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Chapter Text

     Motonari drew his arrow back until the fletching barely tickled his cheek. Under the cover of trees and darkness, he couldn’t help but smile triumphantly at how easy it was to infiltrate Amago territory. He aimed upwards, sighting around the branches as the flaming arrowhead set his crimson eyes alight. After a steady breath he released the arrow, watching it sail through the sky in a burning arc. With this lone signal his plan was set into motion.

     His men began to move.

     The traditional bow and arrow combination was less advanced than his typical firearms, but by no means were they less fun to use. He and the group of soldiers hidden behind him padded quickly through the undergrowth, the oncoming rumble of feet on grassy ground growing into a thunderous storm of an army quickly approaching their target.

     Good. His pawns were here. Everything was going perfectly.

     Motonari broke out of the treeline into the sunlight, legs powering downhill towards the humble, unsuspecting Gassan-Toda castle. The walled city was still and silent at this side, as if unaware that an ambush was on its way to its front door.

     “Lord Motonari.”

     The voice came accompanied by hoofbeats; the Ouchi forces were here, and in particular their star general approached quickly on horseback.

     Harukata Sue, armed with a naginata, smiled pleasantly Motonari’s way. It was like this was a simple get-together with friends and not the execution of a battle strategy. “The eastern front is heavily distracted, as promised.”

     “Great.” Motonari grabbed Sue’s waiting hand, swinging himself effortlessly onto the horse as well. “It’s time to get to business and crush the meddlesome brat!”

     The current daimyo of the Amago clan was old and no longer a threat. The young man who would take his place, well, he wasn’t a threat either. Motonari was confident that this battle would be one-sided, pulling out the pistols that were holstered at his sides. He could already hear the sounds of battle, blood pumping with adrenaline and cruel excitement as he watched the enemy soldiers struggle with their thin line of defense.

     Harukata’s steed sped past the row of retreating enemies, his naginata striking whoever dared to get close as Motonari’s guns picked off soldiers from afar. Arrows whizzed by, but none came close to grazing him or his driver.

     “The gate!” Harukata pointed. Motonari was now close enough -- he slid off the horse, narrowly dodging an enemy’s frantic blade while unsheathing a knife to drive into the man’s stomach.

     His assailant fell and Motonari dodged past more incoming blows, switching his guns for a bomb underneath his vest. His signal arrow had managed to set the roof of a now crumbling house alight and he hurled the ignited explosive behind him at the running foes that tried to keep up.

     They were too late to react once the bomb made contact with the ground, exploding into millions of sharp fragments and a fiery aftermath that scorched and lacerated them. Motonari propelled himself forward, leaping over flaming debris and closing a fist over the hilt of his katana.

     Amateurs.

     He skidded to a halt at a crossroads. Straight ahead was the castle, watching the carnage from the top of her hill. But the streets were empty.

     That wasn’t what he expected. Motonari stood at ready, the wailing of injured soldiers fading out as he focused on his surroundings. It’s pathetic, he thought, how little of a fight they’re giving. But the Amago soldiers weren’t his biggest hurdle. Amago’s general was.

     Shikanosuke Yamanaka still hadn’t made his debut in this fight, and the loyalty that man had to this clan was undeniable and deadly. He was young, but a prodigy with any weapon he dared to wield. He was the only possible threat to their ambush, and Motonari had planned for him. As much as the daimyo hated to admit, Shikanosuke’s persistence was intimidating.

     “What a shame if he were stuck handling the eastern end,” Motonari said to himself, relaxing just a fraction but still not moving. He could sense it. There was a presence here, but he couldn’t point it out.

     Suddenly an arrow whistled by him, just barely missing his nose as it dug into the wood of a house. The attacker stepped forward, drawing out his katana. Piercing golden eyes burned into Motonari’s face as the infamous general - no, his would-be -daimyo, to Motonari’s disappointment - drifted away from the shadows of a home. His pale lips were in a thin line.

     “Were you looking for me, sea rat?” Haruhisa Amago seethed, resting both hands firmly on his sword. “You kept me waiting. As soon as your filthy pirates showed up, I had to cover this front…”

     “You should know I like showing up late to the party,” Motonari hummed, drawing his blade as well. The younger man looked like a ghost. He was a revenant full of hatred and blind, murderous rage.

     Motonari still felt eyes watching him. Why? Who else is here? Who else is coming?

     Haruhisa lunged forward, crossing the road in blinding speed, but not faster than Motonari could block his swing. Steel clashed against steel, the sound ringing with the sheer force of the impact. Motonari shook off his surprise and parried the next strikes, countering with quick slices of his own.

     “Have you been anticipating this fight? I can tell you’ve been training, kid.” The warlord grinned in enthusiasm, sidestepping an inept cut. “But you’re still awfully clumsy.”

     “Do me a favour and die! ” Haruhisa spat, recovering from his failed attempt to attack again.

     “Geez, you’re full of resolve.”

     The closest satisfaction the inexperienced boy got was the end of his katana nicking off a corner of Motonari’s tattered cloak. The sounds of their blades connecting sang through the air in reckless, rhythmless chaos. Haruhisa was outclassed.

     Dark purple clouds gathered overhead. Already bored with the fight and anticipating ill-timed weather, Motonari parried another strike and, seeing an opening, kicked the younger man hard in the stomach. Haruhisa tumbled backwards, clutching his abdomen and gasping for air. His sword shook with his unsteadiness. New wounds from the fight became more prominent as blood trickled down their openings. Haruhisa lay a finger on a cut by his temple, unfazed by the pain but more appalled that his opponent landed many hits on him without realizing it.

     Motonari sighed. “I’ll give you one thing, Amago, you’re passionate. But stupid. Incredibly so.” He pulled out his pistol, the ready click of the firearm forcing Haruhisa to look up.

     The enemy’s eyes grew wide with anger and fear. “You… cheat…! Honourless bastard !”

     Music to my ears. “You forget who I am.” The pirate beamed, feeling only joy in watching him suffer.

     The shot echoed down the streets but Motonari dropped his pistol--it seemed his fingers were incapable of holding onto it any longer.

     Thunder boomed across the sky and the first droplets of rain fell, dotting the ground with black splotches.

     “What…?” Motonari’s heart stopped and all was still, the battle behind him fading as he fixed his gaze on the arrow that stuck out of his arm.

     Haruhisa was on the ground, the bullet having missed his face, but dark red liquid pooled by his head. Blood bubbled up from Motonari’s own wound and he let out a strangled cry, grasping the shaft of the arrow and gritting his teeth.

     A light carmine-clad figure, surrounded by a pale aura of rain, moved out from the side of the street, no longer hidden by shadows as he nocked another arrow into his bow. Shikanosuke, the hero samurai, had finally shown up. He was clearly pleased that his enemy was distracted by the fight. “I want to see you bleed before you die at my hands,” he said coldly, and he raised his bow again. “Men, positions.”

     More soldiers melted out from the shadows of the crossroads, drawing their swords. Most were carrying black shields, blending with the darkness perfectly. Motonari could hear more footsteps behind him, rapidly approaching. They were hurrying, splashing through puddles that formed on the slick road.

     Dammit! No! he cursed under his breath, his vision blurring as he snapped the shaft in half. Motonari let out an agonized cry, tossing the broken piece away and trying to run out of range -- another arrow sliced through the back of his leg. Crippled, he staggered forward.

     One of Motonari’s men rushed past him to take the next shot.

     “No…” Motonari gasped, watching the man fall to the ground, unmoving. He could see who it was that saved him -- Watanabe’s body was coiled in pain.

     “Lord Motonari!” That was Hiroyoshi’s voice. Motonari’s world was blurring, but the sound of his retainer far away was unmistakable. He raised his head. His plans were ruined… everything was hurting.

     “We need to get out of here!”

     “They’ve hidden the rest of their defenses! We can’t get past them!”

     “Yoshitaka’s son has fallen!”

     “Sir, your allies have issued a retreat!”

     Lightning blinded Motonari’s eyes and deafened his ears.

     “Hold… hold your fire! Who on earth…?! Avoid that woman!”

     Shikanosuke’s startled order was the loudest as Motonari fell to his knees, losing his blood and his focus. Whatever defenses his men could muster rushed forward, some falling to more arrows before they walled themselves up with shields. They were saying things, shouting at each other, perhaps crying out in confusion. They looked shocked.

     Motonari collapsed helplessly. The rain felt like it was soaking through his skin, and there were still lingering green and blue hues that danced in his fading vision from the lightning strike. His retainer was barking something, pointing here and there, brows furrowed in distress and puzzlement.

     White veins of lightning clawed the undersides of the clouds. The tendrils reached out like hands looking for balance on unsteady footing…

     A peculiar face came into focus, pleasantly symmetrical and speckled like a starry sky. The sunlight barely peeking through rain clouds surrounded her head in an eerie, halo-like glow. That was it, she was glowing. Glowing like the sun. Her hands were warm with life as they grasped his shoulders and her bright gaze was full of panic.

     She was telling him something. He couldn’t make out what it was past the dull ringing that rattled his brain. Motonari stared at her, exhausted and weak.

     “... and this is so - oh, God - please, don’t die! ” the heavenly woman struggled to find words, frightened tears welling up in her eyes.

     “How can I…?” The pirate’s dimming hues focused on her. Don’t cry, not for me. I won’t die here. I can’t.

     He lost consciousness and the world disappeared, taking the strange apparition with it.

Chapter Text

     “Oh, my God ...”

     Why am I here? These people are dying, I can’t… I can’t just stand around and watch them die…

     The discordant shouts of men made Melody’s head spin with anxiety. The army was so loud and so much happened within a mere few minutes that she could barely concentrate on the injured man in front of her. Her knees were soaked with mud and the storm continued to rage far above them.

     The brightly-dressed stranger on the ground was drenched with rain and blood flowed freely from his arrow wounds. Melody took note of the state of his arm -- he had taken an arrow straight through his bicep. It wasn’t impossible to work with, but it looked like Melody was out of the tools she would usually have access to. She bit the bottom of her lip hard, keeping her tears at bay through sheer will. Every efficient procedure she knew of was useless. She had nothing.

     Please, don’t die on me. I can help you, it’s the least I can do! It’s the only thing I can do!

     Whoever shot this man was not playing around. Pumped with adrenaline and shaken by the sight of corpses littering the scene around her, Melody reached for his arm --

     “Don’t touch him!” Someone cried out, running quickly to the fallen man with a sharp, bloodied sword in hand. He was much older with deep wrinkles in his face and long, greying hair. “Get out of here, woman, or else you will -- ” he faltered, seeing the girl’s frightened face. “ -- a Westerner …?”

     Melody set her jaw, paralyzed with fear. He has a weapon. It’s covered in blood.

     She understood what he said despite his comment, and that was enough for her to respond, albeit shaky and scared. “Please, let me help! I’m a doctor!”

     That was no lie. She was a prosthetist, just lacking her equipment. But the injured man she wanted to help didn’t need a brand new limb.

     The elder grimaced, his intense maroon gaze making Melody shrink away. She felt the tears coming up again, confused and stressed. The line of soldiers gathered on their side of the battle fell back quickly and no more arrows were being shot. Instead, the two armies were holding a mainly defensive stance, close enough to almost sweep Melody and the downed stranger under their feet.

     “... Murakami, bring this woman and our lord to the base immediately. Do not put any scratch on them. Men, hold your defenses, don’t let the Amago get any closer. I will take care of Hajime.” The older man commanded, the soldiers obeying without question as they tightened up their formation. Melody gawked at him, bewildered that he trusted her with a single look.

     Is he their leader? Wait, why did he refer to this not-dead guy as ‘our lord’?

     She didn’t have time to think when she was unexpectedly scooped off the ground, a huge muscular arm curling around her torso. Immediately Melody screamed in alarm, kicking and beating her fists at the large man who picked her up.

     “Ouch! Calm down, missy! I’m here to bring you to the safety!” Her captor, whom she assumed was the person named Murakami, was absolutely gigantic . He was the biggest man Melody had ever seen, astonished with his height alone.

     Murakami easily grabbed the fallen warrior in his other arm with a grunt and raced down the street. His boots splashed in shallow puddles, spraying Melody with rainwater. The large stranger glanced over his shoulder and shouted, “cover me!”

     His voice was thunderous. Melody still felt the words bouncing around in her skull with every step he took.

     The road dwindled down to a thin dirt path and then it was replaced with grass. The cacophonous clamor of fighting was drowned out by the drizzle. Melody clung onto Murakami for her dear life, her gaze forced toward the ground. Any complaint she came up with was shoved back by her inability to process everything that happened.

     She saw few soldiers running with him -- they were the cover he needed -- although Murakami’s escape was speedy enough for someone his size to duck out of danger.

     They passed through a thin forest which gave way to a small clearing. Melody would have never seen the tents until she was right in front of one. Each of them were hidden by branches, camouflaged by the camp’s natural surroundings.

     Murakami’s gait slowed as some strange men approached and took the bleeding lord from his arm. The big man set Melody down in front of him carefully, like any wrong move would snap her in half.

     She didn’t doubt that with how huge his hands were.

     Shaken and stammering, Melody’s knees buckled as soon as she had her feet on the ground. Murakami held his arms forward to stop her from flopping onto the slick grass, his dual-coloured eyes full of muddled concern.

     “Whoa, there.” He braced her shoulders so she wouldn’t tip over. “Uh, I don’t know if you understand me, but you popped up at a very inconvenient time.”

     “I know. I understand you,” Melody spoke as her lips trembled, trying to take in deep breaths to quell her unease.

     The encampment had few men in armor scattered about the clearing, ducking in and out of tents. The men who took the injured stranger hurriedly disappeared within one of them.

     His blood stained the entrance of the canvas, the dark red smudge planting itself into Melody’s memory.

     She gulped and pointed toward the medicine tent, facing Murakami. “I can help him. That guy -- man who was hurt.”

     The big man blinked and scratched his cheek, raising a thick brow. His mysterious accent was heavy and took a moment for her to decipher. “I’m not inclined to trust you, princess.”

     “I’m a doctor,” Melody said carefully, straightening up. I have to do something. If I don’t, I feel like I’ll go insane! This is all so crazy. “Please, you have to let me. I have… I have foreign medicine techniques that will help your injured soldiers recover quickly!”

     That wasn’t entirely untrue, yet Murakami still regarded her with skepticism. “Eh, you certainly seem honest.” Suspicious, he scratched his stubble and hummed. Then he lowered his voice and bent down to reach the new girl’s eye level.

     “I’ll keep a close eye on ye while you do your fancy medicine work, yeah?” Takeyoshi said, scanning her rattled features.

     Great, working under the pressure of time and a nosy audience. God, help me.

     Melody clenched her hands into fists and nodded. “Okay… sir.”

     “ Sir! ” The man guffawed, clapping his hands heavily on her shoulders and twisting her around to face the medicine tent. He leaned down to her ear, his curiosity obvious in his words. “So formal. Takeyoshi Murakami’s the name, miss. And what’s yours?”

     Her shoulders felt sore with how harshly he squeezed them. “My name is Melody Yverne, and I --”

     She was shoved into the tent before she could even finish.  “-- Ack !”

     The small amount of medics inside scrambled, surprised at the sudden invasion. Takeyoshi’s cheerful, toothy grin met her as he poked his head into the cramped space. He smiled despite the scent of blood that lingered within the canvas.

     “Miss Melody, welcome to the Murakami Navy! You’ll be pleased to know that you have paid for your trespass in full.”

     “Paid? Paid with what? ” And since when did I trespass?! Melody rebalanced herself and spun around to give Takeyoshi a bewildered look. She didn’t pay for anything!

     Takeyoshi beamed at her. “Why, ye paid with your services as our new surgeon, of course.”

Chapter Text

     Taking arrows out of a samurai’s body was not what Melody had in mind for her vacation to Japan.

     The men with her insisted on amputation, but Takeyoshi stopped them and shoved them out of the tent when she expressed her concerns.

     “Trust the girl! She knows what she’s doing,” he said with a wink.

     I swear. Melody pursed her lips. If you’re being sarcastic, you might as well have put the last nail on your friend’s coffin. I’m confident in my abilities, at least!

     She wasn’t sure what to think of Takeyoshi’s carefree attitude. He was curious about her procedures to patch up his friend and asked her questions every now and then. Melody didn’t know how to explain it to him in a way that didn’t sound too modern, but he was understanding. Sort of.

     She still couldn’t believe she got roped into this. At least she was doing something . Hopefully after this mess ended and she’d fixed up a complete stranger that looked important, Melody could go free without any heavy negotiation. It would be much better for this nightmare to end so she could get sent back to wherever, whenever she came from.

     The canvas curtain of the tent flipped open and in came the elder man who commanded the troops from earlier. His severe stare swept across the space, lips pressed together in a tight frown. He stepped forward, overseeing Melody’s work with utmost scrutiny. It was like he was ready to punish her for any wrong twitch of her wrist.

     “Lord Murakami. The soldiers are having trouble understanding your new decision.” Acid was dripping with every word he directed to the big man. “Just what were you thinking, letting this woman -- this stranger -- into our midst?”

     Takeyoshi grinned sheepishly. “Hiroyoshi, look at her. She said she’s an overseas doctor. We need a doctor for the ship! And what harm can she do? I know a liar when I see one, and she’s no liar.”

     Hiroyoshi narrowed his eyes. “Trusting your instincts in a losing battle? You’re out of your mind as usual, Murakami. It’s just like you to listen only to your impulses.”

     “Hey now, I take offense to that. My instincts are never wrong. She already promised to serve us.”

     “Actually, I didn’t,” Melody said.

     She lifted her eyes up temporarily to the two authority figures standing by, their attention fixed on her. She gulped. “I just… I didn’t.”

     Hiroyoshi grimaced back to the other. “You forced her to stay?”

     “She had nowhere else to go and she was convenient, okay?” Takeyoshi hissed back, his smile turning more nervous by the minute.

     While they bickered, Melody bandaged up the wounds. She wiped her forehead with the back of her arm, the reek of blood sinking into her pores. She could taste it on her tongue.

     She closed the wounds the best she could and the injured stranger’s arm was taken care of. It would take weeks to heal, possibly even months. Melody shut her eyes, dipping her head down in sorrow.

     This is all I can do for you. You’ll be okay. I promise you that.

     “... and we must get the troops out of here. We don’t know whether the Amago will strike us during our retreat,” Hiroyoshi clipped. He still wasn’t done arguing with Takeyoshi.

     “They won’t chase us to the water, old man. They’d be crazy to follow us into our turf!” Takeyoshi scoffed confidently.

     “You’re forgetting that the current Amago daimyo is crazy.”

     “Ha! Well… that… that is true.”

     Melody heard them, but didn’t listen. She searched the fallen man’s face, which was slightly contorted into an expression of pain. He was fighting to wake up. She could tell from the pulse in his wrist.

     She turned to the two older men who were fighting and stood up, looking for something to wipe her trembling hands. Without looking at her, Hiroyoshi handed her a piece of cloth, worn down but otherwise cleaner than anything in the tent. Melody faltered but took it anyway, burying her fingers into the fabric and staining it red.

     The older general didn’t move his eyes away from Takeyoshi for a second. “Instead of wasting time giving me your reasons for this nonsense, go outside and keep watch. Should anything happen, we leave at once.”

     “Touchy,” Takeyoshi harrumphed. He looked like a very large child who was forced to sit in a corner.

     Just who are these men?

     “Will you all shut it ?”

     The new voice shocked the three, their attention immediately drawn toward the man that spoke. It was the person who was unconscious just moments ago, his deep crimson eyes flashing with irritation.

     “Can I rest in peace without hearing the two of you argue all the damn time?”

     Takeyoshi’s jaw hung open, unable to formulate anything except for: “Yeah, I’m going to gather the soldiers.”

     He ducked out of the tent, leaving Hiroyoshi, Melody and the now awakened stranger alone.

     Hiroyoshi immediately bowed to him, his long grey ponytail sweeping off his shoulder. “Lord Motonari. It’s a relief to see you awake.”

     “And with all my limbs intact,” Motonari replied. He winced as he sat up, using his uninjured arm to brace himself. “I would have thought my arm and leg would be replaced with a hook and a log.”

     “I advised against that,” Melody mentioned happily, comforted in the fact that the man woke up without any trouble. It looked like the bandages she put on him were secure. She mirrored Hiroyoshi and bowed awkwardly, lifting her head to meet Motonari’s eyes.

     Immediately she dropped her focus back to the floor.

     His eyes… they’re so intense.

     “You did, now?” the stranger said, disdain clear in his voice.

     Melody gulped, a smile frozen on her face. “I… I was the one who told the men not to --”

     “I don’t care. ” Motonari cut in sharply. “I want to know who you are and how you got into my tent.”

     That sounded more like a demand than a question. Melody’s anxiety was kicked back up into full gear once again. Words crammed in her throat. Her eyes darted back and forth, unsure of how to answer.

     She still kept her head down. “Sir, I don’t understand how I got here. Lord Murakami told me I was your doctor, or surgeon now… I just wanted to help.”

     Melody could feel Motonari’s stare boring holes into her skull. Or was that just because her head was pounding? She felt like explaining her stance further, but she bit her tongue.

     I’m digging my own grave.

     “Perfect,” Motonari groaned. “Takeyoshi decides to bring a lunatic on board who doesn’t even know her own name or how to answer questions.”

     “ Milord. ” Hiroyoshi straightened up, casting a stern gaze down at the wounded daimyo. “We are heading back to the ship as soon as you are fit to ride.”

     “Aye, I am.” To everyone’s surprise, Motonari slowly got to his feet. He hissed in pain when he put weight on his injured leg, but raised a hand out to stop Hiroyoshi from helping him.

     Motonari rose to his full height, exhaling deeply and glaring at the sliver of the world outside. “Let’s get out of here before I choke to death in this ugly tent.”

     Hiroyoshi stepped out, followed by the daimyo who lurked at the tent’s entrance. He peered out at the dreary landscape, the rain coming to a gradual stop. His men were coming back to camp injured and weary.

     Motonari’s expression was like stone as Melody cautiously approached behind him. She peeked out also, blinking back the tears in her stinging eyes. What he said hurt, but she didn’t want to cry in front of him.

     Would he be the type of person to think I’m pathetic for crying?

     “Ah, right. I have to handle you now thanks to my idiot ally,” said Motonari dismissively. He turned to Melody, studying her. Then he gave her a sardonic, poisonous smile. “Have you ever ridden a horse before, princess?”

     Princess? “No, I haven’t.”

     “Well, you’ll learn on the way to the ship. If you fall off, I’ll leave you behind. Do you understand, foreigner?”

     She decided that she liked ‘princess’ a bit better than how he said ‘foreigner’. Melody’s eyes burned again so she shut them tight. “Right,” she said through gritted teeth. “I understand.”

     “Good girl. Now that it’s out of the way, you’ve gained the right to know my name.”

     ‘Gained the right’? What the hell is wrong with this guy?

     “I am Mouri Motonari.” He introduced himself proudly despite his current state. He was bloodied, injured and defeated, but still he smiled as if he didn’t fear the army coming for him. “And you will follow me.”

     Mouri Motonari. Isn’t that the name of a Sengoku warlord? Melody opened her mouth to reply, but he already moved out of the tent.

     She scowled. He was definitely a lot ruder than she would imagine a warlord to be.

     Melody scampered after him, keeping her palms up as the last of the rain fell on them. It washed the remains of the blood off her hands and she wiped them uselessly on her pants. “Lord Motonari, please, just listen. I’m not from here.”

     “I can see that,” Motonari said carelessly. He limped towards a wary soldier waiting with a horse, taking the reins from him. The soldier dipped away in a hurry.

     Annoyed but determined, Melody clenched her fists and jogged forward to match his pace. How could an injured man walk so fast? “I’m not finished speaking!”

     “I know. I just don’t want to listen to you.”

     “ Excuse me? ”

     “You’re excused, milady.” Motonari turned around and winked at her, then handed her the reins. “Hop on and get moving. If you’re going to be our new surgeon, you’re going to have to keep up. And I don’t want to listen to you because I don’t have the time to right now.”

     Melody fumbled with the reins. The horse gave her a blank look and she returned it with a baffled one.

     “Unbelievable.” Frustrated, she tugged the horse along with all her might and continued to follow the bothersome warlord. “I want to let you know that I’m not supposed to be in this time period, like, at all . So if you know someone who could just tell me how I could get back home, I would greatly appreciate it.”

     “Okay. One minute. That’s it.” Motonari spun to face her, leering down at the woman. Melody flinched, but didn’t back away.

     “What’s your name?” he asked, an irritated smile on his lips.

     “Melody Yverne.”

     “Melody, you’ve officially lost your mind. You’re crazy. Bonkers. I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m trying to organize my own ship plus an entire fleet right now, so this really isn’t the time. Secondly,” he continued, holding up a gloved finger so she wouldn’t interrupt him, “I really don’t care where or when you’re from. Because as far as I’m concerned, now you’re stuck with me.”

     Motonari grinned from ear to ear, a low chuckle rising from his chest. “And this crazy party’s just starting. ”

Chapter Text

    “Easy on the main, boys. Let’s get out of here!” Motonari cackled as he limped onto the ship. The rain-soaked deck was no match for the friction of his boots as he balanced himself perfectly, looking up at the riggers that readied the sails.

    Meanwhile, Hiroyoshi helped the perturbed woman off her horse. “Miss Melody, we will have a room prepared for you shortly.”

    Melody stumbled into the old man’s arms, steadying herself the best she could on her wobbly knees. She never wanted to ride a horse again.

    Soldiers were already moving the obedient steeds away before she was led onto a gangway, walking along carefully before she was pulled onto the slick deck. She gawked at the vessel’s pink sails.

    Hiroyoshi carefully helped her across the ship so she wouldn’t slip, a stern frown on the old retainer’s face. “Milord --” he looked to Motonari. “We must accommodate her.”

    “What?” Motonari gave him an exasperated look, then narrowed his eyes at Melody. He scanned her, something unreadable in his gaze.

    Melody returned his cold stare with one of her own, but meeting those deep ruby colours made her flinch. She had never met someone so abrasive. In fact, she hadn’t met so many people in such little time before.

      I want to go home.

    The captain turned. “... Just put her in my cabin.”

    “... Sir?” Hiroyoshi started. He looked confused.

    Melody, bewildered, was about to protest that she would not sleep in the same bed as some stranger. Especially not one so particularly rude!

    “I barely sleep in there, old man. I can stay in the navigation room until we drop her off wherever.” Dismissing them with a mere scoff, Motonari climbed up to the helm and disappeared.

    “... Yes, sir. Then Miss Melody, follow me,” Hiroyoshi said hesitantly. He led her to the captain’s cabin, the both of them chary after the snappy conversation.

    The cabin looked fairly clean compared to what Melody imagined for pirate ships. Bookshelves lined one wall, some shelves housing various knick-knacks and trinkets. There were small wooden boxes with locks on them stuffed between a few books. Past a classic wooden chest stood a large wardrobe against one wall. A pretty desk with an untouched candle, papers and pens lying on it made up the center of the room. The bed, luxurious and complete with a canopy, sat unused.

    Hiroyoshi offered Melody a seat at the desk chair, then went to the wardrobe and filtered through some clothes.

    “... Thank you, um. Mister Hiroyoshi?” Melody spoke up quietly, watching the elder pick out fabrics. “You’ve been very polite.”

    “You’re welcome. I try not to be too rash, so I apologize for seeming out-of-sorts earlier during the battle. And… I understand my liege lord can be quite brutish .” He spoke matter-of-factly with a hint of sass, much to Melody’s surprise. Hiroyoshi came to her with a folded kimono and a pair of geta. “We can get better and more fitting clothes for you when we reach Nagato.”

    “Nagato? How long will that take?”

    “The better part of the day, my dear. It will be evening once we get there with smooth sailing.” The man started fixing up the desk.

    “... Will I be able to get home once I reach Nagato? I kind of want out of, uh, whatever this is.” Melody touched the pretty clothes now in her lap, chewing on her lip nervously.

    “By home, I assume you mean the West?” Hiroyoshi quirked a brow and laid the papers out neatly. They looked like inventory logs. “With milord’s allowance, we will arrange a ship for you to board.”

    “Oh, no. I mean… can I tell you something? I’m sorry, I just don’t really know who else to tell this to right now, and you seem pretty open to it, I think.” The woman looked up, naively hoping she could gain more understanding from this man.

    Hiroyoshi stopped for a moment, quirking a brow.

    Melody took a deep breath. “Okay. So, I’m from the West I guess, but I’m visiting Japan for… family reasons . Then this morning, I was walking through an old castle exhibit when this big storm struck and I, um, don’t exactly remember the rest. I just ended up here, but if this is some kind of really, really detailed historical re-enactment, I don’t want any part of it.”

    The elder man focused on the desk again, his brows knitted together. He put a pen back in its place. “... Exhibit?”

    “Yeah, a historical monument. It was in Hiroshima, actually.” Melody blinked. “The Hiroshima Castle?”

    “No castle exists.” Hiroyoshi laced his fingers together and frowned.

     Wait, what? Is he serious? I was just there. Am I really in a different time?

     Melody paled. Oh, no. My cat. My friends, my parents. Am I going to be here forever? Do I even exist in the present anymore? Or is it the future now?

     “Miss Melody, you are quite expressive. And because you are, you are also easy to read, if you can forgive my direct observations.” Hiroyoshi interrupted her panic with a calm voice. “You speak in a strange dialect, you wear foreign clothing and you talk about things that do not make sense. Perhaps things beyond this time.”

