Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, or hello if don't celebrate!
A little early, but here is an update for my end of the month dump!
There may be another update for this coming for Fairy Tale of the Sun and Tales of Fox and Cat finished soon, although if they finish quickly I a may have time to move to this before New Years and get three in but that may be pushing it...
Hope you enjoy!
WARNING! This chapter is raw. It contains and expresses the feelings of loss and losing a loved one. Discretion is Advised.
"My dear, you need to relax."
Refraining from snarling, placing her hands on her hips frustratedly, Miko exhaled, her eyes flickering vehemently as she upon the emblazoned fox head of the sakura tree. Watching her master elegantly trim it to keep its form, using a touch of presence to manifest and will the plant to follow her commands to maintain its shape. "I am perfectly fine, Lady Saiguu; I will have you know. My anger is justified. When anyone insults our Shoguns and our Hero…"
"I did not say your rage wasn't to be expected." Saiguu's eyes did not waver from her task as she cared for the sakura tree, humming as she did. "Nor did I say to take that woman's slight against our Archons and our people's beloved hero. Her goal was obvious. To frustrate you, and she was successful."
Yae bitterly mouthed a retort but held her tongue, finding her composure. The disdainful expression continued to linger, and her tongue was sharp. "It was only her intention to upset me to amuse herself, nothing more. No, the real reason she was here was far more insidious, I'm afraid. The Fatui are after the Gnosis."
Saiguu's hands stilled from her work, gently stepping down and away from the sacred Sakura tree. Her eyes quivered, finally taking her attention from the tree grooming and onto her successor. "You are… Sure of this?"
"Naruto informed me last night of their intentions." Miko peered into her master's weary gaze, reveling in her expression as Saiguu's ears bolted upright and her mouth hung open. "There was a trail of unusual circumstances that I encountered by happenchance. I followed the trail to its natural conclusion despite how oddly bizarre it was, and I found our old tea set gifted to us by that long-winded bird that loves to tell stories…"
Overcome with a wealth of emotions at hearing she had already found Naruto, Saiguu was almost lost until those words. Then, a wry smile crossed her lips, remembering how upset Miko was returning from Liyue. "Ah, yes. The crane that attempted to woo him into marrying the Qilin…"
"Let's not bring that up!" Yae hissed, her face flushed at the memory, wishing she had never told her about it.
The crane had the audacity to try and court Naruto? The arrogance to insist on him taking her sister* as his bride? To give her grandchildren?!
How much did she drink that night? What kind of stupor was she in?
If it wasn't for Rex Lapis and that Yakasha, that night could have been horrible for all! She was a meager kit at the time and didn't know her desires at the time…
Saiguu only smiled in amusement at Miko's reaction, letting out a soft sigh. "Ah, it's good to see that look on your face again. And all it took was for him to return to us once again… Is he well?"
Miko's eyes glimmered at her master's words before she frowned, crossing her arms across her chest once more, her eyes shifting to Inazuma City, curious about the proceedings below. "It's a matter of perspective. How do you define ' well'? "
Saiguu's ears twitched. Her eyes shifted, catching her successor's gaze while narrowing at her words. Her lips barely held back the thinly veiled snarl she suppressed before exhaling. "Of course… He would be at the center of the tumultuous storm. No, shall I say, he is the maelstrom within it?"
"Maybe he is the storm this time, trying to corral the maelstrom, perhaps?" Yae retorted, a glint shimmering as she glanced back at Saiguu.
"Oh? Now, is he?" Saiguu responded, a sly smile crossing her thinly veiled lips before she exhaled. "Amused as it is to hear such a tale, you do not need to inform this old codger of the details. It only warms my heart to see his return and warmth return in your demeanor…"
Miko's attention diverted from the city, focusing completely on her master. Despite the smile drawn on her master's face, a sullen sensation washed over her as she locked eyes with hers once more.
Seeing the brightness within her gaze wither and slowly fade.
