What We Think We're Ready For

Chapter 2:

"Thirty thousand lights

Thirty-thousand lights

I can wish them all away

And surround myself with dark

To only see yours

To only see yours

Woaaahhh”

The shimmering, synth-driven song "See Your Light” from pop band Socks Armada blared out with a nostalgic yet urgent vibe. Himari lay there listening to it for a moment before shutting it off. 6:00 clock. Time to get ready and be on her way to HMHS for her final exams.

I can't believe this is it. She reflected. All these years of high school, and now the great wide world in front of me. Will I have to say goodbye to Hoghigure-Shi?

She gazed out of her bedroom window as she brushed her teeth. Her street, lined with wood-panelled houses and lush rose bushes, was mostly still and quiet, even as the first sounds of the day could begin to be heard: a dog barking, someone watering their garden.

Not even the RAP would be crazy enough to come here or mess with this. They know that what we've built here is peaceful, and keeping the spirits out guarantees that.

She came downstairs and grabbed a slice of toast from the table and stuffed it in her mouth. Her little brother, Izo, was staring at her while shoving mouthfuls of PumPum Puffs in his mouth.

“So today's the big day,” said her father, beaming at her as he set some coffee down onto the table. Himari poured herself a cup. “Yeah, I'm so nervous. I mean, I know the material, but I just feel like… I don't know…”

“Off?” said her father. “You wouldn't be the only one,” he gestured to the TV set, which showed a "Breaking News” story: RAP ATTACK.

Himari slowly lowered her cup, eyes wide. “What happened?”

Mr. Kōzuki shook his head, “It's crazy. Some spirits were seen in Omezawa Park. They killed some people. Two joggers… Horrifying…”

Himari's stomach sank. “But maybe it was random… maybe…”

Mr. Kōzuki sighed, “No, RAP already took responsibility. Oh look.” He turned up the volume.

The TV blared: “As mentioned, RAP has taken responsibility. Asei no Suiren, RAP's leader, claimed this morning that this is the reckoning that has been awaited. Here is a statement sent from one of her top lieutenants, Jushiro Nentō, also known as ‘The Bone Lantern.’”

A man appeared on the screen. Himari felt her body go cold. Like most RAP members, the man wore a conical kasa hat tipped with hanging charms and braided copper threads.
This man's face was partially obscured by a fractured shell mask.

When he spoke, his voice was young, but unnervingly brittle and strong at the same time, like the sound of hollow wood chimes clanking in the night.

“Prepare. The Spirit World's patience has run out. All things return to death and to dust. Everything else is lent time. And the existence of the Exorcist hegemony and those who support them has been loaned out for far too long.” His face seemed to tilt toward the camera. “We know you are preparing a promising new generation of exorcists, and that they will graduate soon. We look forward to welcoming them, especially the heir of the great Kōzumi tradition.”

Mr. Kōzumi quickly turned the television off. Himari stood still, not saying anything.

He meant me, didn't he? He had to. Who else would he be talking about?

"Sweetheart,” her father said gently.

"What's happening?!” squealed Izo, milk dribbling out of his mouth, which was still full of PumPum Puffs.

She didn't answer, and only closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

I've got to keep it together. For Dad. For Izo. And for myself. I'm about to take a big exam.

"Dad,” she said quietly. “Don't worry.”

“Huh?” her Dad stared.

“I'm going to take my exam. And I'm going to ace it. No matter what happens now, I'm prepared, and I'm going to do my best.”

She turned to smile at him. “And hey, if this Bone Lantern and the rest of RAP are as scary as they act- then why haven't they just taken care of us all yet, right?”

“Yeah!” cheered Izo, raising his spoon in the air.

“Himari I…” her Father began.

"Dad. I believe in the Hierophant. I believe in our skills and talents. And most of all I believe in us- our family- the Kōzumi tradition. We'll outlast this. Just as our ancestors did before us.”

Mr. Kōzumi put a hand on his daughter's shoulder. “You have so much of your grandmother in you. You're a great kid, Himari, but more than that- a strong woman. And I'm proud to be your father. No matter what happens, we're in this together. And you're right. RAP seems to posture a lot. Their bark is probably worse than their bite- even if they did cause that spirit attack this morning, which maybe they didn't. The Chain Gate is probably more capable of that than they are. And together, they're just a bunch of common ruffians.”

Himari nodded and hugged her father, kissed Izo on the head. And was out the door.

She looked up at the sky and could see how it rippled a bit in the area above where the park was.

If only I believed all that. I don't even know if Dad does. But I'm still going to do my best.

During her walk, she realised that she was more vigilant than usual. As if expecting a malevolent spirit, or maybe the Bone Lantern himself, to pop out from behind a bush.

After a short walk, she arrived at the school building, which was buzzing with the nervous and excited voices of seniors about to take their last grueling exam before graduation. She noticed several of the students glancing at her, some with anxious faces, and others looking away quickly. A few groups were glancing at her and whispering among themselves.

