Chapter 6: Inflicted Pain

Sakaki ran down through a building holding his Orbo pendant. He tripped and fell back, but suddenly he was stopped. He looked over at Amon as Amon brought him back.

" Robin finish the witch," Amon said

Robin put her glasses on and flames appeared around the witch. Sakaki was placed down softly, then Sakaki stood up.

" Alright," Amon said, " why was that witch attacking you Sakaki?"

" I don't know," Sakaki said, " I don't remember anything."

Amon narrowed his eyes and grabbed Sakaki by his shirt.

" Why was he attacking you?" Amon growled

" Amon!" Robin said

" I told you I don't know," Sakaki said

Sakaki looked up at the flames and saw two eyes peering at him. He struggled from Amon's hold and backed off. Robin narrowed her eyes and created a firewall.

" The True Power I can see it still," A voice said, " You can not protect it."

Amon lifted a gun and fired three shots, then turned to Sakaki. Sakaki breathed deep and winced in pain as he did.

Sakaki opened his eyes and looked around, he was in the hospital, he saw Doujima, Robin and Amon in the room. He moaned feeling like he went through a few more drinks then he was suppose have.

Doujima opened her eyes and saw him awake. She stood up and walked to his side, and took his hand.

" Hey, you little idiot," she said

" What happened?" Sakaki asked

Doujima looked at him and said, " You just exhausted yourself, that's all."

" How?" he ask

" Just being you, leaving it to you to get back to work after four weeks off the front line," Doujima said

Sakaki smiled and looked at Doujima as she held his hand. He looked at the machine beside his bed and watched the several lines become active.

" What was I doing?" Sakaki asked

" Just being yourself, Your lucky Amon and Robin were there, Amon saved your life using his powers and Robin protected you from another counter attack," Doujima said

" It wasn't a dream," Sakaki said

Doujima laughed and took a seat on the bed.

" Amon's still curious why a witch would be after you, you don't know anything about the True Power," Doujima said

" Only that is resides in Amon and Robin's daughter, but that's it," Sakaki said

" It remains a mystery," Doujima said

She gently ran her hand through Sakaki's hair and traced his face.

" Get some rest Haruto, I'll come by tomorrow to pick you up," she said

" Good night Yurika," he said

He looked at Robin and Amon whom remain asleep.

" Thank you," he whispered

The next day Sakaki was released from the hospital and Doujima fulfilled her promise and came and picked him up. The two spent the day together and Doujima took responsibility as Sakaki's aid for a week until he we as able to get back to his normal life.

When the week was over Doujima returned to her plans for her wedding, as Sakaki returned to his normal life.

" Come on," Sakaki whined, " How come I can't go?"

" Cause you're a danger to yourself," Amon said

" Amon, that was cold, even for you that's cold," Sakaki said

" Learn it well, cause for now on your under strict watch," Amon said

Sakaki narrowed his eyes and said, " Come on you can't be that stern on me I didn't know a witch was going to attack me like that."

Robin placed her hand on Sakaki's shoulder and Sakaki looked at her, Robin shook her head, Sakaki sighed and sat down.

" Michael I want updates," Amon said

" Your going to make me rot in this building aren't you?" Sakaki shouted

" Would you shut up Haruto, it's for the best," Michael said, " Last time you exhausted yourself and the first time you almost got yourself kill."

" That was a month ago," Sakaki said

" Sit down and get to work," Michael said

Sakaki folded his arms and spun around in the chair.

" Act your age," Michael said

Doujima sat across from Nagira as he went over what was planned for the next few days.

" Nagira," Doujima said

" What?" he said

" Can't we put in room for time for ourselves," Doujima said

" There's plenty of time for that," he said

Doujima nodded and sighed a deep sighed. She drew on the paper table cloth and stared out while listening to planes.

By 4:30 she came back to the STN-J and flopped on a chair.

" Someone drive me home I'm tiered of driving," she said

" I will," Sakaki said

" Not, a chance," Michael said, " Your under a watch hot shot."

" Come on, You can let me go home early, Amon wouldn't care," Sakaki said

" You pissed him off pretty bad Haruto," Doujima said, " He's taking his home life and bringing it to work."

" I'm no child and he's no father of mine," Sakaki said

" Maybe that's what you need Haruto, a father figure," Doujima said

Sakaki looked over to her and narrowed his eyes.

" I don't need a father, I need a chance to live my own life," Sakaki said

" Gee wiz calm down, I was just saying," Doujima said

Sakaki stood up and grabbed his coat.

" I need to leave before I go crazy," Sakaki said

" To late, you've past crazy and went straight to insane," Doujima said

" Well, look who pulled in," Michael said, " Your free to go now."

Sakaki smirked and said, " Free at last."

