Chapter2: A Memory That Was Left Behind
" He just took off?" Touko asked, " Do you need a ride Robin?"
" Yes," Robin said
" I'll be there when I can," Touko said
" Thank you," Robin replied
Robin hung up the phone and looked at the others.
" It's like he just vanished," Karasuma said
Robin looked at the clock and said, " It's been almost 6 hours. Do you think….no he wouldn't go there alone."
" Go where alone?" Doujima asked
" I think he knows that woman, the witch," Robin said
Karasuma sighed and sat down.
" I remember now," She said
" Remember what?" everyone asked
Karasuma sighed and said, " It's a long story, and I can't remember everything."
" Tell us," Robin said sitting down, " Perhaps it might help us find Amon."
Karasuma nodded and sipped the hot coffee next to her.
" It was six years….Amon and I were freshly starting out," Karasuma said
~~~~~Flash back~~~~
" Amon!" Karasuma shouted
Amon chased down the one they were hunting, a young girl about 17 years. Her long red hair flew behind her and suddenly she stopped. She looked at Amon and breathed deep, as he reached for his gun.
" Please, I didn't do it," she cried, " I didn't do it. I was there when it happened and they blamed me."
He loaded the Orbo and aimed it at her, she looked at him and her pendant around her neck lit up. Amon looked at her and narrowed his eyes, he fired a shot, but something stopped the Orbo bullet. It dropped at the girl's feet and she reach up and picked it up. Suddenly the Orbo in the bullet spilled out at her touch. She looked at Amon and he stood there.
" Why must you hunt someone so innocent?" the girl said
" Amon!" Karasuma called out
She turned the corner to see Amon holding his gun, hand shaking as he stood there.
" Shoot her Amon!" Karasuma said
She pulled out her gun and aimed it at the girl.
" No, Stop," Amon said
Karasuma looked at him and the girl looked at him. He put his gun down and Karasuma stared at him.
" Who did it then?" Amon questioned
Karasuma shook her head and shot at her, but this time it went through her.
" Huh? She's not….real," Karasuma said
" She's an illusion," Amon said
" That's right hunters I am," she said and vanished
The bullet that supposedly was destroyed by the girl's powers just remained there. Amon walked over and knelt down.
" Another illusion," Amon said
" Is this place real?" Karasuma questioned
Amon stood up and looked around.
" No, it's not," he said
He tossed a rock and the scene around them vanished. Karasuma sighed seeing only fields of green.
" I don't understand," Karasuma whispered
Amon walked off without another word.
~~~~end of flash back~~~~
" Amon seemed very much alive after that encounter. It was as though the girl helped him find out that he was alive," Karasuma said
Robin looked at Karasuma as she paused for a moment.
" Why did he become so alive then and suddenly closed up and become so uptight?" Robin asked
" Because Amon was forced to pull away," Karasuma said
" What do you mean?" Robin said
Karasuma sighed and looked at the rain then whispered, " Only one thing can pull anyone apart."
" Karasuma?" Sakaki said
She looked at them and gave a smile, then stood up.
" It's getting late…Robin do you need a ride home?" Karasuma asked
" No, Touko is picking me up," Robin said
She nodded and walked to the door, then grabbed her umbrella. She walked off and Robin looked at the others.
" What is the one that that can pull anyone apart?" she asked
" I don't know it can be anything," Sakaki said, " Oh well, I'm going home take care."
He walked off and Robin grabbed her umbrella and went downstairs to wait for Touko. She sighed and leaned against the inner wall of the building as she waited.
" I wonder where Amon went off to though," Robin thought
Amon held his gun close to him as he followed someone. He loaded Orbo and quickly chased after the figure that walked the alley way.
" Stop right there," he said
The figure stopped and threw down their cigarette. A chuckle escaped the their lips and turned around.
" Well, Amon it's been quite some time old pal," the old man laughed
Amon put down his gun and looked at the old man.
