𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐬

file 039 | the temari song of kyoto

In the early hours of the morning at Umekouji Hospital, Suzume was leaning back in the uncomfortable hospital chair, leaning her head against her fist as she tried to get some kind of rest. She had urged Kazuha to take a break and get something to eat or drink, and Ran and Inspector Otaki went with the girl to make sure she did. Suzume decided to stay behind in Heiji's hospital room in case someone tried to be stupid and come after him again.

It seems everytime we meet, he ends up getting hurt somehow, she thought dully, frowning. Is my bad luck really rubbing off on him?

"We're back," Ran announced softly as they entered the hospital room. "How is he?"

Suzume opened her eyes to look over at them. "Nothing new," she replied, moving to cross her arms. "You get some food in your system, Kazuha?"

The girl flushed and nodded her head. "Yes!" She hesitated for a second before grabbing something from her pocket and held it out to Suzume. "I thought you'd want this."

Suzume blinked at the can of coffee that was offered to her before taking it with a smile. "Thanks, Kazuha," she said as she opened the can and took a drink. She sighed after she swallowed the mouthful of coffee. "Just what I needed."

Ran giggled as Kazuha flustered. Otaki just watched this going on with a confused smile but said nothing about it. If they were able to see some light in this situation, what was he to comment on it?

A low groan suddenly came from Heiji as he blinked his eyes open.

Kazuha grinned in relief. "Heiji!"

"Kazuha..."

"We're glad you're alright," Ran told him.

"We were worried, Hei-chan," Otaki said.

Heiji sat up, Suzume raising a hand in case he needed help. He gave her a thankful glance. "Otaki-han..." He then looked over at the other inspector in the room and blinked. "And who are you again?"

Shiratori was caught off guard by that, evident in his expression and posture. "I am Shiratori from police headquarters and good friends with Suzume," he introduced himself. "I heard that the murdered Sakura Shozo was a member of the Genjibotaru group. I rushed from Tokyo."

Suzume noticed Heiji rubbing his arm. "Is it bothering you?"

"Just a little," he said.

"Stolen artifacts were found in Sakura's shop," Otaki said, making Heiji and Suzume exchange smug looks.

"Are you awake?" Ayanokoji came in with a nurse behind him.

"Inspector, the short sword, did you...?"

"We have turned it over to an expert."

"Tell me as soon as the results come out. If there's not enough evidence..." Heiji showed his bandages around his upper arm and chest, "I'll offer this wound as evidence, too."

"Eh? Evidence?" Kazuha murmured.

"Evidence that the short sword was used to murder Sakura-san. It really would have been better if we had something that the criminal had touched with his skin." Heiji's eyes widened. "Ah, the motorcycle! There was a motorcycle, right?"

A thermometer was shoved into his mouth by the nurse as Ayanokoji said, "That was a stolen vehicle."

Suzume saw Kazuha jolt and gave her a concerned look. Kazuha waved a hand, telling her that it was nothing.

"By the way, do you know what this picture is?" Ayanokoji asked, pulling out the puzzle image. "It was held between the pages of Sakura's Yoshitsune Chronicles."