Part 3
A familiar scent filled the bathroom.
It was a slightly sweet scent she was well acquainted with. As she sat on the edge of the dry bathtub, Natsume quietly closed her eyes and immersed herself in the fragrance.
She tried to 'look' at the spell that she was well aware was laid on her. But 'seeing' the spell laid on her own soul as impossible as looking at her own face without a mirror. She had tried it countless times before, and was unable to decipher the spell this time either. The most she could do was get a vague feel of it.
Even so, she knew that the spell was working well overall. Of course, that didn't mean that it had recovered from its slow unraveling, but she certainly wasn't on the brink of death at this moment. Rather, the matter of importance was when that 'moment' would come.
The dragon Hokuto resided in Natsume. Hokuto was partially merged with Natsume due to the spell cast on her, and by the power of the soul-settling incense she was finally granted a reprieve from the tension that the presence of the dragon induced, which always made her feel stretched thin.
Natsume thanked the shikigami inside of her. She slowly circulated her spiritual power, repairing her aura's balance.
She had been cooped up alone for about one hour.
......Okay.
She was alright now. Concluding that, Natsume opened her eyes and slowly lifted herself up.
She checked the condition of her physical body next. For now, she didn't notice any irregularities to make her worried, but there hadn't been any portents before yesterday's episode. Impressing upon herself that she couldn't be careless, Natsume took the soul-settling incense and left the room.
She exited the corridor and went into the living room.
"Ah, Natsume-chan. Are you okay now?"
"Yes. Sorry for making you worry."
Momoe Tenma asked anxiously about her condition, and Natsume answered him with a smile. "Thank goodness." Kurahashi Kyouko smiled from next to him. She had taken quite some time to very carefully regulate her aura, so perhaps she had made them worry for no reason.
In addition to Tenma and Kyouko, the living room contained Touji, Suzuka, and the wheelchair-bound Amami Daizen. They were in the middle of finishing the lunch they had bought from a convenience store. They had all suddenly stopped upon seeing Natsume.
Turning his wheelchair around, Amami said:
"Is that soul-settling incense enough on its own? It's just an emergency measure we dug up, after all. It's far lower quality than the stuff the Tsuchimikado family uses."
"No, I think it's enough. It doesn't feel very different, and I adjusted for differences in strength. Please give my thanks to Fujiwara-sensei. We asked for something so rare in such a short time...... but thanks to him, I'm still alive."
"He'll be happy to hear that. But thank him yourself. After we finish everything."
Amami grinned as he said that, snapping his fan with his hand.
Natsume and the others were currently hiding out in the old Roppongi mansion that Touji and Amami had used before. It was one of the safehouses that Amami used. They had been at a rented warehouse up until yesterday, but they had now abandoned that site.
The scene of Akino, Takiko and the others being sucked into the spirit flow right in front of her eyes was still fresh in Natsume's mind, as if it had been burned into her eyes. She hadn't realized what had been happening, but had almost fallen into a panic when she grasped the situation.
But thanks to the commotion Kogure had raised, Mystical Investigators had started gathering in the vicinity. Natsume and the rest made contact with Amami, and upon hearing of the situation, he had decided to abandon the rented warehouse right then and there.
He had no other choice now that Akino had fallen into enemy hands. In fact, they had to withdraw immediately. Amami had instructed Touji to evacuate to the Roppongi safehouse and had left the rented warehouse himself. He had waited for the dead of night and then met back up with them.
"I didn't think we'd be coming back here...... Damn."
Touji grumbled idly after they had regrouped. Amami calmly responded.
"It's not that we've returned back to square one, Touji. We're laying low here, and we've got allies with us."
He spoke as if he had considered the possibility of having to move out of fear that their hiding place would be exposed as a result of their joint plan with Kogure failing. But though he said that, no one recognized how tough their current situation was more than Amami. Touji quickly withdrew his complaints, grimacing.
The mansion was a 2LDK [7] It was a big cramped with the number of people they had, but the circumstances required it. In fact, perhaps they were lucky to still have a command center given the situation.
The biggest problem was Tenma's shikigami Hama. The heavy, over-three-ton mechanical-type shikigami H1 Hama was the crucial means of transport for Natsume and the others, but it attracted attention. The reason they had chosen the warehouse in the first place was because there had been no other place to store Hama.
