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In the face of eternity, another year is nothing. It is but an acknowledgement of eternity’s longevity and stability. For mortals however, the same cannot be said.
The Shogun’s kagemusha treated it like any other day, because it was. She has witnessed centuries come and go in the blink of an eye. She has had over a thousand new years up to this point. To her, honing her martial prowess was more important and more beneficial; she has been in the dojo ever since the day started.
Her friends would visit her occasionally, and it seemed like today was one of those days.
This time around, it was a dark haired oni that paid a visit, who also happened to be a maiden. She had with her a basket full of delicious looking delicacies. The oni spoke with a tone ever so exuberant, “How are your martial skills faring? Is it still as sharp as your blade, or did it get sharper?”
Ei paused at the question to reply, “It has improved drastically since the last time you sparred with me.”
Chiyo’s eyes sparkled with delight as she sat on the floor, patting the empty space beside her, implicitly telling the kagemusha to sit down as well. “I’m glad to hear that. The art of the sword is one that is not easy to master, moreover perfect.”
Ei approached the oni and let out a lighthearted chuckle as she occupied the space beside her. “Hearing that from someone—whose sword dance is spectacular—truly is an honor.” The kagemusha’s face beamed with amusement at the remark.
“I believe I am not the only one who deserves such high praise.” Chiyo mirrored Ei’s joyful visage. The oni reached out to her basket which boasted the view of not only enticing food, but also desserts. It made Ei’s mouth water.
Chiyo held sakura mochi and tricolor dango in her hands not long after. She gave the tricolor dango to Ei who had an expectant look on her face. The moment she received the dango, she did not waste any time looking at it. She excitedly took a bite and savored its taste.
Chiyo was engulfed with mirth at the reaction. “Slow down, I can always get more sweets.” She responded with a hand patting Ei’s back in her own time.
The kagemusha regarded her with gleaming eyes and a look that children would have whenever they are given candies. “There is more?” Oh how amusing it was to see her enraptured like this.
Chiyo nodded and began explaining. “Kitsune Saiguu decided to celebrate the new year all of a sudden, therefore there are various foods available.” She concluded with a bite on her mochi.
Ei stared at her in perplexity, mouth slightly slightly agape. Upon noticing her response, perplexity also made its way to Chiyo’s face. “Need I elaborate further?”
The kagemusha shook her head, breaking out of her train of thoughts. “There is no need. I was.. simply curious as to why she decided to celebrate it out of the blue.”
Chiyo hummed in acknowledgment, “I see.. Well, you are welcome to join the celebration too. Even Makoto is attending.” The oni nudged Ei somewhere in the middle of her little act of persuasion.
Ei rolled her eyes playfully as she began chewing on her dango once again.
Eventually, Chiyo had to leave to help with the decorations. She left Ei with her thoughts, so she could ponder if she would go. In the end, she did drop by.
“Ei~!” The first to greet the kagemusha was none other than her sibling. Makoto pulled a sheepish Ei into an ecstatic embrace.
The second to notice her was the oni that invited her to the party. She waved at Ei to acknowledge her presence, Ei waved back.
The rest of the guests felt the arrival of someone new as well. Ei scanned the room to see who else she will be meeting tonight.
Excluding her sister and her inviter, and herself, there were only three other people. The host, the chieftain tengu, and a shrine maiden.
Among the three, the pink-haired kitsune was the least she was acquainted with. Matter of fact, they only went as far as exchange glances. It seemed like Saiguu asked her to attend too.
While the chieftain and the guuji exclaimed her name due to her sudden appearance, the mysterious guest merely looked at her direction. It appears that she was more interested in eating the fried tofu on her plate.
It did not concern her, since she was preoccupied by wondering about how to not stick out like a sore thumb. She took one of the vacant seats on the table, beside the maiden in question.
Saiguu stood up elegantly, then walked to the front of the room as she clapped her hands to have everyone’s attention. “Now that everyone is here, I suppose we can begin playing a game?”
The kagemusha furrows her brows at the announcement, knowing that her hunger was growing more unbearable by the moment. She does not indulge in acts as insignificant as these, but she allowed it just this once.
