Chapter Text
Long ago, the lands of Inazuma were a far different place. When the Narukami Ogosho first manifested in this world, they were content to simply live among their people. The humans living under their protection knew peace in what had been a dangerous and tumultuous island.
The Narukami Ogosho taught their people a great many things. Art, craftsmanship, and martial arts, giving humans who lived outside of their domain the ability to better protect themselves against the dangers of Inazuma.
Any threat to humans was dealt with swiftly, whether it be demons or oni, kitsune or tanuki, kuppa or yokai alike. Any that dared to harass or cause trouble for the humans within the Narukami Ogosho’s domain were met with swift judgment by lightning.
The Narukami Ogosho for her part however, sought peace above all else. Though they were also not foolish to think peace could be acquired through passivity.
The immortal and long lived beings of Inazuma soon longed for the protection of the Narukami Ogosho. Growing tired themselves of their conflicts and bloody battles. Oni, tengu, kitsune, and tanuki alike would form pacts and agreements with the Narukami Ogosho and live alongside them and humanity.
It was in this way that most of Narukami island of today was united. The Raiden Shogun first only had interest in that which resided in their small domain, which today would make up the whole of what is Inazuma City, but as time progressed slowly the majority of Narukami island would fall under their watchful gaze. The Raiden Shogun’s blade always standing at the ready to strike down foes that would bring harm to the people that they loved.
However, all of Narukami Island, nor the whole of Inazuma’s islands itself, would be unified under the Raiden Shogun’s power for a millenia to come.
——————
The messengers of Celestia crossed over the land, no domain outside of their reach and they spread their new decree over the gods and mortals of Teyvat.
The conflicts of the world were no longer permissible under the Heavenly Principles. Order had gone neglected for far too long and the greed of the gods that ruled over their domains while coveting those of others upset the balance of the world.
Seven shall be chosen to ascend to Celestia and only Seven shall remain. The mightiest god of each realm will be allowed to ascend. Any who refuse this decree will face the reprisal of Celestia.
“A war for ascension? They would see every god across the land killed for this.” Makoto muttered in disbelief, Ei was silent but her brows were deeply furrowed in clear discomfort.
Saiguu looked just as worried, “We are already at peace with the gods here, but this battle of ascension... I fear it would drive many to try their underhanded tactics to win. There could even be many that come from farther lands or the deepest seas to try claim the throne of Inazuma.”
“Will the tengu be enough to hold them off?” Sasayuri asked, their calm expression was still present on their face, but a trained eye could see that their composure was clearly shaken.
Ei shook her head, “No. We will need to conscript more. Organize our military in order to unite the rest of Inazuma against any threat. Humans, oni... it will be difficult to prepare so many on such short notice, but it must be done.”
“There are plenty of oni that would rally under the Raiden Shogun, and I have every intention of fighting alongside you.” Chiyo said with a firm nod of her head, grasping Ei’s hand and squeezing it to give more weight behind her affirmation.
The hard expression on Ei’s face softened at the promise, “There is also the matter of Tenshukaku, Makoto will be far more prime a target than me.”
Makoto’s face fell to an exasperated expression, “Ei...”
“You can’t even defeat me in a sparring match, I worry the same will be true for a god that wishes to challenge you.”
Any other argument that Makoto had fell away at that, it was clear to everyone in the throne room that this is where the two twins differed the most.
Saiguu brought her pipe to her lips and puffed out a breath of smoke in thought, “Depending on who is needed in battle, two of us can stay behind in Tenshukaku to assist Makoto if anything were to happen.”
Her sharp eyes came up and looked between the two twins, “It may be a moot point for the older gods that would challenge us in Inazuma... but it may be beneficial for you to act as one being more so than you already are. If outside gods are unaware that the Narukami Ogosho is in fact two gods instead of one, then we will have less to worry about when it comes to threats against Makoto or even Inazuma City itself if Ei is on the battlefield.” She blew out one last puff of smoke before she dematerialized her pipe and leaned forward in her seat.
Ei eagerly nodded her head at the idea, Makoto thinking it over only briefly before agreeing to the thought as well.
From then on the stories that were told of the twin gods would fade to obscurity and the acts of both would become one.
——————
The first of the gods to attack were those of the sea. Powerful beings that had been content to lay deep under the water's dark reaches now rose into the light, hoping to rise even higher to ascend towards Celestia’s divine light.
Large blasts of water were hurled at Ei with enough force to kill any mortal with one strike. She gritted her teeth in anger, they had been caught completely unprepared. Celestia’s decree ringing out for the world to hear and like clockwork chaos had descended on Inazuma.
Ei’s electrified polearm whipped out with precise strikes, cutting through and evaporating the blasts of water just before they reached her. A dangerous tactic for sure but she had to ensure that the god would not move any closer to Inazuma city itself. His followers rose from the sea on the beaches, and the tengu warriors that had followed her with haste’s only use would be holding them off while she squared off with their god.
For such a powerful god to attack them so soon...
Ei shook off such distracting thoughts, instead channeling her lightning around herself, spears taking form around her. She grabbed one of the spears, channeling her power into it before hurling it directly at the god.
Her attack struck true, the spear piercing straight through one of the tentacles they raised to defend themselves leaving a burning hole through the appendage that crackled with electro.
The god growled in anger, the sound rumbling and deep, enough to shake even the sea. With a wave of her hand this time Ei sent a flurry of spears at the god, but this time the water around him rose, dulling the impact of the spears with only a few hitting their mark and piercing through the water.
More of its mass of tentacles came up from the sea and shot towards Ei. She barely had enough time to leap out of the way as they crushed the rock beneath her, with a twist of her body she cut through three of the tentacles with the electrified blade of her polearm then hastily dodged out of the way as more tentacles swiped towards her in retaliation.
She jumped off the ground and onto the tentacles, using them as her leverage to reach the god out in the sea. With lightning quick speed she surged forward, her polearm aimed for the god’s head. A wall of tentacles and water clashed with lightning, the impact enough to send Ei flying back to land.
She landed hard on her feet, cratering the ground beneath her, but she quickly stood tall and at the ready, polearm in hand. The god was burned from her attack but looked no worse for wear.
