She's standing there, all alone.

…and now I suddenly feel nervous.

This is a strange emotion I feel. It is similar to how mortals act whenever they are meeting with someone they seem extremely fond of, or so I have observed.

I always thought mortals to be somewhat gifted to be able to feel something as complicated as that, but now here I am, riddled with it all the same.

I suppose I can't help it: the girl underneath the shade of the tree was blooming herself, even as she stands alone. The umbrella she held, however, looked like it could have another person standing beside her.

For a moment, I did not move from my spot, enjoying this peace I have while simply looking at her from afar.

And then, she turned around, and while she looked surprised to see me there, she nonetheless smiled. "Miko," she then spoke, "why aren't you moving from your spot?"

Startled, I tried to look away. "I-I just arrived, and didn't want to disturb you..." I replied.

She laughed. "Don't be ridiculous. Come, join me." She then said, as she eagerly waited for me to go to her side.

I looked at her, and seeing her smile was enough for me to break into a smile of my own.

She's so beautiful.

I hurriedly went to her side, which elicited more laughs from her. "And now you seem eager to be beside me~" she teased, but I found it hilarious too. I laughed alongside her.

She went closer to me, ensuring that both of us would be underneath the umbrella's shade, even though the tree we were standing underneath was providing us with shade as well.

"The rain comes soon. I would like to walk once it comes. Would you like to—"

"Of course, Makoto." I cut her off, already replying. I looked at her, smiling as I looped my arm with hers.

She noticed this, and blushed. "I-I see. Thank you." She replied, smiling at me even though her cheeks were still a bit red.

We waited for the rain to fall.

"Hey, Makoto." I called her name. "Hm?" she replied.

"You do…realize what all this…" I pointed at the umbrella on our heads, and then me, and then her before continuing, "…signifies, right?"

She then broke away from my hold as she went and patted my head. "Two people sharing an umbrella, and are seemingly closer than others…that would only mean they are lovers, yes?" she asked.

It seems it was my turn to be flustered. I nodded at what she said.

She giggled and looked at me, caressing my cheek in the process. "Are we not lovers, dear Miko?" she asked me.

I was stunned, and only flustered even more. Her gaze was gentle, not piercing nor cold.

"I…" I began to speak, but no words came out other than "…yes, we are." I returned the smile she gave me.

"Are you still in disbelief that we—"

"Definitely not, Makoto." I cut her off, as I leaned onto her shoulder. She wrapped her right arm around me as a response. "It's not disbelief, but rather…a feeling of shock, of surprise." I told her. "Who knew we could fall in love, let alone with each other?" I continued.

She giggled, and blew into my left ear. She knew they were sensitive, and I only huddled closer to her. "P-Please stop that…" I then said.

"I have always believed that when it comes to the matters of the heart, there is no place for doubt." She then told me softly. Her voice really is soothing, I could listen to it as I fall asleep or even to wake me up.

"I find solace in that." I replied, as I looked to her.

We gazed at each other before eventually, I inched closer to give her a kiss.

Even amidst my own personal turmoil, I could still find peace in her company.

…it hurts.

So this is what pain is?

How…intriguing.

I feel something falling on my face. I opened my eyes, and saw dark clouds, and the weeping face of my sister. Was it the rain that wets my face, or was it the tears of my pained sister? Or perhaps…it is both?

"Ei…" I softly called out, trying to smile.

"Rest, sister. It will be okay. Just…hold on to me." She told me as she held both of my hands that were on my stomach.

Ah…I'm wounded.

…no, I am dying. It is a wound that can never be healed.

How cruel is fate for me to die so soon? While I may not consider myself mighty, I do boast enough power to rival those of my peers.

…my friends. They, too, have perished, haven't they?

"Where…is she?" I asked my sister, and her eyes widened for a while. She looked away, and seemingly more tears came out. "Of course, you'd want to see her." She then spoke. I was confused as to why she…sounded that way, but she then stood up and moved away from my sight.

A different yet familiar face replaced my sister's.

"No…no, no!" Miko then spoke. Distraught. Pained. Weeping. Hers was a deeper pain.

I can understand…after all I…

"…love you, Miko." I told her. Her ears perked up, and she looked shocked. I tried to laugh but I only winced in pain. "I'm sorry…" I then added.

"Don't be, my beloved. You've done no wrong...so please, speak no more, and save your strength." She told me, giving me a genuine smile, one that truly came from within.

She smiles through the pain. What a strong girl.

…I truly love her.

But I can understand how she can't seem to bear seeing me now, in my final moments. She holds back her tears.

