Unspoken Rules of the Warring Lands
Word Count - approx. 3.1k
Dividers - @/saradika-graphics
OCs (with their respective owners) featured in this Act: Ellara ( @woofwoofimmaturtle), Morgan ( @welp-back-on-my-bs), Cherry ( @cherrykasugayama)
ACT 22 - Retracing
Ranmaru decided to step in, to figure out and understand Amaryllis once more. In the midst of it, he realized how bad her memories about the past are. Even though he doesn’t know why it is like that, it was when Morgan told him about a condition.
A condition where one experiences so much trauma that forces the mind to forget. All out of the need to survive than to face the crushing guilt and pain. While mentioning that Amaryllis may struggle with herself in a way – finding a way to forgive herself.
–
Two days. Two days left till the banquet begins. Ranmaru was given a Haregi – a formal wear kimono used on special days– which was surprising to him; he didn’t think Nobunaga would do something for a mere page.
Meanwhile, Amaryllis’ Haregi was being debated between Ellara and Cherry – who was backed up by her ladies-in-waiting – on what color scheme that fits for the girl.
“She would look wonderful in blue! No way would she want something so complex, Cherry!”
“Ellara! For heaven's sake! Let me be in charge knowing how terrible your fashion sense is!”
“You did not just insult me!” Ellara let out a loud and exaggerated gasp.
“Should we…?”
“Morgan, I've been with them for about four or five years. It always happens, one way or another,” Amaryllis accepted defeat a long time ago whenever something like this comes up.
“Who comes out winning though?”
“Most of the time, Cherry.”
“Quite a ruckus knowing my student’s birthday is merely two days before yours.”
“Lord Mitsuhide…” Ranmaru turned to the source of the voice – Mitsuhide – who was leaning against a pillar, almost like waiting for him.
Ranmaru knew full well of Mitsuhide’s ability and how he tortures any spies or assassins once caught. It is the reason why he placed a distance between the both of them after their interaction when he and Amaryllis went their separate ways after going into town together.
“You know, Ranmaru. Despite being from the Mori Clan – one who is loyal to the Oda – you are constantly on guard when you are with me. Especially when I merely wish to talk,” Mitsuhide walked to the pink hair page without an ounce of hesitation, almost like he was challenging him in a way.
It made Ranmaru feel uneasy. He doesn’t want to be near him, “Of course I am! I heard rumors about you betraying Lord Nobunaga and other horrible things. Like when you tortured that assassin by ripping out his fingernails or slicing his mouth open!”
Yet, it didn’t make Mitsuhide’s smirk falter. It grew. “So, that’s how people have been spreading about me? I suppose I should thank them. But, let me warn you. Ranmaru,” Mitsuhide closed the gap between him and Ranmaru.
“W-warn me…?” Ranmaru was now internally panicking; he didn't want to be caught already.
“If you hurt, let alone betray my student’s trust. I assure you, Ranmaru Mori. Your death will be painful. And you know, which student of mine we are talking about,” Mitsuhide’s eyes were almost like a fox – a predator that found its potential prey – with his sight directly at Ranmaru personally.
It was enough for Ranmaru to understand, making Mitsuhide back off and carry on his day. Once more, Ranmaru learned how terrifying – overprotective – the kitsune can be for his kin.
Walking down the halls, Ranmaru still felt the terror that Mitsuhide did to him – even if it was mentally wise – and telling himself to not let himself falter, not yet. In the midst of his wandering after completing his duties, he spotted Morgan in the distance. From what he recalled, Morgan started to assist the vassals – the peasants especially - in healing their mind.
Making up his mind, he ran up to them. “Morgan!”
“Hm? Ranmaru? Is there something you need?” Morgan turned around to face the idol-like page.
“Nothing! I just want to talk about something, well, someone, with you. If you don’t mind, of course!” Ranmaru had that smile on his face to convince – to deceive – Morgan into talking with him.
“Sure…”
“About Amaryllis’ condition? Terms of mentally?”
“Yes! Ama mentions about her memories being somewhat of a mess! I just want to know if there is a name for it?” Ranmaru asked, almost desperately.
Deep in thought, Morgan thought about the lessons they learned when they were in university. Memories being foggy or a mess, would be Alzahmer due to how young Amaryllis is, but it would affect her entire life. Not a portion of her memories. And she doesn’t show signs of its severity either. Leaving it to be a possible amnesia. The source varies for that one. Either from suffering from head trauma or–!
“I think I know what made her mind be in such a state like that.”