“I have no more time to waste on a pathetic welp like you.” The god growled out, this time more of its tentacles shot towards Ei, far too many to dodge or attack.
She swung her polearm upwards, cleanly slicing one heading directly towards her in half, blood splattering her kimono. Small balls of lightning and spears surrounded her, letting out bursts of powerful electro at every tentacle that got past her blade, or sliced ones that got too close in half, buying her more time to dodge. The god however was relentless. Water surging over his tentacles to better defend himself against her attacks, before suddenly a tentacle managed to wrap around her leg, lifting her high off the ground.
Her body crashed back down to the ground hard. Shattered rock cutting into her back, the air completely knocked out of her from the impact. She had no chance to try to free herself as she was suddenly dragged off the cliff and towards the water. Realizing what the god was attempting to do she took a desperate gasp of air before she was forcibly submerged and pulled under the sea.
Darkness surrounded her, only barely being able to make out the amorphous form of the tentacled god in the sea. She held on to every bit of air in her lungs as well as she could. Her mind racing with what to do.
Looming glowing yellow eyes broke through the darkness of the sea, “If all the gods of this land are as weak as you, then soon I shall be the one to claim that throne!”
The god had made a mistake by bringing her directly into the sea, and she would see him pay for that mistake with his life. Her lightning surged through her body, eyes glowing and skin crackling with her power. She released her careful control over her power, allowing it to expand out as far as it could reach. The water carried her lightning with it, the tentacle wrapped around her leg sizzling and splitting apart from the reaction of her lightning upon the water.
The god screamed in pain as he was boiled by the powerful onslaught of lightning. The water only amplifying her powers by completely surrounding the god and trapping him in a cage of thunder.
Ei’s polearm was still in her hand, her movements were sluggish, but she slashed out an arc of lightning through the water, finishing off the god with one final strike of lightning as his burnt corpse slowly sank back down into the depths of the sea.
Ei felt her lungs burn for air, adrenaline and the last surge of her lightning pushing her legs as she quickly swam back to the surface.
She breached the water, lungs greedily taking in any air that they could.
“Ei!” A voice called out above her, familiar flaps of wings accompanying it. Ei looked up to see Sasayuri not too far from her flying to where she was and reaching out a hand to help pull her out of the sea.
Ei grabbed their hand and was hoisted out of the sea. Biting chill gripped her body, her torn kimono completely drenched in water.
“Don’t... take me back to the... cliffs. The soldiers... can’t see me... this injured...” Ei struggled to get out, her adrenaline was dying down and her injuries were making themselves far more apparent. The energy she had to expend killing the god also made it even more difficult to suppress the pain pulsing through her body.
Sasayuri’s face hardened, and they gave her a determined nod. “Of course, we’ll fly to Tenshukaku and I’ll return to ensure the stragglers are dealt with.”
Sasayuri wrapped their arms under Ei’s shoulders to carry her a bit easier and then flapped their wings to take to the sky.
Ei looked off to the beaches, most of the gods' surviving servants being made short work of by her tengu warriors. “With that surge of lightning... I had worried you had been killed once you got dragged into the sea.” Sasayuri spoke as they flew, Tenshukaku growing closer with each breath.
“We’d... stand no chance in this... war... if I perished so... easily...”
Sasayuri said nothing in reply to her words. Instead focusing on their task. They took care to ensure they flew high enough past the guards and headed directly for the Shogun’s quarters.
Ei’s feet landed on the ground first and her legs felt weak from having to support her own weight again, she felt drained. It took but a few moments before she collapsed to her knees and had to rely on her polearm to keep herself upright.
“I’ll get Makoto, stay here.” Sasayuri said before hastily heading inside.
Ei didn’t know how long it was before she heard the door to the room slide open again, the door clacking loudly against the frame from the haste. Hands wrapped under her arms, trying to pull her up to her feet to move her into the room, but at best only managed to half drag her in.
“Ei... you know I can barely carry you!” Makoto grunted in frustration, only receiving a pained groan from Ei in reply. Hurried clacks came from down the hall before Sasayuri appeared once more in the door, slightly out of breath from having to rush back over after Makoto had teleported away in an instant after hearing that Ei was injured. They were at Makoto’s side in a blink, helping her lift Ei to Makoto’s futon and placing her down flat on her stomach. With hands practiced in having to dress many wounds on the battlefield they pulled out their dagger and precisely cut away at the fabric of the kimono that still clung to Ei’s bloodied back.
What hadn’t been torn and shredded away from being slammed and dragged against rock had been stained a deep red from blood and stubbornly clung to the bleeding wounds.
Makoto held back a gasp at seeing the extent of Ei’s wounds, but the sharp inhale of air was still audible, her back and arms already slightly bruising. “How bad was it.” Makoto said as she watched Sasayuri work.
“He was powerful enough to be able to deflect most of her attacks. When he pulled her into the sea it was over, but she expended a lot of her power to do so.” Ei’s fingers curled around the sheets under her in an iron grip, a low groan of pain coming from her as Sasayuri pulled off a stubborn piece of fabric that clung to her wounds.
Makoto couldn’t find any more words as Sasayuri spoke, relaying more details of the battle to her, the expression on her face only growing deeper with worry. Once Sasayuri was finally done they moved away, “I’ll need to return to the field and ensure everything is sorted in her absence.”
She nodded, “Fetch me materials to dress the wounds and then you may go, I can handle the rest from here.”
With a slight bow Sasayuri rose to their feet and left the room, leaving Makoto and Ei alone. She grabbed the small vanity wash basin she had in her room and quickly filled it with water, grabbing some wash cloths as she went.
Ei grimaced at the sting of the wet cloth on her back, her eyes warily opening, “Makoto...?”
“Shh, it’s okay Ei, I’m here. Don’t speak for now.” Makoto said softly as she, with a gentle hand, went about carefully cleaning Ei’s wounds. This was enough to soothe Ei as she tried her best to endure through the stinging pain from Makoto’s actions.
Sasayuri returned and without a word left what Makoto had asked for beside where Ei laid, before leaving once more.