    “I-I swear, I’m telling you the truth!” Melody stammered, clutching the kimono tightly. “I don’t know when or where I am, I just want to go home.”

    The man studied her. “I understand now why Takeyoshi trusted you so easily. You seem very honest. I do not know whether to believe your story or not. But I do believe your confusion.”

    “... I can’t go back home?” Melody whimpered, dread settling in her stomach. “Am I stuck here…?”

    She was aware that she likely sounded like a lunatic to Hiroyoshi, but no ounce of judgement was in his gaze or in his voice.

    “I am deeply sorry, Miss Melody. However, you are now part of the Mouri and Murakami alliance. It is my duty to manage each life on this ship.”

     Melody looked up at Hiroyoshi miserably. He grew more serious. “I will do what I can. As long as you do not bring harm to Lord Motonari. ”

    That was no ordinary threat. Melody gathered that Hiroyoshi was a gentleman and a man of high standing to deal regularly with a warlord. He was refined, neat and orderly, much unlike anyone else she had noticed on this ship.

    That made his warning much more terrifying than it should have been.

    “I don’t want to upset anyone,” Melody replied. “... But I do want to be useful.”

    Hiroyoshi seemed to relax. He turned for the door. “You are already our surgeon, thanks to Murakami.” He mumbled the last bit.

    “No, I mean -- I want to work, too. I don’t want to wait around for injuries or for people to get sick.” Melody hesitantly got to her feet, hugging the bundle of clothes. “If there’s any way I can help outside of maintaining people’s health, I want to do that. I can write and I’m very smart,” she explained.

     That’s true! I’m a prosthetist, and for my age that’s a big deal! I’ve got all kinds of academic awards under my belt. She held her breath.

    And if I’m stuck here forever, then… I can’t sit around.

     “... I will see to it, Miss Melody. But for now I believe it’s best for you to change and get some rest until we reach Nagato.” Hiroyoshi didn’t wait for her to respond before he shut the door.

    Melody’s heart sank. Alone again.

    She stared at the kimono. It was a vibrant green and, from the feel of it, she could tell it was expensive. She shut her tired eyes then turned to change.

     He’s right. I need to calm down. So much happened. She reasoned with herself, then grew agitated. But I can’t. How am I supposed to deal? Will I ever go home? Or am I forced to live the rest of my life in medieval Japan?

    She gave an empty look to the bed. Now I have to sleep in some random jerk’s bed.

    Melody cautiously approached the mattress. It looked clean. Just to make sure, she lifted off some sheets and shook them free of any invisible dirt, then fluffed some of the pillows.

     These looked brand new. Did he ever sleep in here? She crawled in unhappily, a pout on her face.

    The evening came slowly after an attempted nap. The bed smelt of sea salt for some reason and her eyes were red when she got up. Melody paced around the room, then her eye caught the bookshelves and she headed over to them.

     A lot of these volumes looked European. Wasn’t this Lord Motonari’s room? Did he learn these? She ran her finger over the spines of an array of books, wondering whether she should pull out one to read it.

    There was a knock on the door that made her jump away.

    “Miss Melody, we’ve arrived.” That was Hiroyoshi.

    Melody rubbed her eyes, silent.

    The door opened a crack and the elder man peered in. Seeing her standing aloof, he let himself in and put his hands in his sleeves. “I’m surprised you haven’t tried to escape, to be quite frank with you.”

    Melody started. “Escape? I’d have no idea how to do it.”

    “Simple. This is a stolen Western ship. There’s a dinghy we keep on board, but you could easily convince a few of our men to ready it for you. Then you can climb out that window there and hop into it then row ashore.” Hiroyoshi nodded towards the large window.

    Melody blanked. “Is… everyone on this ship full of surprises?”

    The man smiled and gestured to the door. “That’s up to you to decide. Just a suggestion, though.”

    “How can I trust that?”

    “Unlike the man who runs this ship, Miss Melody, both of us are honest people. We mean what we say.” He gave her a subtle wink when she passed by him, and the two of them, smug, left the ship.

    The weary Melody was glad to be back on land again. She followed Hiroyoshi closely, growing more and more attached to the old man the more time she spent with him. It had only been a couple of hours, but something seemed ultimately trustworthy of him. Perhaps it was one of his valuable traits as a retainer.

    They reached an unfamiliar temple after having to ride horses again, much to the woman’s exasperation.

    It was a gorgeous place, surrounded by a quiet river with some fish swimming about under a bridge; trees dotted the landscape and framed the temple naturally. The moon sat comfortably behind its roof, the striking silhouette pleasing to Melody’s eye.

    “Welcome to Tainei-ji temple, Miss Melody,” Hiroyoshi announced, leading her into the main building.

    An unfamiliar voice spoke up. “Well, look at that. The sailors arrived shortly after we have… and I used to think ships were slower than horses. Colour me impressed.”

    Hiroyoshi turned to greet the man approaching. “General, it’s good to see you safe.”

    Melody looked up, meeting a bright violet gaze. The new stranger -- whom she assumed was the general -- gave her a polite smile, dressed elegantly in muted colours that complemented his pale skin and mousy hair. He carried himself in a way that startled Melody from her worries for a brief second, taken aback by his eye-catching features.

    “And what do we have here?” The man gazed at her in admiration. “You must be the woman of the storm the soldiers spoke about. You made quite an impression! What a pleasure to meet you… you’re beautiful.”

     Woman of the what now? That sounds like a really badass nickname I’m not sure I deserve. Melody’s face turned beet red and she stuttered out pathetically, “Eh?”

    The stranger’s laugh was sonorous and kind. He bowed to her, then fixed his captivating gaze with hers once more. “I am Harukata Sue, an ally of the Mouri and general of the Ouchi clan. You look quite distraught. Would you like some tea?”

Chapter Text

    Harukata Sue swept away Melody’s anxieties and tossed them into the wind with a single bow and a smile. For a solid moment she stood dumbfounded and unable to respond.

    Hiroyoshi glanced between the two of them knowingly and cleared his throat. “General Sue, if you can keep her company while work is done --”

    “I’m ahead of you, General Shiji. It seems milord hasn’t called for me yet, so I have time.” Harukata bowed respectfully and stepped to the side, gesturing for Melody to follow him. “Are you all right? You look shaken.”

    “Yes! Wait,” Melody stammered, yanking herself out of her headspace. She watched Hiroyoshi go, worried. “Um, is it possible for me to help him, or…?”

    “You could .” Harukata turned on his heel and headed down the corridor with his hands behind his back. “I’d advise against it. I’ve received news that Lord Motonari has been injured and will not be able to be of much use in his condition. Shiji Hiroyoshi is his closest retainer and also his ship’s quartermaster, so he has a lot of responsibilities he needs to focus on. It’s best not to get in his way.”

    The woman looked back to the ground. “Oh… you’re right. I shouldn’t bother him.”

    “You needn’t worry too much about them, anyway. I can imagine you’re stressed enough from the earlier attack.” General Sue slid open a door to a dimly lit council room.

    He seated Melody down and quickly asked a waiting servant for some tea. When they scurried off, he sat down near her and wove his fingers together, his unsettling violet gaze studying her intently. “Now, woman of the storm. You may call me Harukata or Sue; titles don’t matter here. We can chat while we wait for the tea.”

    Melody squirmed, uncomfortable. The way he stared made her skin itch, so she averted her eyes and played with a long, wavy lock of her hair that slid from her shoulder to her lap.

     Uh-oh. What do I talk about? Maybe I can try to ask him some questions.

     She chewed on her bottom lip. If she were to stay in the Sengoku era, she didn’t want to go around blindly. Melody didn’t know how long it would be before a storm could place her back in the correct timeline. Harukata could help her if she played her cards right!

    Considering her options, Melody attempted a question: “Where are we, exactly? I know we’re at a temple, but like, in terms of the country and all -- if that makes sense.”

   Harukata answered robotically, nodding in understanding. “Tainei-ji temple, in Nagato. This is a province under Ouchi rule. I serve the current daimyo of the clan, Ouchi Yoshitaka. What else would you like to know?”

    Melody brightened. Hey, this is super easy! He can tell me everything! “That’s cool! Hm, what are the lords here like? Like Lord Ouchi and Lord Mouri.”

    “Oh? Right, you don’t know them just yet. Though, I’m a little surprised that Lord Yoshitaka hasn’t come out to greet you.”

    While Harukata spoke, the servant hurried back with two steaming cups of tea and quietly placed them on the table. Melody gave them a soft ‘thanks’, and the general wordlessly took his cup before the servant left the room.

    Harukata sipped his drink, unaffected by its temperature. “To elaborate, Yoshitaka is an old friend of mine and we have been working together ever since we were children. He has always been the livelier one compared to myself, and I believe I prefer more methodical approaches to things. As for Motonari… I also knew him in our childhood.”

    Melody started. That brute was a child once? “For real?”

    “Yes, ‘for real’,” Harukata said with amusement in his voice. He paused to take another sip of his tea. His smile faded into nothing before he continued.

    “As a child, he was a wild spirit, a storm of a young man. When things looked grim for him, Motonari rebuilt his clan from the ground up and conquered everything and more. He’s quite ambitious. There is also Takeyoshi, the daimyo of the Murakami clan.”

     This is all new to me. Melody processed the information, thinking about how rude Motonari was earlier. Motonari… He certainly acts pretty cocky. I guess he has some bragging rights here.

    “Huh, Takeyoshi didn’t tell me he was a daimyo.” Lifting the cup to her lips, Melody took a careful sip of the tea. Ouch! It was hot, but she slowly drank from it little by little. “The Murakami clan… now that sounds familiar.”

    “Yes, they’re the Murakami pirates that control the Inland Sea.” Harukata nodded. “No one crosses their territory unnoticed. He may not look it, but Takeyoshi is also a competent warlord. Though in my opinion he is a tad too avaricious for various riches and jewelry.”

    “Sounds like a common pirate thing!” Melody remarked lightly, the image of Takeyoshi in a peg leg bounding about in her head. Seeing Harukata’s brow raise, the girl flushed and mumbled, “Because I know that pirates like treasure… and stuff. Sorry.”

    The general drank quietly, then placed his cup down and looked to Melody. His stare was, once again, unsettling. It made Melody’s skin run cold and her smile fizzled from her face.

    “Now, I think I should ask you some questions while we have time,” Harukata murmured. “Who are you, and where are you from? Please, do not spend effort in trying to lie to me. I know you’re nervous, so your emotions will only work against you.”

    His startling words chilled Melody to the bone. She chuckled forcefully, hoping it would release some tension. Harukata smiled, but it didn’t meet his eyes.

     Yikes! She mentally cursed herself for letting her guard down. Even if Harukata was polite and understanding, he was still a Sengoku general. I can’t get too comfortable!

    Melody coughed. “It’s going to sound really, really unbelievable, but please trust me when I say I have no reason to lie.”

    “You shouldn’t. But go ahead.”

    Melody gulped. “Uh, I’m Melody Yverne! I’m definitely not from here. I’m from the future. Five hundred years ahead, actually.”

    Harukata said nothing, so Melody quickly continued. “I don’t know how I got here, but I think it had something to do with that storm. One moment I was in my time, the next I was blasted here by lightning.”

    “And what are you to the Mouri clan? Are you part of the Amago? Against the Ouchi or Mouri in any way?” Harukata asked, void of emotion.

    “Just -- just their doctor! Lord Murakami said so. I don’t know who the Amago are, and I don’t want to fight anyone.” Melody prayed that everything she said would be enough to avoid whatever wrath this general had in store.

    Harukata was an unblinking, unmoving man of ice. Melody felt goosebumps forming along her arms, but she couldn’t tear her panicked eyes away from his.

     If looks could kill --

     “I see.” Harukata relaxed and went back to drinking his tea. “Thank you for telling the truth. I must be aware of milord’s enemies, so you can imagine the kind of precautions I need to take as general.”

    Melody wheezed. “Yeah, that makes sense. You scared me a bit there!”

    Harukata blinked. “Have I, now?”

    Heavy footsteps outside the room silenced them. The door slid open and Takeyoshi poked his head in, curious aqua and gold eyes squinting at the two.

    Immediately upon seeing Melody, he grinned. “Hey there, shark bait! And Mister Sue, Lord Ouchi wants to talk to ye.”

    “Ah. So now milord arises from his den.” Harukata sighed and stood up. “Sorry to leave so abruptly, Melody. Have a good night.”

    The woman breathed a quiet sigh of relief. “It’s okay. Goodbye, General.”

    Harukata slithered out of the room, leaving his empty cup of tea on the table. Melody stared at her own, no longer wanting to drink it.

    Takeyoshi let out a soft ‘ouch’ when he bumped his head against a ceiling beam. “ Ugh , I hate being indoors. You there, little missy! Come with me. I bet yer hungry!”

    Melody rose onto her wobbly knees. “Famished.”

    “Perfect! It’s a bit too late for dinner, but eh, what can ye do.” Takeyoshi moved through the hallway in a speedy gait, eager to get to his destination. Melody quickly scampered along behind him.

    She looked up at him with curious eyes. “You didn’t tell me you were a daimyo!”

    “Hm?” Takeyoshi slowed down a bit so she could keep up. “I guess not. It’s weird hearin’ people call me ‘lord’.”

    “What do you want to be called?”

    “Hm. I don’t know! No one asks me that.” Takeyoshi beamed, flashing an unnaturally sharp canine at her. “You can just call me the big cheese . Boss. Captain -- no, you can’t call me captain, nevermind. But bosun works. Or… handsome ! Aye, call me that! Ha!”

    Melody blinked, unsure of how to respond. Takeyoshi snickered, clearly pleased with himself.

    The woman was being threatened for her life a bit ago, and now Takeyoshi Murakami was cracking jokes? Melody appreciated how lighthearted he was, at least. She allowed herself to feel at ease for the moment.

    The big pirate stopped suddenly in front of another big room. “Ah- ha ! Here it is! All these damn doors look the same to me…”

    Melody bumped into his back and jumped, but Takeyoshi didn’t seem to mind, opening the door and prancing into the bigger room.

    The pleasant scent of food greeted them. Melody peered inside hesitantly, taking note of the long table in the middle of the room that was mostly empty except for one end. It was decorated with plates of rice, seafood and other traditional delicacies she had never tried before. Few servants floated about, one of them being the man that served Harukata and herself tea a little while ago.

    Sitting before the food were two recognizable men: Hiroyoshi Shiji and the injured lord of the Mouri clan. Takeyoshi plopped down by the retainer, rubbing his hands eagerly. Motonari and Melody’s eyes met.

    Unnerved, the woman stood still. Do I sit down? Why is he looking at me like that?! God, I wish I could read people easily, like Harukata.

    Motonari tilted his head, amused by her fear. His eyelids fell halfway, a smirk tugging on his lips. He motioned to the food, then the empty place across from his retainer and the oblivious bosun. If Hiroyoshi noticed Melody’s unease, he didn’t say anything about it and and lowered his eyes to his food. Takeyoshi was already shoveling rice into his mouth, distracted by his own chomping.

    “Why the face? Are you not hungry?” The pirate warlord sneered when Melody hesitated to come forward. Motonari ran his gloved hand under his chin, his blood red eyes gleaming.

    “There’s no need to be so unfriendly, princess. Sit down. Let’s talk.”

Chapter Text

    “What were you thinking , boy, letting him escape so easily?” Masahisa Amago glowered, his hands tightly held together behind his back. “We were so close to killing that sea rat. I trusted you with one simple job. You even had Yamanaka with you, and yet, you still couldn’t put anything but a scratch on him. Look at you. Look at what he’s done!”

    The active daimyo of the Amago clan was a stern, unforgiving man. Haruhisa, his son, was soft-hearted.

    Though there was a thousand-yard stare on his face, Shikanosuke was too familiar with the icy relationship between the father and son in front of him. He was used to these lectures and no doubt his friend was, too.

    Haruhisa’s head was lowered, his unkempt hair covering his face. Some strands gave way to a newly applied bandage. The blood from the bullet to his right ear soaked through it, a deep crimson colour staining the material that was once clean.

    He was barely audible. Every word was a pained, desperate whisper. “He couldn’t… neither of us could… I was on the ground, and there was this woman who appeared, they said, out of lightning --”

    “You’re going on about nonsense again. Stop giving yourself excuses.” Masahisa interrupted him impatiently, rubbing his temples. His cold look focused on Shikanosuke. “What was a woman doing there? The people were told to stay in their homes.”

    “We’ve never seen her before. She was stolen by the Mouri, sir. ” Shikanosuke answered without missing a beat. His eyes wandered briefly to Haruhisa before continuing. “Unfortunately the enemy’s defenses were faster than anticipated. They retrieved their Lord and this strange girl. However, I have injured him greatly. We have yet to receive further news from the spies I’ve sent out, but this gives us an advantage over the Mouri now that their leader is hurt. As always, we await your orders.”

    Masahisa scanned the general’s face. His pale lips tightened into a disapproving frown, but the anger was directed toward Haruhisa once more. “This is disappointing. You say you understand why our clan needs Motonari Mouri dead, but you clearly fail to show it. As long as that man walks, everything your grandfather has worked for is in jeopardy.”

    “I know,” said Haruhisa weakly.

    “I will not lose any more of our land due to your incompetence. If you are the next daimyo in line, act like it . Now get rest. You’re useless to me like this.”

    “... Yes, father.”

    Masahisa exhaled deeply through his nose, his harsh orange eyes making his son pull back with fear. Then the older man left, leaving the general and his would-be-daimyo alone. They waited until his footsteps faded into nothingness, leaving them in complete silence.

    Shikanosuke’s shoulders sank as tension floated off them. He rubbed his sore neck and looked to Haruhisa.

    The young man was kneeling on the floor, his head hanging and the backs of his hands resting at his knees. His desolate gaze settled on his thin, twitching fingers. For a while he brooded in his misery and shame, unable to bring himself to talk to his old friend or look up.

    So Shikanosuke spoke for him.

    He crossed his arms and scowled. “You shouldn’t blame yourself for this. We still defended the castle just fine.”

    “But I do blame myself.” Haruhisa continued to shrink before him. “Everyone does. It’s true… I have never been as good as you. I have never been… as smart… as strong. It is my fault that my family sees me as a disaster… I am not fit to be daimyo… grandfather said so.”

    “Maybe not yet.” The general sighed. “It’s hard work, Hisa. You clearly couldn’t help being shot in the ear. Your father doesn’t understand that. You and I both know he’s a perfectionist.”

    Haruhisa nodded slowly. “Yes… he does not understand.”

    “... Anyway. We both need to get rest. It’s late. And there’s still much for me to do in the morning.” Shikanosuke took a moment to wait for a response, then he turned.

    “Wait.” Haruhisa slowly rose to his feet, his face mostly shadowed by his raven bangs. He watched the general with a haunting look, the red and yellow hues in his eyes dim, like a spark long ago had been extinguished. “Shika.”

    The general stopped walking. He angled his head slightly to look over his shoulder. “Yes?”

    “... What would you do if I was daimyo instead of grandfather? What if my father wasn’t in his place?”

    Shikanosuke blinked. That was a silly question to him, but he faced Haruhisa fully to answer.

    “My loyalty to the Amago will never sway.” He raised a fist over his heart and bowed, a reassuring, gentle smile on his face. “I serve the Amago daimyo first and foremost. This applies to you as well, once you carry that title. After all, we’re friends. I look forward to working with you once that day comes.”

    Haruhisa seemed startled with the answer. He examined him carefully, then closed his mouth and nodded. “Right. … Thank you… Shika.”

    “Good night.” The general fought his urge to yawn as he left, leaving Haruhisa by himself in front of the empty throne.

    Hiroyoshi smiled politely to greet the cautiously approaching Melody, offering her some rice and tempura. She grinned back shyly, sitting down next to him and helping herself to small portions of the meal, contrasting heavily with how Takeyoshi inhaled anything he touched.

    Motonari said nothing despite his previous invitation to talk. His stare was disturbing Melody’s meal and she lost her appetite quicker whenever he looked her way.

    She gulped down a bit of tea and cleared her throat. “... So?”

    Motonari drank from his cup dismissively. “What?”

    “It’s just… you were staring at me, so I thought you wanted to start the conversation.”

    “I don’t. Feel free to humour yourself, however. I’m sure there’s a lot on your mind.”

    “Oh.”

    Melody bit her tongue. She looked to Takeyoshi, but he was too focused on getting as much food into his belly as he could. So she turned her frantic gaze to Hiroyoshi, hoping he could help tone down the awkwardness.

    Hiroyoshi caught on easily, his eyes widening slightly as if annoyed with his master’s rudeness. “Would you perhaps like to provide a listening ear, milord?”

    Motonari grimaced. “No.”

    “Then,” Hiroyoshi said patiently, “why not formally introduce yourself to this kind woman who saved your life? We were too rushed in the morning. This is a good change of pace to do so.”

    The warlord set down his alcohol and leant back, giving Melody a sarcastic sneer. “Hmm! In case she already forgot with that air-headed look of hers, I am Motonari Mouri. Leader of the strongest clan in Western Japan. Samurai, pirate, self-made man, you name it. I’m a jack of all trades and the god of trickery.”

    Takeyoshi rolled his eyes after the dramatic introduction. “I think ye forgot somethin’.”

    “And what would that be, you barbarian?”

    “That man, there, is a bastard!” Takeyoshi was all smiles as he pointed his chopsticks accusingly at Motonari. Then he turned serious and nodded vigorously at Melody. “No, really. He’s unpleasant.”

    “That’s rich, coming from you .” The daimyo glared, annoyed. “And I take pride in my unpleasantness. Thank you for that at least, Murakami.”

    “See? He’s a scoundrel and he even knows it.” Takeyoshi winked, then crunched into his meal.

    Melody watched with interest. Were they close? It must take a lot of guts for Takeyoshi to joke about someone like Motonari so freely. “Oh -- Lord Motonari. How’s your arm? And your leg?” She gained the courage to speak up, hoping no one would shoot her down for asking a question about his well-being.

    “Fine,” he said in a curt manner.

    The big man groaned. “Oh for goodness’ sake, man! She’s going to be staying with us for a while, you need to be nicer to her! Right, Melody? He’s being mean.” Takeyoshi teased relentlessly, almost knocking over a sake bottle when he reached for another plate. “Let the girl introduce herself!”

    Motonari muttered, “Yer insufferable , Murakami.”

   “Hey, thanks! You’re fun to annoy when yer bein’ all flashy. So, where are ye from, little miss?”

   Melody straightened up a bit, hoping to match the effortless confidence that Motonari conveyed with his presentation. She opened her mouth -- but nothing came out.

     Oh, boy. What do I say? That I’m from the future? Do I have to make something up on the spot? But what if Hiroyoshi tells them the whole truth? I guess I should be honest but leave stuff out.

     “I’m a doctor,” she said warily. “From France. Well, my dad’s from there. And… I’m here now. … That’s it!”

     Great. Well done, Mel.

    Motonari raised a brow. “So does this have anything to do with your talk of being from a different time period?”

    Shocked, Melody uttered, “You remembered that?”

    “That happened this morning. I’m not stupid, princess. … Though, now that you mention it, if you really are from the future as Hiroyoshi said you were, then that makes you more interesting.” He looked to his tea, a contemplative expression on his face.

    Melody was relieved that Hiroyoshi told Motonari of her situation. If it were up to her to do so, she probably wouldn’t have been taken seriously. She couldn’t be too sure -- this place felt unpredictable. She still wasn’t used to it. She glanced to the warlord again, curious.

    The contrast of his dark skin and his pale silver hair was… aesthetically pleasing in Melody’s eyes. Despite being hurt, he moved just fine and showed little evidence of any pain he felt.

     Warlords surely are something else. He must be hurting still, but he’s playing it off like it’s nothing. Melody found herself enjoying her food. The pleasant smell of hot seafood and rice made her mouth water. At least her appetite was back!

   “Yeah. You can imagine I’m really confused about everything, but I’m a fast learner. I want to help, though,” she explained. “It’s just… all really new to me. Back home, I didn’t leave my property like, at all.”

    Motonari stopped drinking his tea abruptly. “What?”

    Melody halted when all the three men’s eyes were on her. “Everything is new to me?”

    “No, not that.” The daimyo set down his cup. “You've never left your property? What does that mean?”

   “Um, exactly what it means.” Melody confirmed with a bewildered look. “I haven’t left the small area around my house in years. I kind of grew up all alone.”

    Motonari looked genuinely surprised. Takeyoshi’s tempura fell from his chopsticks back onto his plate.

    Hiroyoshi, concerned, tilted his head and asked, “Was it dangerous to go outside? Were you only confined to one province?”

    Melody grew embarrassed, scratching her cheek. “No! No, I really mean that like… there’s this small square of land that my house is on, and I don’t usually step outside of it. … I guess I am a bit scared of what’s out there.” She shrugged.

    “Good gracious golly. She is sheltered .” Takeyoshi gasped, his eyes full of tenderness and pity. “We gotta keep her, boss. She’s so cute and pure.”

    “Oh, uh, thank you…?” Melody blushed.

    Motonari was still in disbelief. He ran a hand through his hair, smiling incredulously. “This is insane. A woman from the future who has no idea how cruel life could be.” He shook his head. “Hiroyoshi, you’re in charge of her now. Starting today, she’s your first mate.”

    The retainer nodded, deep in thought. “Yes, captain.”

    “What about me?” Takeyoshi piped up.

    Motonari deadpanned. “You, just… do whatever you’re doing.”

    Takeyoshi’s face fell.

    Melody faltered. “Wait, first mate?”

    “Think of it as an apprenticeship. You work for the old man now, and he works for me.” Motonari struggled to rise to his feet. A short, laboured breath of protest escaped him, a crack in his otherwise believable act of strength. Hiroyoshi got up to help, but the daimyo waved him off. “... I’m tired. You’re all dismissed.”

    The servants bowed and began to clean up. Takeyoshi, finished with his meal, happily got up from the table and strolled out of the room. Hiroyoshi offered to help Melody onto her feet.

    The woman trailed after her new mentor, more questions bubbling in her mind. She stopped at the doorway and took a brief glance back.

    Motonari’s arrogant, superior posture was gone. He massaged his aching shoulder with his good hand, his back turned to the door.

    Everyone had left, and yet he remained. It was a lonely scene -- an empty room and a defeated warlord shrouded in gold, the faint glows of lanterns barely reaching his shadowed form.

    His voice made Melody jump. “Get out.”

    She ducked out of the room, the new image burned into her mind.

    Shikanosuke woke from his slumber to a clamor coming from below.

    The general shot out of bed, his heartbeat roaring in his ears with growing panic as he grabbed his katana.

     What’s happening?

     He sped out of his room, his bare feet nearly slipping down the corridor. The screams of fearful servants and vassals pierced his eardrums. He could feel the disturbance shaking up the walls of the castle and seeping into its floors. As silently and swiftly as he ran, he couldn’t help but feel that he was already too late.

     Is Haruhisa safe?

     He burst into one room, then another. Nothing. Nothing . The scent of blood grew stronger the farther he progressed into the castle, servants fleeing opposite the direction he was going. The trail lead him straight to the master bedroom.

    He flung open the door, out of breath and quaking with pent-up anxiety. “ Haruhisa ! I heard --”

    Haruhisa stood in front of two dismembered bodies, their blood dripping off his katana and soaking into the once pristine white silk of his robes. His back was turned to the door and, for a brief moment, there was a deafening silence that fell over the room which muffled the noise outside. His eyes eventually met his friend’s. “General.”

    Shikanosuke’s body turned to ice. He blinked the remaining drowsiness out of his eyes, his hands gripping his sword tightly. “Haruhisa, what happened ?”

    “I’ve executed one of our samurai factions.”

    “ What ?”

    “And now, my family is dead.”

    The general’s petrified gaze jumped from Haruhisa, to the blade, then to the corpses before the man’s feet.

    Masahisa and his wife. Their bodies were barely recognizable with what Haruhisa had done to them. He felt his stomach lurch with the urge to gag.

     Haruhisa, why would you do this? What will happen to the clan now?

     Haruhisa stared blankly at him. “You are loyal to the clan, right? You vowed to protect us. You swore under the moon.”

    Shikanosuke swallowed, aware of the nervous sweat rolling down the back of his neck.

    He remembered the night he stood under the glare of a crescent moon, his lance tucked in one arm and hands clasped together in prayer. He swore his undying loyalty to the Amago with the moon at his back, soldiers watching in awe at the young general’s heroic vow.

    No matter what happened, he will fight for the clan. He will make his family proud, avenge his father, and his allegiance shall never falter.

     No matter what happened .

    He took a deep breath. “... I did. And I still hold true to that promise… Lord Haruhisa.”

     The daimyo smiled, but it was unnatural. Forced. He wasn’t used to smiling. He looked mad. “This is good news, old friend. Starting tonight, I am the Amago clan’s new lord.”

Chapter Text

    Morning came and illuminated Tainei-ji. The temple's mysterious silhouette turned into a bright, beautifully decorated complex that shone under the sun. Cherry blossoms that dusted the ground sprung from their grassy beds when Melody darted past. She stopped briefly to admire how the petals swirled in the air before they gracefully floated back down.

     Despite the tense meetings from yesterday, Melody fortunately gained some needed rest within a temple room. Un fortunately, she was still in the Japanese Warring States era.

