#silkkorchidlore

[silkkorchid]

Yumenomaichiru 

Dividers - @/saradika-graphics

Word count - approx. 1k

OCs (with their respective owners) featured in this Act: Cherry( @cherrykasugayama), Morgan (@welp-back-on-my-bs)

“So this important person is the Shogun?”

“Yes, Lady Mai. Ama overheard a conversation between the guards…” Ranmaru at where Amaryllis is currently resting – asleep – from the world.

“Then… I’m finding Yoshimoto immediately,” Mai stood up before leaving the room. 

Allowing Ranmaru to watch his moon unguarded with a sorrowful expression. “...why now? First your memories of us and now me? It’s just… not fair. Not fair at all.”

With nobody else in the room, Ranmaru carcasses Amaryllis’ cheeks before letting go.

It didn’t take long for Mai to be in a confrontation with Kicho. Who seem not only preparing for the Shogun’s presence but also gathering business partners to support this cause. But this has another cause, to fully confirm that Mai is from the future – a test. She passed by picking up a pen after Kicho asked so.

“Kicho, what do you plan to do after this?” Morgan stepped in after Mai’s departure.

“...why do you seem so insistent on trying to stop me?”

“Because this isn’t what you want. What you really want.”

It was dark, with Amaryllis sleeping throughout the afternoon and seemingly the night as well. Ranmaru left to still try to get someone who he can trust to relay the information to the Oda in time, or his master. Leaving Mai to be the only one awake in the room, till she heard Yoshimoto calling out to her.

“Mai? Are you still up?”

“...Yoshimoto…”

The room stayed quiet except for the soft breathing of someone with them. Yoshimoto merely frowns, knowing what they are doing, “You’re still attempting to investigate matters here, aren’t you?”

Mai’s silence was an answer that Yoshimoto needed. Dropping his question before giving her a package that he thought would bring Mai to smile. A leather-bounded notebook with a dip pen with some ink. Mai was happy of course, but only to realize she can’t do anything with it due to her inability to create anything.

Mai touched the binds of it, trying desperately to imagine what she could do but all it came was blank. “I can’t accept this. Any of these… I wouldn’t be able to do anything with them anyway,” Mai looked away from Yoshimoto, hoping he wouldn’t press further.

“What do you… mean?”

“I- I can’t come up with anything…. Nothing.”

“What happened…? Mai, answer me.”

Yoshimoto urged Mai to look at him, for her to explain everything to him. It was only when an exhausted Amaryllis spoke up on her behalf, “...because the future has changed, Yoshimoto.”

“The future…?”

Mai looked ashamed, “Yes… I just– I can’t create anything with these hands of mine… as if I lost it…” Mai looked at Amaryllis for her and asked her if she too felt it, “You… were born from the future… weren’t you? Is it affecting you as well, Amaryllis?”

“...my memories of…” Amaryllis bit her lips as she tried to remember his name till it came to her, “My memories of Ranmaru are slowly being… erased from my mind…”

Yoshimoto stood there in disbelief. Both Mai and Amaryllis are affected which means anyone who came from the future is affected.

SLAM

“What…?” Ranmaru stood in the doorway, in shock at what he heard.

Yoshimoto left but not without promising to Mai that he swore to bring where art will return. While mentioning they will go to Kyoto with Okuni. Leaving the three hostages to sit still in silence. Amaryllis explained to Ranmaru how she arrived in the past to the best she could; it made sense to him on how he found her and explained why she was dressed like that when they first met.

“I see… Do you remember anything…?”

“Bits… but most are coming back thankfully. It’s just… I lost my memories not once but twice and now… thrice. It’s terrifying. Terrifying on how much… memories mean to me now.”

That surprised both Ranmaru and Mai on how this isn’t the first time for Amaryllis. For it to happen more than once would leave a lot of gaps in the head, which made sense for Ranmaru for the least.

“When did you first… lose your memories?”

“I… I don’t remember. Maybe when I was five or six years old? Sorry, Mai, I just– that’s the earliest I could remember. I don’t remember the people who probably raised me at that point of my life.”

That was when Mai realized how young Amaryllis had to confront the world. The moment she gained the ability to remember, only to be robbed of those early memories without her consent.

“No matter how many times you either lose your memories or forget about me,” Ranmaru brought Amaryllis into a hug, “I will be there. To recover it or make new ones.”

“...thank you.”

Despite Mai feeling like a third wheel in this conversation of theirs, she can understand. Understand how similar they are with her and Yoshimoto; both of them are having to confront a harsh truth while their history is being drastically changed that affects them.

“Forgive me for sending this letter, Lord Kenshin. I suppose you already took notice of the rumors here in Azuchi about you siding with Kicho and us siding with him. On behalf of the Oda, I wish for a prospect of allying with us. To put an end to the main threat of this land. If you do wish to accept this, then give a reply. If not, then ignore this.” – Cherry Oda

*The pickle plums you gifted to me were delicious, thank you for giving them to me. 

“In consideration, Lady Cherry.” – Kenshin Uesugi

Masterlist

AN: Okay... I may either hurt Woofie or smth in the next one.

[silkkorchid]

Sè Jí Shì Kōng

Dividers - @/saradika-graphics

Word count - approx. 1k

OCs (with their respective owners) featured in this Act: Ellara( @woofwoofimmaturtle), Morgan (@welp-back-on-my-bs)

“Everyone! I brought snacks!” Okuni carried a tray of sweets into the room.

It’s been several days since they’ve been held hostage. All of them felt strange knowing that they aren’t really held hostage but moreover under house arrest. Mostly due to Morgan and Yoshimoto’s request.

“Thanks, Okuni,” Mai gave Okuni a head pat before grabbing a sweet.

“At least we’re not the only crazies here. To think, you’d follow Lord Yoshimoto to Sakai yourself,” Ranmaru puffed his cheeks like a chipmunk as he ate one.

“To think Morgan ended up being employed by Kicho,” Amaryllis gave a sharp sigh before nibbling on a sweet.

Okuni’s personality made the air lighter to the best of their ability as they talked about how they got here. Ranmaru was still pouting only for Amaryllis to hand feed him, stopping his rambling mid-way with Okuni. Once more, the atmosphere became tense after Okuni left the room. 

“Ugh… I don’t like this. I can’t even complain about being a hostage because we’re being treated like–!”

“Guests?”

