Ei stood before Orobashi's remains. The spot where 500 years ago, her lover Sasayuri perished. 500 years had not changed the landscape much.
She got down on her knees, laying the wreath at the skull's base.
"I'm sorry I haven't visited in a while," she began. "After losing Makoto, I just couldn't do this anymore. I ran away. My nation suffered from my foolishness."
She sighed, permitting herself a rueful chuckle.
"I know regretting what cannot be changed is pointless, but I can't forgive myself. If you were here, I'm sure you'd tell me to stop being so hard on myself. You always gave me clarity."
Her throat panged. Overhead, a thundercloud rumbled. She took a deep breath, settling down. The black clouds disappeared.
Ei fixed her gaze upon the wreath. Naku weed and Sakura were Sasayuri's favorites. Ei managed a weak smile. As if in response, a gust fluttered through her hair.
"I'm trying to move forward now. I have a new love. He's strong, thoughtful, and brave. He brought me to my senses, helped me understand the severity of my mistakes, and showed me the beauty of Inazuma today.
"And because of him, I've done things I never would've dreamed of doing. I participated in a talent show where I actually sang. Can you imagine? Me—singing? I played this new game called Twister. I made peace with the priestess of Watatsumi. I even told him about you."
Ei stared at the wreath.
"He's in Natlan, saving others no doubt. Once again, my will is faltering. I want nothing more than to fly to his side. But I cannot abandon my nation. That would mean abandoning the person I've become thanks to him."
Ei formed fists in the sand. The immortal Archon, feared by Inazuma, trembled.
"Sasayuri, keep him safe. Watch over him in my stead. Bring him home to me."
She bowed again.
The wind answered her. It billowed through her hair. Were she a mortal, it might have given her goosebumps. Instead, it felt like the gusts stirred by the wing beats of a Tengu warrior.
Ei offered a final prayer to her friend. She remained there, unmoving, long after evening became night and the moon became the sun.
As early morning fell over her nation, Ei rose to her feet, startling the birds nestling on her shoulders. Then, she did as Aether taught her, finding her resolve and moving forward.