ALEXIS' POV

Alexis, Kenshin doesn't know it but, what he's seeking is death in battle. His only reason left to live is you. Help us make sure he comes out of this battlefield alive," Shingen told me.

"I will. For all of our sakes."

Yukimura looked at Shingen with that same silent resolve. 

"If that's settled, then let's go. We still need to get there and figure out how we're getting Alexis to him!"

"You're every right. Le's go, Alexis."

"I'm ready," I told Shingen with a smile.

Mitushide smirked and he said to them.

"Allow me to wish you luck in battle, Lord Shingen, Yukimura."

That diplomatic smile disappeared as Mitsuhide turned to me.

"Do take care, dear Alexis."

There was something in his eyes, a fond twinkle, maybe.

"Thank you, Mitsuhide."

'I could never tell when you were telling me the truth,' I thought to myself as I remembered those days when he used to tease me. 

'But that right there? I feel like that was honesty.'

I turned to Mitsunari and I said to him.

"Thank you too, Mitsunari. I hope I'll see you again soon."

"Actually, Alexis, if I could ask you to wait just a moment."

'Hmm?'

Mitsunari gently placed his hand on mine with a kind of urgency. 

"Could we possibly talk alone?"

"Sure. Shingen? Yukimura? is that okay with you two?"

"What? no way! what does he need to talk to her alone about?" Yukimura asked with a frown while glaring at Mitsunari.

"It's fine, Yuki. Let them talk," Shingen told him as he tapped his chin thoughtfully while looking at Mitsunari.

"While they're talking, you and I will work on the plan."

"It's fine if you're okay with it. Alexis, if he does anything to you, just yell. I'll protect you," Yukimura told me.

"It's going to be fine, Yukimura. I can't imagine Mitsunari doing anything bad to anyone...ever."

"Well, if you say so. Anyway, watch out."

Yukimura told me before Mitsuhide spoke up.

"Mitsunari? I shall go on ahead."

"Thank you, I'll catch up soon."

Shingen and Yukimura went off, as did Mitsuhide and that left just Mitsunari and me.

"So, what did you want to talk about?"

"There was something I had to tell you before we all parted."

Mitsunari took in a breath as if he needed the moment to prepare himself to speak. 

"If you go to see Kenshin, I believe you'll be in grave danger. As much as I wish I could, I can't be there to protect you."

"I know about the danger but, thank you. I'm actually glad you and the others will be safe."

That comment came from my heart. 

"...Alexis, I don't know how to ask this but..."

Mitsunari squeezed my hand and I could feel him shaking. 

"Don't go. Please, don't go back to Kenshin."

"What are you suggesting?" 

"I've been thinking since I last saw you, and I don't see a way for you to be happy there. Please, Alexis, come back to Azuchi with me. You and Sora. I promise, if you do, I'll do whatever it takes to make you happy."

Sora whined when he heard Mitsunari begging me to go back with him. 

"Mitsunari, listen..."

'You're such a gentle spirit. I just know you'll make someone very happy someday...but, that person isn't me. I've found my happiness. My time living with the Oda are memories and I'll always treasure them. But...'

But, while Mitsunari's hand was warm and reassuring in mine, even now, my hands felt empty for the absence of Kenshin's.

'That cold Kenshin always feels, it's the cold emptiness of missing your other half. We're only warm together. Even if that flame can get a little hot, I don't mind.'

I thought to myself before I spoke up.

"...Thank you. But, I just want you to understand...I am happy with Kenshin. I know it's hard to understand, but, I can't imagine being with anyone else. That's why I'm going to get him back, so we can share that happiness together again."

'I think it's how we were meant to be. From the moment he showed me that grief-tinged smile.'

I thought to myself before I continued.

"I will risk any danger for that. I'll fight through any sadness. But, I won't get hurt, because that hurts him. That's how we are."

I offered Mitsunari a smile. One of gratitude, of sympathy and of hope. He eventually returned my smile with a gentle one of his own. 

"I see you're very resolved. Very well, I have no choice but to accept your decision."

Mitsunari told me as he let go of my hand. 

"Do be safe, Alexis. 

"Thank you, Mitsunari. You too."

Mitsunari's eyes wavered glassily in the light for just a second before he looked away from me. 

"It may be wrong, but I feel so jealous of Kenshin, right now."

His voice was a whisper. All I could do was offer him another tender smile. 

'Thank you for caring so much about me, Mitsunari.'

"...All right, I suppose I should be going. Farewell, Alexis."

"Farewell, Mitsunari."

He left, wearing that smile. Sora whined at me and then I petted his head.

"Hey, Alexis? Are you done? Come on, we're ready here."

"Yeah, I'll be right there."

Yukimura sounded impatient. I led my horse back to the waiting army. 

'Now to prepare myself for the battlefield where Kenshin awaits. I wonder what he'll think when he sees I left his fortress? Angry? Sad? Worried? Whatever you're feeling, Kenshin. I'll hold you until it's all right again.'

***

3RD PERSON POV

Meanwhile, on the field...

"Lord Kenshin, is something wrong?" Sasuke asked Kenshin.

Kenshin stirred as if he'd woken up from a dream. 

"No. I thought I heard someone say my name, that's all."

His expression returned to that placid, soulless look. Knehsin looked at Sasuke and he said to me.

"Continue your report."

"Kennyo has divided his forces into smaller squads that have taken position in the mountains. I don't anticipate it will be possible to finish them off before sundown, as you'd hoped."

"Then tomorrow we'll set fire to the mountain. That will draw them out or we hunt down each one and kill them. Whichever."

Kenshin rubbed his hands, seeking warmth but, they stayed cold as his ruthless proclamation. He touched his chest unconsciously, his mind remembering some source of warmth that was once there. 

"...This war isn't challenging my faculties or making my blood flow. It's not making me feel alive."

"Lord Kenshin, perhaps--"

Sasuke bit back his suggestion that they simply quit and go home. Kenshin wouldn't hear it. Not from him. Instead of his usual dry tone, he offered something he hoped Kenshin would find pleasant. 

"Perhaps, we would throw a banquet when this war is over?"

"A banquet?"

"That's right. At Kasugayama Castle. My suggestion is to make it our grandest feasts yet. We should invite Lord Shingen and Yukimura to join us. And we'll have Alexis there too."

"Not a bad suggestion. I'm enjoying just thinking about it."

Kenshin smiled with no warmth. The image Sasuke evoked in his mind was bittersweet, as if it was a dream Kenshin no longer expected to see.