“Yeah! Just… guests who can’t go home,” Ranmaru plopped his head on Amaryllis’ lap as she untangled his hair. An intimate action that neither of them noticed till Mai looked at them with a smile.

“Yeah. They won’t let us take one step outside the front door; I tried,” Mai looked at the windows that showed the outside of the manor before touching her lips. 

Both Ranmaru and Amaryllis looked at each other after seeing how lovesick Mai was looking. Making Ranmaru sit up as he brought out the question that lingered in both of their minds, “Say, Lady Mai? What happened between you and Lord Yoshimoto?”

“Huh?”

“Mai, don’t ‘huh’ us. Something happened didn’t it? I mean it’s not out of the question that he probably kissed–”

“I, uh, can’t say,” Mai gave an awkward smile, her face slowly turning red. Telling both Ranmaru and Amaryllis that something happened between the two more than words.

“So you can’t tell us–?”

“Ranmaru, we should probably wait for the confirmation,” Amaryllis smiled before drinking the tea that was brewed earlier.

“Finee,” Ranmaru pouted but admired how graceful Amaryllis is.

A moon will always look at the sun for warmth, unaware that the sun is just a star. A star that will soon become nothing once its time comes, leaving the moon to stay there in the darkness as it can’t explode like a firework due to how different they are.

“Ellara, why…?” Morgan sat at their desk, with Ellara sitting across from them.

“...I had no choice, Morgan. I don’t have one… especially when I’m with my clan.”

Morgan stood up before grabbing a book from the shelf. They too felt the changes and the side-effects of history drastically changing, it impacted their way of life and work. Kicho took notice and made sure Morgan didn’t overwork themselves.

“...why do parents in this era seem to be such an asshole?” Morgan said aloud, enough for Ellara to hear.

“Making sure we either be a tool or weapon… if that’s what you were wondering, Morgan.”

Morgan let out a sharp sigh, clearly tired and going over what they can handle at the moment. “Ellara, we both know that we don’t agree on their stance. I’m standing my ground here to try to convince Kicho to stop, but for you… I doubt the Uraguchi clan would give you any sort of freedom. Not without some sort of price.”

“What should I do then…?”

All Morgan could do is give some words of comfort, “This is your life. You need to take control of it. I once lost control of my life years ago but I… no… thanks to some people here, I was able to regain control. Even if it’s not much or impactful, I was able to stop living in fear. You can do that, if you don’t let fear control you every moment of your life.”

As Mai and Ranmaru tried their best to find information on what was going on, Amaryllis went alone with her thoughts. All of them knew that they couldn't escape easily nor pass information due to the guards and the facade that was forced upon them by Kicho. It was only when Amaryllis caught a whiff of valuable information.

“You heard about it?”

“Yeah! Someone important is about to come soon!”

“What sort of person would it be anyways? The shogun?”

“I doubt it would be the shogun, he is a disgrace to the Ashikaga’s name–”

“Don’t say that! You might end up losing your head!”

That slightly leaked information made her eyes widen, making her run back to the room that they were all at earlier. Using the table to steady herself.

The Shogun? Yoshiaki is under house arrest… isn’t he…?

“Ama?”

“...I- Ranmaru!?” Amaryllis turned around, barely hiding the fact she nearly forgot his name. Even then, Ranmaru caught on.

“What’s wrong? You usually don’t–”

“Ran… I’m fine-”

“No you aren't!” Ranmaru yelled which was out of character for him, to Amaryllis that is. “Just tell me… what happened?”

Amaryllis let down her guard as Ranmaru walked closer. “I… don’t know why but… the shogun… he may be involved from what I overheard. And–” before pausing as she didn’t want to worry Ranmaru anymore with her worries.

“And what…?” Ranmaru held her closer to him so he could hear her, even if it became a mere whisper.

“I- I’m slowly forgetting you… Ranmaru…”

“What…?”

Masterlist

AN: Gonna post another one some time today

[silkkorchid]

Yi-Hongyuan 

Dividers - @/saradika-graphics

Word count - approx. 1.2k

OCs (with their respective owners) featured in this Act: Morgan (@welp-back-on-my-bs)

“So, how do we get in?” Mai asked Amaryllis and Ranmaru due to the mission entrusted to them.

They are still in Azuchi due to them having to plan things out, especially knowing that Kicho and Amaryllis know each other, any recognition would give them away.

“Well, we could get ourselves caught,” Amaryllis gave her answer.

“HUH!?”

Both Mai and Ranmaru were in shock, reasonable to be shocked by such a suggestion.

“I thought we were–”

“Ama, that’s risky! We don’t know what they may do!”

“Even then, Kicho isn’t the type to kill someone, especially someone that has information in the Oda–” Amaryllis was interrupted by a heaving vassal, clearly running as fast as he could to deliver something.

“My… my apologies, May I… have a moment of rest?” the vassal looked at Amaryllis in desperation.

“You may.”

Such suddenness and sounds of desperation from the vassal made everyone be on guard, clearly a sign that something went wrong. It was when the vassal finally got his breath that he said the words he was ordered to give. “The ninja of the Date Clan, Ellara, has betrayed not just the Date clan but the Oda Forces as a whole.”

“W-what…?” Amaryllis’ eyes widen in shock at hearing someone that has been with her only to betray everyone.

“How!?” Ranmaru was too taken back like Amaryllis.

“E-Ellara…? She wouldn’t…” even Mai was in disbelief of such news.

“Ellara is found to be part of the Uraguchi clan. And the daughter of the current head. They attacked the Date by using their sheer firepower only to halt after Elllara announced her betrayal. Not without injuring Yori, who tried to stop her,” the vassal finished relaying what many other vassals were doing.

“Sheer firepower? How can such a clan afford something that expensive?” Ranmaru questioned the vassal in hopes to gather more information for his allies.

“I have no idea, Lord Ranmaru. But knowing the rumors regarding the Uraguchi clan, they’re infamous for their weapon dealings and infiltrating other clans–”

“You can leave,” Amaryllis stopped the vassal from speaking more, which the vassal left.

Ranmaru looked at Amaryllis with sympathy before hugging her. Which Amaryllis merely closed her eyes while in his embrace – tired from everything that has happened in the past week.

“What now?” Mai broke the tension with her words.

