Beta'd by Soyvolon
11th of the 5th Cycle
The Inazumans refer to their capital as Kyo, Aether found, which meant 'capital.'
He also felt it was pretty uninspired, but what did he know? Kyo sat at the most southern tip of Narukami Island, which led up to a high cliff overlooking the Violet Sea. Just as Liyue Harbour, Kyo was a city without walls, instead the outskirts of the city opened up to the Byakko Plain. He found it interesting, considering that the Land of Thunder has always been a land of constant warfare.
Instead, there was a vast array of tents raised on the fields just outside the city, hemming the main road on both sides. The tents were uniform and orderly, arranged in rows and columns - with open spaces dotted about harbouring cold fire pits. Soldiers meandered between the tents - talking, drinking, and training with each other. Aether spotted an empty clearing where about a hundred men drilled in lockstep.
This was a mustering ground, it was clear to him. And that meant the Shogunate's civil war was not going as swimmingly as one might expect.
Aether unconsciously kept his head lowered, as if trying to shrink into his horse. Thoma led them towards the centre of the road, where they joined the tail end of a line of carts travelling into the city. Early in the morning, many farmers were making their way into Kyo in order to sell their produce. They pushed themselves deeper into the column of carts in order to keep away from the gazes of the soldiers, slowly but steadily making their way into the city.
He released a sigh of relief as they passed the final line of tents, and from the corner of his eye Aether spotted a strange line of stones marking the outer boundary of the city. The stones stretched in a single line, as far as Aether could see. He wondered if they were wardstones, acting as some sort of magical wall - it could partially explain Kyo's lack of a physical one.
Soon, they departed from the column of carts, as the farmers made their way to the marketplace. Just like Mondstadt, Kyo was built on a slant - with the Electro Archon's castle of Tenshukaku at the very peak - and they were at the very bottom, in the district of Hanamizaka.
Built on flat ground, Hanamizaka exuded a leisurely atmosphere unlike the rest of Narushima. Children chased each other in the shadows of time-worn wooden hovels as the marketplace bustled with lively haggling and calling. If Aether did not know better, from just observing the carefree attitude of those living in Hanamizaka, he would not believe there was any ongoing war at all.
A single river ran through the city - Tochu River - where it meandered from a great bluff in the east, to the sea in the west. Docks lined the northern bank of the river, where shallow bottom boats bobbed in the calm waters. Too shallow for merchant ships, only ferries and fishing vessels were moored.
They crossed the bridge over the river into the upper district of Tenryou, where the earthy colours of Hanamizaka melted into cold, grey stone. As the slope was far too steep, Tenryou was built on raised earth encased in stone - from which the district overlooked Hanamizaka from a cliff. Far more organised, the many streets and lanes of Tenryou were straight and rigid, intersecting and crossing by lively squares and plazas.
In the distance, he could see the mighty peaks of Tenshukaku rising above them all, standing at the highest point of the city. It was the lofty abode of the Electro Archon, overlooking all that which was her dominion.
And Aether felt no more than an insect in its presence.
It was as if the Tenshukaku glowed with divine light, and Aether could stare at it no more than he could the Sun itself. Was this how those mortals of Narushima viewed their god? As some unreachable, paramount being as important as that which gave them life?
Mayhaps.
But this he knew; not even those believers of Morax or Barbatos held a fraction of the faith Inazumans did for their own gods. After all, what god could be worshipped more than one considered the earth, sea, and sky itself?
He supposed he must get used to this feeling of woefulness in the face of the divine, for he was no longer one of them.
Thoma led them to an establishment known as the Komore Teahouse. It was a sizable building with two stories and a rock garden outside. A woman named Kozue greeted them at the door, and upon a quick exchange with Thoma, hastily let them into the building. Far from the busy streets of Tenryou, it was peaceful and quiet within the Komore Teahouse - well lit from the sunlight beaming through paper windows.
"I would've thought we'd meet your master in the Kamisato fief," Mona mused.
