Chapter II

"It has been recognized even from the very earliest of times . . .that witchcraft is an evil thing, an enemy to light, an ally of the powers of darkness, disruption, and decay."

–The Malleus Maleficarum


The sky overhead was an almost perfect shade of blue. The rush hour traffic had not yet reached its height, so Sakaki and Karasuma made good time getting downtown. They quickly but quietly made their way down the concrete staircase into the subway station, where hundreds of commuters and businessmen were hurrying off to their lunch break.

The subway cars screeched to a halt, and there was the packed, chaotic exchange of disembarking and boarding passengers. Sakaki and Karasuma each took a place against the wall, Karasuma careful not to let anyone brush up against her.

After a few minutes, the cars pulled away, and the station gradually emptied out. Sakaki and Karasuma exchanged a glance, then pulled out their Orbo guns and headed down the dark, winding tunnel.

It wasn't very far to the site of the murder. If they hadn't received a map from Michael though, they probably wouldn't have found it. Everything had been cleaned up, there was no sign that just a few days ago, someone's life had been taken here.

"Well, go to it, Miss Karasuma," Sakaki said with a grin, trying to lighten the atmosphere. Karasuma shot her partner a stern glance, then crouched down and placed a hand on the concrete. She closed her eyes, concentrating on the faint vibrations coming from the area.

"It's pretty hard to sense anything. . ." she said, more to herself than anyone. "At first, something like surprise, but not alarm. . .then a great fear. Bewilderment. . ." Karasuma's brow furrowed as the emotions flooded into her, and she struggled to pick them apart. "Something unnatural. . .no, this shouldn't be happening. . ."

"What?" Sakaki said in confusion, startling Karasuma out of her trance. She stood up and brushed off her hands, looking at Sakaki in irritation. He smiled sheepishly, one hand scratching the back of his head.

"What was all that about?" He asked, following Karasuma back toward the exit.

"I'm not exactly sure," she replied, pulling out her cellular phone. "Michael, we're finished here."

"Did you pick up anything?" The hacker's voice came from headquarters, full of static.

"Just a confusing jumble of thoughts and emotions. Nothing solid."

"Well, Amon and Robin aren't back yet, so you might want to head over there. I'll send you directions."

"Thanks Michael." Karasuma slipped the cell phone into the pocket of her trenchcoat, looking over her shoulder to make sure Sakaki was still behind her. She saw him standing at the bottom of the staircase, staring down the tunnel with a thoughtful look on his face.

"Haruto!" She yelled, placing her hands on her hips. He jumped a little in surprise, then grinned and ran up the stairs to meet her.

"Sorry, Miss Karasuma," he said, bowing slightly. He took one last glance at the station before following her up.


Amon pulled over to the side of the road, then glanced over at his young partner. Robin was staring out the window, her head propped on one hand. She seemed to be watching the passersby without actually seeing them. She was probably daydreaming, he thought with disdain.

Without a word, he opened his door, and climbed out. Robin glanced over at him, her eyes widening as she realized he was leaving without her. She quickly got out of the car, checking to make sure her spectacles were in her pocket, just in case.

She silently followed Amon down a dark, cluttered alleyway. He didn't check to see if she was following him; she wondered if he even cared. This was actually one of the few times he had taken her with him on an investigation. Robin stepped around a homeless man lying against the wall, promising herself she was going to prove herself to Amon. This time, he would see she was a useful member of the STN-J.

The alley was long and narrow, and there was little light to guide their way. Robin wrinkled her nose at the overwhelming smell of garbage that permeated the air. Suddenly, Amon stopped walking, and Robin barely noticed in time to stop herself from running into him. He turned and raised an eyebrow at her, but said nothing. Robin quickly looked away, backing up a few steps.

"One of the victims was brought here, and then murdered." He said suddenly, breaking the heavy silence that hung between them.

"But, why would anyone come here?" Robin asked.

"According to the police, the killer was probably someone the victim knew. Someone they would trust enough to follow. But after the other murders, that was ruled out. No one person could be connected with all the victims."

"An enemy in disguise," Robin said quietly. Amon heard her, glancing down at her with interest, but said nothing. A shrill ringing came from his pocket, and he reached in to grab his phone, flipping it open.

"Amon, there's been another one."