I really let this one get away from me, but I sincerely hope you all enjoy! Here's a kistune soulmate story!
@towa-no-yume @templeofthesilverkitsune
Rome padded through the village, early sunlight bathed the houses, plants, and homes in a warm light. She loved this time of day for it's silence whenever she would take a walk. This morning, however, wasn't quiet. She was making her way through town so she could go ahead and deliver a sewing commission that had taken her some time to finish. The family that commissioned the piece lived just about as far from her own home as one could get, so she was beginning the journey early so as not to have to walk home in the dark. The dark was dangerous.
Normally, Rome would be a little miffed at having to walk so far to deliver her work, but this family was wealthy and always paid well. They were frequent customers, and she would always use the money they paid her with so she could continue living independently, if she missed even one payment, she'd be screwed. A unique factor in delivering to them was their neighbor, a powerful man by the name of Akimasa Fujiwara.
Akimasa had taken a special interest in Rome, one that she originally wasn't sure how she felt about. Maybe she could like him if she gave it some more time, and it seemed innocent enough, right? Flirting, walking her home, or offering to pay for her meals whenever he found her eating in town. It seemed perfect, she wouldn't have to struggle on her own anymore. So why couldn't she pursue him?
She didn't love him. That's why. Something felt off about him that kept her from allowing herself to just dive into whatever life Akimasa had to offer.
When he realized that she wasn't going to surrender herself to him, things took their turn. Whenever she was out, so was he. He would always somehow find her in town. He showed up at her house unexpected.
Thats when she made up her mind on him. Rome became pretty good at avoiding Akimasa in the hopes that he would just lay off one day and stop bothering with a woman who wanted nothing to do with him, but he didn't.
She looked up, the sun had risen almost to its peak and her feet had taken her all the way to the family she was delivering to. Akimasa hadn't tailed her yet, maybe he was out on business. The transaction was over fairly quickly and Rome was back in the heart of town soon enough with a red bag of coins that softly jingled in the sleeve of her kimono.
Her stomach grumbled and she bit her lip. Looking at the fabric stalls would have to wait for now, she hadn't eaten anything for breakfast and the consequences were appearing.
She hurried to a crowded teahouse and sat down. She quickly placed an order and tried to make herself as unobtrusive as possible so as not to attract any unwanted attention. A plate of dumplings was set in front of her before the server was swept away in the bustle. Rome smiled and began to pick one up when she felt the weight of someone's gaze, she looked up to do a quick sweep of the room when an arm slung around her shoulder.
"My dear Rome!" A voice boomed. She cringed away, holding back a sigh. "Come with me." Akimasa grinned at her, grabbed her hand, and less than gently brought her to her feet. "But I need to pay, and I haven't eaten yet.." Rome started to protest. "The owner owes me a favor." Akimasa turned her towards him with a soft smile. "No no..." Rome began. "I insist on paying this time, you always pay for me, please?" She found herself begging softly. Akimasa nodded, smile ever present. Her gave her hand a light squeeze and rubbed her wrist. "Of course, I'll be waiting right outside of the exit for you. I have special plans laid out for us today." She found herself agreeing just to get him away from her, she would come up with an excuse to cancel in the meantime.
The server returned soon after. "I hope you enjoyed your meal, how will you be paying today, miss?" He rushed out, clearly stressed by the amount of customers. "I have it right- here?" Rome reached for the money that she had just gotten from the commission and found herself grasping at air. "My money is gone!" She gasped. "It must've fallen out of my sleeve, oh, please let me go home to get the money-" Rome started pleading, genuinely upset. She had a bad habit of not tying up her belongings properly, it was bound to happen some time. "No!" The server snapped, quickly shedding his thin facade of pleasantness. Customers nearby began to notice the interaction. One black-haired woman began to shield her child's eyes, a golden-eyed man raised an eyebrow. "We have no tolerance for thieving women! You're not going anywhere!" He aggressively started towards her, rearing one hand back, when someone jumped in between them, blocking the blow. It was Akimasa!
Akimasa shoved the angry man away, getting in front of Rome in a protective stance. "Are you alright, Rome?" He turned around, genuinely seeming concerned. "That woman is a thief!" The enraged server pointed at Rome who was clutching tightly to Akimasa. "You heard her, her money was gone." Akimasa glared at the man. "I'll pay her bill." He stepped forward, slamming more than enough money on the table. "We'll be leaving now." Akimasa took hold of Rome's hand and she let herself go with him, anything was better than staying.
"Are you okay?" Akimasa asked again, softening his voice as he began leading her away from the teahouse. "I- I am." Rome nodded. "I can't believe I lost my money! I feel like such a fool. I needed that money!" She began to panic, without that commission money, she wouldn't be able to afford living by herself anymore. She was so in her head that she hadn't noticed that they stopped.
"Rome." Akimasa turned her to face him, using a finger to tip her chin up to look him in the eyes. "I brought you here because I need you to know something. I'm in love with you." She froze. In love? "Please, marry me."
The sight began to attract a few onlookers, but Rome payed them no mind.