"Lady Saiguu?" Miko's voice wavered, only to be answered with a solemn nod that sent a cold shiver down her spine.
"It's time Miko…" Saiguu closed her eyes, her smile unfaltering. "I've been delaying the inevitable for some time now in the hope that maybe I would one day get to see one more miracle… And I wasn't disappointed."
"Oh, I haven't been to the Grand Naruto Shrine in forever! This place is always so amazing!" A chipper voice echoed from in front of the shrine excitedly, enthusiasm dripping with anticipation. "Hello! I'm from the Komaniya Express! You called! Say you had an express package for me to deliver! I, one hundred percent, guarantee it will arrive pronto in pristine quality!"
"Yes, it's right over here, dear!" Saiguu called out to the youthful courier; a chuckle caught in her throat before her eyes opened once more and glanced into Miko's petrified expression. "Ah, such exuberance. And from a young youkai trying to integrate into human society… Do help her along just like we have done for centuries, Miko. It can be a hard adjustment, as you know…"
"There is still so much work to be done. Our work is never finished."
"I died! I'm dead! I was cut in half! Obliterated! Atomized and turned to Electro-radiated dust! Oh, woe with me! I have been forsaken, and it's all your fault! Some father figure you are! Take me under your wing and protect me, you say! Here I lay, slain! Cut in twain! Ashes, I say!"
"Furina…" A voice echoed while the Hydro Archon curled into herself, wailing in such theatrical despair as tears poured from her eyes in a majestic display, drawing all attention in the room.
Furina, who had been huddled shivering fear moments before, now was standing and grandly gesturing for all to see. Her eyes, previously clenched tight, stained with drips, now were open wide and brimming with raw, vehement passion while bemoaning her plight for all to hear.
Her image shifted and morphed for all to see. The clothes she wore were no longer the same. All the white clothing was now mystically stained black. Her long, luscious ponytails vanished, leaving only her wavy locks beneath her top hat.
Three elegant creatures of pure water formed beside her, splashing water.
A Ball Octopus bouncing a ball to comfort its mistress.
A Bubbly Seahorse blowing hundreds of bubbles all around, trying to soothe her.
And an Armored Crab, gently clacking its claws before her, trying to snap her back to reality.
None of this, she was cognizantly aware. Brushing past all of her denizens and the attention drawn to her, she wailed in utter misery. Her voice resonated for all to hear as if performing on stage. "I said I didn't want to do this, but no! You said you want a spectacle! You received it in spectacular fashion, you brutish, vile fiend! Once more, I believe in you! I thought I would be protected and safe! That the Lady Shoguns would find it humorous and enjoy my acting prowess! Shame on me for believing your disingenuous deception!"
"The performance was marvelous." A gentle and enlightened voice mused through the chaotic mess unfolding in her chambers, waving the guards from the room while attempting to reach the frightened and disheveled young woman and calm her spirit. "The entrance was outstanding. Befitting of the Archon of Justice, who mesmerizes all with her captivating presence. …If only our finest hero wouldn't provoke and agitate my beloved sister, and she would not take the bait so unnecessarily…"
Her words were lost on Furina, for she continued to mumble under her breath, lamenting her plight. Strutting forth, desperately begging the world for a second chance as she stood in front of Lumine, placing her hands on her shoulders. "Nay! This beautiful world has lost one of its dearest treasures! A drought will now be bestowed upon the land as my curse is finally lifted, but at what cost?! What cost, I say?!"
"Um…" Lumine leaned her head back, perplexed as the tension in the room lifted, at a loss for what to say as she stared into her heterochromatic eyes. "Are you okay? Is there something I can do for you?"
"Is this a case of… One losing their mind?" Shenhe asked, leaning into Aether and softly whispering, the pressure within the room waning as the electro-radiation faded, slowly drawing to the center of the room.
"It's hard to say, given she seems to be an outstanding actress. This could be a part of her boisterous performance, considering the entrance." Aether scrutinized the situation, observing carefully while the peculiar young woman in blue was accosting his sister. "However, she does seem very distressed. So, maybe?"
