For Eternity

For Eternity - VII

The sun was shining brightly that day, as Yae was making her way back to the Tenshukaku. She had a small basket with her, which was filled with small boxes full of different kinds of desserts. While making her way, she noticed Yoimiya playing with some kids outside. She promised to give them a firework show later the day, but only if the little ones didn't get in arguments with each other. Something about Yoimiya's caring nature caught Miko's eye. She walked closer to her and placed the basket down, on a small bench.

"Oh! Hello lady Yae! Could you little ones go play with that doggy over there?", Yoimiya asked the kids while pointing at a big golden dog under a big Yumemiru tree. The kids all nodded and ran to pet the dog, as she turned to look at Miko.

"It has been a while, has it not? I see you get along with them quite well.", Miko told as she slightly turned at the young ones with the puppy.

"Yup! Those little kids asked me some questions to do with fireworks and asked me if I could give them a show one time! It's still in process, but now the three of them haven't been in as much arguments as before! So, what brings you here? Interested in a firework or two?", Yoimiya said excitedly as she bounced on place. Miko looked slightly at the visible fireworks on the shelf, then let out a quiet, wondering hum.

"Actually... What colors do you have in stock? Or if possible, do you take customs?", Miko asked, honestly curious. Yoimiya smiled widely and took the kitsune in the cottage behind the house, where she held most of her firework collection.

"This one is a mint colored one, it's really pretty during sunset, this one is... Coral! Very beautiful during nighttime! Here's crimson, one of my favorites! Again, very pretty during sunset! Actually... I think this one will be pretty no matter when it's set!", Yoimiya rambled. Yae looked around, trying to find a color matching her wishes.

"Are there... Any purples and pinks?", she asked hesitantly. Yoimiya turned to look at her eyes lit up with happiness and surprise.

"You could've said so sooner! Here should be four different types! They should start somewhere around...", Yoimiya started as she looked around. Suddenly, she grabbed a firework with the title "New Year's Sunset".

"Here! It's another one of my favorites! Then there's 'Galaxy burst', 'Eternal youth' and 'Lover's evening'! All of them have different kinds of colors, the different colors are easiest to see in 'Galaxy burst'!", Yoimiya spoke excitedly. Yae looked of all the different options, then sighed deeply.

"I think this... Galaxy burst. Could be the one.", Miko said, which made Yoimiya smile wider.

"Alrighty! Do you mind telling me what the firework is for?? Are you going to need it for a shrine ritual? I think fireworks would really make it look prettier!", Yoimiya continued, as the kitsune kept on taking long lasting breaths, telling herself to remain calm.

"I'd rather not talk about that.", she replied, trying o stay calm. Despite her request, Yoimiya kept on asking, on and on.

"Yoimiya, please stop. I would like to buy this firework with no questions asked.", Yae Miko said once again. Yoimiya finally got quiet, which made Yae sigh from relief.

"Are you going on a date and want to make it beautiful with fireworks?", Yoimiya asked, making Miko shiver. She looked at the other quite irritated as a small smirk appeared on her face.

"Why yes. But I did tell you to keep quiet, didn't I?", Yae said with her voice getting lower with each word. Yoimiya giggled quietly as an apology, but it was clear Miko wouldn't forgive her like that. No way.

After some time, Ei heard a knock on the door of Tenshukaku. She immediately rushed to the door, knowing who it was. She opened the doors, to see Miko who was catching her breath.

"Hello there. Is everything alright?", Ei asked trying to get eye contact with the other. Miko simply chuckled with a small nod.

"My apologies, I took a lot longer than expected. Some things came up as a surprise, I got here as fast as I could." the kitsune replied as she saw the same necklace hanging around Ei's neck. She smiled softly at it, it made her feel like the other really liked her gift.

"So, my archon, are we going?", Yae asked as she offered a hand to the other. Ei smiled slightly and took a hold o the kitsune's hand. They got teleported on top of a high hill in Araumi. The sun was about to set, and it was truly beautiful. No clouds were able to spot in the sky.

Miko placed a blanket on the hill and sat on it. Ei took a seat next to the kitsune and looked at the yumemiru trees. The Sakura petals flying in the air made the scenery feel more unrealistic, almost like it was all planned.

"Want some?", Yae said as she offered Ei some taiyaki cookies. Ei smiled and took a cookie and bit a small bite out of it. The taste was incredible. Miko giggled softly at the other's reaction.

"This place reminds me of something...", Ei said quietly, however, the other didn't hear a thing she said. Ei stood up after eating the cookie and looked around. The wind started to blow in a cold breeze. Yae noticed this immediately and turned to look at Ei, whose eyes were filled with tears.

"My God... Is everything alright...?", Miko asked softly as she stood up beside her beloved. Ei closed her eyes took a deep breath.

"Me and my earlier friends used to visit here often... Now they're all gone... You're all I have left... I... Just don't want the same to happen to you...", Ei whispered quietly as her body became weaker. Miko immediately hug the other softly and pressed the Archon's head against her own chest.

"You won't lose me, Ei. I can't die that easily, you know? I made a promise to stay beside you until the day your eternity ends, so I will keep that promise.", Miko told calmly as she pet Raiden's hair as she notices it started to rain.

"I'm just worried... What if the danger surrounding Inazuma happens to get you... I-... I don't want that to happen...", Ei said as her voice got quieter and quieter. Miko smiled softly and raised Ei's chin to connect eyes with her.

"I already told you, you won't lose me. You care about me maybe a little too much, you keep on forgetting that I am your assistant. I'm tougher than your ordinary shrine maiden, aren't I?", Miko said connecting their noses and giving Ei a soft smile. Ei got a slight color on her cheeks, which made Miko giggle. The rain quickly stopped, and Miko whipped off the raindrops from her shoulders.

"I think you really should get some rest, my God. And I'm not talking about an hour-long nap, more like a break from your job as the God of Eternity.", Miko said, getting a confused look from Ei.

"I can't do that, Miko! If I take any breaks, the people of Inazuma might think I'm not there like an archon would be, like Morax back in the days!" Ei said, getting a giggle from Miko.

"My, my. You really worry a lot, Ei. If you're not willing to take break, then let me at least help you with all your work." the kitsune woman said, making Ei silent.

"Now, don't say anything. I do not have 'more important things to do', I can simply ask the other shrine maidens to take care of the Grand Narukami shrine, and if I get any novels that are ready for release, we could read them together.", Yae said as she walked slowly in a circle around Ei.

"So, what do you say, Ei? I guess that could be a pay-off for the time you spent in the Euthymia. Don't you think it would be fair?", Miko continued as she offered a hand for Ei to shake. The archon took in a deep sigh and let it out, then shook Miko's hand.

"It's a deal then. I don't have another choice, do I?" Ei said with a small smile. Both of them let out a quiet giggle when Miko suddenly let go and put a hand against Ei's cheek.

"We'll start tomorrow at 11.00, I suggest you're ready.", Miko said and sat back down on the blanket. Ei sat down next to her, and Miko offered another cookie, which Ei immediately stole. Miko silently stared at the sunset with Ei in her hands. The entire scenery made her feel... Warm. Comfortable. Inside, she hoped that the moment would last longer. Suddenly she realized that no fireworks had been exploded yet. She just shrugged it off, she didn't lose anything when she got it, did she? Though it is true that the land of Eternity got another victim who barely did anything wrong...