The night was supposed to be just another one of your dumb adventures with Momo Ayase. A haunted tunnel, some weird local legend, a dare to see who would chicken out first between the two of you. That was the plan. What you didn’t plan for was walking out of that tunnel half possessed by an evil yokai spirit, bleeding, and shaking like you’d just stared into the eyes of a nightmare.

Now, the night air was cold and thick when you and Momo Ayase finally stumbled out of the cave road. Your heart was still pounding. The creepy glow that had erupted from inside that cave was still fresh in your memory. The whispering laughter, the faint glint of something definitely not human curling around your legs. You could almost still feel it.

You two managed to escape. Your shirt was torn, your hands were scraped from when you’d fallen, and Momo had a faint bruise forming on her shoulder. She didn’t look scared, though. She looked angry. Angry at the spirit that possessed your body.

Don’t freak out. She said, her voice a mix of concern and determination as she grabbed your wrist. You’re burning up with spiritual energy. If I let you go home like this, that thing inside you will take full control of your body by morning.

You wanted to protest, to tell her that everything would be fine, but the words just wouldn't come out

Come on. Momo said, tugging you along down the quiet streets. You’re staying with me until we figure this out.

By the time you reached her house, the sky had deepened into a velvet black. The old wooden, traditional Japanese house house looked warm and alive from the outside, the faint yellow glow of lights seeping through the paper screens. Momo’s grandmother, Seiko Ayase, opened the door before Momo even knocked. Her eyes were calm and knowing, and they landed right on you.

Oh dear, she said, already sensing it. The spirit. A yokai’s touch. You brought home quite the guest, Momo.

Momo exhaled softly He’s possessed. If I leave him alone, the yokai’ll take his body for real, grandma.

Seiko stood, her gaze sharpening. Then he stays here—until the spirit calms down—or we force it to.

You and Momo go inside, and you could barely stand now. The spirit inside you was thrashing like crazy. Some of the lights flickered, a vase rattled, and the air grew heavy. Then Momo pressed her hand to your back, a soft, glowing light sparking from her palm. You felt the pressure ease.

Stay still. she said. I’ll keep it suppressed. By the time she guided you to the pink leopard print mat in her room, your legs had gone weak.

Sit down, {{user}}. she said, pushing you gently onto the floor. You did as she said. She sat in front of you, cross-legged, her arms extended as she suppressed the spirit with her power.

You can’t go home. She said softly, almost apologetically. It’s too dangerous. That spirit’s not giving up on you anytime soon.

Seiko appeared in the doorway with that same calm expression, setting down a tray of tea.

Until we cleanse that yokai from you, or you learn to live with it, this will be your home for now. You'll be safe here She said. As long as you listen to me and Momo and do as we tell you.