She immediately began thinking up excuses. There was no way she could do this! "I have nothing to offer, without that money I will be out on the streets. You don't want someone like me." Rome shook her head furiously. "I could provide everything for you, and do it happily!" Akimasa got to a knee, urging her softly. Her resolve began to weaken. All she would have to do was marry him. That's what people did in this time. They married not for love, but for financial and social security.
The fear of dying a beggar outweighed what felt like common sense, alarms sounded loudly in her head, and she said yes. Akimasa got to his feet with a triumphant grin as a stranger walked by, accidentally bumping him by the hip as he tried to get past. Akimasa ignored him, choosing to crush her to his chest in a hug instead.
She heard a slight tinkle, so quiet it shouldn't have been possible to hear, but she did.
Her eyes drew a slow path down to where he had a pocket by his hip, red fabric hung out ever so slightly.
Very familiar red fabric.
The consequence of what she had done rushed down her body as if someone had poured cold water over her head, focusing on her heart. Akimasa had her money.
"You see, I just knew you would say yes, that's why I had already drawn up our marriage contract. You've been my wife since this morning, and you didn't even know it!" Akimasa announced boastfully. Rome knew at once that she was in a very dangerous situation, and whatever she said or did would have drastic consequences. She had to be smart.
"That's so smart!" Rome forced a beaming smile upon her face. "I was just ready to ask about moving in with you as soon as possible- but I don't have to wait past tonight." Akimasa was quite pleased he had managed to tame this woman after so long. "I love the way you think, Lady Fujiwara!" He clasped her shoulders. "Please, let me gather some of my essential items so I can meet you quickly at your home." Rome blinked hopefully at him, sick to her core that her family name had changed and she hadn't the slightest clue or given consent in any form. "Of course, this gives me time to put finishing touches in place. You have one hour." Akimasa smiled and sent her on her way.
It took every bit of strength in her body to not immediately bolt, she knew he was watching. Rome maintained a calm pace as she walked in the direction of her home, tears silently sliding down her cheeks. As soon as she was out of sight- she bolted. Not home. She could never go home. She ran for the forest.
Rome eventually slowed to a stop, sitting against a sturdy tree. She bit her lip and furrowed her brow, something felt off. She felt something in her chest. Was someone watching her? Had Akimasa managed to follow her without getting noticed? Rome clutched her kimono in her hands, ready to run as far as she needed to get away, but a low chuckle halted her movements.
She looked up, golden eyes gleamed in the low light, amusement filtering through them. Whoever this was, it wasn't Akimasa, he had brown eyes. Meekly, Rome began to speak. "Hello?"
"So the little mouse can squeak after all."
She could hear the grin in the deep voice that responded to her. "Who are you?" Rome frowned, tilting her head. "Are you from the village? I don't recognize you." She stayed still, body stiff. The stranger seemed to ponder his responses deeply before choosing to speak. "My name is Mitsuhide."
The man- Mitsuhide- walked forward. He was tall, with hair the color of pure snow. His eyes resembled the purest gold. Secrets swirled just under their surface, Rome could tell. He wore a primarily white kimono, the family crest was one that was unfamiliar. But ultimately, he was attractive. Very much so.
"Now, little mouse, what are you doing all the way in these woods? Haven't you heard that they're dangerous?" Mitsuhide raised a snowy eyebrow. "Trickster spirits are said to inhabit these lands, preying on beautiful young women as yourself." He grinned wryly, that smile stirred something within Rome. Anger, indignation?
Rome shook her head as if to fling the thought from her mind. No, she was upset, definitely upset. He was treating her like she was a child! "I haven't met any problem so far, I'd rather take my chances here than the village at the moment." She grumbled. "Oh? Is there trouble?" Mitsuhide questioned, stepping closer. The sly smile never left his face. "I don't understand why this information is necessary to you." Rome huffed. She didn't need to tell him anything!
"But it is necessary." Mitsuhide nodded. "Oh very necessary indeed. For I have just made my way out of your village on a check-up, and if something were to be wrong, I would need to know." He crouched down to her level and held out a large hand in offering. Rome stared at it and begrudgingly took hold. Shocks as strong as lightning pricked her hands and raced up her arms and down her body, but she could not let go. They seemed to hold the both of them together. The sensation dulled as he helped pull her to her feet with little effort, and her thoughts quickly drifted away.
"I can never go back." Rome stated quietly. Mitsuhide halted for a fraction of a second, too short for Rome to notice. "I see. Would you care for an escort away?"
That was how Rome met Mitsuhide. He was from Azuchi, the left hand of Nobunaga Oda. The warlords of Azuchi castle had taken to Rome very quickly and Nobunaga was so amused by this new fireball that she was taken on as a new princess of the Oda. Rome protested, and while Nobunaga still kept her a princess, he allowed her to take up the role of chatelaine to soothe her adamancy at doing a real job.
