soul_logs | Are You With Me and Am I Wrong? [closed]

Entry tags:

Are You With Me and Am I Wrong? [closed]

Characters: Ishida Mitsunari [

reverencing], Sanada Yukimura [

i_yukimura]
Location: Outer Residential Quarter I, Yukimura's patrol route
Rating: PG?
Time: Evening of the 27th?
Description: Mitsunari attempts to rebuild his former alliances, one daimyo at a time.

The parley had not gone quite as planned for Ishida Mitsunari but he would not be deterred. There was still time to plan, still the opportunity to regain the trust of his allies - those allies who, as of currently, remembered not of their vows nor of Mitsunari as a person. This was the greatest obstacle that stood in his way but the Cursed King wasn't about to relent. One by one, those allies would fall into his clutches again and stand by his side against the Eastern provinces. They would see Tokugawa Ieyasu for what he truly was: they would understand the pain he caused and the hatred that coursed through Mitsunari's veins. They would understand in due time - beginning with one Sanada Genjiro Yukimura.

It hadn't been as difficult as Mitsunari had anticipated to learn of Yukimura's patrol route. Meeting the other man in person was far preferable to trying to speak to him over the network; a private discussion was in order between himself and the man he considered a worthy ally. Regaining Yukimura's trust was key if Mitsunari intended to survive here in Death City and stand toe-to-toe with Ieyasu - and with Date.

As the evening settles in, the Cursed King steps lightly around the outer residential quarter, a sharp eye on the lookout for the Young Tiger.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Times are difficult. Perhaps not as tumultuous and unpredictable as they were back in Hi-no-Moto, but certainly stressful enough. Seeing so many familiar (and then some) faces suddenly appearing in Death City had, at first, been a delight, but as discussions were had pertaining to each warrior's timelines, bonds and pride alike were all but trampled on. The Young Tiger of Kai was no exception, and having learned that Shingen had fallen ill and suffered a great loss at the supposed hands of Ieyasu (who swore such an event had never occurred), Yukimura continues to struggle to cope.

If only Sasuke was still in Death City. Those words were ones often repeated in Yukimura's mind. Add to that loss the sudden disappearance of his recently appointed partner, Honda Tohru, Yukimura cannot help but feel he has very few friends, whether true or simply in name, in the city. There is of course Mitsunari, the man Yukimura himself sought to ally with in another world, but the man seems rather difficult to approach, and the meeting from several days earlier was disbanded on a rather negative note for nearly all parties involved.

Regardless of Yukimura's feelings however, he has the responsibility of a patrolman to bear, and doing his part to protect the citizens is his own form of atonement for failing to be by Shingen's side. It is a poor method at best, but it gives him something to do. And so that is why Yukimura is faithfully on his patrol; not quite in top form, but certainly doing his best.

And there is his target now. From the corner of his eye, the flash of Yukimmura's red bandanna is caught rounding a corner - and Mitsunari wasted no time in following it. He moves swiftly along the pavement, calling out to catch the cub's attention.

"Yukimura."

The voice pulls him from within the confines of his thoughts and it takes him a moment or two to locate the source of the voice. When he does though, he immediately recognizes the owner of the voice, and he jerks into a bow.

"G-good evening, Ishida-dono!"

An awkward silence. And then:

"W-was there something you required of this one, Ishida-dono?"

Surprisingly, as Yukimura bows to him, Mitsunari lowers his head just the same. He doesn't fully bow but it's respectful enough, something he doesn't often show. "There is," he begins, stepping closer towards the other man. It isn't an easy task but it's one he must do all the same - if he intends to regain Yukimura's trust, he must cast away his pride, if only for a moment.

"...My behaviour at the parley was unacceptable. I had no right to attempt swaying your decision as I did," he says, wasting no time in getting to the brunt of things. He breathes, his head still held high.

"Although my feelings on the matter remain unchanged, my words to you were inappropriate."

Bewildered would be an accurate summary of Yukimura's thought process. Though he has but a basic understanding of Mitsunari's personality, he would never have expected to hear such words from the other samurai considering that they parted ways at the meeting on such a negative note.

Perhaps Yukimura's naivete plays a large role in this, but Mitsunari's intents fly straight over his head, and for an extra few seconds, Yukimura continues to stare at the other until he finally realizes how rude his actions are. SO he bows once more, his body bending at an almost ninety degree angle.

"N-no! There is no reason for you to apologize, Ishida-dono!! During our first meeting, you had approached this one with words of an alliance between us, and yet during the parley, I, Yukimura, had done nothing but disgrace that allegiance!" The red-clad warrior rises again, holding a hand over his heart.

"And that you are gracious enough to... to pardon this one's actions - I, Yukimura, am unworthy!"

As Yukimura bows before him, Mitsunari remains still and seemingly unfazed by the display. Though his face remained unchanged, a heat rose up in his chest - his words had been accepted, his apology acknowledged. After a moment of silence, Mitsunari finally offers up a nod. Manipulation was never one of Mitsunari's tactics and even now, that belief holds strong. If he wishes to woo Kai's cub to his side, he must regard Yukimura with the same respect he has granted to him.

