Moth to a Flame

[Nemopedia]

The one and only Keiji Maeda had appeared, seemingly out of thin air, as different as he possibly could be. How had this happened, was this true, or simply another test? A psychological game to see how far she would go, if she would crack?

Shinju really didn't see this as something beyond Mitsuhide's scope of competences, nor within his own gray morality.

Gulping the female felt that her chest was pulling tight, anxiety suddenly settling in as she followed the men into the council room.

"You look pale, lady Shinju," Mitsunari had observed just before she entered the room. It earned a fuss from Hideyoshi who immediately frowned, his hand reaching out for her forehead, another touch that she dodged from him.

"She is fine, leave her to be. Probably distressed because I called her plain, women don't like that," Keiji had interrupted, a harsh landing smack between her shoulder blades as she stumbled forward.

"Keiji, gentle!" Hideyoshi roared, ready to start another verbal launch, but Shinju rose her hand, halting the other.

"You really don't spare anyone," she responded to the redhead, earning a look of surprise followed by approval.

"Especially not blood that's so plain!"

With that they entered the room as everyone took their seat, Shinju and Asuga seated in the middle of the audience, for everyone to watch.

A frightening seat, fairly speaking, for it put eyes on all sides, ready to judge every answer given and action taken.
Sneaking a look over her shoulder she eyes Asuga, hoping that she was faring better, though she only found the usual glare on her face and Kyubei had announced his departure as well soon after leaving the gates.

Carefully she turned her eye over the one other familiar face she knew, sitting at the left side of Nobunaga; Mitsuhide. Had he expected Keiji to appear, or had it been part of his plans? She honestly couldn't tell.

"Welcome to Azuchi, Shinju," Nobunaga started, wasting little time to give her a frightening look to the eyes. So void and cold as they were, this was the expression of a true warlord, a man who was determined to have it all.

"Thank you, Lord Oda," she greeted, bowing down to greet the man as appropriate.

The play was starting now, and how frightening it was indeed,

"Keiji, it is good that you joined us. Let's cut to the chase, what do you think of this Maeda lady in the middle?" Nobunaga ushered, immediately hitting the chase as he didn't motion or call for Shinju to raise her head.

To this the redhead shrugged, rubbing the back of his head nonchalantly as he gave Nobunaga a look.

"Heck if I know, my clan is pretty large, you know. Too many girls popping out left and right, though as I said earlier, she is a bit plain and dour-looking."

The description, no matter how often repeated, hurt as Shinju couldn't help but grit her teeth, a blush rushing up to her face as she fought back her own words.

"You don't recognise her, you mean to say?" Nobunaga concluded, eyes motioning over to the unusual pair.
"Mitsuhide says that you have been abroad," was his immediate question, startling Shinju as she rose herself up, taking this as her cue to speak.

"I didn't tell you to rise," the Oda warlord smirked, startling her a bit. Was he planning on having her humiliated? Gulping Shinju clenched her fists, instead deciding to maintain an upright position as she faced the man.

She was a Maeda, second only to the Tokugawa in the Edo, generals in the Sengoku. Reminding herself of her rank she simply smiled, shoulders straight.

"Lord Oda certainly loves a good jest," she spoke, earning an apprehensive look from the other. She could tell what his retort was, but Shinju quickly continued, disallowing her own flow to be interrupted.

"It is true," she responded, eyes flashing over to Mitsuhide once more as she wondered if he had divulged what she had said last night. Shinju had regretted it, remembering that the first samurai woman to be sent abroad to study hadn't been born yet, yet she had claimed that title now. Her only fortune in this story was that Shinju had never mentioned the university, location, or degree. "I've been to the west, where I was allowed to study and bring back a dear friend and guard," she continued, this time she glanced over her shoulder, towards Asuga.

Now Nobunaga seemed interested, leaning forward as he flashed a handsome smile at the both of them.

"Why did the Maeda sent you out?"

This was the question Shinju had feared the most. She had said last night that it was at the behest of her family, but this was the Sengoku era. Women were supposed to marry and give birth. Not expand their knowledge and run business.
And, most importantly, she wasn't the only heir. There was Keiji, and Toshiie had his own children, sons included. She, Shinju Maeda, was simply another tool for politics.

Perhaps that was where the truth of Nobunaga's question lied. Why wasn't she made a concubine instead, or a wife of another? Why was she alone, travelling around without a male in sight.

The answers, no matter which, were all equally as humiliating. Socially, politically, personally, and Shinju drew in a breath as she clenched her fists further, nails digging into the palms of her hands as she sought out an answer for that.

Somewhere, in the back of her mind, she could hear her grandmother ask her a question similarly charged. One to which she similarly had no answer for without facing the disappointment of her blood.

The silence in the room felt endless, oppressing, distressing, though there was no one who could help her. Could and should, and that realisation reminded her once more of home.

"Ah," Ranmaru scraped his throat at the sight of it all. "Maybe this question is a bit too personal to share with so many strangers?" the male spoke carefully, his voice light and innocent as he stared at both women. The two that master Kennyo had asked of him to look after.

There wasn't much the male could do for them. Not without offending Nobunaga, but at least he could try and implore on the dignity and decency of the women?

Though, Ranmaru knew Nobunaga to be absolutely ruthless in his pursuit and that made his action feel all the more fruitless. If only the female had minded the question less, then perhaps Nobunaga wouldn't have been so amused to watch her squirm, but that was a personal battle she would have to fight.

 

[ShakenVeil]

Mitsuhide

Mitsuhide had fed Nobunaga information vague enough for him to have some easy questions for her and enough details for his lord not to question himself. Now that they were sitting all together in the audience chamber, Shinju facing Nobunaga. She looked afraid. She did well to hide it, but she was at least anxious. He couldn't blame her, though. Surrounded by strangers of high ranks, the majority of them not having good things in mind one way or another.. Or willing to help them. Mitsuhide did what he could for the moment without being too suspicious.

He was listening carefully to the whole conversation. Keiji's appearance had been a surprise, but nothing that would influence the situation much since he of course didn't recognize his 'cousin'.

His eyes went over to Ranmaru, who was sitting on the side of the room. He kept the boy's secret. Though him speaking up despite his fear and conflicted loyalty towards Nobunaga for the apparently foreign woman in front of him was strange. He frowned slightly while observing the page for another moment. Had he met these two before? Or was there a different connection between them? Most intriguing really.

Maybe he should have a little talk later with their precious, little friend…

Asuga

Asuga was cooking on the inside. Rage was wrecking all of her senses and thoughts. The mere sight of Nobunaga sitting there, trying to interrogate Shinju, thinking he is the king of the world. She wanted nothing more than to pull her Katana and attack him right here and there, but it would doom them both for a quick death as well. Her hands were trembling slightly and she appreciated the simple fact of nobody paying any mind to her.

Now, looking at Nobunaga, she could smell the burned flesh of the people of Kai, the fires all over the fields, screaming women and children.. And then there was the single shot, which had thrown Shingen off his horse. The moment literally everything she had known since getting here was destroyed and stomped into the dirt by the Oda forces. The people she now lived with, trying to protect Shinju. The last task Chiyome had given her before disappearing. Grief squeezed her heart painfully, fury lacing into her expression. She hated him and she wanted him dead.. All in due time, though..

She was so lost in her thoughts, that she almost didn't notice Ranmaru speaking up for her Shinju. Why would he do that? She had never seen this boy before. Maybe he was just kind, but nobody acted like this without having anything else in mind, right? What would he gain from protecting them.. or more trying to?
Tension firm in every muscle of her body, Asuga watched the further discussion silently. She didn't intend to even reply when addressed. This was not her battle to fight, for she was just a simple guard..To them at least. While the conversation was going on, her ears picked up heavy, hurried footsteps outside of the audience chamber. Her hand closed around the grip of her Katana, ready to strike if anyone dared to attack them in the middle of Azuchi castle, which was unlikely but it seemed like everyone was crazy here anyway.

No enemy though threw the sliding screen to the hall open. Masamune had a bright grin on his face. His blue eye scanning the room before he started to speak. "Sorry, lads. Guess I'm late, hm?" He casually walked over to Ieyasu and sat down next to him. Hideyoshi didn't look pleased at all.

"Will you ever be on time, Masamune? This is important and you don't even show up.", he snapped at his fellow warlord, who was by any means not impressed with the display of Hideyoshi's usual crankiness.
"Had to get breakfast! And lunch. Good food is important, y'know?"