…why do you not weep for me freely, my dear Miko?

She then went closer and whispered. "I love you too. So. Much. Please stay…" she spoke, that drove me to shed a few tears alongside her.

The rain fell harder, and she turned her gaze away, weeping freely but not looking at me.

I am so sorry, my dear…

My sister came back, and she was now forcing herself not to cry further.

"My dear Ei, its not okay…to force yourself to…not shed tears." I told her, although my voice became softer and softer.

My time is up. I will now embrace my death, my end.

"Makoto…I'm sorry." Ei then told me, as she began to cry again.

No, dear sister, my dear Ei. Do not blame yourself for this. After all, I…am the one…who should be…

"…sorry…"

How long must I be reminded of your death?

No…I'm sorry. That sounded rude.

I gave out a sigh as I turned to my side. The room I sleep in is bleak. Empty. A huge contrast to how I usually present myself at the Shrine.

…I wish to lie down a little longer, but I have duties to attend to.

"Hmmm…" I muttered, drifting to sleep once again.

The shoji was opened rather forcefully, and sunlight came into my room. "Lady Yae, you're going to be late again!" then spoke a voice.

"My, how rude. Do you just come barging into people's bedrooms or something?" I spoke, mildly annoyed. The sheets covering me fell off, and the shrine maiden averted her gaze.

I tilted my head in confusion. "Hm? Why do you look away?" I asked.

"Y-You're not wearing anything!" she then spoke.

She was indeed correct: I was currently naked. "But of course, since it is more comfortable to sleep this way." I told her. I then giggled. "Why? Is your heart beating so fast to see your superior in such a manner~?" I teased her. I noticed her cheeks getting a bit red, and I giggled a bit more.

"M-Moving that aside for the moment, t-the Raiden Shogun is here to see you, p-personally!"

Now that got me intrigued. Its always a rare sight to see the Raiden Shogun up and about, much less here in the Grand Narukami Shrine, of all places. But seeing how a certain someone came and changed things a bit here in Inazuma, I suppose it's a welcome change to see her do something like this more often.

"Hotomi, dear, would you help me get dressed~? And would you please close that door? I'm already up." I then called for the flustered shrine maiden. She nodded. "O-Of course, Lady Yae." She answered, as she closed the door and went inside.

"Chief Editor." I then corrected her. I find my dimly lit room much more comfortable indeed.

"Yes…no, wait. W-We're not here to discuss light novel drafts and manuscripts, so I think 'Lady Yae' is suitable for today." She then replied, which surprised me.

"Oh? Quite the bold assertion, my dear." I spoke, looking at her almost in a glare. She seemed spooked.

I then gave her a genuine smile alongside a headpat. "Just kidding~ I got carried away with the teasing again." I then apologized, and she gave me the cutest pout I had ever seen her do.

"Geez, why do you always do that…" she softly spoke. She already had the clothes I wear, neatly folded, on her hands.

I went ahead and took the clothes from her, as she assisted me in putting it on.

"Force of habit, and it seems I have grown especially fond of you." I replied. It wasn't one of teasing nor was it laced with anything ill. I spoke genuinely, as it should.

Makoto…taught me that, in a way.

"…stupid Yae…" I heard her softly curse at me. I simply giggled.

"Now then, shall we meet the Raiden Shogun?" I asked her, and she suddenly seemed…nervous.

"If I may, Lady Yae…the Raiden Shogun, while looking stoic and unreadable, looked especially nervous today…" she voiced out her concern, which got me worried,

Something's troubling Ei, and it seems she specifically needs my help.

…I hope it's nothing that's too bad.

"Whatever it is, I will ensure that it is dispelled." I reassured her, as she slid open the shoji once more, this time gentler.

Hotomi was right, there is something bothering Ei. And she's not telling me.

The location she chose for us to talk was something I did not expect. It was the place where the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual was completed. I can still feel traces of evil, corrupting magic in these twisted branches, but it is faint, and not at all threatening.

It seems they merely act as a reminder of what was faced down here.

"This is quite a lovely place, isn't it?" she then asked, looking around, blatantly in awe.

I can't blame her though, this is indeed a wonderful, simple looking spot.

"Indeed. I cannot thank the Traveler enough for what she did to ensure the Ritual is completed." I then remarked.

I looked at her as she was still looking around, and saw what I could say the most genuine smile I have seen her do.

It looked to be a smile of being content. I only just mentioned the Traveler…

…oh I see.

It seems I already know what we are about to discuss, alongside the reason she feels nervous.

"Do you…already have an idea why I wanted to talk to you?" she began to ask. Suddenly, she looked timid, fidgety, but the nervousness was slowly diminishing.

