Shinrei Tantei Yakumo – ANOTHER FILES Vol 2 Chapter 3

ANOTHER FILES – THE COFFIN OF PRAYER
file 03: the coffin of prayer

1

Makoto sat at a window seat in a twenty-four hour family restaurant and stared outside.

Seven in the morning – the shop was unexpectedly busy with businessmen coming before work.

Makoto was looking at an old lot.

She was waiting for somebody here. Orita Ryou. The person they thought had called Makoto.

Last night, she had looked up a variety of things about Orita. Though he had gone to a local high school, he had stopped attending school and quit.

Now, he lived with his parents and worked part-time as a security guard at night.

She had talked to people who knew him, but their impressions were all consistent. He was quiet and n.o.body knew what he was thinking.

She hadn’t been able to find any friends who were close to him.

She recalled what Namioka, his middle school teache,r had said. Makoto herself had been bullied before.

The cause of ith ad been a very little thing that anybody could have done.

However, that had had a great influence on the rest of her life. Makoto felt it was the same for Orita.

He had lied to escape from the bullying. Unable to reveal the reality that he was being bullied, all he could do was lie.

Because he was too kind, he had even been given the heartless nickname Horata.

‘He came – ’

Makoto got up, interrupting her thoughts.

So that she wouldn’t lose Orita, who was walking slowly while looking down, she paid for her meal and left the shop.

If she stood right in front of him, he would escape. Makoto called ut to Orita from an angle.

Orita turned around and looked shocked when he saw Makoto.

He turned around and tried to run right away, but Makoto had expected that. Makoto grabbed his arm.

'You were the one who called me, right?’

’T-that’s not true.’

Orita looked away from Makoto and responded in a hoa.r.s.e voice.

He was probably on guard.

'I came to hear your story,’ said Makoto gently.

'I don’t have anything to say.’

Orita shook away Makoto’s arm. Makoto lost her grip for a moment, but she grabbed Orita’s arm again immediately.

'I do though. You aren’t a liar. Right?’

When Makoto said that, Orita’s expression hardened.

Namioka’s story yesterday had been bothering Makoto this whole time. She had talked about a corpse at Kagami Spring.

Namioka and the cla.s.smates had probably thought that Orita was lying again.

However, Makoto didn’t think that. She felt that Orita’s lies were all to protect himself.

The story about a corpse in Kagami Spring was different though.

That one lie was completely different from the others. Makoto felt there was truth there.

Furthermore, six years after that, he had called Makoto about it.

'Six years ago – you saw something in the spring. Am I right?’

That was the conclusion Makoto had been led to.

He witnessed something – if she found out what, she might be able to solve the puzzle behind the case.

Of course that wasn’t all. It was necessary for Orita to face reality in order to overcome his traumatic experiences.

'I don’t know…’ said Orita, like the words had been strangled out of him.

Since he was looking down, Makoto couldn’t see his expression.

'No, you do know.’

When Makoto tried to look at his face, Orita turned away to avoid it.

Orita’s body was shaking, though only faintly.

'I don’t know… I don’t know anything…’

'That’s not true.’

'I saw an illusion because I’m crazy…’

Orita shook his head slightly.

It felt like those words summed up everything Orita had experienced. It would have been easier for him if he could blame others, but he couldn’t. That was why he suffered more than other people.

'Please. I want you to tell me what you saw.’

'I said I don’t know!’ yelled Orita, forcing Makoto’s hand off him and running.

Makoto could catch up to him right away, and she knew where he lived. However, she just didn’t feel like running after him.

For Orita – saying that was just deceit, and it might drive him into a corner.

When Makoto thought that, her feet wouldn’t move.

But then why had Orita gone out of his way to call about a corpse?

Makoto’s mobile rang, interrupting her thoughts. Haruka’s name was on the display.

'h.e.l.lo.’

She heard Haruka’s very anxious voice through the speaker.

'What happened?’

< p="">

Haruka herself was probably rather confused.

All she could say was that it was serious. She hadn’t explained anything.

'Calm down. What happened?’

< p="">

When Makoto heard that name, her heart dropped.

'What happened to Ishii-san?’

'Eh?’

It was so unexpected that Makoto almost dropped the phone.

2

'What the h.e.l.l is happening?’ yelled Gotou, looking at Ishii who was sitting in a chair.

They were in the university’s Movie Research Circle room, which Yak.u.mo used as his secret hideaway.

In the chair, Ishii was limp like a doll, not moving at all. Gotou could tell he was alive from his faint breathing, but –

'Please don’t make me keep saying the same thing. It is just as it seems. He’s been possessed.’

Yak.u.mo stifled a yawn as he spoke, seeming incredibly sleepy.

Even though they were in a situation like this, he didn’t show any sign of nervousness at all, as usual. Rather than strong nerves, it felt like he didn’t have any emotion at all.

'I’m asking why this happened!’

They had gone to the church last night to see the room where the crime had occurred. They had looked around and left the room when Gotou noticed that Ishii hadn’t followed them.

Before Gotou could yell at him, he heard Ishii’s scream from inside the room.

Gotou and Yak.u.mo ran inside in a hurry and saw Ishii on the floor. He didn’t have any injuries and he was breathing.

What the h.e.l.l happened? As if to respond to the question in Gotou’s head, Yak.u.mo said this.

'He’s been possessed – ’

Bringing him to a hospital would be of no help. That was why they’d brought him to Yak.u.mo’s room.

The question was why Ishii had been possessed.

'I don’t know the reason, but since Kirino-san’s spirit is wandering, he probably has some unfinished business.’

'I see…’ replied Gotou, but then he noticed a big problem hidden in Yak.u.mo’s words.

'What did you say just now?’

'I said, he probably has some…’

'Not that. Who did you say was possessing Ishii?’

'Kirino-san is,’ said Yak.u.mo, expression not changing a white.

'You – why did you keep quiet about something so important!?’

Gotou grabbed Yak.u.mo by the collar in his burst of emotion.

'I didn’t mention it?’ said Yak.u.mo, completely calm.

Since it was Yak.u.mo, it was definitely on purpose. It made Gotou even angrier.

Fortunately, since Ishii was in this state, there was n.o.body to stop him. This time, he’d really hit Yak.u.mo.

Just as he raised his fist, he heard a groan.