In the end, Natsume and the others had managed to hide Hama on the <emph> roof </emph> of the mansion. They had used Suzuka's shikigami to lift it up there. They were covering it with a blue tarp for now, but it was a matter of time before another resident or the management noticed it. It was unfortunate, but this was all they could do.
......There was nowhere else left to go......
Natsume thought as she looked at the figures of her friends gathered in the living room. Kogure had been captured. But in addition, now that they had confronted Takiko directly, she truly felt like this was the 'deciding moment'. And also, through Akino she had gotten in touch with Harutora - the childhood friend she had been searching for all this time.
"Natsume-chan, here."
Tenma handed Natsume her share of onigiri.
Honestly, she didn't have much appetite, but Amami had instructed that their everyday meals had become a 'responsibility'. It was extremely important that Natsume and the others stay in top condition for a potential battle at any moment. Natsume thanked Tenma and took the onigiri he offered.
"......Well then."
Amami said, snapping his fan again.
After checking that Natsume had recovered, they considered the situation as they ate and discussed their next moves. Akino was first and foremost on her mind.
"I hope she's alright......"
"Yeah......"
Tenma nodded at Natsume's gloomy comment.
They had concluded from yesterday's discussion that Akino wasn't in too much danger with Takiko's group.
Takiko's group didn't gain anything from harming Akino. Maybe they would get a bit of information from her, but they already knew pretty much everything that Akino did, so they likely weren't expecting much out of Akino as an information source. In the first place, Takiko's group could easily get that information using magic if they wanted to. They didn't have any need to intentionally hurt Akino.
Also, the 'Full Moon' inside Akino was Tsuchimikado Yakou's magical tool, meant to be paired with the 'Raven's Wing' that Harutora had. They would probably avoid doing anything abnormal to her, and Takiko's side didn't have the time or manpower to research her in the first place. Ultimately, it made sense for them to just leave her alone.
And more than anything, regardless of what side she was on, Akino was a 'Souma'. Considering Takiko's personality and what Suzuka had said of her meeting Akino, she wouldn't do anything bad - Natsume and the other so concluded.
Of course, this wasn't for sure, and it was more self-reassurance than anything else. They knew they had to save her as quickly as possible, but that would clearly be difficult. It was painful to have to trust their enemies, but there was nothing they could do but believe in Takiko's mercy.
And Akino wasn't the only pressing matter.
"To be honest, it's quite bad that Kogure's been taken. We've lost any chance of winning cleanly."
Amami said in a flat voice that he had pushed his emotion out of. That was also something they had concluded yesterday night, but their expression stiffened upon hearing it.
"Of course, all that we've lost is the chance of a 'clean' victory. We haven't lost for sure yet. But it'll require some clever tricks to turn the tables from where we are now. Of course, the risks will increase."
"......Have you thought about what specifically we're going to do next?"
Amami shrugged at Kyouko's answer.
"Speaking logically, we should attack Souma Takiko directly, but... yesterday's event clearly showed that we have no chance of winning when she has her Yase Doji with her. Well, even if we were trying to do that, we can't figure out where she is."
"What if I divined where she was..."
"Would that work? According to you all, Souma Takiko's become something like a living spirit - or like a 'god'. Never mind the fact that it's hard to divine anything about living spirits, but they're probably guarding themselves well. They won't stay long at any place that could be easily found."
Takiko was the key to their enemies' ritual. No, even more than just the ritual, she was the symbol of the Souma. It was because of Takiko that the Souma had spent these years preparing and had carried out this plan. She could be called the center of everything right now.
This very fact reminded them once again of yesterday, that very moment -- the rare chance of confronting Takiko. It was due to luck they are able to confront Takiko, not only that, she was acting alone, without her strong guards Yashamaru and Kumomaru accompanying her.
In contrast, their team that was present consist of Natsume, Touji and Suzuka, the frontline battle ready members. If they were talking about using [Battle] as a means to change the tide, this can be argued to be the most ideal condition.
However, in reality, the battle ended without starting, due to Touji in his seal released oni form not able to go against Takiko.