"Hey, Himari.” Masago sidled up to her. “Ready to take on this bad boy?”

“Ugh. My stomach is in knots.” Himari sighed. She felt tired already, but was relieved to see one of her best friends.

“Hey…um…” Masago rubbed the back of his head. “I saw the broadcast this morning. With that bone pumpkin guy?”

“Bone Lantern Masago.” Himari laughed slightly. “And don't worry. The RAP is all talk, I think. But even if it comes to more. I'm ready. At least… I hope I am.”

“Yeah, well if they wanna mess with you, they gotta mess with me too.” Masago flexed his arm, showing a slight muscle that he had gained through working extra hard in physical education in the last few months. “And Aika, too, I'll bet! She'd probably colour-coordinate their uniforms until they died of boredom.”

Himari giggled. “That's Aika, alright. Where is she anyway? Have you seen her?”

Masago looked around. “No, not yet. I hope everything's okay with Yuu.”

Himari sighed and nodded. “Me too. This latest hospital stay has been longer than the last few.”

Himari gazed at Masago as he searched the crowd for Aika. He looked bright-eyed and energised, which was a good sign. Himari hoped the best for him. He was a bright kid and had a lot of promise to be a great exorcist, and he was an even better friend. As for Aika, she was very intelligent, but just seemed to have a hard time studying. But with everything going on with her sister, Yuu, one could hardly blame her. How her best friend always stayed so bubbly and excited was something Himari could scarcely imagine.  

How would I act if I was in the same situation with Izo? Himari thought.

Soon, they were seated, each at a desk in long rows in the large test hall. To her right, Himari gazed at the trees outside the large windows. They waved gently in the early summer breeze.

It looks so peaceful outside. And in here we're all so scared. But it doesn't compare to what's waiting out there.

Before the exam began, Principal Kamae Omodaka herself walked to the front of the room. She was a tall, prim woman, not much older than fifty, with a youthful face underneath black-framed glasses. She had long, black hair, which she wore tied back neatly in a ponytail.

“Students,” she began in a clear, soft voice that didn't seem to come from someone who was considered one of the most feared exorcists, said to be second only to the Hierophant herself.

“We have seen your growth and promise this year. Today marks the last exam you will take before you leave these halls. Many of you will graduate and go into other professions, but many of you have trained here to follow our highest tradition and become exorcists. Among you, we have seen some of the best we have seen in generations,” she looked toward Himari.

“The world is changing. And we are facing threats that we have not seen before. But now isn't the time to think about that. Think only of the training and education you have received. Those are what will equip you to meet this challenge today and the challenges that await. And you are all, each of you, well-equipped.”

Let's hope so. Himari thought. At that moment, she looked up and saw the back of Aika's golden-haired head. She smiled and laughed slightly with a sense of relief, like a weight had been lifted.

Principal Omodaka looked around the room. And then, adjusting her glasses smiled slightly and bowed.

"Good luck.” Her closing wish seemed to echo through the room, which was as silent as a grave.

The Proctor, a small, thin man, thanked the Principal and took his place at the front of the room. After delivering the test instructions, he indicated the time on the clock, waited a few minutes, and then stated:

“You may open your booklets and begin.”

Himari opened her book to the first page. She could see that it was asking for a free-form incantation that would most bind and extract a restless spirit that is angry about its death.

She breathed with relief and smiled, then began to write.

Three hours later, the students poured out of the examination hall and into the wide common green in front.

Himari could hear her fellow students talking about the exam, comparing answers. Some were laughing, and others were despondent. But she was only looking for Aika.

She found herself standing next to a tree, a dazed expression on her face.

“Aika! How was it?”

The blonde girl turned around, her eyes wide and tear-filled. But immediately, like a star going supernova, her face brightened into a wide, almost sparkling grin.

"Hey Himari! Oh God, how about all that? That was nuts, huh? I'm sure you aced it, but I don't know, they wanted to mess with us, didn't they?” Aika talked rapidly, hugging Himari and bouncing around animatedly.

Poor Aika, thought Himari. She doesn't let others see her grief.

“Hey Aika.” said Himari. “That exam was brutal, but… I wanted to ask… how are you? How is Yuu?...”

Aika winked. “Funny, right? How are you, and how is Yuu? Always sounded so funny to me. Ummmm well yeah, Yuu was in the hospital for a bit, but good news! She's out this morning! I was a bit late to the exam because I was welcoming her home. Mom and Dad made her favourite breakfast, and I insisted that I help decorate. She's so happy to be home. And I'm so happy to have her home.” Her large eyes filled with tears even as she smiled.

“Oh Aika!” said Himari. “I'm so happy to hear it! So do the doctors think…”

At that moment, all the students began to turn and stare at the sky, which had been clear and sunny moments ago save a few fluffy white clouds, but was now being overtaken by roiling, coal-grey darkness, even as the early summer air gained an unusual chill.

“What's happening?” “A storm now?” “Great, as if the day couldn't get any more fun.”

Himari heard all of their exclamations and remarks, but she could only think, or rather feel:

Oh no.

