Ei smiles, clearly enjoying Aether's struggle. She's now staring directly down at Aether's upturned face, looking like a predator and a hunter ready to pounce on her prey. Aether feels more frustrated and powerless than before...
Aether continues to struggle through his bindings, even though he knows it's useless. Aether suddenly stops struggling as he feels a cold lick on his left cheek. Aether feels a shiver up his spine. As a cold sweat begins to go through his body, he looks up to see Ei giving him a lustful look.
"You taste so good Aether, you make me so hungry. I think you should be punished for making me feel this way." Ei gave Aether a predatory gaze as her eyes look to be extremely dilated. 'What is going to happen to me?' Aether fears the worse as he wishes that this was all just some big nightmare.
Unfortunately it was not.
2 DAYS EARLIER.
Aether wakes up with from his comfortable bed, feeling the morning sun hit his face, as he gives out a small yawn. Oh how he wishes he could just retreat back to the cover of his sheets. But alas he needs to get up and prepare for the day.
The blond Traveler makes his way out of his room and takes a quick peek at Paimon's bedroom. He notices how she's still asleep, giving soft, quiet breaths. Aether rolls his eyes at the still sleeping companion. Deciding not to disturb her, he quickly writes down a note saying that he'll be leaving and that he'll be back soon. Aether quietly places it down outside her door.
He makes his way downstairs and outside his house, ready to fulfill his promise and meet with Ei.
"I wonder if it's too early to stop by, although I don't think she'll mind if I stop by now." Aether said to himself not sure if the Archon wants him to come this early.
Choosing to go anyway, Aether concentrates on exiting the teapot, and then suddenly a familiar white light begins envelope him, as he is transported back to the port of Inazuma. Wasting no time, Aether makes his way back to Tenshukaku. He notices other people getting ready for the day, as workers start to begin ther morning shifts. Aether is glad at the relative peace Inazuma has returned too.
Smiling at the sight he makes his way towards Ei's home. As Aether continues to walk, passing by Inazuma's shopping district, he notices a familiar set of platinum hair in the distances, she seems to be standing in front of a store.
"Ayaka?" Aether calls out.
She gives a quiet yelp at the sudden appearance of the Traveler. Ayaka slowly turns around to meet a smiling Aether, embarrassed at being started so easily. Ayaka is the eldest daughter of the Kamisato family. When Aether first met her, he didn't really like how she was trying to get him involved in Inazuma's affairs, but after seeing how the people were suffering he decided to help their efforts in stopping the Shogun. Aether has since come to value their relationship and she is someone Aether completely trusts.
"Aether? What are you doing here so early?" Ayaka said recovering from her previous shock.
"I could ask you the same thing." Aether said smiling with a questioning glint in his eyes.
It was surprising seeing Ayaka out alone, she's usually at home busy with her family's affairs. And when she does go out she's usually accompanied by her retainer, Thoma. A young man who works for the Kamisato family.
"I..um..well, I am currently out shopping for things.." Ayaka said nervously with a soft blush.
Aether is perplexed at Ayaka's reaction. He's never seen her so nervous and fidgety before. "What kind of things?" Aether asks suspiciously.
Ayaka makes a panicked expression, as if she's just been caught with something. She quickly starts to avoid Aether's gaze as her cheeks turn into deep crimson. He notices that Ayaka has a small bag she's holding behind her back. Aether gives a curious look.
"What's that you're holding on too?" Aether said while making a gesture to the bag Ayaka is holding.
Her face becomes even more panicked as she quickly turns to face Aether, trying to hide the bag behind her.
"I don't know what you're talking about!" Ayaka lied through her teeth. Her tone was so obvious that Aether didn't believe her for a second.
The Traveler grabs Ayaka's shoulders before quickly flipping her around to reveal the bag. Ayaka is surprised at the sudden contact from Aether and begins to blush a deep crimson. As Aether looks inside the bag, he notices a glass container, and what appeared to be chocolates?
"Are these chocolates Ayaka?" Aether asks with a surprised expression.
Ayaka sighs, having been caught by the contents of the bag. "Yes, Aether, I wanted to give chocolates to..to..." Ayaka said unable to finish her sentence as her face once again turns red.
"To..?" Aether asks unsure on how to react to the small girl's behavior.
The Kamisato daughter, takes a deep breath to calm herself down before yelling out a string of words. "IMADEYOUCHOCOLATESFOREVERYTHIBGYOUVEDONE!!" Ayaka said loudly all in one breath as her face flares up again.
