me give you a different one. ‘Your eyes are like the ocean; I could swim in them all day.’”

“Okatsu’s eyes are brown. The ocean is blue. Or sometimes grey. Unless it’s night?” Mitsunari did think Okatu’s eyes were pretty, but more because they were warm. And sparkled.

“You need to be able to say it with conviction.” Shingen looked Mitsunari up and down for a moment. “One more… ‘I’m lost. Can you give me directions to your heart?’”

That… sounded like something he could say. He did often get lost, so he could say that with conviction. Before his courage deserted him, he went over to Okatsu, just in time to hear her brother say, “Ok doofus, you are disgustingly healthy.”

Immediately the words he had intended to say flew out of his head. “There is nothing disgusting about Okatsu.” Her brother should know better than that. Now… what had he been about to say? Lost. Directions to heart. But now that wouldn’t make any sense. He tried to repair the mission, but what came out of his mouth was: “Okatsu, you are as… you are like… you are not disgusting.”

That… was not good.

“Mitsunari, it’s ok. This is just the way we talk to each other. I know Toshiie loves me. We like to tease each other sometimes.” She sent a teasing smile to her brother, then added, “Sort of how Ieyasu is – he sounds grumpy but deep down, you know he really likes you.”

What did she mean? Ieyasu never sounded grumpy. He simply was, Ieyasu. But… clearly this was not the time to continue flirting. Her brother would just get in the way. Mitsunari made a strategic retreat back to Shingen.

“That… did not go well.” He might as well resign himself to the idea that Okatsu was leaving and likely would not return.

“It has occurred to me that as you and Okatsu are already close, there is no need for you to use this type of flirtation. While complimenting your love is never a bad idea, there’s a time and a place for that.” Once again Shingen patted him on the shoulder. “All you really need is courage to tell her how you feel. Honest and to the point. What is the worst that can happen?”

“Okatsu will leave and never return.” Or return as Shingen’s wife, but Mitsunari didn’t want to state that part out loud.

Shingen turned to watch Okatsu, her brother, and Sasuke as they appeared to be in an intense conversation. Mitsunari imagined that the man was already planning his seduction of her. “Whereas, if you don’t say anything to her, what will happen?”

“Okatsu will leave and never return.” In which case... “It appears that I am in an untenable position either way.”

This time Shingen didn’t bother to pat his shoulder. Instead, the man lightly slapped the back of his head. “In your way, you’re nearly as bad as Yukimura. If you say nothing, your lady will certainly leave. If you say something, she might leave. Or, she may stay. You lose nothing by screwing up your courage and telling her.”

That did make mathematical sense. Of course, Mitsunari still had to find the time and opportunity to tell her… but perhaps. “If she does stay, that brings me to my next dilemma. I… er… am not experienced in the art of love. I did read, or at least look at, a book about the mechanics, however I have many questions.”

Shingen put his face in his hands. “I will need another pot of tea for this.”

Tea! That was something he could do. Mitsunari quickly retrieved some – it looked a bit weak, so he added more leaves at the last minute – surely that would mix well since the water was already hot. He brought it back to Shingen, then settled down. Then he brought out the bound empty book that Okatsu had given him. “Am I permitted to write down some notes?”

“By all means.” Shingen took a sip of the tea, blinked at the cup, and set it aside. Possibly it was still too warm. “First of all, what was this book of mechanics?”

Mitsunari began describing the pillow book. “I could reproduce the drawings, if you prefer?”

“Without having the book in front of you, you can do this?”

Mitsunari nodded.

“And does it follow that you could do this with anything you have read?”

Mitsunari nodded again.

“Are you at all certain that you are not interested in working for me?”

By the time Mitsunari was clear not only on the mechanics but also the subtleties of lovemaking, his hand had cramped from note taking, and everyone else, aside from himself and Shingen, was asleep. Figuring that it might not be a great idea to wake Okatsu up to tell her he loved her, he instead lay down beside her. First thing in the morning, they would have a proper discussion.

Until then, he was loth to waste this night by sleeping through it. Perhaps it was their final night, perhaps they would only be separated for a few months. He would spend this night watching her by firelight, while he mentally practiced his speech to her.

He… spent the rest of the night asleep, only to be awakened when her hand crept into his.

He lightly squeezed that small, strong hand. I love you.

She squeezed it back, and that at least gave him the courage to begin. “Will you come back? At least to visit, if nothing else? Will you be able to do so?” It wasn’t what he wanted to say, but if she said that she wanted to come back, that might be a clue that she didn’t want to leave. He inched closer to her – their faces were nearly touching.

She looked… conflicted? But then her next words sent the conversation in a completely different direction. “If I can – I don’t know. Either way… you’ll take care of my horse, won’t you?”

Her horse? That was what she was conflicted about? Still… if he took care of her horse, that at least would give her another reason to come back, right? “I’ll take her back to Azuchi with me.” He touched her cheek, that place where he had first touched weeks ago, that moment when he had first noticed that they fit together. “I will miss you.” Don’t go.

“I’ll miss you too.” She smiled at him – a true smile, and not the polite mask she sometimes put on. “We’ll always have Genba.”