“I suppose we can get ourselves captured, as our status will protect us. Somewhat…”

It took roughly another week to travel to Sakai, everyone was reasonably worried for them. The betrayal of Ellara with little and no letter from Morgan so far, they didn’t want to send any of their close friends to a death mission, but this is important to tip the scales in their favor. Mitsuhide had to hold himself  from intervening due to how important this mission that fell upon them – he would have traded places if it meant to keep his students safe.

“Kicho and Motonari are located somewhere in this city, according to Lord Keiji’s info. I figure the easiest way to track them is to track Lord Yoshimoto! He doesn’t seem hard to find at all,” Ranmaru scanned the docks of Sakai. Clearly on guard for what may come next.

“You think? Don’t underestimate him. If Yoshimoto doesn’t want to be caught, we won’t find him easily,” Mai too scanned the area, clearly trying to find a wisp of Yoshimoto.

“It feels warm here despite being winter at the moment,” Amaryllis looked at the ocean, clearly taken aback by how vast it is.

The two saw how Amaryllis’ eyes had that wonder of a child. Only to continue on trying to find Yoshimoto, till they were caught by Motonari and Kicho.

Ranmaru quickly places himself in front of Mai and Amaryllis only to be yanked by Motonari.

“I’m tempted to thank Nobunaga for sending the most obvious spies he could find. It’s nice to meet you again. Amaryllis.”

Amaryllis didn’t have to turn around when she heard that familiar voice that belonged to Kicho. Even when his gun was pointing at her.

“Ama–!”

“It’s too nice to meet you, Kicho. If only we were still allies–” Amaryllis paused in the midst of talking after seeing the eyebags under Kicho’s eyes being fainter from the last time she saw it.

“Let me go, you big brute!” Ranmaru tried his best to get out of Motonari’s grasp to reach Amaryllis.

“Quit yer strugglin’!” Motonari was wrestling with a big pink cat that was about to scratch him at any second.

“Ranmaru! Amaryllis!” Mai watches on in fear. Two of her friends either at gunpoint from or wrestling at their captor.

Ranmaru continued only to stop after Amaryllis made direct eye contact. Signalling him to stop and let them take them. During which, Mai tried to get close to Amaryllis only to freeze and put both her hands up after Kicho pointed the gun at her – signaling Kicho and Amaryllis that she isn’t from that era, especially how instinctive Mai did it.

“What are you–?! Are you from…?”

“Kicho.” Amaryllis interrupted Kicho’s speech, bringing his attention to her. “You already know what to do, neither of us brought a weapon,” Amaryllis took one last look at the ocean before looking at Ranmaru with a nod.

“Lady Mai, don’t struggle! I don’t think there’s anything we can do here but surrender,” Ranmaru played his part in convincing Kicho and Motonari.

Leaving Mai to play hers after both Ranmaru and Amaryllis did theirs. “I surrender… Kicho. Do with us as you will. Just… don't hurt us.” 

“...wise decision.”

“Welcome to your birdcage.”

Mai stared at the merchant house in shock. Ranmaru was already done dealing with Motonari with him saying that he won’t run even if Motonari let go of him; Motonari straight up thought about throwing him into the manor. Out of the two, Amaryllis’ treatment was somewhat better as she complied with Kicho and Motonari without being at gunpoint or dragged.

Hearing Yoshimoto’s steps, Amaryllis walked in with Motonari and Ranmaru – who was still being dragged by the pirate in question – to let Yoshimoto meet Mai.

While in the hallway trying to stop Ranmaru from insulting Motonari more, a familiar voice announced their presence.

“Amaryllis…?”

Standing there was Morgan – eyebags prominent from a lack of rest – in a mix of western and traditional clothing. Their eyes barely have any light as they seem exhausted both mentally and physically.

“Morgan?”

The two stared at each other. Either in shock of seeing each other or in fear knowing what the other may have gotten themselves into.

“Yer know these rascals?" Motonari questioned.

“I do,” Morgan stepped forward to them.

“What are you doing here–!” Amaryllis was caught off when Morgan decided to hug her.

“Just… stay quiet will you? It’s… sometimes loud despite having nothing there to make the noise.”

Masterlist

AN: I should probably start planning out Cherry and Kenshin's romance. BY DOING LETTERS OFC! Don't tell our local sweet demon (Nobunaga) about this.

[silkkorchid]

Reception of Butterflies

Dividers - @/saradika-graphics

Word count - approx. 700

OCs (with their respective owners) featured in this Act: Ellara( @woofwoofimmaturtle), Morgan (@welp-back-on-my-bs)

Even after it has been a week since the attack on Azuchi, Morgan has adjusted to living in Sakai. Some days are great but some aren’t, with today being that. A grieving family member yelling at them.

“WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY FOR YOURSELF!?”

Morgan stayed quiet to avoid angering the man further, they understood what he was getting at. Overcomed by grief that they couldn’t see things clearly anymore. Till a passerby, Kicho, spoke on their behalf, “I think it is time for you to leave.” Even as both men engaged in a civil talk, their savior was able to lead the man away after pointing a gun at him. Only to turn to them, “Are you alright?”

“I- yes. I’m alright. I’m sorry you had to see that…” Morgan’s eyes drifted at the retreating man with sympathy, “seems like I’m not used to things after all.”

Kicho withdrew his gun back into its holder. “It is hard getting used to a time… you haven’t lived in,” Kicho looked at Morgan with suspicion – the rumors of someone introducing a practice called “therapy”, that should only be something in the future.

Morgan closed their eyes before giving a small smile – one that Amaryllis said that can protect them from in certain circumstances. “If you are here for therapy, I would love to, but for my own wellbeing. I would like for that to be moved to tomorrow,” only to walk past Kicho to head back to the residence they’ve bought.

Kicho grabbed Morgan’s arm to prevent them from leaving after getting his confirmation that they are not from this era. “How about we just talk then? I would rather not leave you alone so that man can return and attack you once more,” his words weren't manipulative but a truth that even he didn’t know.

Seeing Kicho’s genuine words, Morgan allowed it before asking for his name. Kicho gave his and Morgan gave theirs while including the name of Toyotomi. Leading Kicho to chuckle seeing how little Hideyoshi changed over the years.

The two engaged in talks, talking about each other's occupation which Kicho said he is a merchant – despite Morgan piecing the puzzle earlier. It was only when it was morning that both of them realized they had no nightmares when they fell asleep. With the two to have a meal together, with Kicho asking if Morgan wishes to stay at his manor in the meantime. Seeing how this man – which they won’t lie, is beautiful – is an enemy to the Oda, they decided to do so.

