Chapter Text
Kunikuzushi had been born weak.
When he was first brought into the world, he was close to death. He actually did die.
Thunder and lightning rained down harshly on the night he was born. Beneath the starless sky, with the moon being blocked by dark stormy clouds. His mother was practically inconsolable when he stopped breathing for a brief moment.
His tears and cries were non-existent. Which wasn't normal for newborns, his mother knew.
In the land of Narukami, where the Raiden Shogun resided, the Electro Archon wept. For her only child, her son; little Kunikuzushi’s heart had stopped beating.
A minute passed, then two. Still, nothing happened.
Kunikuzushi didn’t wake up.
Ei stood before her throne within Tenshukaku with a look of pure despair and disbelief visible on her face. Within her embrace was the cold and unfeeling small body of her son. She was frozen in her place as she looked at the doctors pleadingly.
She couldn’t lose her child. She couldn’t.
Not while she’s still grieving over the loss of her friends. Over the loss of her own twin sister.
Their deaths were still fresh in her mind. Her grief and mourning took over as she stared down at her son, who sat still in her arms. Dead.
Her child couldn’t be dead. Not after Ei promised to love and protect her son for eternity. To hold him in her arms and watch him grow into a great ruler. One who she would bestow upon Inazuma and her titles when the time came.
He couldn’t leave her.
Just a few moments ago, he had been born. Ei had been so happy at the sight of her son cradled in her arms.
She barely had any time before her happiness had been stripped away. It was all too soon.
“Wake up, Kunikuzushi,” Ei pleaded. Her voice was raw and emotional as she continued to cry, devastated, “Please, wake up. I can’t lose you too, I can’t. My darling son, please.”
Desperation could be heard in her every word as she helplessly watched the doctors approach her. A solemn look on their faces, which only made her heart wrench. She couldn’t bear any of this.
“Almighty Shogun… It’s best that you let go of his body.” A doctor looked hesitant as they said those words. The other doctors nodded their heads in agreement.
Only to receive a dark glare from the Raiden Shogun herself, “This body in my arms is your prince. Treat him with respect.”
Kunikuzushi. Her little Kunikuzushi.
Her son had been meant for great things. To be the prince of the nation she ruled over and cared for with all her being. He couldn’t leave her. Not so soon.
He had so much left to achieve, left to prove. At least let him by her side for much longer. Even if it wasn't for eternity, Ei no longer cared. Just for a short while, just so she could at least hear her son laugh and see him smile.
So please.
Let her have a bit more time with her son. She begged that night profusely.
The storms surrounding Inazuma’s shores grew worse and worse as the minutes passed by. As Ei refused to give up her son to the doctors. Her heart was heavy, and her body was shaking.
Was her son leaving her too? Just like her friends and sister. They all left her alone to rule over Inazuma by herself.
She didn’t want him to leave her too.
Desperate and out of options, Ei did the only thing she could do at that moment. Her last resort. Something she never thought she’d ever do. Of which she was certain would be shown disapproval by her fellow Archons and by Celestia.
Yet, she didn’t care. None of their opinions about her decision mattered to her. Only her son did.
Within Tenshukaku, Ei now stood alone with her son. The doctors keeping watch of her earlier had been sent home as she laid little Kunikuzushi on a plush platform. She was careful to handle her son’s body, her touch gentle.
And in her grasp was a glowing object. One that had an aura of divinity surrounding it.
It was Ei’s very own gnosis.
Right there and then, Ei placed the object within her son’s chest. A bright light suddenly engulfed Kunikuzushi’s body as she was careful not to harm him.
The gnosis was now connected to his unbeating heart.
“Please,” Ei begged profusely. She wanted her plan to work so badly.
Once more, a minute passed. Then two. It was silent.
At that, Ei crumbled as she collapsed on her knees before her son. Her son who she gave her gnosis to yet didn’t wake. His heart still, and eyes closed. She was absolutely torn and devastated.
Her only hope had been crushed, and she couldn’t bear to face Kunikuzushi. For she had failed him. She failed him and now he’s gone.