"Well, I would be lying if I said my Lady Kamisato does not wish to meet you," Thoma laughed as he led them up the stairs, "But as a retainer of the Kamisato Clan, my lord's wishes come first."
"Lady Kamisato is not in the capital?"
"The Shogun had summoned all the greatest lords of the realm to her court in order to discuss the civil war," Thoma explained, "If he didn't have to, Lord Kamisato wouldn't be in the city either. But, there must be a Kamisato in Sazanka, so he left his lady sister as the regent of his lands in his absence."
Finally, they stopped in front of a sliding door made of parchment. Aether could see two silhouettes inside the room as Thoma knocked on the door's wooden frames. Then, one of the silhouettes stood up and gently slid the door open, revealing a young, plain-faced man in commoner's clothing.
"Master Thoma," the man bowed.
"May we meet the lord?" Thoma asked.
"Of course," the man said before he walked off towards the staircase.
Aether noted that his footsteps were practised and silent, even against the creaky wooden floor. Before he could think on it, Thoma slid open the door fully and beckoned them inside. Like most southern dining areas, the table was sat low to the ground, and cushions were placed in exchange of chairs. Food lined the low surface of the table, their warm aroma filling the room.
On the opposite side sat the Lord of Sazanka, Kamisato Ayato. Even while kneeling down, Aether could tell that the lord was a tall man, with soft blue hair and blue-grey eyes. He wore a luxurious but neat coat over a purple drab, with long flowing sleeves and lapels. An aura of nobility exuded from his form.
Aether took his seat without prior affectations, and both Mona and Paimon joined him at the table. Meanwhile, Thoma bowed before standing guard at the door.
"What do you want?" Aether bluntly asked.
If Ayato was insulted, he did not show it. Instead, the man wore a mild smile, as if he was amused.
"Shall I introduce myself?" the man took a sip of his tea, "I am Kamisato Ayato, Raiden no Mahito Ayato. Lord of Sazanka, and Yashiro Commissioner."
Aether was not in the mood to play to the man's tunes, but after a violent nudge from Mona under the table, he released an exasperated sigh and relented.
"I am Aether, of Mondstadt, I suppose."
"I am Mona Megistus, of the Court of Fontaine."
Paimon smiled keenly, "This one is Paimon, of the House of Lords."
Aether sharply glared at Paimon, just what game was she playing?
"House of Lords?" Lord Kamisato mused, "I had never heard of such an institution."
"Nevermind that," Aether sharply cut in, "You have summoned us here, and so should you not explain what you need from us?"
"The Kamisato Clan finds itself in need of your services, outlander," Lord Kamisato leaned forward, "We have heard of your exploits in faraway lands, is it true that you hold ties with the Liyue Qixing and Favonian Order?"
"I hadn't realised news would spread so fast," Aether leaned back, "Especially to a nation as isolated as the Shogunate."
Lord Kamisato chuckled politely, "The Yashiro Commission has many friends, good sir, even abroad. Do not underestimate the tongues of men."
"Fine then," Aether decided to get it over with, "Let's hear it."
He felt Mona whack him under the table again, but ignored her.
"Tell me," Lord Kamisato asked, "Do you know why the Sangonomiya are in rebellion?"
Aether sighed, "Because of the Megari Decree, I've heard. So?"
"Close enough," Lord Kamisato decided, "I wish to hire you as a mercenary."
"To help the Shogunate?"
"To help the Sangonomiya," he corrected, "You sail on a monstrous vessel, do you not? I'm sure that with your ship involved, the Sangonomiya could break their stalemate with the Shogunate."
Aether tried to hide his surprise, but from the small smirk dancing upon Lord Kamisato's lips, he had a distinct feeling he had failed. At first, he tried to think of a reason why the man would support his enemy - which the obvious reason was that he had something to gain from it - but Aether gave up soon after, deciding that he had neither the acumen nor need to figure it out.
He just had to find a way to decline so he could go after his actual target in the Shogunate capital - the Electro Archon.
Just as he opened his mouth, Lord Kamisato continued, as if expecting his declination.
