Today's agenda was to seal an ayakashi that was reported to be terrorizing the area right outside the Matoba clan's barrier. The target was said to be an ayakashi with a blank paper mask covering its face, messy hair, and a horn atop its head.
According to Natsume's instructor, the target this time was a lot stronger compared to what other apprentices' first sealing assignment. However, he also added that Natsume was a lot stronger than the other apprentices so it was only natural.
"Is Matoba-san up ahead?" Natsume asked. The head of the clan informed him that he'd be coming along today to watch his progress, but they've been in the area for some minutes now and there was still no sign of the man.
"Unfortunately, the master had an urgent matter to attend to so he won't be coming." His instructor answered from behind him. During missions, the more experienced exorcist would, of course, be leading the way; however, since this is a test for Natsume, he was leading the search.
The boy visibly deflated. It's not that he preferred the man's company over his instructor; in fact, it was the other way around since the man was as nerve-wracking as ever, but he wanted him to be here to show him the progress he had made. If Natsume showed him how good he was, he'd probably let him advance to the next class and he'd be able to go back home to the Fujiwaras if they still wanted him by then.
"Don't worry too much, Natsume-sama. Even without the master, I am sure you would be able to complete the task with your powers. Besides, this ayakashi seems particularly stupid to loiter near our clan's area."
Natsume smiled at his instructor. That wasn't what he was concerned about, but it's the thought of being comforted by someone that made him smile. He was still uncomfortable with being called '-sama' though and by his instructor, no less.
"Natsume, over here!" Nyanko-sensei, who had been uncharacteristically quiet ever since they stepped out of the barrier suddenly jumped into the bushes and out of sight.
"Eh? Sensei?" Natsume was confused, but he ran after the cat anyway. He only stopped when his Sensei did before another row of bushes. "Sensei, why did you suddenly run off like that?"
In response, the cat lunged at him with a headbutt. "Stupid-Natsume, he'd hear you!" The cat pointed his paw at the clearing in front of them. "Look."
Natsume was about to reply that his Sensei was making a far noisier than he had ever been, but let it slide. Instead, he directed his gaze at the direction the other was pointing.
An ayakashi was sitting on the ground with its back to the three of them. It's long unruly hair covered its back fully and the single horn atop its head almost shined in the sunlight. It seemed to be wounded as it clutched its leg and a pool of blood gathered underneath it.
"Ah!" His instructor finally caught up with them. "As expected of Natsume-sama's shiki, it found the target too quickly! Nobody said it was such a huge ayakashi though."
Nyanko-sensei ignored the fact that he was just called a shiki and eyed the boy beside him with discerning eyes. "You know, right, Natsume?"
Natsume bit his lip and nodded.
"I've been sensing its presence ever since we came out of the barrier, but the damned exorcists' seals are making a mess out of everything." Nyanko-sensei explained. For some reason, the cat was now busy grooming himself as he talked. "So what are we going to do, Stupid-Natsume?"
Touko-san...
Author's Notes: It's summer break so here's a chapter for you guys! I applied for a job this summer so even though I'm out of school, I still might be a little busy.
So… What do you think Natsume would do?
Thanks for reading!
5/9/15