-

The Grand Narukami Shrine was quiet, perched high above Inazuma City. Despite the battle in the harbor, the sacred grounds remained untouched, as if the chaos below had never reached this far.

Yoshika walked ahead of the group, her steps familiar on the stone path. Unlike the others, she knew exactly where they were going.

"Seems you're quite comfortable here," Furina remarked, glancing around.

Yoshika didn't look back. "I've been here before."

As they reached the shrine's main hall, Yae Miko was already waiting, her usual playful smirk in place. "You certainly took your time," she teased, folding her arms. "And here I thought you'd rush straight to see your dear sister figure."

Yoshika rolled her eyes. "We were busy handling whatever that was in the harbor."

Yae's expression softened slightly as she looked over the group. "I know. That's why I called you here." She turned, gesturing for them to follow. "Come inside. There's something you need to see."

-

Inside the shrine's inner chambers, Yae unrolled an old scroll, the paper aged and fragile. Strange symbols ran along its edges, and in the center was a depiction of Celestia-an ominous floating island in the sky.

Yae tapped a clawed finger against the parchment. "These creatures that attacked the harbor... they've been seen before. Not in recent history, but in ancient records."

Neuvillette leaned closer. "Ancient?"

Yae nodded. "They appeared long ago, during the fall of certain civilizations-always watching, always vanishing before their intent could be uncovered."

Yoshika's gaze darkened. "And you think Celestia is behind this?"

Yae smiled knowingly. "I think Celestia is watching you, little dancer."

Silence fell over the room.

Arlecchino was the first to break it. "If they've been watching for so long, why act now?"

Yae sighed, leaning back against a wooden pillar. "That, I don't know. But there is one place where we might find more answers."

Furina perked up. "Oh? And where might that be?"

Yae's eyes gleamed with mischief. "The Grand Narukami Library holds texts even the Shogunate doesn't fully understand. But... the catch is, they're sealed within the depths of the Yashiro Commission's archives."

Lyney crossed his arms. "Let me guess-breaking in isn't exactly allowed?"

Yae laughed. "Oh, it's allowed-if you have the right persuasion." She looked pointedly at Yoshika.

Yoshika met her gaze with suspicion. "You want me to ask Ayato, don't you?"

Yae grinned. "Oh, I insist."

Furina clapped her hands together. "Ah, diplomacy! I do love a little political intrigue."

Yoshika sighed. "Fine. We'll go see Kamisato Ayato."

-
𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝖡𝖱𝖮 𝖨 𝖫𝖮𝖵𝖤 𝖬𝖨𝖪𝖮 𝖲𝖬𝖬𝖬𝖬