“If you don’t mind, would you like to be my assistant?”

That caught Morgan off guard as Kicho gave them a tour of the manor. Taking a moment to think about the option that he gave them compared to what they currently have, it is risky. “Sure,” even with the risk factor involved, Morgan chose to accept it.

Little did Kicho know, that small smile will be a rare occurrence from here on out as he continued with his plans. Unaware of the bud that has sprouted from his near dead branch.

“Welcome Lord Yoshimoto. Please, let this humble servant escort you and your vassals to where you will be staying,” one of Kicho’s assistants bowed before Yoshimoto.

“Lead the way then,” even with this courtesy, Yoshimoto didn’t smile compared to his vassals.

In the midst of the escort, Yoshimoto spotted Morgan with Kicho. He was shocked to see them but one thing was for sure to him – Morgan wouldn’t join an enemy unless it is something that he couldn’t see, not yet.

In one of the rooms in Kicho’s merchant manor, the Uraguchi clan stood there as the conversation between the head and his daughter started.

“I… I’ve returned, father,” Ellara kneeled in front of her father.

Her father – the head of the Uraguchi – looked down on her while he sat on the western furniture. Either disappointed or planning for her punishment for defecting the clan in the first place. “You WILL tell us everything. Every single thing you have spent in the Date and the Oda Forces for all these years. Or do you wish the same thing happened to that ‘friend’ of yours to another?”

“No… I’ll tell everything, my lord.”

Masterlist

AN: So uhm... Ellara is probably getting shredded 😅

[silkkorchid]

Shurajō 

Dividers - @/saradika-graphics

Word count - approx. 1.4k

OCs (with their respective owners) featured in this Act: Ellara( @woofwoofimmaturtle)

The Date clan head towards a large uprising, one that Masamune asked to be in charge from Nobunaga. Everyone’s morale is at an all time high, unaware of the cracks that started to take place. 

“Cheer up Ellara!” one of the Date’s vassals gave her a playful punch.

“Easy to say when you’re not at the front lines,” Ellara smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes.

“Fair point…” the vassal’s smile diminished before returning, “You know, despite how old I am. I have a daughter that is similar in age like you, beautiful and charming… I’m glad she found a husband that treats her well.”

That hit Ellara hard. Hearing another father speak how much his daughter meant to him felt like poison in her heart – one that she desperately tried to lock away till Masamune cutted the chains away. To her, she always wanted to know, what if she had a father like that? But in this life of hers, she will never know.

It was in the late morning where the battle began to take place. An uprising on a large scale should be difficult and yet, it was easy. Too easy that made those who have several years of experience look on with suspicion.

“Aye Masamune! Something isn’t right,” Yori quickly galloped to Masamune, expressing his intuition.

“This feels too easy for an uprising,” Masamune looked at the troops, clearly not liking this feeling that Yori is too experiencing. “Kojuro, what do you think?”

“I too feel the same as the both of you. This battle… shouldn’t be this simple. Almost as if–!” on cue, a loud cloud of dust picked up to the left of them.

Yori’s eyesight was the best out of the three, but the crest on the enemy’s reinforcements made his blood go cold, “Hold on… that’s the infamous clan, the Uraguchi clan to be exact…!”

That caught Masamune and Kojuro off guard. They heard about the clan and its infamous weapons dealing and several more. With them being an enemy to the Date clan as well. “Shit... Everyone! Into a defensive position! Immediately!" Masamune yelled his lungs out so the messengers could relay the front lines in time. Even then, it was too late.

“Why are there approximately a thousand of them, Yori?” Kojuro turned to Yori due to his profession to answer such questions.

Yori was confused till he remembered a story about the Uraguchi clan, if there are more than a hundred of them, they are after something no matter how much bodies are left behind to get it. “They are after something… MASAMUNE! DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN!” Yori’s eyes were pure fear when he gave his answer to his superiors.

BANG

Several gunshots could be heard at the front. Many Date vassals fell as the Uraguchi continued with their onslaught. Providing their allies the boost they need to push back. Sanzou led the group, knowing that his sister would come out sooner or later.

“You must be Sanzou Uraguchi… huh?” Yori was already exhausted but tried to defend his lord to the best of his ability.

“Forget it. Where is my sister?” Sanzou heed no mind to Yori’s attempt to spark a conversation to buy time.

“Hah… sister? Hell if we knew–”

“Ellara. Where is Ellara?”

That froze Yori completely. He didn’t want to believe that someone he trained with and messed around with was a spy, let alone to the Uraguchi clan. “H-how did you–”

“And what do you want with her?” Masamune steps in front of Yori – protecting him and stopping him from speaking further.

“Our father wishes for her to come back, isn’t that obvious?” Sanzou was slowly getting annoyed at how long this was taking for his younger sister to come out.

“Well, too bad! She is part of–”

SCREEECH

 Masamune was interrupted as Sanzou was done with the small talk and engaged in a close-combat. “Shut up already.”

Ellara’s face drained when she heard that her clan came and her name was mentioned by the man in charge. The vassals erupted into whispers as all their eyes were focused on Ellara – eyes filled with distrust, heartbroken, betrayed, or angry. Turning around made it worse for her. Knowing how her clan functions, Ellara thought the best thing was to – betray the Date clan, the clan that taught that not every clan functions like hers.

“Sanzou!” Ellara yelled as her brother held his blade close to Masamune’s neck.

“How was it? Hiding and running from your duties as the daughter of our head, Ellara?” Even when questioning, Sanzou’s voice held onto its robotic tone.

Yori, Kojuro, and Masamune could only stare at the scene. Not wanting to believe that Ellara – out of everyone – was the spy and now betraying them.

Ellara’s eyes didn’t focus on one person as she looked at everyone’s face – seeing the betrayal and hurt – before facing her brother once more. “What… what does our father want…?”

Sanzou kept his blade at Masamune’s neck while he spoke, “He plans on giving you one more chance. From that blunder where you failed to kill this lord when you had a chance, when he was wounded by our clan member’s gunshot.”

Ellara realized what his words meant, to come back and act like a Uraguchi willingly or have history repeat itself again. “I… I’ll come back….”

Masamune wanted to tell her to stop but couldn’t find his voice. Kojuro didn’t want to believe what his ears were hearing but he knew he was hearing it correctly.

