Tokyo Ravens - Volume 6 - Chapter 3.2

Part 2 
Harutora's hair stood on end over his whole body. 
...It was! ......N-No, but...... How could this be! 
A high-class sedan was calmly stopped in front of the academy building. He had seen it before. He couldn't possibly forget. His neck was extremely stiff as he looked downwards. He couldn't move his gaze. 
A moment later, an old man wearing a black kimono dismounted from the backseat of the black sedan. He had already undoubtedly confirmed it. 
"......Ashiya Doman......" 
After noticing Harutora's demeanor, Natsume who sat next to him went: "Eh?" 
"Harutora?" 
As she spoke, she unconsciously leaned her body forward. She followed Harutora's gaze outside the window - and was dumbstruck. 
"Natsume-kun?" 
"Eh? What's wrong?" 
Right after, Tenma also noticed the expressions of the two and Kyouko suddenly stopped moving her chopsticks. Touji, who sat across from Harutora - also next to the window - also hastily looked in the direction the two of them stared in. 
Immediately after, his body went stiff. 
"...That man! He's from that time!" 
"Hah? What's up with you guys all of a sudden. Did someone famous arrive?" 
Suzuka asked blankly but didn't get Touji's attention. 
Harutora and Natsume were the same. They still stared out the window: 
"The man from the Nue incident, the old man who sat in a black sedan and called himself Ashiya Doman." 
Suzuka, Kyouko, and Tenma froze instantly. 
Then, they stood up from their chairs like springs and rushed to the window by Harutora and the others to look. 
Suzuka's expression changed: 
"Hey, wait! Isn't that the person you mentioned before? 'D'!" 
"It's him." 
"No mistake?" 
"......I can't see clearly from here, so I can't say......" 
As he narrowed his eyes and looked downwards, Touji cautiously murmured vague words. 
But, 
...No. 
Harutora was extremely sure that it was the old man from that time. 
Tenma's face became distressed. 
"B-But, why? Why would that person come to the Onmyou Academy? Could he be the principal's acquaintance?" 
"Idiot, how is that possible. Grandma also asked about Natsume's encounter with 'D', right? If he were an acquaintance......" 
Wait, Kurahashi-san. Isn't that the principal's shikigami?" 
Natsume's words interrupted Kyouko as she got mad at Tenma. Kyouko hastily looked towards the window again. 
The kimono-wearing old man had stopped the sedan in front of the entrance, without any intent of walking up the stairs. Upon careful observation, there was a small figure on the stairs. 
A cat. 
The principal indeed had a calico cat shikigami. 
"Grandma?" 
Kyouko exclaimed in surprise. In the next moment, the old man used the staff in his hand - probably his walking stick - to knock the sedan behind him. 
The trunk in the back of the vehicle suddenly opened. 
Something like a black shadow spewed forth from the trunk. The torrent leaped into the air, seeming to climb up the wall of the academy building. Harutora and the other were taken aback, shouting and turning away from the window. 
"Harutora-sama!" 
Along with the high-pitched voice, Kon materialized between Harutora and the window. 
Then, right before them - the black color rapidly flowed past them, less than one meter from the window. Kyouko, screamed upon seeing the incoming torrent, and Harutora couldn't help but have such impulses. 
"M-Monster--?" 
"It's a shikigami!" 
Natsume shouted to interrupt Harutora's words. The torrent crashed against itself, aggregating and compacting, forming a group of monsters. 
Individual differences could still be seen amidst the high-speed movement, but overall it was just an all-black exterior. It wasn't completely black, as it had a shallow depth, looking like an ink painting. 
Only what seemed to be the location of its eyes showed a blood-red color. 
Screams sounded from the tables behind them. The students in the cafeteria had probably noticed the abnormality outside. The screams overlapped, chairs were knocked over, utensils fell to the ground, and some people took out charms in their panic-- 
"Stop! We can't attack it!" 
Natsume immediately stopped them out loud. The students who had taken out charms immediately stopped moving. 
"The academy barrier is already active. If we attack from the inside right now, it'll just harm the barrier!" 
Natsume's analysis made all of the students present regain their calm. The students quickly focused their attention outside the window - on the movement of the shikigami. 
In this period of time, the crowded shikigami outside the window changed its actions. After climbing straight upwards, it freed itself from its compressed state, and various parts began moving on their own. They couldn't see everything from the cafeteria windows, but in any case, it seemed like it planned on surrounding the entire academy building. 
But, 
"......It seems like those monsters really can't enter." 
At the same time as Touji took a counterattacking stance, he still calmly observed the shikigami. Natsume nodded her head in approval. 
"The academy barrier is quite high-level and it was even strengthened recently. It can't possibly be destroyed easily." 