'Eh… W-where am I?’

Ishii looked around in confusion.

'You OK?’

Gotou tried to approach Ishii, but Yak.u.mo stopped him.

'Ishii-san is still being possessed,’ said Yak.u.mo quietly.

Which meant Gotou could be possessed if he wasn’t careful.

'Er… What on earth am I…’ said Ishii, sounding troubled.

It seemed like he didn’t know he was possessed.

'Please just tell us what you remember about what happened.’

Yak.u.mo kneeled in front of Ishii, who was sitting, and asked that question while meeting his eyes.

'I… That’s right. I saw a ghost in that room. It was Kirino-san. He suddenly came towards me…’

Ishii’s forehead was sweaty as he covered his face with both hands.

'Please listen calmly. Ishii-san, you are being possessed by a spirit right now.’

'Eh?’

Ishii dropped his hands to reveal a shocked expression.

'It’s fine. I will definitely save you, so please tell me. What is Kirino-san pleading?’

Gotou felt there was something odd about Yak.u.mo’s words.

'You can see him, right? Don’t you know?’ asked Gotou.

Yak.u.mo shook his head slightly and stood up.

'He isn’t saying anything – ’

'What?’

'He’s just there. He should be wandering because he has unfinished business, but he won’t say anything about it.’

Yak.u.mo ran a hand through his hair in irritation.

Yak.u.mo wasn’t a mind reader. If Kirino wouldn’t say anything, he wouldn’t know.

That meant that Ishii, being possessed, could feel how Kirino felt better.

'Oi, Ishii. How about it?’

Gotou looked at Ishii.

However, Ishii was in shock, like he still couldn’t believe what was happening.

'I…’

Ishii held his head, looking like he was in pain.

'Oi! Ishii! Hang in there!’

'It’s a lie, right? That I’m possessed. Please. Tell me it’s a lie. I mean, I…’

Ishii was pleading.

'Don’t make a fuss.’

Gotou hit Ishii’s head without thinking.

As if that was a switch, Ishii’s body started convulsing, but soon that stopped.

Ishii slowly lifted his head.

When Gotou saw that expression, he felt something cold run down his spine.

'Kirino^san then – ’

Yak.u.mo looked at Ishii sharply.

Gotou also knew already that the person in front of him wasn’t Ishii. The air about him was completely different.

'Go… tou…’

Ishii’s mouth moved.

'What?’

'I’m… sor… I…’

Ishii – no, Kirino – spoke with ragged breathing.

However, his words were cut off and Gotou didn’t know what he was trying to say.

'Kirino, who killed you? What happened there?’

'Sorry… It’s all… my fault…’

When he finished speaking, Ishii slipped out of the chair. Yak.u.mo moved quickly to catch him.

'That was Kirino, right?’ asked Gotou.

'Yes,’ Yak.u.mo replied curtly.

If Gotou hadn'th eard wrong, Kirino had apologized to him. What was that apology for –

'I finally see it,’ said Yak.u.mo, sitting Ishii in the chair again.

'What?’ asked Gotou.

Yak.u.mo put a finger to his brow and had such a sharp gaze it was frightening.

Gotou could tell, since they’d known each other for so long.

When Yak.u.mo looked like this, he had come to an answer.

'We might have misunderstood something.’

'What are you talking about?’

'I can’t say right now,’ Yak.u.mo said firmly.

When Yak.u.mo became like this, no matter how Gotou pressed, Yak.u.mo wouldn’t open his mouth until the truth was clear.

Gotou could guess what Yak.u.mo would say next too.

'So what should I investigate?’ asked Gotou, which made Yak.u.mo smirk confidently.

3

'Yak.u.mo-kun!’

Haruka opened the Movie Research Circle door with great force.

'You’re noisy.’

In contrast to Haruka, who was panting for breath in panic, Yak.u.mo had his usual sleepy eyes. It made Haruka feel like she was the one who was strange.

'Where’s Ishii-san? Is he OK?’

'Somehow. He’s over there.’

Yak.u.mo turned his gaze towards a corner of the room.

Ishii was sitting there with his head hung. He was as still as a doll.

'Why did this happen…’

The door opened, interrupting Haruka’s question, and Makoto rushed in, looking panicked. The moment she spotted Ishii, she tried to run up to him without even greeting them.

'Please don’t approach him carelessly.’

Yak.u.mo grabbed Makoto’s shoulder.

Makoto realised immediately what Yak.u.mo was trying to say, so she said quietly, 'I’m sorry.’

'Won’t you sit?’ urged Yak.u.mo.

'But – ’

Makoto spoke up, but Yak.u.mo stopped her.

'Kirino-san’s spirit is possessing Ishii-san. In order to save Ishii-san, we need to solve this chain of incidents.’

In order to do that, we need to organise our information – that was probably what Yak.u.mo was saying.

'I know that, but if things stay like this, Ishii-san will…’

'Exactly. If things stay like this, Ishii-san will be in danger. That is why we must do what we can.’

Yak.u.mo turned his gaze, almost like a glare, towards Makoto.

Though Yak.u.mo was acting calm and showing no emotion, he probably felt differently on the inside.

Yak.u.mo had been there when Ishii was possessed. He had to feel guilty for not preventing it.

'First, let’s sit,’ urged Haruka, which made Makoto sit down as well, maybe because she also understood the situation.

Though Makoto wasn’t acting like herself, perhaps there was no helping it, since Ishii was the one who was possessed.

'First, about the rumour surrounding Kagami Spring – ’ said Yak.u.mo once they had all calmed down.

Makoto seemed to have regathered her calm as she nodded and began to speak.

'Just as you said, Yak.u.mo-kun, it appears that the rumour of spiritual phenomena at that spring started six years ago.’

'That matches up with the period when Kento-san’s older sister disappeared,’ said Haruka, which made Yak.u.mo nod.

'The spring of truth – how about that legend?’ asked Yak.u.mo, chin in his hand.

The legend was a set with the rumour about ghosts at Kagami Spring. Your true self was reflected in the spring, and the people who saw it were cursed and killed –

Takatoshi had believed that to be true and gone to Kirino, the pastor.

'Regarding that rumour, it appears it was spread much later than the one about the spiritual phenomena.’

'Is that so?’ said Haruka in surprise.