" A surprise to see your still alive," Amon remarked
" Watch your mouth young man," the old man said, " I'm not that old. I still got years to live."
Amon put his gun away and looked at the old man.
" Amon, you never change. How's the job at the STN-J?" the old man said, " Ayumi and I miss seeing you around."
" It's been tough," Amon said, " I have been busy. What about you?"
The old man smiled and walked over to Amon.
" Let me buy you a drink," he said
The old man walked Amon to a local bar and both sat down. Amon listened to the old man as he jabbered on about the last 6 years. Amon held his glass with a tight grip where it began to shake.
" Amon, you think I don't know do you?" the old man said
Amon took a sip of his drink and then sat it down.
" My daughter is who your after," the old man said
" I don't discuss cases with old members of the STN-J," Amon said
" Don't give me your tight ass bullshit Amon. I know what has happened and what you think," the old man said
Amon rose and looked at him.
" How can you take her side, a witch?" Amon said, " Two innocent people have been killed."
" For once my boy can you put what anger that is inside you away and look at the innocent that is listed as a criminal….you would have done that 6 years ago," the old man spoke
" Your drunk with illusions. Your daughter's innocent's is, but an illusion," Amon said
He walked off and the old man sighed.
" You're a new man Amon, but there still beats another man that would protect my little girl from the STN-J," the old man thought
Amon walked the dark streets and listened to his thoughts, but those thoughts faded away from the anger that remain inside his tiered body. He got into his car and drove off back to his apartment. He walked in and leaned against the wall.
" A witch, that's all she is," Amon said
He put his coat in a closet and turned on the lights there he saw a bag of groceries on his table with a note from Touko. He picked up the bag and put away the things that were in the bag. Amon walked to his window and looked at the rain.
" You and I, we're different right," a voice whispered
Amon opened his eyes and breathed deep. He heard his phone ringing and he ignored it.
" He's not answering his phone either," Robin said
Touko sat there and Robin took a seat. She looked at Robin and pushed a plate in front of her.
" Eat something, I'm sure Amon is fine," Touko said, " He's just going through one of his stages."
" He just seems distant that's all," she said
" Eat up and then go shower," Touko said
Robin nodded and ate what she could then took a shower. She finished and brushed and dried her hair. She wiped the mirror off and there someone stood behind her, a woman. The same woman that bumped into her.
" Who are you?" Robin asked
She didn't say anything and Robin turned around and she was gone. Robin sighed and finished up then went off to her room. She soon fell asleep, but she woke up with sweat dripping from her face. She breathed deep and looked at her clock, it read 2:30. She laid back and closed her eyes.
" Why was I dreaming about Amon getting hurt?" she thought
The next morning Robin awoke to her alarm clock and then her phone. She answered it and placed the phone to her ear.
" Hello," she said
" Robin, it's Karasuma, you better get in here," Karasuma's concern voice said
" Alright I'll be there," Robin said
Robin dressed and tied back her hair instead of putting it in her usual style. She grabbed something on the way out and Touko followed her close behind to take her to the STN-J.
When she got there she ran upstairs and looked at everyone.
" What's going on?" she asked
" We received a call from Amon," Michael said
" What did he say?" she questioned
Karasuma sat down and said, " Seems like he's on the hunt again. He's getting some background information about Reiko."
" Touko was right it was just a stage in his life," she thought
" Robin, we're going to head over where the murder took place do you want to come?" Sakaki asked
" Ah no, I'll come later," Robin said
" Alright," Sakaki said
Karasuma and Sakaki took off, and Robin sat down on a near by chair.
" Michael," Robin said
Michael looked over his shoulder and said, " What is it?"
" I'm a little puzzled," Robin stated
" About what?" Michael questioned
" Well, Amon has been acting up and after the story Karasuma told us, I can only become more puzzled about Amon's strange actions," Robin said
Michael pushed back his chair and looked at Robin. He stretched and then stood up and placed a hand on her shoulder.
" Don't worry Amon's just being himself," Michael said
Robin nodded and then looked at the clock.
