Tokyo Ravens - Volume SS1 - Chapter 2

Part 2 
“Today, Dairenji Suzuka is promoted to National First-Class Onmyouji.” 
The man who stood at the apex of the country’s onmyouji solemnly, and at the same time, indifferently announced. 
This was the Chief of the Onmyou Agency, Kurahashi Genji. 
He should be like a father but his character was the complete opposite. An intense gaze came from his sharp, firm eyes. In addition, there was a feeling of profoundness that can be felt from the enormous and experience-tempered aura borne within his body. 
You could feel a sense of mature dignity, without a trace of age, giving him an impression like steel. Naturally, the deterrence from Kurahashi proved that he is the Onmyou Agency’s —-and even the world of magic’s—-domineering master. 
Currently, Dairenji Suzuka was located in the Onmyou Agency building in the Akihabara ward in Tokyo. The executive room was lined with a plush carpet and, except for Kurahashi’s work desk, was furnished with a sofa and coffee table for receiving guests. The windows of the high-rise buildings around the JR Akihabara station could be seen from there. 
“From now on, you have to recognize your position and be prepared to exert great efforts. There are expectations for your future work performance.” 
After the Chief of the Onmyou Agency Finished speaking, Suzuka wordlessly paused for a moment. 
Then, she gently nodded. 
The National First-Class Onmyouji are a group of extraordinary onmyouji, there were only a dozen people nationwide. Although Suzuka became the lowest one of them, she didn’t get carried away or have any feelings of being special. To her, being a National First-Class Onmyouji was just a means, it was a step to reach some greater goal. 
But just after Suzuka nodded, a dry laugh suddenly broke the solemn atmosphere of the office. 
“This is really incredible. Originally you’re supposed to be a squirt still studying in grade school. Unexpectedly, you immediately passed most challenging of difficulties, the ‘First-Class Onmyou Qualification’. The youngest ‘Divine General’ in history is now born. Congratulations.” 
Other than Suzuka and Kurahashi, there was another person in the room. 
It was a vigorous and hearty slim old man, with a rude attitude, rude tone, wearing an expensive suit. He sat upright on the couch watching Suzuka, and made a snapping sound with the fan he was holding. 
He was the Chief of the Onmyou Agency’s Magical Crime Investigation Department, Amami Daizen, reputed to be a scholar second only to Kurahashi, and also the second most powerful man in the Onmyou Agency. 
“Not long ago, at the time when Kagami became one of the ‘Twelve Divine Generals’, I didn’t think it was possible for minors to become National First-Class Onmyouji, I’m really shocked.” 
As the old man spoke, he happily laughed. 
The ‘Kagami’ mentioned by Amami was Kagami Reiji who was also a National First-Class Onmyouji, he was very proud of his extraordinary spiritual power. However, although he became glamourous at a young age, he still had significant problems. Because Suzuka rarely makes public appearances, she wasn’t clear on the problems. 
Even so, Suzuka didn’t have any interest in the other onmyouji to begin with. 
“……Boring.” 
She quietly muttered a single word. 
She deliberately whispered a word that she knew knowingly would annoy the others, but Kurahashi didn’t even bat an eyebrow and, in contrary, Amami gave an amused expression, making Suzuka to feel even more unbearably impatient, causing her to complain again clearly, “boring.” 
“What the ‘Twelve Divine Generals’, it’s just a title added by the media. In fact……” 
A sharp glance came from Suzuka’s eyes, glaring towards Amami though the corner of her eye. 
“Am I a seedling or what, I already know, how else did a ‘squirt’ like me have the power to pass the ‘First-Class Onmyou Qualification’. 
“……” 
Amami didn’t respond to Suzuka’s provocative tone, he openly scrutinized Suzuka, gently smiling. 
Suzuka’s back story was the problem of her father. Suzuka’s father was called Dairenji Shidou, known as the National First-Class Onmyouji, the “Professor”, who passed away this year in the early spring. But it was an unusual death, he used magic to cause artificial spiritual damage —-a spiritual disaster, and was among the dead. 