Say something. Tell her. Tell her. He opened his mouth. “I-”

BOOM!

Thunder drowned him out, and in moments rain was pouring from the sky, and Okatsu’s brother was yelling something, then Sasuke yelled something about the wormhole.

Mitsunari turned to look where Sasuke was pointing - a wall of fog was advancing down the side of the mountain. It looked ready to swallow them all up.

It was going to take her away from him… and he’d never gotten to tell her how he felt.

“Mitsunari.” Sasuke gently patted his shoulder. “You need to stand back, unless you want to spend an indefinite amount of time in the future.” He bowed to him. “I have enjoyed knowing you.”

“Katsuko! Hurry!” Toshiie began to drag Okatsu toward that fog.

She pulled her arm free. “I’ll be there in a sec.” Then she threw her arms around Mitsunari, and for one tiny moment, he thought that indicated she had changed her mind. “Goodbye. You were the best fake fiancée I’ve ever had.”

“It did not feel fake,” He pulled her in closer, trying to burn the shape of her into his body, trying still, one more time to tell her the one thing he’d been unable to say. I love you.

Then she stepped back, looked at him for one more moment before turning around to join Sasuke, Shingen, and her brother as the door to the future opened.

No… it… this can’t be how it ends.

He gathered his courage and reached out to her.

@lorei-writes @bestbryn @katriniac @lyds323 @briars7

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Sengoku Showdown

Kicho's Special Story

These translations are not intended as a replacement for the game. Please support Cybird by buying their stories. Expect grammatical errors. Not 100% accurate.

???: “Mai.”

(Ah…)

I heard a loud noise in the hallway, but it quickly quieted down. Then, I heard a distinct clicking sound of something being inserted into the keyhole.

(This is bad. That guy's back again.)

Kicho: "Are you okay?"

Mai: "Huh!?"

Kicho opened the door and came in, rushing to my side and hugging me tightly.

(I'm so happy that it was Kicho who came.)

Mai: "Um, there was a loud noise outside. Are you okay?"

Kicho: "Yeah, it wasn't much of a fight."

Kicho: "I'm glad to see you're okay."

Kicho lowered his eyes slightly, my heart pounding as the distance between us closed in. I tried to take in the warmth he was giving me, but...

Kicho: "Someone's still here."

Mai: "----!"

(I hear footsteps.)

He quickly pulled away, hugged my shoulder protectively, and walked straight to the window.

(D-Don't tell me!)

Mai: "Wait, we're not on the first floor一"

Man: "Hey, I won't let you get away!"

Mai: “----!”

The man rushed into the room as soon as he opened the window.

Kicho: “You’re still here.”

Whoosh!

Man: “Eeek!”

(Huh? Darts!?)

Kicho skillfully threw a few of them, which he retrieved from somewhere, and they pierced right next to the man.

Kicho: “I found them in another room earlier, but surprisingly, they’re quite useful.”

Kicho: “If you still insist on getting in my way, I’ll throw this next to your nose.”

Man: “B-Bastard!”

Kicho: “I’m taking her back. No, I’m taking her back dressed in this outfit.”

With that, he jumped out the window and grabbed a hang glider that he had apparently prepared outside.

(WHAT!?)

Kicho: “Do you really think we’re going to jump at this height together?”

Mai: “N-No.”

(I lied. I really thought he might have a slight chance of doing something like that.)

While confessing in my heart, the wings resembling those of a massive bird caught the wind and glided through the night sky.

With his impressive maneuvering, we landed in an open area along the coastline.

(I had no idea we were going to have such a dramatic escape.)

(His boldness, flawless execution, and high level of planning are truly remarkable.)

(To be honest, there were some scary moments, but...)

Mai: “Fufu.”

Kicho: “Hm? What’s wrong?”

Mai: “Maybe it’s because I experienced a lot during the Sengoku period, but I’m not as shocked as I thought I would be.”

Mai: “I thought the night view from the sky was beautiful.”

Kicho: “..........”

Mai: “Thank you for coming to save me. It was really cool.”

Kicho: “I see.”

Kicho: “From the beginning, I have always considered you to be something that surpasses any gold, silver, or treasure.”

Kicho: “But I guess my perception of you was a little naïve.”

(Ah...)

Suddenly, he hugged me. We were so close that our lips were almost touching.

His face, exquisitely perfect beyond words, had a gentle smile on it.

Kicho: “I’m a lucky man.”

Kicho: “No matter what means I will use in my lifetime, I don’t know if I will ever find such a unique treasure as you again.”

(Kicho...)

Our lips touched each other to confirm the sensation, and my heart, already stolen from me, beat sweetly.

➟ Kenshin, Mitsuhide, Motonari, Kennyo

➟ Keiji, Ranmaru, Masamune

➟ Kanetsugu, Sasuke, Yukimura

➟ Ieyasu, Shingen, Hideyoshi

➟ Nobunaga, Yoshimoto, Mitsunari

[reccyls]

Hideyoshi’s Sequel Summary - Blissful Route

Common route (ch 1-6) here

Just as Hideyoshi is about to charge into battle, the sound of approaching hoofbeats interrupts things. It's Nobunaga, riding into the fray. And not just Nobunaga, but every one of the Oda warlords. Though Hideyoshi and Mai are surprised to see them, there's no time for questions as the fighting begins. Mai is led to a safe place away from the fighting while Hideyoshi joins the rest of the warlords in the fight.

