Cross-Posted from my AO3 account.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This was published pre-2.1 but with leaked information taken into account. Beware of potential spoilers!
Inazuma in autumn truly was beautiful. The maples or momiji as the native Inazumans like to call them were in full regalia as the nation slowly grew colder. It had been a good while since he had the time or wherewithal to stop and appreciate the scenery of the island nation. Not since first arriving when the sakura were in full bloom and being branded a wanted criminal by the Shogunate mere days after setting foot in Inazuma.
"It's been a crazy few months, hasn't it, Aether?" his faithful companion mused as the duo walked along the path from Inazuma City to Konda.
"Sure has," the blond traveler sighed, pausing in stride a moment to stretch his limbs. Indeed. It seemed like trouble followed him like a bad smell the moment he set foot on Inazuman soil. It seemed to be setback after setback. From having to jump through loopholes just to leave Ritou, to being guilt-tripped into assisting Ayaka (not that he could ever truly blame her, bless the poor girl's heart) to becoming a wanted man, to joining the Resistance. Until it all snowballed into a final confrontation with the Raiden Shogun, only for La Signora (he was seriously starting to get tired of that woman showing up everywhere like some mustache-twirling, cartoon villain) to swoop in an attempt to take the Shogun's Gnosis as her Fatui soldiers distracted the two battle weary armies.
Aether and the Shogun ended up being made to join forces to defeat the Fatui Harbinger. With Gnosis in hand, the Shogun ejected the Fatui from the islands before turning her attention once more to the star-bound traveler. In a move that surprised both the Shogunate and the Resistance, Her Excellency offered to open dialogue between the two warring parties with the stipulation that Aether be the one to represent the Resistance.
With the hopes and ambitions of the entire nation of Inazuma now resting squarely upon his shoulder, Aether and the Raiden Shogun retreated to her palace at Tenshukaku. Unbeknownst to the people of the land however, a great debate was taking place within the Plane of Euthymia. For nearly half a day, the people of Inazuma watched the palace entrance with baited breath. Then, in a moment that would be forever immortalized in Inazuman history, the two emerged from the palace and the Shogun spoke thus,
"Seven ideals for seven gods, and of these, Eternity is nearest unto Heaven," she began with her age-old adage. "But time is merciless. I once thought Ambition to be the root of all evils. Ambition, would inevitably lead to dissatisfaction with what one has in the present. That dissatisfaction would lead to change. Change would spark resistance. Resistance would breed conflict. Conflict would bring ruin."
As she spoke, her people listen with wide eyes. The Shogun had never been particularly personable and her reasons for her actions unknown to her own people. Now, with this foreign traveler at her side, all was being laid bare. From within the crowd, the Yae Miko watched with a satisfied smile. It seems she had placed her hopes on the right person.
"And ruin," the mighty Narukami paused, a flash of unknown emotion crossing her face for the briefest of moments, noticed only by her closest confidants and a certain traveler. "Is something I could not allow to befall our beloved nation. And thus, the Sakoku and Vision Hunt Decrees were initiated. Visions: the very crystallization of one's ambition. They were an instability that could no longer be ignored. For the sake of Eternity, Ambition would need to be snuffed out."
Murmurs began to circulate through the crowd. The Resistance in particular began to grow restless as no one was sure where the Shogun was going with this. Before the noise could escalate, the Archon spoke again, "But with recent events taken into account, it is clear to me now that the only thing truly Eternal... is Change." She eyed her people and one could hear a pin drop as the nation held its breath. "The eldest of the Seven, Rex Lapis is dead. The Tsartitsa spreads her Fatui through the continent like a plague. Just as the seasons change, the world will continue to move forward... and the Harbinger Signora's attack on our nation has made it clear that Inazuma will be no different. Nothing in this world is immune to Change." The Shogun turned her gaze to her blond companion. "Not even Ideals."
Aether smiled encouragingly as the people watched on in shocked silence. The Shogun once again turned to face her people. "Guuji Yae." She spoke, her voice leaving no room for argument. "Step forward."
The crowd parted as all eyes turned towards the frozen kitsune. At Aether's side, Paimon waved at the woman enthusiastically. Slowly, the priestess began making her way towards the platform as the crowds murmurs reached a fever pitch. Upon reaching the platform, the priestess bowed deeply to the Archon before giving a searching glance at the blond traveler.