The first spiritual terrorism attack in history, the ‘Great Hinamatsuri Purification’. 
Suzuka’s father was the instigator. 
Dairenji Shidou wasn’t the kind of onmyouji to go to the front lines to use magic, but was rather involved in its research. In his research, he used his own daughter as a test subject, from before she developed a sense of self —-no, before she was born. 
For what reason her father had, and for what intention to think of ‘using’ Suzuka at a young age, she didn’t know. Now that he is gone, it’s even harder to find the answer. 
But there was one thing to know, her father’s experiments produced great achievements. Suzuka possessed a strong spiritual power when she was born, and in addition with her continuous maturation she displayed talent as an onmyouji. The title ‘The Youngest National First-Class Onmyouji’ sounded very impressive, but she was a magically altered human produced by her father. 
“I won’t talk about it now. Will you stick to the agreement?” 
Suzuka coldly confirmed with the other party. 
“Of course.” 
Kurahashi replied solemnly. 
“After you become a National First-Class Onmyouji, you can still have certain privileges even though you are a minor. I will prepare your post, the budget you submitted can also be guaranteed. But, don’t you require some support staff?” 
“I don’t need them. Assistants and whatever, my shikigami are enough.” 
“Okay. Then inform me if you have any other requirements. I will accommodate them.” 
After Kurahashi’s simple declaration, Suzuka cautiously nodded her head. 
Then, 
“There’s one more matter……how about the thing with the Lingering Spirit Division?” 
Suzuka originally wanted to discuss this topic emotionlessly. But as she opened her mouth, Kurahashi’s eyes suddenly became sharply alert. 
Under Kurahashi’s gaze, Suzuka desperately tried to suppress the wavering emotions from her heart. The reason she obtained the ‘First-Class Onmyou Qualification’ was just for this. 
And for who knows how long, Kurahashi stayed silent. 
Shortly after, 
“……Your area of research is on ‘Imperial Onmyoudou’, so their compilation on Tsuchimikado Yakou is useful for you. Therefore, according to your wishes, I will permit you access to information from the Lingering Spirit Division as well as Dairenji Shidou’s personal items. 
Kurahashi simply made a business-like guarantee, then glanced at Amami who was sitting on the sofa. The Mystical Investigations Department Chief responded to the Agency chief’s glance, nodding in agreement. Even though Suzuka didn’t look uneasy, but she relaxed in her heart. 
Her father once led a secret society known as the Twin-Horned Syndicate, composed of a group of onmyouji that blindly worshiped the father of modern onmyoudou, Tsuchimikado Yakou. Her father was the Imperial Household Agency Lingering Spirit Division Chief, consequently this division became a nest for the Twin-Horned Syndicate. The Twin-Horned Syndicate also engineered disaster leading to the Great Hinamatsuri Purification. 
But it’s precisely because the Lingering Spirit Division was that kind of organization, they had the ability carry out certain research that couldn’t be performed in institutions with public exposure. Especially the research pioneered by her father, he was probably was on a stage that no one has ever reached. 
At the time of the spiritual terrorism attack, most of the materials from the Lingering Spirit Division was abandoned, but she heard that one portion of the materials was stored at the Mystical Investigations Department. Suzuka’s area of expertise was ‘Imperial Onmyoudou’ that was the basis of the modern mainstream ‘General Onmyoudou’, furthermore, it also included many taboo elements. 
“……I gave you permission, but you must be cautious.” 
Currently, the materials from the Lingering Spirit Division was managed by the Mystical Investigations Department, only a very select few have access to it. On hearing Amami’s obviously nagging words, Suzuka just returned an icy glare. 
But Amami ignored Suzuka’s glare, and continued speaking. 
“Otherwise, it’s not just the Lingering Spirit Division’s materials. After all from now on, you are also one of the ‘Twelve Divine Generals’, you must understand your position and always pay attention to your words and actions.” 
Rather than a lecture from a superior, what he said was more like advice from an experienced senpai. Amami as well as Kurahashi are both National First-Class Onmyouji who passed the ‘First-Class Onmyou Qualification’. In addition to talents within the organization, both individuals were top quality onmyouji. 