'I thought it was strange too…’

'Well, that sort of legend is usually added on later,’ replied Yak.u.mo calmly.

Now that Yak.u.mo mentioned it, maybe that was true. People’s rumours always brought along others. Somebody would get the story wrong somewhere, and it was likely that changed rumour would spread.

'You’re next.’

Yak.u.mo turned his eyes towards Haruka.

'Ah, right.’

'You found out something about the song, right?’

'Yup. I’m sure about it.’

Haruka took out the CD with the original song from her bag. She would have been too embarra.s.sed to use the one she had played with the orchestra circle, so she had borrowed one from a rental shop yesterday.

Yak.u.mo took the CD and then closed his eyes.

It was like he was listening to the song right then.

'You met Orita-san.’

After a silence, Yak.u.mo opened his eyes and said that.

Namioka’s and Nomoto’s stories flashed through Haruka’s head, which made a vague feeling spread grow throughout Haruka.

'Yes. I tried to talk to him this morning, but he got away, saying he didn’t know anything.’

Makoto’s shoulders slumped in disappointment.

'Maybe there is something he really does not want to talk about, or…’

Yak.u.mo stopped midway, crossed his arms and looked up at the ceiling.

Perhaps Yak.u.mo was putting together the details of the case right now in his head. Haruka and Makoto waited in the silence for Yak.u.mo’s next words.

How long did that last – Yak.u.mo suddenly stood up.

Yak.u.mo, lit up by the sun from the window, sometimes gave off an aura that made it hard to approach him.

Haruka thought that Yak.u.mo would say something, but he just stared into s.p.a.ce.

Haruka couldn’t see anything, but Yak.u.mo could see the truth of the case – that was how Haruka felt.

Finally, Yak.u.mo quietly said, 'I see. I will go meet Orita-san.’

'Eh?’

Makoto looked surprised.

To be honest, Haruka was surprised too. She didn’t think that Orita would talk if Yak.u.mo suddenly went, but she could see confidence in Yak.u.mo’s expression.

Makoto seemed to sense that too, as she nodded. 'I understand.’

'Makoto-san, I’ll leave Ishii-san to you.’

Yak.u.mo’s narrowed eyes seemed to be letting off a faint light –

After leaving Yak.u.mo’s room, Gotou sat in the driver’s seat of the car –

This was where Ishii normally sat. Come to think of it, it had been a long time since Gotou had been alone in a car.

For the car he normally felt so small to feel so large just because Ishii wasn’t there –

When they first paired up, Gotou had thought he’d been given an incredible piece of luggage. He had even thought that Ishii should just quiet already and been very cold.

But still Ishii had followed him without faltering.

Even while Gotou scorned him for being clumsy and useless, Gotou had started to evaluate Ishii more kindly.

Come to think of it, it might have been like that with Kirino too.

Gotou, who let his emotions run wild, and Kirino, who viewed cases logically and free of emotion. The impact of these two people with completely different perspectives had to happen, and made everyone worry and troubled.

But now that he thought about it, it might have been a good balance in its own way.

After that incident, he and Kirino had split up and the partnership had ended. While Gotou had thought it refreshing, it was true that he had lamented the loss of their rivalry.

If Gotou hadn’t been so prejudiced and had talked more with Kirino, maybe they would have had a different relationship.

'What am I thinking about…’

Gotou laughed self-deprecatingly, cleared his head and started the car.

This wasn’t the time to wallow in the past. He didn’t know what Yak.u.mo was thinking, but he would believe in him and move forward.

He had to do that to save Ishii.

At the same time, it would save Kirino’s spirit.

Gotou went back to the precinct by car and visited the forensics department. He looked around the room and walked up to a face he recognized among all the officers doing their own work.

'Oi.’

After Gotou spoke, a horse-faced man lifted his head.

It was Matsutani, who had joined the force at the same time as Gotou.

'What, it’s you, Gotou…’

Matsutani looked blatantly displeased.

Gotou didn’t like this part of Matsutani, but in a way, it was similar to how Gotou himself acted.

'There’s something I want to ask.’

'Leave it for later.’

Matsutani waved a hand and went back to his computer.

– A really unpleasant guy.

Anger welled up within Gotou, but he held it back. He had to have Matsutani’s cooperation no matter what.

'That’s not gonna fly.’

Gotou grabbed Matsutani by the collar and pulled him up.

Though Matsutani looked shocked, he didn’t resist. Perhaps he was resigned.

'What do you want to know?’ said Matsutani, though he looked annoyed.

'First, I want blueprints of that church.’

'Which church?’ asked Matsutani, even though he really knew. He was a dull guy.

'The church where Kirino was killed.’

'Ah… I do have it, but what do you want it for?’

Gotou couldn’t answer Matsutani’s question, because he himself didn’t know. Yak.u.mo had just told him to bring it.

'Just take it out!’ threatened Gotou. Matsutani reluctantly opened his desk drawer and started searching.

'I hear the dead Kirino was partnered with you,’ said Matsutani as he continued to search.

'Yeah.’

'Seems you really didn’t get along.’

'Where’d you hear that?’

'Just around.’

Info travelled fast in the police. Just as Matsutani said, rather than from a specific someone, a lot of people who knew about the situation back then were probably talking about it.

'I don’t get along with anyone,’ said Gotou with a snort.

It was fact. If there was one thing Gotou couldn’t accept about himself, it was how he bit back at everyone.

Because of that, he was stuck in this do-nothing job.

But he didn’t regret it. He didn’t want to lick shoes to the point of bending his own beliefs.

'Maybe. Well it seems like the guy called Kirino had his own bad habits. There was a rumour he was dating a woman who had some problems too.’

'What?’

It was the first Gotou had heard of Kirino having a woman.

'It was a rumour, so I don’t know that much either. Here.’

Matsuyama held out the blueprints.

'Thanks.’

Gotou took the blueprints and made a move to leave when Matsutani called out to him.

'Is that all?’

Like Gotou had said at first, the blueprints were only the first thing on his list. He had almost forgotten something important.

'Right. Actually, I want to ask about audio equipment.’

Gotou walked to Matsutani again.

5

Haruka went to a care facility in the city –

Of course, Yak.u.mo was with her.

They had left Ishii in the Movie Research Circle room, but it was probably fine, since Makoto was taking care of him.

