Verisimilitude (GI Various x Reader)

Chapter Thirty-Five

        After a few hours, the small crew that ferried me across the waters between Tatarasuna and Narukami waved goodbye as they prepared to ferry back to the other island. I walked along the beach and up to the outskirts of Inazuma City, searching for anyone who could possibly lead me in the direction of the Raiden Shogun. A nearby soldier stood guard. Perhaps I might be able to learn something from him? I gave a short wave to the man on duty.

"Excuse me, but would you happen to know how I might gain an audience with the Raiden Shogun?" The man looked me up and down in suspicion.

"What does an outlander want to meet with Her Almighty Excellency for? Her Almighty Excellency has far more important matters than attending to the needs of an outlander. But, if it's really that important, try the Tenryou Commission's Headquarters. There is no guarantee they will even let you past the gates of Tenshukaku, but you are welcome to try." I fought to keep the amicable smile on my face from the man's blatant rudeness. I gave a slight bow, despite the rude attitude I'd received.

"Thank you for your help, kind sir." I fought the urge to make a face behind his back, just in case someone else was watching or if he himself turned around to watch what I'd do. I walked along the steps of the streets of Inazuma City. Sakura petals constantly rained down upon the earth from the ever-constant blooming sakura trees that were dotted throughout the city. I caught one such petal in my hand. I felt the soft velvet of the petal before letting the breeze steal it from my grasp and watch as it fluttered away like a butterfly upon the wind. The streets of Inazuma's main city were bustling with life and activity. Inazuman street vendors cooked up their various delicacies and called out for the people on the streets to buy their products. The sights and smells was all an exotic feeling and experience. Something I wish I could have experienced with Lumine and Paimon by my side. I stared down at the ground with a sigh.

"I'll just have to make it up to them somehow..." Paimon is easy to forgive and forget as long as you give her an offering of delicious food. Lumine on the other hand... Hm, what would it take to get her to forgive me for experiencing all of this without them? I was so lost in my thoughts, I didn't even notice that I'd reached the large bridge that connected the lower half of the city to the Inazuman palace at the very edge of the city.

I stopped, gazing up at the large building before me.

"This must be Tenshukaku..." Please... don't turn me away, Ei... I stepped forward, crossing the bridge. As I grew closer to the entrance, guards rushed forward to halt my progress.

"Halt! You approach the Tenshukaku, the residence of Her Excellency the Almighty Shogun. Turn back now, as the Raiden Shogun is not accepting visitors at this time." A man shouts at me. I bite my lip, my brows furrowing in concern.

"I need to speak with the Raiden Shogun! If you just tell her that the Oracle has come to speak with her, surely she would understand!" I tried to step forward, but the Shogunate soldiers aimed their weapons at me.

"Turn back, before we are forced to use to lethal force." They aren't even willing to reason with me!?

"Seriously? You're not even willing to listen to what I have to say!" They don't move an inch.

"Fine. I'll turn back." I turned around and headed back down the way I came. I found a secluded location that had a shrine surrounded by sakura trees. I approached the water of the pond, watching as the koi swam around without a care in the world.

"How am I supposed to figure out my way back if I can't even speak with Ei because her soldiers won't even let me in?" Everything suddenly felt hopeless. A deep and bitter sigh escapes my throat. I turned my attention towards the shrine. Something past it caught my gaze as I turned my attention up the sprawling mountain in the distance. A large sakura tree rested at the top of the mountain, the petals raining down to the city below.