"Guuji Yae," Narukami once again spoke, her voice ringing with divine authority. "Chief Priestess of Grand Narukami Shrine. Foremost among your kind. The winds of change have come to Inazuma. Will you stand in defense of this nation and her people in this time of great upheaval?"
"Of course," the priestess said, finally meeting the Shogun's eyes. "My loyalty will always be to Inazuma and her people. Always."
The woman smiled at her, causing Miko's eyes to widen upon realizing that it was not the Shogun standing before her, but her dearest friend. "Then go with my blessing," the Archon whispered. "Because from this day forth, I name you Narukami."
The Archon raised her palm and in a flash of brilliant violet light, an object appeared. It resembled a King piece from the continental game of chess, but pulsating with power and appearing as though born from the element of electro itself. Aether and Paimon watched as the Gnosis floated towards the stunned fox and entered her chest.
The crowd gasped as a shockwave tore through the city and indeed the nation itself as a new Archon ascended. Miko fell to her knees as her body flooded with ancient power and knowledge. She could only look up at the former Archon in shock.
"I-I am not worthy of this..." The pink-haired priestess stuttered.
"You are," the Shogun said, reaching down to lift the other woman. She smiled softly. "Lead well, Miko..."
Aether shook his head of the memory. Inazuma had certainly gone through a whirlwind of change, just as the Shogun had said. The Sakoku and Vision Hunt Decrees had been repealed by the new Electro Archon. Yae Miko had forgone taking her predecessor's title of Shogun, instead retaining her title of Guuji, though many were now adding 'Narukami' to that title. As for the Raiden Shogun herself, she had disappeared shortly after the ceremony, much to the dismay of the Shogunate. The Tri-Commission had been in a frenzy trying to find her, but the woman proved to be extremely elusive.
'It probably helped that she can change her form at will,' Aether mused. Or at least, if Venti and Zhongli were anything to go by, he assumed that was an ability all powerful elemental beings were capable of.
"Anyway, Paimon is grateful that things are finally starting to calm down," the fairy said cheerfully. "Oooh, let's invite Ayaka to another festival! Paimon hears there's gonna be a big one to celebrate the new Archon's Ascension! Oooh, there's gonna be so much delicious food there, Paimon just knows it!"
"Ayaka's sure to be busy," Aether warned her. "The bigger the festival, the less free time she has to actually enjoy it."
"But we gotta!" Paimon whined. "We've been in Inazuma for months but we've hardly gone to any festivals or parties! We're gonna be leaving for Sumeru sooner or later, so we gotta experience everything we can!"
"And we will," Aether chuckled. 'After all,' the traveler thought a bit bitterly as he recalled his sister's words, 'apparently we've always had time.'
Have it your way then. He'll take his time enjoying Teyvat. She can complain to him in another few centuries if she doesn't like it.
"Maybe we should ask the fair 'ojou-sama' to visit Liyue with us?" He mused aloud. "I hear they're going to be celebrating the Moonchase Festival soon. Keqing offered to show us around herself, so-"
"Uh, Aether?" the sprite said, staring at something further down the road. "Is that... who I think it is?" Blinking in confusion, the blond followed her gaze down the road. Only for his eyes to widen. A myriad of names and titles suddenly came to mind.
The God of Eternity
The Electro Archon
Her Eternal Excellency.
The Narukami Ogosho.
The Almighty Shogun of Inazuma.
And she was currently collapsed by the side of the road.
"Raiden!" Paimon cried, as the two rushed forward to attend to the fallen woman.
"Are you conscious?" Aether asked as he checked her pulse. "Can you hear me?"
"...ther..." came her weakened voice. "...ai...mon..."
"Were you attacked?" Paimon asked worriedly. And for good reason. Even without a Gnosis, the Shogun was still a force of nature beyond the realm of mere mortals. This was certainly not the work of some nobushi bandits.
"Was it the Fauti?" Aether asked urgently. "Did Signora return?!" That woman just wouldn't give up!
"Ae...ther..."
"Yes, what is it?!"
"So... hungry..."
"..."
"..."