      I'll just have to make do with the resources I can get my hands on , she thought, setting a determined face. It won't be easy, but I'm fine with a challenge. If I look at it optimistically, it means I'll learn some really useful new things! The first step is to try and blend in with the crowd. Someone here can help me through town!

     A splash made Melody angle her head toward the noise, her thoughts interrupted.

     Kneeling by the side of a pond was a man dressed in fine, elegant fabrics. His eyes lingered on the water for a moment, brows creased as if he saw something in the pond. Seconds passed and he finally lifted his green gaze to meet Melody's very own.

    They blinked at each other. The royal looking man rose to his feet, shaking off the water from his hands. Some droplets on his mature face glistened on his forehead and cheeks. For a split second, he appeared relieved.

     The man came toward her, smiling kindly. "So you're the lovely European that people were buzzing about yesterday. I'm deeply sorry I didn't have time to meet you. I'm Ouchi Yoshitaka. You must be Melody, and you're absolutely stunning! Like a ray of sunshine you are. You really stand out."

      So much for blending in. Melody grinned bashfully and bowed in respect to the name she was told about last evening. "Thank you, Lord Yoshitaka."

     "So polite. Come, come. Let's head to the lecture hall. Have you eaten?" Yoshitaka gestured down the path, then lead the way to the next building.

     "Yeah! I have. Mister Hiroyoshi gave me breakfast. He said that today would be a good time to look for new clothes." Melody looked down at her light coloured ensemble. She admired fashion -- it was a comfort she had as an aristocrat's sheltered daughter. Hiroyoshi noted that her borrowed clothes didn't fit, so he decided that her introductory task as his first mate was to go shopping.

     Melody immediately put it upon herself to dress well for her new job. She would not let mister Hiroyoshi down.

     The man next to her beamed. "Good man, sounds like he needed a new person to spoil. I wonder if that made Motonari the greedy guy he is," Yoshitaka laughed, heading up the steps into the lecture hall. "If you don't mind, perhaps sometime we can have tea together? I'd love to hear stories of your life overseas. And I bet you'd need an expert on the land like me to show you around."

     Melody trailed after the older man with a growing smile on her face. This guy seems so nice! "Thanks again, Lord Yoshitaka!" She chewed on her lip hesitantly, thinking of what else to say to the warlord.

     Motonari popped out from behind a column. "Flirting, Ouchi?"

     Yoshitaka and Melody jumped when the sneaky warlord appeared. Motonari sneered, crossing his arms and stepping out of the shadows. "Good morning. You two are slow walkers."

     Yoshitaka's fear quickly fizzled. He put his hands on his hips, a scolding look in his eye. "Heavens above, man! I'm getting older, you're going to give me a heart attack. Do you have to make surprises like that a habit?"

     "Yes," said Motonari.

     "Good morning," Melody greeted him stiffly, trying not to look him in the eye. Instead she focused on the sea-coloured trimming of his dark clothes. Was he wearing a cape? What a flashy guy. She caught sight of clean bandages over his bicep.

     "Princess, you'll let everything sail right over your head if you keep looking at the ground," Motonari remarked smartly, leaning against the column. He nodded to Yoshitaka. "Your retainers are waiting for you. As I said: you walk slow."

     The pirate pointed over his shoulder with his thumb to two men standing apart. One was Harukata, who stared blankly at the gathering group. The sunlight from the windows didn't quite meet his violet eyes. The other person was a sleepy-looking man with messy hair Melody didn't recognize. He had a dark ink smudge on his cheek that he poked at, trying to wipe it off.

     "Ah, Takafusa! Melody, this man here is Taketo Sagara." Yoshitaka lit up and approached them with open arms. "My dear friends, good morning."

     Takafusa? Melody blinked, puzzled. She gave Taketo a curious glance.

     Harukata gave his lord an empty smile and corrected him, " Harukata , sir."

     "Right, right, you changed your name... ah, but I liked having a similar one. It's like we're brothers!" Yoshitaka pat his general on the shoulder. Harukata said nothing.

     The sleepy person, Taketo, rubbed at the black spot on his cheek to no avail. "I still can't believe it's already morning. I was up all night again. It's good to have you back, milord."

     Yoshitaka looked concerned. "You never stop, do you?"

     "Of course not. I’m an impatient man who needs results," Taketo scoffed. He let his attention slowly focus on Melody, who stood a short pace away from the bored Motonari. The tired man paused, then the drowsiness from his eyes was blinked away the instant he got a good look at her. " You !"

     "Me?" Melody started.

     Taketo ran toward her with sudden energy. Melody let out a squeak of surprise when his hands cupped her cheeks, tilting her head up, down and sideways. His touch was warm but a bit shaky from lack of sleep, his curious gaze scanning every freckle on her burning cheeks as she was observed from different angles.

     "My muse! The one who kept me up all night, is it really you?" Taketo gasped, running a hand through his dark locks once his palms left her face.

     The retainer turned and pointed at Melody as if she were the most interesting person in the room. "This woman...! Milord, she only proves the point I was making before about Europeans on our shores. With more foreigners coming in, we need to push to educate them about our cultures, our ways. Share our knowledge! ... She's magnificent, just look at her."

     Melody was still confused with what just happened. Her cheeks felt tingly and weird. "Who... what? Huh?"

     "I have so many questions. How did you grow your hair so long? It's almost down to the floor." Taketo hummed. He circled her like she were a statue in a museum and paused to pick up the ends of her wavy hair, feeling the weight of it in his fingers. " Fascinating ."

     Motonari frowned. "You're invasive as always, Sagara. Hands off. She's not a painting."

     Taketo flushed and dipped away, letting go of Melody's hair. "Oh, I... I forget my manners... I'm so sorry."

     Melody let out a breath she didn't know she was holding in, her hands in fists. She gave the pirate a brief thankful look. "Please don't do that again, mister Taketo."

     Motonari caught her grateful stare, but turned away. Taketo rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. "I'll keep that in mind. I really am sleep deprived, I'm sorry again."

     Harukata narrowed his eyes, turning to Yoshitaka and shrugging. "Your calligrapher seems to forget his place easily, milord. I'd advise against trusting the words of a crazed man who had little rest."

     Taketo tensed, his hand dropping back to his side. Melody stepped behind Motonari cautiously.

     Yoshitaka sighed. "He already apologized to her, let's not be too harsh on him. The day has only begun for us, but Taketo had been working hard through the night."

     Harukata gestured to the other retainer. "Has he? The only 'ideas' he gave you is more blabber about foreigners. We have the hostile Amago forces to focus on. This nonsense can come after the war has been dealt with. Have you forgotten that we lost in our last battle?"

     "No," said Yoshitaka, flinching. The warm glow on his face disappeared completely.

     "Mm. And what were you doing, Taketo?" Harukata continued, eerily calm. He let his icy look rest on the calligrapher. "Our lord was at Izumo, risking his life for the sake of his clan. Were you there when his son died yesterday? Or were you here writing?"

     Melody paled. A bitter lump formed in her throat.

      His son died in that battle?

     She watched Yoshitaka carefully. He set his jaw and tilted his head up slightly, taking in a deep but shaky breath. His emerald eyes looked sunken in and slightly red from last night's tears. Whatever facade he was holding together had fallen apart.

     "That's enough from you, Sue." Taketo shook with stress and grief. He clenched his hands into fists. "I know what happened!"

     "Friends, please ," Yoshitaka begged them to stop. "We came here to talk, not to fight."

     The lecture hall fell deathly silent, tension hanging in the air like a suffocating cloud. Harukata still looked unfazed. He only raised a brow to acknowledge the calligrapher's rage.

     Motonari cleared his throat loudly and spun around. "Well! That's my cue. I'm heading to town."

     Yoshitaka unhappily looked up. "Wait, I --"

     "I'll be back before sundown. You can talk to me then. Right now, it's me time." The pirate strolled casually out the hall.

     Oh no. What do I do? Maybe I should go too. It’s not like I have any say in this. Melody’s gaping was met by the dark stares of the three samurai remaining in the hall. Worried for Yoshitaka but unable to form any words, the woman excused herself and hurried after Motonari as he went outside.

     He headed down the path with ease as if nothing strange had happened. Melody noticed the lack of weight he put on his injured leg.

    Motonari was a good actor. He held his head high and had so much confidence that Melody secretly envied. The way the pirate's golden cloak billowed out behind him looked almost heroic, cherry blossoms disturbed from the temple grounds as he walked onward.

     Melody slowed down and tilted her head at the sight, unaware of a petal twirling in the air toward her face. As soon as it hit her mouth, she coughed and spit it away, the taste of dew on her lips.

     Motonari paused at the sound of her coughing and turned, utterly fascinated by her show of grace. Melody wiped her mouth, red-faced.

     "By the way, princess," the pirate piped up, "Sagara got some ink on your face."

    "Oh...!" Melody rubbed at her cheeks, trying to wipe off any stains left behind. Her hands turned up empty. "Where? Is it still on me?"

     Motonari smirked. "You're so gullible."

     Melody scowled at his lie, glaring at the back of his head as he chuckled and continued walking.

    "Funny girl. Now go and bother Hiroyoshi, I need to get out for a bit." The pirate waved her off.

     Melody huffed. With a burst of confidence -- and also desperate to forget what she had witnessed just moments ago -- she matched his pace.

    "Actually," the first mate puffed out her chest, "I'm going to town too. Mister Hiroyoshi told me to find some better clothes to wear, and you seem like you know your way around this place. It'll be much more efficient to go with you. Otherwise, I'll get lost, or worse, kidnapped! Then you won't have a cool doctor like me to tend to your wounds."

     "You're not coming with me." It was Motonari's turn to frown, his playful aura dissolving. He stopped and gave Melody a disapproving look. A familiar voice startled them out of their banter.

     "Oh, she is," Hiroyoshi confirmed. The Mouri clan retainer stepped down from the stairs of the main hall, the wide open doors behind him revealing rows of golden statues. He gave the both of them an angelic smile, mirroring the serenity of the religious artifacts behind him.

     Melody wheezed. "Do you two just randomly appear whenever you feel it's most convenient?"

     "Yes," Hiroyoshi answered simply.

     Motonari pouted. "Old man, do you like testing my patience?"

     "I am in charge of her, am I not? Dear Melody brings up a good point." Hiroyoshi pointed out, intertwining his fingers together.

     "I do!" Melody beamed proudly, then faltered. "I do?"

     "Of course. Milord has great eyes for fashion." The retainer motioned to Motonari's dark but elegant ensemble. "It was either him or Lord Takeyoshi. However... Murakami has his hands full until the afternoon. He also usually has one eye covered ."

     Melody's jaw dropped in astonishment. These guys are just full of surprises, huh?

     Hiroyoshi winked at her. "Run along now, children."

     Motonari groaned, raising his gloved hands in a vague strangling motion towards his general. Instead he gave up and stormed past the smug old man. Melody gulped and followed the warlord's steps across the main hall, down the path and out the temple gates.

      Day two of the Sengoku. Melody broke into a nervous sweat. I go shopping with the samurai disaster.

Chapter Text

   Tainei-ji wasn't far from town. The pirate daimyo didn't speak and Melody sighed, trying to find something interesting to distract herself from the awkward silence. She could smell food cooking nearby and hoped she wouldn't get hungry. She took note of the few trees and lush green grass lining the path; birds on their branches chirped and chittered with their unknown gossip.

    The town crept closer and Melody noticed more details. The architecture was beautiful, traditional and suited the natural scenery perfectly. People strolled by, carrying baskets or buckets of goods. They seemed perfectly content with ordinary things around them, things that were brand new to the foreign first mate. Voices mingled in the air, but the wind didn't carry their words to her ears.

    Motonari was still quiet. His footfalls were rhythmic on the well-used path before them. She couldn't see his face, but Melody imagined him to be deep in thought. Earlier, he seemed more eager to get out of the temple than she was. Perhaps he needed some air to get his mind off his wounds, or the tense situation he avoided earlier.

    She found the source of the savoury scent -- someone was grilling something sweet and exchanging the fried rice balls for glittering coins. Melody processed the living world of the town around her, fascinated but still not satisfied. For some reason the golden man in front of her was much more interesting than some street food.

    She wandered next to him, keeping a polite distance away so she wouldn't impose on his personal space. "You know why I'm going out. Why are you?" Melody asked, attempting conversation. "You should be resting."

    "I don't like resting. I like moving." Motonari sounded dismissive. " You shouldn't be telling me what to do."

    "I --" Melody wanted to retort, then resigned and bunched her mouth to one side. "-- I guess ."

    He kept walking. As expected, the pirate lacked his manners when speaking to her. Melody fell behind again, frustrated and uneasy. Her heart sank. Making friends is hard . The flowery shows, books and movies she indulged in said otherwise.

    How can I talk to this guy?

     Motonari turned sharply onto a different street. "Don't get lost, princess. Any misstep and you'll be a ronin's easy target."

    The woman lifted her head and knit her brows. "I can take care of myself." Mostly .

    He didn't believe her for one second. "You're joking." Motonari glanced over his shoulder, a hooked brow lifted skeptically. "You stick out like a sore thumb. You'll be dead meat if ya get swept away by the crowd."

     Was that an accent? He sounded like Takeyoshi just now. "Maybe," Melody mumbled, "but you're not so subtle either. You look like a tablecloth made for a tacky prince."

    The annoyed pirate faced her, his blood red eyes narrowing. "What?"

    Melody itched her nose, having said more than she should have. "Nothing," she claimed with a dopey smile.

    Motonari stared at her, frowning deeply. Once more her attempt to feign calm failed. She was transparent: an open book. It was in her wide eyes.

    The pirate let out a long exhale and smoothed the crease in his brows. He gestured carelessly to the stalls around them, dropping the attempted comeback. "I’ll ignore that. We made it to the fabrics."

    "Huh?"

    Melody looked around, realizing that the stalls shifted from selling ingredients to showcasing accessories and clothes. She had forgotten that she had to buy new things to wear. She spun around in a circle, wondering where she should start. Stumped, she chewed on her lip.

    The daimyo breathed deeply. "Lost already?"

    "No," Melody denied quickly, fishing for the money that Hiroyoshi had given her that morning. "I'm just -- I don't know what to get first."

    "Hopeless," Motonari grunted. Clearly, he could see right through her confusion.

     Shut up, Melody spat back, but only in her head. She shut her eyes and counted to three before taking out the bag of coins, cupping it in her hands and looking left and right. Her cheeks felt hot with self-consciousness and she cursed herself for knowing so little about noisy public places.

    Motonari watched disapprovingly as she ambled forward. Melody changed her mind and went one direction, but she stopped, displeased with herself. Market goers nearly ran into her and she stepped back, unnerved. Her head spun, overwhelmed with the sensory information it was receiving. Too many people. Too many choices. Too many sounds. She wanted to prove that she wasn't lost, but she could never lie to herself like that. She could never lie to anyone like that.

     Hopeless , Motonari's icy comment echoed. Her shoulders slumped.

    The pirate's eye twitched and he pushed past her, swiping the coins from her hands. "You'll get yourself killed like this. Follow me."

    Melody felt her chest tighten with anxiety. "I'm really trying ! I don't know what to do, okay? I haven't done this before."

    "Never done what, hm? Made a decision? The easiest thing you can do is get some clothes to fit in and ye can't even do that alone?"

    Motonari glared, but his irritation faltered when Melody shook her head.

    Greatly ashamed of herself, she spoke in whispers with her eyes failing to meet his. "I told you, I haven't left my property in a while."

    Motonari wondered briefly if his harsh words hurt her more than they should have. He typically assumed such remarks were harmless. Her life was sheltered and she said she didn’t go outside, contrasting heavily to his own days growing up on the streets of Aki. The roguish warlord was in his element. This woman was well out of her own. Everything was new and frightening.

    He didn't entertain his guilt for too long.

    The daimyo's anger faded slightly, but he still kept a stern look on his face. There was a disappointed sigh in his tone. "How on earth did you stay alive, then?"

    Melody answered bitterly, "I don't know."

    Motonari studied her for a long, painful minute. She grew agitated under his scrutiny. Willing to cut her worrying short, the daimyo harmlessly dropped the bag on her head.

    Melody froze in shock. The pouch hit her scalp with a ringing of coins, then slid off her hair and dropped into her palms.

    "Start with kimono first." Motonari pointed to a stall stocked with folded fabrics in all kinds of patterns. He pushed her shamed expression out of his mind.

     The woman rubbed her head, staring at him, but Motonari already had his attention on fine jewelry in the next stall. Melody opened her mouth to say something, then closed it when she couldn't figure out what to tell him. He was still so difficult to read. Instead she decided to focus on her task.

    She went from stall to stall, shuffling through her options and combinations. Which colour would go with what? Would an accessory suit the outfit? She would consider jewelry and other ornaments later, since she didn't want to spend every coin Hiroyoshi gave her. With newfound determination, Melody was eager to show responsibility, but it was difficult when she was constantly under Motonari's judgement.

    Thankfully he was elsewhere, but close enough to keep an eye on her. An eye that wasn't condescending.

    Melody shopped within a matter of minutes. She asked the merchants a few things to help with her choices, but otherwise she was working by herself and hoped that Motonari would see that she was fine. Not that I want him to stare… what? She felt less wary of the daimyo’s scrutiny and more at ease, mostly brushing off the stares from market goers.

    Motonari picked up a pendant from the jewelry peddler, observing it. He decided not to speak until he got bored with waiting. He initially wanted to spend time alone planning his next move on the Amago, but now that he was stuck with the princess who used to live in her metaphorical tower, he found his thoughts steering toward her.

    How annoying.

    "So, you've always had people give you everything ya wanted?" He flipped the pendant in his hand.

    Melody pulled herself out of her thoughts. "Hm? Oh… that's how people would see it. I think so. I know I'm kinda spoiled." She picked up some clothes and presented them to the shopkeep. "I was comfortable. People would call it living with a silver spoon."

    "I wouldn't say that's 'living'," Motonari stated. "Not going outside? Not exploring? That sounds like you're trapped in a cage to me."

    After purchasing her new outfits, the girl carried the bundle tightly and hummed in hesitant agreement. He's not wrong . "Yeah."

    "Hm! Why didn't you leave?" The pirate flicked a gold coin onto the jeweler's table and the startled woman scrambled to grab the treasure. He turned the pendant over in his gloved hands. "Princess locked in her castle for too long? You never mentioned anyone stopping you. Unless… you never tried."

    Melody took her time to reply. She recalled her working father, usually absent. The large house would be empty save for herself and her adopted cat… other than the regular visits from her guardian and best friend Avery.

    She never met anyone like Motonari.

    The first mate shrugged. "I guess I was scared. When you grow up so familiar with your surroundings and told that people can be awful, you'd want to stay somewhere that's safe. The safest place I knew was home."

    "I see." The pirate’s neutral expression did not waver.

    "... What about you?"

    "What about me?"

    "What were you like, growing up?"

    Motonari caught the pendant between his fingers. It became so interesting! He couldn't keep his eyes off it. "I was a normal kid."

    Melody puffed out her cheeks. Oh, come on. What's he hiding? "You're lying."

    "Of course I’m lying. Why would I tell you the truth?" The man smiled devilishly and closed his fist over the gorgeous piece of jewelry he played with like a toy. "There's a lot you can't know about me."

    "Uh, okay. Now I know you won't talk about your past. I can always try to guess." Yeah, right, play mysterious or something. Totally gonna get me off your case . Melody pouted. "But, I also figured that you like adventure since you're always on the move. Maybe you had a life that was nothing like mine."

    "Correct to all those things." Motonari tucked the pendant into his shirt. He remembered Hiroyoshi's fond words about the woman and scoffed, "But those are very obvious. You're quite dense for a supposed genius."

    "Did you just… call me a genius?"

    "... Not intentionally," the pirate harrumphed.

    Melody's eyes sparkled, somehow amused by his hesitation. She would remember that. "Well… I do have a certificate."

    "A what?"

    "It's like a written honour for being smart." Is that all I am to people though? Her expression wavered. "To be honest, I don't know if it does much other than acknowledge my IQ. Intelligence doesn't amount to a lot when you barely have a personality."

    Motonari stopped walking and, in spite of himself, impulsively said: "You do have a personality."

    Melody tilted her head, surprised. "What would you say it is?"

    The pirate paused. He inspected her: her warm brown skin was dotted with freckles and her bright green eyes were full of curiosity. She was pretty in a way that was so different and new, like a breath of fresh air to an otherwise monotonous, predictable, ugly mess of a world.

   Motonari knew that thinly veiled gleam in her gaze. It was full of wonder for everything around her. It was the same wonder that he once had, before everything…

    Melody was right when she said that their lives were nothing alike.

    He tore his eyes away from her, his lopsided smile frozen.

    "Well? What is it?" She quirked a brow.

    "If I had to describe you in one word… it would be 'clueless'." Motonari smirked, effortlessly twisting the mood back to light banter.

    " Now you're being honest," Melody groaned in defeat.

    "I'm honest a lot, it's just that people choose not to believe me."

    "That sure makes me wonder."

    "Come on, princess. Pick up the pace. Are you done shopping yet?" Motonari ignored the disappointment on her face.

    Melody peered around, licking her bottom lip. "I'm going to get another set of clothes. Maybe more. There’s still a lot of money in this bag. If… that's okay, of course, sir. Uh, Lord Motonari. Captain. Dude ."

    The pirate couldn’t quite decipher the last word she said, but he waved her off. "I don’t care, you know. Stay in sight and don't baffle people with your weird dialect too much. I'll be here."

    The warlord questioned how reassuring he sounded. And why did she get so pale all of a sudden? Was this ‘dude’ a negative term? Motonari paid it no mind, thinking that even Melody wouldn’t be so clumsy as to accidentally insult a warlord and, well, instantly regret it.

    He let himself focus back on the Amago after watching her flounder to the merchants. He had to brainstorm. He put his hand on his chin, observing but otherwise preoccupied as his thoughts sharpened themselves. The recent defeat left a bitter taste in his mouth. The Amago were formidable foes with a sizable army, almost indestructible on land if only their current heir wasn't so impulsive. Offense: awful. Defense: greatly underestimated. Strategies: mostly amateur.

    Noticing Melody moving farther away, he followed, letting his plans walk with him. Back to the Amago.

    From their past skirmishes, Motonari concluded that Haruhisa, the reckless kid in charge, was not as threatening as his general Shikanosuke Yamanaka. In fact, the young Amago showed no care for planning ahead. And Motonari knew he was still alive. He missed his shot before he blacked out.

     The weight of the concealed pistol under his clothes suddenly pressed into his side, itching to finish off the brat before Haruhisa got himself killed. The Amago had to be crushed. Otherwise, Motonari's land and smaller army would be in danger, unless he brought the fight to sea against his navy. Somehow.

    What a shame: poor Haruhisa, blinded by hatred and wasting his resources due to lack of competence. His death was inevitable if he wanted the clan eliminated.

    Did the pirate feel sorry for him? No… no . That would be absurd ! The young heir was clumsy and emotional, both traits unfitting for a leader in line. Haruhisa was too temperamental and that would always be his flaw.

     Sometimes it's better not to get attached to such temporary things, boy.

    Motonari was yanked into the present when he heard the first mate call for his attention.

    “Lord Motonari? Uh, a little help please…? If that’s okay to ask.” Some precious outfits slipped out of her arms. She was a pile of clothes on two legs and unfortunately couldn’t carry them all by herself.

    Rolling his eyes, Motonari absently held out his hand to hold part of Melody's growing collection. She draped the soft fabrics over his arm and the woman glowed gratefully. “Thanks!”

    His concentration wavered with her sudden smile and the sensation of her hand barely brushing against his forearm. The skin tingled unpleasantly where she touched.

    Motonari flinched.

    Melody blinked, moving her hand away. The daimyo coughed off his discomfort, quirking a brow. “What's the look for? This is my injured arm.” But his flinch was not in pain.

    “I’m sor…” The young woman wanted to say something, but the last thing he needed was for someone to point out the break in his composure. Motonari gave her a cold look that said, ‘ keep moving ’. Melody complied reluctantly and shuffled ahead. Finally, he pondered once more and dismissed the brief contact that disturbed the hairs on his arm.

    Maybe the pirate could get better clues on how to crush the Amago from his clan's past with the enemy. The Mouri were once their retainers, after all. Motonari strongly disliked the idea of digging up family history, but he needed more information to work with. The easy solution was to go back to Aki, where everything started. The Ouchi had their recovering to do and he couldn't leave his home unguarded, especially with the Murakami joining him on skirmishes around the region.

    Aki province. Home . He forgot what that felt like.

    The market's volume finally penetrated the muffling barrier of his thinking and Melody hopped back, carrying even more clothes. She had stars in her eyes when she said, "Okay, I'm done shopping! I am… so sorry, I ran out of Hiroyoshi’s money."

    The golden-clad daimyo put his free hand on his hip. "Done? This is --" He stopped, blinking at the full fashion haul she carried. He rubbed the bridge of his nose. "This is a lot . How much money did the old man give you?"

    Melody poked her buried hand out of the pile to point at the stalls. "Enough to get this much. These guys are so nice and polite! They kept on giving me stuff that went really well with what I picked, so I just bought, like, everything. They said I can make anything look regal and beautiful ! Isn't that sweet of them?"

    Baffled, Motonari gaped at the sparkling first mate. She beamed, completely ignorant to basic sales tactics.

    The pirate cleared his throat. "Right. Let's get moving, now I want a snack."

    At the mention of food, Melody lit up. "Ooh, we passed by a stall selling grilled stuff. Can we go there?"

    To her delight, Motonari nodded, though he looked indifferent. "Aye, sure. Whatever."

    "Yes!" The woman darted past him, startling people out of her path. Remembering the pleasant smell of fried food made her mouth water, eager to try new things since she was treated so warmly in the market. Her curiosity consumed her, wanting to learn more and more, believing that it would be safe to explore as long as Motonari was watching over. Blending in was irrelevant when the merchants were enamoured by how different she was.

    People stared as the strange woman found her way down the street. Motonari followed, ignoring the throbbing of his leg that struggled to keep up. He reached the food stall after Melody, ordering for the both of them and begrudgingly paying when the first mate sheepishly shrank at the mention of money. Knowing she had completely drained her funds just moments ago, he stifled the urge to scoff at her.

    The two of them grabbed crispy rice balls and found a patch of grass to sit on, cooled from the sun by the shade of a tree. Motonari folded the newly bought clothes between them. Watching the busy streets from a distance, Melody could happily gaze at people going about their daily lives while the warlord squinted at his grilled snack, back to thoughts of war.

    They ate, but it was silent again.

    Melody's attention floated around before it settled on the pirate. She wondered if he was usually distant whenever he wasn't speaking, then recalled the obvious reaction he had when she accidentally touched his arm. She swallowed and decided not to bring that up. She didn't notice it prior their market adventure, but he had an accent she couldn't place, one that was similar to Takeyoshi's. It slid into his sentences, barely noticeable but fun to listen to.

    Not thinking before commenting, she went, "I thought you were more of a talker."

    Motonari inhaled, exhaled, then gave her a funny look. "And why is that?"

    She gently squished the rice ball between her fingers. “I don’t know. You always seem so confident and stuff. It’s jarring when you’re quiet.”

    The pirate chuckled, “You hardly know me.”

    “I mean, I won’t deny that. That’s what --” -- makes you so cool. Melody faltered. “That’s what’s totally… so… you know.” She didn’t want to mention that his mystery was appealing. Or that his accent was charming. She longed to know more about him and his hidden past, but it would be too crazy, too embarrassing for her to admit. Her face turned red and she hurriedly shoved the rest of her snack into her mouth.

    Motonari, entertained by her show of finesse, laughed. His eyes were lifted by a childish grin, feeling an urge to annoy her some more. Perhaps she wasn’t so bad. His smile reverted into a neutral, thoughtful look. “Hold on. Were you going to compliment me?” he joked with an evil, proud glint in his ruby hues.

    Melody wanted to scream. “No,” she lied very badly and very loudly. “Forget that moment. Please.”

    “Forget what? What were we talking about?” He said innocently. They shared a glance, their doubts about each other slowly falling away. They didn’t have to get along immediately -- the pirate still felt that she was too naive, too gullible, but she was a interesting new person to speak with.

    The distance between them on the grass didn’t feel uncomfortable, either. Motonari wasn’t the type to sit down. He was an active spirit. He didn’t realize it before, but he was unwinding, relaxing with Melody after a walk through the market.

    Oh.

    No. He couldn’t have that. He shouldn't feel that.

    The twinkle in his eye disappeared and the familiar arrogant, cheerless smirk returned to his lips. Oblivious Melody didn’t notice, too caught up in her own emotions to see the subtle change in his. The pirate went back to thinking and easily detached himself from their conversation.

    However, he paused when he saw a man move toward their tree.

    “Excuse me.” The stranger stood meekly in front of them and gave a deep bow. “Lord Motonari. May I have a word?”

Chapter Text

    The stranger who had approached their tree pulled out a shamisen. "May I play something for you?"

    Motonari groaned internally, keeping a frigid smile on his face. "Ah? A musician?"

    "Yes," said the stranger, bowing deeply. He settled on the grass in front of the pirate, tuning his instrument. "And what a wonderful audience to play for. I have always dreamt of singing for distinguished lords such as yourself."

    Motonari breathed deeply. "That's great. Another ti --"

    "I hope your woman also enjoys this!"

    Melody, who watched the scene in confusion, turned beet red once she caught onto the musician's implication. "Um. I'm sorry? His what?"

