She never expected to have tea with the woman who killed her, but here she was. They sat on opposite ends of the low table, teacups before them, kneeling on the floor. The Raiden Shogun's violet eyes regarded her cordially. Those eyes that once approached her, full of killing intent, those eyes, which had been the last thing she'd seen before oblivion. Her soul shivered in remembrance.
"Is something the matter?" asked Raiden Ei. Mirror Maiden shook her head. Raiden Ei stared at Mirror Maiden for a long moment before she lowered her cup into its saucer. "You are frightened of me."
Well, you did kill me once, she almost replied. Instead, Mirror Maiden put on a smile.
"A bit, yes," she admitted.
Raiden Ei made an acknowledging little nod. "I understand. Your memories have all returned?"
"Mostly," said Mirror Maiden.
She didn't feel comfortable saying just how much she remembered. Her former life, in all its ugly glory, played on rerun in her nightmares and daydreams. Only now, she experienced every atrocity with a heart unclouded by the Delusion. So much misery. These days, she clung to whatever might grant her brief reprieve from those memories: sex, alcohol, her new friendships, Eula. Somedays, she felt inches from going insane.
"I'm perfectly fine, though," she said.
Raiden Ei looked skeptical.
"I'm serious," she insisted. "I feel fine. Sure, some days are hard, but I can handle it. Anyways, how are you feeling?"
"Concerned. For a friend."
Raiden Ei softened her gaze. The sincerity of her expression caught Mirror Maiden off guard. Mirror Maiden tried laughing but couldn't find her voice.
Ei said, "Mirror Maiden. I know how guilt can weigh heavily on one's mind. Take it from me: pushing away people who care for you is no way to live."
Mirror Maiden stared at her reflection in the tea.
"I know, but I don't…" her voice trailed off
"'I don't deserve this second chance?'" finished Ei. "That's what you wanted to say, isn't it?"
Mirror Maiden hugged herself.
"The world seldom gives us what we ask for or what we deserve," said Ei. "Sometimes, though, it gives us what we need. I believe the world gave me my second chance for a reason. I believe it gave you a second chance for a reason, too."
"Like what?"
"Aether's happier with you in his life. Eula views you as her sister, someone who accepted her when few others would. You went around Teyvat and returned hope to many of the people Signora hurt. The UHA members consider you family. Our lives are richer with you in it."
Mirror Maiden smiled weakly. Her lips quivered as she took a choked breath.
"Ei? You think of yourself as my friend?"
"Of course." The Archon replied.
"Then, can you promise me something?"
"If it is within my power, yes."
Mirror Maiden met her warm gaze. "If I ever slip back into the person I used to be, kill me."
Ei frowned. She opened her mouth to speak, but Mirror Maiden cut her off.
"Please! I lived with the consequences of hurting innocents once. If I hurt my friends, I couldn't bear it. Please, promise me."
With great difficulty, Ei spoke, "If there is no other option, I will end your life."
"Thank you," she said with a relieved sigh. "You're a good friend."