And that instantly turned into a wild discussions of Masamune's priorities in life, Hideyoshi's motherly behaviour and in all this Nobunaga just watched like it was the most entertainment he had gotten in a while. Even more reason to despise him in Asuga's eyes. Keiji just chuckled along with the discussion. Ieyasu looked like he was about to have an aneurysm and Mitsunari was clueless as ever, smiling like nothing in the world could bother his innocent little heart ever. She hated it. She wanted to grab Shinju and run from here. This place was not safe for them. This lively play? This was nothing like them. They were all ruthless and didn't care about the people.. Not in her eyes anyway.

All she hoped for was the simple fact that they could leave soon enough…

 

[Nemopedia]

The young male flinched when he felt Mitsuhide's eyes on him, realising that he might have attracted some unwanted attention from his earlier comment. Unwanted attention that he would need to counter soon.

What else was he to do? The question was obviously unfair and Ranmaru didn't want to see them come to harm. Not when master Kennyo had put in the effort to make sure that they remained safe.

Shinju in the meanwhile had only tensed up more when Ranmaru had spoken up, addressing the elephant in the room as she felt herself gulp. That actually had her feeling worse than she already did, for now even the most clueless amongst them would realise where her hesitance came from.

Turning her eyes back at Nobunaga, Shinju was appalled at the smile the man carried, eyeing her down from his position. As if challenging her, as if he knew and was inviting her to this dance; a game of cat and mouse.

Had her silence and anguish made the situation bigger than it actually was? Shinju wondered that to herself as she folded her hands together, trying to stop any of the nervous antics she might have.

"Sorry, lads. Guess I'm late, hm?"

The sudden entry of one last warlord startled the whole room, but Shinju in particular who had been so focused on how to approach the situation. With a slight jump the female spun around, taking on a familiar position as she had done this morning with Mitsuhide.

A position from which she quickly relaxed, returning to both her knees once more, though her expression was still tense as she eyed the one-eyed warlord.

It seemed that whatever tension there was before had dissipated with Masamune's arrival. Motherly scoldings and boyish remarks went back and forth between the two main characters that had decided to partake in the scene. On Masamune's face there was an undisturbed smile, as if the world could chew him out and he would still laugh at it.

And the rest? Hideyoshi's frown went so deep that Shinju nearly wondered if he wasn't related to the monk they had met weeks before, whilst Mitsunari was the perfect foil between his lord and the grumpy Ieyasu. And then there was Keiji, who had been so unalike to what she had expected. Everything had been unlike what she had been taught, unlike what she had always believed, and this made her turn back to Nobunaga, finding that he had an easy smile on his face as he watched the rest.

The Oda lord had been unlike what she had heard as well, that if her intuition was right as she watched his careless expression, eyes only meeting once as he gave her another smirk. As if telling Shinju that he hadn't forgotten about her, but that he simply didn't find her of interest for her right now.

"Good of you to join us, Masamune," Nobunaga spoke, commanding the room to silence as he cocked his head, an amused smile on his face before he continued.

"I heard you fought the guard yesterday. Share, is she any good, or will I need to test this out myself?"

His tone fell dangerously low as he stared at the kunoichi, crimson eyes boldly challenging the woman behind Shinju. "She has been glaring for a while. If I didn't have Mitsuhide's report I would have believed that she wanted to kill me."

The laugh that came with the words chilled Shinju, as she didn't miss the way the man rolled his shoulders, as if ready to fight at the given opportunity. The utter confidence the man had in himself, in winning, in everything.

"That would be improper," Shinju answered, finally finding her footing as she flashed an eye over to Asuga. "Both to Lord Oda and Asuga," she quickly followed, disclaiming the both of them from having a potential match in the fields.

Nobunaga didn't seem to be interested in that explanation, however, or in potentially crossing swords with the kunoichi. With a dismissive wave he eyed both women, another lazy smile on his lips.

"You living in Mitsuhide's manor is inappropriate as well, given the fact that your relative has a fine place himself," Nobunaga's response was cold as he eyed both women before landing at Keiji. "Unless you are going to tell me that you like it over there," he challenged, amusedly, to which the redhead chuckled.

"If she really does I wouldn't mind leaving Shinju with him," came Keiji's teasing response as he leaned forward. Inconspicuously the male sent a wink her way, as if trying to reassure her.

"Wouldn't it be better to send Lady Shinju home?" Mitsunari interjected, soft surprise passing over his features as he wasn't quite following the debate.

To this Keiji had a response ready, miraculously enough;

"Nah, she is the cousin who went abroad. She won't be able to stand a regular noblewoman's life anymore."

Shinju eyed the redhead carefully, surprised at his helping hand. Had she somehow lucked out and truly fooled him into believing that she was a well-travelled cousin? Shinju doubted it, but she couldn't think of any other reason either as to why Keiji would help her otherwise.

It was a response Nobunaga seemed to accept, however. "Very well, and I would like to hear more about the west as well," he concluded before turning towards Mitsuhide.

"What do you think?" Nobunaga addressed the man, once more entirely dismissing whatever either women in front of him had to say. Shinju didn't appreciate the dismissive way in which he treated both Asuga and her, but said nothing of it. It was only natural, after all.

 

[ShakenVeil]

Asuga

This man literally had the nerve to look at her directly. Asuga stared back, her expression ice cold and full of disdain for the man challenging her with a mere glance. She would kill him, if they weren't surrounded by his allies. And it was damn difficult to hold back, every muscle in her body was so tense, like a string ready to snap. If she could, she would burn this whole castle to the ground, leaving everyone responsible for the fall or her home, the death of her family, to the flames to die in the most painful way.

Her jaw locked with her gritted teeth, almost biting her own cheek from the inside. She wanted them dead.. most of all this brutal murderer in front of them. How could Shinju stay this calm? Maybe she just wasn't attached to anything in this time period yet.. She had only been here for a few days after all.. Asuga thought about her family left back in the future for a moment. Her older brother, mother and father. For them she had been missing for 8 years, mostly proclaimed dead. From what Shinju told her, her connections to her family aren't that close, but she would suffer the same fate as Asuga eventually…

Asuga personally felt uneasy changing to another home.. to another warlord...Another potential danger. However… Maybe it would be safer to be out of reach from Azuchi's silver Kitsune… If he would let them go, which she couldn't tell. Her eyes wandered over to Mitsuhide, when Nobunaga addressed him. Nothing seemed to phase this man, a skill she found herself jealous of.

Mitsuhide

Mitsuhide adjusted himself to sit a bit more comfortable, not taking his citrine eyes off Shinju, as he answered his lord's question. So it would be up to him, hm? As usual. Nothing new here. He would see to that the two women stayed in his manor. First to keep an eye on them and second so they wouldn't get themselves killed. Or at least that Shinju wouldn't get herself killed with her questionable background and since he forged the reports anyway, it was for the best. "Lady Shinju certainly comes with unique knowledge from the west. And while it seemed to be the more logical choice for them to live in another Maeda's household, our dear Keiji is rarely present and I would feel terrible leaving everything to his maids and vassals."

He shot the man in question a scheming look and a slight smirk.

"The Lady and her guard already have grown accustomed to my manor and the people working in it. I will see to it that they are taken care of for the time of their stay." How long did they intend to stay anyway? Another mystery to be solved. Adding to the fact why Shinju was here in the first place. It would only benefit them both if they would stay in the Akechi residence.

Having said his part, Mitsuhide fell silent again, waiting for Nobunaga to decided what would happen to the two women. While the discussion went on, he made a mental checklist regarding Shinju and also Ranmaru. The next few days would certainly be interesting without a doubt.

 

[Nemopedia]

Anticipating eyes had met with calculating ones. Shinju had met Mitsuhide's gaze headon as she waited for his answer, as if waiting for her sentencing to be delivered, a judgement made by Mitsuhide.

Strangely enough Shinju felt at peace with the fact that it was in his hands. Something within her confident in the thought that he was helping her, or at least trying to with the information available.

Whatever Nobunaga was thinking was indiscernible, but when he flashed a smile into Mitsuhide's direction the tension in the councilroom was released.

"Very well, she stays. Do bring her over often, along with the guard. I'm sure they will amuse me well enough," Nobunaga smirked, finally letting his gaze fall over the two strangers again.

"It gives me peace to know that there is someone to look after Lady Shinju," Mitsunari smiled innocently, glad for the interrogation to be over and the decisions made.

Hideyoshi merely sighed, his frown not disappearing. "I would rather have her anywhere else but near Mitsuhide," he expressed his disappointment, but nevertheless allowed for it, never proposing an alternative. A sign that, while disapproving, he didn't go against the decisions made by Nobunaga.