"Of course, I am certain that Inazuman coins would be of no use to you," the lord smiled, "So instead, perhaps we could strike another manner of accord. I would be untruthful if I said I was not a powerful man, perhaps you have a favour I could grant?"
Aether paused, realising that this was an opportunity he would be a fool to miss.
"Perhaps…" he wetted his lips, "Perhaps you could request an audience with the Shogun for us?"
Lord Kamisato scratched his chin, "You ask for much, outlander. I'm not certain I could secure such a thing."
"Well," Aether sighed, "I have no need for anything else, so-"
"Let's not be too hasty," Lord Kamisato interrupted, "I'm certain I can acquire you an audience with the Shogun."
"Post-haste?"
"That would be… significantly more difficult."
"Well, then I see no reason to-"
Mona suddenly kicked him under the table, and Aether snapped to glare at her. She met his gaze with imploring eyes, subtly tilting her head to the thin walls separating the tea room from neighbouring chambers. Something clicked in his head - a realisation of why everything seemed so off - they were not alone.
Aether silently sucked in a breath through his teeth, warily eyeing the walls, feeling Thoma's gaze boring into the back of his neck. They were in the middle of Kyo, and provoking even the slightest altercation here could ruin them. Aether cursed himself in his head, for forgetting he was no longer as insightful as before.
With his powers taken, he had no more the senses of a mundane human. Of course he wouldn't notice every tiny detail, and so he resolved to be more cautious in the future. His ill temper would do him no favours here.
"How long do you think it will take?" he finally asked.
"Give me a single moon," Lord Kamisato met his eyes, "And I will grant your wish. Until then, I would host you in my residence in the city."
"My lord," Thoma murmured from behind him, "That would be wasted time. The campaign season has just begun, we could shorten the war by an entire year if Master Aether departs as soon as possible."
Lord Kamisato mused over the man's words, idly folding his sleeve over his lap.
"What would you propose, then?"
Aether could feel Thoma shift behind him, "The Shogun will summon the court erelong for the audience of the Snezhnayan delegation. You could bring Master Aether then."
"You would have me bring an outlander to the Shogun's Court?" Lord Kamisato laughed, "Why, I might as well cut off my head and offer it to the Shogun as an apology at the same time!"
"Of course not, my lord! I am certain that neither hide nor hair of yours would be touched, for Master Aether has Lord Ajari's blessing."
"I know no lord of that name," Lord Kamisato narrowed his eyes, "Explain."
"Lord Ajari is the daitengu of Mount Saisho, my lord," Thoma explained.
"Mount Saisho… of Ritou Island?"
"Yes, my lord."
A contemplating look adorned Lord Kamisato's face as he mused over the new information. Aether shared a glance with Mona, who returned a helpless shrug. As always, Paimon looked as passive and serene as she will be, as if everything was going just the way she wished.
"I suppose you have no material proof to support that claim," Lord Kamisato sighed, "Considering that the tengu are not custom to human ways. In any case, I believe the youkai clans of Mount Yougou will be in attendance, and that they will support your claim if it is to be true."
"So…?"
"Very well, Master Aether," the man smiled, "Erelong, you will show your face before the Shogun's Court. And in exchange, you will sail for Yashiori Island and offer your services to the Sangonomiya. Of course, I trust that this conversation of ours will remain in your heart alone?"
"Of course," he agreed.
"Thoma, escort them to my residence. Your party may reside there until the Shogun summons the court."
They departed soon after, tailing Thoma out onto the streets of Kyo. As they walked, Mona slowed down and pulled him back, murmuring quietly so that only he could hear here.
"The entire teahouse was filled with Yashiro agents," she said, "And we have two tails behind us."
If she was telling the truth - and Aether trusted her enough to believe her - then he could not sense the Yashiro Commission's agents at all. This wouldn't be the case if he still had his powers, Aether thought, but he grappled with the idea that Mona was now the most important figure between the two of them.
"Of course, let's not cause any trouble," he muttered back, "Especially if the Shogunate's 'shinobi' live up to their reputation."