Suzuka quietly grunted. 
“……Ho. Therefore, can the silly title ‘Twelve Divine Generals’ be called silly?” 
“However seriously act within role of this ‘silly’ position, as it’s the duty of professionals with ‘authority’, even if it’s something an ignorant squirt would despise—-Do you understand, newbie?” 
Amami lectured in a mocking tone, making the Suzuka who felt impatient once again lift an eyebrow. He just wanted to see this reaction so he deliberately teased her. Even though she was fully aware of his intentions within her heart, she couldn’t hold back. Suzuka couldn’t help but lament her immaturity. 
Since after the event caused by her father, Suzuka and Amami already met several times, but they were unable to get along together. It was probably because the old man’s joking attitude reminded Suzuka of her father and therefore he got on her nerves. 
Originally, Suzuka didn’t acknowledge any ‘adults’ other than her father. 
“Now, the ‘Twelve Divine Generals’ isn’t only for this industry, but it also has a certain status in the eyes of the public, to some extent like a celebrity. In this case, obediently use the knowledgeable advice given by the ‘adults’.” 
“The devil knows……it’s fine as long as it’s not bullshit from the old nutcase.” 
“Haha. You really are a foul mouthed squirt, anyways, you’ll understand immediately, because the people around you will treat you differently, it’s going to be troublesome if you have any misunderstandings……it’s even better if you muster up some self-respect.” 
“Self-respect?” 
“Oh. Self-respect induced by others is only harmful, only self-respect cultivated by yourself can become a strength in the future. This is called ‘PRIDE’.” 
“……” 
Suzuka’s subconscious mind was filled with thoughts of mockery. 
Being a partially altered human being, it’s not possible to have the thing called ‘PRIDE’. Earlier in her life, Suzuka was always used by adults according to their wishes, and now to be instructed by an adult to muster self-respect, it was completely incomprehensible to her. 
But, then she thought. 
……No, she rejected her thoughts from earlier. 
There was one more thing. Suzuka’s real purpose. If she can accomplish this thing, then this time she can make herself proud. 
Suzuka decided to offer up her life for that purpose. 
This is Suzuka’s ‘PRIDE’. 
“……I will remember that.” 
Suzuka replied coldly. 
 
This room was the last remaining ‘hideout’. 
It was a room in an old-fashioned apartment. After her father died, the lab and residence, needless to say, every location associated with her father was searched by the Magical Investigation Department. This apartment room didn’t belong to her father, rather it was a room rented by Suzuka herself through illegal means, which is why it was able to escape unseized. Originally the room was prepared by her to escape her father’s attention, now as a result, it became her lifeline. 
Suzuka stayed in the middle of the room, examining the room’s interior. 
A single enormous metal box that was disproportionally large for the narrow room was in front of her. 
It was a commercial freezer. 
The entire surface was covered by paper strips with writing, it appeared very strange. In an ignorant person’s eyes, the indescribable ominous feeling was certain to scare their mouth shut. That kind of premonition was correct because this freezer was a ‘coffin’. 
Other than a few personal effects, the freezer was the only other thing in the room. The humming sound of the motor stirred up an eddy near the girl’s feet. 
At this time, a soft sneeze came from near her feet. 
“……This room is covered in dust. At least clean it occasionally.” 
Upon hearing the tiny protest, she stuck out her tongue in indignity. 
“Smartass. If you don’t like it, then you get can back in the cage.” 
“You certainly haven’t experienced it, staying in there is extremely uncomfortable.” 
“Then wouldn’t it be fine if you just obediently stayed home.” 

“Didn’t you bring me without permission?” 
“……You really are a smartass. If you are only going to complain, then shut up.” 
Suzuka, furrowing her eyebrows, savagely stamped the tip of her feet down, and soon after, a sound like a sign came from near her feet. 
There was a black cat at Suzuka’s feet. 
Although it couldn’t be considered a kitten, but its body still hasn’t fully grown. After all ‘he’ couldn’t continue growing, he was the same size the first time they met. 