"A slight idea, dear Ei. I would love to hear what you have to say." I replied.

We ended up gazing into each other, smiles present on our faces.

I moved closer, wanting to hear her more directly, for her words to be clearer.

"A lot of things have been going on, which allowed me time to reflect on these…changes." She began, walking towards me as well.

She gave out a sigh as she reached for my hands. I let her hold them.

"I realized that, while I have fallen for another, it is hard to stop loving you, never mind trying to forget you." She admitted, and I saw her smile fade away.

"For the longest time, Ei, they still hold true?" I asked her. Her pain and sadness were quite infectious.

"I still love you, Yae. I know my sister did so, too." She replied, and that only pained me more.

And yet her words, while cutting too deep, still ring true.

It is quite…pathetic to see such strong, divine souls being broken like this, but can we really be blamed for it? Makoto's passing shocked us…and hurt us too damn much.

"…I wanted to spend more time with her." I finally admitted. There is sadness in my heart, but no tears in my eyes. There are no longer tears in my eyes.

I have cried and cried for so long, to the point now I have no tears left to shed.

Is it a sign that I have grown numb to this pain drilling an eternal hole in my heart? Or is it a sign telling me that all of it have passed, and just like the times, I too must move on?

"I know. I thought of something, Yae, but I am aware of how foolish it is." She then spoke. At this she began to caress the back of my hands. Hers feel so warm, but it was only reminding me more of Makoto's own…

"I…can be her." She softly said.

I have expected this to happen. Long have I imagined of the exact same words uttered by her, and yet…its still too uncanny and surprising.

"Ei, please…don't." I immediately told her. She looked at me again, on the verge of crying.

Are these the last of her tears?

"I can be her, Yae. Do you not see her face whenever you look at me? Do I not evoke the same feelings as her now that I hold you? I can become my sister, so long as it makes us both happy."

The way she said those words were pure conviction absolutely terrifies me. She truly is just as strong as her sister, if not entirely stronger than her, in more ways than one.

And yet, even I can see her cracks. The desperation, the false hope, the dying flame.

"You will never become your sister, Ei." I bluntly told her. I looked at her directly and saw an unchanging sadness. She wasn't particularly surprised I said what I said.

Of course, she herself is aware that she can never be like Makoto. She's changed so much from the Ei of the past.

"We both admire her, yes, but do not discredit yourself. For the longest time, you have achieved far greater things than her, and have become stronger, too." I then added. "The path you took…was something she wouldn't have dared."

Ei then looked away, trying to hold back her tears. Trying her hardest to fight them.

Until eventually, she laid her head on my shoulder. "My sister was kinder, and much more…open with her feelings." She whispered.

…that is indeed true.

"Very considerate, wasn't she?" I asked, and I heard her reply quietly. "Mm." she simply says.

I wrapped my arms around her as she did the same. I held her, for as long as she needed to be held, calming her down.

"…this is it, isn't it, Yae?" she softly asked me.

"Are these your last tears?" I asked her. It was an odd question, for sure, but I'm also sure she'd understand what I am asking.

"The last time I will cry. Indeed, Yae, they are my last tears." Ei then replied, as she broke away from the hug, going back to holding my hands.

We gazed at each other once more.

"We…have been riddled by a shared pain for far too long, Ei. We're not going to forget each other, definitely not, but as everything around us changes and goes on, so should we." I told her.

"We already have changed, haven't we?" she then asked me, and I giggled. "Its for the best, I believe. Your sister would've wanted it." I replied.

At this she gave out a genuine smile. "Indeed. I also think…Makoto would've wanted us to move on."

I'm sure Makoto would've ensured you'd never feel this kind of pain, Ei. She's that considerate.

But I will not tell her that. I know she already knows. After all, they're sisters: they're closer to each other than any other person.

Closer than even me.

She let out a sigh. She was still holding my hands. "It will be hard to forget these feelings for you, Yae." She told me.

"Wouldn't that be detrimental with your relationship with the Traveler~?" I then asked. Teasing her after such a serious conversation seems like cheating, but it helps in lighting the mood up a bit.

She stopped holding my hands and looked away. I noticed her face getting flushed. I giggled. "S-She knows, actually, and she's been helping me get over…wait, you knew?" she spoke, and then asked, looking back at me.

"An educated guess, I suppose~" I told her, and she got flustered even more.

She covered her face again. "I told her that we were keeping it a secret…" she then said, fully embarrassed. I went towards her, rubbing her back. "Its not like I'll tell the entirety of Inazuma that the Raiden Shogun is in a relationship with the Traveler, you know." I told her.

