[Original] Chronicles of the Paranormal [Novel]

Chapter 8: A Clear Cut Case

Chapter 8: A Clear Cut Case
They made their way towards the living room, where a large luxurious sofa was placed and an oak coffee table beside it. Spread out upon the coffee table was several papers in several neat piles. Rin suggested for Kotone to sit down on the sofa, to which she did. Hana sank gratefully into the cushions. Rin herself took a seat on a nearby chair that faced the sofa and coffee table, before saying, "Now, what is it that you wish to discuss with me, now that you see me face to face, Takada-san."

"Thank you for taking the time to see us and graciously invite us into your home, Kajiwara-san," Kotone said, folding her hands in her lap. "We really appreciate the fact that you're giving us this opportunity."

"I have a few questions of my own that I would like to have answered," Rin said with a pleasant smile. "Tea? Anything to eat, perhaps?"

"I'll take some tea, please," Kotone said as Hana stared at the scene before her. Rin got up to prepare the tea brewing in the kettle, and the savory smell of jasmine tea filled the air. That happened to be Kotone's favorite, as well. That was a simple fellowship that they could indulge in together.

Once the tea was prepared, Kotone was given a dark blue mug with the steaming liquid within it. Kotone admired its savory smell, before taking a small, delicate sip of tea. It was as delicious as she expected. "This is delicious tea that you've brewed, Kajiwara-san. You're a most excellent host."

"Don't mention it," Rin said, before steepling her hands together. "What I would like to know is, why are you going through all the trouble for this Hana?"

Kotone thought for a moment, before saying, "Hana-san was following me around. She eventually told me her story. I was convinced that I had to do something to help her out. I want to put her soul at rest and I believe it's my duty as a Catalyst to do what must be done."

Rin's eyes widened in response, then she let out a sharp bark of laughter as she digested the meaning behind Kotone's words. Her hand fanned out against her breast, and she let out a heavy sigh as her voice held a hint of shakiness towards it. "A Catalyst? Did I just hear you correctly?"

What am I getting myself into, Kotone thought to herself as she inwardly grimaced about calling herself the Catalyst. I'm not really a Catalyst, though saying that I am one seems to prove useful. Once I'm done doing this for Hana, I'm going to wipe my hands clean of the supernatural once and for all.

"Yes," Kotone said with a nod. "I am the Catalyst."

They both took a sip of their tea in silence. Once Kotone swallowed her tea, she then went right onto business. "Is it alright if I ask you a question in turn, Kajiwara-san?"

Rin inclined her head a little. "You may."

"What is your opinion on the Hana Yurizuka case?"

"Well, I believe that it's a clear cut case." Rin took another sip of her tea. "Hana committed suicide. It doesn't matter what the reasons are behind it, she committed suicide and thus committed a great crime in the spiritual world. She'll have to pay for it somehow, whether that's through being sent to the void or paying off her karmic debts."

So that's what she thinks, Kotone thought to herself. She's pretty tough, though I've got a plan that will help Hana. Here we go.

"If you really believe that the reason behind things don't matter, then what about yourself, Kajiwara-san? I understand that you've made a mistake in the past, though it was through great leniency from the Head Shinigami that you're allowed to proceed as you are today."

Rin paled, before her face became more austere. "Why are you bringing that up right now? That's a mistake that happened a long time ago. I've since changed from that silly, lovestruck girl into the woman that I am today."

"Even though you've committed a crime, you of all people should realize what it's like to make a mistake because of someone you care for."

"As I've said, I've changed since then and I haven't made those silly kind of mistakes again after. The law is the law, that's just how things work in the spiritual world."

"The Head Shinigami forgave you," Kotone said patiently. "Even though you've done something that was taboo in the shinigami world. Making a zombie. Please look into your heart and take after his example by pardoning Hana's crimes."

"I refuse," Rin stated simply. "I'm sorry, Takada-san, but that's how things must be. If I waver here like I wavered with Hachirou, then I will be doomed to repeat the same mistake by appealing to my emotions instead of my head. That's how it is."

Kotone had anticipated this. Rin's first refusal was actually all a part of her plan. She intentionally made her first request large and unreasonable. That way, her second request - her real request - would seem smaller and more reasonable.

"So let me get this straight," Kotone said. "There are only two options. Performing good deeds or going to the void. I would like to make a proposal that involves doing good deeds. As I'm a Catalyst, I'm sure that will prove useful to you. I'm willing to trade favors here. If you forgive Hana and let her go through, then I will help the shinigami on a really important case."

Rin looked startled at this. It looked like she almost choked on the cup of tea she had been sipping, though she slipped into her normal calm demeanor when she said, "There isn't a case that we can't solve, Takada-san."

"Maybe you don't right now, though later on in the future, there is a possibility that you will come across something that you can't handle on your own. Having someone in reserve like me, ready to go, at whenever time possible, should be an asset. All you need to do is let Hana pass on and then I will be in your debt."

"So this was your plan all along, Kotone-san?" Hana said as spectral tears started streaming down her face, obviously touched by the lengths that Kotone was willing to go through for her. "I don't know what to say. I'm forever thankful to you."

"I agree, then," Rin said as she took one final swallow of her tea and drained it all in one long drought. "If you're truly the Catalyst, as you say, prove it in in court tomorrow. If you're lying, then there will be consequences."

Kotone's mouth dried. What if she couldn't do anything for Hana? How will she be able to prove her case?

Rin noticed Kotone's hesitation and frowned a little. "Is something wrong, Takada-san? Are you not willing to go through with this?"

"I'll be there," Kotone said, though a lump in her throat told her that there was no turning back now. "I promise. Thank you for your time, Kajiwara-san." She stood up and bowed towards her host. "It's about time that we get going. Thank you for your hospitality."

"If you're serious about this case, just show up tomorrow at 4:00 pm, precisely on the dot."

Kotone and Hana then left the house. When they entered outside, they saw Ayano slowly trekking her way up the hill. Her cheeks became red with exertion and were puffed out, as Ayano tried swallowing in great gasps of air. Once she made it to the front porch of the shrine, Ayano then collapsed onto the ground. Lifting one shaky hand up from the ground, Ayano asked,"I'm not too late, am I?"

"You missed everything, Ayano-san," Kotone said, extending a hand towards Ayano and helping to lift her up. "But we'll fill you in on the details. We're going to discuss things at the court case tomorrow, so we need to prepare for that as well. Also, I'm going to be needing your help proving that I'm a Catalyst."

Hana then turned to look at Kotone, before bowing her head towards the violet haired girl. "I'm truly in your debt, Kotone-san. I'm so thankful that I have you on my side. I also apologize for my uncouth behavior from before—I certainly did give you a hard time. But knowing that you're willing to put all this time and effort in for me is just the nicest thing that anybody has ever done for me. Thank you."

"Don't mention it," Kotone said, before staring off into the distance. "It's just one favor. Let's just prepare for the next day and win the case for you, Hana-san."