"Huh? Could you please slow down, I don't understand what your saying." Aether was so confused and he really wasn't sure on how to respond to the platinum haired girl's antics.
Ayaka takes a few breaths to calm herself down. Her heart was beating a mile a minute. "I wanted to give you chocolates as thanks for everything.." Ayaka manage to let out becoming shy and self conscious at Aether's gaze.
"I was actually just on my way to your teapot, because I wanted to surprise you, I didn't expect you to be up so early though." She said still sporting a subtle blush.
The Platinum haired girl slowly reaches into her bag to hand Aether her chocolates. It was located inside a beautiful glass case with a ribbon wrapping the container. Inside the glass Aether can see an assortments of chocolates all in the shape of a heart. Aether is both surprised and happy at her gift.
"Did you make all of this? It looks great Ayaka." Aether said accepting the chocolates with a small smile.
The girls face immediately perks up at Aether's compliment. Her eyes becoming satisfied having accomplished her goal.
"I know it's not much compared to what you've done for all of Inazuma, but I really wanted to show you my appreciation." Ayaka said softly, her shyness now returning at the confession.
Aether gives her a small hug as thanks for the gift. Ayaka's face has never been more red, as she slowly hugs him back enjoying the embrace of the Traveler. She is sad when Aether eventually pulls away, already missing his warmth.
"Say Aether, how long are you gonna stay in Inazuma for." Ayaka asks hesitantly.
The Traveler gives her a soft gaze before responding. "Probably only for the the next two days." His voice contained a little bit of sadness.
Ayaka gives a subtle pained expression. Aether feels sorry that he will depart so soon.
"Can you spend some more time with me before you leave? Her voice was so soft and so hesitant, it made Aether's heart skip a beat.
"I promise! I can visit you tomorrow." The Traveler said with a wide smile.
Ayaka's face turns from shy and hesitant to happy and excited. "Oh really? Thank you so much Aether, but why must it be tomorrow, can't it be today?" She asks with slight curiosity.
"Ah that, I actually Promised the Shogun that I'd meat up with her today, speaking of that I should probably head out soon." Aether told her honestly.
The Kamisato daughter gives a sad smile at his reason. Ayaka really wanted for Aether to stay with her for the whole day, but she is content with spending time with him tomorrow.
"I see, well I probably shouldn't hold you for so long then." Ayaka gives Aether a weak smile.
"Yeah, I promise I'll meet you tomorrow. How does sometime in the afternoon sound?" He asks politely.
Ayaka's gives Aether a nod, as she now wears a genuine smile. "Yes that sounds lovely." The platinum haired girl said with a happy tone.
Aether gives her a quick nod before giving her one final goodbye as he starts making his way towards Ei's home. Ayaka continues to watch Aether as his figure slowly disappears throughout the busy streets of Inazuma.
"Oh Aether, why do you make me feel so flustered.." Ayaka said quietly to herself.
Having made his way through the busy crowds of the city, Aether finally arrives in front of Tenshukaku. He sees a familiar set of blue hair talking to the guards by the entrance. It was Kujou Sara, a personal retainer of the Shogun. Aether and the retainer weren't exactly friendly with each other, as they had once been enemies. It also seemed apparent to him that Sara wasn't too fond of how close he was getting towards the electro archon.
Noticing his presence, Sara calls out to Aether. "Ah Traveler, I've been informed by the Shogun that you'd be arriving, however I didn't expect you to come here so early." Sara said in an annoyed tone.
Aether gives a nervous smile at the retainer's harsh tone. "Ah sorry about that, I hope it's not too much trouble." He said trying not to stir up Sara.
The retainer gives a long sigh, before noticing a bag in Aether's hand. "What's in the bag?" Sara asks suspiciously.
Aether looks down at the bag before responding. "It's chocolates actually."
Sara gives the blonde an annoyed glare. Her brows arch in slight disgust. "Don't think I don't notice what your trying to do. Buttering up to the Shogun, just so you could have control over her!" Kujou Sara said giving Aether an accusatory finger.
Aether gives a shocked expression at her accusations. "What! That's not true! Please believe me when I say I have no nefarious intentions!" Aether pleaded, defending himself.
Sara's eyes squint in suspicion. Looking as if she didn't believe a word Aether said. She turns around as if ready to end the conversation.