Although this Yukimura held different memories than the one he stood alongside, they remain similar enough. It's still a difficult concept to outright grasp, to be in a world where his comrades knew nothing of him - but it matters not. A powerful ally would soon march by his shoulder once again.

"Raise your head, Young Tiger of Kai," he says, closing his eyes a moment. "There is no need for you to bow, to kneel before me and beg of my mercy. You are a man of the Takeda, a loyal warrior noble and strong. Your Lord is fortunate to have such an heir - and I was fortunate to once have you fight by my side."

A blank expression crosses Yukimura's face at this point, and though it is subtle, his shoulders sag. Mitsunari's words are too kind, and that they are bestowed upon him while in such a state, the effect is heart wrenching on his part.

"Ishida-dono..." The name is almost forced from his throat, his hands balled into tight fists at his side. His heart and mind are in a state of turmoil; though he had spoken his peace at the meeting, and still in full support of the idea of a truce, Yukimura feels he cannot wrong this man any further. Would it... be wrong to ally with Mitsunari? Just as his other self had done? It puts Yukimura at ease to know it was his own decision, but he is not confident he would be able to change Mitsunari's view of the temporary truce. And where would that even place him where Date is concerned? And... Ieyasu? Still, he cannot even think of abandoning him. Not somebody who shares such an unshakable admiration of his respective Lord.

"Ishida-dono, as the representative of Kai, I, Sanada Genjiro Yukimura, would like to state his intent to forge an alliance."

As always with the young tiger, it is his heart that rules as opposed to his head...

He had hoped that Yukimura would reconsider his position but this outcome was far greater than Mitsunari had anticipated. Yukimura had overturned his initial decision so easily yet he spoke with such conviction, as though he realizes the truth behind Mitsunari's words. Had he finally witnessed the horrors Ieyasu was capable of or had the cub come to the realization of what Date Masamune was plotting? It matters not, however - he has a Tiger by his side once more.

The corners of his mouth quip just slightly and for a moment, a thin smile crosses Mitsunari's face before vanishing once more, locked back down in its usual grimace. His eyes open once again and now remain focused on Yukimura, back straight as he stands proud.

"A decision you will not soon come to regret, Young Tiger."

It never ceases to amaze Yukimura just how simply allegiances are formed, but on the other hand, over the course of these past several days, he has also seen how frail they can be at times. It is at that point Yukimura decides he cannot waver. From here, he can only stand firm and hold his ground as a vassal of the Takeda.

Yukimura gives an affirmative grunt as he too stands tall, acknowledging the pact that now exists between them. It is, admittedly, a very calming feeling to know that there is, at the very least, someone who you can rely on. At this stage, Yukimura isn't quite sure what Mitsunari's stance on himself as a person is, but having been approached first is certainly enough to disclaim any ill will.

"Are you adjusting to Death City alright, Ishida-dono? Was there perhaps anything this one could aid you with?"

"As well as I can," Mitsunari replied with a short nod. Being new to Death City and thrown into such unfamiliar surroundings with a familiar nemesis running about had left the Cursed King on edge, taking what time he could to become better acquainted with the city and each district, one at a time. The better he knew the terrain, the likelihood of victory was far more certain. Though he'd been granted the initial tour of the city, there was still much left for him to uncover.

"You patrol this area?" he inquired, with a slight turn of his head, eyes leaving Yukimura to gaze at the buildings.

"Yes. This Yukimura is part of the Watch, and as such, have a responsibility to uphold in ensuring the safety of Death City's citizens!" The mention of his duties conveniently reminds Yukimura that he still does have his patrol to do, but he figures he can afford an extra few more minutes to himself. There are two others patrolling the same area after all.

"Were you perhaps interested in joining the Watch, Ishida-dono?" A silly question perhaps, seeing as people Mitsunari will definitely clash with are also present, but it can't hurt to ask. Or, well, it can, but Mitsunari is presently unarmed.

"No," Mitsunari gave a shake of his head, immediately rejecting the idea. He's heard of who lurks among the Watch and as deeply as he would like to wring Date Masamune's throat between his hands, he knows he must be patient. Building up relations with his allies is a vital task.

"I will join their war but I have no interest in offering up my service elsewhere," he is no mercenary, after all, "Although this world has become my temporary home, my loyalty is to Lord Hideyoshi and Osaka."

Yukimura nods slowly, and a semblance of further understanding forms in his mind. Though it may not be his place to judge, he has noticed that Mitsunari is an extremely straight forward man who knows exactly where his priorities lie. To someone like Yukimura who has been struggling to cope what with recent events, that trait is nothing but admirable.

"Ishida-dono, your steadfast conviction moves this Yukimura's heart, and it is an honour that we are yet again allied." Though he says 'yet again', it holds true for only one of them. Speaking of the war though, Yukimura chooses then to address an issue of his curiosity.

"Ah! Forgive this Yukimura for not speaking of it sooner, but to which alignment do you belong Ishida-dono? Were you brought to Death City as a Meister?"

"I am a weapon," Mitsunari responds, carrying the words with a sense of pride and dignity. Though he has not grasped the concept of transforming and isn't even certain as to what form he will take, he still feels pride.

"I have chosen to aid those of Death City in their strife. I will assume your allegiance falls in similar standing?"

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Are You With Me and Am I Wrong? [closed]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject