Blackfeathered Archer

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Her excellence had changed and, given that fact, there were times when unusual situations like that simply happened.

On that afternoon, for example, they were strolling along Nazuchi Beach after having been busy all day with official business related to the Kujou Encampment. The orange hues of the sun's last rays reflected off the calm waters of Kannazukka, as it bathed the pale sand and illuminated the beautiful face of the Electro Archon. Concentrating on the waves, her violet eyes remained riveted on them as she asked that question out of the blue, one of those that made Sara wonder, in turn, if it was really her, if the change in her goddess had not been merely ideological.

And Sara had no idea what to answer.

She did not know what love was like for mortals, even though she was one. She asked her bluntly about what it was like for ephemeral creatures. She did not even have time to consider an answer beforehand. Her Excellency knew that, so she waited patiently. Sara rested a hand over her vision, ignoring the heat in her cheeks and that quickening of her pulse. She would be honest.

"I sincerely apologize for not being able to give you a proper answer, I do not know the answer to what you are looking for." She lamented in a firm tone, trying to hide her bewilderment.

Raiden now watched as a small crab on the shore cowered fearfully in their presence. Sara only noted the growing tension in the air in that silence, not seeming to judge her for her ignorance. Her violet locks swayed in the direction in which a light sea breeze was blowing.

"You're mortal, aren't you?" The goddess turned, fixing her curious gaze on her. "I'm not asking you about romantic love, I'd just like to know what that word means to you." When she realized she was holding her precious vision, Sara withdrew her hand immediately, as if she had dared to touch fire with her bare palm.

She thought about her words, about that meaning, and went over the memories she had, her lived battles and few experiences outside of her duties. Romantic. No. That was something Sara had remained completely disinterested in since her childhood, raised as the weapon of the Kujou, where there was no room for such feelings and, subsequently, no one to break through that barrier, if it existed at all.

However, if she changed her point of view, she could consider a certain aspect under that title. Now she thought of her, of the goddess who now stood beside her and whom she was honored to serve. She judged that the closest thing to that word she had experienced was undoubtedly found in her own faith and values, in that ideology closely tied to the loyalty she felt to the glorious Raiden Shogun, but to what extent could it be considered as such? Sara did not know, yet if she was certain of anything it was that that experience was the only one she had. She pursed her lips and thought carefully about the words she would choose, what she wanted to say to her.

"For me, undoubtedly, it is something I find in you." The Archon tilted her head with a slight grimace of surprise, her face remaining unchangingly serious, like hers. "Do not misunderstand me, Your Excellency. I speak of a devoted love." She clarified. "The only one I have experienced that I can tell you about is not one where couples are formed and, well, I assume you are aware of how relationships work." Seeing her nod allowed her to release some tension in a brief sigh. "You have asked me what you mean to me, well, if I know one thing for certain it is that I vowed to become the best of your soldiers and that your eternal figure, your ideals, in essence, everything that has revolved around the Electro Archon, you, is all I ever longed for. I know of no other form of love than this." And to acknowledge that it was, it stirred in her uneasiness, just as a warm feeling flooded through her. "I hope I have been able to satisfy your doubts, even a little, that will be enough."