“Good choice, you will know where to find us. Sister,” with that, Sanzou fired a green flare into the air. Alerting the other Uraguchi members that their goal was complete and to head back to their base. Not without kicking Masamune off his feet, causing him to fall to the ground hard.

“Ellara… you…” Yori stood up, even when dirt, grim, even his own blood stained his gear.

Ellara turned away, knowing she had no words for the man that saw her as another sister. “I wish… it wasn’t as complicated, Yori. I genuinely wished…”

Yori quickly adjusted his grip on his sword, getting into a stance to fight Ellara. Ellara stared wide eyed at Yori’s willingness to fight her, making grab her a kunai in response to an attack from him. 

CLASH

“I TRUSTED YOU!” Yori screamed as memories where the two would train, laughing off, and enjoying moments of life lingered in his mind.

CLANG

Ellara stayed quiet as tears fell from her eyes. Knowing the pain she has caused those around her. Masamune and Kojuro either sat or stood there in shock seeing the two ninjas fight it out. Even the nearby vassals stopped in their fighting to watch the emotional duel between the two.

CLASH

“So why… WHY! TELL ME ELLARA!”

CLANG

“...sorry, Yori. Sorry…. Everyone.”

Yori was injured earlier, but even when Ellara left several openings and slowed down, he couldn’t bring himself to do it – he couldn’t. It was only when Ellara threw one of her kunais at his shoulder, halting and ending this duel of theirs. A duel between two broken friends. Ellara looked at Yori and everyone in the Date clan one last time before walking away to her brother. Without uttering a goodbye.

“Damnit… Damnit it all…!” Yori couldn’t fight back against the tears as he yelled his heart out.

Kojuro quickly ran up to the injured Yori to place pressure on the wound that Ellara gave. While Masamune watched as one of his closest friends left him and the others behind – to save them from her clan, which only he knew after seeing that reflection in her eyes.

The other vassals had a hard time keeping up with the two ninjas’ insane speed only for it to end. It felt like hours passed when it was minutes at most, the sobs from Yori continued as he was carried away by Kojuro.

A retreat was issued by Masamune after the devastating surprise attack and the betrayal of one of his ninjas – one he gradually grew to trust and unsure how to see her, friend wouldn’t give the feeling of justice.

Masterlist

AN: I need to fix my shrimp posture 😅

[silkkorchid]

Sanzu-no-kawa 

Dividers - @/saradika-graphics

Word count - approx. 1.5k

OCs (with their respective owners) featured in this Act: Morgan ( @welp-back-on-my-bs), Arundhati & Violet/Kyoko( @just-a-little-silly)

Everyone was dealing with the aftermath in their own way. Uprisings within Nobunaga’s domain took the majority of the middle-ranked warlords from being able to assist with the commonfolks. Ranmaru and Amaryllis as of now, are currently in charge of the situation in Azuchi, with vassals reporting to them before being redirected to another section of the town to clear the debris.

“Morgan,” Amaryllis finally had enough time to breathe to engage in a small conversation with their older sibling. “I suppose you understand the danger of traveling during times like this.”

“I know. Moonlight here will be with me, she will protect me like last time… do take care,” Morgan quickly mounted on their steed.

Amaryllis opened her mouth before closing it. Unsure if she should say the words that are currently stuck in her throat. Taking a few seconds to decide, she chose to say, “Do be careful… such moments like this can change the course of fate itself… without  some sort of consequences for us, Morgan.”

Morgan merely reassures their younger sister by patting her head, “If I ever experience something due to history being changed, then your crows can alert you to it.”

That was able to give Amaryllis some reassurance, even if it was tiny. Giving a silent nod, Morgan took off into the direction where Sakai is located.

“Lady Amaryllis!” a vassal rushed up to her, directing her attention.

“Did something happen?”

“The buildings near the tenshu are gravely damaged, they’re–!”

“I understand, contact any carpenter nearby and have them be brought there. If they wish for payment, please redirect it to me,” Amaryllis quickly rushed out after giving her orders to the vassal – to assist the injured.

“T-thank you, my lady…” an elderly man had a pillar struck on his head, resulting in a bruise.

“Don’t worry, please do take care of yourself,” Amaryllis quickly tightened the salve around the man’s head before checking to see if it’s secured.

“Master!” two voices that Amaryllis quickly recognized as her students – Megumi and Shiro.

“You two… what brought you here…?” Amaryllis caught them as they jumped into her embrace.

“To help you and the healers of Azuchi!” Megumi smiled, clearly having grown enough confidence since the last time they met.

“We asked our parents if we can get enough funds to travel here! We may be young but… you were also young when you helped us and our town out! We are the exact age when you first came!” Shiro quickly jumped back after hugging her.

Ranmaru quickly walked into the scene, recognizing the two small figures from a distance. A smile crept onto his face, seeing how much his friend’s efforts were seen. And seeing how unguarded Amaryllis was in the midst of it. Till he was spotted by Shiro, “Lord Ranmaru! You’re here!”

“Yup! I’m here!” Ranmaru reacted fast when Shiro came at him like a rolling barrel.

“We want to help! That’s why we traveled so far!”

“That’s amazing!”

Amaryllis smiled at seeing how Shiro and Ranmaru interacted, only for a slight headache to arrive. Nobody noticed her discomfort, it arrived fast and disappeared just as fast when it arrived. Anybody would take it as exhaustion but to Amaryllis, that moment made her nearly forget Ranmaru’s name.

“Ama?” Ranmaru called out to her after two minutes passed.

Blinking for a bit only for Amaryllis to give a smile, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to space out, Ranmaru.”

“We will put your teachings into use, master!” Shiro grabbed Megumi’s hand as they put everything they learned into use.

Ranmaru extended his hand for Amaryllis to take hold, “We have a lot to do, don’t we?”

Amaryllis gave a small chuckle before smiling at Ranmaru, “Yes, we do. Ranmaru.” In which, she took his hand.

“Yoshimoto…?”

Mai stood there in surprise after seeing the man that she called out standing there. Almost in disbelief before Yoshimoto ran up to her and engulfed her into a hug, a desperate one.

The two stayed there and talked till the fabric owner where they truly met was in distress in losing a bowl that was old and older than him in general. Yoshimoto quickly sprung into action, nearly getting himself trapped in the collapsing building before getting out in the nick of time and handing it back to the man. Who was grateful for Yoshimoto’s bravery.