""What?"" The duo asked, their faces completely deadpan. They were answered by a long, drawn-out growl coming from the Shogun's stomach.
"Hungry... need food," the woman said pitifully.
"You got us worried for THAT!" Paimon cried indignantly. "I mean, Paimon understands being hungry! But you're an Archon, former or otherwise! Have some more dignity than this!"
"You're Ei right now, aren't you?" Aether sighed. "Couldn't you just make something if you're that hungry?"
"..."
"..."
"Raiden Ei, the Narukami Ogosho..." Aether began reproachfully. "You've lived for thousands of years... you can cook, right?"
"I'll not dignify that with an answer."
"Jeez!" Paimon exploded. "What is it with Archons being such useless excuses for human beings?!"
"Your Excellency," the traveler pinched the bridge of his nose. He could already feel a headache coming on. "Why are you out here? Couldn't you just return to Tenshukaku? I'm sure the Tri-Commission would be more than happy to help you."
"I cannot do that," the former Archon said firmly
"Your Excellency, now's not the time for wounded pride—"
"No." The duo paused as the woman sat up and looked them in the eye. The Shogun was speaking. "We cannot do that. Our returning would merely cause a power struggle as the Shogunate loyalists attempt to reinstall me as Shogun and depose Yae Miko."
"But... But you're the one that made her the new Archon!" Paimon said uncomprehendingly.
"Indeed," the puppet said wryly. "But you'll find that humans will often resist change." Aether and Paimon could only grimace. She certainly wasn't wrong. The Ogosho surely understood that better than anyone.
"Okay then," the fairy tried again. "But you Archons can change your appearance, right? Couldn't you just pretend to be a normal person and buy some food? As Shogun, you must have loads of mora...?"
"..."
"..."
"Your Excellency..." Aether said, his voice dripping with disappointment. The woman merely averted her gaze.
"Another broke Archon!" Paimon cheered sarcastically. "Who'd have thunk it?!"
"So, you can see my current predicament," the Great Narukami attempted to salvage what was left of her dignity. Aether sighed. He was beginning to see a pattern with these Archons. Powerful and divine they may be. They all had terrible life-management skills.
"Alright," he said at length. "We'll help you out."
"Of course we are," Paimon muttered, rolling her eyes.
"I do not want your pity!" The Shogun snapped.
Her words were undermined by her stomach letting out another loud, pitiful growl. The duo simply raised a collective eyebrow as the woman's face flushed red from humiliation.
"Then consider it tribute to the Great Narukami," Aether drawled. "Please, Your Eternal Excellency, grace our home with your illuminated presence." The Shogun coughed delicately into her hand, her face slowly regaining its poise; though the red tint never quite faded.
"Very well," she said with all the dignity she could muster. "I shall accept your tribute."
"Roaring Thunder God indeed..." Paimon said sarcastically.
"Let's just go, Your Excellency," Aether sighed.
"...Ei."
"I beg your pardon?"
The former Archon straightened and met his gaze. "I am no longer Inazuma's Shogun," she said. "And as such, I, as well as the one within have decided that we must act the part accordingly. While we are in the human world, please refer to me as Ei."
Her eyes softened and the duo could tell that the inner Ei was now speaking. "Our minds are as one," she explained before pausing. "For the most part. So do not feel compelled to treat one any different than the other."
"Alright then, Ei." Aether nodded, offering her his hand to which she gracefully accepted.
"...That speech would have been cooler if you weren't covered in dirt," Paimon said helpfully. Aether merely sighed as this set off another argument between her and the Shogun.
Ei had expected many things when Aether had offered her shelter in his home. Perhaps Clan Kamisato had offered him land for his role in ending the civil war. Perhaps Sangonomiya had done similar on Watatsumi. Or perhaps he'd taken residence in Tenshukaku itself and she was to disguise herself within its halls.
A teapot was not quite what she had in mind.
He'd explained it as magick conjured by the Adepti of Liyue, as a gift for his role in re-sealing Osial during the Liyue crisis nearly a year ago. The ancient kami and youkai of Inazuma had once wielded such magic, though their practice had long since faded into obscurity during her reign. In hindsight, perhaps allowing the land to forget of such magicks had been foolish, as an unchanging realm housed within a teapot was certainly a potential form of Eternity.