"......But, if this has to do with 'D', it won't be so easy for us, right?" 
Suzuka warned them, her gaze still lingering outside the window. A fearless smile had emerged on her face, but her expression was very stiff. 
"After all, the opponent is an Onmyouji that the Mystical Investigators couldn't catch no matter what they did. What's more, as you said, he even played with Kogure and Kagami in the palm of his hand, right? His abilities definitely aren't limited to using this kind of shikigami. I don't know how strong this barrier is, but the opponent definitely has other cards up his sleeve." 
Though her qualifications had been suspended indefinitely, Suzuka was still a current National First-Class Onmyouji. The words she said incited a sense of crisis in the area. 
Most importantly, Doman had unexpectedly intruded blatantly in broad daylight. If nothing else, this showed his self-confidence. 
"Bastard. What exactly is going on?" 
"Who knows!" 
"The Onmyou Agency was attacked too, right?" 
"Could it be related to this incident?" 
As expected of Onmyou Academy students, the witnesses of such an abnormal situation still hadn't fallen into chaos. But, these questions clearly didn't have an answer, hence it could be seen that they were all trying to avert their gaze as much as possible and remain calm. Among the first-year students, quite a few people were already on their knees crying, and some people had begun scrambling to escape the cafeteria. 
"H-Harutora-sama. Your orders, please!" 
"Wait for now. Don't act rashly, Kon." 
After issuing his order to his shikigami, Harutora grit his teeth. He didn't know what to do either. 
For now, he reached out to grasp the shakujou standing nearby. His anxiety would swell rapidly if he didn't have a weapon in his hands. 
...Bastard. What was his goal exactly? Could it be...... 
Harutora glanced next to him at Natsume with his peripheral vision. Natsume's face was pale as she watched the activity outside the window. 
"Th, The teachers should have noticed, right?" 
It was none other than Tenma who spoke. He desperately controlled his emotions and spoke steadily. 
Right as the words left Tenma's mouth, several teachers rushed into the cafeteria. Relieved expressions slightly flashed over the faces of the tense students. 
"Can everyone hear? Unknown Onmyouji are currently attacking the Onmyou Academy!" 
"We are beginning to evacuate immediately! All students, quickly move to the magic practice field. It's alright, there is a barrier protecting the Onmyou Academy! Everyone remain calm, do not panic, and act in an orderly fashion!" 
The teachers acted while keeping calm with unusual expressions. Their change in attitude starting from this morning and the strengthening of the academy barrier was all because Doman's attack on the Onmyou Academy had been predicted. 
Harutora swallowed. 
"Moving to the magic practice field - we can't escape outside?" 
"Outside is already surrounded by the shikigami, we can't escape." 
After Touji spoke, Kyouko murmured an "I see". 
"I guess they want to take refuge in the practice field barrier. Indeed, if it were that place--" 
The academy building's barrier was enough to ensure that the students had time to evacuate. If they won the time to escape to the magic practice field, they could prepare a plan. 
"B, But, doesn't this mean we'll be trapped inside?" 
"Glasses-kun, you're too panicked. They'll definitely contact the Onmyou Agency and Exorcist Bureau immediately. The strategy now is to sit it out and wait for assistance." 
"Well, it seems like they've suffered other attacks. What a busy time." 
The teachers guided the students and simultaneously ran to other classrooms. The students who had already witnessed the shikigami followed orders without a word. In particular, the third-year students shouted to encourage the younger students while thoroughly implementing the teachers' orders. 
"L, Let's go quickly!" 
"......Yeah. If we can't escape, that's indeed the safest place." 
Tenma and Kyouko urged the other four. 
Touji didn't argue. He seemed to want to continue watching the situation, but the current situation was overly dangerous. If he disrupted their collective actions, it might lead to irreversible defeat. Even Suzuka reluctantly looked away from the window, following obediently behind Kyouko. 
But, 
"......Wait. I can't go." 
Natsume said. Under Harutora's stunned gaze, Natsume closed her eyes and bit her lip with a pale face. 
"Hey, Natsume?" 

"......I can't. If I take refuge in the same place as everyone, that place will probably become the target." 
After saying this, Natsume looked at Harutora with an expression full of faith. 
"Think about it. It's not just the Onmyou Academy that's being attacked right now, the Onmyou Agency is too. There can't possibly be no relationship when the Onmyou Academy and Onmyou Agency get attacked at the same time. Rather than it being 'the same culprit', it seems more reasonable that it's 'multiple culprits'." 
"Wh, What are you trying to say?" 
"You don't understand? Ashiya Doman - the Onmyouji known as 'D' - is known to have connections with the Twin-Horned Syndicate, right? So this attack might well be the because of the Twin-Horned Syndicate - the work of Yakou fanatics. In that case......" 