Four years ago, during the Great Hinamatsuri Purification terrorist attack, Yashamaru – Dairenji Shidou caused Touji to be possessed by oni. Furthermore, the spirit Yashamaru tried to summon was indeed Taira no Masakado, resulting Touji not being able to use his oni powers against the descendants of Taira no Masakado, namely Takiko.
“If only I did not stubbornly used my oni powers, capturing Takiko… I can’t stand this, how can I be so careless.”
“No, I am responsible for this incident, I should have assist you immediately.”
“…. If you put it that way, then I should be the one bearing the most responsibility, after all I confronted her for such a long time….”
“Nothing of that sort, Suzuka, didn’t you already inform us immediately? It was us, we rushed to the scene and --”
Looking at the youngsters speaking up for each other, Amami felt frustrated, before he could speak, “Everyone, let’s stop talking about this”, Kyouko said plainly.
“If everyone wants to take the responsibility, then people like us who only can stay here will have to take some responsibility as well, that said, every one of us here are responsible for this. Reflecting on our mistakes is important, but what is the use of sitting here and shifting the blame.”
Kyouko, holding a sandwich in her hand, speaks in a serious tone, her expression looks stern. Who knows if she purposely expresses herself in such a manner, but her intentions are made very clear. “um, I feel the same as well.” Tenma said quickly. Touji, Natsume and Suzuka exchanged looks with each other while feeling complicated.
“… Such is the situation right now, if you all think that you are careless, turn this feeling of bitterness into strength.” Amami shrug, concluded. Next, he looked away suddenly, “Besides….” Making a face full of thoughts, continued.
“… From what I hear from your discussion, right now Souma Takiko is giving out a dangerous aura, it may be a good thing that you guys did not start a battle with her”
“Is it due to the effects of seance?”
“I’m afraid so, however since I did not personally [see] for myself, this is just my personal feeling…”
This is not a problem of what is real and what is elusive, Takiko is very true to herself.
However, she is the [enemy] without a doubt, even with this empty feeling of sadness, this is still an undeniable fact.
Natsume – and everyone else cannot lose to her.
“Anyways let’s talk about our next move. Even though we agree on discussing, the general direction did not change… in fact, we are only left with this method. The method of using Onmyouji Monthly Magazine that have contact with Kyouko, to put up articles online to expose Chief Kurahashi, at the same time rely on Touji’s network to persuade member of parliament, Naota Kouzou, using the power of the government to temporary stop the actions of Onmyou Agency.”
With the publisher exposing the enemy’s crimes and with politicians freezing the enemy’s greatest assets – supervision powers and organisational powers. This method arguably is a direct attack method, Amami previously did not resort to using this method is due to the fact they did not have [Evidence].
In the eyes of normal people, magic is something difficult to understand and mysterious, to describe in a more extremely way, it is a world where [anything can happen]. It’s because of this, it is very difficult to go against the power of Onmyou Agency just with the statements made by Amami, Natsume and everyone else. In order to use this method to win against Kurahashi, Amami must use all the influence he have in the magic world to ask for assistance, that is why, they were originally hoping for the previous independent exorcist, Kogure, to make a public appeal.
However, the situation now does not allow them to be hesitant. As Amami mentioned earlier, even they are going to use [reckless methods], if they cannot change their current situation, they are as good as waiting for death.
Using this method this time, other than [winning] Kurahashi, more importantly, they want to limit the enemy's movements.
“The ritual will be on 3rd of March – it has been confirmed that the event will be held in 2 days’ time. In that case, exposing them in a large scale, shaking Onmyou Agency, even though we only have a few days, as long as we can slow their actions down, it will be very meaningful… no matter what kind of sentence we will get later.”
It means, this does not ensure victory, it’s a way of surprise attack without thinking of consequences. Even though it is not what Amami, a tactician, would suggest, at this point in time they were left with no other solution.
This is definitely not a method that will succeed easily.
“Right now, the greatest problem is not having enough time, even though we are living in the times of information society, in order to attract people’s -- especially the [upper echelons] attention, time is still required. If we are to move carelessly and let our enemy realise our plans, it will be meaningless, our opponent is making a move in the name of [Anti spiritual disaster terrorism]. If we want to stop them, the people who we are stopping will need to have certain determination, so we need to convince those people, allowing them to be determined, this is seriously a very difficult task.”
