[028] - [Voice]
[Mitsuhide is a lot more colourful than usual; his kimono certainly not traditional at all, being a very vivid purple. The layers underneath it, seen poking out of the top, are heavily patterned and there are different shades of purple streaked through his hair
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He stops directly in front of Mitsuhide, demanding Mitsuhide's full attention merely by presence.]
You overcame Nobunaga once, with my support. We shall do the same for his ghost image.
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Can we? I don't think this curse will spare us so easily, Lord Motochika. I try to ignore them, try to make them go away, but it won't happen.
[A glance to the side.]
This could last until the end of the week, and he will remain there, watching me, calling me. Ranmaru and Lady Noh have joined him now, as well. They don't speak to me like Lord Nobunaga does, but their gaze is fixed on me constantly.
[His gaze drops down again.]
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[Motochika speaks his next words calmly, but they are a firm challenge, nonetheless.]
Why are you so shaken? They are dead, and these are nothing more than visions. They cannot impact the present.
[He knows the answer, of course: guilt, and as a consequence, self-loathing. Despite his words, he is not dismissing or making light of his friend's distress -- he knows better than anyone the depth of Mitsuhide's wound, caused by the betrayal. This is merely a start, so that he may try to help.]
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[He looks up at Motochika, then to his left, where he can see Nobunaga... or the illusion Vatheon has created of him, anyway. It speaks as Nobunaga did, looks like Nobunaga did... he has to keep reminding himself that it's not actually him.]
Vatheon reminds me of my sin, of my treachery. I killed them. I chose to betray Lord Nobunaga.
[A shake of the head.]
Their presence... the presence of these visions reminds me of this. No matter my intentions in the actions I took, and I know I could have done nothing else... it does not absolve me.
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[Motochika purposely follows Mitsuhide's line of sight. It's not hard to guess what his friend sees there.]
Who do you seek absolution from?
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[Mitsuhide's gaze moves back to Motochika again, a slight frown visible behind the mask.]
Those who suffered through what I chose to do would not absolve me of my sin, my Lord. Nor would I have any right to ask for it...
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[Motochika holds out a hand towards Mitsuhide, palm up. His own gaze watches Mitsuhide expectantly.]
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...I made the choice to walk to Honnouji.
[He's not quite sure where Motochika is going with this, but after a moment of looking back over at the vision of Nobunaga he takes the offered hand.]
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[Motochika then blinks, raising his eyebrows a fraction, before he glances to the vision of Nobunaga himself. That was new -- he had certainly not anticipated this. He looks back to Mitsuhide. And just like that, he shifts his plan.]
Survivors must move on, Mitsuhide. You need to learn to let the dead be.
[He turns towards the vision of Nobunaga --] I see you now, shade. [ -- and holding on tight to Mitsuhide's hand, he moves closer to it.]
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You... you can see him too?
[He follows on (thought it's not like he has a choice in the matter), more confused than ever. The vision of Lord Nobunaga beckons the whole time.]
["Mitsuhide."]
[That voice... he tries to ignore it, focusing instead on his companion.]
My Lord, what are you doing?
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This does not deserve your sorrow, my friend.
[He raises his free hand, and waves it through 'Nobunaga''s head and back, inclining his chin.]
If we cannot end this curse, then perhaps there is a way to make it bearable.
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[It's an odd thing to see. Even through his distress and curiosity, it's enough to make him stare as Motochika waves his hand through the illusion's head.]
[The illusion of Nobunaga makes it even more bizarre by smiling and then laughing.]
I...
[A short silence.]
That's... I mean, what were you thinking of?
[He continues to stare at the 'Nobunaga.']
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[Motochika pulls them through, and begins heading to the plaza, still holding on to Mitsuhide's hand. He does not think to let go; not now that he knows he will share Mitsuhide's visions through their physical contact.]
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[He follows on, as do the illusions. Nobunaga speaks as before, and keeping more of a distance, Ranmaru and Lady Noh continue to watch.]
[It is hard to see Lady Noh's expression clearly, but Ranmaru's speaks of betrayal and hurt.]
....
[Andddd eventually they arrive at the plaza, with Mitsuhide still confused as to what exactly it is Motochika is doing.]
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We shall make a game of it.
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A game.
[A curious glance at Motochika.]
What... kind of game could one possibly make out of this?
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