"I'm the target," Natsume said with a hoarse voice. 
What Natsume said was indeed reasonable. If Natsume's speculation was true, her taking refuge in the same place as other students would probably implicate others. Not long before, Harutora had just comforted her to not worry herself, but it was hard to immediately deny Natsume's current worries. 
"Wait, Natsume-kun. Didn't Touji say just now? If you were the enemies' target, my grandma would have warned you directly." 
"No, Kurahashi-san. I'm happy that you're comforting me like that, but the principal might not have been able to see through Ashiya Doman's true intentions. As long as the probability isn't zero, I shouldn't assume the best. I can't put everyone in danger." 
Natsume clearly asserted this to Kyouko, who still wanted to persuade her. 
Natsume's current absolutely unyielding will could be seen just from her expression. Kyouko couldn't continue saying anything. 
Touji smiled and Suzuka hmphed. 
Harutora had already made his decision in the first place. 
"......Understood. We'll respect Natsume's opinion. But - Natsume, I won't let you say anything like escaping alone." 
Harutora announced in an unyielding tone. Natsume looked at Harutora, then looked at Touji, Kyouko and Tenma, her gaze finally falling on Suzuka. 
Touji didn't say anything - as he had been up through now. 
Kyouko nodded, her expression conveying 'that's obvious at this point'. 
Tenma's face was ashen, but he still didn't plan on avoiding Natsume's gaze. 
Suzuka glanced at Natsume out of the corner of her eye: 
"......Whatever." 
And spoke indifferently. 
On the surface, Suzuka's expression was ice-cold and her tone was callous. But, the four people other than Natsume and Suzuka unconsciously smiled, looking at each other and thinking 'even at this time, she still......'. 
"Yes, yes. Even if you took refuge with everyone, you wouldn't have anyone to talk to." 
"What!? What are you joking about, you idiot! It's the opposite! If I took refuge with trash at a time like this, their sobbing would make me really depressed!" 
"If the fact that your magical energy was sealed got exposed, your image as a Divine General would run into trouble." 
"Shut up, headband! I can get rid of this kind of shitty shikigami without getting serious!" 
Suzuka roared angrily, her face suddenly reddening. Her feigned manner was thus ruined. 
But, 
"......Thank you." 
The red-faced Suzuka suddenly became speechless and flustered upon hearing Natsume's serious thanks. "W-Well, it's not......" In the end, she didn't spit the abuse she was so good at, her words also becoming vague. Then, 
"...Hmph." 
She looked in a different direction. 
In Harutora's eyes, she was definitely being difficult. Even so, Harutora still unconsciously patted her head, thanking her for her aid in an urgent situation. The situation Touji had depicted had finally become reality. 
...Yes. It's not just Natsume and I. We have these comrades now, so there's no need to be scared. 
Harutora glanced at Touji and Touji raised the corner of his mouth slightly. 
There were no students to be seen in the cafeteria. Only Harutora's group of six was left here. 
Touji looked at everyone's face: 
"Alright. First, let's leave this place. Then, let's communicate with the teachers that we intend to take different actions. Though we can't contact the principal...... Kyouko, fly a communication simple shikigami to the magic practice field--" 
"Harutora-sama!" 
Kon cried out. 
The six of them suddenly shivered. In the next moment, a faint shadow was cast around them along with a huge sound. 
Harutora turned around, staring blankly. A shikigami was outside the window next to them. 
Its body was no longer than a meter, and one couldn't help but associate its hair-covered limbs with those of a ghoul living in hell. Moreover, crow-like wings grew from its back and it had a snakelike tail. But, the most eye-catching part was its head. It was huge to an unnatural level, with a very ugly face like an anthropomorphic turtle. 
Its deformed posture resembled a theatrical monster, with a malicious humor showing in its ferocity. 
Probably because the shikigami was touching the barrier, its body was covered in intense 'lag'. Interference spread through its body, but it still had no intention of leaving, hitting the glass with its face instead. Its crimson eyes rolled to stare at Harutora and the others who were inside the academy. 
Kon's tail bristled and she drew her beloved blade Kachiwari. Harutora also unconsciously raised the shakujou at the shikigami. 
The shikigami opened its mouth. 
Then: 
"Oh. So this is where you were. This is the first time we've met like this after the Nue incident." 
It spoke human language. 
This vibrant, almost mocking voice was familiar. It was the voice from the old man that night - the voice of Ashiya Doman that had come from the sedan. 
"It's you......!" 
"Hohoho. Sorry for making such a big disturbance this time. I said I was eagerly waiting, but in the end it was this old man who came to bother you, breaking our original promise. Forgive me." 