To this Keiji only grimaced, an unreadable expression on his face as well before throwing his chin up at Shinju.

"Welcome to Azuchi, cousin. I hope you will like it here," the redhead wished her, and Shinju could sense that he meant it sincerely, a strange glint in his eyes before even that disappeared and a jovial grin spread across his face.

"With that tension gone, shall we bring in the banquet? Masamune must have prepared something, right?" the man proposed, seemingly eager to get a party started.

"No, we still have some more matters to address," Hideyoshi's stern voice cut in before he turned to Shinju.

"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you will have to wait outside while we continue. It will only bore you anyway."
This was a lie. Shinju was very eager to know what was to come before 1582, but decided against her own curiosity as she kept quiet, not wishing to start a misunderstanding.

Another sigh escaped Keiji who rolled his eyes at the concern. "Oh, it is a bore alright. Hey, Shinju, how about you perform for us? You know, some music? As family you surely must be trained, right?"

To this Shinju felt herself tense, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. Was talent supposed to be genetic? In that case she felt that she had missed out on a few Maeda genes, perhaps even all of them.

"I wish you luck with the council," she spoke instead, bowing one more time as she quickly signalled for Asuga to retreat with her, leaving the answer in the air on whether she was to perform or not.

In the meanwhile Shinju supposed that she had her work cut out for her, meaning that she had only a few more hours to prepare before the meeting was over.

"I don't suppose I can get you to cover for me on the shamisen?" Shinju questioned, an apologetic look in her eyes, "it is rather similar to a guitar," she pleaded, but then released a sigh.

"I better start practising now in case Keiji really decides to make me perform," she lamented to herself.

In the meanwhile the council continued, with plans being made for what was going to happen to Kai, the recently conquered area that they had taken from Shingen. Ranmaru felt himself tense at that, remembering the friendship between his master and Shingen, or what had formerly been one. He remembered a lot, including the supposed betrayal, and the abandoning.

However, what he was even more aware of was Mitsuhide's suspicion towards him. Counting down the seconds to the end of the meeting Ranmaru was the first to dart out of the room, evading the elusive Akechi man as he set himself out to look for one particular duo to hide with.

 

[ShakenVeil]

As soon as the screen slid shut behind Asuga, she couldn't help but let out a deep breath of relief. It looked like they were good for now, though she didn't like the idea of entertaining Nobunaga. Not that she wasn't willing to but the only tool she would use for this task would be the sharp end of her sword. Now that they were by themselves, Asuga basically started walking down the corridor. She had to get out of this building. The gardens would do for now. There had to be some around here. Every castle she had visited in this time had them.

"Let's go, Shinju.", she said while already being ahead, leaving the question of her companion unanswered in the room. She was still boiling with pure pain and rage from the interrogation earlier. And even though information like the war council could be priceless to her, she couldn't listen to it right now. Her hands were clenched as she finally found a way outside. Not waiting for Shinju, she sat down in the grass, feeling it under her fingers put her at least a little bit at ease. "Akechi did something. I don't know what, but he influenced Nobunaga in some way. He wants to keep us under his watch." She had an idea of what happened, but kept it to herself for now. Asuga was quite aware this type of tactic. "And that boy.. Oda's page. He is suspicious.. Watch out around him."

She explained all this in a cold and deadpan tone, not being able to put anything else into words right now. "If you have troubles with this decision you might wanna cut yourself in the hand or something, so you can't play." The Kunoichi was entirely serious. That might be the only way for her to get out this without giving her lack of musical talent away. "I will not play any instrument for these people."
With that, the conversation was over for her. Asuga's fingers brushed over the grass next to her, eyes focussed on the sky outside of the castle walls. They could do it. If they would survive this banquet or whatever they had planned, maybe they would finally be able to get some freedom. The thought about spending more time with these barbarians rubbed her entirely the wrong way. "They will expect you to drink with them. Be careful. They will know if you don't drink, like last night." She shot her companion a side glance. "I will stay by your side, if anyone gets handsy of them. I know you can defend yourself, but let me do that for tonight. We don't want to give them any more reasons to doubt you."

She hoped that everything said would convince the warlords enough to just leave them be. Which was highly unlikely given the nature of these men. Asuga was really worried about the coming evening. It was afternoon. Did the people of Azuchi drink in the afternoon? In Kai they surely did..or noon..or sometimes morning when there was something to celebrate.. And if people wanted to celebrate they found a reason to. The fond memories clawed at her heart once more, so she discarded them and turned her attention to Shinju.

"Your plans for the evening? Are you ready to be bombarded with all types of questions? Especially from Keiji and Nobunaga." Amber eyes narrowed slightly. "Tell me you know how to deal with it, because I can't help but being worried."

 

[Nemopedia]

Shinju Maeda

Despite the earlier tension and humiliation Shinju was carrying the weight of everything quite well. Better than Asuga seemed to do, who was seething as she brisked down the corridor. Surprised, Shinju quickly ran after the kunoichi, catching up to her when they found a way out into the garden, out of sight of the castle and any passing servants.

Guilt washed over her as Shinju realised how tense Asuga looked. The muscles flexed, as if always ready to attack, the jaw taut, her fists clenched. Shinju should have taken note of it, of the anger that was left, the sadness for the home lost. After all, to Asuga, Kai had been home and Shingen had been her lord. To lose both in one day, without rest and time to mourn.

Letting herself down on her knees Shinju faced Asuga, dark eyes staring at the other in concern.

"Mitsuhide, I think he is protecting us," she started, sharing her earlier thoughts. "I'm not sure why, but he isn't blindly loyal to Nobunaga, that much is clear." She spoke slowly, searching for her words as she carefully weighed them. Though, she knew that nothing she said could convince the kunoichi, or take away the anger and pain. Nothing could.

"As for Ranmaru, I'm not sure either, but grateful all the same."

Thinking back of the page had Shinju suspicious. Was he in league with Mitsuhide, perhaps? Or was there something else?

"History has him recorded as extremely loyal to Nobunaga," she mused, letting her thoughts trail off.

Asuga's questions made sense. They all did and Shinju felt that she was only belatedly realising how stern Asuga had taken her role as a guard. How the kunoichi had almost thrown herself into this job as if it was the last thing she was to do. In a way, perhaps this was Asuga's last mission from Chiyome, from all that had been her previous life.

Grimacing ruefully, Shinju leaned forward towards Asuga, gently pulling the other into a hug as she pressed Asuga's forehead into her shoulder, a hand gently tapping on the back of the kunoichi's shoulder. She could feel the tense muscles, she could feel the anger flowing through the joints.

"Surprisingly, I'm used to high society, though Japan has long since abolished the class system and gotten rid of nobility. I will be fine," she reassured the kunoichi in a soft voice. "I just need to separate Nobunaga from my grandmother, though he is a senior to her in age," she continued with a light jest, a chuckle escaping her.

Ranmaru Mori

Having successfully evaded any bickering and mocking warlords Ranmaru was darting around the compound, large eyes seeking out two particular figures before he finally saw something shift just a little outside of the compound itself.

Light as his step was the male moved with such finesse and grace that he might as well have been a leaf, his movements only halting as he heard them talk. The kunoichi from Shingen's network, so Kennyo had told him, which meant that Ranmaru had to be all the more careful.

From his hiding place Ranmaru strained his ears, following the conversation that confused him. History? Records? These weren't uncommon words per se, but they were strange in the context. As if the women knew what was to come. As if they knew about his conflicted heart.

For a bit his smile fell, leaving only a dour expression as he continued to listen, hoping to hear out more useful bits that he might be able to use, in order to report back.

Ranmaru did feel a little bad about eavesdropping, intimate as the conversation was. When Shinju pulled Asuga into a hug he turned away, taking another turn around before he finally returned, his bright smile back on his face once more.

"Lady Shinju, Asuga, there you are!" he called, this time his steps were heavier, deliberately tippertappering over the ground as he reached both women.

"Hehe, I was afraid that the two of you ran off, but I'm glad to see you here. They finished the council, you know? We will get to enjoy the banquet in a bit."

He spoke cheerfully, brightly using his voice to pitch and his hands to move around, lively and bubbly as he was, never revealing what he had heard, what he had caught and what he had learnt, or even what he felt.

 

[ShakenVeil]

Asuga kept staring at the sky for a while, thinking about Shinju's words. If Mitsuhide was helping them, manipulating Nobunaga in thinking what he wants him to think. That would be quite the achievement indeed. Though she saw no real reason for him to help them unless he had an idea from where they were coming from, not the future but Kai, and was planning on using them for his own gains. The idea was actually more concerning than just being watched and distrusted by him.