Amon sat in his car and stared at a humble little white house with a beautiful yard. He saw a woman playing with her children in the yard. Amon adjusted his mirror and looked at the house behind him.
" Where are you Reiko?" he thought
He sat back and stared at the mirror then looked back at the house that he sat in front of. He then saw the woman look towards his direction and turn back to her children. Amon turned away and waited.
A hour past and Amon saw Reiko walk out her front door. He watched her stop and saw a little girl walk out and then a man walk out holding a second child. Amon turned away and started his car. He followed slowly behind the happy family, which they made their way to the park. He parked his car and watched Reiko enter the park with her husband. He picked up his phone and called Karasuma.
" They just left the house," he said, " They're at the park."
" Alright," Karasuma said
Amon got out and shut his car door and took the bike path. He sat at a bench which over looked the sandy playground. He watched as Reiko sat there and her husband amused the children. Reiko looked up and saw Amon staring at her, she sighed out of frustration and walked over.
" Excuse me," she said
Amon looked up at her, he didn't speak to her, but let her do the talking.
" Why are you following me?" she asked
Amon just looked at her and she narrowed her eyes.
" How can you be so rude to me?" She questioned
Amon didn't say anything, but just looked at her. He studied her face and then she looked at him. She then just walked off and gathered her children and her husband followed them. Amon nodded and rose from where he sat and continued to keep an eye on Reiko and her movements.
By noon Amon walked to his car and gave a report in. He sat his phone down and started the car. He drove off and Reiko watched his black car sail down the street.
" Amon," she thought
Amon returned to the STN-J and saw Robin and Michael working on the information. He removed his coat and Robin glanced up at him.
" So, I guess things went well," Michael said
Amon poured a glass of water and walked over.
" She has two children, but there's something more to her children," he stated
" A future problem perhaps?" Michael said
Amon sat down and said, " Possibly."
Robin looked at him then went back to work. She felt Amon had returned to himself, but he still seemed distant than he did before.
By 8:30 Robin and Amon walked down to the garage and got into his car. He took off and drove down a neighborhood, which had little light. Amon stopped his car in front of a house just next to the white house.
" Amon what are we doing here?" she asked
" We're just staking out," he replied
Robin looked at him and said, " Is this where Reiko lives?"
Amon nodded and then turned and watched for any strange movement. He didn't feel like convicting Reiko unless there was proof , but the only way they would find proof was to go inside.
" Robin," he said
Robin turned to him and he handed her something.
" I need you to get inside," he said, " find what you can."
" Alright," she said taking the box, " What's this?"
" Just something from a long time ago. Tell her it's from me," Amon said
Robin nodded and started out of the car, but Amon grabbed her arm. She stopped and looked at him. He removed his Orbo and placed it around her neck.
" Don't get caught, she's strong," he said
Robin nodded and shut the door. He watched her from his side of the car and waited to see if she got in. The door opened and Robin was invited in.
" Now, who did you say this is from?" Reiko asked
" Oh, Amon," Robin said
" Amon, I haven't heard his name for ever," Reiko said, " Can I fix you some tea?"
" Yes, thank you," Robin said
Reiko nodded and walked off and Robin looked around at pictures that hung on the wall. She seemed pretty normal, but she was careful not to be pulled into Reiko's altered world of illusions. Robin looked in the closet and found nothing that seemed to be of use or clues that Reiko did it.
" Here you go," Reiko said
Robin looked up and took the cup from her hands. Reiko sat down and smoothed out her skirt as she sat.
" So tell me, how is Amon?" she asked
" He's fine," Robin said
" I assume he's still that uptight kind of hunter," Reiko said
Robin nodded and said, " Yes, but if you don't mind me asking how do you know Amon?"
Reiko looked at Robin and then looked at her tea.
" We go back to when he first started being a witch hunter," Reiko said, " He was very inexperienced, but of course he was very heroic."
Robin nodded and Reiko stirred her tea.