The problem was why they had come here –

From the flow of the conversation, Haruka had been sure they were going to met Orita.

'What are you going to inestigate here?’ asked Haruka once they reached the entrance, which made Yak.u.mo stop.

'Utugi k.u.mi-san, of course.’

'I see – ’

k.u.mi was the start of this case. Why did she possess Sachiko and keep singing – as long as they didn’t solve that puzzle, they wouldn’t be able to solve the case.

'She probably doesn’t wish it, but still…’ murmured Yak.u.mo.

What on earth did that mean? Haruka was about to ask but Yak.u.mo went through the entrance as if to escape that.

After giving a name at reception, they went right to the waiting room. It seemed Yak.u.mo had Makoto make an appointment by phone beforehand.

He really was good at laying groundwork.

After waiting for a while on the sofa in the waiting room, a man came into the room. He had a long face and had an incredibly gentle demeanour.

'I sincerely apologise for the wait.’

'No, I apologise for coming at such a busy time.’

'Not at all. My name is Sone.’

The man held out a business card.

The name Sone Satoshi was printed on the business card. It said he was a care worker.

'I am Saitou of Hokutou Newspaper. This is my a.s.sistant, Ozawa. I’m sorry, but I’ve just run out of business cards,’ said Yak.u.mo with an innocent look.

Even though he normally looked so sour, Haruka thought he really was skilled at times like this.

'You’re here regarding Utsugi k.u.mi-san’s case, correct?’ said Sone once they had exchanged greetings and he had settled on the sofa.

It seemed like Makoto had properly conveyed what they wanted to know.

'Yes. When did k.u.mi-san come here?’ Yak.u.mo asked politely.

'I think it was about eight years ago. She was a seventeen-year-old high school student, and her younger brother was a primary school student,’ said Sone, gaze wandering as he looked through his memories.

'If I remember correctly, their father pa.s.sed away in a traffic accident…’

'Yes. Well, if it were just a traffic accident, there probably wouldn’t have been such a problem, but the situation was as it was.’

Sone rubbed his hands together with a wry expression.

'What sort of situation was it?’

'I don’t know if I should say… Everything has finally died down. The name Utsugi is really their mother’s. It used to be Sumida.’

'Sumida?’

'Yes. There was a reason that they had to change their family name. If possible, please understand that and keep that quiet.’

From the way he spoke, he probably wouldn’t talk even if they pressed further. Yak.u.mo didn’t ask anything else and just nodded.

'But because of the age they came, didn’t it take time for them to acquaint themselves with the others?’ asked Yak.u.mo, to which Sone nodded.

'The older sister, k.u.mi-san, was friendly with everyone immediately. She was a kind woman with good manners, and she was good at singing too.’

'Singing – ’

Yak.u.mo reacted to that word.

That song flashed back through Haruka’s head too. Why was she still singing now? She felt like there was a hint there.

'Yes, she joined the choir here too. The church even had her join during weddings and Christmas.’

'What happened to k.u.mi-san after she left?’

Yak.u.mo continued to ask questions in a disinterested manner.

'She had such a good voice. She could have continued down the music path, but since she couldn’t, she started work at a factory in a nearby town.’

'Is that so…’

'She came to visit often after that too. Her brother Kento-kun was here too. Every time she came, she’d sing to the younger children.’

From what Haruka heard, just as Sone had said at first, k.u.mi probably had been a very kind woman.

'How about her younger brother, Kento-san?’

Yak.u.mo changed the topic to Kento.

'It took Kento-kun some time to become friendly with everyone. He was a very sensitive child and he hadn’t accepted what happened to his father either. Maybe he was afraid of the new environment, or troubled.’

Since Haruka had never been in such a situation, all she could do was imagine it.

But still, she could easily believe that his hardships would have been beyond description. Perhaps that was why he hadn’t been able to make many friends in middle school.

Perhaps Yak.u.mo and Kento were alike.

Contrary to what they wanted, they were put in tough environments and had had to battle alone.

'But because k.u.mi-san was so reliable, she might have both a sister and a mother for Kento-kun – ’

Sone’s eyes were narrowed, like he was looking into the distance.

'I hear that she’s missing now…’

When Yak.u.mo said that, Sone’s face grew dark.

'Yes. Kento-kun said that he hadn’t been able to contact k.u.mi-san. I was the one who filled the missing persons report.’

'Is that so?’

'It seemed like she hadn’t been going to work for the past few days at the factory too… The police just took the report. They didn’t do anything.’

Sone’s eyes were wet with anger.

'The police do not think something is a case unless they believe it to be very serious,’ Yak.u.mo said flatly.

It looked like he didn’t plan on mentioning that k.u.mi was dead here. Maybe he suspected Sone, or –

'It’s true. We searched too, but in the end, we couldn’t find her. I tell myself that she must have gone somewhere far away because of some circurmstances.’

Sone’s expression was sorrowfull.

Perhaps this was a twisted way of thinking, but Haruka thought that Sone had already given up and thought that k.u.mi was no longer living.

'Did k.u.mi-san seem strange before she disappeared?’ asked Yak.u.mo.

Sone’s brow furrowed, seeming troubled.

'From what I saw, I don’t think there was anything. No, maybe there was. But k.u.mi-san was a woman who never let that show on her face.’

'Was she the type who shouldered the burden alone?’

'If that was the case, I would have been able to notice too, but./. Anyway, she was a woman who always smiled gently. She accepted everything and enveloped it…’

'Do you mean she was broadminded?’

'Maybe. If the Virgin Mary really lived at some point, she was probably like her… sometimes I think that. Now that I think about it, we relied so much on her open heart and couldn’t understand her suffering and sadness. When I think that, it makes me sad.’

Though Sone spoke calmly, his expression painfully expressed his troubles.

At the same time, Haruka’s impression of the woman named k.u.mi changed.

k.u.mi was probably a woman who helped many and was loved by many. Why did a woman like that have to do? And why did she keep singing now?

Haruka couldn’t find an answer to that question –

'One last thing.’

Yak.u.mo leant forward, as if to say that this was the main topic.

'What is it?’

'You know this person, right?’

After saying that, Yak.u.mo placed a photograph on the table.

'Yes. It’s been all over the news,’ replied Sone.

'Not that - you knew this person before this was news, correct?’