"The boy.. Ranmaru.. He gives me weird vibes. I can't quite put the finger on it…" Her thoughts were taking over her again, while she was watching the clouds up above them. Asuga was feeling even more like she had to walk around on eggshells. When she suddenly felt slender arms around her, she got startled. Shinju was hugging her? Why was she hugging her? Eyes wide, she stared at the other woman for a moment, but eventually a bit of tension left her shoulders. She accepted the comforting gesture, leaning her forehead against her.

Asuga wouldn't be able to stay like this for long. It would break all her restraints and she might as well burst into tears and that couldn't happen. It would destroy too much. Though her companion's words brought a faint smile to her lips, followed by a quiet laugh. "Your grandmother? The thought of a grandmother like Nobunaga is utterly terrifying." She took a deep breath and then separated herself from Shinju. "Thank you." Her words were merely above a whisper but she was grateful nonetheless.
Wishing they would have left them alone for a little longer, of course someone was bothering them again. Ranmaru approached them with a skip in his step, full of bubbly energy and by just looking at him Asuga felt exhausted.

She reached for Shinju's hand and pulled her to her feet, looking at Ranmaru with a skeptical expression. Back she was in her role of the guard, staying by her side silently watching with a cold look in her eyes. She didn't trust this boy. Something was greatly off about him. Despite her concerns they would make their way soon enough back to the audience hall, where everything was made ready for the banquet. Was Masamune cooking? She wouldn't need to worry at least about poisoned food or that she would feel sick later on. Again she recalled her rule of not touching Sake this evening.

While most eyes were focussed on Shinju, Asuga informed her shortly that she would be nearby and retreated into the shadows, offering herself some kind of security and protection. She hated being the centre of attention. She also hoped that Shinju wouldn't have to play any instruments. Asuga would have supported her but not with these classical instruments. She was able to dance, sure and sing, too, at least in english or spanish… But the instruments from the Sengoku always eluded her.

 

[Nemopedia]

Shinju Maeda

Had her words and gesture landed where she wanted? Had they found the aim she was targeting? Shinju wondered all this as Asuga leaned in, relaxing a bit and even laughed. Would Asuga have allowed herself to open up entirely if they had the privacy and room? If they knew that they were safe and sound, out of danger, with people they trusted, would Asuga allow herself to finally let herself go?

Speculations that she could only ponder upon, but a first step was taken and for that she was grateful.

"Ah, Ranmaru," Shinju greeted the page as he approached them, tensing up in the same way as Asuga did, wariness flooding over. He was indeed a strange one, different from the records, yet exactly as written. It was that duality that confused her the most.

This didn't change one bit as they arrived at the banquet, seated at a table amongst the warlords. The mood jovial and light, friendly even.

"Drink up, Ieyasu!" Keiji had hit the blond on his back with a slam, earning a flinch from Shinju as she remembered her own. The man looked too slight to be able to take that well, but Ieyasu's face was surprisingly stoic despite all, an annoyed sigh escaping him instead.

In the back Hideyoshi was eagerly serving Nobunaga, enthusiastic in sharing his cup with the warlord whilst Mitsunari just saw it all over with an angelic smile.

In the back sat the vassals, Asuga included, seated next to Kyubei. At least she had good company and for a bit Shinju wondered how noticeable it would be for her to move herself over to their corner.

Too noticeable as Ranmaru had stuck close to her all the while.

"Oh, these dumplings are really good, have you tried them yet? Did you have to miss a lot of food in the west? What food did they serve in the west?"

His questions were endless and his energy seemed to know no end either. Shinju did, however, most of the time keeping quiet as she just let the boy ramble off. Like a little brother being overly attached to an older sibling, it was rather adorable. And off, for she had warranted no such treatment.

"Is this an interrogation, Ranmaru?" Shinju's voice was mild as she gave him a quasi-stern look, though within, she felt quite tired, exhausted even at having to deal with such a squirrel. "Perhaps I should limit you to one question per day, else I fear that you will haunt me even in my dreams," she continued in a tease.

This had the boy shut up, a pout on his lips as he retreated a little. "Well, I will have to think carefully on what I want to ask today," came his answer and to this Shinju could only let go of a cheery chuckle.

"What's so funny, cousin?" Keiji had appeared instead, a firm hand planted on her shoulder as he sat down next to her, seemingly having decided to ditch his harassment of Ieyasu. "Ranmaru, Nobunaga is calling for you, go," the man followed up in one smooth flow, sending the page darting away with a yelp before the redhead poured himself and Shinju a drink.

"So, while everyone is too drunk to really care for you, how about you tell me who you really are?"

Leaning closely into the female Keiji whispered the question into her ear, a mischievous smile on his face before he sat back, one of the dumplings from her plate in hands which he popped into his mouth, chased away with the sake he had earlier poured for himself.

To this Shinju could only smile pleasantly, a brow quirking as she rose her own cup in respect, downing her own in one go like the man had done.

"Mitsuhide still holds my identity tag hostage, so perhaps it is best to ask him," she relayed as she mimicked his moves from earlier, leaning over to pour in a new cup for him as well as her own.
Again, they drank their cups simultaneously, a smile of understanding shared between.

"I don't mind you here, let that be clear. Just wondering," Keiji spoke, this time he carried a normal tone, not minding who heard the line. It could have been part of a perfectly normal conversation so out of context.

"Naturally, I won't be imposing for long, fear not," Shinju promised and this was perhaps one of the few complete truths she had spoken. Just long enough until she could safely settle herself somewhere else. Somewhere away from this war and the politics, preferably back home.

Kyubei

The banquet was like any other, with his lord seated left to Nobunaga, drinking away at his leisure, mixing his food like he always did, or ignoring the plates. The rest of the lords busied themselves with each other, some with giving out the food, others by letting curiosity steer them.

And Kyubei himself? Well, he sat in the back, with his own plate and his own drink, next to Asuga. It was a curious set-up, not because of the vassal's presence, there were more of him in the room. No, for Asuga's presence, exotic as she was, and seemingly always glaring. Though, Kyubei didn't fail to note that she had grown softer, just a bit, as if something had soothed her anger.

"Ranmaru seems to be taking a liking to your lady," he spoke, noting how the kunoichi wasn't touching the sake tonight. Not that he could blame her, after all, last night had been quite a surprise. A pleasant one, that was.

"Ah, if you are not going to eat that, mind if I take it?"

Casually, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, Kyubei picked up one of the dumplings from her plate, happily chewing them away. His own plate of said delicacy laying ignored in front of him.

 

[ShakenVeil]

Mitsuhide

Mitsuhide, sitting by Nobunaga's right side, was sipping at his cup of Sake, before pouring a new one for his lord, much to Hideyoshi's dismay, who has been doing his best to read every single need from his eyes the whole banquet so far. He didn't leave a chance out to tease their local mother hen. Not the first time they got into an argument with Nobunaga sitting in the middle of them, an amused smile on his lips and the eyes crinkling with mirth. He only interrupted his usual activities to get his gaze on Ranmaru, who was currently clinging almost to Shinju. Interesting. First the boy interrupted their questioning and now this? Something was up.

He narrowed his eyes and took another sip from the Sake, quietly waiting and letting the situation play out. Mitsuhide was only vaguely aware of Hideyoshi ranting on the other side, while trying to appease their lord desperately. Shinju didn't seemed all that pleased with the attention, at least until she smiled and started to chuckle. He tilted his head a bit to the side, a faint smile forming on his own lips. Keiji joined them a little bit later, just finished tormenting Ieyasu.
Ranmaru was now moving over to them, speaking with Nobunaga, but Mitsuhide's eyes were still focussed on the two Maeda's talking. They seemed to have a pleasant enough conversation but there was still tension in Shinju's posture. She tried to fool Keiji, he was sure of it. Not that it was something very difficult to do. The fun loving and chaotic redhead cared little about politics and schemes. From what Mitsuhide knew at least. Though his friendship with one of the Uesugi vassals was certainly worrying, even though he kept quiet about it around the others. Only Nobunaga was aware of it.

"Mitsuhide? Are you even listening?", Hideyoshi's harsh voice ripped him out of his observation. What a nuisance.

"I would call it selective hearing." He had a friendly smile on his lips and he emptied his cup, refilling it, but leaving Hideyoshi this time to fill their lord's Sake cup. "Your unnecessary nagging and complaining will cause even the most patient grandmother a headache, mother."

He just wanted to take a breath and throw in an angry retort, but Nobunaga lifted his hand, silencing both of them, as usual. A low chuckle escaped Mitsuhide's mouth and he shifted a little to get more comfortable, quite satisfied for now with just watching what their little lady was up to. He could ask her questions later at his manor.. Since the two women would be around for a while.