With the wounds cleaned Makoto brought her hands over Ei’s back, her palms closely hovered over the wounds. Her far more careful and precise control over electro allowed for the lightning at her fingertips to harmlessly flit over Ei’s skin. Though the twin gods’ powers were so closely attuned to one another, given their dual nature, that even without Makoto’s superior control Ei could never be harmed by it. Their lightning easily recognized the other as one in the same. That is what allowed the feat Makoto would perform.
As sturdy as a god’s body was and as difficult as it was to truly do damage to and harm under normal circumstances, once that damage was done it was equally difficult to mend it. Ei had expended far more of her power than she should have and left her weak and vulnerable to her own injuries that she otherwise would be able to endure.
This is where the twin gods had their advantage over the others. Both were so closely connected to one another that it was possible for Makoto to share her own power with Ei, and for Ei to do the same. It would not work miracles and quickly mend Ei of her injuries or save her from a mortal blow, but it would do enough to alleviate the extremities of her pain and allow her to recover faster than if she had to regain her strength on her own.
Ei let out a low sigh as she felt Makoto share some of her power with her, the debilitating pain dulling to a hard and uncomfortable ache. Her throat felt less constricted now, and she no longer had the need to tightly grip the sheets under her fists, slowly opening her eyes once more to look back up at Makoto who gazed down at her wounds with the utmost concentration on her face.
Once Makoto noticed Ei’s stare, her expression softened into a small smile, the lightning around her hands dying away as she finished sharing all the power that she could that would help her, “You did well, Ei.”
Ei would have laughed at the words, but the sound only came out as a short cough, “I don’t think my current state deserves any praise...”
Makoto brushed the wet strands of hair on Ei’s face out of the way, “Nonsense, you faced a powerful god and defeated them before they managed to do any harm to Inazuma. That is more than worthy of praise.”
Ei hummed at the words, “It’s starting sooner than I thought...”
Makoto solemnly nodded at that, “We’ll have to do what we can to continue with our preparations, I fear our enemies will only grow stronger. Hopefully you have bought Inazuma some time by slaying such a god.”
Makoto gently tapped her forearm and motioned for her to hold herself up a bit so she could wrap her wounds.
“I’ll see to the army duties in your place while you recover, and continue with recruitment and seeing the new soldiers outfitted with Sasayuri. Once you’re properly healed you can train them as you see fit.” Makoto said as she finished with the final loop of the bandage and tied it off so the hold was secure.
Ei’s face fell sharply at that, “What? I can handle it, just give me a day and I’ll be able to return to my duties...”
“You’ll need far more than a day to rest.”
“I’ll be fine.” Ei insisted, though this only earned her a firm glare from Makoto.
“Don’t be stubborn Ei, I wouldn’t demand you to keep going in this state. When it is time for rest one must rest, else they invite future ruin.”
“But... if something were to happen—”
“If something were to happen you’re in no condition to fight regardless. I’m not helpless Ei, allow me to do this for you.”
The words stung her pride a bit, despite their truth. She hated feeling like there was something she could not help Makoto with, that she was useless. The disagreement in Ei dies down quickly at that. She briefly closes her eyes and sighs before looking back up at Makoto again. “Okay, I just... I do not want any harm to come to you.”
Makoto’s gaze softens, she rests her hand against Ei’s cheek. The cool touch soothing on her skin. Her thumb traced over the mole just under Ei’s eye, “Nor I you, Ei. It pains me to see you like this.”
Ei’s mouth gapes open at that, but quickly closes, she felt a bit foolish now for trying to fight Makoto on this. She should have realized sooner how she felt.
Makoto’s hand moved up and combed through Ei’s hair, “Let me undo your braid for you and then try to get some rest, okay? If you wish to speak more on the matter then we can tomorrow.”
Ei closed her eyes, “Okay.”
The gentle touch of Makoto’s hand running through her hair and carefully undoing her braid was distracting enough from her pains to slowly lull her into a deep sleep.
——————
Spiteful gods arose and attacked Inazuma, the promises of Celestia far too tempting for any to ignore. None were spared from this conflict, and to remain impartial was to die. Ei slew these gods first, her blade disintegrating their bodies into an indistinguishable mist, the cities they once protected destroyed and pulled under into the sea like they had done to many others.
This was all Ei would know for the whole of the brutal fighting period of the Archon wars. Only seven gods would ascend, and she would ensure that her and Makoto would not be one of the many gods that laid dead from this conflict.
Alliances were brokered by Makoto, gods and clans who had no desire to fight against the twin gods and saw more benefit in swearing their fealty to them. Many of the spirits that were native to Narukami Island followed this pattern, and Ei reached beyond to the whole of the islands of Inazuma. Under her blade every threat to them was slain, each island slowly pulled under their domain.
The gods that still remained were mighty and terrible in their power, even a dead god let their wrath be known still from the power that radiated from their corpse, it was impossible to keep Inazuma safe under such times. Death was constant, the wails of their people crying out for protection, such that even Ei had worried at times that her power would not be enough.
——————
A messenger, frantic and out of breath, ran into the throne room of Tenshukaku, whatever conversation Makoto had been having with the Kujou clan head immediately interrupted. The messenger quickly made his way towards the Raiden Shogun, bowing his head deeply as he presented the tied scroll to her.
Makoto received the letter from his head, breaking the seal. She said nothing as she read the letter, her eyes widening before narrowing down sharply at whatever words were written there. She rose her hand, one of the okuzumeshuu immediately recognizing the signal.
“Everyone, the Almighty Shogun orders you to vacate the throne room immediately.”
Even once the room was empty Makoto did not move from her place, the letter still gripped tightly in her hands.
“Ei.”
She moved in an instant from where she had been hidden in her place behind the throne. She wordlessly handed the letter to Ei, though just as she had begun to read it Makoto spoke once more.
“Orobashi has attacked Yashiori island. Kayabuki village has already been destroyed by him and his army.”
Ei crushed the letter, “He would dare? We’ve been at peace for centuries now with Watatsumi!”
Makoto leaned back into the throne, her eyes trained on the door at the head of the room. “Has he finally been pushed to act? He has stayed out of the Archon war this whole time, but this move is far more aggressive than I ever expected him to take.”
Ei held her tongue and contained her true thoughts, they should march straight to Yashiori and kill him. Killing their own people in a surprise attack... it was an unforgivable act of aggression from Orobashi. Whatever reasons he had would not matter.