He ran downstairs and continued downstairs until he bumped into Amon. He looked up and Amon looked at him.

" Where do you think your going?" Amon asked

" Home," Sakaki said

" Go back upstairs," Amon said

" Come on Amon, your here and I didn't do anything stupid so I'm going home," Sakaki said

" Amon, just let him go," Robin said

Amon grabbed Sakaki by his jacket and brought him upstairs. Sakaki sighed as once more he was dragged like a dog back up. Amon set the files down and Robin sat down.

" Guess, going home wasn't a bright idea," Michael said

" Give it a rest," Sakaki said

By 10 Sakaki went home released from the daily chores. He stopped and got something to eat before returning to his empty apartment. He was beginning to feel more depressed then he had ever felt before.

" I wish I could change the past," Sakaki said

Harry looked at him so sad and unwilling to go on.

" You may not be able to change the past, but you can change what the future holds for you," Harry said

" I feel like I've lost everything," Sakaki said taking a sip

" Have you?" Harry said

Sakaki nodded and said, " I lost Yurika, because I was a coward. I lost everyone's trust because I was attacked by a witch."

" So try to gain it back," Harry said

Sakaki swirled his drink around and shook his head.

" I'm a danger to myself," Sakaki said

" Then train yourself not to be," Harry said

Sakaki sighed and continued to drink a few and Harry stop pouring him anymore.

" Hand me your phone, I'll have someone pick you up," Harry said, " Your in no condition to drive."

Sakaki pulled out his phone and handed it to Harry. Harry dialed the first number on Sakaki's phone.

Doujima heard her phone and picked it up and answered in a weary voice.

" Doujima," she answered

" Ms. Doujima, it's Harry, I have a favor to ask you," Harry said

" Oh, what is that?" Doujima said

" I need you bring home someone, that has tried to wash away his depression with one to many drinks, could you pick him up," Harry stated

" Of course, I'll be there soon," she said

She hung up and looked at the number and sighed.

" Haruto," she muttered

She got dress, then walked down to her car and drove off. She pulled up to Harry's at a 10:45 and she got out, then walk in to see Sakaki sitting there. Doujima put her purse over her shoulder and walked over to Sakaki.

" Oh, Haruto," she said

Sakaki looked up at her and turned away from her.

" Don't you have a wedding to plan?" he snapped

" Not at 10:45 at night, and don't you have the dignity not to drink at your age," Doujima said, " Now come on let's get you home."

Sakaki stood and Doujima put on arm over her shoulders and she put on around his waist.

" Harry, could you take care of my bike," Sakaki said

" Of course," he said

Doujima got Sakaki into her car and drove off to his apartment. She stopped in front and got Sakaki out and trudged up to his apartment. She grabbed his keys and found which worked, then she opened the door and sat him down. She removed his shoes and his jacket.

" Oh, Haruto, your such a sad young man," Doujima said

" Yurika, I don't want you to marry Nagira, he can't love you like I can," Haruto muttered

" I'm sorry I can't fulfill your wishes Haruto, but Nagira and I are getting married in less in 6 weeks," Doujima said

" But you broke a deal," Sakaki muttered

" Your to drunk to remember a deal," Doujima said getting Sakaki to his feet

She got him to his bedroom and lifted his shirt over his head.

" How come you can't wear nicer shirts," Doujima said

Sakaki laid back and looked at Doujima and grabbed her hand.

" Yurika, don't go," he whispered

" I have to Sakaki, I have to get some sleep for tomorrow," Doujima said

Sakaki turned away and said, " I should have told you how I felt sooner, we wouldn't be in this mess."

Doujima sat on Sakaki's bed and she leaned over and gently traced his face. He grabbed her hand and kissed it. Her eyes soften and she leaned over and laid her head on his chest.

" I would change my mind if I wasn't so worried about if or if I wasn't pregnant," Doujima said

" You still haven't found out," Sakaki whispered taking Doujima in his arms

" I'm to afraid," Doujima whispered

" I'll go with you if you want someone to be there by your side," Sakaki whispered

Doujima looked up at Sakaki and nodded, and kissed his cheek.

" Could you," Doujima whispered

Sakaki nodded and Doujima laid her head on his chest again. She closed her eyes and Sakaki sighed, then fell asleep.

The next morning Sakaki opened his eyes and saw Doujima was gone. He sighed and turned over on his side moaned.

" Of course she would leave, she's engaged," Sakaki muttered in his pillow

He sat up and took a warm shower and washed away the sleep that reminded him of last night. He cleaned up and got out and grabbed a towel when the door opened up and Sakaki turned around to see Doujima. Her face slowly turned a different shade and Sakaki the same way.

