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.
"You're doing it again," Miyuki Sagara muttered, not looking back as he led her through the crowded station. Behind them, a digital billboard flickered and died, its vibrant colors replaced by a dull grey. Red Data Girl (Dub)
"Miyuki!" Izumiko cried out. Her fear was a catalyst. The lights in the station began to explode one by one, a wave of darkness chasing the spiritual intruder. Miyuki stopped and turned
"Focus," he said, his voice dropping an octave as his eyes scanned the crowd. He sensed it before she did—a shift in the spiritual pressure. "They’re here." "You're doing it again," Miyuki Sagara muttered, not
"Don't let the Himegami out!" Miyuki warned, struggling to keep the spirit at bay. "If she takes over now, you’ll lose yourself!"
Miyuki exhaled, his shoulders finally dropping. "You didn't break the ticket gates this time." Izumiko managed a small, tired smile. "Baby steps, Miyuki."
From the shadows of a nearby pillar, a figure detached itself. It wasn't human. It was a mass of shifting ink and ancient malice, drawn to the pure divinity Izumiko carried. The spirit lunged, its form blurring as it crossed the distance in a heartbeat.