Makoto turned her hardened gaze to her, “He’s been defeated before, and would have stayed in the dark sea were it not for the people he protects. Perhaps he can still be persuaded out of these foolish actions.”
Ei exhaled harshly through her nose, “Allow me and I will see him slain before the month's end.”
Makoto’s gaze held firm, “Orobashi is no weak god, he would be a difficult opponent even for you with an army at his side.” She rose from her throne, and with an easy grace moved to stand before Ei with only a few steps, “We are nearly at the end, my dear sister,” her hands rose up to rest on Ei’s shoulders giving them a gentle squeeze, her eyes now soft and pleading, “Let us take care with our actions from here on, so that we both shall see the other side of this war.”
Ei relented at the words, her head falling forward a bit as she closed her eyes and raised a hand up to grasp her sister’s hand on her shoulder. Squeezing it in kind. “You’re right, we’ll stay on guard until this war finally ends.”
“We’ll send a missive and propose a meeting.”
——————
It was less than a day before the reply to their missive arrived.
Orobashi’s forces agreed to the request for a peace talk, but with a demand for Makoto to arrive alone.
Ei was strongly against such an outrageous proposal and suggested that she simply go in Makoto’s place, but Makoto insisted that she present herself. Orobashi was already aware that the Narukami Ogosho were twin gods, there would be little use in trying to trick him or his followers. If peace was possible through talks alone then Makoto needed to be the one there to do it.
The place they were to meet was the Easternmost point of Yashiori island. A small temporary terrace built to shield them from the rain. Makoto arrived with a single samurai donned in full shogunate armor in tow.
From Watatsumi’s side stood a tall slender man with pale hair that ended in blue tips, a meticulously cared for pointed beard on his face and adorned in light blue robes with a hydro vision hanging off his sash. At his side stood a good 30 or so vision wielding warriors. Elites among Watasumi’s forces with a handful of archers positioned not too far away.
“Raiden Shogun,” The man did not bow as he addressed Makoto, his chin staying raised and back tall, “I believe that we agreed for you to arrive alone.”
“We did, though my sister was rather staunchly against the idea. This is what I was able to convince her to agree to, surely a single visionless samurai will not prove much trouble to your own entourage?” Makoto said with a polite tilt of her head.
The man huffed at the words, “Very well. I only regret that we did not make proper accommodations for our other guest.” He gestured his hand towards the low long table, two pillows on the ground at opposite ends of each other. The samurai accompanying Makoto took their standing spot just off to the side behind her.
“I am Kaishin Sangonomiya, one of the chief strategists of Watatsumi, and I will be representing Orobashi and his interests today.”
“It is regrettable that Orobashi himself could not be here, but I hope that we can still come to some sort of agreement to prevent this needless conflict.”
“What may be needless in your eyes, Narukami Ogosho, was necessary for the survival of the people of Watatsumi.”
Makoto frowned slightly at this, “That is something that I hope to understand. We have been at peace for centuries, our own people pay their respects to Orobashi, why has Orobashi attacked now unprovoked?”
Kaishin’s brows furrowed at the question, “Because the people of Watatsumi asked for it and he granted their wishes. Watatsumi is not an island of abundance like your lands in Inazuma. This war has put a strain on everyone and our people are starving.”
Makoto let out a soft breath, a gentle smile coming to her face now, “While it is true that Inazuma bears more fertile lands than Watatsumi, the war so far has left some of our fields destroyed. While we would not have much to spare, we could still provide some assistance.”
“Hmph, I can respect your willingness to offer aid, but Watatsumi has no interest in subjecting themselves under another god’s authority. We have experienced far too much hardship as a people and Orobashi is the only one that has protected us and allowed us to prosper so far. I will have to reject your offer, Narukami Ogosho.”
“There would be no such expectations. Your people would still be under Orobashi’s authority, we’ve made peace with many other gods that reside in Inazuma’s territory and allowed their people to coexist with our own.”
Kaishin’s eyes narrowed into a glare, “You would simply ignore Orobashi with the power he holds? Don’t take us for fools. The gods you’ve slaughtered will pale in comparison. Only one god will ascend to the throne of Archon in Inazuma, afterall.”
Despite Kaishin’s growing agitation Makoto remained calm, “Your people as well as our own will both be harmed by such a conflict. We do not need to mindlessly slaughter one another for the sake of the throne. Inazuma can stand united still against any threat. We are willing to overlook your aggression and continue as we had.”
Kaishin shook his head, “How a merciful god like you has survived for so long is a surprise indeed. Orobashi has broken us free from the subjugation of cruel gods, risen us up from the dark sea to once again see the light, and we will strive ever forward and expand past Watatsumi. Relying on no one’s aid but our own. He has listened to the will of his people once more, his only goal is to see that the people of Watatsumi survive this ordeal of the ascension to Celestia.”
Kaishin stood from his seat, a firm expression settling on his face. “There was never any negotiation to be had here. This was simply a courtesy on Orobashi’s behalf. Our Lord wishes you to know that he will protect your people in your stead once this war is through.”
“I see...” Makoto said, her gentle tone dropping, the welcoming shine in her eyes darkening. She turned away from Kaishin then and towards the samurai that accompanied her, whose hand was still resting on the hilt of their sword.
In an instant the air changed, Kaishin’s firm expression faltering as everyone could suddenly feel the air become charged with electro. Lightning crackled over Makoto’s lone samurai, their hand firmly gripping the handle of their sword now.
Kaishin’s vision-wielding warriors barely had the time to reach for their weapons before slashes of lightning tore through the space around them, slicing off limbs and heads.
Those that tried to use their pyro visions to defend themselves exploded in the overloaded reaction, all of Kaishin’s men and Kaishin himself killed in mere moments and torn into a bloody mass.
Then the samurai drew their blade, lighting crackling around it, they pointed the tip of the electrified blade towards the stunned archers and before they had the chance to flee lightning came down and struck them.
The air was quiet once more, the thunderous lightning coming to a still as if the bloody carnage had never interrupted its peace.
Makoto, appearance as pristine as ever after the sudden act of bloodshed, rose to her feet, “This will have to be our first strike against Watatsumi. A rather fitting reprisal for their own against Yashiorii, wouldn’t you agree, Ei?”
