Chapter Text
"The Shogun serves Inazuma, Ei." Sara slows her breath, carefully picking out what to say next. Her hands curled into fists in her lap, and her staggering gaze spotted a faint annoyance in the corners of Ei's face.
"What do you serve?"
"How brave. The Shogun would have struck you down right then for your insolence."
"But," Kujou Sara sighs. "You are not the Shogun."
"I am Ei. I am the true Raiden Shogun." She replied. Each syllable rose in agitation. "Why is that so hard to understand?"
"Because you and the Shogun are so different. It's like someone sewed an exact replica of her garb and slotted you in it." Ei's eyes drifted over to the vision on her belt, how it pulsed in her presence, faint electricity trickling to the general's grasp. "The Shogun stays in Tenshukaku, only matters of utmost importance compel her to-"
"Descend and deal with the matter personally?"
"Yes." Sara swallowed the lump in her throat. She pitied the girl. Perhaps the lack of identity and purpose resonated with Sara. After all, her life's very foundation depended on her Archon. This imposter seemed to cling to the Archon's name as well, for the wrong reasons, at least. Sara offered her a hand. Ei obliged, beaming at the slight development. "If I may, I'd like to inquire about the origin of your... Err, outfit." Ei's head rolled back in laughter, she nearly dropped the carton of Dango. She swayed right into Sara's arms, muttering to herself about the silliness of it all. "Why?" She smirked. "Would you like one for yourself?"
The taller woman scoffed. She grabbed Ei's shoulders and stared her down. Her golden eyes burned with a fury only ever seen by her foes on the battlefield. "I will find that store and make sure that they will cease producing mockeries of the Shogun's attire."
"Ah,"
They continued to walk. The silence hissed in harsh clangs against the beating of Ei's heart. Ei would occasionally kick a rock in Sara's direction, but the other paid it no mind.
"General," She called. "What if the Shogun is hiding a part of herself from you?" Sara stopped in her tracks. "I doubt it." Ei brought a finger to her chin. "Are you sure you know her for who she is?"
"Indeed." Sara quickened her pace. Her gruff steps contrasted her elegant expression, and Ei stared for a few seconds before realizing she was being left behind. "What's the Shogun's favorite food?"
"On usual days, she'll accept anything."
"But sometimes," Sara shivers. "She'll ask for sweets. Dango specifically, like the one you're holding."
"Oh," Ei gasped. "Oh my."
"I would appreciate if you did not pry any further, Her Excellency's privacy must be respected. And I would be a fool to let anyone access her personal affairs."
"Now then," Sara let out a mental sigh as they approached the final stretch to the city. This wannabe would pester her no more, and her assistance was more than enough. "Where do you live?"
"In Tenshukaku."
"No."
"But-"
Sara sighed again. Audible and long, with enough indignation to penetrate through Ei's patience. "If you insist on staying ignorant, then I will head there myself."
The march to Tenshukaku was as uneventful as she expected. Ei was ushered out before uttering a single word. While Sara, looking at Ei, parted the guards with the wave of a hand. The air of her abode was indeed electrifying, as the all-too-familiar silhouette of a god came into view.
A god. A puppet. Whatever. That thing was preventing her from merging back into the sword. And her consciousness sank like the slow fall of embers.
Ei clutched the side of her head, the clamor of her thoughts churned in a sea of unrest. Her mind was stretching into the corners of oblivion.
She had enough strength to glance up. And what she saw was no ordinary sight.
The Shogun was smiling.
Her gaze reached Ei's own, and the wicked curl of her lips widened as she stepped on the platforms of electro seamlessly summoned under her feet.
"General," There it was. The voice of thunder's low rumble, dampening the whimpers of soldiers and freezing Kujou Sara in place. "I have felt a strange presence near my abode's borders."
Sara bowed her head. "This strange lady has followed me here. I apologize."
Ei harrumphed. Sara's touch was still gentle, yet it demanded her to be urgent. The firm grip on her lower arm stung with growing disapproval. "I will escort her away myself. I assure you, she won't attempt this again."
The Shogun nodded at Sara, before throwing a sharp glare at Ei. "Very well. I await your return."
With that, the Shogun vanished in a flash of purple light.