The Last Envoy - One Shot

Gardens of Tenshukaku

Fox envoys are no longer needed, but not forgotten. We do not forget.

When I was young, I would spend my days scampering through gardens waiting for mother to finish with Ei. That day something exciting was seemingly happening.

Interested, I continued towards the noise. Weaving between the ponds and bushes I soon found the commotion.

Concealed in my hiding place, I watched in awe as a symphony of objects was conducted by a singular person. I wanted to meet the person that could do such a thing.

Filled with passion, I stumbled out of my hiding place only to see the watchful eyes of Yae Miko and Raiden Ei staring back at me.

I gave a curtsy.

"And who may this be? She looks like an envoy, Miko, but much younger than the rest of you."

"Ei, I would like to introduce my daughter, Suki. Celestia decided that we needed another one and as the oldest of the fox envoys, the duty fell to me to look after her." Raiden Ei looked me up and down and smiled.

"It's nice to meet you Suki, you may call me Ei."

My mouth dropped open in surprise, it's not every day that you call an archon by their first name.

Ei and Mother giggled at my reaction like young schoolgirls.

Finally, Ei managed to choke out "I can't believe you managed to hide this from me Miko." Miko only shrugged her shoulders and the both of them broke down again.

Confused, I mumbled something about going back to the shrine. Ei looked at me and whispered something to Miko. Miko whispered back. "May I ask you to stay for some tea, Suki?" The response was immediate. You don't say no to an Archon.

"It would be my pleasure," I responded. As I walked away, I found myself being overly self-conscious.

My hairpin was a little out of place, my hair not the normal silky colour and the small yellow stains on my canines would show under the scrutiny of an Archon's eye.

"Should I change into more... appropriate clothing?" I asked tentatively, wanting to give myself more time to prepare.

I would change into one of my better gowns and come back never.

"What you have got on is fine. I'm not letting you get away." Ei smiled mischievously.

The garment in question was similar to my Mother's. The robe was white with black stitching. A blue bow perched on my lower back and the silk ending a turtleneck.

We reached an open pavilion, the tea steaming on the table. Pouring tea for both of us, Ei started the questions flowing.

"How old are you Suki?" Ei questioned.

"I'm- I'm 14," how old was she really? How long had she really been waiting in Celestia?

"One year away from training, right?" I nodded.

"I propose something to you, Suki. I would like to train you."

There was a moment of confusion before my jaw hit the floor. The Shogun wants to train me? She has an entire country to run and she chooses me!?

"One last question, Suki. When is your birthday?"

"My birthday is on the 2nd of January."

Ei seemed to take my response in before answering.

"Meet me in Chinju Forest in 10 days. Don't be late."