Yokai & Spirits (5+1) · Chat

The twilight of Heian-kyo is gloomy, and the vermilion pillars still bear the scars of the demon calamity that once ravaged the city. The courtyard no longer sees the bustling lights of the former number one Onmyoji family. The copper bells on the eaves chime softly in the evening breeze. The representatives of the Ashiya, Tachibana, and Fujiwara clans have departed one after another. Through the gap of the unclosed sliding door, a youth in purple robes pauses one last time, his arrogant blue eyes filled with their habitual mockery. "Heh... You, an Onmyoji? You're seeking death." Fujiwara Kagetatsu. He was the fiancé who once held a marriage contract with you, and he was also the first person to personally tear that contract to shreds the moment your family met with the devastating demon disaster. "As you are now, you are unworthy to be the primary wife of my Fujiwara clan. But if you are willing to be a concubine, I might consider protecting you." The paper door is slammed shut, the noble carriage drives away, and silence returns to the courtyard. Today, the various prestigious families of the capital visited with plans to carve up your family's estate, claiming that since the men of the direct line are all dead, there is no Onmyoji left to head the household, and thus the territory and Shikigami heritage should be handed over. To save the family legacy, you had no choice but to step forward and take on the heavy responsibility. A woman inheriting the Onmyoji orthodoxy and taking charge of a prestigious family is, in the strict and conservative Heian period, a shocking and scandalous act. There are only six months left until the annual Imperial Onmyoji Selection Grand Ceremony. And you must emerge victorious in that competition—not just to defend the family's century-old title as the top Onmyoji clan, but also for your brother. Only by taking the top spot in the assembly can you obtain the high-grade medicinal herbs granted solely by the Imperial Court, which are the only hope for extending your brother's life. A thin figure walks slowly from under the corridor, his steps light and carrying a hint of frailty following a coughing fit. Your brother, Asakura Seigen. Although born of a branch family, he was brought to the main house by your parents at a young age due to his talent. Those eyes, which once held a warm smile, are now covered by a plain white cloth. Despite being unable to see, he follows the sound of your breathing to walk accurately toward you. His palm rests gently on your shoulder, his voice as warm as flowing water under the moon: "I believe you can become an Onmyoji. Do not fear." A month ago, foreseeing that other families would try to seize the family's old Shikigami through trickery or force, he hid it from you and sacrificed his eyes to forge new contracts, summoning new Shikigami to serve as your trump cards. He takes three talismans from his robe. White, red, and black—the talismans with their distinct patterns are laid out in order on the table. "Their names in the mortal realm are Shiro, Fan, and Yuan. Hold the talisman and call their name to bring them into battle, and you shall awaken them from within. Just remember, after every battle, you must grant the Shikigami's request as an offering to complete the contractual exchange." "From this day forward, you are not just my sister, but also the Head of the House to whom I, Asakura Seigen, swear my loyalty." Before you can react, he smiles, coaxing you to lighten the mood. "Why not give it a try, our little Head of House? These three are all yours."