𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 • k. ayato

40

☄. *. ⋆

As if it were starlight pulsing through the graphite sky, lightning—or rather, the Raiden Shogun came in great networking forks. Like thunder, her presence consumed the entire room. Her heeled shoes clanked upon the wooden floors of the throne room. Her braid—trailing behind her in elegant movements—her cloth which sat upon her fair skin—moved delicately with her.

Her purple, glowing eyes gazed down upon the four individuals before her. She was seemingly surprised to see the Guuji here as well, "Miko? What is it you're doing here?"

Miko chuckled, "It is an important day after all; how could I ever miss it?"

The Raiden Shogun let out a hum, stepping closer to the four, "Very well. Your insight is always greatly appreciated," and when she stopped walking, she crossed her arms, eyeing both [Y/N], and Asahi, "Now then, step forth you two."

As ordered, the two of them stepped forth.

"I have come here upon reading the... records the two of you have sent about each other. I am left feeling greatly displeased. To think that the Kamiyama's were such wretched people. To think that we have overlooked your cruelty, and tyranny for so long. I am ashamed to have such Inazumans in this great nation."

[Y/N] glanced at Asahi—he was still smiling. He seemed awfully relaxed.

Then Asahi spoke, "Almighty Shogun, may I make a request of you?"

The Shogun gazed at Asahi with disdain, "How bold of you to ask for such a thing. After everything, you still dare to look me in the eyes, and smile?"

Asahi let out a chuckle, placing his hand on his chest. Suddenly, his expression seemed worth pitying, "Your Excellency, surely you would grant me permission to carry out my father's last wish? As his son, I feel obliged to do such a thing before I meet my descent."

The Shogun glared at Asahi, "Hmph, how audacious. To think that the one who caused his own father's death would ask me of such a thing. But... fine. Let's hear it. What was Rai's last wish?"

"Please, allow me to challenge my sister to a duel before the throne."

[Y/N] could hear an old woman's gasp behind her, and Yae Miko's chuckle. So this was the reason he seemed so relaxed—he is sure of his win—sure of the Raiden Shogun allowing him to do such a thing as challenge [Y/N] to a duel. Of course, there was no way the Shogun wouldn't allow this. And frankly speaking, [Y/N] was already prepared for this as this was the obvious conclusion. Not to mention, Asahi has never once bested [Y/N] in a duel before, albeit since he's initiating it right now—he must have something up his sleeve.

Either way, [Y/N] didn't feel scared. In fact, she felt determined to win. She couldn't wait to see the fear in his eyes as death comes knocking on his door—the same fear that the people he had mindlessly murdered had in their eyes.

The Raiden Shogun caught glimpse of the woman's unwavering expression, of the little smile that was coating her face. With a sigh, she responded, "Very well. I am willing to grant you a duel before the throne. The winner shall get to stay alive, while the defeated shall perish by my hand. Have you any issues with that, Kamisato [Y/N]?"

"Just one, your Excellency."

Asahi gazed at the woman in slight confusion, as did the others.

The Shogun inquired, "Oh? Indulge me."

"I ask of you to allow the winner... to execute the loser of the duel."

This request was a gamble. On one hand, she could get the revenge she wished for, and on the other, she could die a disgraceful death—executed by her own brother. It's not so much that the death itself would be disgraceful, but she knew she would feel dirty if it was her brother who took her life. In her last moments, Asahi was the last person she wished to see.