Ei pulled off the shogunate’s armor helmet, her hair falling loose a bit from having been tucked into the neck of the armor, nodding her head at Makoto’s words, “They are confident in their abilities, but so many skilled warriors and Kaishin dead will strike a blow to their army.”
Makoto sighed as she spared a look towards the corpse of Kaishin. “I had hoped their quick agreement to a talk would mean that they could be persuaded out of this, but if they refuse then we can not show them any more mercy.”
Ei sheathed her blade back into its hilt, “Were you truly going to forgive their attack on Kayabuki?”
“Yes.” Makoto’s gaze lingered on the bodies for only a few more moments before she turned back to Ei, “Far more than this and those in Kayabuki will be killed in a war against Orobashi. I would not have offered it if I did not think it could prevent far more bloodshed. We’ll need to set out our armies immediately so they have little time to react to this attack.”
“Of course, I’ll have Sasayuri prepare our troops once we return.”
With a flick of her hand Ei opened an electric tear in the space between them, and the twin gods stepped through and returned to Tenshukaku.
——————
Despite their quick movements Orobashi was all too prepared for Ei’s army’s assault against him. Ships that had accompanied their initial march to Yashiori were sunk into the deep depths by monsters from the sea. Orobashi’s forces fought hard to delay their approach through Nazuchi beach, as if they had been lying in wait for the Raiden Shogun’s forces to arrive.
Watatsumi’s powers over the sea gave them a clear advantage at fighting in such a terrain surrounded by water. Ei herself would need to expend most of her focus on preventing the shrine maidens that rode the waves of the sea with their monstrous allies at their side from sweeping through her armies, forcing her to be unable to assist her tengu warriors and soldiers as they fought against Orobashi’s army.
The fighting was violent and arduous. Each side taking losses with every clash, adding up to one of the bloodiest conflicts fought on Inazuma’s islands. Months dragged on, the Shogunate’s army inching forward into Yashiori island, establishing small fortified camps to regain their strength. Orobashi himself had stayed hidden during most of the fighting, hiding somewhere between Watatsumi and the western half of Yashiori island.
Though the horizon of the conflict seemed to draw close to an end three months in. The shogunate had regained much ground into Yashiori island, Orobashi’s forces heavily weakened, though many of his elite fighters still remained.
Ei returned to Tenshukaku and proposed one final heavy assault against Orobashi to invade Watatsumi island and root him out. Leading the soldiers that had been sent back to Inazuma City to recover to the frontlines in order to bolster their back lines.
The plan was agreed to, and Ei prepared to set out at the earliest light.
Chiyo and Ei sat together in the training hall attached to the Shogun’s quarters of Tenshukaku. The two having returned together from the front lines of the war with Orobashi. Chiyo herself far too exhausted from the fighting to continue on with Ei towards the next push against Orobashi.
“So Sasayuri will be accompanying you this time?”
Ei hummed an affirmation as she busied herself with tying her pieces of armor onto her shoulders. “Yes, they’ve had a few weeks now to recover from the injury they received against one of Orobashi’s generals. The healers assured me Sasayuri was fit for battle once again, otherwise I would have set out alone.”
“I hope it’s true then that this war is coming to an end soon, we’ve been losing so many already.” Chiyo said, her expression growing despondent as she spoke.
Ei sighed, “I hope so as well, as much as we have lost Watatsumi has lost more, I’m certain his army will shatter soon. Then it will only be a matter of time before he shows himself and I can end this. In the meantime though, I trust you both to keep Makoto safe.” Ei said as she finished tying her armor to her shoulder.
“We will, and Ei…?” She felt Chiyo’s hand rest on her arm, urging her to turn to face her.
Chiyo pressed herself up against Ei, wrapping her hands around the back of her neck to pull her down the rest of the distance so that their lips met in a kiss. Ei leaned down, pressing their lips more firmly together and wrapping an arm around her waist to support her. She exhaled through her nose, neither willing to be the first to pull away until their lungs demanded it.
“Take care of yourself as well,” Chiyo breathed out as their lips separated.
Ei didn’t like making promises she was uncertain she could keep. The whole of the Archon War thus far had been taxing, even pushing her own capabilities to its limits. Instead of answering she joined their lips together once more, before pulling away and nodding her head.
Chiyo only smiled up at her, perhaps she could feel Ei’s doubts through her lack of words, but instead of pressing the issue the oni rested her hands on her shoulders, lowering herself back down on her feet.
“You should make haste, the more you delay the more Orobashi can secure his position.”
Ei nodded, her polearm materializing in her hand as she left the halls of Tenshukaku to prepare her troops to march.
——————
The frontlines of Orobashi’s army finally collapsed under their assault, Sasayuri following up her flank with the rest of the tengu forces. They moved deeper into Yashiori island, chasing down the retreating forces of the army. Though just as the beaches of western Yashiori island came into sight a far greater threat revealed itself. A rumbling noise was their only warning before the great white serpent that was Orobashi rose from the sea, his elite warriors that had been absent in the previous battle accompanying him. His massive form slithered over the island, surrounding Ei’s army and cutting off any chance at escape that they had.
Backed into a corner, her forces fought fiercely with everything that they had. Ei herself tried to keep her focus on Orobashi to prevent him from closing in on the small amount of ground they had to defend themselves, but in the chaos of the battle even this was difficult to keep track of.
One sound however broke through that haze of chaos, a single cry as a body fell from the sky, black feathers bloodied, arrows sticking out of their body as they crashed to the ground. Their form was crushed by Orobashi’s own coiling body.
All Ei saw was white flood her vision, her power gathering in her blade. With a single strike the ground beneath her was rended in half, lightning surged forward and rock disintegrated in its path. Most of Orobashi’s own forces were caught in the Musso no Hitotachi’s attack and disintegrated into nothing but dust. Orobashi faired no better than his forces, scale and bone being split in half as his body was cut to pieces. The god’s head collapsing down to the ground, jaws wide in his final moments. The only thing before her left was the ocean below and the split canyon of rock. Lightning crackling between the space left behind.
There was nothing left of Sasayuri to return to Makoto outside of their shattered mask.