"A little help, brother!" Lumine screeched, noticing his lack of effort to help her, and decried him, her tick mark developing on her temple. "Shenhe! Don't nod at his assessment! Help me!"
"Come on! Now is not the time for this!" Dehya attempted to separate Furina from Lumine, recognizing where this was heading, and knew this performance would not end well, swearing under her breath. "Lesser Lord Kusanali, help me with this one! I am not getting paid enough for this!"
"Furina." A calm voice slowly turned agitated at the commotion around him before cerulean eyes clashed with confused radiant violets while the electro-radiation drew to a naginata that crossed with a black rod within his hand. "This is entirely your fault."
"I she… Well?" A stoic voice responded, disengaging and holding her naginata at her side, her eyes bored into the despaired young woman. "I would not have expected an Archon to act so… Undignified."
"You have no room to talk."
Ei mildly scoffed at the biting retort from the agitated kitsune, her ever-present gaze curiously watching the Hydro Archon's curious meltdown. "Her demeanor… Is like that of the drunkard… This is who Egeria chose as her successor? Disappointing."
"You have no right to judge!" Naruto mocked Ei, unamused. "I come home, albeit with a dramatic flair that you know is becoming of me, and your first act is to accuse me and unleash the most devastating technique in your arsenal toward me in the Musou no Hitotachi! I feel so welcome, Ei! If I had been a step slower…"
"Your reaction was slower," Ei remarked, causing Naruto to scoff, eyes dilating as he spat, as she focused back on him with full intent. "Markedly so. Your strength has declined as well. Even when holding back, a certain amount is required to deflect the Musou no Hitotachi…"
Naruto bit back a snarl, refraining from rolling his eyes. He couldn't have a normal relationship with Ei…
Of course, she was looking for a reason to engage in combat with him the moment she saw him again. Why did that not surprise him?
Was this her way of getting back at him for attempting to get her to socialize? Break her stoic demeanor?
Did she harbor a demented crush of some fashion? Was it battle lust she sought him for? Someone who could test her to her very limits and not be restrained?
She frustrated him to no end, and in return, he frustrated her!
He knew he shouldn't. Be the better person. But he couldn't help but be petty! She was just so…
All attention was diverted to Furina once more.
Eyes were drawn to her, for she had taken center stage, falling upon her knees, gazing upon the roof as if it was the sky, tears dripping down her cheeks in despair. "What is wrong with me? Why did I do this? Why did I think I could say that?! I'm nothing special! …I never was… I am nothing but a mere mortal playing Arc…"
"Furina!" Naruto called out to Furina, kneeling before her and placing his hands on her shoulder, snapping her attention to his. "You were lost in your performance again. You didn't think I would let you die, would ya? Did you forget that I told ya there ain't anything she could do that I couldn't stop?"
"Eh-he… Maybe." Furina shrunk in embarrassment, flushing as she innocently scratched at her cheek.
Bubbles then began to blow all around, and she shrunk further. "Oh no… Surintendante Chevalmarin? What are you doing here? Oh, do I have that little control!"
With a disappointed groan, closing her eyes, she heard three popping splashes. She felt a pulse flow through her. Opening her eyes, her outfit had returned to its normal state before she gazed back up at Naruto, expecting to see disappointment. "The pressure was so immense. When I saw the flash, everything went poof, and all I saw was a stage before me…"
"I can tell." Naruto reached out and adjusted her top hat, a smile to reassure her. "Gotta lot to work on, don't we? Perhaps we should have waited a week or two…"
Furina's blush was embellished, her entire face nearly turning bright cherry red, her lips puckering as she crossed her arms. "I told you so…"
"Yeah, yeah. You were right…"
"Ahem…" A cough drew all eyes toward Makoto, her warm presence beaming, for she had strode toward Furina and Naruto. "While it has been centuries since we last saw one another, and a reunion is long overdue, you did interrupt an important meeting and discussion…"
"Nah," Naruto rose, assisting Furina to her feet, scratching his head with a wide smile. "I intervened just when I intended to. Didn't want you making a mistake with the Travelers."