After saying that, Yak.u.mo smirked.

6

Makoto sighed as she looked at Ishii, slumped in a chair –

It was great that Yak.u.mo had relied on her to watch over Ishii, but all she could do was watch him suffer.

She felt herself incredibly powerless and small.

Would they really be able to save Ishii like this?

There were too many things she didn’t understand with this case. She didn’t know what direction they were headed, let alone where they were going.

On top of that –

Interrupting Makoto’s thoughts, Ishii let out a groan.

'Ishii-san!’

Makoto went towards him immediately. She almost touched him, but she recalled Yak.u.mo’s words and stopped.

If she approached him carelessly, she might be possessed.

’M-Makoto-san…’

Ishii sounded surprised when he opened his eyes.

'Are you all right?’ asked Makoto.

Ishii looked around.

'Where am I? What on earth did I…’

Yak.u.mo had said that he’d told Ishii he was possessed, but from that reaction, Ishii was probably still confused.

Makoto had experienced the same thing.

When you were possessed, a stranger’s spirit ate away at you and made your consciousness hazy, your memories vague.

'It’s fine. You don’t have to be afraid,’ Makoto said kindly.

'I see… I’ve been… possessed by Kirino-san…’

Ishii’s forehead was sweating.

'Ishii-san…’

'Kirino-san… is inside me…’

After saying that much, Ishii hugged his head, as if he was in great pain.

'Are you all right?’

'Kirino-san… to Gotou-san… That person is really…’

After saying that in a hoa.r.s.e voice, Ishii fainted and almost slipped out of the chair.

Makoto hurriedly caught him.

Maybe she would be possessed, but to be honest, she would be fine with that. If that would make Ishii get better, rather, that was –

Just as Makoto was embracing Ishii’s body, her mobile rang. Yak.u.mo’s name was on the display.

'h.e.l.lo, Hijikata speaking.’

Makoto sat Ishii down on the chair again before answering.

She heard Yak.u.mo’s lazy voice from the opposite end.

'He woke up earlier, but he’s fainted again…’

Ishii had said something in spurts and Makoto hadn’t understood, but maybe Yak.u.mo would be able to see it from another perspective.

Makoto explained her short exchange with Ishii.

– Gotou-san is the key?

What on earth did that mean? Makoto thought about asking, but Yak.u.mo spoke before she could.

'What is it?’

In this situation, Makoto was ready to cooperate. However –

'Then wouldn’t it be faster for Gotou-san to investigate?’

If the accident involved a case, Makoto felt like a police officer would be more effective than a newspaper journalist.

'That’s…’

Yak.u.mo sighed on the opposite side of the phone.

Makoto looked at Ishii once more. It was true that Makoto was the only one whocould do anything right now.

Why did Yak.u.mo want to know that – Makoto had that question, but she would work on it to save Ishii.

'I understand. I’ll look into it. But…’

'What should I do with Ishii-san?’

If Makoto left to investigate, Ishii would be left here alone.

'Eh?’

Yak.u.mo hung up after saying that.

When Makoto took a look, there was a rope on top of the refrigerator, just as Yak.u.mo said. She picked it up, but she still felt hesitant about tying Ishii down.

However, it would be more of a problem if he wandered around possessed.

'Ishii-san, sorry.’

Makoto came to a decision and started tying Ishii down.

7

When Gotou entered the interrogation room, he saw Takatoshi there, looking exhausted –

There were shadows under his eyes and he had started to grow stubble. He looked like a different person.

'Again…?’ said Takatoshi weakly when he saw Gotou.

He probably thought that he would be asked the same questions again.

'There are a few things I want to ask.’

'I’ve already said this countless times. I don’t know anything,’ interrupted Takatoshi. Gotou understood how he felt, but with that att.i.tude, they wouldn’t get anywhere.

'Listen to what I have to say first.’

'Give me a break already. I…’

'Listen!’

Gotou slammed his fist into the desk, which made Takatoshi finally be quiet.

'I want to ask about the spiritual phenomena happening to you – ’

It seemed that question was rather unexpected, as Takatoshi’s eyes went wide.

Well, Gotou understand that response too. He probably hadn’t thought that he’d be asked about that now.

'You went to that spring to look at the night sky, right?’

'Yes.’

Takatoshi gave an honest reply, unlike before.

'Who was the one who suggested that?’

'It was probably Sachiko.’

'Were you and Sachiko dating?’

'That’s a bit uncertain. I thought it’d be nice, but we weren’t really dating yet, or well…’

They were probably more than friends but less than lovers.

Well, Gotou didn’t mean to say anything about that.. He wanted to know something else now.

'What happened after you went to that spring?’

'We were all waiting for the meteor shower, but Sachiko suddenly started talking about the legend surrounding the spring…’

'That thing about the spring of truth?’

'Yes. Then I looked into the water as a joke – ’

After saying that much, Takatoshi took in a deep breath.

Gotou thought that Takatoshi would continue immediately, but Takatoshi didn’t open his mouth.

'What did you see?’ urged Gotou, unable to wait.

'At first, I just saw my face in the water… but then it changed into a woman’s face.’

'A woman’s face?’

'That’s how it looked to me. Then I heard somebody singing from somewhere, and I was scared…’

Takatoshi’s shoulders slumped as he looked down.

'Then you ran?’

'Yes…’

Gotou decided not to say anything about how Takatoshi had left the woman he had an uncertain relationship with. It just meant he was that kind of guy.

'Then you started hearing the voice,’ said Gotou.

Takatoshi looked up and said, 'Yes.’ There were tears in his ears.

'Did you just hear a voice?’

'Eh?’

Takatoshi c.o.c.ked his head like he didn’t understand the question.

'You didn’t see a ghost or anything?’

'Ah, no, I didn’t see one,’ replied Takatoshi firmly with a sniff.

When Yak.u.mo told Gotou to get another testimony from Takatoshi about the spiritual phenomena, Gotou had been wondering what the point was, but this could be some good information.

Because he’d met Kirino again and then Kirino had died, they had just had vague information and might have gone on without correcting that.

'I see. That was helpful.’

Gotou stood up, but he remembered that he’d forgotten to ask one thing and sat down once more.

'Could I ask one more thing?’

'What is it?’

'Was all you heard from the voice the words “I’ll kill you”?’