Asuga

Asuga had to admit that sitting next to Kyubei wasn't entirely unpleasant. He had somewhat of a grounding presence, which she appreciated. Her fury had soothed since they got back. A small hug could go a long way and right now she felt more numb than anything else. Masamune had forced a plate of food into her hands earlier, but she didn't feel like eating..or drinking. "I see that..", she replied to Kyubei's question after a moment, not in a pleased tone at all. Ranmaru this close to Shinju only made her more skeptical of the boy's intentions. There was a silent threat in her words. "He better be careful."

She barely paid any mind to the simple fact, that Kyubei was stealing her food. Asuga just wanted to leave and get done with this evening. However, his full plate right in front of him irritated her just a bit enough to make her speak up. "You have your own food, Kyubei. Will you stop stealing mine? Or are you just trying to rile me up?" She narrowed her amber eyes at him, stealing back the dumpling he just wanted to eat and stuffed it into her mouth just out of pure spite, still glaring at Kyubei. And then she paused… and swallowed the food.
"Did you just do that to get me to eat? You sneaky little shit.", dropping her politeness entirely, clearly offended by the suspicion. How dare. She put down the plate on her other side, so he couldn't reach it anymore. Asuga wasn't beyond being petty if the situation required it. Or her own ego for that matter. Realizing she was actually enjoying the little banter, her mask quickly slipped back in place and so did the blank expression. She leaned her back against the wall, one elbow on her knee, falling silent once more.

 

[Nemopedia]

Shinju Maeda

"You're not planning on going home, are you?"

Keiji's question didn't ring unexpected, though Shinju hadn't thought that he had cared, not the amount he did when she met his gaze, an apprehensive look on her own before she quickly replaced that with a smile.

"Who knows? Grandmother might miss me," she jested, thinking of her own home, a different one than Keiji had mentioned. Would they miss her, or just the presence of her? Shinju never really thought that she had mattered much other than being the heiress, but was that really all she was?

"Betcha that hag has forgotten about me," Keiji scoffed as he propped up a leg, "though you do know what will be waiting for ya back there?" he questioned and to this Shinju could only remain guilty of the answer.

She had an idea of what Keiji might be referring to, but she didn't dare to express it. Not with the way she had been wrong about more things in the Maeda. What she did have a clue of was her own situation and a frown settled over her face at the thought of being reminded of that. An expression that seemed to be sufficient for the male.

"Just be careful, you and that guard look intelligent enough to know what that means," came his warning, looking away for a second as his eyes glided over to Asuga and Kyubei in the back.

"Wanna join them?" came his sudden question, but before he even heard out her answer he had already picked up her table, everything included, balancing his way over to the corner in which the vassals sat.

"Yo!" he greeted casually, a wide Chesire grin on his face as he left Shinju to scramble with the pillows that she quickly brought over for Keiji to sit down on, her cheeks a little flushed at the suddenness and the stares it earned her.

Setting the table down against the rest of them Keiji sat down casually across from Asuga as he threw her a wink.
"You guys looked like you have fun and Shinju looks like she will jump off the building if Ranmaru, or anyone asks her one more question," he explained with a shrug, earning another flare from Shinju.

"Am not?" she retorted, her voice pitching for once before she adjusted her volume and instead went for a glare, before realising what the man was doing.

Somehow Keiji had miraculously created a mood between the two of them that drew out a familiarity from Shinju that she hadn't known before.

Kyubei

Asuga had seemed too distracted at first, but just when Kyubei was about to be disappointed to be dismissed as such the guard had taken her revenge, surprising him with a swift return of her meal.

"It would be a waste of the food otherwise," Kyubei smiled at the female when she found offense in his actions. He didn't mind the curses, having grown up surrounded with them, though he rarely took such words in his own mouths, at large for the sake of his master who was known for his eloquence. "Is it any good? I'm sure Masamune didn't poison it, he looked like he enjoyed your last fight," the man continued, hoping that Asuga would perhaps continue to pay her meal some attention instead of on her mistress alone. After all, the two of them had managed to pass the largest hurdle for their safety.

Just as he was about to point out Keiji dropped Shinju's table against that of Asuga, the decorated lacquer standing in contrast against the simple black wooden table they had received as vassals. The same could be said about the variety of the dishes and the arrangement, the choice being greater and the ingredients more expensive, as befitting.

"The two of you look close," Kyubei retorted to the redhead after observing the small exchange between the two supposed cousins, though the vassal knew to believe better, being Mitsuhide's underling after all.
To this Shinju only gave him a bewildered look before slumping down, relaxing a little now that she was out of the center of society and in the corner of anonymity. Though the lady was aware of her manners, though certainly not a princess, it was quite obvious that she still preferred the backstage of it all. An interesting note to make.

"I'm afraid that Lord Hideyoshi is about to scold you for improper manners," Kyubei mischievously suggested, eyes flitting over a certain brunette that was admonishing his master drunkenly. "That is, if he is ever done with Lord Mitsuhide," he chuckled.

To this Keiji only scoffed, a mirthful laugh escaping him. As if unafraid of anything under the heavens, and perhaps the man truly was, given the stories that went around about this particular man.

 

[ShakenVeil]

Asuga

Eventually giving in and slowly starting to eat her food, Asuga realized how hungry she had been. The small breakfast from earlier had quickly vanished under all the emotional stress of the afternoon. She slowly relaxed in Kyubei's presence, though still watching Shinju from across, chatting with Keiji. Somehow she felt more comfortable with him being around her companion than Ranmaru. Her instincts told her he wasn't a danger to her. She swallowed a bite and gave the man next to her a side glance, thinking about her duel with Masamune. Yes it was fun. She would like to spar more with him. If only just to get rid of some pent up energy.

"No, he wouldn't poison food. That would go against his ideals regarding his cooking, I think." Asuga shook her head lightly. "I enjoyed it. It was good to have a worthy opponent. Since we are apparently now free to roam at least the city, I might take him up on a few more sparring session. I feel like I'm getting rusty.", she admitted in the end, taking another bite from her food.

Her eyebrows went up a little bit, when Keiji came strolling over, dropping the small tables he and Shinju had been using in front of theirs. Asuga listened quietly to the other Maeda's words and a bit of mischief was in her eyes. "That so, milady? Are you feeling well? Is the food alright? Did you have enough to drink? Has anyone else been bothering you? Do you need me to take care of them?" She asked all those question at once and with an entirely serious face. However the look Shinju gave Kyubei at his comment forced a faint smile on her lips.
It was nice seeing them bantering like this. The last two weeks had been a hard time for both of the women. It filled Asuga with relief to see her companion enjoying herself, even if it was bickering with her 'cousin'. "Let's not tempt fate and just watch the two argue like an old married couple." It was indeed what they looked like to her. Nobunaga sitting in the middle, sipping his Sake while Hideyoshi ranted at Mitsuhide, who was purposefully ignorant. Even she could see that he was just doing all of this to piss him off.

She found Keiji's free laugh very contagious and snickered along with him, even without having any Sake. Catching herself having fun and warming up to those around her, her laugh ended as quickly as it began and she looked at Shinju for a moment, blinking, gathering her thoughts and then continuing to eat. She couldn't let herself warm up to these people. They were the enemy. The people who destroyed her home and killed or hurt those she held dear. A deep breath and her expression relaxed again, trying to calm her heart rate.

Maybe tonight she could sneak out of the Akechi manor and get some fresh air. Thinking she could check in with the Mitsumono stash in town and take Nemain for a ride. It would put her nerves at ease and let her focus on the task at hand. Finishing off her plate with food, Asuga smiled at the idea.

Mitsuhide

Mitsuhide quietly endured Hideyoshi's nagging for a little while longer, a lot more subtle now that Nobunaga had interrupted him, but he couldn't care less. Sipping from his cup, his eyes fell upon the unlikely group now gathering in the back. Kyubei, Asuga, Shinju and Keiji were sitting together, apparently chatting, bickering and sharing their meal together. Ranmaru joined them eventually, he figured mostly to ease things with their lord after speaking out of turn earlier. This was his cue to leave. Mitsuhide finished his current cup and put it down.

"Gentlemen, if you will excuse me." He bowed shortly towards Nobunaga. "Milord." Without another look back, he left the audience hall through the back, not even bothering to walk through the gathered members of the high ranks in Azuchi. The fresh air of the early evening hit him with a cool breeze. He took a deep breath and casually walked through the castle corridors, out into the courtyard and the front gates. Nobody was taking note of him, or refused to do so because of his reputation.