At that moment, the air seemed to explode.

A group of people, clad in low kasa hats and thick, rugged cloaks bearing all manner of charms seemed to appear from various areas on the green. Some on the roof. One even near the tree where she and Aika stood.

And from their collective murmuring, the air began to shift even as the shape of groaning apparitions began to seem to tear through reality itself.

Aika stared in horror. “I… no… no… RAP they're...!”

Himari grabbed her arm and pulled her to the ground even as a RAP shaman approached them, hand outstretched, and a rippling field of energy coursed past where Aika had once stood.

Himari breathed heavily and closed her eyes. Placing her top hand over her bottom hand, she began to recite Incantation CIXI as if it were second nature.  

Then Himari swirled one hand in a circle in front of her and cried out "CIXI Atem Tembor!" The one-eyed, skeletal being that was climbing out of a hole near the shaman's hand began to tremble and weather. The shaman stumbled and stepped back.

Himari stared her down, even as Aika gaped on the ground, horrified.

Mayhem erupted among screams and shouts as students ran everywhere, and the common area in front of the high school filled with all manner of strange shapes- some roaring, some shrieking, some wailing.

The shaman who had attacked Aika and Himari stretched her hand again and closed it into a fist. Taking a pinch of powder from a pouch that hung at her belt, she threw it at the two girls. Aika screamed and Himari swore, even as a disc of pure energy rolled between them and the powder, then wrapped it and encapsulated it, rendering it harmless.

The girls turned toward the direction from which the disk had come. Masago stood there, arms poised like claws, panting.

Himari beamed at him. I knew you had it in you, Masago.

And then she saw him. The mask.  The off-white cloak. The charms hanging from his hat. He was much more dreadful in real life than in any televised image.

The Bone Lantern.

Masago didn't have time to even realise what was happening. The Bone Lantern stretched his hand and spoke the incantation quickly and calmly, and Masago's body began to shake, even as something was drawn from it.

"No!!!” screamed Aika and Himari in unison.

His spirit. He's taking his spirit.

There was a wail as if of a strong wind through an empty house, and something shadowy and flickering whooshed into the Bone Lantern's fist. He closed it, and Masago's body fell with a thud to the ground.

The girls were screaming and hugging each other, sobbing.

And then the exorcists began to fight back. Principal Omodaka led the charge, and the apparitions began to dissipate as the exorcists wrapped them and bound them in various prayers. The RAP shaman fervently tried to keep the spirits alive, but they were outdone by the talents of the seasoned exorcists.

But the Bone Lantern. He did not join the fray, but simply gave a last look at Himari. And disappeared.

Thirty minutes later, the RAP shaman were gone, and the area outside Hoshigure High School was filled with wailing and screaming. The exorcists and the medical corps were attempting to console the mourners and rescue the injured.

Himari and Aika sat wrapped in blankets. A medical officer examined them both, and a security officer took statements.

Masago.

Himari could only think of him. He had saved them. And the Bone Lantern himself had ripped his spirit out.

Aika sat motionless next to her, electric violet eyes staring. Soon, without a word, she lay down and fell asleep, breathing softly yet fitfully.

This isn't right. How can this happen? Why would they do this? And poor Aika. With everything that's going on with Yuu- and now this.

She felt Principal Omodaka's presence before she saw her. The tall, bespectacled woman looked down at her.

“I'm sorry about Masago,” she said softly. “He was a very good boy.”

“Yes,” came Himari's choked reply.

“It'll be war,” Omodaka said. Himari felt it before she heard it. “The Hierophant has already declared it. We will move to eradicate the RAP.”

Himari nodded.

“And I'm afraid this will be your final exam and graduation. You pass, graduate, and are now an official exorcist. And you will be coming with us. Straight into the Bezikugo Flats.”

Himari gasped and stared at her.

“Me?... But when that shaman attacked me and Aika right now, I could barely… It was Masago who…” Himari clenched her eyes and gritted her teeth as she felt her eyes watering and her throat clench.

“We need you, Himari,” the tall woman said, her voice thick with more emotion than Himari had ever heard. “We've never seen a young exorcist of your calibre. I'm only sorry that you didn't get the graduation that you deserved."

Himari's tears were flowing freely down her cheeks now.

"I shouldn't tell you this...” sighed Omodaka, and she looked around before murmuring, “Believe it or not, there are… cases, rare ones, where a spirit taken in that way is not destroyed. There may be a thread, thin as it is, that he’s still out there.  It shouldn't give you hope, but it can at least let you know that there are still things far beyond what you have seen- and that you have learned what you need to face them." 

Himari opened her eyes. She looked down at her sleeping friend. She would do it, of course. For Aika. For Masago. For Iko. For her Father. And for all that was good in this world.

She looked Omodaka in the eyes and nodded.

And in less than a day, after a tearful goodbye with her family and Aika, Himari Kōzuki was no longer in Hoshigare-Shi.

And Aika Tsunemori's friends were both gone.