"You really are the old man from that time! Why did you come here?" 
Harutora roared angrily back at the shikigami. But, his knees trembled intensely right after he finished speaking. 
In comparison, Doman's shikigami emitted a cheerful laugh. 
"Just a small matter. I already cleared it up with the principal just now. I'll leave immediately after my business. Don't mind other people's business, children. This incident is also a bit unusual for me." 
The shikigami's tone was extremely relaxed, forming a clear opposite to Harutora, whose entire body trembled in his stance. The shikigami suddenly twisted its neck, its vision swiveling towards midair. "......Ah." 
It was an extremely human movement, which made it all the more terrifying. 
Then: 
"......A rare opportunity. Should I have fun with you too for a few moments?" 
He coldly laughed. 
In Harutora and the others' point of view, the current scene was as if a tiger, baboon, or even a dinosaur that understood human language had showed them a hideous smile covered in saliva, which moreover unconsciously released an evil air. Even their skin cells were trembling, and they were close to losing consciousness. 
"Don't let him scare you!" 
Touji encouraged everyone, but his own expression was extremely stiff. 
Across from the barrier and even with the shikigami as a medium, a certain feeling was still conveyed to their hearts. 
...The hard-to-describe terror of Ashiya Doman. 
Kyouko endured the brunt of the terror, straightening her back: 
"Th-The academy's barrier will protect us! Grandma's preparations should be flawless. Moreover, several professional Onmyouji will be coming to help from the Onmyou Agency and the Exorcist Bureau. Of course, there will be Divine Generals. I don't know if you're the real Ashiya Doman, but you can't win!" 
Kyouko's trembling voice showed an impressive courage, making Harutora relocate his strength from his beaten-down emotions. He had this kind of friend to be proud of. He grasped the shakujou in his hand. 
But, Doman was unconcerned about Kyouko's full-force resistance. 
"That's quite bad. You would be concerned if this old man came to visit without bringing any gifts at all, right? That would no longer be a problem of 'etiquette', it would be simple ignorance. This old man wouldn't do anything so boring. Being able to scare everyone once in a while is enough to let this old man feel meaning in living." 
The shikigami smiled lightly again, its body bending back from the windows. 
Then, it used its head to strike the glass again. Its body was burned by the barrier. 
"Moreover...... When I looked for the person to deliver the gift, I especially chose someone around the Tsuchimikados. It looks like that person is also looking forward to this old man's mischief. Rejoice, rejoice. Then, as you insist, here is my duty as a 'jester'." 
Harutora and the others breathed deeply upon hearing Doman's monologue. Though they didn't understand the meaning in his words, they had a kind of bad premonition. 
The shikigami was still smiling. 
Then: 
"They all do it like this these days. ...Order!" 
A scream sounded right as the words left his mouth. 
It was Tenma. 
Harutora looked back. A beam of light shot from Tenma's uniform - from his pocket, penetrating the fabric and turning into the light source, a small piece of paper that flew into the air. 
It was a charm. 
"...! Get down!" 
After Touji shouted, Harutora and the others hastily threw themselves to the floor. A moment later, a strong magical energy exploded over their heads. As Harutora lay prone, he 'saw' it. It wasn't very complex, to the point where it could be called a simple magic. It passed through the walls and floor, scattering in all directions. 
The magic stopped at the surrounding barrier, beginning a magic that eroded the barrier. The surrounding barrier gradually dissolved. Then, a sound of something hard shattering rang out and the air outside blew over their head. 
Glass shards flew everywhere. The sounds of their landing came from above the heads that they protected with their arms. 
"...How is it? Most barriers are only tough on the outside but easy to destroy from the inside. No matter whether it's an ancient magic or a recent magic." 
The elated voice was no longer across the window. Kon rapidly jumped into the air to protect Harutora. Harutora still couldn't stand up for the moment, raising his head while kneeling on the floor. 
The shikigami fanned its wings near the ceiling of the cafeteria, gazing at Harutora and the others. 
"......Th-The barrier..." 
"How is that possible......!" 
Kyouko and Natsume moaned. "Bastard!" Suzuka cursed loudly upon seeing the unfavorable situation before her. Touji, who had quickly risen, solemnly checked the surrounding damage. 
Tenma was already no longer able to speak. 
The sound of shattering glass was audible from every direction. Perhaps this was the same everywhere in the academy. 
The barrier had been broken. 
Doman's shikigami had infiltrated the academy. 
Harutora hastily stood up, his brain still in a state of terror. He lifted the shakujou next to Kon, raising his head towards the shikigami wheeling above him. 
Black feathers dropped from the shikigami's body, as if to proclaim: 
'Come, prepare to leave the nest.'