" Haruto!" she screamed

" Yurika!" shouted wrapping a towel around him

" What are you doing in here?" she said

" It's my bathroom," he replied

" I thought you were a sleep," she remarked

" I thought you left," Sakaki snapped

" This is so embarrassing," both said

Sakaki looked at Doujima as she remained the same shade.

" You can leave you know," Sakaki remarked

" I was just going," she said turned around

Sakaki sighed as he closed the door behind her and leaned against the door with a sigh of relief. Doujima leaned on the other side and fanned away the embarrassment. Sakaki came out and looked at Doujima standing there.

" I'm sorry Haruto," she said, " I didn't even hear the water running."

" This why I don't share an apartment with a woman," Sakaki said

Doujima looked at him and he sighed.

" What are you still doing here anyway?" Sakaki asked

" You said you would stay with me to find out results, I made an appointment," Doujima said

Sakaki nodded and said, " I will just for you."

Later that morning Sakaki called in late along with Doujima so they could go together. Doujima grabbed Sakaki's hand as she entered the doctor's office. Sakaki looked at her seeing her fear go to a whole new level.

" Doujima, Yurika," the doctor called

She looked at Sakaki as she got up and he stood, then followed her until the doctor shut the door behind Doujima.

" Can't he come," Doujima said

" Not unless he's your husband," the doctor said

Doujima nodded and walked down the halls and now she had to be brave on her own. Sakaki sighed and sat down and waited to hear news, though he hoped the news was that she wasn't.

About an hour later Doujima walked out and handed her file to the front desk. She turned and looked at Sakaki and Sakaki stood up to hear the news. She stayed silent as they walked out and Sakaki looked at her. She got to her car and Sakaki stopped and looked at her.

" Yurika," he said, " It may not be my business, but what were the results?'

Doujima looked at him and saw concern in his eyes. Like her, he was concerned for her well being and didn't wish to see a career ruined. She walked over to him and grabbed his hand.

" The doctor said," Yurika started to say as she lowered her head, " That I'm."

She stopped and Sakaki looked at her to hear the rest.

" What," he said

" That I'm not pregnant," she said looking at him

" Your not," he said, " this is great."

He lifted her up hugging her and she wrapped her arms around him with a smile.

" Haruto," she said, " How can I tell Nagira, that I'm not ready for marriage. If I was pregnant it would be easier to tell him the truth, but to tell him I can't marry him now 6 weeks before the wedding."

" Yurika, I'm sure he's an understand man to know that you weren't ready for this," Sakaki said

" Oh, Haruto," she said

She hugged him and he wrapped his arms around her and embraced her.

" How about we call in sick," Sakaki said

" Sakaki, Haruto, that's not you speaking," Doujima said

" Your right, it's a man who wants to be with the woman he's been perusing for the last few months," Sakaki said

Doujima smiled and grabbed his hand, then nodded.

" Alright, let's do that," Doujima said

Sakaki and Doujima spent the day together and enjoyed every minuet of it. Sakaki picked up his motorcycle and took Doujima for a ride on it, to spot he often went to think, it was outside the city line just in the country. They ate lunch there and Doujima fed Sakaki as he laid in her lap.

By sunset Sakaki brought Doujima back to her car.

" Come home with me Sakaki," Doujima said, " I'll make us something special."

" Alright," he said

He followed her home on his motorcycle and parked in front of the complex. Doujima grabbed his hand and guided him upstairs. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on her neck as she unlocked the door. She kiss him back as they entered the apartment, slipping off their shoes. Doujima wrapped her arms around him and he kissed her deeply. Suddenly the lights came on and Doujima's eyes widen to see who turned the lights on.

" Mother, Father," she said

Sakaki turned around and grabbed her hand.

" Don't forget your fiancé," Nagira's voice came in the distance

" Nagira," Doujima gasped

" I'll leave," Sakaki said

" No, you stay right where you are," Nagira said

He walked out and looked at the two and narrowed his eyes.

" Did you forget that tonight was the family dinner Yurika," Nagira said, " My family and yours."

Doujima felt faint from the sight, cause then she heard the door bell ring. Nagira walked past them and opened the door and Robin and Amon walked in. Doujima now was slowly losing her color.

" Just in time," Nagira said

" What's going on?" Amon said looking at Sakaki and Doujima

" Sakaki, what are you doing here?" Robin asked

" We're just getting to that part," Nagira said

Amon narrowed his eyes at Sakaki as Sakaki kept a hold on Doujima's hand.

" Why now," she thought

Doujima fell back and Sakaki caught her.

" Yurika," Sakaki said lifting her up

" Dear," her mother said, " Lay her down in her bedroom."

Sakaki walked down the hall and opened a door with a good guess. He found her bedroom and laid her down on her bed. Doujima's mother laid a cloth on her head and looked at her.