His manor was quiet. Most of the people there had retired or where out in town. He enjoyed a few moments of silence, walking through the hallways of his home away from home. Mitsuhide stopped in front of the room where Shinju and Asuga slept in since their arrival here. A burning curiosity overcame him and so he slid open the screen, starting to look through the belongings of the so called 'guard' first. While he couldn't find anything interesting here, he turned his attention to the little Maeda's things.
It took him a good amount of searching but eventually he could find an interesting bag in a hidden corner of the room. Sneaky, he thought to himself with a smirk. Mitsuhide sat down on the ground, like a child opening a present, and started digging through the contents of the bag. What he found… Left him more than confused. Aside from a weird looking.. toy? Thing?.. with a front made of glass. Another tiny bag which includes strange pieces of paper and a small… what is this? He couldn't actually name it, but it had various things written on it.. It said that Shinju was born in Kyoto but this all didn't make sense to him at all. Also what was this strange looking painting? It didn't look like Shinju at all.

Another thing that fell into his hand amongst others was a stack with more small papers, much more sturdy than the ones in the tiny bag. A few things on here still didn't make sense to him but it was more readable than anything else. It was clearly stated that Shinju's family name was indeed Maeda and that she was from the capital.. She led a Dojo? Interesting. Hard to believe thinking about how clumsy she was sometimes against her guard in training…. He took one of those papers and returned her belongings to their former place, before making his way back to his room to write down what he had found into his private notes. When the time was right he would discuss with Kyubei what he had found… What an interesting little discovery this was.

 

[Nemopedia]

It seemed that Shinju had become the target of their teasings now, a role she didn't mind per se, but also felt that she had to defend herself for. Feeling a smile rise on her lips she gave Asuga a quasi-severe look before reaching out for the same plate of which Kyubei had stolen from earlier.

"No, I think I might need one of your delectable dishes before I can feel better," she quipped back, before chewing on the dumpling she had managed to pick off from Asuga.

They laughed a little more before Asuga abruptly stopped, her face slipping back into that stoic mask once more as a realisation hit her. Shinju was silenced at that as well, as she had hoped that Asuga could let herself go a little more. Alas, it didn't seem to be happening here in Azuchi.

"Oh no, that isn't going to happen," Keiji spoke up, quick to notice the fallen expressions on both the faces of the lady. "For each frown I see tonight the both of you owe me a cup of sake and a song!" he spoke up, promptly pouring both of them a glass.

Now this was a precarious situation, for Shinju could hardly decline a drink from a cousin, and Asuga certainly couldn't. However, understanding what he was doing relieved her, grateful that, though boisterous and a lot to handle, the man was willing to accept them nonetheless and help them ease into the environment.

"You may want to pour another bottle for Asuga, she loves to glare," she jested back at her cousin who gave the guard an amused look.

"Then tonight you drink and tomorrow you dance, I will come by to pick you up," he declared, a finger pointed against the foreigner. To this Shinju chuckled once more. Some leisurely occupation would do the kunoichi some good.

However, when a finger pointed at her Shinju rose her arms in defense, shaking her hands in refusal as she quickly cut her so-called cousin off.

"Oh no, I will have to work on my forms tomorrow, lest Asuga might be complaining that I try to skip out of training," she claimed, finding that it wasn't entirely a lie. She did have a lot of work to do to catch up on the level found in the Sengoku era, or at least, to be able to defend herself effectively. Besides, Asuga wouldn't be able to relax with her around in the open, and for that Shinju felt guilty enough.

Leaving the female with that Keiji only eyed the other, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly before slapping his knee.

"Deal."

And with that the decision had been made as Shinju's eyes travelled to Kyubei before seeking out his master.

Gone.

Expression falling she returned her gaze to the vassal as she shot him a questioning look. Kyubei had fallen into the background ever since Keiji had joined, taking on a more submissive role as the rest joked around, but he was still paying attention as he set his cup down.

"Lord Mitsuhide has retreated first. I will be escorting the two of you back," he explained, earning an understanding nod from Shinju.

"It won't do for us to impose on your lord and return too late," the female decided as she turned around to her cousin. "I'm sure you will be able to amuse yourself, cousin, but leave some for Asuga tomorrow," she politely jested, bowing into the direction of the older man before getting up on her feet along with the rest.

After paying her goodbyes to the rest of the warlords Shinju soon found herself back at the Akechi manor. The gates of the house that had seemed so oppressive before suddenly seemed less daunting, now that Nobunaga had allowed her to stay in Azuchi, but that made the situation no less intimidating.

"Goodnight," she had wished the rest before the door to their shared room was closed, an unsettling feeling gripping onto her. Something was off in the room, but she couldn't tell what it was.

Deciding that it was perhaps some residual stress the female laid down after washing up, closing her eyes as she slowly drifted off.

She dreamt of foxes snooping through her room, the one she had left in Kyoto.

 

[ShakenVeil]

She accepted that one drink from Keiji. Just the one. It wasn't exactly her place with her rank to refuse from someone like him. At least not in front of the eyes of everyone else. Asuga decided to ignore Shinju's open teasing about her signature death glare. For her it was really not a joking matter. Sipping from her cup quietly, only shaking her head when her companion stole from her plate….the next one who did it. Why didn't she put the plate down and left it as a public offering or something?

"If you wish.", she replied calmly towards Keiji's suggestion. Dancing was the only art Asuga was actually able to learn from Chiyome. It was close to her movements with swords. Unlike most Kunoichi, she was more focussed on combat and assassinations. The rest of the conversation kind of went over her head. She was silent when Shinju said her goodbye's to the other Warlords around. Only Masamune, who shot her a bright grin, earned himself a small smile from Asuga and a nod of her head. She felt relieved when they were finally leaving the castle and heading back to Mitsuhide's home. What a weird thought to have. Now they were allowed to stay in the castle and town, they could move a lot more freely. Asuga decided tonight was good enough to directly make use of that.
Back in their room, she sat on her Futon, eyes closed, only listening to her own heartbeat, as Shinju got changed and washed up. Something had felt differently when they returned and tomorrow Asuga would inspect their belongings if anything was missing. Right now she would focus on different matters. Thankfully her companion fell asleep rather quickly and the Kunoichi started to get changed as well. She discarded her Kimono and exchanged it for something with more freedom to move. Her eyes constantly stayed on Shinju, while she finished tying the Hakama. Asuga grabbed her Katana and off she went, through the gardens, unheard and unseen, over the manor walls and out into Azuchi's castle town. The streets were almost empty and whenever someone would get closer to her the shadows served her well as allies.

In the dark, she slipped into the stables and was greeted by her excited horse. They hadn't seen each other in a few days and Asuga was endlessly happy to be able to run her fingers over Nemain's black fur again. She didn't bother with a saddle, only the bridle would do. As quiet as possible, she sneaked Nemain out of the stables and guided her into the back alleys of the town. The safer way to get outside rather than the main street.
Outside of town, still putting a little bit of distance between her and the buildings, Asuga gathered her strength and swung herself on Nemain's back. The mare only waited for her to grab the reins and took off over the fields surrounding the area. Her first thought was to ride down to the big lake, but it was too open. Asuga was aiming for quiet and time to think. So she roughly turned Nemain into the direction of the forest to the east and let her run. Without a saddle, she could feel each muscle of her horse working, especially at such a speed. She spread her arms, letting go of the reins, feeling like she was flying. She was able to breathe again, like someone had suppressed this very function since they entered Azuchi. Constrictions burst away from her chest and an honest smile formed on her lips.

She only took control of her mount again when they reached the edge of the woods, guiding her through the trees in a gentle trot. The forest was silent and only the moonlight offered her some light. On a small clearing she jumped off her horse. Nemain walked a few more steps before sinking to the ground and starting to stretch her legs and scratch her back by rolling in the cool grass. Asuga smiled and shook her head. Her friend felt as much cooped up as she did. Though instead of getting back up, the mare stayed on the ground and the Kunoichi sat down next to her, leaning against her strong shoulder, cheek resting on her soft fur. She stroked along her neck gently. Nemain exhaled a deep breath and Asuga smiled sadly. "I know.. I miss home, too." Now all by herself she didn't bother to hide the tears of loss forcing their way out of her eyes and she quietly cried into her horse's shoulder.
Asuga didn't notice the eyes in the forest, so absorbed by the fact that she was finally alone for once. She let her guard down too quickly, stopped paying attention to her surroundings, while two weeks worth of grief, frustration, anger and fear made themselves known mercilessly.

