[058] - [Video]

[wavesoakedlegs]

There are now two men in Vatheon named Sanada Yukimura, and two named Chōsokabe Motochika. From what we know, it's entirely possible that more of each could come here as well. It's odd, isn't it?

[Mitsuhide inhales softly, and there is a bit of a pause before he continues.]I know that at least five versions of 'Akechi Mitsuhide' exist, too. Myself

Comments

1/2

[kagayakashi]

[ Gracia mulls over his initial entry, the video showing downcast, curious eyes focused on a particular spot outside the SFC's frame. ]

Two Yukimura's and two Motochika's...I wonder what father's other versions are really truly like?

[ She's curious to find out about the Mitsuhide that's "completely opposite" of him, but before she can voice that out, the filtered part comes up. ]

2/2

[kagayakashi]

[ She assumes the filtered mode as she replies. ]

Ohh, something that I can help father with! [ Gracia smiles widely, happily. ] Tell me what is on your mind!

[wavesoakedlegs]

[He smiles, regarding Gracia fondly.]

First, you must promise to keep this secret from Lord Motochika.

[kagayakashi]

[ She nods eagerly! ]

I promise! I won't tell him anything!

[wavesoakedlegs]

Very well, then.

[He taps his chin with his free hand.]

I am considering getting a tattoo done.

[kagayakashi]

[ She gasps. ]

A tattoo? Like the one on Motochika's shoulder? Or like the one Vatheon gave us when we came here? [ She points to her neck, where the cursed mark was placed on her. ]

[ She pauses shortly, then continues. The smile on her lips is more amused than anything else, now. ]

If father really wants one, then I'd want one for him too! But why a tattoo all of a sudden?

[wavesoakedlegs]

I suppose that's your opinion gained, then.

[He hums briefly.]

Yes. Very like the one on Lord Motochika's shoulder.

[It's a somewhat shy expression that crosses his features then; his next response should answer your question, Gracia.]

Identical to it, actually.

[kagayakashi]

[ She shrugs slightly. ]

A tattoo doesn't seem so bad! How will you show everyone when you wear such long clothing, though? Will you place it on your face?

[ It takes her a while to understand the implication of his sentence, but it comes to her eventually, and she stifles a knowing giggle. ]

I understand now. Father is doing it for Motochika; that's why I shouldn't tell him about it!

[wavesoakedlegs]

Not on my face. It will still be on my shoulder.

[He rubs the back of his head, blushing a little at that stifled giggle.]

That's right, and only he will need to see it, so it doesn't matter that it will be hidden most of the time.

[kagayakashi]

[ A thoughtful hum... ]

Can I see it too?

[wavesoakedlegs]

Well... it wouldn't hurt, if you did.

[His eyes slide shut.]

I wanted a permanent mark on my body, just in case...

[kagayakashi]

I want to come with you when you get it done! I've never seen anyone put a tattoo on another person before...I wonder if it will hurt?

[ A brief expression of worry flashes in her eyes, but it doesn't last very long. Gracia tilts her head to the side again, at the mention of a permanent mark. ]

Just in case of what, father?

[wavesoakedlegs]

It will hurt a little, but I am a samurai. I have endured much worse pain; for the sake of something this important, I can deal with that.

[He considers her request for a moment.]

I... perhaps you can. I will think on that a little more before the time comes, Gracia.

[Mitsuhide's eyes open, and he looks at Gracia with eyes that definitely contain an element of sadness. He is holding back the strong feelings, however.]

In case he and I are ever seperated.

[kagayakashi]

But aren't tattoos just permanent paint on your skin? Why will it hurt that much?

[ Now she might be having second thoughts on letting him go through with it. She wasn't aware of the process involved. Though if he was really that determined... ]

Tell me right away, I'll be there with you until it finishes!

[ Her gaze softens considerably. So it was along those lines again, huh? She remains silent for a while, uncomfortable with the words forming in her mind. When she does reply, it's of a hesitant tone. ]

Having a tattoo on your shoulder will...remind you of Motochika?

[wavesoakedlegs]

The tools they use penetrate the surface of your skin, Gracia. They have to, or it would not last.

I will consider it.

[He thinks for a moment before replying, in a slow and quiet tone.]

It will be... like a link. An enduring mark of our relationship, even if Vatheon... even if it steals away my memories of that love.

[kagayakashi]

[ She's visibly taken aback at that. ]

What? You mean they have to prick you with something sharp and then...the paint...[ Gracia shudders. ] I never knew! Consider it well, alright father? I'll tell the man who'll put the tattoo on you to stop immediately if I see you in too much pain! So that you can rest for a bit before continuing again!

[ If it was up to her, she'd rather he stopped all together, but considering his willpower and, more importantly, his motivations for getting a tattoo in the first place...Gracia's learned not to question things like that. ]

I see. [ Another solemn pause. ] Father, you -- [ The words are lost in her own thoughts and sad reveries. He's doing his best to keep his time in Vatheon forever in his heart and mind. She feels guilty. She's been moping around ever since she returned to normal. What has she been doing to make sure she remembers, even if they make her forget