A shaky breath left Ei as she turned her back on her child. Not even caring to take back her gnosis that she implanted within his chest. The gnosis was unimportant to her.
Never once did it matter.
She never even wanted to be an Archon.
Just as she was about to walk away though, Ei heard a weak cry. It made her halt in her steps as her ears picked up. At first, she thought that she was just hearing things. Too crushed by grief to think properly, causing her to hear things that weren’t there.
But the cries grew louder and more frequent. They sounded like a child’s sobbing.
That night, Kunikuzushi had died within his mother’s arms. Later that night, he came back to life all thanks to Ei’s gnosis. He cried, pristine tears rolling down his soft cheeks. Proof of his life.
It was a miracle. The prince’s life was a miracle, the doctors whispered. Amazed at how he evaded death.
When Ei witnessed her son cry and reach out his small fingers for her, she couldn’t help but feel relieved and overjoyed. Her son was alive.
Kunikuzushi didn’t leave her.
“My son. My prince.” Ei carried Kunikuzushi into her arms.
He was alive. Her son was alive and Ei never wanted him to leave her again.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
And so young Kunikuzushi grew up under the protective care of Ei. Never once leaving Tenshukaku as he was forbidden to do so. With how his body was weak, and how his heart safe-kept Ei’s gnosis. Which was the only reason he was still alive.
If someone were to find out about how Kunikuzushi had the gnosis, it would be a disaster. The moment a power-hungry group or individual were to take it from him, great power would be unleashed. One enough to succumb Inazuma into eternal chaos.
Not only that. But if the gnosis were to ever leave his body, he would immediately die.
A foreboding thought that made Kunikuzushi wary whenever his heart ached. His chest heaving as his breath hitched. There were days when he had a hard time inhaling air. Which led to him having multiple coughing fits at times.
Kunikuzushi had a weak body.
Many times his mother had told him that he was a fragile one.
He had always been small for his age. Too thin, too light. To think that he was the heir of someone as powerful and revered as Ei. Someone who his own mother coddled and always worried over.
For a slight wheeze was enough to send him into an unconscious state. Unlike most children who were allowed to play and roughhouse all afternoon.
He couldn’t even leave Tenshukaku's gates whatsoever.
“Mother,” Kunikuzushi spoke out, bright-eyed and curious.
“Yes, Kunikuzushi? Mother is busy right now so quickly tell me what you want to say.” The Raiden Shogun wearily eyed the clan head who had requested a meeting with her. If they dared harm the prince while within her domain, she’ll be quick to handle them, “Leave us for a moment. I’ll call you to settle this matter later.”
Despite being in the middle of a meeting, Ei welcomed her son. He was more important, after all. No matter what the meeting may have been about.
The clan head was quick to comply with her order and leave before Kunikuzushi could even enter the room. His face remained unknown to them. Like how no one in Inazuma knew what the prince truly looked like.
Other than his mother and a few handful of her servants, he was but a faceless prince. To the public, his features were unknown.
His fair face being a rumor spread amongst the common folk.
Wooden sandals pressed against the floor as Kunikuzushi entered the room. Pressed against his arms was a book. Its cover was hidden due to the prince’s sleeves so its contents were unknown to Ei.
A low cough escaped Kunikuzushi’s lips, “Forgive me for interrupting your meeting, Mother.”
“It’s no matter, Kunikuzushi. Go on. What is it you wish to tell me?” Ei smiled warmly at her son.
“Lady Yae lent me one of her books and I was curious. It’s a small matter, really.” Pink decorated Kunikuzushi’s now flushed cheeks as he felt embarrassed for interrupting his mother’s meeting so suddenly.
Over something unimportant no less.
“Oh? Tell me.”
With a gentle expression on her face, Ei caressed Kunikuzushi’s hair. Tucking back a few loose indigo locks behind his ear.
“I read about festivals and found myself interested in them. Mother, can you explain to me what exactly they are?” Kunikuzushi asked, blinking once. Causing his eyelashes to flutter delicately.