"Fine, but just know that I'm watching you. Now don't keep the Shogun waiting. She said in a huff before leaving.
'What's her problem?' Aether thinks with a slight sweat drop. As he enters the large palace, Aether failed to notice a pair of purple, predatory eyes looking at him form the top balcony.
The inside of Ei's home is massive. Shukuaku is a large traditional palace with dark oak wood and intricate designs as the exterior, the inside houses many rooms, ranging from a kitchen, living spaces, training grounds, and personal living quarters. Aether makes his way through the flight of stairs before reaching the top of the palace.
"Ah Traveler, you have arrived. I've been waiting for you." Said Raiden Shogun. Aether could tell it was the Shogun speaking as her voice sounded more robotic and monotone.
"Yes I've arrived as promised." Aether said giving her soft smile. The Shogun gives an uncharacteristic smile back. This surprises Aether, as he's never seen the Shogun smile before.
"Give me a moment as I relinquish control back to Ei." The Shogun said with a the smallest hint of happiness.
She closes her eyes for a minute, before opening them up again, revealing a pair of happy eyes. "Aether you've made it!" Ei said happily before running up and giving him the biggest hug.
Aether was shocked at the sudden show of affection. He slowly wraps his arms around Ei, giving her a nervous pat. Ei simply continues to hold Aether in her embrace. He can hear her softly taking in his scent. After about 30 seconds of the hug, Aether begins to get a little uncomfortable, at how long Ei is holding him.
"Haha I didn't know you missed me this much." Aether said nervously.
Ei simply responded by burying her face in Aether's chest, inhaling deeply at his scent. Aether is getting a little more uncomfortable at how long Ei is hugging him for, unsure what to do he gives her another soft pat on the back.
"Hey Ei, mind letting me go?" The Traveler asked hoping to get Ei to pull away.
"Ten more seconds." She simply says, giving a content expression.
As the seconds pass, Aether can't help but notice how soft Ei's body feels. A slight blush creeps onto his face. 'She smells really good.' Aether thinks to himself. To him, Ei smelled like lavender flowers picked from a warm spring day.
After ten seconds passes, Ei reluctantly lets Aether go, she immediately misses his warmth. "I'm so happy you made it Aether." Ei said with content blush.
Aether notices how happy Ei looks right now. 'She must've been really lonely' Aether thought with sympathy. Noticing a bag on Aether's right hand, Ei begins to give him a curious look.
"What's in the bag, Aether?" Ei' asks curiously, her voice was soft, sounding as if she was just an innocent child, and not some fierce deity.
"Oh this? It's just some chocolates, would you like some?" Aether offered, while taking the chocolate container out of the bag.
Ei's face instantly lights up, she gives Aether a delighted smile. Not many people knew this but Ei had a huge sweet tooth, many citizens would be shocked to find out that their very own archon, has such childish tendencies. Although that is something Aether does finds endearing about her.
"Oh yes please!" Ei said enthusiastically. Her face showed an excitement one would typically find a child who's just been rewarded some candy.
Aether opens the glass container, as Ei slowly picks up of the heart shaped chocolates. The archon plops the treat in her mouth as she begins savoring the flavor. Her face changing into one of pure bliss as she chews on the chocolate.
"Does it tastes good?" Aether asks before putting a chocolate in his mouth. He got his answer immediately, the heart shaped treat had the perfect blend of cocoa and sugar. It left a creamy aftertaste that sent Aether into pure bliss.
Ei begins reaching into the container again before gorging herself on a few more pieces. "Aether this is delicious! Where did you get this!?" Ei asked as she swallows the chocolate in her mouth, before reaching to grab another.
"It's great right? Ayaka made this for me as thanks for helping Inazuma." The moment Aether mentioned Ayaka's name the room immediately became cold. Ei stood still as she dropped a piece of chocolate on to the floor, her face turning into an uncanny blank stare. Upon seeing the sudden change in atmosphere, Aether begins to feel a cold sweat run through his body.
"Um Ei? Is everything alright?" Aether asks nervously.
The look on Ei's face was something he'd never seen her have before. She had a blank look on her face, but her eyes gave the sign of a raging storm. Ei continues to give Aether a blank stare, as the room became even more colder. The atmosphere was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Aether's body gave a cold chill, as if warning him to run away from the impending danger.
"Did you say Ayaka?" Ei finally said in an uncanny voice. Her face was completely dead, devoid of all emotions.