"Welcome to the Serenitea Pot," Aether said as his own personal realm came into being around them. Ei blinked as she took in the sight around her. His realm seemed be inspired by the cliffs and mountains of Liyue, with rolling verdant foliage bathed in clouds, creating islands out of the mountaintops. His actual home was a surprisingly tasteful blend of Mondstadt and Liyue design philosophy. She was even beginning to see the hints of Inazuman design take shape in some of the architecture.
"It ain't much, but it's ours!" Paimon said proudly.
"It's... lovely." And that wasn't even a lie. There was a certain charm to the patchwork design of the realm. It spoke to his nature as a traveler and was distinctly 'Aether'.
"Let's head inside," the blond said. "I'm sure the others are waiting for us."
"...Others?" Ei repeated.
"Oh, boy," Paimon chuckled evilly. "This is gonna be good."
"What do you mean by-" The woman was interrupted by the front door flinging open and a green blur barreling out straight into Aether's chest.
"WAAAAH, Aether!" A blubbering, black-haired child wearing an atrociously green outfit cried out, burying his face into the traveler's chest. "The Long Dong Zhong is being mean to me again!"
"I insist you not refer to me as such, drunkard." An icy voice called from the doorway. Ei turned to gaze to see a tall, dark-haired gentleman wearing a stylish suit standing at the threshold with arms crossed. "Lest you wish your statue in Mondstadt to be defaced once again." The man met her gaze and lifted a well-groomed eyebrow. "And it would seem we have... unexpected company."
"Company?" the green bard stopped his blubbering and gazed up at her curiously. "Who is... No way."
"Yes, way!" Paimon said smugly.
"I supposed, it was inevitable," the gentleman said sagely. "Aether truly seems to draw the attention of the Fates wherever he travels, like moths to a flame."
Ei felt a sense of weight behind the two strangers' presence. But she had only ever felt such a presence with her fellow—
"Barbatos?" She asked incredulously. "Morax?!"
"They go by Venti and Zhongli now," Aether supplied, shoving the green bard off of him. "And they're both in the same boat as you."
"These two have been freeloading here for months now!" Paimon huffed.
"Howdy, Beelzebul!" Venti said cheerfully. "Glad you could join us in the Unemployed Archon Club!"
"Indeed," Zhongli nodded. "Let us enjoy our unemployment peacefully."
Ei was already starting to regret handing over her Gnosis.
Closing Notes: Just my own headcanon that the Archons are all big goobers that act tough. Unless your name is Venti, in which case you're just a goober.
Anyway, that was my version of the ending of the Inazuma arc. It's not a very well thought out ending and more of a device to get Raiden out of her role as an Archon and hang out with Aether and company. I based her name Ei off her namecard on Honey Hunter World. If she ends up having an actual confirmed human name, I'll probably switch to that.
Inspiration for her motivations for the Vision Hunt Decree was taken from "For Eternity" by BANIX here on FF net. It's a great read, so check it out.
Anyone else counting down the days Raiden's release? I'm a disgusting whale, so I fully intend to C6 her.
Oneshot for now, unless the fancy strikes me.
Now, this is for any of my old readers that are seeing me post for the first time in years. Yes, I am still alive! And yes, you've probably already deduced that all previous stories are effectively abandoned. I've received several offers of adoption and some people have just outright started copy/pasting my work. This is all fine. Do with them as you wish. After years and years without updates, I consider myself to have lost any rights to them anyway.
In any case, I just wanted to thank all of you for your kind words and support over the years. Even if I have no plans to update any previous works, I fully intend to leave them up, if only for posterity's sake.
Sep 2, 2021 Update: I've made some edits to bring the story a little more in-line with the events that took place in 2.1 with some changes. The biggest being that Signora is still alive. The reason being that, in a humorous slice-of-life series, characters are more useful to me alive than dead.
I've also made distinctions between the Raiden Shogun and Ei as two separate personalities, as I think there's a lot of potential to be had in a split personality. While they'll more or less be treated as the same person, when I feel it necessary, I'll distinguish which one is speaking for the convenience of the reader.
The overall plot of the original chapter remains intact: Ei hands her Gnosis to Yae and steps down as Archon.