“Of course, Kunikuzushi,” Ei replied with a warm chuckle that made her son giggle too, “Festivals usually occur during days of celebration. Where people gather around and participate in the available activities. Which vary from festival to festival.”
“That sounds fun.”
“It is.”
There was a look of wonder in Kunikuzushi’s eyes that Ei wished to indulge further. A look that was so pure and gleeful. She wanted to see it more often.
“Is there more?” Kunikuzushi pressed the book he was carrying further against his chest.
Ei nodded before elaborating, “Of course there’s more. During festivals many merchants sell different types of delicious food. Some grilled, others baked. They are all worth their mora’s worth.”
“Are there desserts?” Kunikuzushi asked, cheeks flushed and mouth agape. Like his mother, he too has quite the sweet tooth.
“Always, my son. There’s always desserts.” Was the reply he received.
Mentions of desserts made Kunikuzushi smile widely as he looked more giddy. All the while, Ei continued to brush through his hair with her fingers.
“Festivals seem so interesting, Mother. More than I originally thought. Have you ever been to one?”
“I have. Many years ago before you were born. It was quite the feat. Fireworks lighting up everywhere after the sun sets. Even now, I still remember that night vividly.”
Ei had a nostalgic expression on her face.
Truly, it had been so long since she last personally went to a festival. Of which she avoided ever since Kunikuzushi’s birth.
“Fireworks?” Kunikuzushi questioned, “What are fireworks?”
“They’re beautiful displays of pyrotechnics, Kunikuzushi. Absolutely breathtaking despite its fleeting nature. One day, I’ll let you see them for yourself.” At that, the young prince visibly gleamed. His eyes showcasing a bright glint within them as his smile widened even more.
“That- That would be amazing. Thank you so much, Mother.”
A laugh left Ei’s lips when she noticed the appreciative look on her son’s face, “It’s no problem at all. Though, I do wish to know why you’re suddenly curious about this of all things.”
It was then that a nervous look appeared on Kunikuzushi’s face. Which concerned Ei who furrowed her brows while handling her son’s hair.
“I just… I just wanted to know what the outside is like. In case a day comes when I get to leave Tenshukaku.” Ei froze, her hand clutching on clumped indigo hair. Which led to Kunikuzushi panicking as his lips trembled, “M- Mother? Did I say something wrong?”
“Kunikuzushi, you know why you’re not to ever leave the gates,” Ei said, her voice low.
She received a nod from her son, “I know. I was just curious… The book just made the outside seem so interesting. Someday, I want to witness it all.”
At that, Ei was quick to take the book from Kunikuzushi’s hold. To think that Yae Miko had given her son such a thing that gave him such ideas. Her own friend who she trusted so much.
Kunikuzushi couldn’t leave Tenshukaku. She’d never let it happen.
Not when she feared her son getting sick and dying with how weak his body was. She knew that he could never handle the infested air of the outside. The dirty smoke, the dangerous nobushis and predators. Her naive son would get eaten alive in such an environment.
Inazuma was a dangerous nation. Despite being closed off from other nations, Ei knew that her place of rule was full of many hazards and peril.
It was why she always prevented Kunikuzushi from ever leaving Tenshukaku. He was weak and the outside was just too dangerous.
If he were stronger. If she didn’t watch him die before her very eyes when he was a newborn. If she didn’t have to watch in worry every time he coughed or ran out of breath.
Maybe, just maybe, she would’ve let him outside. To explore the nation she once promised him and probably visit other nations too.
But after everything, she never wanted Kunikuzushi to leave the four walls where she could protect him at all times.
“Kunikuzushi.” Ei sounded more serious.
“I know.”
Her son was weak. A small fragile little thing. Smaller than children the same age as him.
She would never forgive herself if her son ever got hurt.
Also, as much as she pains to admit, Ei has a more selfish reason as to why she doesn’t let Kunikuzushi leave Tenshukaku. She didn’t want her son to leave her alone.
The pain and fear of losing him once stuck by her till now. Even though her son had grown already and is nearing adulthood, she still feared for his safety. If he leaves, he might not return.
