DISCORD: 9tt2WKRweP

The Surprise


Ei was confused.

There was a palpable silence between them. She had seen how astounded they were at her declaration. Ei did her best not to emulate the Shogun's strict tone, but she still found the Traveler as an outsider. In the hard times she had faced, there was no area of mistake, not after she lost so much.

Yae was a clear exception to that cold rule Ei followed. Somehow, that woman had a way of piercing people's souls.

But the Traveler was unique. He bore no allegiance to any nation, but held close relations with many of the most influential people this side of the continent. A tycoon of an alcoholic empire, a merchant queen of the city of trade and commerce, the acting-grandmaster of the famed order of Knights, and if she had heard right, even friends with two Archons before her.

It interested her that Barbatos returned from his five-hundred years of slumber, and she was not perplexed at the simple outgoing attitude of his as a bard. Ei always knew that he was a laid-back soul, never caring for the intricacies of administration and rule. Morax's case was both surprising and an irritating one. Ei knew that the old soul was always cryptic and enigmatic. Somehow, he managed to fool an entire city including her. The world truly was fooled by his sudden act.

"What brings you here, Ei? I'm pretty sure that all the available Dango Milk was sent directly to Tenshukaku. Is it, uh, running out?"

"Paimon!" Aether chastised his dense companion. "Seriously? We talked about this!"

"Worry not, Tomoki was awarded with appropriate tools and funding, or at least enough to produce more than he was able to before." Ei was confused at the Traveler's grumbling towards his joyous companion, who was kicking her legs in excitement.

"Still, what brought you here to seek me out? I'm pretty sure that the matter would be discussed without my input. I'm just a Traveler, really."

Ei shook her head at the quick dismissal of his influence. "Did you forget that you also represented and fought with the Sangonomiya Resistance? I believe the reports said that you were a leader of a special forces group of Swordfish II? Not bad. I too heard of their ordeals on the battlefield." She had definitely perked her brow in interest at the blush forming in his cheeks.

"No really! It was nothing at all, just doing what's right, you know?" The Traveler gave off a nervous laugh, his hand sheepishly scratching his golden hair.

It was odd, watching how quick it was to embarrass the Traveler. Something spurned within her in seeing that. Quashing the thought, Ei peered at the twin mountains in the distance. "To tell you the truth, I am still lost on what I am supposed to do. The modification of the Shogun will still take some time, the matter of the fading influence of the Kujou Clan still fazes the court, and peace is still not achieved even after my declaration of the end of the Vision Hunt decree."

"Yeah, time really is against you," Paimon mused as she finished her latest serving of whatever treats there were available. Ei is curious about how sweet they are. "There is also the matter of the people you took Visions from, the fact that Kokomi is a brilliant strategist but was fooled so easily by the Fatui, and the question of what happened with that Harbinger that nearly killed us and why hasn't he contacted Signora?"

She was well-informed of many matters, but it seems not all of them. Ei really had to create a reliable source of information, but with many of her advisers thinned, and scrutinized to an extent of pinpoint accuracy, she had no time to look for a trusted adviser. But still, the Fatui again? What was another Harbinger loitering around Inazuma? Just the mere thought of that made her stomach crawl. Something familiar was with the notions of the Harbinger in question, something old and forgotten.

"...there is also the question of the fate of the poor soldiers that were affected, the personal matter of Kazuha's feelings, and the - Wait! What happened to Kujou Sara?! Last we saw her was when she was not moving! I- Aether! Quick, we need to-"

Ei lifted her arm gently, and gestured to the flying fairy to calm down. "Worry not, as the general of my forces is fine, the only suffering injuries she incurred were her damaged pride." It still hurt her to know that many suffered greatly. Hmm, Kazuha? Where has she heard that name before? Also, Ei grew worried at the notion of soldiers being affected by something. But of what? She still has much to learn and know.

"I think we can start somewhere," Aether nodded thoughtfully. "But it is good to know that Sara made it out alright. I was really worried there for a moment, but she's a tough gal, Paimon. You saw how she handled herself."

The admiring smile Aether gave at the words of adoration for the Kujou woman made her heart squeeze swiftly. The pity she had for the girl vanished then and there. What was she to worry about? The Kujou girl was doing fine, as she seems to have an admirer from the Traveler himself. All will be well then, if a good man like Aether was to support the fierce woman in her dire time of need. Ei knew she was much more fiercer, of course, as she was the Archon of Inazuma, the God of Eternity, and the Raiden Shogun.

