#hekima

This is Hekima! she's demon slayer affiliated and the dumbest smart girl you'll ever meet! she's into painting and calligraphy and making ink and has a special interest in demons. she's a weird little rich girl that got bored and decided to pick up swords as an excuse to get away from home. She doesn't usually get along with other slayers, since she's so damn curious about demons, and cause she's so so bad about reading the room and keeping her mouth shut.

That's Nico! Short for Nicolette, but Nico makes a good cover as an androgynous name [story related stuff for her]. ANYWAY, she's Outlast related and my resident punching bag. Her husband works for murkoff, which meant bad news for her but at least her ol buddy ricky is stuck inside with her. She tried her best to be a really, really good housewife but you can't please everybody. Being a ballet prodigy from a young age, it gives her the speed to outrun others, and she sure as hell needs it.

Dis is Addy, aka Sister Adelaide! Her fandom is an even more obscure one, known as Trinity Blood. She was born blind but got some sick cybernetics [that she absolutely did not ask for and didn't want] and unfortunately a former child soldier turned forced special agent. Since she's got those super special eyes, she's primarily a sniper and political assassinations are her bread and butter. She loves opera music and has a special talent for mimicking bird calls.

“Sasuke. Mitsuhide.” She greeted them with all the politeness she was able to muster at the time, her hands and gaze steady. It was more than she owed most of them, but she couldn’t help but feel some form of warmth towards those who were probably the only two people who didn’t actively display distaste for her. She flexed her hands a little, a subconscious act that she knew would inevitably start straining the scabs, but she was used to keeping her hands in use - if not for sewing, then for her alchemy. “Did you need something? Or has everyone finally gotten sick of my lack of answers and sent you two as their last resort?” Mitsuhide calmly walked into the room, Sasuke closely following behind. "Well, well, our little seamstress came running back to us. And with some backtalk as well." He continued walking, step by step, and bent down slightly so he was merely centimeters away from her face. "I'm not gonna ask you to tell me everything." A small grin spread across his lips. "You will tell me everything on your own." His grin widened. Seemingly telling the message that he has his ways to make people talk.

"I believe that Nobunaga-sama gave an order not to hurt his - ahum" Sasuke cleared his throat. "- lucky charm?" He swiftly moved to her side. He held a first-aid box in his hands. It was filled with bandages, creams and serums. "May I see your hands?" He quietly asked her while extending his hand in anticipation of her hand. Mitsuhide straightened his back. "I'm well aware. He has nothing to worry about. I won't do anything rash." He lowered his body, sitting across from Hekima. "However, he also instructed me to get answers from our little mouse." His voice got a teasing tone at those last two words. "So, Hekima... Why? Why betray us?" Mitsuhide was excellent at reading people, his instincts never let him down. So, he knew that she wouldn't betray them for that shitty noble. So, why? Why claim that she did?

"Why?" She huffed "Because I had my reasons to. And I'm not obligated to tell those to anyone" She said plainly. "Hm-" Mitsuhide stared at her. His eyes glanced over her body. "Can’t be because you work for that noble. Look at how he treated you." He moved his hand up and down to vaguely indicate her beaten and bruised body. "So, what is the reason? Did he put you to use after you proved to be no longer necessary? Maybe you fell in someone else's hands? Or maybe, you were protecting someone?" He continued to muse. Meanwhile, Sasuke gently grabbed her right hand to begin treating it. He didn't say a word. Either to let Mitsuhide do his job or just because he was fanboying over seeing him in action.

"Hmm..." She seemed to be in thought, tapping one finger on her chin. Although how she did it seemed to be more in a mocking way. "Come to think of it." She smiled at him, "You really never confessed as well. So then, why must I be obliged to tell you everything?"

She smiled and turned her face to Sasuke, "Sasuke, you shouldn't waste your time on me." She gave him an apologetic, yet genuine look. "They won't work on me, and besides, I suppose you have better, more important things to be doing? Also, I'm sorry for the way I talked to you last time." She bowed to him the best she could while beaten and bruised.

Sasuke slightly nodded his head, "No need to worry. We all do what we need to do, and I presume you have your reasons." He finished putting antiseptic on her most recent wounds and began wrapping it in bandages. He brushed over the 'they don't work on me' comment. Most likely because he didn't know what she meant. "My lord sent me here as well as a representative of Echigo. He wouldn't say it, but I think, like everyone, that he is worried about you as well." The last part was whispered. Which was pretty useless since Mitsuhide was sitting right across from them, so he heard it clearly. However, he took the hint and didn't mention the last comment.