——————
There was little time to mourn, though the grief weighed heavily on all their hearts. A final god, one driven from his region and alone, wild desperation forcing them to attack Inazuma, would make themselves known in the weeks following and once he was slain the messenger of Celestia would once again make their presence known on Inazuma.
The throne could not yet be claimed, there remain two gods in Inazuma with the ability to claim the throne, until only one remains then the title of Archon could not be bestowed to gain authority over Inazuma. They left with a foreboding warning; the throne should be claimed soon before more gods that failed in their battles in other regions came to Inazuma instead to try to claim the throne.
Ei could only stare up at the sky in disbelief, blood still dripping from her polearm. After all this and still they would demand more? Was this some sort of sick game to them? They would see her and Makoto kill each other before recognizing them as the rightful victors of their realm. Her grief heavy heart swirled with anger, and frustration. It was an impossible demand. Neither of them could journey to another realm to challenge the gods there for their unclaimed throne, and Makoto and Inazuma would only be ever more vulnerable if they refused and tried to wait out this war for longer.
The first droplets of rain fell around her as the storm in her heart manifested, she felt a familiar thrum of energy behind her before Makoto appeared through a tear.
“You heard the decree as well...?” Ei spoke, eyes still glued to the sky.
Makoto let out a heavy sigh, “Yes... it makes no sense, weaker gods have given up their claims once they swore their fealty to another. Why would they force such a thing now?”
Ei had been the one that slew every god that came to Inazuma, even thwarting a weaker god’s attempt at assassinating Makoto under the guise of a human form. Was this some act of punishment then by Celestia for subverting what they had intended with this war? The rain only came down harder around the two sisters as the thoughts continued in her mind.
“Perhaps we can find some way around this still, we have always acted as one, even Celestia must be able to recognize this and allow one of us to ascend if the other gives up.”
“Their words were, ‘only one can remain.’ I have already given up my claim to you, and they have not recognized it.” Ei turned to her sister now, watching as she brought up a hand to the bridge of her nose in frustration.
“Neither of us can leave Inazuma... we’re not familiar with the other realms and what gods would still be there, and alone without anyone else with us, trying to fight to claim another throne would be—”
“Makoto.” Ei stopped her sister’s words, there was no need to try to find some way around this. She knew now what her decision would be. “This peace that Inazuma will have has been hard won, and there is no need for someone like me, stained by war, to be in it. You are more suited to lead it than a mere warrior like me.”
Makoto looked at her as if Ei had insulted her, as if she had told her some cruel joke, before her gaze hardened. The electricity that surged in the air potent enough for Ei to feel it tingle over her skin. “Ei, don’t say such things about yourself. I don’t know what you’re suggesting, but I will hear no more of it.”
For once Ei managed to resist her nature that told her to relent and give in to what Makoto wanted, she stood taller and gripped the shaft of her polearm, “I would do anything to protect you, even at the cost of myself. Allow me to offer my power to you, so that you may ascend. I could not be more certain in my desire to see you care for these lands that we’ve fought for and cherish in my place.”
Makoto’s gaze darted between her own eyes, her expression falling to one of fear and dread once she finally registered what Ei was saying to her. Her hands came forward to grab at Ei’s, trying to pull the polearm from Ei’s grasp, but Ei had always been stronger than her. Makoto’s efforts were hopeless against Ei’s strength. “Ei, please... I don’t want you to do this...”
Tears gathered at the corners of Makoto’s eyes, easily distinguishable from the rain that fell around them, but Ei stood firm. The polearm unmoving in her grasp even as Makoto tried with all her strength to pull it from her hands.
Makoto’s eyes pleaded with her to take her words back, to throw this idea from her mind, but Ei’s expression remained impassive and certain. Her heart ached as she saw Makoto’s lips tremble, the tears in her eyes falling freely now, but she would not be swayed.
Her sister deflated at this. Ei felt the electricity in the air die down. Makoto dropped her head, clearly struggling not to let the pain show on her face.
Ei was caught off guard when Makoto suddenly released her polearm and pulled her into a hug. She had almost forgotten how such a simple comfort could feel when most of what she had known for years was the constant pain and conflict of war. She wrapped her arm around Makoto, holding her tightly.
The two sisters held one another in silence for what must have been eternity. Neither could say for how long they stood like this, for both only wished to cherish the other’s presence.
Makoto’s voice broke the still air, coming out in a strained croak, “I love you Ei.”
“I love you too Makoto...”
Ei pulled away slightly from her hug, still in Makoto’s arms. Makoto gave her a sorrowful look, her tears falling from her chin as she nodded her head and stepped away, taking Ei’s free hand in her own.
Their joined hands glowed purple as Ei offered all of her power that she could to Makoto, what would be their last time doing this. “With this a part of me will still be with you.”
Ei offered a small smile to her sister, but she could see clearly how more tears gathered and fell from her eyes. “I don’t want a part of you Ei… I want all of you here with me. We did too much, I can’t be happy knowing that my sister was forced to—”
”Please, Makoto. I’m… not suited for such things like you are, and if anything were to happen to you it’d shatter me.”
“I can teach you, Ei! Anything you’re uncertain of, we did this all, endured every hardship so we could stay at each others side in the end…”
Ei shook her head solemnly, ”Between myself and you, I would choose you each time Makoto. If we had more time, if circumstances weren’t as they were…”
A short breath escaped Makoto’s lips, the last of her hope that her sister would concede leaving her.
“I’ll channel the rest of what I can into my polearm.” Ei said, and Makoto said nothing in reply, only weakly nodding her head.
Ei brought up her polearm, wiping the blade clean of the blood of the last god she had slain.
There the two stood in the valley, Ei bloodied from battle and Makoto drenched in the rain of the storm around them.
The weapon that had slain a countless number of gods and their servants would claim one final god as she turned the blade on herself. The polearm glowed a low purple as Ei began to channel what remained of her divine power out of her body. She took one final breath, and with practiced hands she thrust the blade of the polearm into her chest. The sharp blade pierced cleanly through her and out her back, blood quickly began staining the dark purple kimono into a deep crimson red. Immediately Ei felt the strength drained from her body. Her vision darkened, mind going hazy as she collapsed forward.
But she did not hit the ground.
