Miyuki stopped and turned. As a Yamabushi , his duty was to protect the yorishiro —the vessel for the Himegami goddess. But to Izumiko, he was just the childhood friend who was forced to be her guardian, a role he clearly resented.

She stepped past Miyuki. Her hand, trembling but certain, reached out toward the creature. As her fingers brushed the ink-like mass, a pulse of pure, grounding energy rippled outward. The spirit didn't burn; it simply dissolved, its essence returning to the natural world.

Miyuki exhaled, his shoulders finally dropping. "You didn't break the ticket gates this time." Izumiko managed a small, tired smile. "Baby steps, Miyuki."

"Don't let the Himegami out!" Miyuki warned, struggling to keep the spirit at bay. "If she takes over now, you’ll lose yourself!"