"Tell that to yourself."
Aether sighed, nodding grievously. Mona still had no knowledge of his predicament, and he intended to keep it that way until he got it back - for his pride and dignity if nothing else.
14th of the 5th Cycle
Beholding Tenshukaku from afar, it could be seen just how the might of the Raiden Shogun might be perceived - just as formidable and perennial as the fortress' mighty stone walls.
It was a shallow perceivement.
Standing directly under its towering fortifications, he daresay he truly understood why the capital of the Shogunate bore no walls. Tenshukaku alone would be enough to dissuade any army from even landing on Narukami Islands. 'Tenshukaku' was the Inazuman word for the central keep of any fortress - and if that was the case, then Tenshukaku was called so for it was the central keep of the Shogunate.
Aether stood before the beating heart of the Land of Thunder - the very symbol of the Electro Archon's might and power built from stone and sorcery - and he had never felt any more insignificant.
Tenshukaku was considered impregnable, built on a massive sea stack completely separated from the rest of Kyo and the mainland. Like most Inazuman fortresses, Tenshukaku was like carved from a mountain, with retaining walls instead of curtain walls. Crossing the Thousand Divine Bridge to Tenshukaku, Aether dared to glance down at the raging sea beneath, white froth and water smashing against the stone.
The outermost retaining walls were at least eighty feet high, the tallest he had ever seen. And he could see the gatehouse - carved out of the earth - an underground slope leading up into the fortified courtyard on the fortress' bottom-most layer. As they followed Lord Kamisato and his retinue into the gatehouse, Aether took a curious glance at the massive Statue of the Omnipresent God that heralded the entrance to Tenshukaku - and all the dead Visions inlaid into its wings.
If it weren't for the fact that the statue clearly depicted a woman, Aether would've thought it to be carved in the likeness of Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, with his many-eyed wings.
Passing through the gatehouse, he could just make out the hallmarks of the fortification - fiery torchlight dimly revealed carved arrowslits, murder holes, and ill-concealed pitfalls in between two wooden gates. On the other side, Aether beheld the lower fortified courtyard, arranged into a beautifully cared for garden.
A shallow lake dominated the centre of the courtyard, a single wooden bridge crossing it. To the east were numerous guard halls, servant quarters, and administrative buildings. Several training grounds straddled the lake, where soldiers drilled. To their west was the seat of the Kujou Clan - and the headquarters of the Tenryou Commission - Seijitsu Castle. Built within the walls of Tenshukaku, Seijitsu Castle was a stronghold within its own right, carved from a large bluff, with two fortified courtyards and its own environs. Of the three commissions, only the Kujou Clan was considered synonymous with their respective commission, for the clan has loyally served the Shogunate Army since the dawning days of the Shogunate.
Crossing the bridge, Aether looked up to behold the second retaining wall, also eighty feet high. On the second fortified courtyard, Jujun'na Castle rose to their east, the seat of the Yashiro Commission. With only one fortified courtyard, Jujun'na Castle was a fortress in name only, considering it was already well-protected within the confines of Tenshukaku. The castle was large, however, as it also hosted the Royal Hot Springs.
Opposite Jujun'na Castle was Yashin Castle, the seat of the Kanjou Commission. Instead of a retaining wall, Yashin Castle was built atop flat ground, with a single curtain wall surrounding its inner ward. The roofs of multiple granaries and warehouses peeked over the castle's high walls, while pennants bearing the twin sparrows of the Hiiragi fluttered from the walls.
Guesthouses and samurai quarters were also built on this level, along with the estates of dozens of other minor clans and servant families. As they crossed the courtyard, Aether came to a stark realisation that Tenshukaku alone was a sizable district of Kyo, to which thousands of men, women and children call home.
They passed under another gatehouse, and finally emerged on the third and highest fortified courtyard. Eien Castle rose like a mountain, indomitable and grand, overlooking all of Kyo and Narukami Island. The seat of the Raiden Clan, the stronghold of the Raiden Shogun, the present symbol of the God of Eternity's might and glory.