He was a shikigami, in fact he was a special shikigami born from her father’s experiments, possessing a cat’s body. 
His name was Sohaya. 
Originally this shikigami was already destroyed……but because of some reason after her father’s death, he was still able to exist like this. 
“……After this? Do we have to move our home?” 
“Not now. But soon.” 
“Oh it’s like that, I feel slightly reluctant to move.” 
“Are you kidding. There’s no reason to want to stay in this broken place.” 
“You’re trying to act brave again……” 
“What? Hey, Sohaya. Do you think I’m like you?” 
Suzuka unhappily tilted her head down to look at Sohaya. 
“I already got my qualification, from now on, I’m also a professional, I don’t need to worry about the views of other people, I can be free, and live a conformable life. 
“Being a professional, that doesn’t mean you have become an adult.” 
“That’s obvious cat, please don’t speak in such a manner as an experienced man of the world. We are not the same, I’m growing daily.” 
After hearing Suzuka’s reply, the cat shook his whiskers. 
“I can’t see any changes in you.” 
“……” 
Sohaya’s words made Suzuka look at the freezer in front of her. 
The surface of the freezer door was like a mirror, with an uncountable number of paper talismans made by herself that were stuck on top, and between the gaps vaguely reflected her own unhappy figure. Her outer appearance had personality, but the details were unclear, only a skinny set of limbs and neck and a thin delicate body were reflected back into her eye. 
If it were Kurahashi and Amami, even if they cannot clearly see the details, it wouldn’t hurt a bit of their tough impressions, and unlike her, their reflections will still shine brightly through. 
Suzuka already became a National First-Class onmyouji like them, not because she was her father’s test subject nor by accident. I will be brave! Suzuka mentally cheered herself on. 
“……There’s no change? That’s because your eyes are broken. Becoming a professional onmyouji isn’t achieved by wishful thinking. Don’t put me in the same category as those office workers.” 
“I’m not clear on what exactly you mean by ‘office workers’.” 
“That’s why you’re just a cat……In short, don’t think of me as an ordinary person. What’s more, I’m not an ordinary professional, but a National First-Class onmyouji ~one of the ‘Twelve Divine Generals’~ ah, yup. From now on, you’re not allowed to casually address me, add ‘adult’ after my name. Call me ‘Ms. Suzuka’.” 
“Wah? I won’t.” 
“You’re not allowed to say no. You should know who raised you. Your owner’s orders are absolute!” 
Seeing his owner reveal a self-satisfied smile, Sohaya stubbornly wagged his tail. 
“Speaking of which, are the ‘Twelve Divine Generals’ really so great?” 
“Tha-that’s ridiculous! The ‘First-Class Onmyou Qualification’ was a super hard exam. I think there’s only a dozen people in the country. There’s the status in society, just like a celebrity.” 
“Oh it’s like that. I always felt that this kind of title sounded childish.” 
“Ha? That’s why you’re a child. Seriously playing this kind of role is the responsibility of a professional. Really, you still don’t understand anything.” 
“Uh.” 
Yet Sohaya made an appearance of incomprehension, Suzuka glared at him like a bully. 
Suddenly at this moment, an electronic buzzer sounded. 
“Wha! Ah?” 
Suzuka suddenly put on a sorry figure, Sohaya not knowing what is happening, raised his head. Suzuka, with her eyes wide open, scanned her surroundings in a panicked hurry. 
“Ah? Is it an alarm? Ah?” 
“……Suzuka. It’s possible that’s from your cellphone.” 
“Oh! Right……!” 
Suzuka found her bag in a hurry, the long unanswered cell rang and vibrated at the same time. 
Suzuka had the cell for a few months, at first she would play games, but now she was only in the habit of charging the battery and carrying it with her. 
“Congratulation, this is the first time you answered the phone.” 
“An-annoying! It-it’s just that I didn’t have anyone that I wanted to call! It was too much trouble! Spe-speaking of which, I didn’t give my cell number to anyone, why is someone calling me?” 