    Motonari paused. Then he smiled poisonously at her, his ruby eyes void of amusement."Hm! You would enjoy this, wouldn't ya, love?"

     Hold on. Slow down. What just happened? Is he seriously going along with this? I'm not his anything. Melody opened her mouth to retort, but was silenced by a cold look from the daimyo. Knitting her brows, Melody frowned at his reaction and grew more confused. He gives me a pet name and now he looks at me like that ! What is he up to?

     The musician's deft fingers plucked the starting notes and the world quieted down as if it were eager to hear the rest of the song. The irritation in Melody's expression faltered, then fell away with the pleasant chords. As the shamisen flowed from note to note, Motonari leant toward her and whispered, "I don't trust this."

    Melody blinked. She looked toward the musician, wondering what about him was so suspicious, then to Motonari, who faked an interested expression. She whispered back, "I don't like how he called me your woman, either."

    "Aye, sure, that was ridiculous, but the important thing is that the timing is too convenient. Look. We're a good distance away from the crowd."

    Melody squinted toward the oblivious town. Ooh. I see it now. The first mate regarded the musician with the same scrutiny as Motonari.

    She guessed that with a heavy title and dangerous enemies, the pirate always had to be on the lookout. His life must be a stressful one. She set her jaw and enjoyed the music despite her skin crawling with anxiety. I have to keep it together! Calm down, Mel! Motonari would know what to do if something bad happened… but I can't rely on him for everything. He's still wounded.

    The stranger kept playing, the song no longer drowned out by the deep buzz of Melody's nerves. She swallowed, tilting her ear toward the sound. She tried to absorb each note, closing her eyes and concentrating.

    Motonari murmured, "What a beautiful melody."

    Melody's eyes popped open. "Huh?"

    “Listen to the music, darling, ” he said with a mocking sweetness in his tone. The warlord winked slyly at her and put a finger to his lips. He pointed to the musician with his eyes: it was a sign to stay vigilant.

    However, the wink was enough to send her mind reeling with frustration and intrigue. What on earth is going inside his head? Did he mean me or the music? Was that just a play on my name? Melody scowled and pulled her knees up to her chin, her face burning. There were so many questions she wanted to ask, but she met the man just yesterday and didn't think he formed bonds as quickly as she did.

    Calming down, Melody watched the musician play and pushed her confusion out of her head. Finally the song came to an end and she clapped, a somewhat distracted smile on her face. "Bravo!"

    The performer beamed. "Thank you, thank you!" He laughed gratefully. "We'll kill Motonari and take you with us now."

    Both Motonari and Melody started. Disbelief was quickly replaced with fear, her heart jumping to her throat.

    The woman opened her mouth to protest but found a large, strong hand muffling her. An unwanted arm dragged her backwards, lifting her onto her feet. A new man held her sickeningly close.

     No way. Motonari was right! We were trapped!

    Melody's eyes went wide. Panic made her kick the second spy's shins and bite down on his palm. He lifted his hand off her mouth, only to put her in a choke hold before she could scream for help.

    Motonari was already on his feet, his hand reaching for his hidden pistol. Wild, blazing eyes settled on the captor, his new target. If Melody could move, she would recoil from that look alone. The daimyo sneered. "Ha, I knew I smelled some Amago rats. No doubt deer boy made you run after me."

    The sheer intensity of the pirate's gaze made the enemy step back, carrying the first mate with him. "Shoot me and risk killing her."

    Melody's lungs pleaded desperately for air. Her eyes watered and body ached with the effort to get out of the man's grip. "Motonari --" she whimpered. She raked her nails across her captor's arm, making him hiss in pain, but he still held tight. Her world blurred.

    The bard rose. "General Shikanosuke did send us, but killing you ourselves would give us a serious promotion, no? Besides… we're just as eager to see you suffer. As for her --" He looked Melody up and down, his brows rising. "She can be a good treat for the daimyo, wouldn't you say? A foreign beauty."

    Motonari spun around, slamming his fist into the bard's nose. The sound of bones breaking was quickly interrupted by the pirate's wicked laughter. "Stupid little soldier! You should know better than to steal from me! "

    Melody's captor dropped her and drew his sword in the blink of an eye, snarling. He lunged at the pirate with blinding speed, driving the blade into Motonari's side.

    Melody landed harshly on the grass and gasped for air, blinking away colourful spots in her eyes. Red tainted her vision -- was that blood? Shortly the metallic scent of it reached her nose. She looked up just in time to see the pirate collapse face-down before her, a sword sticking out of his body.

     What…?

     Melody gaped at the sight. Motonari's sparkling ensemble was stained with his blood. The fiery glint of the murder weapon momentarily blinded her. Every horrid recollection of yesterday's battle that Melody tried to forget flashed before her eyes. No. No, no, no, is he dead? "Motonari! You… you can't! I…" she croaked, trying to steady her breathing to soothe her lungs. The breeze tasted like blood and her throat went dry, struggling to take in air.

    She reached weakly for the pirate, panic and rage making her shake. I'm helpless, I'm useless. I let this happen! "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry --"

    The spies yanked her away from him. The bigger one -- her captor -- clutched her wrists painfully in his bloodstained hands. Melody was too shocked to scream even as they bound her hands and gagged her.

    The bard hummed thoughtfully, ignoring the corpse behind them. A bright stream of blood flowed from his crooked nose, his laboured breathing revealing his discomfort despite the act. "Ugh… do you think Lord Amago would care for a concubine?"

    The other spy shrugged. "Never know until we ask. I think all the fight left this one, though. Look, the nasty wretch cut through my hand with her teeth."

    Melody wanted to cry while the men spoke, but nothing came. Her anger, however, manifested strongly.

    Taken away from all the comfort of her world, forced into one life-threatening situation after another, meeting so many influential, powerful people -- and she had nothing to her name. That had to change. She had to change. Her heartbeat bounced loudly through her head, setting her body on fire. I wanted more than this.

    She closed her eyes tightly, digging her heels into the cool dirt and resisting the impatient tugging from the spies. Her eyelids calmed her stinging eyes while the adrenaline pumped angrily through her veins.

    All her life, she wanted to be more than what people thought of her. She was helpless to these men bringing her to a doomed life. It was a future she would never wish upon herself, not in a million years. The last thing she wanted was to be trapped in another cage.

     The performer sighed gruffly, ignorant of her quiet seething. "All right, move it. No point in fighting us both, you'll lose." He glared and pulled her toward the treeline. He had a point.

    Unfortunately, Melody had other plans. She tore herself away from them, blinded by her nerves; the backlash caught the spies off-guard and she used their surprise to kick the former bard in the stomach with all her might, knocking him off balance. She turned her gaze to the other spy, who scrambled for his sword only to find it gone.

    The alleged corpse behind them stood up. "Were you looking… for this?"

    Steel sang through the air, the white flash of a blade impaling the second man. He was too stunned to react as Motonari, revived and covered in his own blood, pinned the spy to a tree. The sword dug deep into the wood, forcing a gurgling, choking noise from the victim.

    The pirate's dangerous, reckless look seared into the dying enemy's face. Motonari spat, " That … was a surprise attack."

    Melody's breath caught in her throat. The fighting spirit that set her aflame suddenly revoked its hold on her body, turning her muscles to stone. "You're alive…?!"

    Motonari sneered. "I come back from the dead all the time! Get used to it, princess." He turned and approached the horrified performer, a walking storm that trembled with power. Melody watched in utter disbelief as the once-dead daimyo carried himself from one spy to the other.

    " You . What a pathetic… disgusting… waste of a human. You thought… you could kill me." Motonari smiled viciously and pointed to the enemy's dead ally. "Run back to your general or end up like him. On three."

    When Motonari counted down, the frightened bard leapt from the ground and darted from the scene. "You two are insane!" he wailed, disappearing through the trees.

    Melody still didn't budge until the daimyo's empty eyes fell on her. She took a step back when Motonari moved closer and the pirate's smile faded, his expression contorting into mild annoyance as he reached to free her hands.

    It was Melody's turn to flinch away from his gloves soaked in blood. Motonari frowned. Contrasting greatly from his dramatic resurrection, his whisper was weak and barely audible: "Hold still, ya can't do anything with hands tied. And… you're crying."

    Melody snapped out of her daze. She didn't feel them until they were pointed out, but warm tears flowed freely from her eyes and fell on the rope that bit into her brown skin. She lowered her head and watched Motonari work on the bonds, strangely quick and effortless despite the physical state he was in. He was silent.

    Everything Motonari did was unpredictable -- typically standoffish and rough, escaping death twice, killing a man, then gently, expertly freeing his first mate from her bonds as if they were always close. When the rope fell on the grass, Melody wondered helplessly if he was a hero or a tragedy, standing tall and fighting through every injury that crippled him. She noticed that Motonari acting to disguise the pain was becoming a pattern.

    The pirate followed her gaze to his stab wound. Motonari blinked and pressed his hand against it, a confused look on his face. "Ah… right, this. There seems to be a hole in my portside."

    He fell. Melody moved fast and caught him as soon as he lost his footing. Feeling a sense of duty, she ignored the tingling discomfort of his arm around her and offered support. "Captain, I'm taking you back to the temple."

    "Aye," was the only thing Motonari said. They left the brand new clothes behind and traveled back up the path, not looking at the trail of red they left behind.

    Hiroyoshi scowled at the resting pirate. "I leave you alone for a few hours and you almost get yourself killed and our first mate kidnapped."

    Motonari laughed, then winced. "Can't help it. I'm very popular, old man. People want a piece o' me."

    "Of course you take this lightly." The retainer rubbed his temples, his brows creased with stress.

    Melody came back from washing her hands, but the faint smell of blood still lingered in the creases of her palms. No matter how hard she tried, the bloody scene kept playing over and over in her head. She knelt down next to the pirate's futon and hung her head.

    Motonari was stabbed. He pinned a man to a tree by shoving a sword through his gut. Then he forgot that his wound was even there.

    Anyone else could have died in that situation. What if it was the pirate? What if it was her? Melody looked down at her twitching fingers, surprised with how she fought those spies despite her fear. She blamed it on adrenaline, but she silently promised to herself that she had to be even braver from then on.

    Hiroyoshi offered her a hand. "You did amazing, Miss Melody. With your help, he will heal just fine as long as he stays here and rests. But… you need a break, as well. You look pale, and I know this must be traumatic for you." His wise maroon eyes gazed at her with sympathy.

    "It's fine," Melody lied and shook her head. "I've seen pretty bad wounds from what I have done before. I replaced limbs. It's just… seeing people kill each other…"

    "I understand. Are you sure you don't want to go yet? I will send for someone to retrieve the clothes you bought." Hiroyoshi glanced to the warlord.

    Motonari opened an eye. "Sunshine stays. Cranky old man can leave."

     Sunshine? Melody blinked. Hiroyoshi sighed and promptly left the room after a moment's hesitation. For the first time, Motonari wanted to talk to Melody alone. Yet moments passed without any words exchanged.

    She sat cross-legged and stared at him. The warlord was lying on his back and looking up at the ceiling, half of his torso wrapped in clean bandages. His chest rose and fell with his light, troubled breathing. Motonari's wild eyes were empty.

    Melody felt awful seeing him so weak. He was a warlord -- he needed to look the part, but ever since she showed up he had only been getting hurt and she couldn't work any magic to fix it. If only she had the right tools, he wouldn't look so frail.

    Motonari broke the silence. "Why did you apologize?"

    Melody had to scoot awkwardly toward his futon to hear him better. His question made her think, digging deep into her mind to try and decipher her jumbled emotions. "... I was sorry for being unable to do anything. I still am."

    "That's why? You wanted to help?"

    "I wanted… to fight."

    "Why?"

     Why? I couldn't just let you die in front of me. "I didn't want to sit around while you did everything. That was exactly how it was back home. My friend would always be the overprotective one, fighting my battles for me."

    Motonari watched her carefully. Then he said, "You're tired of that."

    Surprised with how quickly he caught onto her feelings, Melody met his eyes. They were unreadable. Clouded. It was like his personality was some kind of act and his real self hid behind guarded walls.

    Melody looked away, wondering if she was just imagining things. "I am. I didn't want to be taken away when I had more to prove."

    "Weirdo," Motonari interrupted with a scoff. The moment fizzled away. "Why prove yourself to me?"

    "I was proving something to myself ." Melody gave him a pointed look.

    "Mm." He paused, the brief amusement in his tone melting away. "Did you?"

    Melody looked at his wounds. "I'm not sure."

    "Eh, I'd say ya did something . Kicked a guy, bandaged my wounds again . You have yer own little way of fighting your battles."

    The woman gave him a baffled look.

    Motonari caught her stare and rolled his eyes. "... Maybe I'm trying to reassure you. Take what you can get."

    "No, uh -- okay," Melody said in a small voice. She was puzzled by his gruff way of doing things, but slowly drew comfort from his words. She swallowed, replaying the violent event in her head. "You saved me, even though you were so hurt. Thank you."

    The pirate averted his gaze. "... You can go now."

    Melody's shoulders dropped slightly. He must be in so much pain, but Motonari still grinned , as if the whole ordeal was ridiculous in a bitter way. The first mate uncrossed her legs then stood, bowed, and left the room. She closed the door softly and almost bumped right into another man.

    It was Taketo, the retainer who argued with Harukata before Melody and Motonari left for town. The calligrapher jumped as high as she did. He wheezed, "Oh, thank goodness you're okay." He puffed out his cheeks, his bronze eyes drifting to the closed room. "How about the pirate prince? Because if he's fine, I'll stop worrying."

    Melody bristled, looking from the door to Taketo. That's a weird nickname for Motonari. "Yeah, um. Were you eavesdropping?"

    The owl-like man pouted. "You have every right to think I'm doing so, but trust that I was only on my way here to check on him. Please." He raised his hands in mock defeat.

    Melody squinted, but, too stressed to remain suspicious, held her head in her hand.

    Taketo frowned. "Uh-oh, that isn't a good expression. Hiroyoshi told me what happened, so…" He pointed over his shoulder with his thumb. "There's a nice onsen in town. Great place to unwind. But, er, only if you feel like it! You need rest more than anything. And going to town likely sounds very unappealing to you at the moment… why did I suggest this."

    "Thanks." Melody shook her head, relaxing at the harmless offer. "I'm gonna just… head outside for a second."

    "No problem, mystery woman. Go stretch your wings. That's a metaphor!" Taketo gave her a relieved look and bowed in an exaggerated manner. He faltered. "Ah, what was I here for again -- right! I need to go tell Yoshitaka that Motonari didn't die. Again. See you around."

    Melody watched in bewilderment as the quirky man scampered away, then stepped outside. She sat on the veranda's wooden steps, crossing her arms over her knees. She stared at the temple grounds, empty save for some monks at the opposite wall in deep conversation.

    She was about to find a distraction from her troubling thoughts when she heard someone rushing back down the corridor. Taketo once again hopped out to meet her, nearly skidding on the wooden floor. He looked alarmed.

    "Hold on! Okay, I remembered the other thing I was gonna do." He marched to her side and sat down on the steps."You look troubled. What's on your mind?"

     He wanted to talk to me too. Am I just as popular as Motonari? Melody thought with brows raised. Taketo Sagara was nothing like the other people she met so far -- he was eccentric and lively with mannerisms that seemed too modern. In a way, he was a lot like her.

    Melody blinked at him, unsure of what to say. "Um."

    Taketo flushed, putting his hands on his knees and leaning comically forward. "Call it a writer's intuition, but I can't help but be drawn to you, okay? You're a great source of inspiration. Perhaps space is needed, but no one here is like you. Maybe you just need someone to listen to your problems."

    Melody started. He read my mind! Maybe he's a little invasive, but it's really nice of him to go out of his way for me. "Thank you, Taketo." She pondered taking a page from Motonari's book and pushing him away, but it didn't feel right.

    Taketo grinned. "I'm a bit of an odd case myself."

    The first mate chewed on her lip. She considered the possibility that Taketo could be from the future too, but it seemed too wild to ask him. She realized that in order to survive, she had to play her knowledge right, so she withheld her not-so-secret secret from him for the time being. Maybe one day when she felt more at ease, she would bring it up, though the idea still felt like a pointless one. As for what troubled her… "I can't fully understand what's going on yet. Back home, I learned so fast and had time to really focus on myself, but here… it's all so sudden."

    The calligrapher hummed and stared at the grass ahead of them. He was quiet for a moment, piecing together important words from her strange speech pattern. "Well, it seems to me that you can't grasp onto anything yet because you're still in a state of shock. You can't force yourself out of that by trying to learn everything at once."

    "That… actually makes a lot of sense. Maybe I am trying to adjust too quickly."

    "You did say back at your home that things were different for you. I'm sure you'll catch on."

    "Hmm, so it's like you're telling me to stop and smell the roses!"

    Taketo blinked. "What roses?"

    She puffed out her cheeks. Melody figured that using a modern metaphor may be a dead giveaway for him, but she had trouble taking note of them herself. Maybe she used it wrong? "That's a metaphor."

    The retainer's eyes lit up. "Oh! I see. I'm not familiar with that one… hm. What other languages do you speak?" Taketo eagerly placed his chin on his hands, watching her with great interest.

    Melody found a good distraction in rambling to Taketo about herself. She thought she could speak with him for hours! He was certainly an oddball for a Sengoku figure, but he didn't come across as someone from her era, either. He was just way ahead of his time. The woman recalled Harukata's distaste for the calligrapher, but he didn't seem bad at all. He was simply a man who stopped to smell the roses.

    Melody smiled, grateful for his company. "I'd love to talk to you sometime about that, but you should probably go do that thing for Lord Yoshitaka. You know. About Motonari."

    Taketo's face froze. "Ah. Yikes. My memory."

    "Haha!" The first mate's hand flew to her mouth and she held back the rest of her giggling. She felt better. "It's okay. We can have coff -- tea another time. I need to get some rest too, remember?"

    "'Remember' is a word with a definition that eludes me without fail." Taketo winked, then stood. "Hey… Melody."

    "Hm?"

    "Motonari is really lucky to have someone like you around him. The Beggar Prince also needs his fair share of reminders."

    "Beggar Prince…?" Melody echoed.

    The calligrapher snickered. "Eheh, I'm just being cryptic for the fun of it. But really, take some time for yourself. The onsen offer is still up! Now I really have to get going."

    He trailed off, talking to himself about quills and paper. Melody watched him disappear down the hall, then contemplated by herself for a while.

     He's right. I need to take things at my own pace. Melody had no one who truly knew what unique situation she was in. Day two of her Sengoku adventure was just as much of a nightmare as the first one, but with some serious determination -- and time -- she could make it. She could come to understand the 'Beggar Prince' and all the mysteries the era offered her.

    Anticipating her next challenge of the era, she left the steps and headed to her room.

Chapter Text

    The day after the market incident, Taketo gave Melody an empty book. “I encourage you to write! Maybe I can help you with Japanese, too,” he said with a comforting smile on his face.

    A week passed. The blank pages exploded with information; her room became less orderly; Melody soon understood why the calligrapher would always have ink on his skin whenever they met for lunch and tea. Sunlight poured in through the open doors and illuminated her ‘study’. I’m not as overwhelmed as I was days ago , Melody thought gratefully. She touched her cheek, surprised to find a grin on her face. Taketo, Hiroyoshi, Takeyoshi… they're all so kind to me. Yoshitaka is also super hospitable. Taketo was right, taking things at my own pace really helped!

    The notebook Taketo gifted her worked as her Sengoku period journal -- that way she could keep tabs on the people she met and her impressions of them. In a way, it kept her sane. She dreamt of prostheses she could make, wondering what it would be like to craft new limbs without the comfort of modern technology. She recorded bits of conversations with the restless calligrapher and the funny banter Takeyoshi and Hiroyoshi shared. However…

    She drew blanks with Harukata and Motonari. Melody regarded the Ouchi retainer as off-putting and serious. The pirate would easily dodge people: as soon as he was able to hobble around without pain, he was out and about again, but this time lurked within temple grounds and refused to engage in lengthy conversations with her. Melody frowned at the angry scribble of the man in her journal, complete with pointy teeth and angry hooked eyebrows. I wonder what he's so secretive about. It's not like we're worlds apart… or… maybe we are?

    Her doors slid open and a soft bump interrupted her thoughts. Takeyoshi scowled and rubbed his head. "Ack. I don't like these door frames at all."

    Melody leapt to her feet, her eyes dancing. "Takeyoshi!"

    "Ahoy, little miss! Just finished stockin' up on fruits. I gotta go back to me islands in a few days, are ye gonna be okay dealin' with the rascals here?" The big man ruffled her hair affectionately.

    Melody tilted her head. "I think I'll be fine. You're leaving?"

    "Don't look so beat, I'm not going right now. I also came 'round to see what yer up to."

    "I just wanted to wind down after lunch. Taketo showed me a new poem he made, it was really cool." Melody crossed the room to close the journal on her desk, patting the brown leather cover. "It's very sweet of you to check on me!"

    Takeyoshi blushed and waved it off. "I know, I'm a lemon. 'Sides, ye worried me to hell and back after I heard what happened in town the other day. Gotta make sure yer still managing well. Also -- here." The man gave her three gold coins that he fished from his sash. "Can ye do me a big favour and give this to the boss?"

    Melody didn't know where Takeyoshi got 'lemon' from being called sweet, but she did know what 'boss' meant. "Boss! Lord Motonari… sure." It sounded easy enough, but she faltered.

    Takeyoshi gave her an apologetic look. "Sorry. I know ye don't know what to make of him yet. I'm actually avoidin' him meself."

    "Did something happen?"

    "Uhh, no, not… well. Sorta." Takeyoshi stared into space for a solid moment then shook himself back to reality. He sighed, his cheery look fading. "We don't always get along. We just had a bit of an argument the other day. I won't get into it, but uh, money! Money makes any pirate happy, aye?"

    Melody ogled the shimmering coins, wondering what the two would fight about. She closed her hand over them and shook her head. Deciding not to question the materialistic daimyo's logic, she pushed away her hesitation and raised her chin with confidence. "Aye-aye, bosun, sir!"

    "That's my girl! I need to go get me lunch now, I didn't eat for a hot minute." Relieved, Takeyoshi twirled around and promptly bumped his head against the doorframe. He cursed and ducked, sulking down the corridor.

    Melody tucked the coins into her obi, setting off in the opposite direction. She wanted to search for Motonari starting from the most likely place he should be: his temple room, recovering. Unsurprisingly, the room was empty, save for some paperwork he had apparently been doing. Melody peered over his handwriting: inventory logs and something about the Murakami. She was disappointed to find no battle plans, but the warlord likely wouldn't have those out in the open for wandering people to see. Still, I ought to take down some strategy notes sometime.

    The first mate wandered through the temple, even scouting the grounds to see if Motonari was sitting by the pond. Melody gave up searching outdoors and instead headed to the main hall. She took the steps and froze in her tracks when she heard voices. That was Motonari!

    "I'm not gonna listen to yer crap about visions, Yoshitaka. Can ya hear yerself right now? I've got the Amago to deal with!" His accent was harsh when he was agitated.

    Yoshitaka sounded disappointed. "Motonari, please!"

     Uh-oh spaghetti-o's. I should not be eavesdropping. Motonari sounds pissed! Melody thought, her heart pounding and her blood running cold. Whatever their conversation was about, the two daimyo sounded deadly serious. However, Melody's unwavering curiosity -- and need for survival knowledge -- nudged her better judgement aside for a bit. Quietly, she shuffled down the short flight of steps and crouched behind a nearby bush.

    Even though she thought she was silent, she heard Motonari walk toward the open archway. "What was that…?"

    Melody held her breath. Yoshitaka sighed impatiently. "It's likely one of Taketo's stray cats. Just hear me out."

    Motonari didn't speak for a moment, then crossed his arms. He grunted, "Make it brief."

    "Thank you. Some days ago, I washed my face in that pond. In the water, I saw… I foresaw my death ."

    "Did you see Hiroyoshi dancin' in the pond too?" Motonari scoffed.

    Yoshitaka's stern face didn't change. He barely flinched at the other warlord's sarcasm. "My premonitions aren't random or silly to me, Motonari. I have a terrible feeling that something is going to happen to this clan and it won't be good. Soon I could die, and that would leave my sons broken and alone! I don't want that for them. I couldn't even tell Harukata or Taketo about this. Harukata's grown distant with me as of late, and Taketo isn't interested in taking over…"

    "Ha! Bold decision to trust me, then."

    "It was the only decision I could make. You're the daimyo of the clan big enough to help the Ouchi, with an army and navy that can support it."

    Motonari rolled his eyes.

    "You know, there was a time when we were close." Yoshitaka's green gaze searched his old friend's face for some sympathy. Finding none, his expression darkened with disapproval. "You were so lively and curious. Nowadays, you've convinced yourself that the world you once loved deserves no mercy."

    "Ya lost me! I'm not here to be nostalgic, Ouchi, I'm here to plan for the pesky brat Haruhisa. I don't have the time to deal with you, I gotta go to Aki soon. By the way! People are talking and they say you lost yer nerve. Turns out you lost your mind, too," Motonari swore coldly. He turned for the stairs, irritated and hysterical.

    The other warlord clenched his fists. It looked like Motonari was getting away, but Yoshitaka spoke gravely: "The boy I grew up with is still in you, Motonari."

    The pirate stopped at the bottom of the stairs.

    Spurred on by desperation, Yoshitaka continued, "You never lost that fire in your eyes. I know your grief, but please , it's not worth destroying yourself or taking anyone else down with you."

    Motonari spun around, seething. He was shaking with rage, his blood red eyes boring holes into the other daimyo's face. He opened his mouth to shoot something back, but Yoshitaka silenced him by taking a step forward, looking down at him from the top of the steps. He was a regal figure with the golden Buddha statues gleaming behind him, yet there was something tragic in the air -- he was a man who embraced his fate. These were his final requests.

    "That same grief will overwhelm my sons. I need you to take them in when my time comes, to keep my children alive. Do you want what happened to you to happen to them? Would you wish for some innocent lives to suffer as you have? How cruel are you planning to be?"

    " Shut it, Ouchi! " Motonari snapped viciously. The entire temple fell silent.

    Melody had her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide with dismay. The intense conversation gave her goosebumps. The distress she wanted to avoid settled onto her bones like a frosty layer, a cool sweat forming on her forehead. I've never heard him this angry before… he's terrifying.

    Yoshitaka set his jaw, his eyes glassy. Quietly, pleadingly , he said, "I still have hope for you, my friend."

    "Hope…? Haha… ahaha ! How ridiculous!" Motonari's crazed laughter didn't cut as deeply as the knife in his words. His smile oozed with venom. "Premonitions. Nostalgia. Hope . You always had the mind of a child. None of us are heroes, Yoshitaka, what makes you think that? You're as good as dead if you keep seeing me as someone I'm not."

     How could you say that?! Melody wanted to scream, her heart breaking for Yoshitaka. She felt so horrible and helpless. Interrupting just to give Motonari a piece of her mind would be disastrous. How could she possibly judge? She barely knew them. Still, she bit her lip in pained resignation.

    Yoshitaka shut his eyes and turned away. He looked just as beaten as Melody felt, but several times worse, the golden glow of the statues in the sunlight nearly blotting him out of existence. He shrank back and moved a trembling hand over his face, letting Motonari go.

    Melody slumped onto the ground, tearing her eyes away from the main hall to recollect herself. She was shaken. Her confidence she gathered the past few days wavered in uncertainty and she wondered if she should hand over the coins and pretend nothing happened. She decided against doing it so soon, hugging her knees and taking deep breaths.

    Motonari's grim chuckling nearby made her nervous. He was making gestures and… talking to himself. Like a madman. "' I still have hope for you '! Awful. What kind of person does he take me for…? I'm almost offended! I'm not the father of your children, Yoshitaka. If you die then boo hoo ."

    His childlike rant made Melody's eye twitch. Ugh. I can't believe this is the same guy that saved me from those dumb spies. Recalling last week's incident, the woman hesitated on internally insulting him further. Was all that severity from Motonari's anger really justified? There's no way that Yoshitaka deserved that cruelty from him. He just wanted some help.

    Prophecy-revealing vision or not, Melody made a mental note to do something nice for Yoshitaka. She waited anxiously behind the bush, its small branches digging uncomfortably into her back and shoulders.

    Motonari's muttering and footsteps finally faded away. The first mate waited another minute before poking her head out from behind the bush. He was gone! She curled her fingers into her hakama and marched up the steps into the main hall. When she looked around her heart sank, finding it empty. Where did Yoshitaka go?

    Harukata melted out of the shadows. "Good afternoon, Miss Melody."

    The woman leapt out of her skin in shock. She swore she felt her soul escaping her body. "Oh my god, Harukata! You scared the living sh… you scared me!"

    The retainer smiled, unfazed. "My apologies," he said plainly, though the lack of emotion in his voice made it sound insincere. "I was merely passing through."

    Melody threw her hand over her heart, inhaling deeply to steady its rapid beating. Harukata drifted by without another word.

     Okay, no 'see you at dinner' or asking what's up then. The first mate patted her chest and frowned in the direction Harukata disappeared to. Figuring that he liked being as cryptic as a ghost, Melody assumed it wasn't anything important and was left alone with thousands of Buddhas meditating obliviously around her. Truthfully, she didn't want to eavesdrop on conversations ever again, so following Harukata just because he looked suspicious didn't seem at all attractive to her. Spywork wasn't exactly something she wanted on her Sengoku resumé.