Not some belittled general that had lost favors from anybody.

She did not realize that Paimon was giving her weird looks. "Uh, is Ei okay? Her face seems to shift from resentment, to bitter acceptance. Is that normal?"

"I think so?"

No. No! Ei quickly shook her head, lest she lose herself in those swirling thoughts of anger and confusion. "Ahem. Traveler, what did you say about starting somewhere? Do you agree to assist me again? I would really appreciate it..."

"Of course," Aether beamed. "I have a few places and persons in mind that you can talk to."

Her heart seems to contort in fury as the beaming smile Aether gave shuffled her feelings. It was pleasant and tender, and it reminded her of old and simpler times. It was, of course, replaced by a much more solemn look, as Aether and Paimon left the old and confused chef with a bag of Mora for his troubles. And Paimon's excessive appetites. Ei deigned to silently follow, of course.

Now that she had witnessed it, there was something bothering the Traveler, with his long gazes and solemn look every moment he thought that no one was watching. It saddened her that a gentle heart would be burdened with something fierce and terrifying.

"Where are we off to then?"

"To a Shogunate Samurai, of course. Kurosawa-san was excited to see us again, but maybe we can solve two problems at once."

"Eh?"

It was getting confusing by the minute, and Ei was not sure if she could keep up.


Yae had always wondered who was the idiot who designed Tenshukaku.

"Not Baal, that's for sure," Yae grumbled, as the Head Priestess of the Narukami shrine ascended the monstrous stairs of the palace. Referring to the actual Baal, not Beelzebul, the woman always thought that the former Archon was always interested in architecture, as she was the one who structured the old temple of Narukami.

There were more stairs leading to the Shrine than Tenshukaku, but Yae had her ways in sneaking-in insteading of actually climbing the mountain. Those were reserved for the losers who were not familiar with the place. Or the desperate ones.

But the Palace of the Raiden Shogun was meant to be built like a fortress, and there were certain wards placed around the structure to prevent magical interruptions coming in from the outside. Bombardments were getting old, as most would rather sneak in and Yae knew her kind was not welcome. She missed the teleportation she had when it came to traveling around Inazuma.

Tenshukaku was not a normal place.

It was gloomy, overbearing, and absolutely terrifying to any outsiders. That was the point, Yae concedes.

Ignoring odd looks sent her way, Yae strutted towards the huge structure with the confidence of a person who owned the place. Yae knows that precious Ei won't mind, she had favor after all. It was only the Gatekeeper that stood in her way, but even then her authority surpasses him. She was the one who commissioned the role of Gatekeeper, and there were certain privileges to that.

"H-head Priestess! What brings you here?"

Trying to look aloof, Yae gave the poor man a sweating session with her cold eyes. "Is that how you greet a guest of the Shogun? My, you do Her a great disservice with your role as Gatekeeper. You know, it looks bad when you halt the person who placed you under the position?"

Yae would've loved to continue this tease for another five minutes, until a certain figure seemed to burn their sight behind her head. It was her favorite, little Tengu; Sara. Yae would have aww'd at the cute glare that was sent her way, if not for the sheer intensity.

"Lady Yae, your presence is a surprise. But I am afraid that it is all for nought, as her Highness is off to personal business." There was a certain look in the poor young woman's eyes that caught Yae's vivid attention, as well as the poorly-hidden grinding of her teeth. Yae smirked in interest.

The poor Gatekeeper whispered a prayer and thanks before he stepped back.

"Personal business, eh? Something bothering you, lady Sara? Is Her Highness off galvanizing without you again? A shame, a loyal guard like you were put aside in her presence, a shame truly." Anyone in the vicinity can feel the smugness radiate off the Head Priestess, as well as the pure and malicious killing-intent bursting off the young general.

"A shame indeed. What is your business coming here? A shrine maiden's duty is to look after the holy sites of Inazuma, not wandering into Her Majesty's palace like a wanton tourist." You are not welcome here; is what was left unsaid. Both Yae and Sara knew that.

"I have interesting news brought to me by my little birds," Which translates to; reliable informants. Yae resisted to roll her eyes at the suspicious look sent her way by Sara. "I heard that fascinating characters entered Ritou, a swell of foreigners that arrived recently and is on their way here at the capital."