" I want an explanation," her mother said

" I as well," Amon said

They shut the door and walked into the living room, Sakaki sat down and Amon and Nagira remain standing.

" I knew something was up when both you and Doujima called in late, then sick," Amon said,

" She's been out late and not retuning my calls," Nagira said

" I took her to the doctor today," Sakaki said

" Why, she wasn't sick?" Amon spat

" She thought she was pregnant and waited this long to find out," Sakaki said

Doujima's mother gasped and Amon looked at him.

" With who's kid?" Amon said

" Amon please," Robin said

" Robin," he said sternly

Sakaki stood up to face Amon and he narrowed his eyes.

" With you brother's kid," Sakaki said, " She asked me to go with her cause she was afraid. She didn't want to lose her position in SOLOMON. She asked me this morning to go with her."

Amon slapped Sakaki with the back of his hand and Sakaki covered his face.

" She loves me, and I love her," Sakaki said

" Get out Sakaki," Amon growled

" I refuse," Sakaki said, " Ask her yourself if you don't believe me. After all what would I know I'm a danger to myself."

Nagira stepped in between Sakaki and Amon before Amon could slap Sakaki again.

" Listen, she's just got cold feet, that's all," Nagira said, " Even a young woman such as herself wants to fulfill their last weeks of being single with another man. I can understand that. So, no hard feelings."

" Nagira, move," Amon growled

" Amon stop it," Robin said

" Stay out of this," Amon growled

Robin stood up and stood in front of Sakaki and pushed Nagira out of the way. Now it got personal between husband and wife and friends

" Robin stop protecting him," Amon said

" I'll protect him from you if I have to Amon, your angry and I could understand, but Sakaki was going with his feelings," Robin said, " Like he did when he went up again Konki and Kaon on his own and up again the oracle to help protect Kate. You see Sakaki's now protecting the one person he loves and that's Doujima. And I for one want to hear what Doujima says about her true feelings."

" Robin," Amon said

Robin looked at Amon and grabbed his hand.

" Please Amon we owe Sakaki and Doujima that much," Robin said

" Please say we still have a wedding, this is costing us a fortune," Doujima's mother said

Sakaki stood up and Amon narrowed his eyes.

" I'm leaving when you give me a chance to talk then I will," Sakaki said

" You stay right where you are," Amon growled

" Keep your home life at home Amon, I don't need your fatherly tone," Sakaki said

" Sakaki," He growled

" I don't need a witch to tell me what to do," Sakaki said

He started to open the door and Amon shut the door. Sakaki narrowed his eyes at Amon.

" Your only making things worst Amon," Sakaki said, " Now let me out."

Sakaki opened the door and walked out then shut the door. Doujima had tears in her eyes as she heard the whole thing. She fell face first in her pillow and began to cry.

" Haruto," she whispered, " I can't face them alone."

Sakaki took off down the road at an extremely fast pace, he didn't care if anyone would come after him.

" I'm sorry Yurika, I was too weak to defend us," he thought

His face throbbed from where Amon slapped him, of course this was the second time Amon hit him, but each time he was hit Amon's angry was put into it.

"Damn Amon, for thinking he can be someone he's not," Sakaki thought

Sakaki looked away for a second, but that's all it took to bring him down.

Amon and Robin left asking Nagira to call them as soon as Doujima got up.

" Amon, you shouldn't have been so rough on Sakaki," Robin said

" I had no choice his bad decisions are what drove me to the edge," Amon said

" He's right though, you shouldn't try to act like his father," Robin said

" I'm not trying to," Amon said, " But he does need some type of father figure in his life."

Amon slowed down when he sat two police officers signaling for them to stop. One walked over and gave a nod with his hat.

" What's going on?" Amon asked

" Well, we have a really bad accident that just happened seconds ago. But if you need to get through there's an alterative path," the officer said

Robin looked around and saw a motorcycle turned on it's side and recognized the license plate. She gasped and Amon turned looked at her.

" Robin," he said

She pushed the door open and got out and walked towards the accident.

" ma'am," the officer asked

" Robin," he said

Amon got out and walked over to her as she knelt down next to the motorcycle.

" Sakaki," she said

Amon looked and saw the skid marks and then looked over at the over turned truck.

" Poor kid didn't have a chance," the police officer said

" Oh, Amon," Robin said falling into Amon's arms

Amon wrapped his arms around her as she began to cry.

" Do you know the kid," the police officer said

" Yes," Amon said, " He works with me and my wife."

Amon looked at the motorcycle and sighed. He hugged Robin and laid his head on hers. He now blamed himself for this, after all it was his fault for yelling at him. Sakaki was protecting his love for Doujima so he looked like the fool and not her, but Amon was blinded by the fact that someone so naïve, was more experienced in love than he was.