resolution || ashikaga yoshiteru

310 4 0

by mitsunderee

by mitsunderee

also maybe a continuation of bekko-ame.

It just wasn't the same without him here.

Ever since Yoshiteru left the confines of the palace, the lands have been more chaotic than ever. There were reports of him approaching and battling young warriors from all over, but in the end, he was able to evade the guards' grasp and escape elsewhere.

You still continued your work as a maid in the castle, though. His brother, Yoshiaki, governed in his place, but it didn't feel right.

In fact, Yoshiaki has been trying to put a stop to the search for his brother, but it never came through.

This didn't sit well with you, who had a close bond with the previous Shogun. Was he so hungry for power that he would give up on his brother? It made your blood boil juat thinking about it, but you couldn't do anything as a 'simple maid'.

A simple maid: that's what you were to everyone but Yoshiteru. To him, you were someone he could confide in, someone to tell all his secrets to when everyone just focused on his appearance and status not caring for the person behind it all. You were his safe haven, and he was yours. You never had a friend like him who was loyal and honest with you, and you held tightly to your bond with each other.

Memories of Yoshiteru flooded your mind, and you couldn't focus on washing the dishes. When you told him stories from your village, the way he listened intently at every word... It brought pain to your heart that you probably won't be able to experience that again.

Even the memories of when he taught you how to wield a sword seemed like a fleeting dream. You never expected to be taught the way of the sword, even more so by the Strongest Shogun himself. It just came all of a sudden one day, when he asked you if you could defend yourself. When yyou had an unsure response, he took it upon himself to train you. You smiled at the memory, remembering how he laughed at the look of surprise on your face that time. You only got minor injuries during the time you trained with him, but it was all worth it.

You were no master, but at least you could defend yourself.

Your movements stopped as your eyes widened. An idea popped into your head, though it was not a very safe one.

You would find Yoshiteru and travel with him, abandoning your post in the palace.

In the dead of the night, you snuck your way into his quarters. Yoshiaki was staying in a different yet equally luxurious room, so you were sure that he was asleep at this time in the night.

The room had been hardly touched since he left, and you let out a sad smile. At least one thing stayed the same.

On the floor, on a weapon stand, was one of his favorite swords. With trembling hands, you reached out for it.

You hesitated. Was this really the right thing to do? It doesn't seem morally right to just take something without permission. Would Yoshiteru really approve of your actions?

Breathing heavily, you trusted in your instincts and grabbed the sword. The smooth sheath fit nicely in your hands, and it wasn't that heavy.

Grasping onto it with your newfound strength, you quietly left the room without glancing back at it.

You packed food, water, and some mementos you couldn't live without with you.

Wearing the sword at your side and a farmer's hat on your head, you set foot outside the gates unnoticed. The guards have been slacking off again, and normally you would be angry at them for doing so, but today you were grateful.

You took one last look at the grand palace. The memories you made here won't be forgotten, you told yourself.

With newfound strength and resolution, you set forth away from the place you once called 'home' and set out to find your dearest friend.