A choked sob met her ear that quickly devolved into wailing. Arms held her body up as the life drained from her. As Ei’s last breath left her body, all she could do was smile.
——————
When Ei first opened her eyes she hadn’t thought she would ever be drawing breath like this again. The first thing that registered in her mind was not her surroundings, but Makoto, who kneeled before her with a look of pure relief and joy on her face. Her eyes shimmered with tears threatening to spill over and before she could take in anymore Makoto pulled her up from where she lay into a fierce hug.
“Makoto...” Ei could only wrap her arms around her in kind.
“ Ei... ” Makoto’s arms squeezed just a bit tighter around her, “I could not be more overjoyed to have you by my side once more...”
——————
Ei stood atop Mt. Yougou. On a clear day such as this one could see the whole of Inazuma from its peak. The sakuras of the land were in full bloom, the pink flower petals filling the air with their lovely scent. New villages dotted the land, the city of Inazuma had expanded since last she remembered it, Tenshukaku stood as proudly as ever at its heart. The occasional yips of young kitsune playing farther down the mountain reaching her ears.
It was all just as beautiful as she remembered. Only a century had passed and the scars of war on Inazuma were long fading. The humans that lived now only knew of the tales of what had happened in those dark days plagued by war, content in their lives with the peaceful tides of Inazuma’s seas. There was always the presence of lingering evils and malicious beings, but such things were simple for her to deal with.
She turned on her heels towards the shrine, the shrine maidens that had been pretending to tend to their duties thus far as they watched her past the tori gates with curiosity greeted her now on her arrival.
“Almighty Narukami Ogosho, is there anything you require on this visit? Lady Saiguu is not currently present, but shall we leave a note for her that you wish to see her?” One of the human shrine maidens bowed before her, another a few steps behind her.
A small smile came to Ei’s lips, she was never good at dealing with the deference that mortals praised them in, but she knew Makoto was always welcoming and kind around them. “There is no need, I am only here for a short visit. You may return to your duties.”
“As you wish, Almighty Shogun.” With that the shrine maidens bowed once more before dispersing back around the shrine.
The shrine remained just as breathtaking as before. The Sacred Sakura tree stood at its edge, the bark of the tree shimmered brilliantly with a deep blue glow. Ei approached the tree, feeling its power radiate and respond to her as she approached.
“I laid you to rest at the Grand Narukami Shrine. It was only around several decades after you passed that Saiguu told me of the new presence of power radiating through Mt. Yougou. The kitsune had begun to notice it burrowing down further into the mountain and thought it a cause for concern. When I arrived, however, I felt the unmistakable mark of your divine spirit amplifying the tree’s power, coursing through the roots of the island. If your spirit could manifest so strongly after your death, then I knew that if I could find a way to use the power you had lent me to call upon your Divine Will you would return to me once more.”
Makoto laid a gentle hand atop Ei’s, “It was no easy feat, but I was right...”
Ei bowed deeply at these words, “Thank you Makoto, I will not fail you in my role as Kagemusha.”
Makoto frowned at the words, Ei felt her hands land on her shoulders, urging her up from her bowed position. “Ei, please, I wish to enjoy having my sister back for a while longer before you start clouding your mind with duty.”
Ei felt an embarrassed flush rise up her neck at the words, she looked off to the side to avoid Makoto’s scolding gaze, “Of course, I’m sorry Makoto. What would you like to do then?”
Makoto’s graceful smile returned to her face, Ei was glad that it had remained just as bright as she remembered.
“I wish for us to simply enjoy the day, Saiguu and Chiyo will surely be just as happy as I am to see you once more.” With that Makoto rose, she gently tugged Ei along by her hand out of the Shogun’s room in Tenshukaku and out into the gardens.
Ei could feel her own familiar power coursing through the Sacred Sakura tree, the tree itself had existed on the island for thousands of years, but it was as if a fresh wave of life had revitalized it. Amplifying the power it had to cleanse the land and hold evil at bay.
Her fingers traced the blue markings of the bark, the lines glowing under her hand, electro thrumming under the wood as if the tree pulsed with life.
She was glad that even in death she was able to continue protecting this land. If Makoto had never brought her back she would have been happy with this, though perhaps Makoto would not want to know about this bit of her wandering thoughts.
Her palm pressed flat against the tree, the tree responded in kind with another thrumm of energy, she thought back on her conversation with Makoto and seeing Saiguu and Chiyo again. She could sense the unsaid words lingering on Makoto’s tongue, it was wondrous for her to be back after everything with Sasayuri...
Orobshii was one of the last few gods they had slain, Sasayuri’s death had hit all of them hard, and with herself willingly giving up her life for Makoto so soon after... Ei withdrew her hand from the tree, gazing up instead at its flowers and branches, “I hope I did not cause you too much pain Makoto...”
Ei shook her head, trying to rid herself of her clouding thoughts. Her sister had given her a second chance, and they could be together now for eternity just as she had always wanted.
She stepped away from the Sacred Sakura, she had done all she came here to do. Now she must tend to her duties as Kagemusha.
——————
Ei held her polearm defensively infront of her, Chiyo’s sword crashing hard against the shaft. Had their sparring weapons not been enhanced by their visions and Ei’s powers respectively the strength behind the strike would have easily destroyed the weapons.
“You would have usually dodged that Ei, the years catching up to you?” Chiyo grinned as she backed away out of range from Ei’s counter attack.
Ei twirled her polearm in her hands, wooden blade coming to rest just above the dirt floor, “Trying to distract me won’t help your odds of winning.”
Chiyo stuck her tongue out at Ei, “I might just be trying to get you to overthink your moves instead.” She gave a wink to Ei before charging forward again. This time Ei dodged. The two trading blow after blow as neither backed away now to give the other ground.
Ei used the hilt of her polearm to sweep at Chiyo’s feet, throwing the smaller oni slightly off balance as she struck her blade off the side, leaving her open to her follow up attack as her wooden blade came up in a sharp arc towards her.
Chiyo’s eyes widened and she hastily stumbled back, narrowly dodging the fast attack and landing on her behind. “Watch out Ei, you could take an arm off with a strike like that!”
“Ah… my apologies, I am still a bit out of practice.”