Life had never been better, though she loved all of the Oda allies, one had always stuck out. Mitsuhide Akechi, the one who had brought her from her old life and into a new one. She began to truly get an understanding of who he was as a person, but she would never get over the teasing that left her red everyday. Yet, she found that she wouldn't change it for the world. They became fast friends, and she developed feelings just as quick. Sadly, Mitsuhide seemed to keep any feelings of his own hidden. She never saw any form of attraction on his end and tried desperately to keep her own concealed. Rome didn't want to appear the foolish, naive girl he would occasionally point out in his teasing.
She sat on the veranda, a needle and thread on her hands as she stared at the commission before her. She was awfully distracted, the image of a certain mischievous man danced in her mind.
The moon chased the sun across the sky until it was out of sight and the stars revealed themselves, twinkling down upon the woman with the needle. Rome had met Mitsuhide earlier in town as she bought the fabric she was currently working with. They had stopped at a teahouse she would frequent and just enjoyed each others company. He claimed she had a crumb on her cheek and brushed it away with his thumb with the grin now familiar to her, and watched as her face bloomed red like a rose, pleasant sparks traveling outwards from his contact. What wouldn't come to her mind until much later was that they had not even begun eating yet.
The sparks, oh the sparks.
Rome couldn't explain the sparks, he never mentioned them so she supposed it was just herself that felt them. They were no ordinary butterfly-in-stomach nervous jitters, they were actual sparks that she felt across the skin where they touched. It felt like when she sat on her leg too long and then tried to walk as her leg woke up. These sparks were unnatural, and she figured mentioning them might garner more than a few strange looks.
Rome looked back down at her latest work, gasping in disbelief. She was so distracted that she sewed the sleeve inside out! She let out a groan of frustration, a certain white-haired man wouldn't get out of her head, and she knew he wouldn't leave any time soon.
She sighed, leaving the kimono on the floor, and stood up with a stretch. She would take a walk through the garden to clear her head before she came back and went to sleep. Something in the woods beyond caught her eye, a flash of color through the trees. She couldn't make it out too well in the darkness, but curiosity got the best of her. She walked into the forest.
A tugging in her chest caused her to stop and look up. Rome's walk took her farther than she had planned, and she found herself in the woods. She grasped her heart, it was as if an invisible tether urged her to go back home. Before Rome could turn around, a loud snap from directly in front of her stopped her in her tracks. She looked up, eyes wide and mouth agape in horror, she cried out in distress as her eyes met brown ones.
Mitsuhide frowned, bringing a hand to his chest as he felt their soul-tether stress.
Mitsuhide questioned himself as he stood up, ready to retrieve a certain mouse who had strayed too far from her den when their invisible tie lit up an alarming scarlet.
Mitsuhide wasted no time in bolting from his room, following the string that led to his soulmate.
He had only just met her by accident when drinking at a teahouse in one of the neighboring villages. Mitsuhide took note of the man she was with and watched them very carefully. Watched the man obsess over her. Watched the man steal her money to look like a hero. Watched the man steal her life in the ways of the human world. All Mitsuhide did was make the man's actions a little clearer to protect his little mouse. Now that he had her, he would never let her go.
I've been too slow to introduce her to the world she really lives in.
Mitsuhide cursed himself, she was going to have to find out in a very difficult fashion.
"You whore!" Akimasa spit out, pointing his finger at her from where he stood. "I search high and low, I come to Azuchi and I find you!" He hissed. "All I wanted was to bring you home to my side where you belong! And you shack up with that random man like the prostitute you are!" Rome started backing up. Her eyes were wide and full of tears. "You're coming back with me, I don't care if that other man thinks he loves you, I'm the only man who gets to love you!" Akimasa was yelling, red in the face.
He must've watched us in town. Rome deducted. But why does he assume Mitsuhide loves me? Perhaps he saw my own love for him.
"You do not get to just stand there quietly and cry, I'll give you something to cry about!" Akimasa unsheathed the shortsword he always kept on his waist and reared it back. Rome threw her hands over her head and squeezed her eyes shut.
The tugging in her chest went away.
She opened her eyes and choked on a gasp, there stood... Mitsuhide? It looked like him but...
"Kitsune!" Akimasa cried out. Rome saw that his sword had been bent out of proportion and tossed aside. Mitsuhide stood in front of her, turning around. The large, white ears on his head swiveled and his large tail twitched. "Are you alright, Rome?" It was a twisted parallel to what Akimasa had done at the teahouse that felt like ages ago. Only this time, she smiled.
Mitsuhide walked forward, cradling her in his arms. She had never felt so safe or protected. These circumstances were so strange, but everything just felt right. "I'll answer your questions later my darling, but right now, I need you to close your eyes and keep them closed no matter what you hear, can you do this?"
Rome nodded, looking into his golden gaze, beyond his shoulder she swore she saw another figure stride towards Akimasa, but she closed her eyes and leaned against Mitsuhide's warm chest, pressing one ear to it. The sound of his steady heartbeat did well to soothe her own. Sparks filled her body with a pleasant feeling as Mitsuhide hummed. He stroked her hair with one hand and placed his free hand over her ear to drown out the screams of pain that his illusion was drawing out of the man who had threatened the soulmate of a kitsune.