Shaped like a horseshoe, two wings - east and west - flanked the main hall, and in the centre a large wooden yard. The eastern wing housed the great halls, the kitchens, and the kennels - while the western wing housed the library, the stables, and the armoury. In the centre was the Shogun's Court, the horned peaks of Eien Castle raised like a demon.
The Okuzumeshuu - the Shogun's personal guard - stood like sentinels at every entrance, bend, and corner, unflinching as statues. As they approached, Aether glanced at the banners of the Raiden Shogun - the Electro Mitsudomoe - flanking the path, and with every step, he could feel the exalted aura of the Electro Archon like a foot on his back, weighing him down. He never felt so… mortal.
The gates of Eien Castle groaned open on their own accord, revealing nothing but darkness. Lord Kamisato bowed his head while walking past the Okuzumeshuu, and so did all his men. Seeing this, their own party did the same. They entered into a large antechamber, connected to elsewhere in the castle by multiple galleries - and opposite them, a massive oaken door leading into the Shogun's Court.
Lord Kamisato and his retinue entered first, while Aether was told to remain in the antechamber with his companions. While waiting, Aether took his time to look around. Despite being the seat of the highest being in all of the Land of Thunder, the interior of Eien Castle was as bare and humble as any ordinary house. Simple wooden furniture was sparsely arranged on the wicker floor, with only a few decorative miniature trees to adorn them.
The banners of every Inazuman clan currently within the Shogun's Court hung from the walls, revealing which clans were in attendance. Aether spotted some of Lord Kamisato's men hanging the Kamisato camellia right next to the Kujou wisteria.
Yet, even as he tried to distract himself from his current situation, Aether could still feel the oppressive aura in the air. Omnipotent, as if trying to force him to his knees.
"It isn't just you," Mona murmured, "There's so much mana steeped in these walls that the air is actually heavier than normal. I daresay not even the likes of the Cataclysm would make this castle shiver."
Time passed them by as they waited for what seemed to be an aeon. In the plain room in which they waited, there was but nothing to do except play a guessing game for which banner belonged to which clan. For the entire time, the Okuzumeshuu standing guard did not make nary a twitch, even if Aether would approach them. Sharply, he noticed that many of them were Vision Bearers, which led him to believe that there were exceptions to the Megari Decree.
Perhaps those who served the Shogun directly were granted immunity to the new law.
Suddenly, the doors to the Shogun's Court swung open, and noblemen began filing out in droves. It was a parade of colours, as those influential men and women donned themselves with the colours of their clan and lineages. Aether could easily differentiate the more powerful ones just from their dress alone. They began to split into groups as they lingered in the antechamber, conversing with each other in hushed tones.
Lord Kamisato emerged from the crowd, waving them over.
"The Shogun would entertain you now."
Aether shared a glance with Mona, before following Lord Kamisato into the grand audience chamber. After a brief moment to let his eyes adjust to the new lighting, Aether scanned the hall. The Shogun's Court was cavernous, so wide and so tall he daresay he could see the faint mists of clouds above. Far from ostentatious, the hall exuded a sense of humble elegance, with its musty wicker floors and wooden walls. Braziers crackling with violet flame illuminate the chamber, casting eerie shadows on the wall, dancing like puppets. Aether believed that hundreds could easily fit within the hall.
There were no stands or boxes, the entire hall was flat and laid with cushions in the southern style. The only place raised above the ground was the Shogun's throne, merely a raised platform with a single cushion, where the Shogun sat.
And the Shogun - from a single glance Aether could tell she was a beautiful woman, and yet far from the most beautiful. There was a sense of plainness to her, despite her long flowing locks of purple hair and strikingly violet eyes. Her clothing was equally simple, a mere purpure garb which pooled around her legs, fastened by a crimson wrap.
Before the Shogun, there was another group kneeling on the ground - twelve people, he counted.
"Fatui," Mona murmured, "And that's… the Fair Lady."
