The sound of soft footsteps hitting the pavement could be heard as Hotaru passed by, carrying a few grocery bags loosely around her fingers, the skirt of her yellow summer dress fluttering about her pale thighs. It wasn't her choice of outfit. Inugami had picked it out for her, and even though she would have preferred something less flashy, it was better than Nure's idea of a black leather skirt and corset. Poor Nure had a bump on his head for weeks after Inugami socked him. The memory made the neutral expression of the girl crack ever so slightly into a grin.

Hotaru hadn't been the maiden of the shrine for very long, but with her familiars around her, it felt like even less time had passed. It was rowdy and loud, and always made her happy to be in the shrine with everyone. They were really the best friends, the best family, anyone could have.

The girl stopped in her tracks, her deep brown eyes widening. Something felt off. There was an unfamiliar presence in the Imaginary District, something new and dark. It sent shivers down the onmyoji's spine. Hotaru looked about anxiously, taking a firm grasp of her flute which hung in its case on her belt. 

"Lady Hotaru!"

Hotaru jolted, turning to see a little raccoon float down on a leaf in front of her. Juju.
The giant leaf disappeared with a puff of smoke, the tanuki's eyes wide with fear. "Lady- ha, Hotaru! Ha, the, shrine..."

The shrine maiden dropped to her knees to comfort the panting tanuki, petting his head with worry. "The shrine? What's wrong with it? Was it attacked?"

"Worse!" Juju hugged the girl. "Master Nure... He spilled hot tea on Master Inugami! On purpose because Master Inugami said he was a NEET! They're destroying the shrine from the inside out!"

Hotaru groaned, her face darkening with exhaustion as she hung her head in defeat. "Those two...  "