 

[Nemopedia]

Kyubei

After making sure that both ladies retreated in their room and resting a certain vassal's day was far from over. Turning his heels he made his way over to his master's room, finding that Mitsuhide was indeed still hard at work, answering letters and the likes. However, it was in the eyes that Kyubei could tell it all.

"I have returned, my lord," the male had made himself known, though there was no need for that for someone with sharp intuitions like Mitsuhide's. "Lord Keiji and Lady Shinju seem to get along, and the lord has invited Asuga out for tomorrow," he reported, not forgetting the interesting details that he had taken note of at the banquet.

Filling in the details the vassal sat up, not failing to notice the slight disturbances in the manor. The details that gave away another movement. Tonight would be best to let it all happen, Kyubei figured, for tonight marked the change of a new time and under new circumstances it was always best to play an observer first. So the man had been taught, as such he acted.

Kennyo

It was whilst he was lying in wait for Ranmaru that Kennyo heard a report of utmost interest. In the forest that he laid low a kunoichi was found, moving around the infamous posts of Shingen's network. A network Kennyo wasn't unfamiliar with.

"Let her be for now," Kennyo spoke, his gut telling him the identity of the kunoichi he could expect. "I shall approach her myself," he concluded, as he peered through the foliage one last time, wondering where Ranmaru was staying.

They had promised to meet tonight. This much had been agreed upon ever since Ranmaru had reached out to the abbot, anxious to share that the women had fallen into Mitsuhide's hands, the trickiest of them all. Tonight, he knew, was the night in which their fates were decided, whether they were allowed to stay or not.
When Ranmaru hadn't arrived in another hour Kennyo decided to discard the rendez-vous. The boy must have been caught up into something, unable to move away and the woods were all the more treacherous as the hour passed. Moving away the abbot went into the direction his men had last reported him on, stopping shortly before the clearing as he watched Asuga from a distance.

Sighing to himself the man let his staff ring, revealing himself in the open as he approached the woman, his expression stern, accompanied with sympathy, for he knew what she felt when she expressed these words.

"We meet again," he said grimly, not sure whether to be pleased or to be annoyed. Kennyo liked to believe that neither women had joined the enemy, but who was to tell after tonight? Nothing but their actions, he presumed as he came closer to Asuga.
Asuga's loss was heavy, Kennyo knew that, for he had lost a home as well, once long ago and to the hands of Nobunaga. The day that Kai fell to the Oda forces Kennyo had lost something else as well, though the monk would never dare to admit it out loud, not anymore after that first night of loss.

But that wasn't her burden to carry and nor was it her pain. Kennyo understood that as he stopped a little distance away from her, contemplative on whether he should get closer or not, if she would allow it.

"Had I known to meet you here today I would have brought some mourning sake," he spoke, for once he only felt bitterness towards the era they found themselves in. Bitterness for the cruelty of fate and the taunting of the gods.

 

[ShakenVeil]

While in Azuchi a Kitsune and his trusty companion reflected on the evening together, exchanging information learned in hushed whispers, deciding to letting the shadow which had just left the manor go for tonight, the woods were silent with only the melody of the crickets around. Asuga was still leaning against her horse's shoulder, tears flowing freely from her eyes, finally letting some weight off of her burdened heart. The pain and loss still heavy, but not as unbearable as before.

The breathing of the black mare next to her, deep and even, calmed her nerves and she managed to soon suppress any further crying and collect herself once more. Asuga had never once stopped stroking Nemain's neck… until a soft 'cling' ripped them out of their silence. Suddenly aware that they were not alone both horse and woman ripped up their heads, turning towards the sound. Asuga jumped to her feet, reaching for her Katana and her mare was back on her feet as well, scratching the ground with her hoof until she noticed her master relaxing and ceased. The Kunoichi let her hand go from her sword, amber eyes focussed on Kennyo, who was standing not too far away from her on the clearing.

"What are you doing here?", was the first thing she asked, reaching for the reins of her horse, ready to flee if needed at any moment. She frowned deeply. "Why are you lurking in the woods in the middle of the night, Kennyo? Leave me be." As stern as she tried to sound, her voice was still a bit shaken from crying earlier and couldn't quite keep the threatening tone.
Asuga could see the sympathy in his gaze, hidden under his disapproving frown. Was he here to pity her? Why revealing himself to her when there was absolutely nothing he would gain from it. She had to be cautious. After their last encounter she was more than convinced that he had some serious problems. She didn't need more trouble. All she wanted was to go home… But.. she had been surrounded by enemies, except Shinju, for days. While she had to be careful not to trust Kennyo too much, she knew he wasn't her enemy..for now. She let go of Nemain's reins, the mare snorting agitated, but turned away to busy herself with eating the fresh grass on the ground.

"Sake won't bring them back to life.", she said with a voice numb of any emotion, or so she thought. "What do you want from me? Why not leave someone like me to their own misery, to mourn their family? Is this your cruel idea of a joke, Kennyo? I don't need your sympathy." Snapping at him more like a wounded animal, Asuga dropped to the ground into a sitting position, pulling her legs to her chest. She was giving away too much weakness and bitterness, even without intending to. She used to be more than capable to hide her emotions, but since her whole world shattered it all was different now.
"They are letting us stay in Azuchi.", she informed him. Why? Asuga couldn't really tell. "If you and your men are hiding out in these woods…" A pause. ".. I should leave and keep my distance. Who knows which eyes follow me in the dark…" Falling silent, she looked up to the moonlight, falling between the trees. She wouldn't want to endanger anyone else with her trips. She took enough of a risk herself just to get out. The next time she would head into the other direction. "How I wish for my guitar right now..", she continued, not paying attention if he was listening. "When Yuki was still a kid, we would sit in the evenings on the roof of Tsutsujigasaki and I would play for him." Asuga looked over to Kennyo. "So.. Do you intend on standing there the rest of the night? Sit down or leave."

 

[Nemopedia]

As expected Asuga retreated into a defensive mode at the sight of the man, a regrettable reaction, but understandable, and above all, wise. He wasn't a man to be taken lightly, nor was he even worthy of a human response. Her accusations hit deep, every muscle in her body ready to flee as Kennyo just stood there, grim and tall as ever, eyes cast down to the ground.

He could hear the tears in her voice, the heartbreak she had endured and continued to carry. The monk wanted to say that the missing would be less, that the pain would fade, but he knew it to be a lie.

It was easier to let her vent off her frustrations against him. It was easier for her to vilify him, to make him out to be the monster that he so deserved to be.

He wasn't surprised to hear that they were allowed to stay in Azuchi. If his reports had been true, and he trusted Ranmaru enough to know that they were true with absolute certainty, if the observations that night were true, then the companion with whom Asuga had travelled with was a Maeda, an ally of the Oda, making Asuga a possible enemy.

Yet, Kennyo could see that she was not. Shortsighted as he could be, the abbot maintained enough rationale in regards to the kunoichi to know that she wasn't willingly siding with the Oda. At least not for now, and her warning made that all the more clear.

The tender memories she had of Kai, of the castle in which she had lived with Shingen. How cruel his friend was for sending such a tender heart out into the fields. How terrible fate had been to have her employed in such a horrifying manner. Nothing else but another pawn on the field, to kill and to be killed, fodder, and yet so attached to the people who had reduced her to such a role.

Reluctantly Kennyo took a place at the lake, near Asuga, but with enough distance to make sure that neither could reach for the other. He kept his distance, so that she wouldn't have to fear him. No one would want to be near a man like him, and that again was for the better, for he wouldn't want to be near himself either. Leaning against his staff he squatted, stern eyes going over the lake in front of them, over which the moon shone so peacefully, as if there was no war raging. A mockery from the gods, surely.

"You haven't given me up to that demon," Kennyo started, a frown on his face as he gripped his staff tighter. "Why?"

The question wasn't actually the first thing he wanted to say. He wanted to say so much more, but decided that it was best to not. Sharing memories, perhaps it helped her, but it hurt him too much. Addressing the accusations, no, Kennyo had long since decided that it wasn't worth it to defend himself, for he was every bit the monster others made him out to be.

"He and I," Kennyo suddenly spoke as he continued to observe the reflection of the moon in the water. Funny, a reflection of a reflection. "We spent many nights mourning our friends lost and the days of peace we never had with a cup of sake and some sweets."

The revelation startled him, for Kennyo had no intention to reveal why he had offered a drink for the mourning so readily. The monk had promised himself to find peace in the fact that Asuga took offence in his suggestion, but it seemed that his heart had disagreed upon the sight presented in front of him.