Aether followed her gaze, and noticed a tall woman at the head of the Fatui delegation. Since her back faced them, Aether could only note her crimson fur-lined cloak and platinum-blonde hair, which shone in the firelight.
Lord Kamisato stopped right beside the Fatui and prostrated himself before the Shogun, and they followed his lead.
"Do you not kneel?"
Gooseflesh crept over skin as Aether heard the Shogun's voice, and he realised why the Lord of Thunder did not need luxury to display her power. If Lord Kamisato's voice was elegant and serene, then the Shogun's voice was pure authority manifested - like the dull roar of distant thunder, harkening all to stop and listen as the elements raged.
Aether then realised that the Shogun was addressing Paimon, who remained standing defiantly. He cursed under his breath - Aether himself did not like to kneel, it went against his ideals, but even he knew this was neither the time nor place to be hard-headed.
"I'm afraid I'm incapable of doing so, Your Excellency," Paimon confidently replied.
"An illness of the body, mayhaps?" the Shogun mused.
"An illness of the mind, Your Excellency."
"And what would that be?"
"Pride."
A tense silence enveloped them, as if they were swallowed by a beast of anxiety. Aether could feel cold sweat creep down his skin, and he could feel everyone else tense up - even the Fatui. They all knew that such defiance in the face of the most powerful god of this land was nothing more than a death wish.
"...We are not amused," the Shogun said, "Alas, we are neither your god nor your master. You have done ne'er to insult our form despite your petty disrespect, so we shall overlook this transgression. We bid you all rise."
Lord Kamisato slowly raised his head from the ground, settling in a comfortable kneeling position - shins flat against the wicker floor - and Aether and Mona followed his lead. Paimon, meanwhile, casually lowered herself to kneel as well.
"Lord Kamisato, you are dismissed," the Shogun declared, "Lady Lohefalter, we bid to entertain your form alone."
"By your word, Your Excellency," Lord Kamisato tapped his forehead against the floor, before rising and walking back to the doors.
Meanwhile, the Fatui delegates waited until the Fair Lady flicked her head towards the exit, to which they silently rose and trailed after Lord Kamisato. They waited in a strange silence, until it was broken by the sound of the great doors thudding shut.
"Lady Lohefalter," the Shogun said, "Do you believe our noble form to be unwise?"
"Of course not, Your Excellency."
The Fair Lady's voice was powerful and regal, Aether thought, like that of a queen's. Except, in comparison to the Shogun, she was like a kitten before a lion - and she likely knew that.
"Then tell us, what would your master have from our realm?"
"We request more lenient trading rights, Your Excellency," the Fair Lady said, "As well as the permission to sell arms and armour to your armies, so as to aid you in your war against the rebels."
"And yet, you aid our enemies with your foul devices," the Shogun replied, and Aether could feel the pressure rising, the static lightning dancing upon his skin, "And yet, you harbour our own treacherous child of Narushima."
"Your Excellency-"
"We have granted you safe harbour, Lady Lohefalter," the Shogun snarled, "You broke bread in our halls, you sold your wares in our ports. And yet you spit upon our generosity, and you tarnish your own honour by doing so. Tell us, Lady Lohefalter, do you believe our noble form to be unwise?"
"Your Excellency!" the Fair Lady lowered herself to the ground, "You must be mistaken! We Fatui Harbingers are far from united, and my dealings with you are completely separate from theirs! Please, Your Excellency, have any other Fatui Harbinger approach you as I?"
"...No."
"Then you can trust my honour, Your Excellency! For I have nothing to fear, and nothing to hide, by showing you my face, and putting my own life in your hands!"
"...And do you believe your honour to be anything but worthless?"
"I have my own pride, Your Excellency," the Fair Lady answered, "I am not my peers, those conniving dignitaries who cower in the protection of our master. My ideals are not theirs, and be it as it may, I have my own purposes as well."
"Very well," the Shogun finally said, before turning to face Aether, "And you, have you come begging for forgiveness? We are afraid we have none to give."
"Not at all, Your Excellency," Aether smoothly replied, hiding his anxiousness, "I have only come to strike an equal accord."