"I…suppose you are right." She then replied, calming down a bit. She let out a sigh of relief. "Goodness, Yae, that was…all a lot to both take in and out, huh?"

She then giggled. "The times will certainly keep on changing." She remarked.

"What of eternity, Ei?" I then asked, looking at her.

She looked back at me.

"What about it?" she simply replied.

It was an odd answer, and also a humorous one.

Both of us laughed.

She's standing there, all alone.

Under that familiar tree, with the familiar clothes.

This time, she wasn't using an umbrella.

Before I could even walk towards her, she had already turned around, and was seemingly…ecstatic to see me.

"Miko!" she called out, waving her hand at me, and rushing towards me.

…this is the first time I saw her this excited. The first time I saw her this…exuberant, this cheery.

"Makoto?" I found myself asking, as she leapt unto me, pressing her lips unto mine.

They're just as sweet as I have fondly remembered them.

She broke away, and was fully blushing. "I'm sorry…I missed you, that's all." She admitted.

"My, I don't remember you being this forward~" I managed to say, and she giggled.

"It is only possible now, my love." She replied.

As I suspected, it is a dream.

She was now embracing me, and it was evident in the way she does so that she does not want to let go.

…I too wished, and hoped, that this would last forever.

"I'm glad both of you are beginning to move on." She whispered into my ear.

"I...I don't think I'll forget you, Makoto." I told her, feeling something well up from within me.

I wanted to cry.

"Let it out, my dear." She softly told me, cupping my cheeks as she wiped away the tears that came out with her thumbs.

"I miss you…" I whimpered, as she proceeded to peck my lips.

That smile on her face was just as bright as before.

I woke up with a headache. I slowly sat up, annoyingly rubbing my forehead as I covered my body with the blanket.

The shoji was opened gently, and a familiar shrine maiden entered with a cup in hand.

"Yae…?" she called out, softly, gently.

"…Hotomi." I replied with the same gentle tone. I looked at her and gave a soft smile. "It happened again." I then added.

She quickly went to my side, giving me the cup. There was a fragrant aroma. I assume its her own specially brewed tea.

After taking a sip, I felt the headache disappear. I let out a sigh of relief as she closed the shoji gently.

She sat beside me, seemingly unsure of what to do or say next.

Unless, this is her next course of action? To simply be beside me in this perfect, comfortable silence?

"You're really thoughtful, aren't you?" I remarked, as I took a sip once again.

"I personally believe I'm just too weak when it comes to you, Chief Editor." Hotomi replied. Her tone was serious.

It was enough to make me giggle.

"I believe it." I bluntly replied. I looked at her and saw that she was now blushing. "Y-Yae!" she simply said.

I managed to giggle again. "What's wrong~? I'm acknowledging the fact that you easily fold when it comes to me~" I replied, teasing her.

"Well I'm glad you look fine. I was worried when I heard you whimpering, but I guess I'll just—"

I didn't let her finish, as I slowly pulled her in, embracing her using my right arm.

I emptied the cup she gave me, and handed it back to her. "Yae? What's wrong?" she then asked, looking at me with concern ever present.

"You're not weak when it comes to me, Hotomi. You care." I told her.

She was then confused. "Well, yeah, why else did I immediately get up and prepare some tea when I heard you on the verge of tears?" she replied.

I was then surprised. So it was that bad…

…damn it.

"All that talk of moving on, and yet I'm the one who should be told that…" I softly muttered.

A hand then rested onto my left cheek. I looked down, and gazed at Hotomi.

I gazed at the human that I have grown fond of.

The human with which I have formed…an intimate bond.

"It's not an easy process, and it's definitely not one where it resolves in just a day or two." She then told me.

Her words rang deep even though her tone was gentle, soothing.

"I…really don't know much about the turmoil in you, but I'm here you know? I'll listen." She added, smiling at me.

Her sweetness is calming.

I gave her a kiss on the top of her head. "Your presence alone comforts me, dear~" I replied, as I fully wrap my arms around her.

"Would it be enough to make you sleep peacefully tonight?" she then asked me.

"Why, were you thinking of singing a lullaby?" I asked in reply, and while I expected her to be annoyed or be flustered, she laughed.

What a sweet sound, too.

"I wouldn't mind." She then replied. I laughed with her too.

I feel even more at peace now.

It is true that it will take a long time for me to move on from Makoto, the same way it will for Ei, too. But knowing that we have special people to help us do so is enough to keep progressing.

You would've done the same too if either of us died in your stead, wouldn't you, Makoto?