Back Off

Aether couldn't remember much of what happened after Kazari died. All he remembered was that Reizi teleported him back into his Domain as his power would have caused a calamity if he stayed in the mortal realm for a bit longer.

Even though that portion of his memory is gone, he doesn't really seem to mind it. It was probably him just being a depressed mess after all. For now, he needs to complete his set mission in Inazuma. To free Inazuma from an Archon that cannot move on.

"Halt!"

That's the reason why he was now being stopped by General Kujou Sara from helping an old man escape with a young blonde girl named Yoimiya. Unlike any other foe, Kujou Sara can't drop her guard with Aether. Just from his gaze alone, she could already tell that one wrong move can cost Inazuma everything.

When Aether moved his hands, Kujou Sara, amidst her internal panic, released her bowstring. Yoimiya panicked at this but Aether just told her not to worry as his eyes glowed a dangerous purple. The Electro arrow flew towards the god and with no effort at all, the arrow dissipated into pure energy as it went into his body.

"No need to be nervous, general. I'm just here to free this old man. Surely you'd know yourself of the happenings within your own country."

The general only looked at him confusedly, confirming the information that he'd gather from his previous Visionless encounters.

"Yoimiya, take the old man out of here. I'm just gonna have a nice long chat with our general here." Aether said. For Yoimiya though, it felt more like a command with the tone he used, leaving no room for argument. Thus, the girl only nodded and ran away with the old man. Looking back only for a bit to mouth her concern.

"Be careful."

Aether only nodded as he narrowed his eyes on Kujou Sara. "Now, let's talk about the bullshit you've been missing out on."

-x-X-x-

Aether and Sara exited the prison together, the former looking calm while the latter looked more distraught. She usually won't believe whatever people tell her without enough evidence. But their screams... Those harrowing screams were haunting.

Aether on the other hand felt a little guilty, but nonetheless knew it had to be done. After the Kazari incident, Aether noticed that he now can feel the emotions of those he kills as well. He can also pass those feelings to others, making them feel what that person felt in their final moments. And what he just made Kujou Sara feel was the despair that her men have brought to the people of Inazuma through the decree. Where did he get the emotions?

From the corruption of the Sacred Sakura of course.

When the guards noticed them, more prominently Aether, they immediately stood their ground. Kujou Sara waved them off, even in her state.

"Think about what I made you experience and tell me your decision at the Kamisato Estate, I'll be waiting."

With that, he flew back to the Kamisato Estate. He was quite happy to see the fireworks girl chatting happily with Ayaka when he arrived. A happiness mirrored by the two maidens when they saw him arrive.

"How'd the talk go?" Yoimiya asked, a bit of worry coloring her face as she knew from past interactions just how stubborn that Tengu can be.

"Let's just say I made her feel something that left her winded." Aether smugly said, knowing that these two innocent girls would get the wrong idea.

And they did, if their face were anything to judge by that is.

"I-I- Eh!?" Ayaka's reaction was the most adorable one as she fumbled about, trying to find her fan. Yoimiya opened and closed her mouth as if she were a fish out of water. In all honesty, Aether enjoyed their reactions. This was a good way to get his emotions in check again after having to access the despair of others.

"I'm just kidding, I talked it out with her. I hope she makes the right choice."

With a sigh, Aether sat down as Ayaka offered him tea. He gladly accepted the drink and savored the aroma before drinking the tea. He felt relaxed at that moment, as if his worries were washed away. Only a few days in Inazuma and he was already deep into the problems of this country, courtesy of a certain heiress.

"If she doesn't though, I can make do with just myself and you lot."

He only needed Kujou Sara for her diplomatic relations to the Raiden Shogun, increasing their forces to having two commissions going against the Vision Hunt Decree. As for the battle itself, which he knew would be unavoidable, he could handle that.

"There is another way to gain forces." Thoma spoke up as he arrived with some snacks. He placed the snacks on the table first before he resumed speaking. "The forces in Watatsumi Island. I heard that there's currently a battle taking place there. Kujou Sara was even said to go there tomorrow."

"I need to get there before her then. Thanks for the info, Thoma."

"No problem, milord."

Aether only chuckled at that. Now that he had a goal set, he just has to go and accomplish it...

Right after he eats the snacks. The snacks here in Inazuma were delicious after all.

-x-X-x-

'I kinda feel like Barry Allen right now...'

Since Aether got a power boost a few days prior, he's now back to re-mastering some of his abilities. Flying already felt natural to him, so now he was running on Inazuman waters using Positive Electro. Truth be told, he was faster now, even while still holding back his speed as to not destroy or crash into an island.

When he saw a great gathering of energy on an island, he already knew that he was near. After all, the island known as Kannazuka held the Mikage Furnace.

It was also the frontlines of the war against the Vision Hunt Decree.

"It's showtime." The blonde whispered as his eyes glowed a dangerous purple.