Once Saiguu got the approval of all the guests, she let them know about the rules, “Alright, the game is all about doing whatever the coin says. There are two sides to the coin, namely, the maroon and navy sides. Most people like to call it ‘truth or dare’. Once you have a result, you have to spin the roulette and whoever it lands on is the person you can command or ask questions to.”
Everyone chose Saiguu to be the first person flipping the coin.
A few minutes later and it became a matter of becoming a laughingstock, or trying not to become one. At some point, it became a team battle for revenge. Whenever someone would land a dare, they would whisper their plans to each other and choose a victim.
It all began when Sasayuri used her hydro powers to practically drop water on every person’s head. Allegedly, it was Saiguu who told her to do so.
After the tengu’s turn, it was the archon’s. Luckily, Makoto’s flip also resulted in a dare, and the roulette pointed to Ei. The kagemusha decided to play along with her sister’s thirst for revenge.
While Makoto managed to cause a blackout in the building, Ei used the opportunity to swiftly move behind Saiguu in a blink of an eye, and zapped her with high currents of electricity.
The Guuji’s head fell limply to the table with an audible thud, clearly not used to such high voltage coursing through her body. Although, her consciousness was still present.
Without waiting for the host to protest, Sasayuri flipped the magical coin, she landed on a truth. She spun the wheel and had the chance to ask Chiyo a question. The tengu did not waste time sugarcoating her query. “What would be your next move?”
Chiyo widened her eyes in surprise at the straightforwardness. Even if she did not have a dare, she still sought to use the chance appropriately. Then again, she could always hide the truth and use it at her disposal. “I was thinking about throwing a sparkler to your side of the table.”
Saiguu gasped incredulously at the mischievous plan, “Outrageous!” The oni brushed it off with a shrug. It looked foolish coming from a person who got electrocuted by Ei as per her sister’s orders not long ago.
The next person to go was Yae Miko, the other kitsune that Saiguu invited. With the amused expression that she wore, she was most likely enjoying the show set by the guests. Miko took the coin and tossed it high up the air, resulting in a dare. The roulette also decided that she would be partnering up with Chiyo in any grand scheme she could think of.
Whatever it was, the oni did not seem reluctant at all. In fact, it seemed like she was willing to comply to Miko’s wishes. Chiyo flicked her wrist in the air and the next thing they knew, a blade came flying towards Sasayuri.
The room fell silent. They watched in horror as a blade pierced through the tengu’s chest. The two schemers looked calm, as if they did not just harm someone.
That was when Sasayuri pulled out the dagger and it just so happened that he was unscathed. An odd scent also permeated the room, was it.. tomato sauce???
The tengu pressed on the tip of the dagger and forced it down, “Not to worry, it was a retractable blade.” Miko and Chiyo guffawed at the splendid performance that Sasayuri pulled off.
Saiguu stomped towards Miko and shook both her shoulders vigorously, “Do not do that again, Miko! It was not entertaining!”
All that Ei knew was that she was glad that no one had died. Her seat mate will definitely not see the light of day again if there were casualties tonight. The kagemusha flipped and spun the roulette once she recollected her thoughts. It ended in a truth, and Saiguu as the person she interrogates. “Are you able to change the game? This one is quite the most worrying game I have played.”
Miko’s shenanigan made everyone switch the game, this time around, it’s a show of skill. The game was more of a tournament on who could snatch the cup fastest from the other person.
The first round was the elimination round. Sasayuri and Saiguu went against each other first. Once the countdown ticked to zero, the clash went on. The tengu kicked the cup with full force, making sure that it was out of her opponent’s reach. Unfortunately, Saiguu was still closer to the cup, since Sasayuri kicked it to her front.
Being a Guuji means having incomparable reaction time, but just as soon as she was about to become the winner, the chieftain threw herself on her with a force so great. Saiguu was trapped beneath her opponent.
Sasayuri did not show any signs of moving towards the cup inches away. Instead, she locked the other’s arms in a death grip.
It was a stalemate, but that was what Saiguu wanted people to think. Even if she couldn’t use her arms, she could still command the fox spirits to claim the victory for her. Saiguu was declared the winner.