“What is it?”with him tilting his head in confusion.
“It is a hunch but… she definitely has amnesia in a way. Not severe, that’s for sure,” Morgan declared to Ranmaru.
“‘Amnesia?’ What is that?”
Thus Morgan explained the word, amnesia, to Ranmaru. The more he heard what it stands for, his face went into shock. In a shaky voice, he spoke, “...w-what could have caused it…?”
“Either head trauma or… rare cases… a traumatizing moment that made them unable to live on, and thus, shutting those memories away. If it is either one, it is recoverable but it will take years. It is how the mind works, with survival being its priority constantly,” Morgan’s voice spoke of the severity of it, they know about it first hand due to seeing it in some people in their life and studies they did for their master’s program.
Ranmaru was now pale, he knew Amaryllis survived that attack but… to think it was the catalyst for why she is like that. He felt like he wanted to throw up. He felt the urge to curse at the gods, for doing such to someone that clearly wanted to live. “I-... thank you, Morgan. For answering that question of mine. I will meet you at the banquet tomorrow.”
“Uh… see you later?” Morgan was off-put by Ranmaru’s behavior, it was the opposite of him to be like that.
The moment Ranmaru stepped into his room. He lost his balance and fell to his knees. He didn’t want to believe it. Not at all. To think the death of the Li family was the catalyst that made her forget everything – himself included – he just wanted to scream. Yet, his scream never left his lungs, it was stuck in his throat.
Looking at the haregi he was given, he held it tight. Despite presumably hating Nobunaga and his men, he could never find himself to hate Amaryllis nor her friends. They treated him with respect and… he now knows that Amaryllis didn’t have a choice in the matter whether she wanted that memory or had it be locked away.
“...why… Why does misfortune seem to follow me everywhere…? I couldn’t protect her and now… no. How long have you been suffering, Ama…?”
“It took them two days to decide on this kimono?” Morgan stared at the design, clearly flashy for both of their tastes.
“Yup. I was hoping for a somewhat mellow-down version this time, but I guess asking too much,” with Amaryllis chuckling, clearly used to being in layers of kimonos by this point.
“I would not last a day in that…” Morgan’s expression speaks the volume on how they would die in the moment if that many layers were on them.
“‘Mellow-down?’ Amaryllis, you know full well how important your birthday is. Even I am not exempt from mine due to my standing as Nobunaga’s sister,” Cherry gracefully walked to the siblings with her own dazzling kimono, yet it wasn’t taking the attention from Amaryllis at the same time.
With Ellara chiming in to support Cherry, “Cherry is right. It is your moment to shine once more, alongside with the new page. It is strange honestly, a page having a celebration with someone that is high ranking–”
“It’s because I suggest that.”
It took them off guard. For Amaryllis to request such, for someone else? It is not like her in a way. She is one that follows orders without speaking up about it. Yet for Morgan, it made them realize one thing – Amaryllis is slowly changing since that day – finally making a choice, following her heart.
“Why?” Cherry was shocked but wanted to know her friend’s reason.
It sure didn't help that Cherry’s ladies-in-waiting started to gossip at the news.
“For Lady Amaryllis to do such… could it be?”
“Shush! Don’t say anything!”
Despite the quick murmurs, it was shut down fast.
“Well… our birthdays are kinda close. So I thought maybe, it wouldn’t hurt for us to have a day dedicated to both of us. And to save some resources than holding a banquet back to back,” Amaryllis gave a small smile which didn’t go ignored by everyone near her.
“Wow. You really became a different person, Amaryllis!” Ellara gave her a hug.
“Am I? Did I really change that much?” Amaryllis was surprised by her friends’ words but heed no mind to it.
“How long are you all going to take?” Ieyasu announced himself.
“Ieyasu!? Aren’t supposed to–” Ellara was taken by surprise only to be cut off.
“Everyone is waiting for you. Otherwise, Masamune will get his drink swap. And I’m not helping him,” Ieyasu said before returning back to the grand hall.
“I suppose we should get going,” Cherry chuckled before heading to the hall.
“Y-you!”
“Ellara, calm down,” Morgan placed a hand on Ellara’s shoulder before walking away.
“I am calm. What do you mean?” Ellara slowly turned her head to them.
“Amaryllis. You have become a year older, which is surprising how you outlasted many of my men on the battlefield. Thus, this banquet is dedicated to your birth alongside my page, Ranmaru Mori,” Nobunaga declared as he stood at the end before allowing everyone to eat.