"And how does that relate to the matters of the Shogun?" Sara scoffed. "Ever since Her Highness revoked the Decree, there have been many travelers leaving and entering Inazuma recently, a few colorful bunch won't make a difference."

"Oh, trust me they will," Yae gave the woman a confident smirk, knowing a joke privy only to her. "Let's just say that a certain Gliding Champion and a Noble Lady would say otherwise."

Sara resisted in replying back with a snark, as threats like that were common, and they were likely to happen. The general filed it later on, staring defiantly against the pompous priestess. There were times Sara would have preferred Kokomi as the Shrine Priestess instead, even if the young lady was more of a strategist than a holy person.

And an enemy of the state.

"Now, about this Personal Business of Hers?"

"Which is exactly none of your damned business in the first place."

"Don't be like that, little Tengu," Yae pouted hard. "I was just curious. There's nothing wrong in asking the well-being of an old friend, is there?"

"It wouldn't be, if the Traveler wasn't part of it."

"The Traveler? Oh my, you have caught my interest, indeed. Pray tell, what does the Raiden Shogun seek for in his company?"

Sara uttered a curse, letting her emotions get the better of her. "I assure you, Priestess, Her Highness is rather desperate for answers I cannot give, not yearning for the Traveler's company. There are many things she is burdened with right now, and I shall not let a meddler like you ruin her evening."

"Oh? So she did specify me?" Yae laughed at the surprised expression of Sara. "Don't be like that, I bet my whole collection of light novels that she gave you a mission to distract me, as long as you can of course. Ei knew better than to rely on a stern, young girl for something important like this. I can't believe I'm missing out. I wonder…?"

Sara couldn't believe this, reality seemed to fall apart ever since that damned woman walked in here. She was rather doubtful when the Raiden Shogun requested her to sway a certain Priestess for a little while, as Her Highness explained that Yae can sense her leaving Tenshukaku. Yae enchanted her Shogun form to detect the location of it. Sara knew she already failed when the cursed creature walked inside the palace.

It was over.

Yae's previous thoughts about the architecture of the Palace disappeared, now that she had something entertaining to watch.


The mind was a prison.

As Ei often found that the prison was guarded by regret, funded by doubt, and inhabited by your every action. Onward and upward, the questions spun into a storm that ripped the inclination of anything, freezing you in limbo as the world moved on without you. It was the truest of sense why Ei locked herself within her planes of Euthymia in the first place.

To avoid confrontations like this.

"Oh, Traveler, it's good to see you again. It has been a while."

Why was she here again? In front of this dinky shack, with the smiling Traveler, and the kind-looking samurai? Was this her answer to her doubts?

"Kurosawa-san! It's great to know that you are doing well, I heard you got your Vision back!" Aether was all smiles, and Ei thought it was rather fascinating on how it glows so purely. Must. Protect. At all costs.

"Indeed, I have," Kurosawa smiled back. "My ambition returned to me, and every time I wield my father's sword, I am reminded of myself on what to do; and that is to do what is right and just. Thank you, Traveler."

"I keep telling everybody that it was nothing," Aether sighed. "I did what I thought was best, and I know it was right to do so in the end, knowing people like you smile again."

There was a certain emotion of regret in the eyes of the Samurai, as he seemed a little uncomfortable with something. "He is right, Traveler," Ei agreed. "What you did was something not even the most powerful in the isles would have done."

When Ei opened herself to the Traveler for the second time, she was rather curious as to why he was the only one to pierce through her defenses. The air of confidence and utter determination that she had seen before was gone, only replaced by something Ei recognized as disbelief. What was holding the Traveler back, Ei wonders?

"So, who's the nice, young lady-friend you have, Traveler?" The glint in his eyes reminded her of Yae's, and that thought troubled her more than it should have. Kurosawa was rather stoic in his posture, but Ei knew that he was teasing the poor man beside her. "Didn't know you were a man that worked that fast, I'm impressed."

Aether tried to reply, but only sputtered in the process. "She's just a friend- a really, really good friend - and that is all, Kurosawa-san! Ei is just here to accompany me on my final round trip across Narukami island."

Final round trip? Ei would have found the samurai's remarks embarrassing, her own soldier nonetheless, if not for the Traveler's final statement. "Final?" Echoed both Ei and the samurai.

"Yeah, me and Paimon had to see the sights one last time, before we left Inazuma to our next destination." The Traveler at least had the decency to feel embarrassed, but Paimon was not even fazed.