The next match was between an archon and a guuji in training, Makoto against Miko. Ironically, the archon barely possessed any fighting experience. It was mostly Ei who lead soldiers to the battlefield, not her. Despite that, she isn’t completely hopeless. Makoto was an intelligent individual, the person who was the mastermind between all things related to Inazuma.
However, Miko’s identity was alien to most people. Only Saiguu knew of her capabilities, so there was no knowing how it might turn out.
Finally, the question would be answered when the game began. Makoto used her archon abilities to make the cup fly mid air and take it away from Miko’s grasp. Although the shrine maiden did not react. It was out of the ordinary, so the archon let it float beside her before attempting to read her unusual opponent’s mind.
Miko sighed in discontent, then turned the cup to ash with her electro vision in an instant. She leisurely walked to the remains of the cup and then scooped a handful. “There was only one rule: to touch the cup and seize it from the other.” Albeit, Miko was correct. The audience decided that she won the competition.
The last battle for the elimination round was Ei against Chiyo. The difference in power made it very clear who the winner would be.
Chiyo was talented, beautiful and smart, but all it took for the kagemusha was a move as quick as a lightning bolt.
The semifinals was a showdown between Saiguu, Miko, and Ei. They immediately proceeded to a match with Ei against Miko. Anyone who can think clearly knows that they don’t stand a chance against the warrior. She can use the same tactic again and again, yet she would still win. Miko did not stand down nonetheless.
Three, two, and one, then the semifinals began. This time, Miko took action right away. She was aware of the fact that her opponent was the reincarnation of lightning, so she made haste.
Somehow, the guuji managed to shield the cup from its attacker. It did cost her immense pain on her arm that she used to block the hit with. She wouldn’t be surprised if it was broken at that point. She picked up the cup carefully, observing the situation.
Going against Ei felt like your only fate was to lose. Miko doesn’t know if it was simply the effect of her determination to win, or because she wanted to see if she was even a worthy opponent for her.
The next second, the woman in front of her vanished. It took her a few moments to realize that she was about to land a blow from a blind spot. She turned around a second too late and found herself in an awkward position.
Ei was leaning close to her, expecting that she would fail to notice her next move. Miko wished that this game was never played in the first place since she couldn’t hide her evident blush.
The kagemusha seemed to be caught off guard too. Her eyes widened and she was stiff; very unlike her.
There was a crowd watching anticipatively, Miko couldn’t let herself be distracted. An attempt to move the cup away was made by Miko, but there was no more cup. Not in her grasp at least.
Ei already had it before they got into a compromising position. So why did she freeze in her place?
The sound of Ei clearing her throat brought back Miko’s cool composure. “Victory is yours.”
The kagemusha nodded her head in agreement. The victor was none other than Ei.
Miko made her way to one of the four corners of the room to regain her energy. It certainly was tiring, and very challenging as well.
The pink haired did not notice how her relative was staring at her with concern and hesitation. It appears that she noticed the other kitsune’s injury. Saiguu finished inspecting Miko from afar, she made another announcement. “I am stopping the tournament. The winner is Ei. For now, we should begin the feast. It is almost midnight.”
The rest did as she said, filling their plates with all kinds of food. The only one who did not was Miko, who remained still from on the ground, wincing occasionally anytime she moved her arm.
Of course, she could not just sit there doing nothing. She approached Saiguu, tapped her shoulder a few times, and told her she would be in the balcony.
Since Ei was a little worried as well, she was one of the few who noticed her sudden leave. It concerned Ei even more.
She felt the need to check if Miko was okay. After all, she was the one who fought against her. She excused herself from Makoto and strode towards the balcony.
It did not take her a while to spot a certain pink haired kitsune once she opened the doors to the balcony. The kitsune’s ears twitched, a sign that Ei’s presence was now known.
“If my memory serves me right, you’re Yae Miko, correct?” Her tone was meek and gentle, afraid of breaking the woman she was talking to.
“Indeed, only the wisest and most cunning.” Miko’s head turned to face the purple haired.
Without a warning, Ei approached her, and took Miko’s forearm to tend to it. She raised her sleeve to see the injury better, but Miko stepped away.