A scowl drew across Makoto's lips.
A mistake?
"Excuse me?" Ei's voice rose, stepping closer with a harsh glint radiating within her eyes. "You think you know better than my sister?"
Locking eyes with Ei, an amused glint shimmered within Naruto's gaze. Immediately, two separate voices caught the glint and were immediately alarmed, knowing what he would do.
"Naruto, please no…" Makoto let out an exacerbated sigh, memories of old rapidly surfacing, especially when someone invoked her competitive nature. "Ei, please don't fall for the obvious bait…"
"Not again!" Furina pulled on the sleeve of Naruto's orange uwagi, trying to keep him from causing trouble. "Why are you a magnet for trouble? Ugh, this will be like Sumeru and that stupid Harbinger tried to create a new Archon for the Akademiya!"
"So they were involved with that…" Aether muttered, eyes wide as the duo Shogun turned their gaze to the Hydro Archon pulling on an exasperated Naruto's sleeve. "Lesser Lord Kusanali stated she was here to help a friend who helped her…"
"Is he her friend?" Lumine's lips puckered, meeting her brother's gaze as she finished his thought, the two nodding.
They would question him later and get their answers. Whoever this happened to be, he had his reasons for intervening…
"Creating a new Archon?" Makoto frowned, a puzzled expression aroused, before she turned to Naruto, her lips quivering as she scrutinized him. "Interesting… Is it possible…"
"Impossible!" Ei scowled, crossing her arms over her chest, closing her eyes, and turning her head away. "Such a thing is only granted by the current Archon to choose their successor or the Heavenly Principles…"
"One would think…" Makoto kept her gaze intent on Naruto, intently focused on her. "However, with her disappearance I wonder. Would others be bold enough… Is someone else here?"
"...ease let me through! I need to deliver this package to Lady Shogun! It's a special delivery straight from the Grand Naruto Shrine!"
"Mam, please, we already had one intrusion and cannot afford another."
"Intrusion? That sounds awful! Whatever happened, I hope your day gets better! I am on official business for Lady Saiguu to deliver this, and I need to…"
"Let her in." Ei resonated upon seeing the curious expression on Makoto's face and finding it unusual that Saiguu would send something to them and then come down herself.
She also found it odd that Naruto closed his eyes and exhaled as he turned his expression to the door as it opened.
What did he know about this? How did he know anything about Saiguu if he had just arrived here?
"Meow!" A young youkai, nekomata courier, presented herself as she entered through the doors with energetic enthusiasm, bounding forward with an infectious smile, her twin tails twisting behind her joyfully.
She carefully carried a box adorned with a signature cat-faced symbol on it, taking special care to keep it safe with each and every step before she made it before the Shoguns. The moment she did, her eyes sparkled, and she bowed vigorously. "It is such an honor! I never thought I would get a chance to one day deliver a package to Lady Makoto herself! Oh, where are my manners? I am Kirara of Komaniya Express! I have a special package and was instructed to deliver to you directly from Lady Saiguu courtesy of Lady Saiguu herself!"
"Thank you for your service," Makoto graciously accepted the box, trying to allow the awkwardness of the young nekomata's actions to unsettle her as, quite obviously, she was overly eager to please and do her job.
It was just a little too much.
It also didn't help that she stayed, looking upon her with expecting eyes. As if she wanted to see what was in the package…
Unaware that the package could be confidential.
Of course, if it was, Saiguu would have delivered it personally, but still…
This young youkai could learn a few things…
"You may leave." Ei sternly iterated, knowing her sister was unnerved by Kirara's sparkle, and she, too, wanted the nekomata's presence gone. "You have completed your task. Your job is complete."