Amami sighed while saying, yet his tone carries a hint of happiness, a confident smile can be seen on his face.
This kind of slightly exaggerated way of speaking and attitude is about showing off the bitter sweetness of strong courage in such a dire situation, Amami’s intention has transmitted to the hearts of the children. “Things have progress to such a stage where a few hours can result in death. The ritual will start immediately on 3rd of March, 12am… We must stop such an event from occurring.”
Amami spoke while looking at the clock hanged on the wall in the living room.
It is unclear to them the exact [time] Souma’s party will start Tensou Chifu Ritual, even Natsume, who grew up in the Tsuchimikadou family did not know about Tensou Chifu Ritual – Yakou’s reconstruction of the Imperial Onmyoudou did not record Tensou Chifu Ritual existence.
“The previous two spiritual disaster terrorism attacks… Great Hinamatsuri Purification and Hinamatsuri Repurification activated before dusk, the Omagatoki. Due to not understanding the details of Tensou Chifu Ritual, there is no way to confirm… we can only [fear] the ritual two days later will start at the same time.”
In such a dire situation, this kind of judgement may seem [complacent]. In the eyes of Natsume and her friends, the key person of the ritual, Souma Takiko, seem to be [completely prepared]. Supposing Tensou Chifu Ritual can be held anytime, Souma would had taken action already. However, Souma insist to hold the ritual on the 3rd of March, Hinamatsuri, from this, one can infer that the time of starting the ritual with the previous two spiritual disaster terrorist attacks – the chances of the magic ritual being held at the same timing is very high.
“Kyouko, you still couldn’t contact that reporter?”
“Yes… her mobile is switched off till now…”
Kyouko shook her head in response to Touji’s question.
That Onmyouji Monthly Magazine reporter that appeared to meet Kyouko for the sake of interviewing her, is a young lady by the name of Rika Wakamiya. Her elder sister used to be a lecturer in Onmyou Academy, it was said that she was the one who taught Ohtomo and Kogure. She continually questioned the cause of her elder sister’s death, after that she acted alone in investigating the mysterious magic world, specifically, the dark side of Onmyou Agency.
During the interview between Wakamiya and Kyouko, Wakamiya revealed her true intentions to Kyouko when the two of them were alone, she also left Kyouko with her name card that contains her mobile number, hoping Kyouko will contact her when anything happens. It was due to her existence that they thought of using the publisher to expose the Onmyou Agency.
After moving into this mansion yesterday, Kyouko tried to contact her multiple times, but she was not able to get through.
Judging from how serious Wakamiya is, it is hard to believe she just left her contact without expecting anything. In addition, at this point of time where it concerns the life and death of the magic world, logically thinking, Onmyouji Monthly Magazine would not ignore communicating with the outside world. Looking from different points of view, it may be possible she had met with mishap.
“Even though we really wish she could help us, but we can’t wait any longer. It looks like we can only directly contact the editorial department of Onmyouji Monthly Magazine. However…”
“What’s wrong?”
“Just now Suisen reported to me saying the magic investigation department seems to be spying on the editorial department.”
After listening to Amami, Natsume expression turned grim.
Suisen is a shikigami lent to Touji by Kyouko’s grandmother, Kurahashi Miyo.
Even though Touji is the owner of Suisen, but this beautiful lady in kimono is mainly helping out Amami, who currently has difficulties in moving around. After moving into this base, Amami began to order Suisen to observe the editorial department of Onmyouji Monthly Magazine.
“When that Wakamiya reporter made contact with Kyouko, it was [before] the situation had escalated, because of this, it is unlikely that Wakamiya making contact is a trap laid by the Onmyou Agency. In addition, according to Suisen’s report, the people from magic investigation department did not enter the editorial department, they only observe from the outside.”
“… Could it be that they were aware of reporter Wakamiya’s existence?”
“It is difficult to say, but Wakamiya’s phone being switched off may have a connection to this situation.”
Amami answered Natsume’s question in a serious tone, “How could this be.” Kyouko wailed after listening to them at the side.
“Is it highly possible that Wakamiya-san has fallen into the hands of magic investigation department?”
