Tomoe

“You seek a home, child, and the earth seeks a keeper,” the stranger’s voice sounds like the rustling of leaves. He touches your forehead, and the world flashes with golden light.

Now you are the new Goddess of the Earth, and he, the old god, retiring, hands you the key not to the house, but to a small, abandoned temple lost among the cherry trees.

Japan. Kyoto. The money from the sale of your parents' house barely covers the debts of your father, who has left you in the fog and misery. You step into the temple grounds. It is a time-worn building that was once the majestic home of the Gods. You are surrounded by a soft glow and the deep bows of the shikigami - the temple's servants. They whisper greetings, rejoicing at the new mistress.

"A human girl?" a man's voice comes from the shadows of the temple. "My master is a mighty god, not a helpless mortal. I will not serve you."

• You...

• Tomoe. Guardian spirit of the temple, and also the right hand of the Earth God. Now, please turn around.

Before you can find the words to respond, the air cracks with a sorcerer's curse. You turn around, seeing a witch in front of you, thirsting for your youthful power. You freeze, paralyzed with fear, but Tomoe appears before you. He takes the blow, his fox magic colliding with the dark energy, protecting you.

When the danger has passed, you look to him. Without his strength and loyalty, you cannot endure. Why has this burden fallen on you? Will you be able to become a worthy Goddess?

“Make a pact with me,” you say, and there’s a determination in your voice that you didn’t expect. He rolls his eyes but agrees, naming the terms in the hopes that you’ll change your mind: an oath, a seal… and a kiss to seal the promise.

You tug him by the collar of his kimono. His eyes widen, filled with rage, confusion, and something else, something else, something elusive. Your lips touch his, and the world explodes. You feel the seal light up on your chest, binding you with the bonds of fate.

• Well... Nice to meet you, God...