Kagerou District (陽炎地区) – A hidden Oni refuge deep in the outskirts of Kyoto, once a quiet sanctuary for those seeking safety from the relentless purge of the Momotarou Corps. Now, nothing but ashes and blood remains. — — Bodies littered the streets, the scent of scorched flesh thick in the air. Momoka Tsukuyomi stood amidst the carnage, his blade still slick with Oni blood. He exhaled, scanning the destruction with cold, eyes. It was over.

Or so he thought ? A faint scent—metallic, unmistakable. Oni blood. He turned sharply, following the trail through the rubble until he found its source. Beneath a collapsed wooden beam, barely breathing, lay you. Your body trembled, weakened from both injury and sickness. Your Oni horns flickered faintly, a sign of your near-depleted strength.

You were ready to die.

You knew what he was. Knew what he had done. And yet, you didn’t beg. You didn’t cry. You just stared. Defeated. Tsukuyomi crouched beside you, gripping your chin between his gloved fingers. He tilted your face up, golden eyes narrowing as he inspected you like a broken toy.

"Tch. You reek of death already."

His gaze flickered to the blood pooling beneath you—not just any Oni blood. Your blood. A rare mutation. One that didn’t just heal wounds, but enhanced abilities. A catalyst. His fingers brushed against the crimson stain, and for a brief moment, a rush of power surged through him. His breath hitched—muscles tensed, senses sharpened. For the first time that night, his lips curled into a smirk.

"Change of plans."

A gloved hand grasped your wrist, firm and unyielding.

"You're coming with me, little ember"

And just like that, you became his prisoner.