"You are bold," Aether held his breath as the Shogun contemplated his words, before-
"Very well."
Easy, he thought, too easy - as if this was her purpose all along. Apprehension settled in his gut.
"Lady Lohefalter, we will absolve the Fatui of their sins-"
"My utmost gratitudes, Your Excellency."
"But you must shoulder them alone."
"...!"
"We are all of Narushima," the God of Eternity boomed, "We are these lands, these skies, these seas. There is nowhere in the Land of Thunder that I cannot see, and until you serve my purposes, you will not be allowed to leave."
"...As you say, Your Excellency."
"The Shogunate does not break bread with sellswords," the Shogun informed, "But just this once, we will make an exception. Master Aether, Lady Lohefalter, our accord is such; both of you will aid our armies to the best of your abilities, you will destroy all unauthorised outlander operations within the Land of Thunder - be it Liyuean, Sumeran, or Snezhnayan. This war must end before you are permitted to leave the Land of Thunder."
"By your word, Your Excellency."
"By your word, Your Excellency."
"Lastly, you will bring us the body of that treacherous child of ours," the Shogun declared, "Whether they are alive or dead, we remain uninvolved - but their body must be intact."
"Certainly," she continued, "Let it not be said that we are an unreasonable lord. Our accord shall be flexible, wouldn't you agree?"
The Shogun stood up, and marched down the platform until she stood directly over Aether.
"Raise your head."
Aether tentatively raised his head- "GYYAAAAAAGHHHH!"
He screamed as the Shogun roughly pulled his head up by his hair and pushed her other hand into his sternum. It burned - he could feel his entire body set aflame by divine fire - it burned! Then, the Shogun released him and Aether collapsed to the ground, feeling the steam waft off his body.
Mona rushed over to him, checking and fussing over him. Before she abruptly stopped.
"What… is it?" he croaked.
"Khgggghh!"
Aether heard the sizzle of burnt flesh and the Fair Lady hissing through gritted teeth as he presumed the Shogun did the same to her as she did to him. Mona silently pushed him upright before scooting back to her original position. Aether watched through blurry, tearing eyes as the Shogun knelt back down on her throne.
"You are now of Narushima," the Shogun rumbled, "All the honours you earn will not be yours, all the glory, the pride, and riches will not be yours. They will all be ours, you are all now of Narushima - and you are no more yourself than we are you."
Sweat dripped down his cheek as Aether glanced downwards - and set his eyes upon the Electro Mitsudomoe branded onto his sternum, right between his collarbones. Frantically he glanced towards the Fair Lady, and spotted faint steam wafting off her chest.
He was a slave, Aether bemoaned, perhaps not outright said, but fundamentally the same. What manner of twisted irony was this - divine irony, of course. He glanced backwards, to Paimon, who simply offered him a pleasant smile that he wished to rip off her face.
"Even should that treacherous child of ours flee from this land, you must hunt him down," the Lord of Thunder declared, "Because even if you may leave the Land of Thunder, you may not leave us. We are your honour, your glory, your pride - for we are branded upon your very soul. And once you return us with success, then you will all be absolved of your sins."
"As-" the Fair Lady coughed, "As you say, Your Excellency. But I must ask, who is this 'treacherous child' that you ask us to capture?"
"We believe you know him as the Balladeer," the God of Eternity resounded, "Your mission is to bring us the Balladeer's soul."
Author's Note:
Signora might be a little different personality wise, but I assure you I have a good reason for that. Firstly, she is kind of cartoonishly villainous in the game, here not so much. Mostly, Signora isn't stupid, and she knows that being disrespectful to the Shogun is no bueno if you want to leave Tenshukaku alive (lol). Secondly, she personally respects the Shogun as well - that will be explained later - but if you know Signora's history you can probably figure out why.
For now Aether is a mortal - and slave - for the foreseeable future. He will also be working with Signora for the foreseeable future, and I have big plans for that. Lastly, he seems to be collecting witches for some reason.