Derisive Thunder (Ei[Raiden Shogun] X Fem Reader)

Chapter 4: Melody Of Time

[Y/n's PoV]

I left the Sangonomiya Shrine and rested on a huge tree branch near Bourou Village since leaning to a tree was one of my favourite habits.

The gentle rustle of the leaves and the faint chirping of crickets was calming. The sun's gentle rays feel warm on my skin and the faint scent of flowers fills my nose. It's easy to forget the outside chaos of the real world in this kind of state.

From where I Ieaned, I take in the sights and scenery of the world below along with the sound of the wind mixing with the chirps and calls of birds.

Soon, I saw someone from below. It was a young girl, holding a basket stuffed with vegetables as she walks by. She spotted me perched on the tree branch above, and waves up to me with a bright smile.

Seeing the girl doing this, I have no choice but to wave back, with a fake smile of my own.

The girl stopped underneath the tree and looked up at me happily.

"I haven't seen your face around here. Are you somewhat visiting the island?"

"That is of no con— *ahem* Yes, yes I am."

I decided to change my bitter attitude into a soft one since it was a child that I'm currently talking with.

"That's neat! What are you doing on that branch though?"

The girl looks up at me curiously, tilting her head slightly, clearly intrigued by my presence atop the tree.

"I am currently resting." I answered.

I then noticed the small piece of wood that she's holding in her other hand.

"And you, I know what you're going to do with the basket full of vegetables but on the other? I clearly don't have any idea what you'll be doing with it."

"Huh..? Ah, this?"

The girl looks down at the small piece of wood she was holding in her other hand, and then up at me again.

"So you noticed! This is just a bit of wood I collected at a spot nearby. I plan to do something neat with it, so I'm bringing it back to the village as I head home."

She holds the wood in her hand then offered it to me.

"Would you like to help me with it?"

Honestly, I wanted to refuse but I couldn't possibly turn down her needs of help either so I sighed and slightly smiled.

"I may have an idea of what to do with it, but first, let me ask you. Do you like listening to some melody?"

"Melody...?"

The girl tilted her head in slight confusion.

"You mean like the kind of melody you hear in the songs some bards sing for us from time to time?"

"Yes, though bards use lyre in order to play their music."

The girl thinks for a moment before quickly nodding her head in confirmation.

"Well, I suppose I do since I like to whistle and hum along whenever I'm outside. So what idea did you have for this piece of wood?"

"You'll see..."

The girl put her basket aside and watched me carve the piece of wood into a flute.

Her eyes light up and her smile grows even brighter; she's seemed fascinated of what I'm doing.

"It's gorgeous! You're very good with your hands."

I smirked at her comment.

After a few minutes, I finished carving. The flute has a beautiful design, with a pattern resembling the sky just before sunset.

"Wow, you finished so quickly! Can I try it?"

I reached my hand out for her to take the flute as her face filled with child-like excitement but then frown when she realized something.

"I... don't know how to play it though..."

The girl lets out a soft yet adorable sigh as she holds the flute in her hands. I could see a bit of disappointment on her face, but then she turns her gaze towards me, a smile on her face.

"Could... Could you show me how to play it?"

I was quite surprise by her sudden request but in the end, I did it anyway.

"...Okay, watch closely."

The girl listened intently as I played the flute. It was as if her ears were filled with a light and gentle sound. She gently closed her eyes as I continued to play.

The sadness that I felt permeated the flute's every note, yet it was soft and melodic. Even the saddest notes were made softer with the girl close by at my side.

She seemed to understand the pain within the melody, and yet felt content, as though she was also sharing a bit of my burden by listening to my melody.

"Thank you, for playing it to me..."

I shook my head and hand her the flute.

"No, there's no need to thank me. Now, it's your turn."

The girl smiled as she watched me teach her the basics. She took the flute from my hands and attempted to mimick my movements.

She did alright for a beginner, though she made a lot of mistakes.

"Hehe... I think I need a bit more practice."

Suddenly we noticed the sun began to set over the horizon, casting a gentle orange glow over the island.

"Oh, the sun's setting! I'd better hurry home and help out."

The girl was about to hand me back the flute but I wave my hand and told her that it was hers to practice now.

"Will I ever see you again?"

"...I'm not sure about that, but who knows? Maybe the sky would let our paths crossed once again." I said.

The girl then picks up her basket of vegetables before waving goodbye from which I responded with a small nod.

The girl smiled one last time as she turned away, the sunlight and moonlight glinting off her as she did. As she walked away, I turned my back towards the ocean, admiring the sunset's orange and red hues and remembering the memories that the beautiful melody brought back to me.

The leaves rustled in the night wind, but for the most part it was peaceful. The moon was very bright tonight, and the faint stars in the sky glowed as I can only guess what will tomorrow will bring.