    Melody sat cross-legged at the foot of a large Buddha statue, wishing she brought her journal with her to try and capture the idol's peaceful expression. But she was too mentally exhausted to go all the way back to her room to retrieve it, so she stared and stared, her mind struggling to find what to do next. She was burnt out. She didn't know what to make of Yoshitaka's situation or the shocking reveal of Motonari's true colours, nor did she have a reason to step into their business no matter how unsettling it sounded. She wanted the same calmness the Buddha statue had, the enlightenment on its face drawing her to speak to it.

    "Stuck with a black-hearted pirate," Melody whispered grumpily to herself. "Welcome to the Sengoku, where your only friends are a sleep-deprived writer, a shark-like daimyo bigger than the ceiling and an exasperated old retainer who spoils you rotten."

    She gazed tiredly at the golden Buddha, whose face looked apologetic in the shadows. Melody huffed. "Maybe I had too much downtime."

    Motonari replied to her in place of the golden statue. "Yo. Are ya talking to yourself?"

     Oh, great. As if you're one to judge! Melody flinched and glanced over her shoulder, not surprised to find Motonari leaning against the archway. He cocked a brow, grinning wide. "Didn't know you were the religious type."

    "I'm not," Melody muttered, narrowing her eyes at him once she stood up. She took a moment to think, unsure of what to say. "... Were you walking?"

    "Hm, aye. I was just passin' by after walking this half of the temple. Anyway, princess, how's the outdoors treating ya? Isn't life just grand , surrounded by brutes all the time?" Motonari said sarcastically, swaggering over to a small statue and resting his elbows on its shiny head.

    Melody blinked at him. So now he's talking to me? I'm looking at the only brute I know in the entire temple! "No one's been a brute to me."

    "Really? That's boring." The pirate stuck out his tongue like a kid. "I was kinda hoping you'd be all dramatic or something. You're funny when you're scared."

    Melody's brows lowered, annoyed. That's probably because I do my best to avoid getting into fights, nuthead. She exhaled and dug into her obi, then presented him the three gold coins. "These are from Takeyoshi."

    Motonari's eyes glazed over with exasperation. He mimicked a yawn and swiped the coins off her hand, his touch as light and fast as wind. Melody didn't notice closely before, but he was wearing gloves again. "What a big ol' idiot. He does this whenever I'm mad at him. More gold for me! Gotta admit though, this makes arguments very fun. Hey… hold on." The pirate slithered up to her, fascinated. "Yer bein' blunt with me."

    "Am I?" Melody caught herself, shrinking away from him. He looked at her like she was a brand new species of insect. "Oh, dear. It's just stress and stuff. It'll probably pass, I just need a break. I'll un-bluntify myself through that."

    "Un-blunt… whatever, looks like yer still just as confusing as before," Motonari scoffed. He moved toward the giant Buddha statue, looking at his distorted reflection in its golden body. "Damn! The dead never looked this good."

    Melody wanted to punch him in the face. The desire to do so was almost primal . He acted like nothing happened -- like his friend wasn't hurt and everything was normal and dandy. Melody was growing sick of Motonari playing pretend. Does he have no guilt over that? She bit her tongue, resisting the strong urge to rattle out colourful French expletives at the pirate. Instead she went, " Right , so, how are your wounds?"

    "I can barely hear you through yer grit teeth, princess. I'm doing fine." Motonari faced her and put his hand on his hip, his brows knitting together. "Whatever ya did, it's working. So… thanks ."

    The gruff appreciation caught the woman unexpectedly. Melody's eyes dropped briefly to his bandaged bicep, then she focused on his face again. "Cool," she said.

    "Cool," Motonari echoed. He tilted his head.

    Their gazes were locked for a long, awkward moment: it was a competition to see who would break the tense eye contact first. It was Melody, who was suddenly eager to leave. She scowled at him. " Cool . Goodbye!"

    The corner of Motonari's lip lifted skeptically, feeling a bit confused by her aloofness. "Uh, bye."

    His first mate breezed out of the building, crossing the grassy field. Motonari watched, a bit disappointed in Melody's avoidance. That was his thing. He spent the week ducking out of long conversations -- during that time, Melody's curious glances toward him didn't go ignored. Those eyes haunted him. She obviously wanted to talk, so what changed about today?

     Yoshitaka. Did Melody hear the man's nonsense? Motonari's expression turned serious. If she did, she's being too obvious about it. It's not her problem, anyway. He mumbled, "This world has no heart for heroes. Wouldn't you agree, Buddha?" His empty eyes looked up at the Buddha statue that heard him.

    Its peaceful face was condescending under the light.

    Melody spent the rest of her evening holed up in her room.

    She made sure to tuck her journal away after writing down what she remembered from Motonari's argument. The first mate rubbed her eyes, wondering how much time had passed. She poked her head outside, once again at a loss with what to do. Maybe I should just eat something. I don't feel like bugging Hiroyoshi right now about ship duties… I doubt that information would help me at the moment. Melody got onto her feet, drowsily leaving her room and wandering aimlessly through the halls.

    Her path of boredom eventually led her to Taketo's room. Ooh. Maybe I can spend time with the temple oddball! He's much more refreshing than Motonari. She heard faint movement inside and blinked at his closed door. "Taketo? It's me," she said, smiling.

    There was a distinct clatter of various small things falling on the floor, a muttered curse, then rapid footsteps approaching. Taketo, looking messier than usual, opened the door with a crazed look in his brown eyes. "Hello!"

    "Hi! Uh, are you okay?" Melody started. The calligrapher didn't always look that frazzled. "I was just wondering when would be a good day to go to that onsen."

    Taketo's face fell. "Oh, freckles…"

    Melody wanted to have a calm night by practicing calligraphy with him, but the way he said 'freckles' made her second-guess her decision. Taketo was usually sleep-deprived, but he looked truly exhausted, pity settling in his warm gaze. He sighed deeply and stepped out of his room. "Come with me."

    Melody obliged hesitantly, her brows knitting together. Her concerned gaze focused on the back of his head and she moved along, wondering what he looked so stressed about. He still didn't answer my question. Is he really okay? They made their way down the hallway and Taketo stopped in front of a closed room. He massaged his brows, his shoulders slumping.

    The first mate moved to his side, worried. "Taketo, really, what's wrong? You haven't said a thing!"

    "Shh! Sorry." Taketo winced, a nervous smile on his face. He put his hand on the door, lowering his head to prepare himself for the next words about to leave his mouth. "Melody… it's about the Amago, our enemies."

    Melody's eyes widened. The whole day, the warlords in the temple were tense. Could it be that Takeyoshi's leave, Yoshitaka's anxiety and Motonari's anger all came from the same source of stress?

    Taketo set his jaw. "The Amago daimyo was killed by his own son, Haruhisa. He's gathering thousands of soldiers and soon, we'll be under attack again. That skirmish at Gassan-Toda would be nothing compared to what the Amago are preparing next."

    Melody's jaw went slack. So that fight from the first day I got here… that was just a skirmish ? How many more will die?

     The retainer gave her a grim look, sympathizing with the fear on her face. Then he opened the door to Melody's first war council.

Chapter Text

    Haruhisa grimaced as the blazing sun hit his pale skin. The outdoor air was arid and made his throat go dry as soon as he inhaled it; he forced out a cough of repulsion when he caught a whiff of something burning.

    No, it was something cooking. Not burning. Silly him.

    The scent of burning flesh lingered in Haruhisa’s mind like a disease he couldn’t shake off. His parents were gone. He executed a samurai faction that was given to him. His abusive uncle… well, he was taken care of. What a tragedy that was, losing so many influential Amago powers within a week, but no emotion stirred in his silent chest. Like usual, he felt hollow.

    His servants were making lunch even though the meditating daimyo was not hungry. Haruhisa didn’t know why they still bothered to prepare food for him; he rarely ate. The precious, bountiful dinners they produced would waste away. Food was already growing scarce due to the annoying Mouri cutting his trade routes.

    His clan was getting weaker. Haruhisa felt it, for he grew frail with it as well. And yet, there was no sympathy in his grim features for these people. They were insignificant to him: the only thing that mattered to him was revenge. Those Mouri will pay for the suffering he went through.

    He opened a dull orange eye, viewing the koi pond in front of him. The colourful fish splashed around impatiently, getting specks of water on his skin that, for a brief moment, burned more intensely than the sun. The sound of steady footsteps approached him from behind. His immediate reaction -- to dash away at a stranger coming toward him -- was suppressed by the familiarity of the gait. This man was no stranger. It was, in fact, his prized general and oldest friend.

    “Milord. I don’t want to disturb you, but lunch is ready.” Shikanosuke stopped behind him. There was movement; the general pushed his cloak away from his legs. “It’s also time to initiate the war council. We can eat with the others.”

    Haruhisa pondered his words, then spoke in a detached manner: “There are only the two of us.”

    “Sir?”

    The young daimyo sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. As always, his attempts to meditate would be ruined by someone talking to him...or by his own inability to relax. He honestly thought that he was always tired enough to be at peace, but perhaps it was something else that stopped him from truly calming down.

     … No, that didn’t seem right. Still…

    Shikanosuke cleared his throat. “I’ve already gathered the generals, and I told them that we’d both be there to greet them.”

    “What generals? I don’t need them.”

    “Hisa. The clan does.”

    “I have one goal in mind, and it’ll take only the two of us to accomplish. No one else.” Haruhisa turned his head slightly, glancing at his friend over his shoulder.

    Shikanosuke was mildly uncomfortable. He, too, did not like the sun. Despite the dry, warm air, he wore clothing that covered every inch of his body. Even his face was shadowed heavily by a large hat.

    He set his jaw. “... We need to talk. Preferably inside, and quickly, before the other generals show up.”

    “Inside… yes. You still feel pain?” The daimyo slowly rose from the edge of the koi pond, ignoring the restless splashing creatures behind him.

    “Sunlight hurts my eyes, I’ve told you countless times. Now let’s go .”

     Oh, dear. He did not sound happy. He must be hurting… what a terrible god the sun is. Haruhisa exhaled sadly, like a child drawn away from playtime. He drifted behind his general as they headed into the castle, the brilliant golden fabrics of the young warlord’s ensemble dragging in the dirt.

    Shikanosuke’s pace was precise, like every step he made was calculated to utter perfection; in contrast, Haruhisa lumbered across the floor.

    The general’s fists were clenched tight at his sides. His knuckles were whiter than the rest of his skin. “I still don’t fully understand what’s going through your head. You become daimyo, then decide to withdraw yourself from official business -- now, you’ve always kept yourself distant from political matters, but this ? This is irresponsible.”

    “What…? How?” Haruhisa stopped walking, placing his thin fingers against the cold wall. He stared blankly at Shika. “I am a daimyo. That means… I can finally move on with my plans --”

    “That’s not what it means,” snapped Shika. He turned to face his friend with a scolding look. Though he radiated annoyance, there was a dark cloud of worry looming behind his rose-coloured eyes. “You and I both know that being a daimyo isn’t about brooding by a pond for five days. We’ve recovered. I’ve gathered soldiers. Now, while he’s still licking his wounds, is the best time to strike Motonari.”

    “Why did you do this?” Hisa frowned, deeply confused. He pushed away from the wall. “I didn’t give you orders.”

    “You didn’t give anyone orders. I was the one managing everything for the whole week, Hisa!” Shikanosuke threw his arms up, his usual serene, graceful image soiled by the flame of anger on his face. The soft pinks on his clothes were suddenly alight and threatened to hurt Haruhisa’s retinas. This was not Shika. Was it? Or…

    The daimyo was puzzled by his friend’s reaction. He shifted where he stood. “I needed to recuperate.”

    “For a week?”

    “... Yes?” replied Haruhisa, uncertain with his own answer. It seemed like the wrong one.

     Shikanosuke opened his mouth, then closed it. He searched Haruhisa’s face.

    Everywhere his eyes went, scorched skin remained. There was too much burning today. The daimyo lowered his head, feeling ashamed; he had neglected his duties. Again. Always, always this would happen, and he had only himself to blame for his own stupidity. It was bad. He was bad. Incompetent, reckless, unfocused --

    “Did you recover enough to plan out the next course of action?” Shikanosuke asked, his tone lacking the sharp edge it had just moments ago. It was still apprehensive but no longer angry. This was his friend, for sure.

    Haruhisa thought about it, then took in a quiet breath. “Yes.”

    “We’re going into the war council, and we will plan our next attack.”

    “Yes.”

    “You’re going to take action as daimyo. You’re no longer under anyone’s shadow.”

    “I am finally alone,” Haruhisa muttered. He hesitated before saying a final ‘yes’.

    Shikanosuke sighed in relief, rubbing away the crease in his brow with his fingers. He opened his weary eyes as his friend floated wordlessly past him like a ghost. He caught sight of the small nick in Haruhisa's ear where Motonari’s bullet grazed him; although the daimyo's long hair covered the wound, it still served as a lasting dent in the Amago clan's impenetrable reputation.

    The general’s resentment boiled in his chest. He blamed nobody but himself for that tiny, barely noticeable injury. Only when Shikanosuke was heartbeats away from the possible death of his best friend did he step in to save him. He had been aware of Motonari's unpredictability, yet he still failed to account for it, and Haruhisa's scar was proof of the general's failure. The Amago clan would have fallen into ruin without its next heir, and Shikanosuke would have been left without a cause and his lord. A hopeless ronin.

    The week was slow, almost painfully so. A week of recovering, organizing, and waiting. Shikanosuke could barely hold back his reignited hatred for the Mouri. He gritted his teeth hard, following the oblivious Haruhisa into the council room.

     I’m going to kill that filthy pirate.

    Motonari scowled at the sight of the familiar freckled face entering the room. “What in the blazes did ya bring her in for?”

    Taketo gave the pirate a tired smile, offering Melody a seat next to Takeyoshi. “She deserves to know what’s going on.”

    “Does she?” He met her disapproving glare with a scornful gaze of his own.

    “She saved yer life twice,” Takeyoshi said matter-of-factly, ruffling Melody’s hair. “I think owl man’s right. Can’t leave yer precious surgeon in the dark, y’know?”

    “I didn’t ask you, Murakami.”

    Harukata’s laugh startled everyone into silence.

    Their attention fell on him. The Ouchi general sat by the right side of his lord, with Taketo across from him. Harukata didn’t seem the least bit deterred with Melody’s presence and, with a flick of his hand, he dismissed the quarrelling. “Gentlemen, there’s no need for that. She’s no threat to our proceedings. Let’s get settled.”

    Melody smoothed down her hair, dazed, but she made herself as comfortable as she could where she sat. While everyone was kneeling, only she and Motonari were sitting differently -- her legs were crossed, and he was reclining like he owned the place. The first mate squinted at him, skeptical. Earlier, he had the same carefree attitude about his friend’s anxiety, and even in something as serious as a war council, he remained dismissive. The only time he seemed remotely bothered was when she walked in.

    She turned her attention to Yoshitaka, her concern for him lingering in the back of her mind. Whatever he was thinking, he kept it well-hidden. Her gaze continued to drift until she caught a young man standing a little way behind him -- he appeared to be in deep conversation with some of the servants in the back.

    Melody tilted her head. She had seen this stranger roaming the temple grounds before, but she had not once initiated a conversation with him. He seemed eager to avoid the others involved with political matters. His pale kimono was lovely, made of materials that were far too exquisite for any normal person to wear. Was he nobility? Melody eyed him with great interest. The servants filed out, and the princely boy faced the council, tucking his hands into his sleeves. Silver eyes met her own green ones and quickly averted to focus, instead, on the Ouchi warlord. Melody thought she caught a faint blush before he turned away from her.

    Yoshitaka tentatively started the meeting by acknowledging the Amago problem. Like Taketo had mentioned before entering the room, it appeared that the enemy forces have gathered an immense amount of soldiers. An intimidation tactic. Yoshitaka predicted that these armies are to strike Mouri castles lying unguarded in Aki province.

    Motonari rolled his eyes. He bounced his leg impatiently, the tense atmosphere deflecting off his apathy. "Can we just conclude that I will take care of the Amago? I’m already bored.”

    Yoshitaka shot him an exasperated look. “We’re trying to solve this as a group, Motonari.”

    “Hm, ya know what, that’s too bad. ‘Cause this is wholly unnecessary.” Motonari gave the Ouchi warlord a sneer. “One little mistake back in Gassan-Toda doesn’t overshadow how many times I’ve won against the brat. No matter how much he throws at me, I’ll beat him. I always will.”

    “What are you talking about? The last time he attacked, you were forced to stay in one spot and call upon Harukata for help.”

    “I still held off thirty-thousand men, and Sue came to Aki out of his own volition and yer paranoia. If I need help, I’ll ask for it.” The pirate scowled.

    Melody made a face. She didn’t think that Motonari asked for help at all . His nearly fatal wounds and habit of shoving people off his case provided enough evidence to support that.

    Yoshitaka took a deep breath, his emerald eyes dull with weariness. “But I am asking for your help.”

    Motonari chuckled drily, “Ya do a lot of that. I’m startin’ to think that ya just don’t know how to handle yerself anymore.”

    Yoshitaka bit his tongue, holding back an annoyed insult. “ Let’s get back on topic . Since Motonari has so eagerly decided to take on the Amago threat on his own, Harukata, if you please.”

    The shadowy general set down his cup of saké, unfazed. “We are here to not only plan for the Amago, but also address the rumours spreading throughout Nagato and recently, Suo. I am afraid they have taken quick notice of Lord Yoshitaka’s change in attitude, especially after the loss at Gassan-Toda.”

    Taketo, who had thus far remained silent throughout the entire meeting, made a soft noise of skepticism. “No way. How could they have known all that within a few days?”

    Harukata motioned to Motonari. “Recall the wounds he suffered. They were from enemy spies. It’s possible that the Amago were the ones who started the rumours -- General Shikanosuke may have wanted to weaken his enemy’s resolve. Still, these rumours come from a sliver of truth.

    “We need a way to quell this issue before it turns into a full rebellion. I propose assisting  Lord Motonari in defending Aki province. I can help with my faction, as I always have.”

    Motonari snorted, “No.”

    Harukata's brow lifted, but he didn’t seem surprised by the rejection. “Or, we could take more land to the North. As soon as the Amago leave Izumo, we can strike their castle unexpectedly. We can assume  they’ll focus only on the Mouri.”

    Yoshitaka blinked. “This… all comes down to expansion?”

    “No, not unless you order it. I believe it would be a great way to ease internal tensions. With all due respect, sir, the people of Nagato want a strong daimyo.”

    Taketo glowered at the general. “They do have a strong daimyo. He suffered enough for them, we both know this.”

    “Delusional as always.” Harukata sighed, shaking his head. “We cannot fight the Amago and the rebels at the same time. They have every reason to believe that Lord Yoshitaka is becoming lax. Without a firm hold on his clan, the people feel unsafe.”

    “ Now you care about the people?” Taketo shot back, his hands curled into fists on his hakama. “You talk of me being delusional, but you keep dreaming about pushing your daimyo into things he can’t do. Not at the state he’s in!”

    “I am offering a means of protection. Lord Yoshitaka doesn’t have a choice in what he feels, he has a clan to protect. Hiding away in grief will get nothing done. Unless, of course, you want him to paint his sorrows away? Perhaps write a death poem?” Harukata narrowed his poisonous purple eyes on the calligrapher almost mockingly.

    “How dare you.” Taketo gritted his teeth. “There must be a more peaceful way to --”

    “ Peace is a fool’s illusion in a time like this. You have to fight to survive, Sagara. If you don’t, you lose, and you die. I want this clan to survive.”

    Before their arguing escalated further, Yoshitaka's voice rose in an angry, commanding tone. "Silence! Both of you!"

    The daimyo glared at his subordinates, shocking them into silence. Melody felt the temperature drop a few degrees. She nervously scooted closer to Takeyoshi, who stared wide-eyed at his hands like they were the most interesting things in the world. Not so much as a scoff came from Motonari.

    Yoshitaka narrowed his gaze, his intimidating tone slipping into a more assertive one that barely hinted to his own worries. "Taketo, I expected you to handle this in a more professional way. Harukata, this is something that my generals and I should discuss in private since there is a lot for me to consider. Motonari... is not interested in our internal affairs.”

    Taketo’s face fell with dread. “... I’m sorry, milord.”

    Harukata, triumphant, smiled eerily. “Yes, sir.”

    Melody shot a worried glance Taketo's way. He was a kindred spirit to her, and she empathized with him. Sure, Harukata had a point, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong .

    “Great! We’re all done here.” Motonari said suddenly, clapping his hands together. Everyone stared at him in surprise. “Anyway, I’m going to Aki tomorrow, Murakami’s gonna stay here for a bit to do whatever he does, and that’s that.”

    Takeyoshi rolled his eyes then rose to his feet, anxious to head out after the tension tripled. “Aye, I got stuff to do on my islands. I’ll leave once I’m done getting goods off the mainland, with yer permission o' course Lord Yoshitaka."

    "Yes, go ahead. Thank you for your patience," Yoshitaka murmured, weary.

    Melody let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding, glad that the subject was changed. She tore her eyes away from the quiet Ouchi retainers. “Takeyoshi, can I come with you?”

    Takeyoshi paused before giving her a sheepish, apologetic grin. “I, uh, don’t have a say in that, missy.”

    Motonari purred happily, “But I do.”

    Melody’s stomach churned uncomfortably. Great . She looked dubiously at him. “... I’m coming with you , then?”

   The pirate's eyes lit up with mock surprise. “Oh, you are? What a wonderful suggestion! Well, if ya insist, princess. You can come with me, just stay outta my way. Yer my valuable surgeon now, as Murakami gracefully put the day we met.” Motonari stood up, waving his hand. Melody deadpanned at his dramatic, roundabout way with words as he brushed past her, smirking. “We’re gonna have lots o’ fun, the two of us. Your dear Murakami will come back whenever he’s done dealing with his clan matters. I, on the other hand, will be preparin’ for a battle against a hot-headed child and his albino henchman.”

    “Right, keeping busy,” Melody groaned getting to her feet. She brushed off her pants and looked up to find the pirates waiting by the door already. Geez! They’re so eager to leave! Admittedly, she was just as ready to escape the tense atmosphere created by the quarrelling Ouchi group. As Melody made her way out, she looked back and caught sight of the remaining council over her shoulder. Taketo’s face was shadowed. Yoshitaka’s expression mirrored his calligrapher’s. In contrast, Harukata looked satisfied. The boy in the pale kimono watched with dismay as the others left.

     Just what is Harukata up to? And who was that kid? Melody thought, her brows knitting together. He looked miserable through all of that.

    She closed the door behind her and followed the two daimyos. After walking in silence, Takeyoshi excused himself, claiming that he needed to eat dinner. Though from the way he dashed off, it was obvious he was just avoiding another altercation with Motonari.

    The pirate stopped in front of his temporary room, opening the door but not walking in. “I’m going to Aki tomorrow. Pack yer stuff now so ya won’t be left behind in the morning.”

    The first mate nodded submissively but didn’t leave. Instead, she turned to him, lifting her eyes off the ground. Surprisingly, Motonari wasn’t smiling; he was blank and hollow. Why did Melody feel like that expression was a look at who he really was? Beneath all the anger and arrogance, was he really jaded -- perhaps numb -- enough to justify his cruelty? As soon as he noticed her staring, a look of indifference snuffed out the emotionless one.

    Melody hesitated before asking him, “That young man behind Lord Yoshitaka… who was he? He was wearing a nice kimono, and he had light hair.”

    “The kid? That’s Yoshinaga Ouchi," Motonari scoffed. “Yoshitaka’s son, one of two remaining.”

    “I see.” One of the kids you’re going to ignore when they’re in need. Melody didn’t budge. She kept eye contact with Motonari, wanting to say more but unable to find the words.

    The pirate sighed and closed the door, crossing his arms. “Out with it. Ya heard the nonsense in the main hall with Yoshitaka and I, haven’t you? It’s all over yer face.”

    Melody flinched, then frowned. She couldn’t be as discreet as she wanted to be when he could analyze her every word and movement. “... I heard enough of it.” The vivid memory of Yoshitaka's voice breaking with heartache didn't once leave her mind.

    Motonari hummed, scanning her expression. Then, he stepped forward, forcing the first mate away from him; she pressed her back against the wall, cornered. The pirate gave an insincere smile as he loomed in front of her, blocking out the moonlight. The glow of his blood-red eyes froze on her skin. His voice dropped to a harsh whisper, “What do ya think, sunshine? Was I too cruel ?”

    Melody steeled herself and glared back at him, her palms flat against the cool wood of the temple. She took a moment to respond, her heart thundering in her chest before she hissed back, “Why do you care what I think? You didn’t even care about your friend.”

    “Friend? He isn't my friend anymore. It's been years, and I'm a much different man than he is."

    "You call yourself a man, but you act like a coward ," she spat, ignoring the fear welling in the back of her mind. She went too far, but it was too late to take it back.

    Motonari froze. His eyes grew wide with mixed emotions: disbelief, amusement, and uncontrollable anger that seemed seconds away from exploding. " Wow . No one talks like you do. No one has the guts to. They usually end up rolling at the bottom of the sea with a bullet in their brain! Fortunately for you, I never wanted you dead. Don't make me change my mind, okay?"

    Melody closed her mouth, praying that the wall would cave in and take her with it.

    The pirate leant forward, snarling into her ear, "The man who was Yoshitaka's friend is now dead, and ya don't know a damn thing about him. So don’t pretend to, princess ."

    Motonari pulled away, leaving Melody fuming, before opening and slamming his door shut behind him.

Chapter Text

     A faint voice stirred Melody out of her troubled slumber.

     "Miss Melody. May I come in? It's time to head out."

      Melody sat up in her futon and rubbed her face. For a second she thought it was still nighttime, but the steady pink gradient in the sky outside her window was a clear sign of the coming dawn.

     Hiroyoshi's voice was easily recognizable. Melody didn't move at first -- she didn't feel like speaking to anyone so soon. Ever since yesterday's confrontation with Motonari she had no desire to face his closest retainer. Despite that, she inhaled deeply through her nose and then put on a neutral expression. "Come in," she invited.

      Hiroyoshi gently slid open the door and stepped into her room and paused, surprised to find the window wide open. "How was your night? Usually we keep the windows closed."

      "Fine," Melody lied through a yawn. She got up and stretched. "I wanted to let in the breeze, I can't stand sleeping in a hot room. Do you close them to keep out bugs?"

      "Spies," Hiroyoshi replied simply before handing her a fresh set of clothes. "Or people who would harm you." 

      Melody blinked in the dim light, then took the new kimono and hakama. Such precautions had to be taken at a temple, too? Perhaps that was the nature of war. Any corner could hide enemies and even the town wasn't safe to walk through unaccompanied. She rubbed the back of her neck. "Oh, of course." At the very least, she appreciated his bluntness.

      The retainer studied her quietly. "Are you all right? I know that you aren't used to waking up this early."

      "Yeah, I'm okay!" Melody waved off the question, hoping that Hiroyoshi wouldn't press further.

      "... I apologize. It is still dark out, but we need to get out of Nagato as soon as possible." Hiroyoshi bowed and turned toward the door. He tucked his hands into his sleeves. "Yoshida-Koriyama castle is about a day's ride away, and we hope to reach there by tonight. However, if the horses tire, then we set up camp and continue our journey next morning. We have meals prepared in case anyone gets hungry. Lord Motonari's orders."

      Melody exhaled sharply upon hearing that dreaded name. "Mhmm."

      "If you have an issue with the plan, I am afraid it is too late to change milord's mind."

      "No, it's not that -- sorry. I'm still sleepy." She shut her eyes and rubbed her temple, then stood behind a screen to change her clothes. She bit her lip, wondering if she should be completely honest with Hiroyoshi about what bothered her. No. Melody shouldn't say anything. The retainer could easily tell Motonari, and then he would know what she thought of their awful boss. Still, Hiroyoshi did give her a good escape plan back on the ship... but could she trust him, even if he was Motonari's right hand man?

      Hiroyoshi shuffled where he stood. "Miss, are you sure you're okay?"

      Ugh, I'm overthinking this. Hiroyoshi has been so kind to me! 

      "One moment." Melody slipped on her clothes and then moved to arrange her belongings. As soon as they were all in a small bundle, she turned to the retainer. "I'll be honest with you, sir, I think I'm okay, just confused. Better than yesterday, but I just wanted to ask you something about Lord Motonari."

       Hiroyoshi's brows lowered but he didn't look surprised. Maybe he already saw through Melody; or he knew his daimyo too well and already expected that someone would have a problem with him. She hoped it was the latter.

      Melody hovered by the window, taking the retainer's silence as permission to keep talking. "I was just wondering why Lord Motonari was so, er. Hm ." She motioned vaguely, wanting to put her next statement as politely as possible. "Emotionally detached? Unavailable ?"

      Hiroyoshi closed his eyes. He opened them after precisely three counts, his expression turning deadpan. "Do you mean needlessly aggressive and imbecilic?"

      Melody's world teetered dangerously around her. She was not entirely prepared for Hiroyoshi's blunt answer. "I mean, uh, is that --"

      "The best way to describe him? Forgive me, but yes." Hiroyoshi shook his head and sighed deeply. "That young man shouldn't be so unruly, but unfortunately it's one of his most dominant personality traits. What did he say to you?"

      The tension in Melody's shoulders fell away in relief. Remembering her journal, she hurriedly crossed the room to retrieve it. She gave the retainer a weary grin and gestured to the door, tucking her things under her arm. "I can tell you on the way out, if that's possible."