Ei lowered her weapon and offered her hand to Chiyo to help her back up to her feet. The oni blew a strand of hair out of her face before accepting Ei’s help back up.
“It’s okay, you haven’t had to hold back in a fight before in a while.”
Chiyo winced a bit at her own words, not having meant to say such a thing.
It was a subject that both Saiguu and Chiyo avoided with her the most. Makoto as well seemed more content to rarely mention it, saying that such things were past now and they should enjoy the present that they’ve earned instead.
The subject was always touchy, there were no fond memories of it all. Of carrying a wounded Chiyo off the battlefield, of protecting Saiguu from a close brush with death with a wall of lightning, of shamefully bringing back the fragments of Sasayuri’s mask she had managed to find, or of slaying the monstrosities spawned from long dead gods.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to mention it.” Chiyo said with an apologetic look to her face.
Ei shook her head, “There is no point in pretending it did not happen. Don’t feel the need to apologize.”
Chiyo’s lips turned into a half smile at that, “Indeed, much happened in that time and since then, it does little good to continue to dance around the subject.”
She offered her hand forward, taking Ei’s weapon and placing it back on the training rack, “Speaking of subjects we have been dancing around,” Chiyo said as she placed her own sword on the rack, turning to Ei now with a more somber smile as she walked back to where she was standing.
“It was a difficult period, immediately after the war ended. Makoto tried her best to hold herself together, but the weight of you... passing, was apparent. For her, Saiguu, and myself. I made my peace with it, and am overjoyed to see you returned to us. It was more than I could have hoped for, but...”
Chiyo kept her hands at her side, the distance between them far wider than what it used to be when she stood this close to her. “Before… I did want something with you too, we briefly had it even.” The oni smiled wistfully at that, her eyes falling down Ei’s face to her lips. “I still care for you, but I do not think my heart could handle continuing from what we had once been with all that happened.”
Ei nodded, she had expected this much so she could not hold it against the woman. “I understand.”
“We can still remain friends, of course. My joy at being by your side all this time will never change. I’ve grown attached to your companionship and I’m sure you have with mine.” Chiyo grinned up at Ei.
Ei couldn’t help the soft exhaling laugh at her words, “Yes, I would be a bit lost without you, Saiguu, and Makoto at my side.”
Her grin grew into a wide smile at that, “If I could be a bit selfish though, may I ask for one last kiss?”
Ei shook her head in mock exasperation, “You are quite greedy for an oni, Chiyo.” Her hand slid up to the base of Chiyo’s neck. The smaller woman pressing up on her feet to meet Ei as she leaned down.
Their kiss had the familiar warmth to it, but a sense of finality that stopped the usual fleeting sparks between their lips. This was the end of what could have been before it truly began. Sealed away with this last kiss, for an eternity hereafter.
——————
Makoto was eager to spend time with Ei, so much so that she was a bit worried that Makoto might be neglecting some of her own duties, but she kept such comments to herself. Every other morning once Ei was done with her first set of training in the early hours before dawn, Makoto would greet her and insist they do something with an eager smile on her face.
Even without Makoto’s infectious cheer, Ei could never turn her down on something she wished to do.
The two would walk through the gardens, Makoto happily holding onto her arm as they walked, occasionally spinning her parasol that had collected whatever blooms from the trees that would land on it and sending the flowers gently floating down to the ground around her. Her face shined each time she saw Ei.
A simple game of karuta, drinking tea together, taking strolls in Chinju forest or the Byakko plains. Makoto took great joy in every little simple moment she had with Ei. Eagerly grasping onto each experience she had never thought she’d never be able to cherish with Ei again. Makoto, however, was not as dour as she was, so she would never say it in the same way that Ei thought. Saying instead that she simply treasured the present moments they had together.
Makoto was also just as eager to show Ei everything she had missed in the time she had been gone. Novels that she thought she would like, new foods, new sights of Inazuma. Whenever they went out into the city together, Ei would dress in the shogunate’s armor. Tempering her voice enough so that whoever spoke to her would think she was simply another general of the shogunate, and not the twin of their kind and gentle Archon.
“Inazuma has grown so beautifully with peace, Ei.” Makoto said as the two walked together in the streets of Inazuma city, her eyes shining with pure affection as she looked upon the buildings and shops they passed together.
It was easy to see how she could be so beloved by the people, her radiance almost rivaling that of the sun that shines over Inazuma. Makoto loved Inazuma, the talents of its people, the natural beauty of Inazuma itself flourishing now that it is no longer dampened by war. Though, just as war had scorched its landscape, forever changing it for all eternity, Makoto knew that the beautiful sights before her would change too over time, that despite this, the beauty of Inazuma was precious to her all the same in each breath of life it had.
For Ei though, she had but one wish that she always kept close to her heart. Her motivation that drove her ever forward in each act she performed. She would burden the task of preparing for whatever threatened Inazuma. She would protect this Inazuma that Makoto loved and cherished, and do all that her sister asked of her for eternity.
And so, almost a millenia and some centuries would pass. With Ei and Makoto both watching over the Inazuma that they loved.
——————
When Ei opened her eyes from her meditation she felt a slight weight against her leg that had not been present before.
She raised a brow and looked down to find what appeared to be a small ball of pink fur nestled against her leg, its head resting comfortably at the crook of her knee. She let out a deep sigh, Saiguu must have been present at Tenshukaku today seeing Makoto. Whenever the woman was here the young kitsune always took it upon themselves to crowd around Tenshukaku, though they usually never wandered directly into the gardens. She reached down to the fox, gently nudging them with her hand.
The fox slightly opened its eyes, deep purple eyes warily blinking away at sleep, “You are keeping me from my training, shoo.”
The fox looked up at her, barely regarding her presence before closing its eyes again and nestling deeper into the crook of her knee.
Annoying little being… Ei grumbled to herself. She made to grab the small fox and pull it off of her, but as her hand wrapped around its small body she stopped. Their fur was surprisingly… soft.
Her hand moved through the soft fur instead, nails lightly scratching behind the fox’s drooped ears. The fox in its sleep moved a bit to follow the scratches, a low murr coming from the fox.
This fox was just a bit too cute for its own good, I suppose I can meditate for a while longer… Ei finally conceded to herself, she closed her eyes once more and returned to her meditation.