Suzuka clutched her cell with both hands, staring at the unfamiliar number on the screen, after all, only the numbers for her apartment and the front desk for the Onmyou Agency were entered into her phone. 
“……You’re not going to answer?” 
“An-answer!” 
Suzuka’s nervousness made her face stiffen, she fearfully pressed the answer button in a tremble. 
Then. 
[—-Hey, Dairenji. This is Amami. Do you have a moment?] 
After hearing the sound from her cell, Suzuka suddenly lost strength in her body. 
“……In the end, it was you.” 
[Ah? What happened? Are you not feeling well?] 
“No……Speaking of which, why do you have my cell number!” 
[Hey, hey, isn’t your phone issued by the Onmyou Agency? It should be expected that I know your number.] 
“Ha? This is a violation of my privacy!” 
[What are you talking about privacy, this in fact is for business communications. Basically, you have yet to become an adult, its normal to have incidental situations.] 
“Wh-what are you saying? I already a professional.” 
[Yeah, it doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or not, minors may not sign cell phone contracts.] 
“Contract?” 
[Ah, you don’t even know about that. As expected you’re a person who sequestered herself with nothing but onmyoudou—-Simply, it’s not necessary for you to worry, we won’t monitor your phone calls.] 
“Thi-this is obvious!” 
Monitoring and what not were not empty words, but the fact that she never called anyone was discovered made Suzuka feel even more wronged. Suzuka made a firm resolution, from now on she won’t use this cell phone and she will find another to use. 
“Anything else? Is there a problem?” 
[It’s merely a call about work.] 
“You’re saying work?.…..Didn’t I already report my research?” 
[It’s other work.] 
“Ha?.…..Hey, what’s going on. About my research, isn’t it all up to my decisions?” 
[But you also can’t refuse other work just because of this. After all, you are already public official and must obey orders from within the government.] 
“……” 
Suzuka forcefully clenched the cell, tightly biting her lip. It seemed like Amami saw Suzuka’s appearance from the other end of the phone, saying [well, don’t be angry like this] with a smile. 
“The work this time is unrelated to your research. In a nutshell, it’s just odd jobs for those with the rank of National First-Class Onmyouji.] 
“Odd jobs? Why are these trivial matters intentionally passed to me……” 
[There’s nothing serious. Furthermore, it’s the first time you working as one of the ‘Twelve Divine Generals’, do you want to push it onto someone else?] 
The half tease and half provocation made Suzuka angrily twist the corner of her mouth. Then at last afterwards she suddenly noticed someone looking at her. 
It was Sohaya, he squatted on the floor, intently staring at Suzuka and unable to take his eyes off her. Suzuka recalled their conversation from before, immediately straightening her posture. 
“……Huh. You’re kidding when you said to let someone else do it. Well, using work other than my research to bother me indeed cannot raise my enthusiasm. But after all, I am one of the ‘Twelve Divine Generals’, one in a position that must accept, two jobs and whatever, I have to attend to them too. Being a celebrity is too troublesome.” 
Suzuka deliberately laughed, shaking her head with no alternatives. Then over the phone [So it’s like this] responded Amami. 
[Then in this case it’s going to be simple. I have one request for you please. A filming is arranged for the afternoon of the day after tomorrow, please come over at that time.] 
“……Nh? Filming?” 
[Ah, don’t worry, I will properly prepare the script.] 
“Script……What’s going on?” 
[Well, I will be present on that day, we will discusses the details of the affair later at that time. ……Ah, please don’t wear the kind of eccentric clothing you usually wear, okay? Something a bit more mature……Ah, ya. We should prepare some outfits too. Goodbye.] 
“Hey, hey……” 
The call was already ended. 
Suzuka stared at the cell with a frown. 
Sohaya tilted his head, 
“What’s the matter?” 
“……The devil knows.” 
The one known as history’s youngest member of the ‘Twelve Divine Generals’, was on the verge of becoming the spokeswomen for the Onmyou Agency. 
The talented and beautiful young onmyouji girl, the ‘Prodigy’, was born two days later.