Ei presumed that she did not yet earn her trust. It was understandable, and her competitiveness was the cause of the pain on her arm. An apology quickly left her lips, “.. Forgive me for being a bit too aggressive. I never meant any harm. It was ruthless of me, so I understand that I am not deserving of your trust.” Guilt piled up in her chest at the fact that she was the same person who wished for a peaceful night.
“It’s quite alright,” The kitsune replied nonchalantly. “The pain is minimal.”
In spite of her words, Ei doubted the confession. Sure the kitsune had her usual visage and composure, albeit her arm still looked peculiar.
“I highly doubt that, but if you want, I will go back to the table.” Ei was not willing to, though right now it appeared as a sensible option. Miko wished to be alone, so she respected the decision.
Before she could open the door, Miko’s voice halted her actions. “You can stay, if that is what you really want. Seriously, I did not even yell at you to leave.”
Ei let out an anxious sigh, “Thank you, Miko.” She scooted back beside the kitsune.
Silence brewed, though the birds’ songs and the wind’s whisper could also be heard. Something urged Ei to say something, but it seems that Miko beat her to it. “It’s not that you’re untrustworthy. I just did not expect you to go out here and take care of my injury.”
“Does that mean you will allow me to do so this time?” Ei asked while pressing herself closer to Miko. The kitsune nodded her head.
Ei willingly inspected her forearm, which had a bruise. She caressed it, and as expected, Miko flinched. “You did not have to lie about the pain being minimal. I will fetch some ice quickly, stay here.” The kagemusha left in a hurry, and Miko wasn’t planning to return to the room anyway.
Ei most likely set the record for ‘least time taken to find a first aid kit’. Well, she is the electro archon’s twin, but it was still frighteningly quick.
Ei briskly, yet delicately got to work. She applied the ice pack directly on the bruise and told Miko to rest. Apparently, her definition of ‘rest’ was simply leaning against the balcony’s railing. In any case, Ei joined her.
“How do you feel?” The kagemusha wanted to make sure that there wasn’t any discomfort whatsoever.
A tender smile formed on Miko’s lips, “I feel way better, thanks to you. Or should I say, your servile demeanor?”
“I was merely worried about you. I did not please me to see you enduring the pain.” Ei said in all honesty.
Miko responded with her hand cupping Ei’s face, ignoring the ice pack she was supposed to be holding. “Are you that obsessed with me to the point where I’m the only one you are worried about?”
Ei’s face flared up and her cheeks were dusted with red at the proximity. She was sure that the kitsune was wrong, and that she was only being teased. Though, she does wonder, why does she care about her so much?
She settled with a simple explanation: she wished to make it up to her.
“ You are the one returning back home with a bruise on their arm.” She was collected and confident, an attempt to hide her embarrassment.
Miko did not reply. She began to softly caress the other’s face, mimicking the way that Ei caressed her injured arm.
It caused Ei’s heart to swell, and various emotions to surge out of the blue. There was a lot to process, and it overwhelmed her slightly.
A loud bang resounded the sky as colorful streaks of light painted the starry night.
At last, Miko released her hand, just in time before everybody else ran to the balcony’s doors.
Saiguu was still concerned for Miko, but that disappeared when she realized that Ei owned up for her mistakes. She regarded the kagemusha with a proud smile, before laying her eyes on the magnificent show in the heavens.
It also prompted Ei to focus on the fireworks show. It was unique, and the Naganohara’s really do deserve all the praise. It was breathtaking, even if it lasted mere seconds.
The fireworks continued on for a while, then reached its end eventually. The real officially changed, and the group wanted to start it off with drinks and food. They stayed up and enjoyed it to the fullest, until most of the attendees passed out.
-
Ei awoke on her bed once she regained her consciousness. She was tucked in warmly, and the sun peeked through the windows. What a night that was.
She sat up leisurely, and only then did an abnormal feeling engulf her.
There were no signs of hungover, she was appropriately changed to her night wear, her room looked more.. empty, and Inazuma city felt less lively than last night.
A knock on her door alerted Ei, “Shogun, breakfast is ready.”
That’s right, she was the shogun now, the ruler of Inazuma, their new archon.
This was not the same Inazuma, last night was simply a dream.