I looked up incredulously.

"Why are we at the police station?"

The next morning, we were standing in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's main building. Standing 18 floors tall, the building was pretty intimidating. I'd never gone to a police station before, let alone Tokyo's biggest headquarters. But why the police?

My mom chuckled. "Well, I did tell you to tell the police too. This is where the office for the Agency is located."

"I thought it was an international organization?"

Kenta replied, "This is just the headquarters of the Japan branch. It's located within the police department because most Youkai cases start off as normal crime cases, until the police discover evidence of supernatural activity."

Since when did Kenta know all of this too? I was starting to feel pretty left out.

"Anyway, let's head on in."

My parents both led the way, with Kenta and I following.

We walked up to the attendance desk, where an older man wearing glasses sat. He looked rather sophisticated, with a golden police badge shining on his chest. As we approached, he looked up.

"Reason for visit?"

My dad cleared his throat and looked at me.

"An awakening."

The man's eyebrows raised.

"A teen?"

Was my age really all that surprising? The man seemed to be slightly agitated as he took out a walkie-talkie.

"Can someone bring an escort over? We have an awakening."

A man wearing a black suit quickly came over. Motioning us to follow him, he led us into an elevator. He took out a card and scanned it on a nearby panel. The elevator's screen then displayed "Floor 0" and the doors shut.

The man said nothing, which kind of intimidated me. I knew that the government was involved, but never in a million years did I expect something like this. It was almost like this was a scene straight out of a movie.

When the doors opened back up, I almost gasped in astonishment. We had stepped into what looked exactly like the lobby of a fancy building. The room was well-lit with what looked like natural light. But weren't we underground? If I didn't know better, I would've thought we'd gone to a skyscraper.

"There's another elevator that we have to take."

With that explanation, we were once again brought to an elevator. But this time, there were far more buttons on the panel than the other one we took. One... hundred??? How far down underground did this building go?

Pressing the button displaying B50, the escort began to explain.

"Many people have offices, and some even live here. Of course, there are extra vacant floors, in preparation for more people such as yourself."

A hundred floors... How many people were involved with the Association in Tokyo alone? My mind automatically drifted to envision a hundred Hoshis, and a smile crept up the corners of my lips.

It took about a minute of awkward silence, but we finally reached our destination. The doors opened to reveal a rather spacious office, covered in red carpet. The walls were of a warm white, and the furniture and ceiling were made of maple-colored wood. A soft light shone throughout the room, and the result was that it seemed to radiate warmth. In the middle of the office was a large desk filled with piles of paperwork and several monitors.

Sitting at the desk was a younger man wearing square glasses who was seemingly asleep with his head down on the table. The man had clearly been working long hours.

When we approached him, he suddenly jolted awake. The man frantically adjusted his glasses, before looking up at us with a nervous laugh.

"Ahah, sorry you had to see me like this! My name is Hasegawa Fuyuki, and I'm going to help you register your daughter today." He gestured towards the chairs in front of his desk. "Please, take a seat."

The escort bowed and left the room as I sat down with the rest of my family. This felt like a parent-teacher meeting. The man smiled at us, and I noticed that he had a small amount of stubble growing on his chin. Poor guy.

"I'm usually just a part of the research team, but since the current head is out on a mission, she's asked me to fill in for her. Anyhow, I received your call last night. Honestly, I was really surprised to hear that the one who had awakened was your daughter. You see, it's very rare for younger individuals to do so. In fact, I think she's the youngest person to awaken in recent times, aside from a particular case..."

What he said piqued my interest, and the shocked expression of the earlier attendant surfaced in my mind.

"Hasegawa-san, why is it rare for young people to awaken a Kami?"

"You see, Ms. Miyake, we don't actually know. Unfortunately, I think you'll find that's often the case with the Youkai and Kami. Thankfully, given the extensive amount of research we carry out regarding the two, we can make accurate guesses. The current leading theory is that it has to do with emotional maturity levels, as well as how well-attuned you are with your inner self. These things are more likely to strengthen with age. But of course, we have cases such as yourself."

While this guy was dumping a lot of information at once, I think I was able to keep up.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

Hasegawa-san rummaged around his piles of paperwork, before placing a couple of forms in front of my parents.

"Miyake-san's parents, I'm going to need you to fill these out. Meanwhile, I'm going to need to ask Miyake-san herself some questions."

Hasegawa-san spent a few minutes asking me questions about my experiences with supernatural activity, from the moving poster to the Kuchisake-Onna, to which he asked a question that confused me.

"Miyake-san, do you know your Kami's ability?"

"Ability?"

"All Kami have a unique ability, for example, telekinesis, or an element. Since you're asking that question, I take it that you don't?"

I nodded.

"That's to be expected. Most people think it'd be like in those stories where people just know, but it's not that simple. Even if a Kami is a part of your soul, that doesn't mean you can read each other's minds. But, as you sync up more and more, you'll be able to connect on a much deeper level than thoughts. You'll probably figure it out as you try different things."

Ah. Wait. There is something I do know.

"She does use a naginata though."

"Ah, thank you! Many kami have their own weapons, but a few don't. It really depends on your fighting style, which is quite convenient. Here we go... naginata. Anyhow, I think we're done with the registration. Although I need to ask your parents for consent."

Consent? For what?

Hasegawa-san noticed my confused look and quickly added, "Those who have awakened Kami can choose to join the Agency to help deal with Youkai cases as an exorcist, for pay of course. Exorcists will be given various missions regarding Youkai based on their capabilities. Obviously, since you're still a minor, it will be up to your guardians."