      Hiroyoshi nodded. "We kept horses just a short walk from the temple grounds. You'll be safe, the perimeter is patrolled by ally soldiers. Tell me what happened, and take your time."

      As they walked quietly, Melody recalled yesterday's conversations: Yoshitaka and Motonari arguing about the premonition of death, Motonari's indifferent attitude during the war council, then the troubling exchange outside his room. She figured that Hiroyoshi knew everything going on within the Ouchi clan -- if he wasn't hovering around Motonari, he was often busy with his allies during her week stay at Tainei-ji -- so she left the rebellion rumours out. The retainer listened patiently to her scattered explanation. When it was finished, they were outside bringing the horses to the temple gates.

      After a short moment of thinking, Hiroyoshi frowned. "I see."

     "I just don't know what he's thinking. I wish I did!" Melody pouted. "He keeps bouncing from mean to tolerable."

     "I'm afraid that he treats everyone the same way."

     "Why?" 

     "It is… not my place to say," the retainer replied, lacking his usual forward honesty. It was something he really didn't want to share… or perhaps it just wasn't his story to tell. "He has many secrets."

     Melody scanned him for a moment, doubtful of Hiroyoshi's hesitation. They both stopped by the temple bridge, facing the gates as a lone man rushed out to meet them.

     Taketo nearly tripped over his own feet, throwing his arms around Melody to catch himself. She took it as a hug anyway, greatly relieved to see him; her bundle of clothes and the journal fell to the ground.

     "Ack -- I didn't know you guys would leave this early! I was in the middle of a good writing session. But, uh, your wagon should be arriving here shortly. Hi, Hiroyoshi, and hello, sunshine." Taketo sheepishly patted Melody's head as the girl snuggled comfortably into his chest. "Good morning. Are you all set for your journey?"

     Hiroyoshi bowed politely and stayed a good distance away from them. He picked up Melody's things and readied the horses as the two friends talked with each other.

     Melody squeezed the calligrapher before letting him go, patting down his wrinkled sleeve. "Yeah, there wasn't much to bring other than clothes and the journal you gave me. I certainly didn't want to leave without saying goodbye, though. I'm gonna miss you!"

     "I'll miss you too. I mean, you're the most upbeat person here. Sue's been on my case lately, and I'd hate to see you go." Taketo caught Melody's worried look and hurriedly dismissed the thought with a wave of his hand. "It's nothing really! I think we're just under a lot of stress since this war thing is happening. I must confess, fighting's never been my forte even though I'm a samurai."

     The first mate was stunned. "You never told me you were a samurai!" 

     "There isn't much to tell." Taketo shrugged. Then his face turned serious. "Are you going to be okay?"

     "Eh, I'm not scared of the journey."

     "You know that's not what I meant."

     Melody faltered then followed the calligrapher's gaze to Hiroyoshi. The older retainer patiently observed as ally soldiers brought a wagon towards him, with room for people to comfortably sit on it. There was space by the cargo for the first mate herself, and, well… the captain would be driving it, it seemed.

     After blowing a strand of brown hair out of her face, Melody turned her attention back to the friendly man in front of her. "I'm not scared of Motonari, either."

     Taketo spent a short moment looking over her wary features, but made no comment on them. He relaxed. "Thought you might say that."

     The first mate hummed and bit her lip, deep in thought. I wonder if Taketo is lonely, too. People are against his peaceful ideals. Even if he might not show it, doesn't it bother him sometimes? She asked slowly, "Do you have a lot of friends here, Taketo?"

     Taketo was surprised with the question. "I… Yes. Well, I think so."

     His mumbled, uncertain words were a warning for Melody to move onto a lighter topic. Although dismayed by his reaction, she accepted his answer with a forced chuckle. "Aw, I'm not one of them?"

     "Now, I never said that! I can't really think of any other friendly folks that aren't fuzzy and walk on all fours."

     "God, you’re such a softie for animals. When I come visit again, you ought to show me where you keep your pets," Melody commented mischievously, nudging her friend with her elbow. 

     "They're not pets! Just… locals, who visit sometimes. Also, I feed them. And take care of them, not necessarily in that order."

     They engaged in playful banter to ease their nerves, too distracted to notice the surprisingly dull-clothed pirate steadily walking to the temple gate. Motonari's stare dragged past their happy faces with disinterest, but he changed his mind anyway to greet them with a sarcastic sneer.

     "What a fun time yer having! Yer bliss is infectious ," he mockingly interrupted. 

     Taketo had a few inches over Motonari in height, but the pirate's presence overwhelmed him. He shrank away. Grinning nervously, he put his hands on his hips and dipped his head. "Ah, Lord Motonari, fashionably late as always. Speaking of fashion, wow, I hardly recognized you! Good morning."

     "Sagara." Motonari acknowledged, monotone. His cold stare fell on Melody. He snapped his fingers and Hiroyoshi, on cue, walked toward them with the horses. The largest of them carried a wagon of supplies -- the things that the pirate had packed. Peeking through some of the wares was a katana in its sheath, far too grand compared to the rest of the covered cargo.

     Motonari's fake smile melted away. He wrapped his hands in black cloth. "Get on the wagon." 

     Melody was curious of the daimyo's disguise, but didn't show too much interest. She stuffed her feelings of resentment away and looked to Taketo. "Taketo, can you --"

     "Oh, don't worry. I got you," the calligrapher reassured her. He reached out to help her onto the wagon. After she wedged herself into a corner, Melody pursed her lips and turned her eyes away from the others.

     Taketo exhaled heavily through his nose. "I'll see you too, then, Lord Motonari."

     His goodbye went ignored. Motonari climbed onto the front of the wagon and winced painfully when he put weight on his left leg. It had been a week, but none of his wounds were remotely close to healing. He quickly reverted back to stoicism and urged the horse forward; the vehicle's sudden movement made Melody brace herself at its side. Hiroyoshi, riding his steed, followed the wagon when the horse began its trek.

     Melody looked at the temple gate moving farther and farther away. Where's Takeyoshi? Her face fell when she found no trace nor hint of his presence anywhere. It was only Taketo who saw them off.

     Her heart sank. They were really leaving all ounce of familiarity and friendliness behind.

     The calligrapher washed her sadness away with a wave, and he reminded her from afar: "Melody! Make sure to stop and smell the roses!"

     Melody was warmed by his words and she excitedly waved back. "I will!" she promised. She vowed to herself that she would find a way to visit again someday, holding in the ache that settled heavily in her chest. The urge to cry was strong, but Melody didn't shed a tear as Taketo and the temple disappeared in the distance. Only when they were gone she sat down and shut her eyes.

     The sun was rising.

Chapter Text

     The trip to Yoshida-Koriyama was long and Melody slept through most of it. She closed her eyes and soon enough she was dozing off despite the tremors of the wagon rolling over uneven terrain. She didn’t get a proper amount of rest the night before, so this would have to make up for it.

     A loud voice -- it sounded like a man cursing -- brought her back into consciousness. Melody’s brows knit together, feeling a disgruntled sense of deja vu. She rubbed her eyes and opened them, but she was overwhelmed by the amount of discomfort her body was in. Napping the day away on a bumpy wagon ride would do that to a spine, wouldn’t it? She stretched and popped her back, groaning.

     Motonari looked over his shoulder. He blinked at her once then focused on the trail ahead. “Ya slept like a rock.”

     Melody sighed. “Where are we?”

     “Aki.” The pirate was tending to his wounds. He frowned deeply at the bloody bandages before crumpling them up and hastily stashing them. “Shiji went ahead for castle preparations.”

     “Yoshida-Koriyama,” Melody mumbled to no one in particular. She let the word roll around her tongue, trying to get familiar with it. Before she passed out earlier, Hiroyoshi explained to her that Yoshida-Koriyama castle was where Motonari spent most of his time when he was new to being a daimyo. That was here, in Aki. She spotted the castle in question looming on top of a forested hill.

     The wagon climbed steadily upwards. Melody looked around: there was a small, humble town surrounding her. It bustled with activity, and people were walking about. Some of them glanced her way. She followed their curious eyes to Motonari.

     He was still in his commoner clothes, and they were extremely humbling on him. Melody wondered if his dignity was somehow impacted by it, but he didn’t seem discontent. His hat, however, was covering most of his face from view.

     Melody moved through the contents on the wagon, carefully pushing some aside to get closer. She was wary of his attitude, but she had no one else to talk to. Hiroyoshi wasn’t here. “So,” she began, “That’s a new outfit you’re wearing.”

     Motonari didn’t look over his shoulder to answer her. “Yep.”

     “It’s… different. It’s like the opposite of what you usually wear.”

     “Uh-huh.”

     That was the extent of their conversation. Ugh.

     Melody wanted to claw at her scalp. Her face fell, but she kept staring at him. She puffed out her cheeks, wondering what to say next. She decided against it, however -- yesterday’s words from him still stung, and she felt the bitterness of it seep into her heart again.

     The town disappeared behind trees as they climbed higher. A wandering monk passed by, greeting them with a smile as he lit up the torches alongside the path. Through the forest, Melody spotted a small area with marked graves. She curled her knees up to her chest and observed her surroundings until the wagon finally rolled to a stop.

     She watched Motonari hobble off before she followed suit, stretching and rubbing her sore bum. If only wooden wagons were as comfortable as her couch! She could use a nap with her cat right now. Oh, Charlie… how she missed him.

     Motonari crossed his arms and looked up. “Yoshida-Koriyama.”

     Melody turned around to stare at the castle. It wasn’t as big and impressive as she remembered other Sengoku castles to be. It seemed subtle. Small, even. She was expecting Motonari to have something elaborate or expensive, but this castle suited his current outfit: unassuming. Humble.

     Definitely not like him.

     She quirked a brow at Motonari, who grunted and rubbed his knee. He kept his gaze down, looking coldly at his wound before taking in a deep breath and frowning at Melody. “What?”

     “You took an arrow to the kn -- leg ,” she blurted out, aware of how close she was to make an obscure reference he would never understand. “It’s nowhere near being fully healed. Same with your arm. I’m just worried.”

     Worried? About him ? Melody mentally cursed herself. Motonari was skeptical, too. He rolled his eyes and dragged himself forward. “I don’t need yer worry, princess.”

     “I figured. Wait, what about the…?” Melody pointed to the wagon and was surprised to find servants were already unloading it. “Oh!” She looked around, confused, before rushing over to collect her journal and hug it close to her chest. Then she spotted Hiroyoshi standing in the castle doorway, a welcoming smile on his face directed to her. He didn’t look at Motonari.

     “Welcome to the castle, miss Melody.” The retainer bowed and Motonari slipped past, barely acknowledging the other. Hiroyoshi held out his hand to help Melody up the steps, then they both headed inside.

     It smelled of dust and the castle felt forgotten. Scarce servants were the only shadows who roamed the hallways. Some acknowledged Hiroyoshi and Melody with nods, while others just went on with little change in expression. It wasn’t like the temple, where people were friendly and Taketo would look at her and grin.

     Melody missed the temple already.

     Hiroyoshi guided her through the cool hallways and up a staircase. “Not what you expected, is it?”

    Melody’s thoughts were stirred away from the quiet walk. “What do you mean?”

     “This castle. It’s not something Lord Motonari likes, either.”

     “Well…” She shrugged one shoulder. “No, I suppose it isn’t what I thought he’d live in. I shouldn’t be so quick to assume.”

     “Don’t worry. To be fair, he doesn’t bring anyone here. He’s barely here himself.” Hiroyoshi stopped in front of a door and opened it for her. “He prefers the open air of a ship. Indoors, on land… it’s too ‘stuffy’, he claims.”

     “That definitely sounds like him.” Melody peered into the room. It was much bigger than the room at the temple, with a large futon that looked like it had been readied just for her. There was a small balcony that viewed the town.

     “This is your room.” Hiroyoshi bowed again. “It was originally Motonari’s younger brother’s, but he no longer stays here.”

     Melody’s jaw hung open. She didn’t mean for it to. “ Younger brother ? He never mentioned a younger brother.”

     The retainer paused, surprised with his own words. “Yes. He… isn’t allowed here anymore.”

     “Oh…” 

      Great! Am I in a war criminal’s room or something? Does his ghost haunt this hallway? Melody accepted it anyway, too tired to press further. She went in and put her journal on the table. She felt the smooth wood surface under her fingertips, then drew her hand back. Her fingers had some dust on it.

     Hiroyoshi cleared his throat, realizing that he left the conversation on an awkward note. “You are free to explore the castle grounds and the town in your free time. Remember to report back early -- before sundown -- in case I or Lord Motonari will seek your help.” When Melody nodded, he continued, “You have one task today before dinner.”

     “I’ll get right to it.” Melody was itching to do something after that uncomfortable wagon ride.

     “No need for the rush. I believe milord himself will be showing you where we keep our finest medicines. There, you will have to tend to his wounds again.”

     The first mate’s eyes fell from Hiroyoshi’s face and focused on the pretty patterns on the door instead. Staying here, being in this castle… meant that she had to take care of someone so cruel to his friends in need. Knowing that made her feel a little bit more miserable. Did Motonari only find her useful? Was the friendly, teasing Motonari she strolled through the market with just a lie? Whoever he was, maybe this castle had the answers she wanted.

     “Miss Melody?”

     She jumped at Hiroyoshi’s voice. “Hi! Uh, should I wait here, then?”

     “I’d advise it so you can get accustomed to your new room. Lord Motonari should be here shortly.” The retainer looked relieved with her response. “... You are very important to us, Melody.” He silently shut the door and Melody listened to his footsteps fading away.

      Important? She let the statement sink into her mind before it was drowned out by other thoughts. She stood there for a moment, unmoving. Then she quickly went to the balcony, eager to take in the view.

     There was the town, the sparkling river that cut across it, and there were the treetops that sloped downward from the castle’s hill. The sun was setting, now. It painted everything gold, orange, pink -- all her favourite colours. Melody breathed in the fresh forest air, and she let herself slide down onto her knees to rest and watch the little people walking about through the red decorated railings.

     This wasn’t unlike her view back home, but something about the scenery felt more personal. Connected. Even so, it was high up and far away from everyone.

     That lonely sinking feeling came back again. As the wind tousled her long hair, Melody wondered if Motonari had a similar view of the town in his room. How did he feel about it? Did he regularly visit the people, or did he stay up here and venture around? The more she thought about him, the more questions arose, and the more frustrated she got. Her scattered mind kept jumping back to that day at the marketplace, the awkward kindness he had -- but was that really him?

     She suddenly became aware of her heartbeat.

     She had to think about anyone else. Something else! She let her mind wander back to the week she spent at the temple instead, furiously suppressing the thoughts about the marketplace incident. Instead she recollected her current situation.

      The conflicted Ouchi clan, the threatening Amago clan… I'm in the middle of a warzone. And Motonari is in no condition to fight. Melody chewed on her lip. Running off when people need my help isn't even a choice.

      She watched the town for a while. Ordinary people, caught in the midst of it all… I wonder what it’s like for them. Do they feel the same as I do?

     How… lonely. It's very lonely, I think. 

     "Princess!" Motonari's voice came from behind the door. "Your clothes are out here, ya know!"

     "Sorry!" Melody quickly got to her feet and headed for the door. "If someone knocked, I must've missed it -- and your shirt is gone." 

     Motonari looked down. He faltered, wondering why she was surprised. "Yeah? If ya haven't noticed, I have a stab wound."

     "Right, chest -- yes . Sorry. I fixed that up recently, too…"

     "Just. Get. Your clothes." He practically shoved the bundle into her arms and waited for her to put them away. "Hurry up. I have more to do after this."

     Melody rushed to set the clothes down, then she followed the pirate out the door. She kept her gaze low, trailing after his sandals as they clacked along the wooden floors. She tucked her bangs behind her ear and looked up only occasionally to admire the décor.

     Motonari watched her out of the corner of his eye. He said quietly, “Never seen a castle before, I bet. Ya look almost lost.”

     Melody shook her head. “I only ever went to one castle in my time.” She laced her fingers together and moved to his side instead of dragging herself along. “It isn't made here. Not yet.”

     “Ah, jeez, this time stuff is confusing, but…” The captain nodded to himself. “... Fascinating.”

      Fascinating , Motonari said with the slightest charming, curious, annoying smirk. Melody repeated it in her head. Fascinating.

     They passed by the kitchen with its doors wide open. The scent of food wafted into the hallway. Some servants were moving about, placing ingredients here and there. Another person stood by a small hearth in the floor, boiling tea. Melody slowed down to take a peek before running after her fast-walking companion. She wondered about Motonari’s experiences out at sea. The more time she spent with him in silence, the more intrigued she became. He probably has so many stories of his own adventures -- at least I hope so , she thought in awe. “Where have you been?”

     “Hm?”

     “Have you sailed outside of Japan?”

     Motonari sounded almost offended by the naive question. “O’ course! I’ve gone everywhere the wind and sea takes me. As long as I could stand and command the crew, I sailed. And sailed .” He sucked in a breath and halted at a different room. He slid open the door and stepped in, his red glance dropping momentarily to his feet. “I got wounded from time to time, but not like this.”

     Melody nodded slowly, satisfied with his response. “That’s probably the most I’ve heard you talk about yourself.”

     He frowned back. Her surprise bothered him. Was he that worried? What a dork. “... Yeah, well, I’m in a nostalgic place. Gettin’ a nostalgic mood, much as I hate it. You won’t get used to it.”

     “Heh. It didn’t reveal much, but enough, I guess.” Melody shrugged and smiled. She walked into the room and observed some medicines lying on a table low to the ground. A futon lay next to it. Across the room, a door leading to the veranda and a small garden was open to let in a gentle afternoon breeze.

     “All right.” Motonari flinched when he lowered himself onto the futon. “Make this quick.”

     “I’m afraid I can’t.” Melody went to wash her hands with alcohol. She poured some into a small bowl which would soon disinfect any tools she planned on using. “It’s going to take time to do this properly. Rushing it would be terrible for you.”

     Motonari groaned.

     She shot him a look, but calmed down quickly and scooted to his side. “I’m sorry. I don’t have the same tools as I do at home, but I’m grateful to work with what’s here.”

     The pirate gave a sarcastic snort. “You oughta be. I told Shiji to buy ye all this stuff as soon as he got to this place. Yer gonna wind up lost if I didn't do that.”

     Melody was about to recoil with embarrassment. Instead, she paused and replayed Motonari's words in her head. “... Really. For me?”

     Motonari caught onto his generosity and, predictably, did his best to dismiss it. “Look, ya can’t be a good healer unless you have the best medicine in town. And I trade, a lot . Maybe steal things. It’s not a big deal. Don’t stare at me like that.”

     “No, I…” Melody shook her head. He thought about her? He cared ? It was just one surprise after another. She found herself grinning. “ Thank you . I can’t believe it, but… actually, no, seriously. Thanks. That’s really considerate.”

     “Stop that immediately.”

     “Aye, captain.” She smiled to herself and sat by him to work on his wounds. As she expected, they were still far from closing. Thankfully nothing was infected. Motonari wasn’t moving away from her hands despite his reflexes screaming at him to do just that. Aside from some pained grunts that came from the injured man, they both remained silent throughout the process.

     His wounds were treated and stitched shut. Melody found each of her instruments submerged in her bowl of alcohol, blood floating up the liquid in deep red swirls. She exhaled, but the scent didn’t leave her. She had a feeling she would continue to smell blood, even if it wasn’t staining her skin.

     Motonari’s eyes were squeezed shut and his brows were twitching slightly from the pain, but he didn’t retort. He cursed at first, but then he was silent. Underneath his silver lashes were slightly darkened rings of sleeplessness; evidence of many nights spent wide awake.

     Melody took note of it and moved back to wash her hands. As she drifted away from concentration, she felt the need to break the silence. “Okay,” she said. “That should be it for now. You really need to rest.” 

     Motonari’s eyes blinked open. He didn’t sit up yet. “Do I have to?”

     “Mhm. It was never a suggestion.” Melody bent over the water bowl, scrubbing her hands clean. “But you don’t listen to anyone,” she remarked with a playful smirk over her shoulder. 

     Unsurprisingly, the pirate was already getting up. “We’re going to dinner.”

     “‘We’?”

     “That’s French for yes, right? Yeah. We are. So get up.”

      Dodged like a pro . Melody wondered if that was the closest she got to laughing at one of his jokes. Was it a joke? Oh, well. She got up and followed him to dinner.

     There wasn’t much talking over the table. Melody had to admit that without Takeyoshi, things seemed a bit too tense for her liking. She missed him. Hell, she missed both of the Take’s! They were both so lively, and would definitely have thought up of a lasting conversation topic by then. What Melody got was a busy retainer and a detached pirate.

     Motonari was quiet. He finished his meal, and then he got up and left without a word. Melody followed suit, but she hesitated at the door to ask if Hiroyoshi needed any help.

     Servants flocked to him as soon as she turned around. She tried to talk to him anyway, but the senior retainer waved her away with a tired but reassuring smile. Okay , she thought sadly. It felt weird not being able to do anything. Still, she had to reassure herself that she was doing more than enough by being the Mouri clan’s ‘healer’.

     She scampered after Motonari, but didn’t venture too close in case he would shoo her away. As invasive as he was, she understood that he loved his personal space. It was a strange thing, his shameless hypocrisy. But Melody supposed that he had his own issues.

     One of them is the history he had with this very castle. She thought about Hiroyoshi, and how he said Motonari had a brother. Wasn’t that common, she wondered, that daimyo typically weren’t only children? It made sense. She cleared her throat.

     Motonari stopped in front of his door. He didn’t turn around. “Yer followin’ me now?”

     “Yep. I wanted to ask you something in a place that didn’t have so many people listening in, you know?” Melody laced her fingers together in front of her.

     The daimyo looked over his shoulder and finally faced her, putting his fists on his hips. “One question.”

     “What? Just one?”

     “That counts as one! And the answer is: aye . Yer outta questions.”

     “I -- hold on a second! That’s not fair!”

     “It is to me. Pirate, remember? Okay. Good night.” Motonari slid open the door behind him, took a step back into his room, and gave Melody an empty smile before closing it in her face.

     Melody could still see his shadow looming behind the door. She huffed, “Well, good night then. That’s the nicest you’ve been!”

     “As I said earlier, don’t get used to it, princess.”

     The door couldn’t muffle his voice much. It sounded like he was shuffling around, looking for something. Melody knocked again, annoyed. She wasn’t sure why she was doing this… boredom? It was likely boredom. She wasn’t tired yet, even though earlier she would’ve given anything to be asleep on one of the futons. She also had a lot on her mind, including questions about her room. “Come on, I was going to ask you about your brother!”

     Silence.

     She knocked again. “I’m staying in his room, right? I just wanted to know if he was going to visit, or if --”

     The door slid open so suddenly she jumped back. Motonari’s eyes burned into hers, a vicious grin on his face.

     Melody decided that she didn’t like that smile. Her body turned to ice, but she still held his gaze.

     The pirate leant forward; his voice was a hiss. “ No . My brother no longer lives here. He tried to get me killed, so he was exiled. So, let this be a lesson: once ya get in my way, ya might as well wish you were dead. And that’s what my brother probably is.”

      Oh. He was awfully close. His nose was millimeters away from touching Melody’s. She still had her chin tilted up and her brows furrowed. Fear welled in her stomach and made it churn uncomfortably, but determination kept her from shrinking back. She had been threatened by him before. Even if he was trying to be scary at that moment, she knew that he wouldn’t hurt her.

     She hoped that he wouldn’t.

     Motonari’s exiled brother… was he younger? Older? Melody didn’t know all the details, but pushing the irritable pirate for answers won’t get her on his good side. This was great, though! She was making progress -- he was actually speaking to her! Using every ounce of her will to keep her voice steady, Melody narrowed her eyes and spoke. “... So, he won’t come in and try to kill me?”

     Motonari’s blood curdling look evaporated. “Yer worried about… being assassinated ?”

     “Yeah,” Melody said pathetically. The paranoia settled in shortly after she heard her own words. “Kinda. Actually, very much so.”

     “That’s not -- you --” The pirate sighed loudly. He massaged his brows and stepped out into the hallway. He walked to Melody’s room, literally nextdoor, and pointed to it. “Get in. I’ll be outside.”

     She took in a breath, ready to say something in return. Nothing came out except for a confused “heh?” that left her lips. She pondered for a moment, hovering in front of her doorway. “Um.”

     “I’m helpin’ ya, am I not? Get in already before I tell you to sleep in the woods.”

     “Okay.” Melody moved into her room and the pirate shut the door before she could turn around. She leant on the door again, placing her hand against the screen.

     Motonari was on the other side, arms crossed; he slid down to the floor and heard Melody do the same. The daimyo shut his eyes and pressed his back against the door. He could feel her touch through it. He didn’t pull away. It was as light and gentle as a feather, and he was exhausted. Her room was brightened by the lantern inside, while he sat rigid in the gloomy corridor. Cold.

     Melody’s voice penetrated through the barrier that divided them. Her words were soft, sweet. “Thanks. I’m sorry I’m easily spooked.”

      Whatever, his gut instinct urged him to reply, but instead he shook his head to no one in particular. It was his way of saying ‘it’s nothing’ without actually saying it. “... Go to sleep, princess.”

     She didn’t need to apologize for being scared. Motonari was certain that everything about this era was terrifying to her -- Melody, isolated, not exposed to how dangerous war was. She had to endure all of it in a week. She was always going to feel out of place next to a bloodthirsty pirate. Said pirate opened his eyes, watching the soft shadows dancing on the wall. Melody had gone away from the door already.

     Motonari shouldered his retrieved haori off his left side and ran his fingertips over the new bandages. His arm twitched when he felt his wound, but it was cleaned up and taken care of.

     Because of her.

     He could have died that day. Shikanosuke was so close to killing him. Somehow, cruel fate loved to keep him alive just to suffer longer.

     Motonari knew that he would never let himself admit it, but Melody provided a bit of peace in his life. He didn’t know it was possible.

     He was alone in the hallway, and frankly no one dared to bother him. He let his guard down, just this once. Motonari's head thumped against the door and he listened, really listened, wondering what she was doing on the other side. He couldn’t concentrate, though.

     The warlord was tired. He always was, but he played it off well so no one would notice. No one got close enough to, and that was how he preferred it. Untouchable, ruthless. Alone. No family, no friends, nothing.

     Except her… what was she to him? She appeared out of nowhere, brought him back from the dead, and continued to help him despite how awful he was.

     Motonari let his eyelids fall. He had to sleep. He hadn’t slept in so long.

Chapter Text

      It had been a few weeks since he arrived at his old home and Motonari was losing his mind.

     Milord, this. Milord, that. Milord ’s brain was beating against his skull. He heard Melody’s sing-song voice, as mocking as it was sweet, echoing in his ears: ‘ you really need to rest ’! He never will. With the Amago annoyance growing into an insatiable, burning itch and the added throbbing of his healing wounds, Motonari’s white hairs were sprouting white hairs. Not that it would have made any difference.

     “Milord,” called Hiroyoshi for the billionth time.

     “Oh, for the luvva -- what ?!” His nerves popping out of his forehead, Motonari spun and nearly toppled over from the stress on his injured leg. He thought about the backup that Murakami had sent him: they were tired. Hungry. He sure as hell didn’t know where all the war rations went because recently shipments have been chaotic. Then there’s more --

     Hiroyoshi acknowledged his daimyo’s glazed eyes. He cleared his throat and spoke clearly: “We had a messenger from the Ouchi clan arrive at the edge of town. He claims to have a letter for you.”

     “Edge of town?” Motonari sighed and shooed away a servant who offered him something to drink. “Enough tea. -- Melody is out running errands, right?”

     “Yes. In fact, she received the letter for you, then she returned to the castle and told me about it. She is here now waiting for your audience.”

     “Ya gotta be kiddin’ me,” the pirate groaned and hobbled past his senior retainer. He asked the next question despite knowing the answer. “Where is she? Also, check on Watanabe. I saw him tryin’ to cook this morning; didn’t go well.”

     Hiroyoshi narrowly avoided bumping into the annoyed daimyo. He hesitated to bow, but still answered accordingly. “By the river, milord. And… I’ll see to Watanabe’s recovery right away.”

     Dismissing his retainer with a half-hearted wave, Motonari made his way outside his castle. While he was used to the busy atmosphere of people running about to do their chores, he wasn’t fond of the same environment within closed walls. No, he much preferred the open skies above a ship and a strong breeze carrying his step.

     This place held far too many memories that he tore his eyes away from. Voices drifted through each hallway, each room; they tried to tug at Motonari’s heart, though it was clogged with dust and decay. This castle was haunted. It was a dead man’s home, suffocating and lonely, distressed and in need of life.

     There were many things Motonari hated and at the top of the list was this place. He had been on edge ever since he passed by that gravesite the day he came back. Everything he tried to hide revealed its ugly face in each corner. He felt watched. He felt angry. Impossibly, stupidly , he felt guilty.

     Then he stepped out and felt the sunlight.

     Melody jumped onto her feet when she saw him stumble off the veranda. She waved and in her hand was a rolled-up letter. A gentle gleam danced in her eyes, worry-free and happy -- it was a sign that she was adjusting well. Was she excited to see him? “Hey, captain. There was this guy who --”

     “Yeah, was told ‘bout it. Give it here.” He glared through the midday light and stuck out his good hand. He caught a telling roll of his first mate’s eyes but Motonari decided to ignore it. “Did ya reach the bladesmith?”

