CK 26

Chapter 26..

To Fight Together

The Paranormal Investigation Unit

“I just got word — Ono made it safely to the hospital.”
“That’s a relief. Thank you for helping with the paperwork and all.”
“This kind of thing’s our job. Don’t mention it.
Anyway, sorry to keep you — you must be exhausted.”
“No, it’s fine.”

The sun had already set, and by the time it was past 7 p.m., the outside was growing dark.
I was inside the Seiun Police Station.

The reason was to discuss what comes next with Detective Maruoka.
Obviously, we couldn’t talk about such things in a hospital parking lot where anyone might overhear, so we moved our meeting here.

Also… I was tired and wanted a chance to sit down and collect myself.

I sat across from Detective Maruoka, waiting as he got the materials ready.
Meanwhile, Yui was in another room chatting with some of the station staff — I could hear bursts of cheerful laughter from time to time.

I wondered vaguely what they were talking about until Detective Suematsu came back with some documents in hand.
As he entered, he threw out a question:

“Maruoka-san, are you really letting a student handle this?”

“Got a problem with that?”
“No, sir, not really…”
“Then don’t say unnecessary things.”

It seemed Detective Maruoka had accepted me, but Suematsu hadn’t quite.
Still, that didn’t matter right now.

What we needed to do was share information — and decide on a plan of action.

I began to look through the files that had been handed to me.

☆☆☆

The Paranormal Investigation Unit.
That’s the police task force currently in charge of investigating the “Fallen Stars” and the “Miasma” incidents around this city.
And its leader — was Detective Maruoka.

Normally, though, cases involving supernatural phenomena should be handled directly by the Association through Public Security.

…Could it be that the Association intends to dump all the Fallen Star–related matters entirely on me?
That unpleasant thought crossed my mind, but I decided to put it aside for now.

“Anyway, from here on, we’d like to rely on you — Insei — and your team for any direct combat with these monsters… or rather, the Fallen Stars.”
“Of course.”
“We’ll handle the investigative work leading up to that.”
“Understood. But if you suspect the Fallen Stars’ involvement, I’d appreciate an early heads-up. I plan to stay active on my end as well.”
“Got it. Just don’t overdo it or stick your nose in where it doesn’t belong. If there’s something the police should handle, contact us immediately.”
“Thank you.”

That about wrapped things up.
When I looked out the window, it was already pitch dark.
I organized the documents I’d received and packed up the ones I was allowed to take.

Just as I was about to stand, Detective Maruoka asked one last question.

“By the way… are you the leader? Aren’t there any adults around?”

The question made me freeze.

I’d completely forgotten — I was the only one who could currently summon a Star Armor and fight, but technically, there is an adult leader.

It’s just that right now…

“There is, technically, but… they’re not in this city at the moment. Actually, I don’t even know where they are.”
“What the hell? Is that really okay?”
“Yeah… more or less. I’ll make sure to talk to them when we meet again.”
“Alright. I’d like to speak with them myself, so let them know.”
“Understood. Excuse me, then.”

With that, I grabbed my bag and left the Paranormal Investigation Unit’s office.

I needed to go pick up Yui… though, honestly, where was she?

I started walking down the corridor, thinking that —

— but there was no need to look for her.

Because her voice was echoing down the hallway.
I followed the sound and stepped into the room it came from.

And the scene before me left me no choice but to comment.

“What are you doing, exactly?”

Yui was having what could only be described as a snack party with the station staff, laughing and eating sweets.

☆☆☆

Leaving the police station, we walked through the night toward Yui’s house.

It had been a long day.
I wanted to rest — but I also wanted to record everything that had happened and organize my thoughts about the unresolved questions.

A cheerful voice chased after me from behind.

“Maa-kun~! Wait up~! I said I was sorry, okay? Don’t be mad~!”

I sighed.
I wasn’t angry — just exasperated.

It didn’t matter that I’d spoken with Detective Maruoka alone.
If anything, it was partly my fault for not going to fetch her for the meeting.

But still… this girl could make friends anywhere, couldn’t she?

As I walked, lost in thought, Yui caught up to me, walking beside me and chattering away.

“Hey, hey!”

It was getting noisy, so I finally said,

“Quiet down. And I’m not mad.”

“Phew, good… But, um, sorry again! It’s just, the officers told me so many interesting stories!”
“That so.”
“And they gave me souvenirs! Here, this one’s for you, Maa-kun!”

Yui handed me a plastic bag — full of snacks.

A sigh slipped out along with a muttered,

“Honestly…”

“N-no, see, it’s not what it looks like! They had some treats they usually snack on while working, so I gave them some of mine too, and then…”

Another sigh escaped me.
I wasn’t going to say anything more.

Arguing now would only be exhausting.
Her house was just around the corner anyway — I’d call it a night.

“Sorry, but I’ll head home from here. See you.”

I started walking toward my place — or at least, I tried to.
Something tugged at my bag. Don’t tell me…

“It’s late, so Mom said we should have dinner together… you know?”

…Yeah, I wanted to go home.
I tried to pull away, but couldn’t move.

…Didn’t something like this happen before?

There was no helping it.
I’d just have to accept the Shirakami family’s hospitality.

“Alright, alright. Just let go of my bag.”

Yui grinned happily.

“Okay! I’ll text Mom that I’m coming home soon — with Maa-kun!”

After that, the two of us started walking again — toward the Shirakami house.

My long day… still had a little more left to go.