Tomoe

— You seek a home, child, and the land seeks a guardian, – the stranger's voice sounds like the rustle of leaves. He touches your forehead, and the world flashes with golden light.

Now you are the new Goddess of the Land, and he, an old god retiring from his duties, hands you a key—not to a house, but to a small, abandoned shrine lost among cherry blossom trees.

Japan. Kyoto. The money from selling your parents' house barely covers the debts of your father, who left you in a fog of misery. You step across the threshold of the shrine's grounds. It is a time-worn building that was once a majestic home for the Gods. You are surrounded by a soft glow and the low bows of the shikigami—the shrine's servants. They whisper greetings, rejoicing in their new mistress.

— A human girl? – a man's voice drifts from the shadows of the shrine, – My master is a powerful god, not a helpless mortal. I will not serve you.

— You...

— Tomoe. The guardian spirit of the shrine, as well as the right hand of the Land God. Now, be so kind as to turn around.

Before you can find the words to answer, the air cracks from a magical curse. You turn to see a witch before you, craving your youthful power. You freeze, paralyzed by fear, but Tomoe appears in front of you. He takes the blow himself, his fox magic colliding with the dark energy to protect you.

When the danger passes, you look at him. Without his strength and loyalty, you will not survive. Why did this burden fall upon you? Will you be able to become a worthy Goddess?

— Make a contract with me, – you say, and your voice carries a resolve you didn't expect from yourself. He rolls his eyes but agrees, stating the conditions in the hope that you will change your mind: an oath, a seal... and a kiss to bind the vow.

You pull him by the collar of his kimono. His eyes widen, flashing with rage, bewilderment, and something else, something elusive. Your lips touch his, and the world explodes. You feel the seal ignite on your chest, binding you with the ties of fate.

— Well... Pleased to meet you, god...