Both the people that Nobunaga mentioned replied, “Thank you, Lord Nobunaga.”
“Lord Ieyasu! Here is a book that you may like–” “Someone, save me,” Ieyasu was uncomfortable before eyeing Morgan for help.
Morgan took notice of the plea for help, but ignored it before talking to Mitsuhide about their upcoming lessons and training. Which made Mitsuhide crack up before answering Morgan’s questions without a hint of hesitation present. He knows that some are eyeing this opportunity, but he merely spoke about how harsh the training and lessons will be.
“Brother. What do I see there?” Cherry stood in front of Nobunaga with her fan in one hand.
“Food,” Nobunaga’s response was too fast. He is hiding something.
“I know you're hiding it in your haori, brother. Give it,” bringing her hand out so Nobunaga could peacefully surrender it to her.
“No.”
“You pesky–”
“AYE! How about we calm down! It is a day of celebration for my daughter! There is no need to be angry! Princess Cherry, we can get it back in a later time,” Hideyoshi slid in to defuse the tension between the Oda siblings.
“Very well. Consider this to your lucky day, brother,” thus Cherry went back to her seat in consideration of her friend; Nobunaga was glad for his right-hand man’s intervention.
“Thank you, Hideyoshi. I will make sure your efforts won’t go unnoticed for today,” Nobunaga brought out the jar and started munching his konpeitos.
Hideyoshi couldn’t help but feel a drop of sweat coming down. Thank goodness Princess Cherry didn’t show that side of herself when there is so many guests present
Swirling her cup which is filled with sake, Amaryllis could see her reflection. Yet, her reflection showed what if she wasn’t burdened with this curse – with her raven hair and eyes no longer emerald green – almost just an ordinary person, not standing out in a way. Her expression didn’t change much as she was engaged in several conversations with some vassals – eyes filled with greed – but she dominated most of it by swaying the conversation to somewhere else than herself. She hated those types of eyes that only see her as a mere object – to obtain – not a person like her friends.
“Ama?”
“Ranmaru?”
The two didn’t speak till Ranmaru sat next to her. Clearly, Ranmaru knows how an exhausted Amaryllis can be in a room of snakes that wishes to devour a bird’s egg. With her being disconnected from everyone as she stared at her cup, nobody else looked at them.
He decided to break the silence between them. “You feel tired?”
“Very. It is quite tiring from denying proposals and gifts constantly. It is something that… I’m used to it. Both in the castle and in town,” Amaryllis’ eyes didn’t stray from her cup when she said it, almost as if she accepted it without question.
“It must be exhausting to have to do that constantly. Yet, why did you not reject mine?” Ranmaru gave an empathic smile before coming to a realization.
That question took Amaryllis off guard. She didn’t reject Ranmaru’s hair ornament nor react with disgust when he hugged her or held her hands. “I suppose… you were someone who saw me for who I am. Not as a student of Mitsuhide nor daughter of Hideyoshi but… me. It’s strange,” Amaryllis answered, almost as if it was from her heart.
In Ranmaru’s eyes, it was as if it was just the two of them in the room despite so many people present only for it to be muffled out to him. It made him smile – a genuine smile – when he heard her answer. It is his confirmation that the girl – the one he saved from regrets – years ago is still within her. Just still finding her way out in the ocean.
“Then I am glad to be the person that I’m the first to do that without being rejected. And Ama, I will always be by your side. No matter what.”
A lie he told himself so he doesn’t have to fully shut this feeling in his chest about her. He doesn’t want to put this feeling in his chest into words. Afraid that if he does put it, he can no longer help Master Kennyou, Daiju, and so many more to find peace from the Devil. Everyone is depending on him, after all.
“I think I- HICCUP drank too much~” Ellara was stuttering, clearly over what she could handle.
“You think? You are slurring your words, I thought there would be more though,” Morgan side eyed Ellara’s state before realizing they don’t feel drunk, not yet.
“How can you handle that much!?” Masamune was shocked at how much Morgan could drink.
“I only drank four cups. If you are asking how…” Morgan was about to answer before deciding it was best not to. “Luck.”
“Luck!? If that requires luck then what is my luck????”
“Masamune, table manners,” Yori reminded his lord before worrying about Ellara's drunken state.
“I will take Ellara home, my lord-” Kojuro was about to pick up Ellara only for her to end up being snatched by Masamune.
“I will take her to her room.”
“Damn, he switches up that fast,” Yori had his eyes widened just a bit, not shocked about Masamune’s behavior to his favorite ninja.
