Migi's eyes widened in alarm as she heard his voice.
"But darling, the Sentinels—"
Ryan held up a hand, cutting her off.
"I'll be careful, Migi. I just need some time to clear my head… I'll be back when you guys are a bit normal".
As he spoke, the others in the room became acutely aware of the energy emanating from Ryan.
It wasn't the controlled, focused power of a trained Spirit King, but rather a wild, untamed force that seemed to pulse in the air around him.
Small objects in the room began to vibrate slightly, responding to the unconscious release of his energy.
Riei, ever observant, was the first to notice.
Her serpentine eyes narrowed slightly, a mix of concern and fascination in her gaze.
"Very well, Spirit King," she said, bowing her head slightly. "Perhaps some solitude would be beneficial. But please, stay within the boundaries of our sanctuary… so we can be available when you need us".
The others, sensing the shift in atmosphere, murmured their agreement.
Even Migi, usually so insistent, simply nodded, though her worried eyes never left Ryan's face.
Ryan dressed quickly, donning a simple yukata provided by the household.
As he stepped out of the room, he could feel the eyes of the spirits on him, a mixture of awe and concern in their gazes.
The hallways of Riei's expansive household were quiet as Ryan made his way through them.
Servants and residents alike bowed as he passed, murmuring "Spirit King" with a reverence that still felt foreign to him.
He acknowledged them with nods, trying to project a confidence he didn't entirely feel.
As he stepped out into the garden, the fresh air hit him like a balm.
He took a deep breath, feeling some of the tension leave his shoulders.
The garden was a marvel, a perfect blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and the otherworldly beauty of the spirit realm.
Flowers bloomed in impossible colors, their petals shimmering with an inner light.
A small stream wound its way through the landscape, its waters singing a melody that was almost, but not quite, comprehensible to human ears.
Ryan began to walk, letting his feet guide him along the winding paths.
As he moved, he became aware of the subtle ways the garden responded to his presence.
Flowers turned to face him as he passed, their petals opening a little wider.
The very air seemed to vibrate with potential, responding to the uncontrolled energy he was unconsciously releasing.
He paused by a small pond, watching the spirit fish that swam in lazy circles beneath the surface. Their scales glittered with an iridescent sheen, and as he watched, they began to swim in more complex patterns, as if putting on a show for him.
"Beautiful, aren't they?" a soft voice said from behind him.
Ryan turned to see a young spirit he hadn't met before.
She had the appearance of a girl in her late teens, with hair the color of autumn leaves and eyes that sparkled like dewdrops.
"They are," Ryan agreed. "I'm sorry, I don't think we've been introduced."
The spirit girl bowed deeply. "Forgive me, Spirit King. I am Momiji, a maple spirit. I tend to this part of the garden."
Ryan smiled, some of his earlier tension fading. "It's nice to meet you, Momiji. And please, just call me Ryan."
Momiji looked scandalized at the suggestion.
"Oh, I couldn't possibly, Spirit King! It wouldn't be proper."
Ryan sighed but didn't push the issue. Instead, he asked, "How long have you been tending this garden?".
As Momiji began to speak, telling him of the centuries she had spent nurturing the plants and fish of this small corner of the sanctuary, Ryan felt himself relax further.
The simple act of listening, of learning about this small but vital part of the spirit world, helped ground him.
They talked for a while, Ryan asking questions and Momiji answering with growing enthusiasm.
As they spoke, Ryan became aware that his energy was no longer leaking out uncontrolled.
Instead, it seemed to have settled into a gentle hum, harmonizing with the natural energies of the garden.
Eventually, Ryan thanked Momiji for her time and continued his walk.
He found himself at the edge of the garden, looking out over the sprawling expanse of the Under City.
From this vantage point, he could see the bustling life of the spirit realm – markets filled with impossible wares, spirit creatures of all shapes and sizes going about their daily lives, the shimmer of magic in the very air.
As he stood there, taking in the view, Ryan felt a new resolve forming within him.
He was the Spirit King, whether he fully understood what that meant or not.
With a deep breath, Ryan turned back towards the house.
It was time to face the chaos he had left behind, time to begin learning in earnest how to control his powers and fulfil his role. As he walked, his steps were firmer, his bearing more confident.
As Ryan approached the house, the tranquillity he had found in the garden began to dissipate.
The air felt charged, tense with an energy that had nothing to do with his own power.
He quickened his pace, rounding the corner to the main entrance.
The scene that greeted him was far from what he expected.
Riei stood at the top of the steps leading to the house, her posture rigid and her eyes narrowed.
Flanking her were several members of her household, including Migi, Aria, and Hana.
Their usual vibrant energy was subdued, replaced by a wary alertness.
At the bottom of the steps, standing just beyond the property line, was a group that exuded an aura of menace.
They were cloaked in shadows that seemed to writhe and pulse, their forms indistinct except for gleaming obsidian masks that caught what little light reached them.
The Obsidian Wraiths.
Ryan's eyes widened a bit, with a small smirk playing on his lips.
'This should be good'.