'No, the voice said a number of other things too.’

'Like what?’

'Like “I won’t forgive you”… “You’re a murderer, so admit your crime”…’

'Why didn’t you say that?’

'Even if you ask me why…’

Takatoshi furrowed his brows, looking troubled.

Well, Gotou could understand. It was natural to say the most impactful thing when telling others your story.

Plus, it was true that Gotou and Takatoshi’s mother, Yukiko, hadn’t tried to listen to Takatoshi’s story properly.

When Gotou stood up again, Takatoshi called out to him.

'What’s going to happen to me?’

Unfortunatel,y Gotou didn’t have the answer to that.

Gotou himself had no idea where this case would end.

'I don’t know,’ Gotou said carelessly. Then, he left the investigation room with painful reluctance –

8

After leaving the care facility, Haruka and Yak.u.mo went to a multi-unit apartment –

They were here to talk with Orita.

To be honest, Haruka was very anxious. If Makoto hadn’t been able to do it, would he really talk to them?

She glanced at Yak.u.mo, who was standing beside her.

He didn’t look nervous – he was as expressionless as always.

They went up to the third floor, checked the room number and pressed the intercom b.u.t.ton. After a while, there was the sound of the door unlocking and a young man showed his face. It was Orita.

Orita looked surprised at the sudden appearance of a man and woman he didn’t know.

'Orita-san, correct? My name is Saitou Yak.u.mo. I want to ask something about the incident that occurred six years ago.’

The moment Yak.u.mo said that, Orita tried to close the door.

'Please wait.’

As Yak.u.mo said that, he stepped within the gap between the door and the wall.

'Who are you? Please leave.’

Orita tried to push Yak.u.mo out.

However, Yak.u.mo didn’t budge.

'The corpse you saw in Kagami Spring six years ago was Utsugi Kento-san’s older sister, k.u.mi-san. Am I wrong?’ said Yak.u.mo swiftly, which made Orita stop.

'Why do you…’ said Orita, his lips trembling.

This response. He hadn’t just seen the corpse. He had probably known who it was too.

'You aren’t a liar. The corpse was definitely there six years ago.’

'But it wasn’t…’

Orita’s shoulders drooped.

Because he was too kind, all he could do was lie. However, because of that he had been called a liar.

That Orita had seen something at that spring six years ago –

As a result, he had been branded firmly as a liar.

'No, there was a corpse there. There is only one possibility. Somebody moved the corpse elsewhere.’

'Moved?’

Orita looked at Yak.u.mo.

'Yes. Who moved the corpse, and for what purpose – that is what I want to know,’ Yak.u.mo said with force.

For a while, Orita and Yak.u.mo looked at each other across the entrance, but finally Orita left the door and went inside.

It seemed he would talk to them.

Haruka and Yak.u.mo exchanged nods and followed Orita in.

After entering the j.a.panese-style room in the back, Orita sat down cross-legged. Haruka and Yak.u.mo knelt across the table from him.

'I went to that spring that day…’

After a long silence, Orita said just that.

'When was this?’ asked Yak.u.mo, his eyes slightly forceful.

'I don’t remember the exact date… I think it was in my second year of middle school.’

Orita was speaking politely, unlike how he had been earlier.

'Why did you go to Kagami Spring?’

Yak.u.mo’s question made sense.

Kagami Spring was on top of a hill. You wouldn’t normally pa.s.s by it.

'I was called there. By Tozuka…’

The moment Orita said the name Tozuka, his face seemed to twist with pain.

That wound within him had probably not healed over yet.

'Why?’

'The reason… It was close to my middle school, and people wouldn’t see is there, so he always called me out there…’

Even if he didn’t say the reason, Haruka could understand. It was probably to extort money from him or to hurt him in an awful way.

It was the same with the previous incident, but hearing the story like this made something close to hatred well up within Haruka.

It had probably been the same for Orita.

'then what did you see?’

Yak.u.mo urged Orita to continue.

'I almost lost my money, but I said I didn’t want to that day.’

'Why did you resist that day?’

'Utsugi-kun… told me not to lose to them… He was the only person who was my ally…’

After saying that, Orita bit his lower lip.

For Orita, who had been in such a tough environment, Kento had probably been the only person who understood him. Though this was just Haruka’s theory, Kento, who had been put in a care facility because of his father’s death, might have been bullied also.

That was probably why he had been able to understand Orita’s feelings.

'What happened afterwards?’

'Tozuka punched me and I ran away. But he caught me part way and hit me with a stick he picked up somewhere…’

'That’s awful…’

Haruka spoke up unconsciously.

The scar on Orita’s forehead was probably from then. Only the worse people would force people’s hand with violence.

'I think I fainted then… Before I noticed, Tozuka was gone.’

'So he abandoned you there and left.’

Orita nodded in response to Yak.u.mo.

'That’s the kind of guy he was. And when I touched my forehead, it was wet. I thought it was blood, so I looked into the spring to check. Then…’

Orita put his hand to his mouth and moaned.

The memory of what he saw then was probably fresh in his mind.

'Please calm down,’ Yak.u.mo said, placing a hand on Orita’s trembling shoulder.

'I was so afraid that I ran…’

Orita pulled at his hair.

Haruka thought there was no helping it. Orita had been a middle school student then. It would be stranger if he felt fine after seeing a corpse.

'I thought about keeping quiet about it… but…’

'So you called Namioka-sensei.’

Orita nodded.

From what Haruka had heard, Orita didn’t seem like a liar. But then the problem was where the corpse had gone –

Haruka looked at Yak.u.mo for an answer.

Yak.u.mo didn’t reply.

9

Yak.u.mo stood still –

His eyes were on Kagami Spring.

The sun had already set, and the surroundings were blanketed with darkness. The sky and the water both showed the moon, letting off a pale light.

'Hey, why did we come here?’

Haruka spoke towards Yak.u.mo’s back.

Yak.u.mo slowly turned around. His eyes seemed sad.

'I was always thinking.’

'What about?’

'Why this location?’

'What do you mean?’

'From what Orita-san said, k.u.mi-san was definitely killed here.’

'Yeah.’

Orita was called here by Takatoshi and saw the corpse.

Where did the corpse go, why did she die – there were many puzzles, but k.u.mi-san had definitely died here.