Either death comes for him first, or he prefers the sanctity of the outside world. She once did too, after all. So she understood the appeal of roaming around the lands as a wanderer. How she and her sister once enjoyed mingling with the common folk.
Awed at the annual festivals and the sweet desserts. Long ago, Ei found comfort with her short walks throughout the city.
But that was an extremely long time ago.
Things were different now.
Before her son was born, she had loved and lost. Most of her friends were gone. Only Yae Miko was left and they barely even saw each other anymore. Her sister Makoto too, had been killed all those years ago. She only has Kunikuzushi now.
Because of that, she wasn’t so willing to let him go. For Kunikuzushi was her darling son who she promised to protect for all of eternity.
“I do not wish to crush your dreams and desires, Kunikuzushi. But this little curiosity of yours. I can’t entertain it.” Ei felt her son’s body shake like a fallen leaf.
Poor little thing. She never wanted to scare her son.
“I’m sorry for bringing it up, Mother,” Little Kunikuzushi apologized with a downcast gaze.
It made Ei sigh as she cupped her son’s soft cheeks, “No need to be sorry. You’re young. Children your age are naturally curious. I wouldn’t put it past you to be interested in the outside. Just, just make sure that this is nothing more than a passing phase, okay? This curiosity of yours towards the outside.”
“Okay, Mother.”
“Good.”
Kunikuzushi felt himself being embraced by his mother and gleamed at the warm touch. Even so, his heart weighed heavily at what he had just been told.
He knew that his mother was right. How her words were the truth and how she was just concerned for him.
Whenever he laid on his bed every night, he could feel his body weaken bit by bit. As the moon rises and the sun sets, another day passes. Once that happens, he couldn’t help but feel powerless.
Despite the gnosis of an Archon residing within his own body, Kunikuzushi continued to be so fragile. It was something he loathed ever since he could grasp the concept of being weak. When he realized that if he weren’t weak, he would be allowed more freedom.
His mother would let him wander the outside with no qualms or restrictions. But he had been born with a delicate body that couldn’t even sustain itself.
More often than not, he relied on his mother’s gnosis to do even the most basic of tasks. He used to not mind this at all when he was much younger. Though recently, he began to feel embarrassed to overly rely on something for such menial daily activities.
Breathing was a struggle. So was eating. Everything was difficult.
After so many years, Kunikuzushi grew up and yet he didn’t feel important. Even if his mother praised him and told him that someday, he’d rule Inazuma with her. That one day, if he were to somehow bypass his condition, she’d bestow Inazuma to him to rule.
Yet, Kunikuzushi didn’t feel hopeful.
Even if power and prestige were promised to him by his own mother, he just felt worthless. He was certain that he’d never even actually rule Inazuma.
Not when he’s nothing more than a burden.
A liability.
The people saw him as the Electro Archon’s heir and successor. His mother saw him as someone to protect and coddle.
He himself viewed him as someone worthless.
All his life, Kunikuzushi had been weak. Doctors may have murmured at how it was a wonder and a miracle at how he’s still alive despite his disastrous birth. But it wasn’t a miracle. He’s alive not because of a miracle, but because of his mother who saved him.
Without her and her gnosis, he would’ve died the moment he had been brought into the world. The very world told him that he was weak back then, and it continues to do so.
“Go back to your quarters now, Kunikuzushi. I still have a meeting to finish,” Ei said after breaking off their hug.
“I’m once again apologizing for interrupting your important duties with such trivial matters,” Kunikuzushi muttered beneath his breath. He still felt ashamed.
Noticing this, Ei sighed while she caressed her son’s cheek, “There’s no need to apologize. Even if I was in the middle of a war, I would always make time for you, my son. No matter what you wish to discuss, I’ll be here for you. Though I prefer other topics than the one we had today.”
“I understand.”
“Well then.” She pushed her son with a light press against his back, “Go on now.”
Young Kunikuzushi did as he was told and returned to his quarters. Inside his room, he slid down onto the floor as he felt his eyes water. He couldn’t even get the book Yae Miko lent him back.
Hopefully the kitsune wouldn’t mind him returning the book late. Once his mother confiscates his things, never once would they ever return to him.
