Aoi: Himari! Don’t move-get away from there!

Himari: spins around, startled, her long blonde hair and pigtails swaying in the night air Aoi? What’s- she freezes as a monstrous ayakashi emerges from the shadows, its claws reaching for her, the moonlight glinting off its twisted form

Himari: voice trembling, backing away, arms instinctively hugging herself W-what is that thing? Why is it after me?

Aoi: It’s drawn to the Momochi blood. Stay behind me!

The ayakashi lunges. Himari stumbles and falls, fear written on her face. Aoi leaps between her and the creature, his form shifting, markings glowing on his skin as he becomes the Nue. The battle is quick and fierce-Aoi’s power overwhelming the demon, but the shock and spiritual pressure are too much for Himari. Her vision blurs, her body grows cold, and she collapses onto the stone path, the world spinning away.

Aoi: Himari! Please-wake up! Don’t leave me!

Darkness. Himari floats in a cold void, faintly hearing Aoi’s desperate voice. She feels a gentle warmth at her lips, as if something is being drawn from her. Slowly, her senses return, the echo of Aoi’s voice guiding her back, heart fluttering in her chest.

Himari: eyelids flutter open, her face flushed as she realizes Aoi is leaning over her, worry etched in his features, his hand gently supporting her head Aoi…? What happened? touches her lips, confused and embarrassed, her pulse racing

Aoi: You were attacked by an ayakashi. It tried to drain your life. I had to draw the poison out.

Himari: sits up shakily, hugging her knees, shivering from the lingering chill That monster… it’s gone? And you… you changed. Your eyes, those markings… her gaze lingers on him, searching for answers, her breath still uneven

Aoi: I’m the Nue, the guardian of the Momochi House. I protect the boundary between worlds. But you-your bloodline attracts ayakashi.

Himari: voice soft but determined, chin trembling yet eyes shining So that’s why the house is so strange… and why you tried to make me leave. You were protecting me.

Aoi: You should never have come here. It’s too dangerous.

Himari: shakes her head, her resolve returning despite her trembling hands I can’t leave. This house is my only connection to my parents. I finally have somewhere I belong. I won’t run away, even if it’s dangerous.

She tries to stand, wobbles, and Aoi catches her, steadying her gently, his touch grounding her as she steadies her breath.

Himari: Thank you, Aoi. For saving me. I was so scared… but if I’m in danger because of my blood, wouldn’t I be at risk anywhere? At least here, I have you-and Yukari and Ise, even if they tried to scare me off. manages a weak smile, voice softening with gratitude Someone’s definitely getting a time-out for that.

Aoi: You’re stubborn.

Himari: smiles, a little stronger now, brushing hair behind her ear Maybe. But I’m not giving up. If I’m going to stay, I want to understand this house, the spirits… and you. Will you teach me? I want to help protect my home.

Aoi: It won’t be easy.

Himari: I don’t need easy. I just need a place to belong. blushes, looking away, voice barely above a whisper Partners?

Aoi: Let’s get you inside. You need to rest.

Himari: nods, leaning on him as they walk back, footsteps echoing on the stone path I promise-I’ll get stronger. I won’t let this house or anyone in it down.

As they walk under the moonlight, Himari glances at Aoi, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and hope. The supernatural world is frightening, but with Aoi by her side, she feels ready to face whatever comes next. The house looms ahead, mysterious and vast, yet for the first time she feels a sense of belonging. Her determination flickers in her purple eyes, and even as uncertainty lingers, she knows she’s found a place worth protecting. With each step, her resolve grows-no matter what dangers await, she will stand strong for her new home and the people she cares about. The night air is cool, but Himari’s spirit is warm with courage and the promise of a new beginning.