"Yeah," cheered Paimon. "There is also the Moonchase Festival next week! I heard the theme of the celebration was about food. Oh, I can imagine them now, those delicious treats that await me. Quick, Aether! Let's set off sooner than later."

"Leave?" Ei was rather questioning herself than the Traveler. "Why leave? Is it truly urgent?"

"Have we, uh, told you about the purpose of my journey?" Aether blushed, as he and Paimon were the only ones privy to this. Now, that a samurai friend and the Raiden Shogun herself knew, it was only a matter of time until his Inazuman friends got hold of that information, and a matter of time until they got a hold on him.

"It was a surprise?" Paimon tried to salvage the moment. It was the attempt that he was grateful for.

Aether was not delusional to deny his friends' feelings on the matter, as they would throw him the biggest party this side of the Dark Sea for his departure. Liyue was rather straightforward with his personal requests, and Mondstadt left him be, but with Yoimiya near this location? He was sure that there would be fireworks for the next few days in honor of his service.

Not that he would've mind, but the small voice in his mind demanded to return to his actual quest in the first place. A party would only damper his mood even further, considering the thoughts that tried to consume him recently. That, and it would only disappoint his friends in his lack of energy.

He already had letters ready to be sent to his friends before he leaves. Aether wasn't so cruel to leave them hanging at least.

"You mean your 'ambition' of finding your sister?" Ei was rather confused as to why the Traveler would go to heights on traveling every city and nation and questioning gods of her whereabouts. To be honest, she had found that rather sweet of him- in a platonic way! Of daring to challenge gods on his sister's behalf. Ei wonders if he had found a word from his sister yet, but if he was all the way here in Inazuma, and already raring to go to the next, it would mean that he was still unsuccessful.

"Y-yeah, my sister," Aether flinched at the morbid thoughts. "There was no sign of her here at all, and I would rather not waste time than I should have."

We have all the time in the world, brother.

Then why did you leave so suddenly still?

"Hmm, I see now," Ei hummed in thought. "Maybe I can help, my resources are vast and the influence of my Noble Lords are quite impressive, even if some of them are because of the Fatui, but I am sure that-"

"NO! I mean, no thanks!"

Aether was scared. Now, Ei knew that "something" that was bothering him early on was this. Why would the Traveler, the only person in the world that would openly deny her ideals, be scared like a frightened child upon the act of helping him find his sister?

"That's rough, buddy." There was no denying the genuine worry he had for the Traveler. "I do hope you find your sister safe and sound."

"S-safe and sound, yeah," Aether muttered in horror. "Thanks for the encouragement, Kurosawa-san."

"No problem." Kurosawa then turned his gaze away from the distraught Traveler and into the piercing eyes of the Raiden Shogun. "Have we met before?" asked Kurosawa, something about this woman felt familiar.

"No."

"Ah, my apologies then. See you next time, Traveler. May our paths lead us to the same road once again." Kurosawa waved a farewell, then walked off into his humble home. Ei still thought it as a shack, but it describes the man perfectly.

"Let us continue, eh Aether? We still have to visit that old man in the village!" Paimon was ready to leave, but Aether was still planted on the spot. "Uhh, Aether?"

"Yeah! Of course, Paimon." Aether walked without purpose, and marched west, towards the main road.

Ei and Paimon looked at each other in a sense of worry for the Traveler. Paimon knew what was eating him specifically, she wasn't that stupid, nor blind to the last encounter they had from the Abyss Order. Even with the food that Aether tried to drown Paimon in, it still wasn't enough to make Paimon avoid introspection.

Ei on the other hand wanted to hear from Aether- she means the Traveler -about what his goals truly were. She was not as ignorant as many believed, and only was required to let her hear their thoughts. Ei was after all, Baal's shadow, her adviser and closest confidant. She was a good listener.

Even still, Ei lost Baal.

The mind was a prison, but reality was much worse than that. Ei begun to relive those nightmares again.


AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I am not sorry for the late update.

My commissioner understood the problem at hand as I explained to her at length on why the chapter was delayed. As long as she has a heads-up from me, then she has no problems.

Juggling my first year of college and a part-time job ain't as easy as many think, especially with other projects in mind. Progress was rather slow as well because of the exam periods of October and November, meaning no other chapter for a little while.

And yes, this story has a small plot- who knew?! IMMA RIGHT?