Mai was angry at Yoshimoto for being reckless and brought him to an inn to patch him up. Especially in enemy territory.

Everyone returned to Echigo except for Yoshimoto and Sasuke, even with the sun falling from the skies, its light still gave the warmth that many seek for. Those who lost everything.

“Hey… do you think Yoshimoto will be fine,” Kyoko asked her sister as she started to cut two pears due to them being in season.

“He better… To think he just–! Ugh… I don’t understand WHY he chose that,” Arundhati had her head in her hand, unsure anymore.

Kyoko could only give a small smile before seeing Kanetsugu reaching out to her. No words were needed to be exchanged as the two grew to understand each other’s silence after years.

Kyoko gave Arundhati words of comfort and one more hug as she went to Kanetsugu. Yet, a shiver went down their spine in some way. A way that could put their life in jeopardy.

Mai and Yoshimoto stood at a bridge, a bridge that will soon separate them. Their eyes looked at each other, all filled with love and admiration for one another. Only for Yoshimoto to scrunch his heavenly face, “I wish we had met sooner, you and I… Then, perhaps, I might have been able to walk a different path.”

That confused Mai, only for Yoshimoto to brush his words off – to reassure that he doesn’t need any help here and out. Caressing Mai’s face once more, Yoshimoto turned away as he crossed that bridge – to his damnation.

Yoshimoto soon met Kicho. Abandoning his family in Echigo.

Even he was shocked to see a clan that is so known for its betrayal and in-human way of teaching to be present, the son of the Uraguchi head, Sanzou Uraguchi.

“I heard about your clan and its… way of survival,” Yoshimoto’s words were careful but its meaning was true.

“You will be meeting more of us, Lord Yoshimoto,” Sanzou's words held no warmth, just robotic in a way.

Mai sat in her room, terrified, she no longer could sew nor imagine anything. Her hands froze with the needle in her dominant hand, unsure what to do due to her knowledge slowly fading away. Till she cannot create anything with the hands she is proud of, bringing others joy in seeing their clothes.

She broke out of her transience once Cherry came into her room, informing her to head to the great hall due to a war council meeting that had just started.

The meeting felt off to everyone who went to Echigo, they spent enough time with the heads to know they aren’t stupid do such an action – allying with Kicho especially. 

It was only after confirming with Sasuke who appeared in Mai’s room, that it was all a lie, Mai declared that she will risk her life to prevent such war to happen between the two sides after realizing Yoshimoto and his clan sided with Kicho. Which Ranmaru supported while Amaryllis hesitated before joining in. With Sasuke returning to Echigo to inform everyone about the rumors that Kicho placed. It left the three to form the plan.

It stunned everyone of course that Amaryllis spent time in the enemy castle not once but twice, but hearing their words out, the warlords trusted in their words. Especially how Amaryllis described how none of the warlords in question would go this low for an attack, with a guess that Kicho had personally involved himself like he did in Hongan-ji – sparking the conflict in the first place. Of course, they were confused till Ranmaru showed one of Amaryllis’ rough drafts he kept – shocking some on how far Kicho did years ago. Amaryllis was too shocked that Ranmaru kept one of her old drafts despite having the final one nearly completed.

Thus, Nobunaga gave Mai a mission to get Yoshimoto out of Kicho’s faction while warning her that he may not be safe for long. With the condition that Amaryllis and Ranmaru follow her, which neither had any complaints in doing.

Of course, Hideyoshi wondered where Morgan went only for Mitsuhide to tell him that Morgan went to Sakai for a bit. Leading Hideyoshi to yell his lungs out till Ieyasu threw his seat cushion at him so he could shut up.

Masterlist

AN: The Date gang is about to be hit by bricks soon 👍

Also Cherry doesn't get affected cuz she is like from another timeline atp

[silkkorchid]

Declaration of War

Dividers - @/saradika-graphics

Word count - approx. 1.3k

OCs (with their respective owners) featured in this Act: Ellara ( @woofwoofimmaturtle), Morgan ( @welp-back-on-my-bs), Arundhati & Violet/Kyoko( @just-a-little-silly)

The day arrived where everyone prepared. Morgan stood alongside the other warlords, prepared to engage in the fight. Ieyasu and Masamune doing their usual with Hideyoshi breaking it up. With Keiji making the air less tense till it was reverted back to its original state by Nobunaga – who brought everyone's attention to their situation. 

In anticipation of the attack, Cherry was sent to a trusted relative’s domain. If Nobunaga falls, then Cherry can survive and carry on the line in some way – even if it may not be in her best interest but the clan only.

“Ellara! Are you sure this is the right place?” Yori asked as he looked at his surroundings, clearly confused.

“I’m sure! Lord Mitsunari gave me this map and drew where Kicho and his troops should be!” Ellara brought out the map before tossing it to Yori to see it for himself.

Catching the map, Yori looked at it only to be confused further, “Then where are they?”

A rustle from above announced both Masahiro and Ryuu’s location. “You two also can’t seem to find them?” Ryuu adjusts his gear before setting out once more.

“No…”

Masahiro took their answer, clearly confused as Mitsunari’s drawings on the map are usually correct. Only to see a peck of white hair, announcing Amaryllis’ presence without a single sound accompanying her. “Amaryllis, you too?” Ellara was now in disbelief if someone so close to Mitsunari still couldn't find their enemies.

Amaryllis shook her head as an answer. Also confused as this would be the usual distance for any army – if it was just a regular enemy in question. The crows above them flew in a circle, as if warning those below them.

“Can someone tell me what those crows are trying to do?” Yori looked above.

“...a warning,” an answer that Masahiro gave to his juniors.

“That would mean–!” Ryuu quickly turned his head to face Azuchi.

BOOM!!!

Everyone stared at the burning tenshu. All in shock with their mouths open to the scene in front of them. Some fell from the shockwave from the initial blast or lost their balance. “What…?!”

“Enemy attack! Enemy attack” the soldiers stationed at the gates quickly rushed to the warlords.

Ieyasu quickly turned to a vassal that announced the attack, “What’s going on? We didn’t see any troops or artillery?”

“We’ve been fired upon by the enemy’s cannon!” “Mitsunari… what types of cannons did you have in mind when giving them that map?” Morgan turned to Mitsunari for their question.

“One that wouldn’t fire more than 400 meters…” as Mitsunari listened to the vassal’s report.