"That demon shouldn't be aware yet of my survival. He thinks I'm dead, but one word from you or that Lady and I will be found," he quickly changed the subject, turning the topic around as the monk regained himself. He needed to know, for some reason. He needed to know if there next to him was an ally sitting next to him or not.

Yet, he still didn't want to involve them. He didn't want to drag Asuga or the other into this war any further than they had already been involved.

 

[ShakenVeil]

Sitting next to Kennyo in silence for a while, just listen to him talk. His gruff voice had something soothing to her, something that would put her troubled mind at ease and gave her a moment to sort her own thoughts. Asuga was never one for very deep talks and long discussions about the when and why. She was a woman of action, which is why she invited him to sit with her, although he kept his distance like she had the plague or something. His question was nothing that required her to think a lot however.

"Why would I tell the Devil King about you and your men? Wouldn't it be putting me at a disadvantage to rat out the only people who might be able to get rid of him?" She didn't know how strong his forces were or how many others worked for and with him, but Asuga had seen his scouting troop and revenge was a brilliant fuel into action, even if not the healthiest. But who cared about mental health in the Sengoku? 90% of the people here needed some serious therapy. Herself included.

"We found shelter with the enemy for now.", she started to explain, seeing no actual harm in telling him what she knew. "It is better than wandering at least. Before Chiyome ran into the middle of battle, she asked me to watch over Shinju. So that's what I will do. It was her last request and I intend to honor it by whatever means needed, but…" She frowned looking on her own feet. "The Oda forces are the enemy. I will do what I can for Shinju and then? Move on." She fell silent again. Asuga thought she might have already said to much…
"Always with the sweets..", she replied to his short story, a sad smile on her lips. Her heart was squeezing harshly, though it felt more bittersweet.

Kennyo wasn't wrong. Talking to her was a huge risk for both of them. Who knew what eyes followed her and what she would say upon her return. She didn't intend to mention a word to anyone about their meeting here, but how could he possibly know? On the other hand, she was sure he had eyes in town, which technically could just run to the next guard or worse a Warlord and tell them about her connection to Kai.

"Your secret is safe with me. If you believe me or not is entirely up to you." She turned her head lightly, so she was actually able to look at him. The bitter expression from her face had vanished and was replaced by something more somber. It was not in her power to join his forces, not right now at least. Without Shinju she would actually consider it. What else had she left to lose? Might as well join the man who was actively fighting the only evil she now saw in this world. When there was nothing else she could tell him, Asuga just watched the water, gentle waves moving with the breeze. "I can only hope you offer me the same in return."
She would have to return soon enough, having some other things to do still before she got back to her golden cage. Asuga intended to flee Azuchi more often, though. If she was careful enough..

The silence which stretched out between them wasn't uncomfortable, quite the opposite. Just sitting next to someone, not worrying about being stabbed in the back for once.. A foolish thought, but none she could just push away. With a deep sigh the Kunoichi put her chin on her knees. Tomorrow she would wear the mask of Shinju's guard again, not allowing herself any freedom whatsoever. It had to be done, it was for her companion's sake. "Do you still pray, Kennyo?", she asked out of the blue, looking at the water still.

 

[Nemopedia]

She didn't hide her opinions, nor her thoughts. She didn't hide them in shades, or leave them between the lines. Asuga was someone who spoke truthfully and directly, and that was what startled Kennyo the most at first. For a man so shaded in his own demons, he found it a dangerous act to speak so freely about one's thoughts, especially when there was no clue on who could drop by to listen and enemies were numerous.

"That woman," Kennyo started, as Asuga spoke of Chiyome's last request. As much as the thought pained him that Shinju employed such a vile tactic, he couldn't denounce it, knowing that his own network was very much similar to it. "She isn't part of the forces yet?" he questioned, finding it strange why the kunoichi was so loyal when the other was virtually doing nothing. Was she a hostage? Or had she been something else to Shingen?

Kennyo didn't want to think about what vile possibilities there could be, a deep sigh escaping him as he lamented the tragedies the women had to face in this world because of men like him.

He kept himself quiet on the matter of secrets, dull eyes staring over the water as he wondered; who did he have left to speak to? Other than the moon there didn't seem to be many left anymore and even the moon had grown weary over his laments.

"Even the demons won't hear me out," Kennyo spoke with another long drawn out sigh, hands clamped around the staff that he had plunged in front of himself. "There is nothing for me to turn towards in my prayers," he explained.

Though he sat in prayer's position, and whilst he still dressed in the robes of a monk. Even if the bells and the staff he carried were still reminiscent of the past he had, his hair had long since grown and the scar was a grim reminder of what he had promised himself to do.

"Why do you ask? Want to learn how to pray? You might be better off with a man more worthy and graced."

His words were grim and Kennyo truly believed them. There was no prayer left within him, nor was he deserving of one. He knew the rites, but his heart had long since locked them up and thrown the key away.

"You don't plan to stay with these men, but that woman will never be safe. Not with them," Kennyo finally decided to address the matter, his lips pulling taut into a line. "Especially not within that fox's house. There is no loyalty in him, no dignity."

Funny how it was he who took these words in mouth, for Kennyo knew that surely, he was no more deserving of the traits himself.

Asuga, he found, had condemned herself just as the monk next to her had, and that realisation hurt Kennyo all the more. Condemnation didn't suit the woman.

 

[ShakenVeil]

"No.", Asuga started to explain. "Shinju joined us a few days before the battle broke out. She basically appeared out of nowhere." There was no point in telling anything more. She knew better about her companion's origins. "We took her in, since she was wandering aimlessly and had some knowledge in hand to hand combat, so she wasn't entirely helpless. Despite all that, though, she wasn't able to join our group because the war broke out."

Asuga herself actually didn't have much to do with Shinju until the battle. She saw her around and had her suspicions how she got there which was only confirmed later on, but before their escape from Kai the two women barely talked. How things changed. She trusted Shinju now. Their shared situation had tied them together for at least the near future. It made her think of Kennyo's words. None of them were safe, especially not in Azuchi. But everywhere else was also not less dangerous. Hiding in plain sight was something she could do, even with her foreign looks.

Served her well, that most people kept their distance to her.

She watched Kennyo for a few moments of silence and then shook her head. It broke her heart to see that he apparently lost his faith entirely. She wasn't entirely sure what to tell him or why she asked this question in the first place, maybe she hoped that something of the kind man she knew remained? Though she didn't believe him a monster, no matter how set his opinion was on this simple fact.
"None of us will in these times. Staying in Akechi's house is the lesser of two big evils right now. So that's what we will do.. until something else opens up.. I'm here to protect Shinju until she doesn't need me anymore. What then? I don't know." She shook her head and returned her attention to the lake and the trees beyond, the moonlight bathing everything in a pale light. "It doesn't matter if there is any loyalty or anything else in him. He is the only one who isn't too blinded by his service to the Devil King. None of us is better than him, Kennyo. We are just all on different sides."

From someone from the future, war never really made much sense to her. It was just power flexing muscles for the big names. Some things would never change no matter no matter how many centuries passed. She had made herself one of the pawns of one of those names, crafted into a deadly weapon because she had no other choice, but the Takeda were different from most clans. She trusted Chiyome's words. No matter if they were all dead now…

Her hands clenched into a fist, arms slightly trembling and she got back up to her feet, brushing the grass off of her clothes and amber eyes turned once more to Kennyo. "It's time for me to head back. I don't want anyone growing too suspicious." With a quiet, sharp whistle she called for her horse, which abandoned her 'feast' and trotted up to her side. Asuga jumped onto her back with one swift movement, grabbing the reins. "Be careful, Kennyo. You might see yourself as a demon or worse.. but your people still need you. I'm more than sure of that." She shot him a gentle smile. "Until next time."
With that, her horse took off, not at neck breaking speed as before but fast enough to see the trees flying by in the corner of her eyes. She broke through the treeline back onto the open fields that led to Azuchi castle. She returned Nemain as quietly to the stables as she got her out, took care of her while she was at it in the dark and then sneaked out back into the city. Instead of returning directly to Akechi manor, though she checked in with one of the Mitsumono stashes close to the market. Climbing in over a roof into a hidden opening, down to a walled off back room. She left the supplies there for now, only wrote a small note about her survival, asking about the status of the network and information. Asuga rolled the small paper up and dropped it into the empty basket for messages.

Once done, she was on her way back to Mitsuhide's home, into the room she shared with Shinju. Asuga redressed into her sleeping clothes and laid down in her futon. She had been out for a while, the morning light would break soon and it was better for her to get some sleep if she wanted to survive another day side by side with her enemies.