" Are you a hunter?" Reiko asked
" Yes," Robin said, " I just made a year as a member yesterday."
" That's amazing, well congratulations," Reiko said, " So are you Amon's partner or just friends?"
" We're partners. Though I don't think I'm really helping," Robin said
Reiko looked up at her and said, " Your helping him more than you think you are."
After an hour of talking with Reiko, Robin left with some information that slightly help satisfy the curiosity of Amon's strange behavior the last two days. She walked out and Amon pulled up away from Reiko's home. Robin got in and she looked at Amon.
" Did you get anything?" he gruffly asked
" No, I didn't," she replied, " I'm sorry, but she had nothing that showed evidence that she killed someone."
Amon sighed and then looked in the review mirror.
" Did you give her the package?" Amon asked
" Yes, I did. She told me to tell you thank you," Robin said
Amon drove off and there was silence the rest of the way. When Amon dropped off Robin off he rolled down the window.
" Robin," he said
Robin stopped and turned and looked at Amon.
" Yes," she said walking to the car
" Be careful Reiko suspects something," Amon said
" How do you know?" Robin asked
" All of them do," he said
He drove off and Robin sighed. She walked up to the apartment and saw Touko wasn't home yet. Robin slipped off her shoes and went to see what was left over. She continued to think back on the conversation.
" I wonder if Amon really cared for her as much as she cared for him," Robin thought
To her it was not strange to think Amon had more than one woman in his life that still cared about him. Reiko was a witch and protected by Amon, just like he protected her. Robin walked out onto the balcony and looked around.
" What am I thinking," Robin whispered, " I can't be even consider things like that."
She walked inside and sat down.
" I wonder where Touko is? She's been gone for some time," Robin said
Amon leaned against his car and looked around. The lights off the building traced his figure and blinded him from seeing the possible danger that could be brought his way.
" Amon," a soft voice said
Amon looked up and saw in the distance Reiko. She walked closer and stood there.
" Why did you want to see me?" she asked
He pushed off his car and walked to her until he came closer her. She looked at him and backed away. He grabbed her by her wrist and she tried to pull away.
" Amon, let go of me at once," she said
" Tell me the truth," he said
Reiko looked at him and met his eyes, she continued to struggle to break free. " Amon, your hurting me stop," she said
" Tell me the truth," he said gripping tighter
" What can I tell you? You believe everything you ignorant hunter," she growled
Amon looked at her and said, " Who killed those two people?"
" You mean my sister-in-law and mother-in-law?" she questioned
Amon pulled out his gun and looked at her.
" I didn't kill them," she said
" Your lying," he said
" Amon, just let me go, your just trying to make me confess and I won't, cause I didn't do it," she cried, " I would never do such a horrible thing."
Amon released her and she looked at her wrist and he walked off towards his car.
" Your partner is just a girl, why are you playing games," Reiko said
" My partner is none of your concern," he said
" How can you be such a cold hearted bastard," Reiko shouted
Amon stopped and looked at her as she narrowed her eyes.
" Your only a fool to think that your partner doesn't mean anything," Reiko said
" Your threats are nothing," Amon said getting into his car
He took off and Reiko narrowed her eyes.
" We'll see," she said
She walked off and walked into the shadows.
" Are you going to let him do that to you Ms. Hiroharu?" asked a deep voiced man
" Just let him go," she said
She walked off again and the dark figured man followed her.
Amon pulled up to his apartment and walked up to it and then prepared for the day. He started a shower and let the steam fill the bath room. He warmed something up to eat and went and took his shower. His thoughts filled his mind, with past memories, but he pulled away from the forgotten memories of his past. He finished showering and prepared for a restful sleep. He ate something then went to sleep, but the night wasn't as peaceful as it should be. Amon woke up in a sweat and breathed deep. He looked at the time and then outside. He wiped the sweat from his face and sighed. His mind was full of past memories, A memory that he left behind so long ago….his true willingness of showing feelings to those he cared about.
