Ei smiles, knowing that Aether just fell into her trap. She now holds onto Aether's chin.
"You think that's the worst I have to offer? Just you wait, Aether! I will defile you again and again until your mind breaks and your body surrenders to me like a slave." Ei said in a cruel voice.
With that, Ei stands up proudly, knowing that she has the situation now completely under control.
"And then... after everything you've been through... I'll make you love me." Ei had a sadistic smile on her face.
'How did it end up like this? Where did everything go wrong?' Aether thought to himself, all the while dealing with his new reality.
3 DAYS EARLIER.
After the defeat of the Shogun, Inazuma has ended its Vision Hunt Decree, and relative peace returns once more in the Nation. Aether and Ei are currently seen in Tenshuaku, a place where Ei resides in. Both of them are enjoying a cup of tea in one of the dining rooms.
"I hope the tea is to your liking, I learned this recipe from my stay at the Kamisato's estate." Aether said with a soft smile
Ei had never had tea that tasted quite like this before, it was the perfect blend of leaves, that gave a subtle aftertaste of sweet honey. She can smell the wonderful aroma coming from the hot steam.
"It's wonderful, the Kamisato family truly are gifted in the art of tea making." Ei's face was that of a happy bliss.
The feeling of the Traveler's presence was akin to that of a warm oceans breeze to her. Ei is so glad to have met Aether, she wishes for their time together to never end. Ei feels so safe and comfortable in the Traveler's presence.
"Yeah I was amazed at the taste of the tea when I first tried it, I'm glad Ayaka took the time to teach it to me." Aether said softly, reminiscing at the memory.
Ei feels a sudden jab of pain at the mention of the Kamisato's eldest daughter. Breaking her away from her peaceful atmosphere. She is unfamiliar with this newfound emotion. 'What is this feeling in my chest?' Ei thought to herself, her face changing to that of a conflicted expression. Aether quickly notices the change in her demeanor.
"What's wrong Ei? You don't look very well.." Aether's voice was full of concern as he gave Ei a worrying look.
The Archon shook her thoughts away before calming herself down.
"It is nothing Traveler, please don't mind me, I am simply tired is all." Ei lied faking a small smile.
Aether did not looked convinced at Ei's explanation but decided to not pursue it any further.
"If you say so.." Aether said while taking a sip of his tea.
They both fell back into comfortable silence as they simply enjoyed each other's presence. Taking time to enjoy the tea. Aether began telling her stories of his travels, as Ei listens to his adventures, smiling at his tales. The two of them not paying attention to how dark it's gotten outside.
"Oh wow it's getting quite late." Aether suddenly realized. "I should probably head out, if I stay too long Paimon will get angry and throw another fit again." Aether said jokingly with a soft laugh.
A sudden urge to reach out and grab the Traveler's hand washes over Ei. She doesn't want Aether to leave, his presence is simply too calming for her to let him go. Ei desperately feels the need to convince the Traveler to stay the night with her.
"What if you stayed the night here with me Aether? I'm sure Paimon wouldn't mind if you were gone just a little bit longer." Ei said biting her lip hoping that Aether accepts.
Aether gave her a surprised look at the sudden invitation. His face turns to a conflicted expression.
"I'd love to stay but it's getting really late, I still have some errands I need to finish." Aether's voice was soft as he felt a little guilty declining Ei's invitation.
His words made Ei feel an unrecognizable mix of emotions. She so desperately wants for Aether to stay, Ei has been so lonely ever since her sister Makoto, passed away. Isolating herself in the Plane Of Euthymia was the only way she could forget about that pain. It wasn't until the Traveler came to her life and made her realized the error of her ways, did she finally start to begin healing.
"I..I see, will I at least see you tomorrow?" Ei asked with a hint of desperation in her voice.
Aether gives her a small smile. "Of course I will."
Ei quickly smiled at the Traveler's promise. With that Aether gives Ei one final goodbye before leaving her palace. Once the Traveler leaves, Ei begins preparing for her rest. She relinquishes control over her body back to the Shogun, as she returns to the Plane of Euthymia. Once there Ei's thoughts begin to drift to Aether.
"What is this painful feeling in my chest?" Ei said softly, placing her hands on her heart. "Whenever Aether is away I feel so empty and lonely." Her voice is filled with sadness as she continues to to try to rest her eyes.
Images of Aether leaving her fills her mind.
Ei begins to see Aether leaving her with another women holding onto his hand. The feeling of anger and jealousy at the thought of Aether leaving with another women pools in Ei's mind.
"NO NO NO NO!" Ei bellows out. "I can't have him leave me! I can't lose another person who's precious to me! I won't allow it!" Ei's voice has grown loud as she despairs at the thought of Aether leaving her.
Her anger slowly becomes that of sadness, as she starts giving quiet sobs. "Please don't leave me..." Ei's voice is so full sorrow as hot tears begin to streak down her face. She falls to the ground as she begins sobbing quietly.
After sometime Ei manages to calm herself down, as she wipes the tears away from her face, determination begins to fill her. She won't let her happiness end so soon. Not after she's suffered for so long. Ei begins to slowly stand up and makes a face of pure conviction.
"I won't let you go Aether, no matter what, even if I have to use force to do so." Ei's voice was cold and fierce, her face showed complete determination.
Ei has found her new eternity.