"There's no need to worry about me. I'm fine, really." She smiled as she talked, "And I don't think you'll get any answers from me." Was all she said as she closed her eyes. "Very well," Mitsuhide responded. It was clear that Hekima wasn't going to talk willingly and he was explicitly instructed not to use his preferred methods for getting people to talk. (Not that he really wanted to do that to her of all people anyway) So, he backed off. "I'll get my information in due time. For now, there are other people wanting to talk to you." A sound could be heard from the other side of the door.

As soon as she opened her eyes to look at the door, it flew open, and there he was. Hideyoshi, followed by Mitsunari, standing in the doorway. It seemed that Hideyoshi came here in a hurry, but now? Now, he was frozen in place. Mitsunari, who was behind his Lord this whole time, poked his head out from behind his shoulder, his eyes lighting up when he saw Hekima, giving her a big smile, although it didn't quite reach his eyes. Perhaps he was conflicted as well? Well, it didn't matter anyway. "Hideyoshi. Mitsunari." She greeted them in the same manner as she did to the two previous men. "Are you guys planning to come in groups of two or something? Who's next, Nobunaga and Kenshin?" She jokingly added.

“Ah, there they are." Was Mitsuhide's reaction to the two of them barging in. "Hekima!" Hideyoshi swiftly entered the room, Mitsunari following close behind. His eyes widened for just a second when he saw the state she was in, worry flashed in his eyes for a moment. However, it was accompanied by a look of suspicion and curiosity. "What happened to you?" He finally asked, breaking his frozen state, "You just left one day, don't you realize how worried I - we were?"

“Were you tho?" She asked, "Didn't you feel the slightest bit of anger when you heard I betrayed you? I was sure you'd kill me for real when I'd make it back" She said those words with a smile on her lips.

Hideyoshi was slightly taken aback. Obviously, he was furious the moment he found out, he had a job to protect his lord. However, he couldn't help but find it very strange. After she ran away, they did a thorough investigation (led by Mistuhide), but they didn't find any evidence of her being involved with the noble before this incident. "Of course we were, Hekima. I'd never seen Mitsunari so dejected before." "Hey-" they heard behind them. It seems he didn't like being called out like that. "My Lord would like to speak to you as well, personally. He's asked me to bring you to his chambers." "Hmm...well, that's pretty tough" She mused, "But no matter. Tell him I'll be there in a bit" She smiled, "Is there anything else you'd like to inform me about?"

To be honest, she didn't want to leave her room, the trip from the audience chamber to her room was a nightmare, every maid and servant she passed glared at her. It was clear that she wasn't welcome and they made sure to get the message across . Needless to say, she felt suffocated.

"I-" Hideyoshi started, but he quickly closed his mouth again. "I will inform my Lord that you are on your way." He turned on his heel and gave Mitsuhide a look: "Bring her over when you are done." "Will do." Mitsuhide replied, clearly amused. "Hm." Hideyoshi left the room, Mitsunari following behind him. He himself seemed to be conflicted about the situation as well. However, after a quick look he didn't say anything and just left.

After a while, as promised, she was making her way over to the tenshu. As expected, it was hard. Hard for her to move as every inch of her body screamed at the slightest movements, and every maid she passed seemed to talk behind her back. It's suffocating. So, so, very suffocating. She didn't like it. She'd rather stay in her room all day, but alas, everyone must leave their comfort zones at some point. She didn't even register what Mitsuhide, who was walking beside her, said until he lightly tapped her shoulders. "Huh? Sorry I wasn't paying attention." Mitsuhide smirked, "Of course, I could see that." He said in a mocking, almost displeased, tone. "I asked if you're okay. You're walking rather....funny." "Yes, I'm okay." She said with a smile, "No need to worry about me."

After that bit of exchange, he asked no more, and neither did she say anything anymore. Though occasionally, she could feel his gaze linger on her. 

When she finally reached the tenshu, Mitsuhide was dismissed and so it was just Nobunaga and Hekima in the room. For a long moment they said nothing but kept staring at each other.

Nobunaga was sitting in front of her. A teacup was placed before him, and another one was placed in front of his companion. He picked up the porcelain cup and brought it to his lips. Silently, he took a sip with closed eyes. The air was thick, and suspense filled the room. After what felt like ages, he put down the cup, opened his eyes, and locked eyes with the woman sitting across from him. Finally, he spoke, "Hekima, you've been busy." A cold chill crept into the room as those words were spoken. "Certainly, my Lord." She didn't let the chill get to her. Even if she loves mortals, she isn't going to cower before one. She replied to him rather nonchalantly, "Things have been rather hectic for the both of us, it seems" She said.