“… If she had fell into the enemy’s hands, then it will be unnatural to observe the editorial department… I think. Let’s say, during the chaos these days allowed her to get hold of something, knowing this, the chief and his men began to search for her, this is the most logical explanation I can come up with currently… However, this is just my personal guess, it cannot be confirmed yet.
As the conversation moved to this point, Amami snapped his fan as if to change the conversation topic back to before.
“No matter what, there is no way for us to interfere with Wakamiya’s affairs, the most important issue right now is to contact the editorial department.”
Due to the people from magic investigation department observing outside, the contact with editorial department must proceed with extra caution. However, they are not just contacting editorial department, they have to convince them as well, if they move too cautiously, the editorial department may be suspicious of them as well.
Once again as a reminder, they do not have much time left.
“We can only hope that Onmyou Monthly Magazine editorial department lives up to our expectations and the reporters have pride in being media workers.”
What kind of judgement will the editorial department give will [depend on luck], putting everything on the line, end of the day the only way is still meeting them face to face.
“If this problem is solved, the [next] problem will be even more challenging… Touji, have u not gotten any reply yet?”
Touji facing Amami, who just turned his head and face him, gave a short answer… “Yes.”
“I am still waiting for a reply…”
Touji spoke while controlling his facial expression. However, in the eyes of Natsume, who is standing at the side, seems to be able to understand the complicated thoughts behind the plain expression Touji has. Amami targeted the member of parliament, Naota Kouzou, is actually Touji’s biological father, Natsume only know of this after moving into the mansion last night. She had heard rumours about Touji being an illegitimate child, but she did not expect his father to be the politician rumoured being manipulative and an important figure in the world of politics.
-- To be revealing this now…
In the past, Touji rarely talks about his family, at most he only mentioned about his mother opening a shop in Ginza, never once he mentioned about his father.
Even though – or should say because of this, one can imagine he has difficulty in expressing his love and hate for his own father.
That said, Touji has put away his own personal feelings and is determined to seek assistance from his father. In fact, this plan of Amami will succeed or not, compared to using Onmyouji Monthly Magazine for exposure, more importantly is if Naota could make the government come up with countermeasures. Without concrete evidence and the deadline is just a short two days away, can they possibly stop the Onmyou Agency, this is what Amami has mentioned as the [greatest challenge].
“If the other side does not reply, I will head down personally, they cannot possibly ignore my existence.”
Different from the usual expressionless Touji, his eyes glow with a strong determination. As a direct student under Amami for the past one and a half years, he is fully prepared to fulfil his role.
“--- I shall leave it to you then, Touji.”
Amami, in an elderly manner, happily accept Touji’s [resolve].
As if waiting for this moment of the conversation between the two, “…?” a soft vibration sound was heard, Touji quickly take out his phone. It seems to be someone calling, he picked up the call immediately after looking at the caller display.
“… Aa, it’s me, how was it?”
He back faced his comrades, walked towards the corner of the living room and spoke softly on his phone. The cold voice carries a hint of nervousness, the tone used is somehow different compared to when speaking to Natsume and the rest, or even to his elders like Amami and Ohtomo. Natsume has never heard --- seen Touji with such an attitude.
The people in the room kept quiet, staring intently at Touji’s back. “Alright… alright…” Touji repeatedly replied in such a way. A soft female’s voice could be heard intermittently coming from Touji’s phone.
Finally, Touji replied “I got it.” And after a few seconds, he replied “Thanks.” Before ending the call.
After staring at his phone for a while, Touji let out a breath and kept his phone back into his pocket. When he turned around, he looked calm yet a little embarrassed. Natsume wondered if she had thought too deep about it.
“Is that your mother?”
“… Yes.”
Touji calmly nodded while replying to Amami’s confirmation.
“She seemed to have made contact with my dad recently and had already made an appointment with him. It will be six in the evening today at my mother’s shop, he will be coming alone.”
After listening to Touji, “Thank goodness.” Amami said cheerfully while snapping his fan.
“Now then… Let’s get prepared quickly.”
Everybody nodded to Amami’s call.
Natsume unwrapped the onigiri in her hands, took a bite on the seaweed and chewed on the cold rice.
After finishing --- It is time for battle.
For the future that she hoped for.
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