It's over quickly enough. A camp is established and Hideyoshi and Mai get some time to rest with everyone around as well. Although first of all, Nobunaga asks them for a report on what they learned in Sakai. THey give their report, but that's not the end of things. Nobunaga asks if Hideyoshi knows why Nobunaga is upset with him right now. Of course it's because Hideyoshi inconvenienced his lord by making him and everyone else ride out all this way, Hideyoshi says, bowing his head--

But it isn't that at all. It is because not once in Hideyoshi's prior letters to Nobunaga did he ever ask for help. Despite how dire their situation was getting and how much worse the rumors and attacks had been growing, they never thought to ask their friends and allies for assistance.

All of the warlords are in agreement. Even Mitsunari, though smiling angelically like always, can't hide his own frustration with how Hideyoshi and Mai tried to handle everything alone. They're part of the Oda forces, trusted and beloved companions of everyone present. Of course everyone's busy, but they're always busy, and never too busy to help their friends.

With this reminder of how cherished by everyone they are, Hideyoshi and Mai finally ask for the other Oda warlords' help to solve the Sacrificial Princess issue. And of course, everyone agrees to help. It is, however, getting late, so first Hideyoshi and Mai both look like they're in dire need of some decent rest in safe territory, where they know that nobody will attack them.

Mai and Hideyoshi have a moment together, and before long, Mai is asleep. Hideyoshi then takes some time to sit outside tending the campfire. Someone approaches to join him: it's Mitsuhide, with something to drink for the both of them. After exchanging some banter, as they are legally obligated to do in every conversation with each other, Mitsuhide sits down with Hideyoshi and they have a little heart to heart. Along with Hideyoshi, specifically, asking Mitsuhide for assistance with an idea he has on how to solve everything in one fell swoop. Because the plan that Hideyoshi's come up with isn't like him at all, it's something more subtle and behind-the-scenes, leaning to Mitsuhide's skillset more than his. But with the earlier reminder that Hideyoshi and Mai aren't alone, he's asking Mitsuhide for help on this plan.

And now we cut to two months. Hideyoshi and Mai are returning from mediating a dispute in a different province. Mai doesn't speak and she is wearing a veiled hat because over the course of these two months, her symptoms have gotten worse over time: it hurts people to look at her directly, and so does hearing her voice.

Over these past two months, what Hideyoshi and the other Oda forces have been doing is trying to rewrite the Sacrificial Princess rumor. Instead of being someone who is the embodiment of heaven's wrath and punishment, they are trying to spread the rumor that Mai is a blessed princess taking on the burdens of the world in order to help bring it to peace. Mitsuhide's spy network is helping to spread the rumor from major towns and cities, but in order to make this rumor a reality, everyone has been working double-time in order to quell the unrest and conflict throughout the country. That way there'll be nobody after Mai's life anymore, and they can keep the country at peace.

It's long, slow work, but they have hope that it will work. On the way back they stop to rest their horse, but this is when a young man (or maybe a boy/teen? I can't quite remember) has finally tracked them down, still believing in the original Sacrificial Princess rumor. He is still after Mai's life, and Hideyoshi of course won't stand for that. It's not very much of a fight, as the young man is untrained and driven more by desperation than any real skill.

But Mai then calls out for Hideyoshi to stop, and makes her way to the disarmed man. She knows that the people who are after her are all much the same: driven by desperation to stop the fighting around them that threatens their homes and loved ones. She offers him sympathy and understanding, as well as options for what he can do for his village. Presented with mercy he didn't expect, the man eventually becomes convinced of Mai not being the cause of disaster. He agrees to peacefully give up and return back to his village.

Now alone again, Hideyoshi asks Mai to remove her veil and look at him. She's afraid to at first since she doesn't want to hurt him, but Hideyoshi had just realized something earlier: when Mai had called at him to stop, he didn't feel any pain at hearing her voice. The symptoms are fading, because without the Sacrificial Princess rumor and with the Oda forces working to quell the unrest and return peace to the land, history is put back on a peaceful course. And that means that she and Hideyoshi can touch each other again, look at each other again, and speak with each other again as much as they want. Finally after those months of slow, hard work, they have their happy future together again.

(Side bits: once they do get back to Azuchi and the rest of the warlords are made aware of Mai's symptoms being gone, they throw a party to celebrate, of course. And of course all of them make sure to touch Mai (pat her on the head, arm over the shoulder, etc) "to confirm the symptoms are gone" but also to make Hideyoshi jealous :p

Also, when Mai goes to check her guidebook, she finds that the pages are still all blank, even though all her symptoms are gone. History has changed significantly enough that the future she and Sasuke are from isn't the same one as the future they are headed to now. And even though this does make her nervous, she knows now from experience that she and her loved ones can overcome any challenge as long as they are together. So she can face that unknown future with hope and optimism, no matter what it may be.)