"Oh…" Kirara bemoaned, finding that seeing what was in the package was one of the most exciting prospects of delivery, but sighed dutifully as it was to be expected for a recipient to have a right to privacy. "Very well. I still have many more deliveries after all…"
"You might want to open it now, Makoto," Naruto spoke, his eyes opening as a somber expression came over him. "I think I have an idea of what is in that package. Furina, Dehya, we're heading to the shrine…"
Ei narrowed her eyes as Naruto turned away, a deep scowl adorned on her face as an unsettling feeling swelled in Makoto's stomach. Gazing down at the box, gently opening the lid, she feared what was inside it.
What was inside it?
"Wait, we're just there to drop off that book you want to leave there." Dehya scowled, crossing her arms and squinting her eyes as Furina took to Naruto's side, seeing his expression, feeling the atmosphere, and sensing something was amiss. "What are we going there for now? Hold on! Hey, answer me… I don't like that look! What's going on?"
Glancing at one another, Aether and Lumine nodded to one another before Lumine addressed the Archons, bowing in their presence. "If we may, Lady Shoguns, take our leave… With all these distractions…"
"You may." Ei acknowledged their request, granting their permission, no longer feeling their presence was required. "However, take my sister's advice into consideration…"
"Or the consequences will be dire." Electro eyes radiated passionately as she cast her overwhelming will upon them, their breath hitching, Shenhe's eyes narrowing as she stepped forth, her eyes blistering.
Ei's attention focused on the woman standing before the two travelers. Her lips pursed.
Amused.
Was she immune to her pressure?
Intriguing.
Perhaps she was…
"No…" Makoto softly murmured, causing Ei's eyes to flutter at the sight as she pulled an ornate, floating ring they recognized from the delivered package. "The Hakushin Ring?* That means… She's ready…."
"To fade and join the others in ley lines."
This road traveled up this mountainous path, which this massive tree sprouted through, was nigh inaccessible.
How most people made their journey to this shrine was beyond them.
Butterflies flapped. Sakura Blooms pulsed with Electro currents. Onikabuto clicked and rattled as they battled against one another on the rooftops of the shrine.
The calm, serene grace of the sakura petals scattering through the air as the wind gently spread them belayed a solemn dread underneath as they arrived.
For as they passed the main shrine, all the shrine maidens stood ceremonially by the torii gates leading to the tip of the giant sakura tree, which was trimmed to that of a fox head.
The Raiden Shoguns were at the gate along with the man with a priestess wearing a different style of hakama than the rest, gathering before three and a woman kneeling before it. As if she was praying…
"Visitors aren't allowed at this time!" One of the maidens addressed Aether and Lumine, startled at their arrival, and attempted to intercept them. "I apologize for the inconvenience…"
"Leave them." Naruto's voice echoed without turning his attention toward them, surprising the shrine maiden as she rapidly spun to attention. "This is why they are here, after all. They are Observers from the Stars. "
"Having our history recorded by the immortals is a blessing. One, we should be honored for them to be witnesses." Makoto added, causing both to flinch for being referred to such as turning their attention toward them. "They should know and understand our rites… Why we wish to preserve it. So, come. Join us."
"Yes, Lady Makoto." The maiden bowed gently, ushering Aether, Lumine, and Shenhe to a smaller gathering where an uncomfortable Furina stood beside Dehya, watching with intrigue.
"Heh, you guys followed? Can't say I'm surprised," Dehya smirked as she placed her hands on her hips, greeting them before glancing upon the proceedings with a more sobering expression. "Know you probably have some questions for him, but that's gonna have to wait a while… Saying goodbye to someone precious is never easy."
Aether and Lumine shared a grimace, Lumine's shoulders shrinking as she rubbed her forearm while Aether lowered her head. They had discussed something similar earlier today, and it was being brought up again.
It seemed the world was testing their resolve…
"It has been so long since we have all been together," Saiguu commented, her voice chipper despite the melancholy air. "To see so many happy faces before I become one with the ley lines, becoming but a memory…"
"You'll never be a memory." Naruto knelt beside Saiguu, gently placing his hand on top of hers, forcing a smile despite the sense of grief he felt swirling within. "A part of you will always remain with us. With everyone that you have left a mark upon."