"Seems so." He curtly responded, "It was quite a hassle when one of our own seamstresses leaked valuable information to our enemies. And more so-" he paused for a brief moment, "when our investigation team couldn't find any ties between you and that noble. I'm sure you know how talented our ninjas are." He added, to further add to his point. "Not talented enough, it seems." She said with a certain coldness to her voice. "Well, when are you, or rather, how are you planning to get rid of me?" She asked nonchalantly, as if this was an everyday occurrence to her. If being distant to them is what it took to keep them safe, then so be it, she will be distant. She's not going to let any of them get in her way. After all, she still needs to get rid of the noble.

Nobunaga sighed, it seemed that his ‘lucky charm’ wasn't willing to bend. He understood that he had no choice. "If you truly aren't willing to explain your actions, then we have nothing further to discuss. You will be thrown into the dungeons and questioned by Mitsuhide." His voice sounded direct, like a leader's voice should. However, a little bit of doubt was noticeable. She smiled at him, as if expecting this outcome. "Alright, go ahead. But, I assure you, that you won't get anything out of it." She stood up and was about to leave when she turned around to look him in the eyes once more, her smile faded to reveal a serious expression. "I've endured much worse than this." She gave him a mocking smile, "What makes you think something so childish will make me confess?" A slight hint of sorrow flashed across Nobunaga's face as he turned to one of his attendants by the door. He nodded to them and as instructed, the man walked to Hekima and instructed her to follow him.

She was led back to her room and was now laying in bed, gazing up at her hands once more. She hated herself. She hated how she talked to her friends, her family, if you would. She hated herself so much for it, and she had to keep up the act for God knows how long. She had no sleep that night and the morning was even worse. The bath wasn't as warm and the food was never announced when it arrived. Not to mention that she will be sent to the dungeons in a bit.

Later, Hekima was lying on her bed, staring at the ceiling, when someone opened her door. "Hey lass, I heard you're gonna be sent to the dungeons. I thought my lord would go easier on you." It was Masamune, he stepped into the room. Seems he was still a little apprehensive, he had a strange look on his face. "He was rather fond of you, you know." She didn't even spare him a glance, "Okay....and?" She said in the most nonchalant way possible. She had to kill these feelings. She has done it before, so it shouldn't be any harder now. Just don't look at any of them and act as harsh as possible. "He should've seen it coming, honestly. You shouldn't just trust someone who saved your life." Hekima said, after a moment she laughed, "It seems hideyoshi was right. You guys should've listened to him after all." 

Masamune sighed, "Seems Mitsuhide was telling the truth. You have no interest in rekindling bonds. Anyhow, I was instructed in escorting you to your cell. Please follow me." He waited for her to get up and walk out the door, before he himself also exited the room. Together they walked to the dungeons. It was still pretty early, the halls were bathed in an orange light and fresh dew was dripping off the leaves of the flowers outside. Hekima didn't look over at Masamune, not even once. She looked at the sun, the grass, the little birds. Things she won't see anymore when she'll be in the dungeon. Am I doing the right thing? She thought to herself, … what are you? Stupid? You can’t change anything now! You’ve gone too far, you idiot! Now you must go through with your plan. She gave herself some pep talk and kept on walking, doing her best to match Masamune's pace

After marching to those cold cells, Hekima was put into one of the cells furthest in the back. She felt the cold floor under her feet and smelled the dusty air that invaded her lungs. "Well -" Masamune started. He always seemed to know what to say, a reckless speaker. But at this moment, he took his time to search for the right words. "Seems like you will have plenty of time to think. I know that you must have your reasons for doing what you did, but that doesn't mean that we can just accept you feeding that noble information. However, "He paused to look her in the eyes, "Know that if you are in trouble, we would still come running." He gave her a conflicted, but honest smile. "Maybe you cursed us, because it seems that protecting you is ingrained in our bones. We can't help ourselves." Those last words were muttered quietly.

"Ah, so you've been fed lies as well?" She stated rather plainly as if it were normal. "I see how it is." The last thing she heard of him were his footsteps, as he turned and walked away into the darkness. Now, she was alone. As soon as he left, she took a deep sigh that she didn't even realize that she was holding. "Alright," She said to herself, "Let's get a good place to sleep first." She picked a relatively dark and dry corner to lay herself down. "First, I'll get adequate rest and then I'll make my escape." She said, as she laid down and curled up in a ball in her dark corner and lulled herself to sleep.

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