'Why this place? What did she come here to do?’

'That’s – ’

Now that Yak.u.mo mentioned it, it was unnatural.

Haruka hadn’t known about Kagami Spring until this incident occurred. It wasn’t a place you would go normally.

'I thought that maybe somebody forced her here, but that’s probably incorrect.’

'Why?’

'Because she sang here when she was alive – ’

After saying that, Yak.u.mo turned his eyes towards the moon in the sky.

'How can you know that?’

'I investigated a number of things after that too. The spiritual phenomena started occurring at Kagami Spring six years ago, when k.u.mi-san disappeared. However, there was a rumour that you could hear a woman singing here before then.’

'So she came here before – ’

'Yes. But I don’t know the reason.’

Yak.u.mo shook his head, but Haruka could understand easily. When she said that, Yak.u.mo looked surprised.

'k.u.mi-san must have wanted to sing.’

'You can sing anywhere, right?’

Yak.u.mo’s brow was furrowed.

Well, for Yak.u.mo, who didn’t play music, Haruka could understand why he felt that way.

'Sometimes I want to practise flute alone too, but it’s hard to do when the circle is on break.’

'Why?’

'People complain that it’s noisy.’

That happened even for flutes, which weren’t that loud. For instruments that were loud and for singing, it was even harder to practise in your room.

'You can just go to a karaoke box, can’t you?’

'It costs money. k.u.mi-san didn’t have that on hand either.’

That was why, when she had time, she would go somewhere where n.o.body would bother her to sing as much as she wanted.

k.u.mi hadn’t gone to university, so she hadn’t been in a club or circle. After she left the care facility, she wouldn’t have the chances to sing the songs she wanted either.

For her, singing here alone might have been her only pleasure.

'I see. I don’t have that feeling.’

Yak.u.mo turned away from Kagami Spring and slowly walked forward to a place where he could see the whole city.

Haruka followed him.

Looking at the light from the city, she felt like she could see k.u.mi here, singing by herself.

'Maybe she…’

A thought suddenly came to Haruka, but she stopped speaking.

If she didn’t have any proof, she felt like Yak.u.mo would be angry at her.

'What were you about to say?’

Yak.u.mo looked at Haruka intently.

With him looking at her like that in a place like this, it made Haruka’s chest clench. It was hard to breathe.

Of course, that wasn’t because it was painful.

'I don’t have any proof. It’s just a thought that came to me.’

'I’m asking what that thought was.’

Yak.u.mo ran a hand through his hair, seeming annoyed.

'OK. Maybe k.u.mi-san…’

Interrupting Haruka’s words, Yak.u.mo’s mobile rang.

Even though the mood had been so good –

10

'Sorry to bother.’

Gotou opened the door to the Movie Research Circle room.

Since Yak.u.mo opened his mouth with a sour look, Gotou shouted 'Shut up!’ before Yak.u.mo could say anything. Yak.u.mo had probably just meant to tell Gotou not to come if he knew he was a bother.

In a corner of the room, Ishii was slumped over like before. His shoulders were moving slightly, so he was breathing.

'How’s Ishii?’ asked Gotou.

Yak.u.mo sighed.

'He’s the same. Sometimes he wakes up in a panic – to be honest, it’s troublesome.’

Though that was like Ishii, it wasn’t a laughing matter.

Anyway, it looked like he was fine for now.

'So how were things on your end?’ asked Yak.u.mo, crossing his arms.

'Yeah, I looked into what you asked.’

Gotou told Yak.u.mo what he’d heard from Takatoshi and also the story about Kirino having a woman which he’d heard from Matsutani.

Yak.u.mo listened to Gotou’s story without interrupting, which was unusual for him.

'I can see most of it.’

That was what Yak.u.mo said first after Gotou finished speaking.

'Really?’

Gotou leant forward, which made Yak.u.mo look annoyed.

'Please keep your face away from mine. It’s unpleasant.’

'You!’

Gotou raised his fist in anger, but he suddenly felt that something was odd.

Normally, Ishii would stop him here, but Ishii was in that state. Still, he couldn’t hit Yak.u.mo.

Come to think of it, no matter what he said, he never felt like hitting Yak.u.mo.

If he wasn’t going to hit him anyway, Ishii’s frantic efforts to stop him were pointless, but still, he felt rather lonely.

Gotou put his fist down with a click of his tongue.

'Before I explain, do you have the blueprints?’

'Right.’

Gotou took the blueprints out of his inner jacket pocket and gave them to Yak.u.mo.

After Yak.u.mo took them, he quickly spread them out on the table and looked at them a.s.siduously.

'Was there some sort of trick to that church?’

Why did Yak.u.mo want the blueprints – that was the conclusion Gotou had came to after thinking about it, but Yak.u.mo just shook his head in exasperation.

'You’re an incredible idiot, as usual.’

Though Gotou felt angry, he didn’t feel like raising his fist or yelling.

To be honest, he was surprised himself by how pointless that felt without Ishii.

'I’m looking for something else.’

'I’m asking what that is.’

'I’ll talk about it soon.’

He gave Gotou the slip again.

How long was this investigation going to continue?

'When’s soon?’

'Before I say anything, there is something I must ask you, Gotou-san,’ Yak.u.mo said formally.

His sharp gaze seemed to shoot through Gotou’s chest.

'What?’

As Gotou asked that, his voice went up slightly.

Gotou didn’t know why he was this nervous.

'I want to ask about the incident eight years ago.’

'What are you talking about?’

Though Gotou was acting calm, he didn’t know how well he managed to hide it in front of Yak.u.mo.

'Please stop playing dumb.’

'I’m not playing dumb.’

'Honestly… Gotou-san, you’re the one who’s made this case so complicated.’

'What are you saying? I…’

'I will ask once more. What happened between you and Kirino-san eight years ago, Gotou-san?’

'What happened eight years ago has nothing to do with this.’

'It does – ’

Yak.u.mo glared at Gotou.

It was the first time he’d seen Yak.u.mo look like this. They were frightening eyes –

'How’s it related…’

Gotou didn’t understand why Yak.u.mo wanted to know about what happened eight years ago now.

That case had nothing to do with this one. It was Gotou and Kirino’s problem.

'The young man who first consulted me about the spiritual phenomenon is called Utsugi Kento, but his family name is actually something else.’