My parents looked up from their forms, and then at each other. Finally, they turned to me, which made me a bit self-conscious.

My dad cleared his throat.

"Last night your mother and I were discussing, and obviously at first, we thought it was too dangerous. But, since you've awoken, you're going to attract Youkai anyway. And, well, we know the kind of person you are, and that you'll follow the path you want, regardless of what we choose. Your mother and I have a daughter who is an extremely kind person, and we're very grateful for that. Our only request is that you make sure you're able to come back home to us."

I sat there in shock for a few moments.

I was taken aback, as I was pretty sure that my parents would refuse, given how protective they can be.

What should I do? I never thought I'd have to decide this. The closest thing in normal life I could think of like this would be joining the military or police, both of which I never considered.

"For clarification Miyake-san, even if you do join, we will take extra precautions given how you're a minor. It's a lot to explain right now, but we have measures to ensure that someone won't be taking a mission out of their capabilities. Despite that, it will be dangerous. However, we fully understand if you choose not to join, and will make sure you get protection. Of course, you do not have to make the decision now. Ah, if it's a factor in your decision, we'll be paying you a starting wage of- "

"I'll do it."

I looked Hasegawa-san directly in the eyes. I'd decided ever since that night that I would stand up to these Youkai, and that's why Hoshi awakened, to begin with. I've been one of the few people blessed with an unusual power. People who aren't as lucky must be dying from Youkai every day. Regardless of my age, shouldn't I do something?

Hasegawa-san seemed to be a little surprised, which in all honesty kind of made me even more determined.

My mom smiled with sadness and pride, as if she had already known what I would pick.

"I wish I could be as brave as you, Yuri. But make sure to stay safe. If you ever find things too dangerous, you don't have to keep doing it, alright?"

My dad looked at Hasegawa-san with stern eyes.

"You better make sure she doesn't get hurt."

Unlike my expectations, Hasegawa-san didn't look nervous under my father's gaze. On the contrary, he looked determined.

"Of course. Here's the contract. Make sure to read everything thoroughly. We're also going to need your daughter's measurements."

Hasegawa-san slipped yet another form in front of my dad, who sighed. He then looked back at me and smiled.

"I'll make sure you get a tour around the place soon, as well as some training. But right now, I would actually like to ask you about your first mission tomorrow. It has to do with the Youkai you saw in Akihabara. We were already tracking it down, but your testimony will definitely speed things up."

Oh god. I know I said all that about helping people, but am I really going to have to fight that thing this early?

Hasegawa-san must've seen how panicked I felt, because he hurriedly added, "Oh no, I don't mean for you to deal with it. We just need you to guide us to its location. After all, you're the only one who's seen it. We'll have a team of more experienced exorcists accompany you, and ensure your protection. Of course, your safety will be the highest priority. Does that sound adequate, Mom and Dad?"

My parents nodded.

Experienced exorcists... I wonder what other Kami are like. I half looked forward to the mission, but the memories of the Youkai still made me a bit nervous.

"Good. In that case, here is my contact information for all of you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I will confirm more details about the mission to you when they are determined, Miyake-san."

He then asked for our phones, then tinkered with and returned them. There was an app that I'd never seen before.

"What's this?"

"It's an app called Youbidase. The Agency branch I'm a part of, the research team, developed it. Messaging and calls related to Youkai matters are done here to avoid data leaks, and there are other features that I'll go over later. Ms. Miyake's family, you all should download this too."

The messaging system was a lot like a certain app I've used before, which wasn't exactly the most professional, but I wasn't complaining. It was convenient andfamiliar to me, and it had cute stickers.

[Testing, testing.] - Hasegawa Fuyuki

Kenta was the quickest to respond by placing a thumbs-up on Hasegawa-san's message.

[Received.] - Miyake Takehiko

[Nice to meet you!] - Miyake Keiko

I scrolled through the available stickers before deciding to send a bunny accompanied by the words "Hello!" I had a feeling that I'd be using these a lot.

_________________________________________________________

Dear reader,

I think my life's going to change quite a bit, and not just from high school. Honestly, there's so much I could write about, but none of it can really convey how I'm feeling.

These past few days have felt like a page out of someone else's life. Even though I love reading and writing, the supernatural realm is way stranger than I could ever imagine. I can't believe this world existed my whole life.

Anyhow, today I met someone named Fuyuki Hasegawa. He seems pretty young, which was surprising. I was expecting an old man or something. Hasegawa-san mentioned that he's part of the research team, and he made this interesting app. He also explained some more about Kami, but I still feel like I know nothing. I hope he teaches me more later. I'm very confused. Send help.

I put down my diary. Hopefully, high school won't be nearly as confusing. I wonder what Mika's doing?

Almost on cue, my phone buzzed on my bed. Was it Mika? I hurriedly reached over and picked up my phone.

[Miyake-san, can you come over tomorrow afternoon? I'll show you around and give you the details of the mission. You'll also get to meet the team you'll be going with. Thank you very much!] -Fuyuki Hasegawa

[Alright! Please take care of me.]

While it wasn't Mika, this was rather welcome too. Maybe they'll teach me more about Hoshi. I plopped down on my bed next to Hoshi, lost in thought. School's starting soon. I wonder if I'll have to do missions during school. Would I be excused? Would it get in the way of my studies? I'm pretty studious, so I think I'm going to have to tell Hasegawa-san.

My phone vibrated again, but this time it was a notification from LINE.

[I found someone that reminded me of you at the cemetery.] -Abusive Gremlin

Attached was a photo of Mika posing next to a large stone statue that looked like the ones from Easter Island. I guess she's doing okay.