With that, Masamune excused himself and Ellara before leaving the room to rest. Some were surprised that Masamune didn’t get his drink swapped by Mitsuhide this time.
Ieyasu was mummering under his breath till Mitsunari decided to talk to Hideyoshi for a change. “Finally! I’m free from him!”
“You aren’t free Ieyasu,” Morgan reminded him.
“And what makes you say that? You are his caretaker, aren’t you?” Ieyasu’s smile was short-lived.
“Ieyasu, shut that mouth of yours before I take all your peppers away. I won’t hesitate to make you have ‘bland’ food for a month,” Morgan threatened with a smile.
“You would not do that,” Ieyasu’s voice went low the moment Morgan threatened to take his spices away.
They two glared at each other till their staring was broken off after a tiny object hit both of them in the head. It was Amaryllis who did that. “Relax you two. Also, Mitsunari is terrifying in his own right. I witnessed it before… I thought the heavens would fall on that day…” Amaryllis closed her eyes while recounting that day.
“Are you sure?” both Morgan and Ieyasu asked.
From afar, Ranmaru was observing the three’s conversation when he returned to Nobunaga to refill his lord’s cup. Cherry was there. Her fan covering her lower face, clearly smiling from seeing the liveness in front of her. “Brother, perhaps we should call off the banquet. Most of the vassals are already drunked,” Cherry snapped her fan closed before turning to her brother, Nobunaga.
“You are right, sister.” Nobunaga stood up before announcing the party’s ending.
Most of the vassals who pace their drinking after hearing Kenshin’s presumed cause of death, left with their heads high knowing they were able to avoid death. This time.
Those who didn’t pace themselves, they were flat out knocked out. Some of the servants carried them to the guest rooms to sleep through the night.
“Ranmaru,” Hideyoshi called to the page.
“Yes, Lord Hideyoshi?”
“Can you see that both of my children get home safely?”
“Of course, Lord Hideyoshi.”
“Trusting the page, Hideyoshi?” “Mitsuhide, you have your reasons to be worried as well I am too. But, sometimes, we have to understand that we have no control over them.”
“What makes you say that?” “I know that smile of yours Mitsuhide. You did something. Didn’t you?” “Maybe I did. But, like before we met, I can’t fully trust someone other than myself.” “Geez… try to trust us at the very least, Mitsuhide.”
“Maybe.”
Ranmaru escorted Morgan and Amaryllis back to the manor. Morgan quickly headed to their room to sleep. Amaryllis was about to do the same after saying her thanks to Ranmaru only to be stopped.
“Amaryllis… thank you.”
“‘Thank you..?’ What do you mean Ranmaru?” Amaryllis stared at him mystified.
“Thank you, for allowing my birthday to be celebrated alongside yours,” Ranmaru smiled.
“It’s nothing Ranmaru, genuinely. I did because… well, I suppose, you are making me slowly find myself from the ground up,” Amaryllis looked down, clearly willingly to be vulnerable near him – which he is glad for.
“Either way! Thank you! And have a good night's sleep, Ama!” Ranmaru turned around before waving, with Amaryllis waving back at him.
“I suppose that is enough for tonight. Master Kennyo and the others would want to know about today.”
The moment Ranmaru returned back to his room, he took off his haregi and dawned his ninja clothes. He doesn’t care if he loses sleep today; he needs to report to Kennyo. They are close. Close to getting their revenge. And yet, his hands can’t stop shaking with each step he takes.
Masterlist
AN: So uhh yeah it's back after a week due to that incident which thankfully didn't end up exploding nor leaked. Didn't help that I got sick in that very same week. It feels like there is a curse for writers when they get too invested in writing 🤔
Also Shingen, Kennyo, and Masahiro is the three oldest people out of the cast. Both of them are like in the mid 30s by the time we get to the game's prolouge.
Some extra scenes but with the pets :D
Hoshi: YIPEEEE! I love getting these attention :D
Neko: I do love my owner’sfriends' attention on me, especially Morgan.
Uri: Hey! Why wasn't I given any attention!? My mom's boss is here but why am I not?!
Haguro: Silence Uri. We will get our moment. We must wait, patience is key for survival.
The other pets haven't appeared nor mention till act 25 due to how many of them are young. Mention of Shogetsu in the previous acts was something that Masamune did to escape depsite not having his pet tiger yet. Kenshin's bunnies tho, they are here, just haven't been mentioned due to HOW MANY OF THEM IN THE CASTLE! Like damn, those bunnies are weed control for Kenshin's gardners.