     “I was on my way then I met up with this guy. He says he recognized me from the temple.” Melody gave a dopey smile. “It’s sweet that he remembers me! He looked really tired, though. I gave him some money to get food.”

     “Generous with my gold, as usual,” Motonari scoffed. He unfurled the letter and squinted at it.

     Melody knelt by the river once again, resuming her observation of river koi. Fish were calming to watch, and she liked how their scales shone in the sun. They were creatures made of treasure. She remembered Taketo showing similar interest in them, raving on about fascinating animals in the fall-themed haiku he wanted to finish.

     Motonari fell silent behind her, so she turned to him again. “What does it say?”

     The pirate’s eyes lingered on the page for a long time. Melody tried to decipher his face: the knit brows showed his apprehension; pursed lips meant the letter was serious. Empty eyes meant… well, she still didn’t know what it meant. He almost always had those eyes.

     She straightened up and frowned, worried. “Well?”

     Motonari shook his head, then folded the letter and tucked it into his kimono. “It’s nothing,” he said with a dismissive shrug. “Just news from the Ouchi clan.”

     Melody knew him as a good liar. That was a very bad lie. She put her hands on her hips and opened her mouth to egg him on, but it was too late. Motonari already had his ‘up-to-no-good’ smirk tugging at his lip. “Nothin’ bad, if that’s what yer worried about. Let’s get outta here.”

     The sudden mood changes were still something Melody had to get used to. Deciding not to press him about the contents of the letter, she huffed and followed him away from the castle. As they walked, Melody kept an eye on Motonari’s leg. His limp was almost gone; the wound was closing well in the most recent checkup. Motonari looked a lot better and less like the wounded, grumpy fighter she met on the first day of her Sengoku adventure.

     Her face fell slightly. She wondered how long she had left in this world. Would the wormhole come back and take her away just as she was getting used to the place, or would it leave her here for the rest of her life? She wasn’t sure how she would handle either of those choices. She realized then that, if she woke up the next day in her cozy air-conditioned bedroom with her cat and all her comfort, she would miss Motonari.

      Ew. She can’t believe she grew attached to this guy. Still, the thought put a smile on her face.

     Motonari strolled right past the gravesite. Melody passed by it whenever she went out to run some errands for the boys. However, she would peek at it time and time again. She never made a proper visit since she felt that it wasn’t her place to do so. Besides, tombstones spooked her. It was no doubt a family grave with its proximity to Yoshida-Koriyama. Melody slowed down and tried to make out the moss-covered characters on a large stone:

      Okimoto Mouri .

     She wouldn’t want to open another can of worms, would she? Every day, a new mystery was connected to Motonari and this castle. Melody could try to guess what his childhood was like, but looking upon the tombs again, she could assume that it wasn’t a pretty one.

     “Hey.” She ran over to the warlord and matched his pace. “What are you going out for? Didn’t Hiroyoshi want you to stay in the castle?”

     “He’s not the boss o’ me,” Motonari chimed with a wag of his gloved finger. “ I am the boss o’ me. And occasionally, the sea is the boss o’ me. I am the boss o’ Hiroyoshi. Hiroyoshi is the boss of the servants and makin’ good tea. …As for what I’m doin’ out, I’m just ignoring my duties. Daimyo don’t play enough, have you seen that Amago kid? That’s a miserable lookin’ lad.”

     Melody snickered. “I didn’t get a good look at him, there was a storm, remember? Hm… what’s Takeyoshi the boss of?”

     “Eh. Oh, y’know. Stuff.”

     “ Stuff . Got it. Anyway, do you know how he’s doing? I haven’t seen him since we got here.”

     “He’s still at Tainei-ji. It’s pretty close to one o’ his bases so he’s sticking around there.” Motonari made a vague gesture. “I guess he’s the boss o’ my naval forces.”

     “That’s a pretty big job.”

     “He’s a pretty big guy. He can handle it and he’s been handlin’ it longer than I have.” Dappled sunlight that filtered through tree branches caught onto the pirate’s kimono. He made his way down to the bridge; his red eyes matched his golden outfit briefly when he looked back up at Melody. He raised a brow.

     Motonari, made of gold, held his hand out to her.

     Melody tripped on an uneven stair and immediately grabbed onto his waiting hand for support. He let go immediately once she was back on her feet, frazzled.

     Motonari snorted. “ Real classy, princess.”

     “Shut up! I knew that stair existed!” She groaned and brushed the dirt off her hakama. “You’re too sparkly and it’s getting into my eyes.”

     “Ha! Yer gonna have a lotta fun on the ship.” Motonari said it without thinking. On the ship?! Being inside that cursed castle rotted his brain. How dare he think of bringing her onto the open sea. Especially on a ship. He shoved the thought out of his mind and clapped his hands together as if the sound would help snap him out of it. “Okay, here’s the plan.”

     His first mate looked expectantly at him. Motonari paused just to stare back, then he said, “We go finish yer chores and get lunch. So far, them’s the guidelines. I’ll improvise along the way, aye?”

     “That’s it?” Melody tilted her head. “Okay. I mean, aye!”

     The two of them stopped by the marketplace -- not to shop, but to observe. This was Motonari’s town, after all. They had to make sure it was still well-stocked and defended in case of a not-so-surprising Amago invasion. Nothing new came from the Haruhisa, so one could safely assume the young daimyo was still waiting for an opportune time to strike. Motonari knew for a fact that the Amago lands were suffering from supply loss. Why, he was the one behind it. A hungry enemy is either dangerous or dead. The pirate was counting on the latter.

     They both had a list of things they needed to do. As the list filled itself with Melody’s erratic multitasking, Motonari found himself growing dangerously bored of counting things. His main goal was to get away from work and he was watching someone else do work. How dull. His attention drifted about, watching people talk to each other. He could pick words out of their mouths: ‘rice’, ‘Amago’, ‘rain’.

     Nothing too out of the ordinary. He concluded silently that his town was doing fine; this should be the state of most of his land. He received nothing alarming from his castles closest to the Amago border. He sent most of his men to those bases, and he didn’t have a lot of men to spare in the first place. He was considerably weaker on land than he was at sea. Murakami made up most of his naval force, but they were just as unpredictable as the ocean they love so much.

     Oh, no. His thoughts were spiralling back to strategies again. Motonari shook them off and shuffled after Melody. “Hurry up.”

     “Yeah, yeah. Almost done, captain.”

     They had a quick lunch at a local dumpling shop. Motonari was eager to get prying eyes away from his mealtime.

     On their way to the bladesmith, he caught sight of some kids playing with wooden spinning tops. Melody instantly swerved to join the group of children, fascinated by the toys. The pirate leant against a wall with his arms folded. He watched with mock disinterest and occasionally surveyed the town, suspicious of possible Amago spies. If they managed to break into town, they’d try to strike whenever Motonari was out of the castle.

     One of the small boys looked up at him with wide hazel eyes. "The daimyo… are you the Beggar Prince?”

     Melody followed the boy’s inquisitive gaze. Motonari’s expression went grim and he pushed himself off the wall. "Aye. That's what they call me." 

     The boy jumped onto his feet and offered him a top which was painted a playful, bright blue. “Oh! Have one.”

     “What? No. That’s yers, kid.”

     “Mom said the daimyo of this land is the Beggar Prince.”

     “Yeah, but --” Motonari sighed in defeat and took the toy, promptly stuffing it into one of his many pockets. His voice was low and tired. "Run along, kid. Don't trust adults so easy."

      The ‘Beggar Prince’ comes up again. Taketo called him that before! Curious, Melody thanked the children for the toy, then she stood up and ambled over. She pointed to the playmates with her thumb. “What was that about?”

     “Old stories.” Motonari waved it off. “When I was a kid I used to run ‘round this place and steal to survive.”

     “ Really? ”

     “Yeah. Got that silly name after the Mouri clan moved up.” He shook his head, brushing it off, and motioned for her to follow. “Come on. I want a new sword.”

     “Dude.” Melody leapt to his side, an awed gasp coming from her mouth. “That is so cool . You have stories and awesome names associated with you! You’re like some kind of folk hero to these people! Did you grow up in this town too?”

     “Yes. It used to be smaller. Now move it.”

     “Oh, my gosh. I want a cool nickname.”

     “The, ah, Princess with really long hair.”

     “Come on. That’s not nearly as cool as Beggar Prince. Besides, I’m pretty sure that’s already Rapunzel.”

     “Didn’t Sue come up with ‘Woman of the Storm’?”

     “Ugh, yeah, but like… he kinda creeps me out.”

     Motonari chuckled, but the comment troubled him a bit. Harukata Sue had been lurking in the back of his mind ever since he got that letter. The pirate stopped in front of the bladesmith’s shop. “Ya still have money for the sword?”

     “The special gold from mister Beggar Prince man.” Melody nodded and stuck her hand into her bag, drawing out the bag of coins. “Yessir.”

     “Stop callin’ me that. Go and see to that sword, I have to… take care o’ something.”

     Melody’s shoulders slumped in disappointment. She peered past the curtain of the bladesmith, seemingly withdrawn once she was alone again.

     Motonari turned and said over his shoulder: “... Ya did good. Didn’t know you put this much thought into all yer errands. Get back to the castle and rest after.”

     He didn’t stay to watch or listen to her reaction. Motonari headed straight back to the castle alone, deep in thoughts full of Melody and then… war.

     He passed by the uneven stairs, then the dreadful grave. Only then when he was by himself did he pause and read his older brother’s name on the tombstone.

      Okimoto. Motonari stared at the characters, burning the image into his mind. He glanced at the smaller, newer tombstone beside it, but he couldn’t bring himself to read the name.

      Did Melody read these too? Did she wonder about who they were, as I wonder about who they could have been?

     Motonari looked around in case anyone was watching, then he squared his shoulders and continued walking.

     Hiroyoshi met him at the front entrance. “Milord, the messenger is here now. I’ve allowed him to rest for a little while before he heads back to Ouchi territory. If you have a message for him to return to Sue, it would be wise to give it to him soon.”

     “Good. I’ll do it now.” Motonari exhaled. He thought of the letter stashed in his kimono. The weight of it bothered him. “Where is he? I have the response Sue wants.”

Chapter Text

     A few days later, Motonari's response reached Ouchi territory.

     “Nothing?” Harukata blinked. “Motonari decided to respond with… nothing ?”

     “It’s all in the letter, sir.” The messenger, with his head low and eyes on the ground, crunched his brows together in disbelief. He simply couldn’t understand the pirate’s lack of involvement.

     Harukata did. The more he mulled over Motonari’s words, the clearer it was: he simply did not care. If anything happened to his ally -- should the Ouchi even be his ally now -- Motonari would merely look the other way. It was his sick way of letting them know his apathy.

     The general sighed deeply through his nose and smiled. Very well, he thought, impressed. Once again you make everything more convenient for me, Lord Motonari. I will carry on with my plan. He gestured for his messenger to get up. “You are dismissed.”

     “Thank you, sir.” The underling breathed a sigh of relief. He got to his feet, bowed, and hurried for the door.

     Harukata didn’t look up from the letter when he ordered, “Takagawa. Kill him.”

     A figure darted out of the shadows and leapt onto the startled messenger before he could reach the door. With a gurgling noise and a painful snap , the man crumpled to the floor dead. The man called Takagawa rose from the body and looked over his shoulder.

     Harukata nodded in approval and calmly slid the letter into his kimono. “Clean and efficient as always. The fewer loyalists the better, after all.” He chuckled to himself. Every piece is falling into place.

      “You know where to find me before sunrise. Get there quietly and bring the faction. We need Yoshinaga; Yoshitaka's other son is of no use to us. In the meantime, dispose of the body.”

     “Yes, master.”

          That evening, Taketo shambled up the temple steps and stretched once he reached the landing. The golden Buddha statues smiled obliviously at his impressive show of drowsiness. The calligrapher rested his knuckles on his hips and beamed back at the cheerful god. “Good afternoon! Any idea where I can find Lord Ouchi? … Ah, I’m talking to a statue. I’ll go find him myself. Have a nice day, Buddha.”

     He twirled and headed to the main building. The easiest way there, Taketo thought, was straight through the temple grounds. No more meandering! He had a goal today.

      Oh, the flowers look dehydrated. He knelt down to observe its petals.

     What was once a vibrant, playful flame-coloured flower was wilting. He frowned as a yellow, sickly leaf snapped at his fingertips. Melody liked these ones, he remembered with a sigh. He straightened up and wondered how she was doing in Yoshida-Koriyama. Was she dealing with the pirate well? Surely, even the coldest of hearts could warm up to her.

     Right, the building. He needed to go to the main building. Taketo picked up the pace and sped across the temple grounds, carefully stepping over any wild fauna he didn’t want to disturb. I will draw them later. Though, he was already swamped with other things he wanted, no, needed to get done.

     Instead of Yoshitaka, Takeyoshi was in the main foyer. Strange. The tall daimyo appeared to be distracted. Taketo looked left, then right. Up, and down. No Ouchi -- maybe he was in his quarters. “Well. Murakami, good day!”

     “Ahoy there, shark bait.” It took a moment, but the big man saluted. He had his flashier gear on; he was leaving soon. “What’s biting ye?” 

     “The use of puns is a nice touch,” Taketo approved. He let out a soft, pensive ‘hm’ and approached the warlord. However, he still looked behind him, expecting Yoshitaka to waltz in and say hello. “Have you seen Yoshitaka?”

     Takeyoshi paused, then gestured outside. “Uh, this mornin’, aye. He was by that big tree on the grounds. But ye weren’t awake then. Don’t know where he went after that.”

     “ Drat .” Taketo blew out his cheeks and scratched his head. “I was hoping to speak with him. I feel like he’s been more and more… er, scarce recently. I think that’s a good word to describe it.”

     “He ain’t ‘round much, yer right.” Takeyoshi’s gaze drifted.

     “Exactly! Is he avoiding me? Then again, I haven’t seen him talk to anyone lately. I’m worried.” Taketo shook his head. His heart sank. “He’s been so distant ever since the last battle, I feel like I’m losing him…”

     “Hey, now.” Takeyoshi made a face, then lowered his voice. “We don’t talk about that so loudly ‘ere, mate. That’s been the cause o’ many tensions in this place. I’ve been listenin’, I've been learnin'.”

     “... What do you hear?”

     “More than enough. Now, it may not be my business, but… ah, hell. Boss ain’t here.” The warlord glanced about quickly to make sure no one was in earshot. There were no other people in the room -- which was odd, actually -- but with the stress in the temple that Takeyoshi mentioned, Taketo understood the paranoia.

     The pirate whispered, “Harukata's been schemin'. He's gonna stab yer daimyo in the back, and it's too late to stop him now.”

     Taketo scowled and opened his mouth to protest. Harukata would never do such a thing -- what a harmful accusation to a general with a reputation like his own! But there was doubt in the calligrapher’s mind. He always tried to hide it. His arguments with Harukata never got through; Taketo’s logic fell flat against Harukata’s unwavering resolve. It was alarming, and though he tried to befriend the man, he only ever felt scrutinized instead of understood.

     He shook his head again, this time faster. “No. I… don’t want to think about that, Takeyoshi.”

     “It's already happening! Look at what’s happened to the clan, Sagara. Half the place wants a better warlord, the other half wants what you want. Which side do ye think is gonna take action first?”

     “You’re really stepping out of line now! Besides, all of this is -- it’s Yoshitaka’s decision.”

     “And he didn't decide soon enough. Yer out of time.”

     Taketo placed his fingers on his temples and rubbed at them fiercely. He shook his head again and again. “I don’t -- ugh.” He clicked his tongue, frustrated. His chest felt heavy with words that wouldn’t form fast enough. “I know what’s happening. I want to do more, but I just don’t believe that Harukata would do real harm to his childhood friend. Yoshitaka loves him.”

     Takeyoshi folded his arms and cocked a brow, unconvinced.

     The calligrapher gave him a sour look. “Don’t do that thing with your face. Especially in my direction.”

     “Yer a good guy, Sagara. Always lookin' to the light. But the longer ya look, the more likely it'll blind ya.” Takeyoshi exhaled and let his arms fall to his sides. He brushed past and patted him on the shoulder. "Ya gotta remember the clan always comes first."

     "What do I do?" Taketo murmured.

     The warlord stopped at the doorway. He seemed preoccupied -- he was ready to leave. "Ya gotta know something. Knowing soon would be good."

     "Of course I don't know. I stopped being a samurai years ago. I hated it. Yoshitaka was kind enough to grant me the freedom to decide for myself. As his retainer, I oversaw… I oversaw peace." The calligrapher looked down  at his ink-stained hands. " What do I do? "

     Takeyoshi's blue and gold eyes swept across the temple grounds. The very tree that Yoshitaka Ouchi would sit by was unaccompanied; it was old and ever watchful, like a sentinel.

     “I would… prepare for the revolt. It's bound to happen real soon,” Takeyoshi muttered. He turned to Taketo. “I sure as hell hope ye still know how to fight.”

     “A revolt.” Taketo let the words sink in. They anchored onto his throat and strangled him from within. A revolt . He shut his eyes and counted to three. When he opened them again, he expected Takeyoshi to be gone, like this conversation was some twisted nightmare instead of reality. But the daimyo still stood there, looking out onto the temple grounds.

     “How can you be so sure of this?” Taketo asked.

     Takeyoshi smiled bitterly. “Harukata told me.”

     “He told you?” Taketo echoed, his voice laced with a mixture of disbelief and disgust. His hands shook at his sides as he approached the much bigger man. “When?” No. That wasn’t a good enough question. “Why haven’t you said anything?!”

     “He… well, he bought my silence. Figured if I told ya now, he wouldn’t care. He might find out and try to get me back after, but I didn't wanna cause more stress… than, er, right now.” Takeyoshi moved outside and raised his hands in defeat. He looked worried. Pained, but level-headed.

      And still, to have kept that information from me and the clan -- “What the hell were you thinking?! And you’re so calm about this -- you make me sick !”

     “Harukata would’ve done the same with the boss. I’m pretty sure he already knows!” Takeyoshi dodged a clumsy swing from the calligrapher. He frowned and backed off. “Sagara, stop it. If yer smart ye’d get outta here now.”

     “You’re terrible. Pirates are terrible.” Taketo gasped. His world spun and his eyes were burning with oncoming grief. I’m alone. Oh, gods. I’m all alone. I can’t do anything. I can’t fight. “And… if he does know… Motonari wouldn’t do anything for Yoshitaka.”

      Motonari wouldn’t come here to help. Of course he wouldn’t. This is all my fault. The calligrapher curled his fists into his hair, forcing himself not to breathe. He wanted to think straight, but nothing made sense anymore. The only thing that was certain was the feeling of betrayal that rooted him to the ground; it kept him shrouded in the darkness of the empty temple.

      Then… how is Yoshitaka going to feel? He staggered in the direction of Yoshitaka's room but faltered. 

     “Taketo!” Takeyoshi’s voice seared into his mind. “ Run !”

     Taketo looked up as time stopped. His vision was blurry with oncoming tears. In front of him was Takeyoshi, but behind the daimyo was the ancient tree that guarded the grounds. Its bark was engulfed in flames from a single arrow that was lodged into it.

      No. No, no, no!

      Taketo ducked on instinct as more flaming arrows sailed over the temple walls. The carvings, the artwork, the statues -- it was destined to turn into ash. The assault was silent, but it was destructive. Shouts of surprise and fear suddenly broke out throughout the grounds, shattering the peace of Tainei-ji.

      A revolt , Taketo’s thoughts repeated. He found his voice, but it sounded muffled compared to the heartbeat raging in his ears. “I need… I need to save Yoshitaka!”

     Takeyoshi tossed him his sword, the heavy sheath foreign in the Taketo’s ink-blotched hands. “Go!” The daimyo said, not questioning the other’s resolve. “I got the monks, just go!”

     Taketo scrambled to his lord’s chambers as fast as his feet could carry him. He could only hear his laboured breathing and footsteps crashing on the wooden floor.

     Rebels streamed into the temple. There are so many. Why are there so many? Taketo kept running and tossed the sheath aside, exposing the blade. A man got into his way. He didn’t know who it was. “Move!”

     The man didn’t move and drew his sword. Taketo grit his teeth and swung recklessly. “I said move !”

     Somehow, the angry strike landed and sent the opponent careening to the wall. Taketo was so fast he nearly crashed into a column when turning to take a shortcut to Yoshitaka’s room. Just when he regained his footing, the corridor exploded with heat as the flaming roof crumbled down in front of him.

     He coughed and sputtered. He lost his sword and picked it up again, covering his nose and mouth from the smoke. He heard someone yelling in the distance. Someone young and distraught.

      Yoshinaga. Dread and adrenaline made him run faster. If anything happened to Yoshitaka’s sons --

     Taketo entered the next hallway and shoved the first rebel that tried to stop him. He was well out of practice, and the small group of defectors knew that. They had the upper hand against him.

     He glowered at them anyway. Something cool and wet trailed down his cheeks despite the suffocating heat that overwhelmed him. He readied his sword. “You’re not getting into that next room.”

     “My, my. Look who decided to play the hero.”

     Harukata’s voice was crisp and cold as it cut through the corridor. The rebels glanced to the side, seeing a tall shape in the shadows that signalled for them to clear out. Some sneered, but all dispersed, including the mysterious figure in the dark.

     The door across the hallway opened and Harukata stepped out. He unsheathed his katana, smiling humourlessly at Taketo. “It took you long enough. I thought I would never see you with a sword.”

     “You…” Taketo still didn’t want to believe it. How could Harukata sink this low? “You would do this to your own childhood friend?”

     Harukata circled him like a wolf measuring its prey. “Yes, I would. Whatever was necessary.”

     “Burning the temple? Killing innocent people who promote peace?” Taketo spat. His sword wavered in the air. “ That’s what you think is necessary?”

     “Mm, that. Well, there was a message I wanted to send. I’m sure you’ll understand. You’re the poet, after all.”

     “I thought you were better than this!”

     Harukata clicked his tongue and moved closer. His violet eyes were lit by the flames that nearly licked Taketo’s back. “That’s your vice, Sagara. You naively assume everything about people. I’m disheartened to see Yoshitaka taking advice from the likes of you. ”

     Taketo closed the distance between them with a powerful swing, but Harukata deflected it easily. He met each strike with a parry and dodged others.

     His blade whistled through the air, but Taketo knew he was at a disadvantage. Harukata was a trained killer. Still he fought, even when his muscles screamed with effort and his lungs heaved for cleaner air.

     Harukata saw openings and exploited them. He overpowered the other and cut him once, twice, three times; it was clear that Taketo couldn't win if the battle went on any longer.

     Annoyed, Harukata knocked his opponent down and kicked Taketo's sword away. "Your skills are pitiful. I can tell you have some knowledge with technique, but you've grown practically useless due to lack of practice."

     Taketo grimaced and crawled toward his weapon, but Harukata's foot slammed down against his outstretched arm. He cried out in pain and tried to writhe away to no avail, desperation spilling out of his eyes in tears. This is all my fault. I can't believe I was so stupid, letting these people betray me like this!

     "Still trying to fight. It's admirable, but I'm afraid your journey ends here." Harukata tilted his head. Then, he turned his attention to the arm he was stepping on. "This is your right hand. It's your dominant one, correct?"

     Taketo's eyes widened with realization. His heart stopped as the blade drew closer to his hand. "No. No, Harukata, please !"

     "That dreadful voice of yours also has to go. I'll cut off your hand and then I'll cut out your tongue. You're going to wish you were dead." Harukata laughed, pointing his sword to Taketo's wrist. "You'll likely bleed to death or suffocate first, but either way, it'd be such a miserable way to die."

     He removed his foot and grabbed Taketo by the hair, dragging him across the room. "I suppose it matches a miserable way to live." Harukata stuck his sword into flames, heating up the metal. He then pinned the defeated calligrapher again and watched him try to free himself.

     When he realized it was futile, Taketo glared up at Harukata, but all the spark in his bright brown eyes was gone. He took in a shaky breath. His voice was almost a whisper above the crackling flames: "Maybe… you're right. Your love for war will win. But I'm not the only one… who thinks the way I do. Someone… will stop you. And you will remember me when that time comes."

     "Naive Sagara. I'll forget you as soon as I leave this room," Harukata said, briefly amused by the other's bravery. Then he drove his sword into Taketo's wrist.

Chapter Text

     Hiroyoshi’s shoulders rose as he took a deep breath. Then, the man bowed and placed his hands on his knees. “You’ve won, Miss Melody.”

     Melody beamed as she plucked white stones off the go board. She placed them in her growing pile of prisoners. “You should know that giving me the leading advantage means your imminent doom, good sir.”

     “Not at first. You’re an incredibly quick learner, though. I should have anticipated that. Next time we play, I start with the black stones.”

     “Of course!” Melody stretched her arms high above her head. After hearing a relieving ‘pop’ of her spine, she sighed and got up. “I’m going to take a walk.”

     Hiroyoshi cleaned his stones off the board, a proud smirk on his lips. “Make it short, you need to be back before dinner.”

     “I’ll be fine!” Melody waved off the ridiculous idea that she’d be late. She drifted down the hall, and her fingers reached for the paintings on the walls, tracing over the bolder lines. Inky samurai and scenery danced in her peripherals, all lit by the orange sun that spilled through open windows. 

     Melody’s light garments welcomed the gentle wind of the afternoon. She hopped down the castle’s veranda and arrived at the Mouri gravesite. Briefly, she pictured Motonari coming to the tombs and contemplating. She chose not to entertain the bizarre thought. Motonari? Reflecting on his life? Please . Melody sped down the path and rounded a corner, taking a shortcut to town.

     Motonari leapt out from behind a tree, arms outstretched. It turned out he was close by after all. “Yer dead!”

     Melody shrieked and skidded to a halt inches away from his hands. She put her fists up instinctively and pouted at him. “Dude, come on! Do you have to do that?”

     Motonari dropped his hand back to his hip. “Yep.” He looked over her shoulder. “Castle’s that way.”

     “I’m going to town. I want some snacks.” The first mate tried to move past Motonari, but he slid in front of her. He was quite distracting for a man wearing a whole lot of black. 

     He cast a dazzling smile her way. “Hang on, hang on. Don’t ya have a curfew? Dinner’s soon, too.”

     “Oh, you’re one to tell me.”

     “Growin’ some attitude, huh? … Go ahead, princess.”

     Passing his test of rebellion, Melody rolled her eyes, ignored her fluttering heart, and continued her short hike to the market. Motonari watched her amble away. He caught himself staring, then hastily continued up the steps of the castle. Whatever he felt for her shouldn’t be so distracting. Lately, it was.

     Melody never surpassed any of her curfews, so he didn’t worry about her being late for dinner. Also, Motonari had to give off the impression that he didn’t care for her safety despite his growing fondness for the first mate. Was she reliable? Yes. Was she gorgeous? Also yes. Was he going to drive himself insane by thinking about it too much? Certainly. The less he saw her, the better.

     Motonari finally ushered her face out of his head as he entered the castle. The hallways were active. Servants rushed through, but they found the split second to give their lord a courteous bow, a gesture he found surprising. After all, he hadn’t been home since the troubles with the Amago started. Were they happy to have him back? 

     The pirate found Hiroyoshi in the study, pondering the go board. Motonari blinked. He plopped down and pulled the stones toward him. “I start.”

      Hiroyoshi shook his head. His worn fingers were laced together, shielding his frown. “I do not feel like playing at the moment. Melody defeated me, and I’m still trying to grasp how she had done it.”

     “Really, now?” Motonari was impressed, then quickly dropped his smile. He sat still for a moment and absently played with the white stones. He cleared his throat. “Melody, huh… she learned quick, or maybe yer just gettin’ slow, old man.”

     “She has a brilliant mind.” Hiroyoshi picked up a black stone and sighed.

     “Aw, no. What’s the look fer?”

     “What look?”

     Motonari mimicked his retainer’s posture, then twisted his face into an exaggerated wistful expression. “That one.” He sneered.

     Hiroyoshi huffed and put the stone on the board. “Hm. Her mind, as I said, is brilliant… a lot like yours, in fact.”

      Ah. What next, ‘you two are perfect for each other’ ?

     “When is dinner?” Motonari leant back on his palm and pretended to be more interested in the dust that collected on his glove. His face felt like it was on fire.

     The retainer cocked a brow, clearly unamused. But he got the hint. “Soon, sir. Dinner is soon.” He got up and cleaned the board.

     “No time for a game?” Motonari pouted and lay down, staring at Hiroyoshi from the floor. The moment he wanted to distract himself from his own mind, his trusted retainer was unavailable. “Hey, I’m the boss here. I can tell ya to sit down and play go with me.”

     “Are you going to?” Upside-down Hiroyoshi patiently stood by the open door.

     Motonari considered it. Nevermind. Admitting any of this would be embarrassing. “... Nah.”

     Hiroyoshi bowed and left the room. The door shut quietly behind him, leaving Motonari alone with an empty board and an open window. His playful look dissolved into one of hollow neutrality. Still lying on the floor, sure that no one could see him in such a lazy state, he considered his next move for the clan.

     The Amago boys were quiet lately. Takeyoshi should have left Tainei-ji a few days ago, but no word from him, either. Harukata could do whatever he wanted since Motonari didn’t care. As long as no one gets in my way, I can strike the Amago down easily. Ah, dammit, I forgot to ask Hiroyoshi about any news.

     Melody looked really nice today.

     Motonari sat up abruptly. His injured leg throbbed with discomfort and the pirate cursed under his breath. Even thinking about her brought a boyish smile to his face. It was annoying. It wasn’t… it wasn’t him .

     He rubbed his eyes. He was sure he was going to lose his marbles the longer he spent on land. How frustrating it was to grow attached to someone he didn’t want anything to do with. Not at first: he kept Melody around for practical reasons. She was the ‘medic’ that Takeyoshi -- where is he? -- appointed her as. Eventually, Motonari would find a way to release oblivious Melody from her duties. He would do it in a way that could bring her back to wherever she came from. When ever, in this case.

     The future, she said. She had done nothing that disproved her claims. Motonari was a skeptical man, but if Melody lied, he could tell easily. He read her like a book. He noticed every subtle change in her expression: the twitch of her brows, the tilt of her head, the way her shoulders slumped if she was bored. The curve of her lips. The freckles on her rosy cheeks. He realized he would miss her when she left. Maybe that was what she was: centuries out of reach, while he was quite literally a broken man stuck in the past.

      Why am I paying that much attention?! Motonari singled out his most troubling problem. He knew the answer. At least, he thought he knew. He didn’t want to believe it.

      I’m going insane.

Chapter Text

     Motonari returned from his morning walk with his hands twitching at his sides. His limp was mostly gone, and the constant restlessness of his muscles proved he was certainly more than capable of facing the Amago. But he couldn’t keep lying to himself about his physical state, and his first mate reinforced the truth after breakfast.

     Melody crossed her arms and scowled. “You’re in no condition to fight.”

     Motonari shot her a look. “That’s none o’ yer business.”

     “Who hired me?” Melody scoffed, then gave him an exasperated but apologetic smile. “You got, what, an arm wound, a leg wound, you were impaled --”

     “Just… shut it,” the captain groaned. He rubbed the crease in his brows. A servant cleared their dishes off the table and scurried off, making sure their conversation went uninterrupted. Hiroyoshi was nowhere in sight -- he had left early, attending to the rest of the castle. He had a habit of keeping everything tidy and organized. The room was empty of both people and dirt.

     “When do you think they’re going to strike next?” Melody asked. She wasn’t deterred by his snappy remarks anymore. They spent a lot of time bickering with each other, which was why Motonari found himself opening up about his plans. What was she going to do, attack him? Plot against him? The pirate was quick to push the notions away. Melody was far too kind. Trustworthy.

     Not like himself. “Soon. I’m sure at least one of their spies would have given them information that the Murakami navy still isn’t here.” Motonari’s face darkened. “It’s plain as day that I'm alone. I'm at a disadvantage on water and land now.”

     “Land too?”

     “The Amago army is several times bigger than ours. If we were on the water with Takeyoshi’s added numbers, though…” Motonari’s words faded and he shook his head. “That idiot still hasn’t said a word to me.”

     “Maybe he just likes his home island’s lemons more than your sour face,” Melody said and stuck out her tongue. The teasing remark didn’t linger. “But… I’m worried. Does he usually do this? Like, not speak to you?”

     “No. Not anymore.”

     Melody raised a brow.

     “What?”

     “‘ Anymore ’?”

     Motonari exhaled. “He hated me from the start. Took a long time to get used to each other.”

     Melody looked like she was about to say something, but instead closed her mouth and grinned. Motonari recognized the playful twinkle in her eye, which said: yeah, of course he hated you, you were probably insufferable!

     He stood up and huffed, “I’m going to round up what soldiers I got left. Prepare for battle, and prepare for it soon, princess. This type o’ weather is perfect for sneakin’ into enemy turf, and the Amago ain’t that stupid to let this opportunity pass.” 

     Melody decided to join him, which he didn’t object to, and they left the dining room. They stepped out of the castle and made their way down the beaten path through the woods. Mist swirled around them and the cool moisture coated their exposed skin. The sun’s light was blurred by large clouds, which still milled about since morning. Motonari led the way.

     Melody followed closely behind him. Then, she spoke suddenly: “Hey, Motonari?”

     “What?” He stopped and glanced at her. She was pretty and bright against the fog.

     “I just wanted to ask you about the, um… tombstones.”

     Motonari didn’t blink. “What about them?” 

     Melody shifted awkwardly where she stood, but Motonari knew her nervousness should have been his. There was no doubt that she read the names of his family members on each stone. His father. His mother. His brother. His brother’s son.

     “... What were they like? Your family.”

     Motonari’s jaw tightened.

     He felt an emptiness in his chest -- this emptiness haunted him every day, but it bothered him more the longer he held her gaze. He realized, with his neutral expression returning, that the ‘emptiness’ was an iron ball where his heart should be. It was a cold and heavy burden to carry. One he carried for years.

     The tombstones had a gravity of their own, so he turned to look at them instead. 

     Melody cleared her throat and took a few steps down the mist-covered path. The silence was too much for her. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked. I mean, you probably don’t want to talk about it, and I don’t want to make you upset --”

     “I let you ask yer question, so I’m gonna answer,” Motonari said. “I wanted to move these guys closer to the temple. Can’t leave the castle without passin’ by ‘em, y’know?”

     Melody looked at him expectantly, but also with worry. The pirate went quiet again, then put his hand on each stone as he introduced them. They were cool to the touch. “My father, Hiromoto Mouri. We were vassals of the Ouchi clan until he caused some Mouri-style trouble. This is my mother, she said I was a lot like my dad. This one is my older brother, Okimoto, the next successor. Real nice, real smart. Both he and dad drank too damn much. They were ruined by saké.”

     Motonari’s hand rested on the last one. He was strangely calm, but his tight grip on the mossy tombstone and empty tone said otherwise. “Koumatsumaru. This was Okimoto’s son, my nephew. He wanted to explore the world and have an adventure.” His hand fell from the rock. “He was only a kid when he died. No one knew how.”

     The daimyo tore his eyes away from the graves. A thought pounded at the back of his head, urging him to say something to Melody, something that he never told anyone else. He didn’t know why he gave in. It just felt like the only thing he needed to say.

     “It’s unfair, isn’t it? My family gave me everything I didn't deserve. All they had to do was die.”

     Melody’s bottom lip trembled as she stared at Kou. She said nothing.

     Motonari continued, “People thought I killed the kid. So I killed them.” He rejoined Melody’s side, clenching and unclenching his fist. He watched his knuckles. “I was never meant to take the Mouri clan. Yet, here I am.”

     Crying was foreign to him. He hadn’t cried in a very long time, and he wasn’t about to, even though it would’ve been appropriate. He believed he was past the guilt. He only felt numbness in his face and that cold ball in his chest. The fog suffocated him from speaking any further.

     “I’m sorry.” Melody's voice shook. “Motonari, I’m so sorry. That must’ve been awful.”

     “It was.” He shrugged his shoulders and moved away. “Let’s go. It’s all in the past and I’m done with it.”

     Melody stayed put, watching the graves and mourning in silence. She finally turned to watch Motonari enter the mist, his back to her and his fallen family.

     She knew he wasn’t done with it. Not one bit.

     After speaking to some soldiers on the training grounds -- Melody recognized a few from the ship -- they went to the stables.

     Motonari fiddled with the wraps around his hands and wrists. Then, he peered into the stable. “Kajisuke!”

     “Kajisuke? Is that your horse?” Melody smiled, her thoughts still buried in the grim conversation they had earlier. She nearly jumped out of her sandals when a fuzzy creature hopped over to Motonari’s feet.

     “Nah,” the pirate said. He reached out to the animal and it sniffed his fingers. “ This is Kajisuke. Y’know, emergency rations. You can pet him or somethin’. I’m gonna keep an eye on the horses.”

     “Oh my god,” Melody squeaked. Shadows melted away from her face and, glowing like the sun once more, she excitedly knelt down to interact with Kajisuke. “Hello! What are you? You must be a kangaroo, or a wallaby… don’t worry, I won’t let the big scary pirate eat you.”

     Motonari snorted and headed deeper into the stable, the eyes of various horses following him. He knew that both he and Melody could use a distraction.

     He should have moved the gravesite away from the castle. They were constant reminders of everything he lost -- and gained -- with each untimely death. It was sickening for him to think about. After Kou passed on, Motonari made his new resolution in front of a distraught Hiroyoshi and he hasn’t spoken about his family since. No one ever got close enough for him to trust them. He preferred it that way.

     Motonari stopped in front of a black horse. “Am I trusting her?” he asked.

     The mare flicked her ear and nickered.

     Whatever. It was a rhetorical question, anyway. “I’m talking to a horse.” Motonari shook his head and trudged on.

     He spotted three of his men chatting by a stallion, so he made quick conversation -- if the horses were fed, how many could ride, and whether they were ready to be deployed at any moment. The captain gave them a few orders and told them to stay alert before walking back the way he came. He found Melody analyzing Kajisuke more than playing with him, but she was fascinated nonetheless as she looked at his ears and paws.

     “How on earth did you get him here?” Melody scooped up the animal and handed him to Motonari.

     The pirate grunted, but carried him anyway. “That’s a story that involved more animals than crates.” He was about to begin until he heard footsteps rushing to the stables. Motonari let Kajisuke go and turned serious as he saw who entered.

     Hiroyoshi was out of breath and his wrinkled cheeks were flushed from the climb uphill. “Milord! I’ve received word from our patrols!”

     “Shiji. What happened?”

     “The Amago are in our territory. They’ve set up a camp a long ways west from here. They must’ve done so when the fog was at its heaviest.”

     Motonari cursed under his breath. “I knew it. Do they know we spotted them?”

     “No. They’ve made no other moves, but they’re close.”

     “Good.”

     Melody gulped and straightened up. She was pale and unsure of how to handle her anxiety before a fight. The fight. “With your permission, I’ll get the rest of our weapons from the castle’s armory,” she stammered. Kajisuke ogled them from his water bowl, oblivious to their alarm.

     Motonari swiftly pulled a horse out of its stable. The white mare made a small noise of surprise as he put on its saddle and reins. “Aye. Yer comin’ with me, princess. Hiroyoshi, what else?”

     Hiroyoshi swallowed. “It’s Harukata Sue, sir. He’s at the edge of town with two of his men and Yoshinaga Ouchi. He requests an audience with you.” His eyes flickered between them. “ Both of you.”

Chapter Text

     “Why on earth does Harukata want to talk to me? Like, I can understand why he’d want to speak to you, of course. But me?” Melody cursed and scrambled for a horse. “It’s not like I’m some kind of official, right?”

     Motonari stuck his hand in her face. He didn’t look at her. “Just climb on this one.”

     “Fine.” She took his hand with a startled look, but the touch was rough and brief as he yanked her onto his steed. Melody barely had time to get comfortable when the horse trotted out of the stables. She threw her arms around Motonari’s waist with a gasp.

     The pirate stiffened and glanced down at Hiroyoshi. “Get whatever troops we have to cover each entrance to town. Prepare defenses already.”

     His retainer faltered. Hiroyoshi’s eyes darted between his lord and the first mate. “Er, yes. Of course. Sue is waiting at the south gate.”

     They exchanged a grim, knowing look. The Mouri forces were severely outnumbered by the thousands. Takeyoshi’s added strength, if he made it to the castle on time, wouldn’t be much help on land. 

     Motonari urged the horse into a gallop. Melody squeaked and her grip on him tightened. The heavy hoofbeats didn’t help her spinning head and heart. The hill they traveled gently sloped to a worn dirt path, which they used to enter town. The horse sped past villagers who watched in curiosity, oblivious to a possible invasion later on in the week.

     The first mate peeked over Motonari’s shoulder when the horse finally slowed down. Melody breathed out a sigh of relief as she was helped off the mount. She resisted the urge to rub her sore bum. “I don’t think Hiroyoshi’s lessons are paying off. Never get me to ride a horse again.”

     “Not gonna happen,” Motonari said under his breath. He led the horse along with them as they approached the southern gate. Melody waited for a ‘princess’ at the end of the sentence, but she didn’t show her disappointment when it didn’t come. This was serious.

     As Hiroyoshi reported, there were two men on their horses at the town entrance. The third and final man was Harukata, content, standing next to his own steed. He greeted Motonari with a bow. “It’s nice to see Yoshida-Koriyama in good hands again,” he commented.

     The pirate crossed his arms. “Uh-huh. What’s yer business here, Sue?”

     Harukata chuckled. “You’re in a rush. I’m here to negotiate. Settle the peace, if you will.”

     Melody looked between the two, then back to Motonari, who only gave him a tight-lipped smile in response. Harukata laughed again. It was a good stomach laugh, although a bit too loud. “I hope you understand that this is something I needed to discuss with you in person, Lord Motonari.”

     “Settle the peace?” Motonari snorted. “Nah. I don’t buy it. You don’t talk like that.”

     “Ah, well.” Harukata’s hand rose to his chest. He dipped his head slightly. “Things have changed since then. And so have I.”

     Motonari’s brows lowered as he stared at Harukata. Then, he handed his horse’s reins to Melody and gestured for the other to follow. “Come along and don’t bring yer goons.”

     Harukata signalled to the mentioned goons. The older of the two unnamed generals glared at Melody and her skin turned to ice. She whipped around and joined Motonari as he walked ahead. Harukata rounded the horse and slid next to the first mate, wedging Melody between them. She found the reins very interesting and rubbed her thumb against the leather. The horse breathed onto her hair.

     Harukata sighed. “Aki is very beautiful. A shame that it’s foggy today.”

     “It’s better in the mist,” Motonari replied nonchalantly. He glanced at Harukata, then back ahead. “So. Sue. What do you want to negotiate? And why’d you bring Melody into it?”

     “Ah, perfect. Right to business. I’ll answer in order.” Harukata nodded. “The Ouchi clan has a new head: Lord Yoshitaka Ouchi’s son, Yoshinaga.”

     Motonari stopped walking. Melody paused as well and the horse nudged her head. The captain carefully worded: “His adopted son.”

     “ Eldest son. I have advised Lord Yoshitaka about this before. Unfortunately, he has been retired.”

     Melody chewed on his choice of words. Motonari’s mouth twitched. “Is that so?” He tilted his head and the group resumed walking. The hoofbeats were comforting. 

     Harukata said simply, “Yes. There was a brief rebellion at the temple. Now, since the Ouchi clan is in new hands, we could use a boost in morale, hm?” 

     “A rebellion?” Melody echoed. She imagined a great fire and the chaos of battle. A frightened man clutched his things helplessly amidst the blaze. “Is Taketo okay?”

     Harukata smiled warmly at her. “Of course he is.”

     Motonari stepped over a loose stone. “I see.”

     “Now, speaking of that morale. Lord Motonari, it can’t be denied that the Ouchi clan needs a stronger, more trustworthy leader. The people have gone through far too much. Lord Yoshinaga, as the new figurehead, could use his old Mouri allies once more. We are not going into battle any time soon," he reassured when Motonari looked ready to object. Harukata continued, "However, I believe Lord Yoshinaga should marry someone from your side to establish a strong alliance. You have no female heirs, but… Miss Melody would be perfect.”

     Melody froze. 

     Before she processed it, Motonari circled her and stood before Harukata. Her captain laughed: “I'm cuttin' ya off there.”

     “Oh? She is free to speak for herself.” Harukata merely grinned at Motonari.

     Melody's stomach churned and her skin prickled. She shook her head. Her voice was surprisingly calm. "I won't be marrying anyone. Thank you."

     Harukata studied her. "A shame," he mused. "I was under the impression that you needed a kinder employer."

     Motonari blocked his view. "She doesn't."

     "That's not what I was told."

     "Get off her case, Sue." The pirate's words dripped with poison. Despite his anger, he bared his teeth in a smirk. "What's mine is mine. Melody stays with me, and I don't want to get involved with yer affairs. I'll stay outta yer way as long as ya stay outta mine."

     Melody bit back an exasperated groan.

     Harukata watched them. He lifted his brows. "Well, if she objects, then I cannot force her. Though, I will say it is a poor decision." He shook his head. His unnerving smile still stayed. "If you insist on leaving the Ouchi alone, know that we will also revoke any further assistance you require from us."

     Motonari glared at him. "Fine by me."

     "Mm. So be it." Harukata spun around.

     Melody's wide eyes followed him. She uttered, "That's it?"

     "I'm afraid so. Know that this brief visit does not, in fact, make us enemies." Harukata glanced at them over his shoulder. "At least, I hope not. Until we cross paths again, best of luck to you, Lord Motonari."

     Motonari grabbed the reins from Melody's hand and hissed something under his breath. He then waved at the departing Ouchi general like nothing was wrong.

     Melody's knees wobbled. She let out a frustrated, shaky breath and stomped ahead once Harukata was out of earshot. "Christ. The weirdness between you two."

     Motonari stumbled after her with the clueless horse in tow. "Excuse me?"

     "You're both so shady and secretive. Even when I'm in a conversation with the both of you, I feel like I'm -- I'm miles away, or something. I have no idea why he did that. And no idea why you were so nice to him."

     "Then revel in it, princess , 'cause I'm not gonna tell ya what he's goin' on about. Use yer head if yer so smart. And," Motonari spat, "Don't act like ya got the moral high ground. Secrets can mean life or death around here. I ain't about to apologize for leavin' ya in the dark if it means ya don't die."

     Melody's cheeks were hot. She hugged her arms and mentally mapped her way back to the castle. "I don't know what the whole marriage thing was about, or if Taketo's really okay… I don't trust Harukata at all."

     "You're real clueless as always," Motonari grunted.

      Melody dug her nails into her arms and faced him. "Are you serious right now? He was right about you, you know. I'm miserable working with you." 

     "What are ya -- oh, fine. Ya wanna get dramatic now." Motonari towered over her. "So? Whaddaya want me to do? Soften up? Treat ya like a baby?"

     "Have some compassion? Respect!? Do you have any idea how much stress I'm under? How many times I've tried to just -- just pretend that everything's fine, while also feeling so unbelievably stupid and helpless? And you're the one who keeps reminding me!"

     Motonari's shoulders sank. "I didn't --"

     Melody's voice cracked. "Shut up, I'm not done. Do you know how many times I went to Hiroyoshi crying because of some silly comment you made? I bet not! Because you only think of yourself! Not for Yoshitaka, who is -- god, he's probably dead, and not for Taketo either. Certainly not for anyone else you should be on good terms with."

     "This again? Don't pretend to know me." Motonari avoided the curious stares of onlookers along the road. “Ya really think gettin’ emotional is gonna help you? Not here! That’s not how this works.” 

     "I'm fed up, okay? I'm trying! But is that not enough for you? I'm all alone! I want to fit in. I want to feel like I'm not as hopelessly lost as I am. But no, every time it's 'you're so naive', or you just look down on me for some reason or other."

     "I -- hey!" Motonari flinched when Melody grabbed the reins from him. The pirate jumped out of the horse's way and gawked as Melody clumsily climbed onto it. "What the hell? Melody, stop! How am I gonna get home?!"

     "Figure it out! You think better when you're alone, right?" Melody wiped her eyes on her sleeve and, with a surprising amount of skill, set the horse in a gallop for the forested hills.

     Motonari shielded his face from the cloud of dust that followed the hasty departure. The scrutinizing eyes of the public burned holes in his skin. Whispers and chatter continued long after the scene ended.

     The warlord’s hands shook madly, so he stretched and feigned his usual smug detachment. He couldn't quite figure out if it was rage or embarrassment that welled up in his chest. Motonari's head pounded and his eyes stung. Must've been the dust.

Chapter Text

     Shikanosuke fixed upon his carefully crafted battle map. He placed smooth, marked stones one at a time in their respective positions: the Amago clan were gathered in the west, and the Mouri castle stood high to the east. The march could have been short if it weren't for the forested hills the castle stood on, drawn in pitch black ink. Shikanosuke's pale blonde brows were creased when Haruhisa approached him quietly.

     "The patrols came back," said the hunched-over daimyo. "They told me that we outnumber them by the thousands."

     Shikanosuke sniffed. "And the Murakami?"

     "No sight of them."

     The general picked up the stone that represented the Murakami pirates. He considered putting it somewhere on the map. Eventually, Shikanosuke put the stone near the Mouri castle. "We can't count them out. Takeyoshi Murakami could arrive. That man is unpredictable and armed to the teeth. Why are you standing like that?" 

     Haruhisa blinked and corrected his posture. He breathed deeply and bent down again. "I'm starving."

     Shikanosuke sighed. "Your appetite might be the second reason why our resources are so scarce."

     "I like eating."

     "None of it stays in your body."

     Haruhisa groaned and straightened up, having exhausted his dramatics for the day. He looked at the steel-coloured sky, its clouds heavy and slow. The young daimyo muttered, "I think we can win."

     Shikanosuke's overcast eyes were on Haruhisa's wounded ear. The general placed more stones on the battlefield. "Me too. But we can't let our guard down just because we have a bigger army."

     "We could set them on fire," Haruhisa suggested immediately. His eyes were full of embers. "Their entire castle would explode."

     Shikanosuke stared back. "Shouldn't we claim it as ours instead?"

     "I want every trace of his bloodline dead. Even the dead Mouri. They have to die again. Burn it."

     Shikanosuke's eyes went from Haruhisa to the drawn Mouri castle. He fell silent and his expression went blank. Finally, the general nodded.

     This satisfied the daimyo and Haruhisa left. "Make it happen, Shika." He disappeared into his tent.

     Shikanosuke let out a long breath. He massaged his temples. There was no way they could successfully burn down the castle from the outside. They had to infiltrate it. Initially, the plan was to surround the castle town and draw Motonari out. The Amago, whose numbers easily tripled theirs, would then force him to surrender. Since the area was far enough inland, the Murakami would have a hard time rushing to help their allies. They likely wouldn't bring their full force with them, either. Haruhisa's decision was an impulsive one, but Shika knew him long enough to expect such a request.

     His mind briefly went to the mysterious woman who appeared during the battle at Gassan-Toda. Melody. Somehow, Motonari had attached himself to her. That was what Shikanosuke's frightened spy told him. She fought back and bit like a tiger, he had said.

     Shikanosuke found himself frowning. What if this woman was a threat? What could she do? Loud shuffling disrupted him from his thoughts.

     Haruhisa hobbled out of his tent. He went straight for Shikanosuke's map and, to the latter’s dismay, dropped food onto it. It was a piece of a peach whose juices made a spot on the thin paper. 

     Shikanosuke opened his mouth to protest, but Haruhisa shushed him and pointed at the slice. "I still want that Melody girl."

     "Eh…" Shikanosuke gawked at him. "I was just thinking about her."

     "She could have helped Motonari. He kept her for this long. Our spies told us they were at the market. Together . He doesn't even keep Takeyoshi that close. She must be really good."

     "Good at what ?" Shikanosuke picked up the peach. "She can be dangerous. You have a point, though. Motonari wouldn't entertain a stranger for that long without backstabbing them. Unless… unless she is very valuable to him."

     "I don’t know what she’s good at," Haruhisa said. He smiled, but his smiles were always off with no true joy behind them. He plucked the peach from Shikanosuke's fingers. "I want her alive. I will go into the castle and burn it. You take the storm woman. At the end of this fight, Motonari Mouri will be dead, and we'll have someone very precious to him."

     "That is very… insightful of you, milord." Shikanosuke squinted at the juice stain on his map. "You're correct again. I will arrange for her capture during the chaos of battle. But how will we get inside the castle while all of this is happening?"

     "Listen. Listen: brute force."

     "That's your plan for everything."

     "Please do it. Just this once. We always go with your ideas."

     Shikanosuke made a face. "You had to put it that way. Fine."

     "You are a very good general," Haruhisa said and, beaming, ate the peach.

     "Where is she? Defenses are already out and she's pullin' this nonsense!" Motonari blazed into the castle. He gave Hiroyoshi a wild glare when the retainer came forward. 

     The elder shook his head. "Every day that young woman surprises me -- running away from you using your own horse ! You won’t find any other girl like that in Japan."

     "I'll -- I'll fry you, old man! Like a fucking squid!"

     "Ah. You must be very angry if you’ve run out of creative threats." Immune, Hiroyoshi coughed and gave a pointed look at the stairs. "She went up to her room. Your orders have been sent to our patrols as well, sir."

     "Takin' forever to answer a simple blasted question. No damn time for this crap," Motonari grumbled as he went ahead. Hiroyoshi waited for his lord to disappear up the steps before he signaled the servants to come out of hiding. They resumed business after a chorus of relieved sighs.

     The pirate stomped up to Melody's closed door. He pounded his fist against the doorframe, rattling the wall. "Open up!"

     Melody responded, "What, you suddenly gained some manners? Why don't you just barge in instead?"

     Motonari welcomed her suggestion. He slid the door open forcefully and pointed a gloved finger at his first mate. "You've got some fuckin' nerve, makin' me walk all the way back here. I'm injured! How the hell did you o' all people forget that?"

     Melody was curled up in her bed and rubbed her face with shaking hands. The pirate expected to find her up here crying, but she didn’t appear too puffy-eyed. She gathered the fabric of her hakama into her fists.

     Motonari didn't look directly at her. His shoulders were tense and his face still burned with anger, but he didn't shout anymore. "We're in danger of being attacked by the Amago any day now. And you choose now of all times to lash out?"

     "Sorry." Melody forced out.

     Motonari groaned. "No, that -- hell, that isn't right. None of this is right." He hung his head and cursed. After a moment of silence, he said, "Ya shouldn't be apologizing."

     "What?"

     It took Motonari a few seconds to process his next words. He finally looked up at her. "I'm not accepting your apology."

     Melody stared at him, stunned.

     Motonari's brows lowered. "I mistreated you."

     "No. No, not always. I’m just really stressed, and I acted on impulse."

     "That doesn't excuse anything I’ve said to you the whole time you’ve been here." Motonari steadied his breath before speaking again. "I made you feel useless. I made you cry. But you saved my life twice." He stopped himself.

     Melody studied him, unmoving. Motonari clenched his jaw. Maybe I should say it. Hell, I’m not up here to continue scolding her. "I care about you. But you confuse the hell out of me."

     Melody faltered at his spill of honesty. After a couple of heartbeats, she said, "You don't have a very good track record with your friends, do you?" Motonari thought of Takeyoshi. Hiroyoshi. Yoshitaka… The pirate shook his head slowly. A humorless smile spread on his face.

     Melody loosened her grip on her hakama. "Then why do you hurt the people you claim to care about?"

     "I don't know," Motonari lied.

     "Fine then."

     "Come on. You should know that's an obvious lie."

     "Then just tell me the truth!" Melody's lip quivered. She restrained herself from raising her voice. "What happened? Like -- why is it so hard for you to trust me?"

     "I don't trust people." Motonari crossed his arms and glared down at his boots. "Haven’t ever since I was a kid."

     Melody moved so her legs hung over the edge of her bed. Her foot carefully avoided bumping into his.

     Motonari continued, "People wanted me dead. They robbed me blind, left me out on the street. My younger brother, Mototsuna, wanted to kill me and almost succeeded. And to top it off, for a while, people thought I assassinated Kou." He barely managed to say his nephew's name. His eyes burned. "They said they don’t know how he died. But he got sick. No one could save him.

     "The day of Kou's funeral, I swore never to let anyone in again. The world deserves to burn." Motonari let his words hang in the air. He didn't know what else to say. He felt like spilling everything he knew about himself, but in truth, what else did he know besides this age-old pain? His knees went weak with grief as he sat down next to her. Not close enough to touch, but within arm’s reach.

     Motonari wondered why he felt lightheaded. He decided to concentrate on his breathing. Melody lowered her head. 

     He turned to her when he realized she was trembling. "Hey, no. Don't cry, Melody."

     "You’ve been through a lot. Someone has to, if you won’t."

     "You’re cryin’ for me? That’s… really weird logic."

     "I’ve been told I’m a weird person."

     Motonari chuckled dryly and held her gaze. A shadow fell over his face. "I should apologize."

     "Why?"

     "Whaddya mean 'why'? It's my fault you're up here feeling awful. I don't hate you, sunshine." Motonari took his gloves off and put them at his side. He hesitantly reached over.

     Melody's face fit perfectly in his hands as he wiped her tears away with his thumbs. It was an awkward movement for him; he wasn’t used to such an intimate gesture. But Melody didn't pull away. She just looked at him, emerald eyes meeting his own ruby ones. His gaze dropped to her freckles, settling on her lips. He swore he felt her cheeks get warmer.

     Those full lips parted slightly. Motonari instinctively licked his own.

      Dammit.

     The pirate was quick to let go. "I'm sorry. For hurtin' you." He looked away from her, avoiding her gaze. 

     “And I’m still sorry that I yelled at you back in town.” Melody hugged her arms. “Whether you accept my apology or not, it wasn’t appropriate. You have a lot of planning to do. Amago threat and all.”

     Motonari sighed. “ We have a lot of planning to do.”

     “Did I get a promotion?” Melody propped her face in her hands and gave him a dopey smile.

     “Don’t give me that look.” Motonari stood, stretched, and placed his fists on his hips. “Surgeon, doctor, whatever ya are. You know a thing or two about the human body, aye?”

     “Yessir. Specifically, I’m a special type of surgeon that gives people new limbs,” Melody said as she also got up. She pushed her streaked bangs out of her face only for them to fall down again.

     “What about eyes?”

     “‘ Eye ’ consider myself to be well acquainted with them.”

     Motonari felt the tension seep away from his shoulders. Despite the hectic day, Melody managed to crack a joke. And the pirate still wanted to kiss her. He pushed that aside, hoping not to address that urge ever again.     Something clicked in his mind and he smiled wide. “Then I know exactly how we can win.”