The ground soon became chaotic as many were taken off guard only to be recovered by Nobunaga. An order that all of them must focus on reducing casualties and minimizing the damage, before the fire spreads throughout Azuchi.

Morgan took one last look at Azuchi’s tenshu before they went, “...I was hoping it didn’t come true…”

In another section of the forest, the Kasaguyama gang stood there from a distance. Watching as the Oda scramble into position that Nobunaga ordered them in.

“Their castle will do them no good now,” Kanetsugu plainly stated as he stood beside Kenshin.

“Agreed. But this is the same man who survived the fires of Honno-ji. Assuming his luck hasn't dried up, he’ll escape with most of his forces intact,” as Kenshin wants to agree, his respect for Nobunaga was still there.

Kyoko looked at the burning castle with sympathy, knowing it was just the start of a new war in the Sengoku Era. “Won’t be good for Ranmaru, Amaryllis, and Morgan. As this is probably just the beginning.”

“That flash doesn’t seem like the usual cannon in this era of ours,” Arundhati was slightly confused as the impact started to spread faster than she calculated.

“But losing your main fortification is a major blow to any army,” Shingen stated to Kenshin, who seemed to worry for the innocents involved.

“...and an emotional blow to everyone,” Sasuke quickly cleaned his glasses as ashes from the fire slowly flew past them.

Yukimura agreed with Sasuke's stance while Yoshimoto pointed out how big of a news this attack is. Everyone left except for Yoshimoto after finally knowing that the man behind this is Kicho – a former ally of the Oda.

“Yoshimoto!” Arundhati stood in the man’s path.

“Arundhati, I told you that–”

“Told me what!? Letting me go for something!? If it was the vassals’ words… I may understand your decision on the matter, but you didn’t let me speak. Didn’t let me speak when it was about me,” Arundhati didn’t give up her ground to Yoshimoto.

All Yoshimoto could do was stand there in silence, seeing someone that worked under him respect him, standing in his way – his way of protecting them. “You will understand, in due time. But for now, I must make haste.”

Arundhati could only watch as her former employer ran away, still didn’t understand his words at the time – if only she realized how fucked up his situation is.

For the Ikko-Ikki sect, they were in another section of the forest. All watching the fire that engulfed the castle. To all of them, those that survived, it reminded them when they lost their homes.

“It’s not just the castle… the whole city… it’s burning…” Ranmaru’s eyes went from shock to horror seeing history play out again.

“What… What sort of weapon was that cannon?” Daiju couldn’t take his eyes off the scene as the glow from the fire continued to spread alongside the smoke.

Kennyo tightened his grip on his staff, “No one who calls themselves human can lay claim to such a deed. It seems hell contains creatures worse than even the Devil King.”

Outside of everyone’s sight, Ranmaru spotted Yoshimoto dashing through the forest. Running towards Azuchi itself like a madman. Surprising him.

“Azuchi is on fire…” Yori didn’t know how to react to such a situation that was in front of him. Even as the dust reached out to his bandaged arm.

“That cannon… it can’t be…!” Ellara’s eyes were pure fear – she knew who must have assisted Kicho with this attack of his.

“Not again…” Ryuu covered his mouth as memories when they fought at Hongan-ji came back to his mind. Imagining the screams of the children and woman in Azuchi than in Hongan-ji – the screams that still torments him from time to time – reminding of how useless he was.

Amaryllis stood there, frozen with eyes widened in shock. She wouldn’t expect such a thing to happen, yet it hit her hard. Several forgotten memories came to her, realizing that it happened to her before – without the cannon part. Memories that were painful to her heart, which started to slowly bleed from its cage.

All of them stood there, frozen from either shock, fear, or pain. Masahiro took notice that none of them were responding, thus taking control of the situation. “We will be disregarding what our lords ordered us to do, but we must make haste to Azuchi as the cannon they fired is further than what we expected. I will explain and take the blame,” Masahiro quickly led the charge – everyone followed suit.

Kicho stood there from a distance, watching as the fire of this war slowly engulfed and destroyed the tenshu. With Motonari looking at the chaos with a smile – an unhinged smile to everyone. While the Imagawa vassals stood behind them, waiting for their lord, Yoshimoto, to join the correct side – in their eyes. In the shadows, the Uraguchi clan didn’t look away from the glow that was emitting from the fire, planning to get the head’s daughter back in a surprise attack after her first betrayal – to prove herself to her clan.

Masterlist

AN: Rip Ellara 😔

[silkkorchid]

Calm Before the Storm

Dividers - @/saradika-graphics

Word count - approx. 1.5k

OCs (with their respective owners) featured in this Act: Ellara ( @woofwoofimmaturtle), Morgan ( @welp-back-on-my-bs)

It should have been expected, yet it is still surprising in a way. Even when a week has passed since the last time we saw them. Everyone, Keiji and Masahiro returned to the Oda with Kanetsugu returning to the Uesugi-Takeda.

“Kicho huh?”

Nobunaga sat in the war council, everyone was wearing their gear. No longer being casual but serious after getting the news that Kicho not only betrayed them, but planned to attack.

“My cousin must be impatient after being away from home to announce his return,” Mitsuhide smirked but not the one you would see in a gathering.

“Mitsuhide, now is not the time!” Hideyoshi stubbornly grabbed a lock of Mitsuhide’s hair.

“Oh? Was I–”

“Enough.”

Nobunaga silenced the room once more, before turning to Keiji – giving him the spotlight.

“Kicho has stocked piled not just foreign weapons, ones we have never seen, but several gunpowers. Before I left, there were roughly three hundred tanegashimas that were stored,” Keiji gave the main information of his reports before going deeper.

“Lord Kicho has changed. For the worst I must say,” Masahiro gathered the records that Keiji  handed to him during his time as a spy before handing it for everyone to see. Records of purchase and merchants – all in Sakai in the past three months.

Ellara and Amaryllis sat there in silence, absorbing each information. They were waiting, waiting to see how the situation would develop. Ellara felt something was wrong as her clan made their move earlier, as if reaching out to her in some way. Amaryllis merely watched as the other warlords continued their discussion and how to proceed, yet just like Ellara, she felt that someone was wrong.

Mai went off to travel alongside her seamstress friends while Morgan was focused on training other servants in their craft. As for Marie, she went back to the present.

After the council was over, Amaryllis called his name, “Keiji.”

Keiji turned around and responded with his usual performance, “Oh? Is there something you need the Wild Child of–”

“I told you that you can drop the act. There is something I want to ask of you, Keiji,” Amaryllis stopped Keiji from ruffling her hair.