'Something else?’

'Yes. His name is actually Sumida Kento. His father was named Sumida Yuuichirou-san. Now that I’ve said that much, you can’t deny it any more, can you?’

– Is that how it was!?

Gotou felt so dazed that he slumped back on the chair.

He had never thought that the cases would be related like this. He had had a bad feeling from the moment he met Kirino.

– Your crime hasn’t been forgiven.

He had felt like he was being told that.

'That day eight years ago – me and Kirino went to a man’s apartment,’ said Gotou, looking up at the ceiling.

'Sumida-san’s apartment.’

'Yeah. Sumida was the suspect in a theft. We were there to question him, but he fought back…’

'Why?’

'He had children in the room. But Kirino still talked with no mercy about the theft.’

Though Gotou had just had a glance, he had seen an older sister hugging her little brother in a corner of the room.

It had looked like the younger brother didn’t understand, but the older sister seemed determined, like she’d understood it all.

'I see…’ said Yak.u.mo, sounding sad.

'Sumida ran out of the room. Me and Kirino ran after him. Sumida stopped partway, maybe thinking he couldn’t get away, and held up a kitchen knife. He had probably grabbed it from his house.’

To be honest, Gotou didn’t want to say the rest, but running away wouldn’t start anything.

With determination, Gotou sat up and looked at Yak.u.mo.

Yak.u.mo nodded, looking right at him.

'I tried to talk to Sumida, but he wouldn’t listen. He was probably worried about what would happen to his two kids if he was put in prison.’

'Perhaps…’

'While this was happening, Kirino pulled out his gun.’

'His gun?’

Even Yak.u.mo looked surprised.

'Of course he didn’t plan on actually shooting it. It was a threat. The guy was holding a knife. Somebody could’ve been injured if we weren’t careful. Now that I think about it, I think it was the correct decision…’

But Gotou hadn’t thought so then.

Pulling out a gun would just make Sumida fight back more – that was what Gotou had thought.

'I yelled at Kirino even though we were in the middle of chasing a suspect. He didn’t back down either. We believed in different things. There was no way we’d reach an agreement…’

Gotou understood now. Sumida had probably looked at Sumida and saw the man who killed his father. He’d thought that talking to a suspect who was fighting back was pointless. He had tried to suppress him with force.

But Gotou hadn’t been able to understand that then, and he hadn’t been able to forgive it.

It was incredibly stupid. Their antagonism had completely run wild then.

'Then what happened?’ asked Yak.u.mo.

When Gotou thought about how he would have to say what happened next with his own mouth, his heart felt heavy.

But just as Yak.u.mo said, Gotou would have to face what happened them, if it had brought about this case.

'When Sumida saw us fighting, he decided that he’d be able to escape. So he ran into the road…’

A large truck that had just been pa.s.sing by hi him.

Anger welled up within Gotou. It was anger at himself for doing something so stupid then.

But Gotou hadn’t been able to think that way then. If Kirino hadn’t waved his gun, this wouldn’t have happened – that was what he’d thought.

In the morgue where Sumida’s corpse was placed, he had beat Kirino up with all his force. The scar above his left eyebrow had been from then.

He had thought that Kirino would fight back, but he hadn’t. He had just bowed his head and said, 'I’m sorry.’

That had just made Gotou even angrier. The truth was –

'It was my fault… Sumida died because of me…’

Gotou hit the table with his fist.

Just like when he’d hit Kirino, a sharp pain ran through it.

'With that, your partnership was ended and Kirino-san left the police.’

'Well, sounds about right – ’

Gotou had changed his frustration then into a strong belief.

– I’ll never let anyone die in front of me again.

Even though Gotou had vowed that and come all this way, he hadn’t been able to save Kirino.

'I see…’

After Gotou finished speaking, Yak.u.mo said that quietly and stood up.

His elegant posture seemed to let out power –

'What?’

'Let’s end the case tomorrow.’

'end?’

'Yes. Please bring everyone involved to the church tomorrow.’

After saying that, Yak.u.mo smiled slightly.

It was a smile so cold it made a chill run down Gotou’s spine –

11

Ishii slowly opened his eyes –

His consciousness was blurry, as if he was in fog. He felt incredibly trapped. He tried to move, but it wouldn’t work.

He saw that he was bound to a chair with rope.

'W-what is this…’ said Ishii in shock.

He frantically tried to get himself out, but the more he moved, the more the rope dug into him – it just hurt him.

– What on earth happened to me?

Maybe he had accidentally obtained something that was a national secret and had been wrapped up in some international incident and then abducted by a terrorist organization.

Ishii looked around as he thought wildly.

It was a room he’d seen before. If he remembered correctly, this was the university clubroom for the Movie Research Circle, which Yak.u.mo used as his secret hideaway.

Yak.u.mo wasn’t here, as he was always. Of course, Gotou and Haruka weren’t here either. Ishii was the only one.

'Excuse me! Is anyone here?’ asked Ishii, but the room was silent. n.o.body made a reply.

Was this a bad prank to shock him?

'Excuse me! Yak.u.mo-shi! Detective Gotou!’

Ishii called out again, but still n.o.body replied.

Ishii felt more anxious and his forehead started sweating.

Suddenly, Ishii felt like he knew why he was in this room. He tried to remember, but his instincts stopped im.

'Wait… Detective Gotou. You’re here, right? Please come out.’

Ishii pleaded, half in tears, but still n.o.body responded. He tried to get out of the ropes again, but they wouldn’t budge.

The more he fought, the more anxious Ishii became.

Suddenly, he felt a gaze on his back.

He felt like somebody was right behind him.

'Detective Gotou?’

Ishii tried to turn his neck, but he couldn’t look behind him. However, he did feel somebody was behind him.

'Please calm down.’

Somebody suddenly hit his shoulder.

'Aahhhh!’ shrieked Ishii as he flailed.

– No. No. No.

'Ishii-san, it’s fine. It’s me. Yak.u.mo.’

After hearing that, Ishii finally came back to his senses.

Yak.u.mo was standing in front of him. His black contact lens were off. In the dim light, Yak.u.mo’s red left eye seemed to glitter suspiciously.

'I… Right. I’ve been possessed by Kirino-san…’

Now that Ishii had calmed down, he could remember his situation.

'It seems y