"Those that you taught. Those you fought. Those you help in dire need." Miko expressed, biting her lip as she forced a longing smile while she tightly grasped her gohei in her trembling hands. "For as long as we hold you in our hearts. Tell your story… You will never be forgotten. You… will live on."
"This is what it means to be eternal." Makoto stepped before her familiar, her eyes glimmering with a gentle hue, offering her hand to her. "My friend… My partner for so long. Are you ready? You must have been waiting for me for so long. I am so sorry to have kept you waiting…"
A broad smile widened on Saiguu's face. She gently laughed, reaching and taking her friend's hand, a glimmer of light returning in her eyes. "My friend, waiting has only brought me so much happiness… For now, not only have I have my best friend here with me at the end… I finally get to see the child I loved have an energy I haven't seen in centuries. All because our knucklehead troublemaker has returned. Took you long enough…"
Miko's eyes glimmered as tears freely fell despite her best efforts, repressing the sob in her throat. Makoto only smiled while Naruto shook his head, a faded smile on his lips. "I should be offended, but you aren't wrong. Can't help myself, ya know."
"I know. Like I can say I was any better. How many pranks did we pull together?" Saiguu grinned mischievously, her ears curling before her expression softened, glancing at Miko. "She is yours, you know? Take care of her…"
Naruto and Yae stiffened, Makoto repressing a giggle at their awkward reaction.
It was cute.
"Ei," Saiguu turned her attention to the other present Shogun as a soft glow emanated from her chest, slowly spreading throughout her body. "My friend. I've seen you grow so much over these years. From you tried to hide how excited you were in beating others in spars. How you love your sweet treats and adamantly deny it…"
"Saiguu…" Ei flushed in annoyance and embarrassment, her eyes flickering away from the kitsune's gaze, unable to meet it.
"Do not fear those feelings." Saiguu repressed a frown, the glow brightening around her as she released Makoto's hand while Naruto stood and gave her space. "My one regret is that despite all this time, we still haven't broken you free of that shell of yours. Emotions are not a weakness. They are your strength, Ei. Once you understand them, you can embrace them and will no longer need to use that Gnosis to fuel your strength."
As Ei stood rigidly, her head tucked and turned from Saiguu, Makoto exhaled. The process was slow, but in time…
"Miko, if you would…"
Nodding, taking her guhei before her, Yae proceeded in what looked like a dance. The shrine maidens followed, each muttering prayers as they knelt, the volume of the light around Saiguu intensifying.
Yet, she only smiled, leaning against the tree, her eyes closing as she tucked her head, her breath slowly stilling. "May Inazuma live on… In eternity…"
A warm pulse engulfed the shrine, swallowing everything in its glow.
But it was pleasant. Comfortable.
The sensation felt… At peace.
The light faded, draining into the tree, and a deathly silence fell upon all.
Saiguu's body was no longer present.
Miko, unable to support her weight, collapsed into Naruto's chest, gently sobbing as he embraced her. Allowing her to pour her soul out to him.
Makoto gazed into the warm light absorbed by the tree, feeling her friend's presence fade into the ley lines. She closed her eyes, the winds swirling around her, and she heard a voice and knew her friend would be guided through the ley lines to rest.
She was in good hands.
The last figure turned, storming away with a single tear soaked on her cheek. Ei did not want another to see her like this…
Another friend she so dearly cherished was no longer with her.
Here we are at the end of another chapter. I hope those of you that already haven't seen this chapter enjoyed. Engagement of any kind is much appreciated, but I get it! We're all busy and sometimes saying something is difficult! But knowing you are enjoying it and leaving any form of interaction helps more than you know.
It keeps me so warm in these cold months... AND I'M FREEZING HERE!
So without anything else to say...
Peace out my friends.