“What is it then,” Keiji dropped the act right when she said that, clearly realizing she is serious.

Taking a moment of silence, Amaryllis said, “Has Kicho contacted anyone – the shogun or our enemies – to join him in this plan? And what was this plan of his that he mentioned?”

“The shogun…?” Keiji stared at her before answering the other question, “I don’t know but, he said something along the lines of changing the future? Really don’t know how that connects, but he hasn’t contacted anyone last time I checked,” the answer was not sufficient but more than enough to Amaryllis.

The lines of changing the future made Amaryllis uneasy, “Stockpiling of the tanegashimas and firepower huh. And the–” till it became clear to her what Kicho wanted, making her blood go cold.

Keiji saw her eyes widen, “Got any ideas?”

Amaryllis bit her lips, “He wants to attack Azuchi while Nobunaga’s status in power is at an all time high… he wouldn’t do that…” till the following words became a soft whisper that Keiji couldn’t hear.

“And what would that mean, Amaryllis?”

“He… wants to have this world be in a constant state of fighting… Keiji.”

Those words made Keiji’s eyes widen in response to something so drastic and the opposite of what they were fighting for. “Is he insane!?”

Ranmaru was behind a wooden pillar, eavesdropping till that moment where Keiji yelled. Seeing this as an opportunity to leave and inform the Ikko-Ikki, he took it. Not without Morgan seeing his act, seeing how he tried to make his footstep be audible but unnatural – unlike how Amaryllis is able to switch with ease, it became natural for her.

“Ellara,” Masamune got her attention after calling her several times.

“Masamune, I apologize for spacing out and not–”

“Relax, we get it, Ellara. A battle on our turf is something that would make anyone space out,” instead of Masasmune’s voice, it was Yori, leaning on the doorway.

“Yori, is this your way of reassuring someone?” Ellara recovered but not fully.

“No. It is a bad attempt, but you can sense it too, right?”

Everyone in the room nodded. All feeling how this fight will not end as easily as they thought it would.

“Masahiro! Where did you and Lord Keiji go?” Ryuu rushed up to him, clearly surprised.

“...finding Kicho.”

“Lord Kicho…”

The name to them now felt bitter, staining what memories they all had on him. To Masahiro, he was able to find Keiji but only to find out his secret – he kept his mouth shut because he didn’t want the man he saw as his child to be killed – and assist in his infiltration by copying records and hand back the original to Kanetsugu to avoid any suspicions. He betrayed his lord to protect his son from punishments for being friends with an enemy.

“Regardless. We must advance and prepare for an immediate attack, Ryuu. Come on,” Masahiro’s voice brought Ryuu back and thus, another one who is like a son, followed him – for guidance and reassurance.

“Right!” to that, Ryuu’s eyes lit up as he followed his father-figure.

Ieyasu was busy preparing for the upcoming attack and stockpiling on the medicines that will be needed in the aftermath. Nobunaga with his left and right men, all of them focused on how Kicho will proceed with his attack – only for Morgan’s words to come back to them weeks ago. Mitsuhide suggested that the tenshu and the upper floors of the castle be off-limits till the conclusion of the battle, which all of them agreed. Mitsunari focused on the strategy and how to limit the damage from getting to the civilians, which Morgan helped out by providing a forgotten blueprint of Azuchi and its surroundings  as a whole. Giving Mitsunari a chance to figure out the location of Kicho’s troops and reduce casualties if it occurs.

In truth, Azuchi and her residents were all preparing for the battle that will come in a few days or less. All of them didn’t want to be taken off guard, yet those that know something is off – will only see it after it is over.

“Master Kennyo!” Ranmaru rushed up to Kennyo as the night took over the skies.

“Has something  happened–”

“The former ally of Nobunaga, Kicho, has betrayed him and plans to attack him!”

Hearing the name of the man that showed no remorse for killing their family, made them frown  only to turn that into surprise. The disciples all stood there in shock, some of them even dropped their weapons after hearing such unexpecting news.

Daiju rushed up to Ranmaru, “What moment of day!?”

“I’m unsure, we don’t know so far, Daiju. From what I overheard perhaps in the night,” Ranmaru’s hands were shaking but he was tightening it to try and stop it.

“At night…?” Kennyo looked at Ranmaru, almost in disbelief or worry for his old friend’s daughter.

“That… wouldn’t be logical in a military sense, Ranmaru…” Daiju was surprised at the guess. “Kicho would either want to have casualties not just the Oda but his own unless–!” only for Daiju to turn pale in fear.

Ranmaru saw that, “You are also thinking what I’m thinking, right Daiju?”

“He has a cannon...”

Everyone in the radius turned pale or fell  in shock when Daiju said that. Even they know that they cannot go up against a cannon due how lethal it is and destructive it is. Kennyo felt like something in him died when he heard the name of that type of weapon, afraid that Amaryllis would die by that cannon.

While everyone was preparing, Kicho started to advance on his plans in Sakai. Each day that passes, the more allies he gathers – Motonari is on with his plan due to his own personal goals.

“Greetings, Lord Uraguchi,” Kicho sat on his western furniture before letting his guest sit on the other one across from him.

“You have some galls to send that, Lord Kicho,” the head of Uraguchi crossed his arms to his chest, interested in what Kicho had to offer. His son stood behind him – prepared in case this was a trap.

“I merely wish for an alliance. One that would benefit us both, would you agree?” Kicho slid a piece of paper to him, allowing him to see the benefits of allying with him.

The head took it and read it, only to smile afterwards after seeing a certain person’s name, “So you got his excellency, the shogun, in this plan of yours?”

“Indeed, I told him to wait till the time comes,” with Kicho handing him a brush and a wet stone of ink if he wishes to join them.

“Very well then. I won’t need that daughter of mine in the Date’s army anymore,” with that, the head finished and gave the paper back to Kicho. “When will we strike?”

Kicho took no heed to the man’s words, but he was curious on who he was talking about, “Soon. After that I used a country destroyer on Nobunaga’s tenshu. Blowing up and destroying his foundation.”

“Very well. I look forward to working with you, Lord Kicho – the Yaksha of this land.”

Masterlist

AN: We are cooked this month from the summer heat🫠

Might as well post the first chapter for act 2 tmr (sorry Ellara, your suffering is just starting 😔)