She may have been mischievous, but she was also very understanding. Her playful personality was something Kunikuzushi adored. It contrasted well with his mother’s more jaded attitude.
If he knew that his mother would take that book away, he never would’ve approached her with it. Not with how he found comfort in its pages that told him tales of the outside. Of the fun and wonder that could be found once he crosses Tenshukaku’s four walls.
But the world was cruel.
Bestowing upon him a weak body with a curious mind. It was a recipe for disaster.
Everytime he showed interest in leaving Tenshukaku, his mother always crushed his hopes. It always left him devastated and heartbroken. Even if he knew that Ei meant well.
That she was only looking out for him. Because he was a fragile little thing. Her dumb small son who couldn’t even defend himself.
Unbeknownst to Ei, her only son often wished that he had died that night he had been born. For maybe then, he would’ve been free instead of being stuck in his cage that he called his home for eternity. But that very wish disheartened him and made him feel guilty.
Kunikuzushi loved his mother.
Sure, he wished to be able to leave Tenshukaku at least once in his lifetime. It would practically be a dream come true if that were to happen. Yet, never did he think about leaving his mother.
Ei who had been good to him and loved him even if he was high-maintenance. She gave him her gnosis just to make sure he lived. He wouldn’t dare leave her after all her sacrifices. After burdening her for so long.
It was complicated. His feelings were complicated.
He was like an injured bird in a golden cage. Always craving to heal and be free, to fly once more.
Freedom.
A bitter weep left Kunikuzushi’s lips as he cried in his room, alone. Many times in the past he had blamed his condition. His weak body and even weaker heart. If only he had been born stronger.
For Celestia’s sake, he was the son of an Archon!
The son of the Shogun. Whose rule held over a vast military power.
Out of everyone in Teyvat, why was it him who suffered such a horrid fate? Perhaps it was a punishment for something he did in his past life. He didn’t know.
Like a bird that craved freedom, Kunikuzushi wished to someday leave Tenshukaku and wander around Inazuma City. Too bad that unlike the injured bird that could easily heal and fly once more, Kunikuzushi didn’t have that luxury. Instead, he remained stuck underneath his mother’s gaze for all of eternity.
While the gaze may have been well-meaning and loving, it was also suffocating. Similar to the moments when Kunikuzushi struggled to breathe. His lungs felt heavy, and his heartbeat slowed its pace.
How his body shook and stomach emptied itself. All the while, his mother stood by his side protectively. Cradling his body as if he were a toddler who scraped its knee while playing.
Humiliating. It was humiliating to be handled that way.
He may have been a baby in his mother’s immortal eyes, but he’s nearing adult age in the eyes of their mortal subjects. For her to continue treating him like a small oblivious child, it pained him and his pride. By no means was he a prideful person, but still.
He already knew that he had a fragile body.
His mother’s servants often tiptoed around him and avoided him like the plague. Fearing of accidentally infecting him. Which will result in them getting punished harshly.
There was no need to continue belittling him and his weak body. Kunikuzushi had long since accepted that he would be nothing more than a fragile little doll. Only there for show as his mother made it clear that unless he were to bypass his condition, he’d have no true power.
This wasn’t something she verbalized, but he knew. With how she held him and acted around him, Kunikuzushi knew.
He was Inazuma’s prince in name only.
Even if he was the Raiden Shogun’s son, he held no claim over his own nation.
The prince of Inazuma who was unable to watch over his own people. And neither would they ever see him.
People outside of Inazuma didn’t even know of the nation having a prince. Uninformed about the fact that the Raiden Shogun had brought to life a son many moons ago.
Kunikuzushi. The faceless prince of Inazuma.
Some day, he wished to wander amongst the common folk who were his mother’s subjects. To experience a festival and watch the fireworks decorate the night sky. For his bare feet to press against the sandy shores of Narukami Island before submerging his body in the ocean.
Centuries had passed and Kunikuzushi continued to dream foolishly. Within his chambers he stared out the window with hope-dazed eyes.
Someday. Maybe someday, he’ll be free.