Chapter8: The Days are Numbered
Day 2
Amon woke up around 7 and made a routine out of the new schedule, he would be escorted everyday to HQ and into the room where the board met. Amon stood waiting for the board members to come out and greet him. As they came in they looked at Amon. Doujima's father walked in with the files and tapes, that Amon presented him with. Amon sat down and waited to be asked a questioned.
" We looked over your evidence Amon, and we found that yes your team was suppose to hunt a witch, but not our hunter. She was there searching for a witch," Doujima's father said
Amon sighed and looked at him as he waited to hear about the tape.
" I also saw that yes she attacked you with aggression, but you too reacted with aggression against her," Doujima's father said
" One of my comrades was hurt by her, this woman who calls herself my aunt," Amon said
" There fore we have come to an agreement of punishment for her it's 4 months suspension without pay," Doujima's father said
Amon rose from where he stood and narrowed his eyes.
" All due respect, but this woman has done more than enough damage, she's the cause of the hunt of my mother, because of jealousy and seeking revenge on me for something I know nothing about," Amon said, " She tried to kill me and my team. There was no hesitation in each blow."
" Amon you said one of your comrades was hurt, she stood in the line of fire for you, but you could have saved her from injury too," another member said
" I was hurt, stabbed from the blow she threw at me," Amon said, " I was unable to help her."
Doujima's father looked at him and sighed then turned to the other board members. Amon waited to hear what their judgment was.
" To further this theory Amon, the board wants to see more evidence," a member said
" The board will meet again at 10 am," Doujima's father said dismissing the board
Amon gathered the tapes and files and Doujima's father walked over to him.
" It would be better that you don't argue with the board," Doujima's father said
" I'm just stating what I saw," Amon said
" Bring a better case tomorrow, more evidence," Doujima's father said
Amon walked off and was escorted to his hotel room. He walked up and grabbed his phone then called Karasuma's phone.
Karasuma got up and walked to her phone and stumbled to a chair. She answered the phone as she would do at work.
" Karasuma," she said
" Miho," he said
" Amon," she replied, " How was it today?"
Amon sighed and said, " They just don't understand, I have given them everything they need to convict one agent. They just want me gone."
" Oh, Amon, that's not true," Karasuma said
" It is true and maybe their right," Amon said
" Amon, your not giving up," Karasuma said
Amon sighed and said, " Miho, I need a favor from you."
Karasuma paused for a second before replying.
" Anything," she replied
" They want more evidence and perhaps from another hunter's view they'll listen to the one who saved my life," Amon said, " Could you come and stand before the board with me."
" Of course, I'll leave tonight," she said
" Thank you," he replied
" See you soon," she spoke
She hung up and Doujima walked in with groceries. Karasuma got up and Doujima put them down to help her.
" Where do you want to go?" Doujima asked
" I need to pack some things to leave tonight," Karasuma said, " Amon needs me up there."
" Oh, ok then let help," Doujima said
Doujima and Karasuma walked to Karasuma's room and they packed a few things. She then took the bag to the door and set it down.
" There, and I'll drive you up there," Doujima said, " What time do you want to leave?"
" 6ish," Karasuma said
Doujima nodded and helped Karasuma back to the sofa. She sat down and sighed a little.
" Amon called and said, that the board is just eating at him," Karasuma said, " He said the evidence against Kitai isn't going through to them so that's why I'm going."
" My father is probably leading the heard, he does that too everyone that the board summons, he means well, but he doesn't see the evidence straight in front of him," she said, " It's the blind leading the blind."
Amon fell asleep on the couch and listened to people come up and down the halls. It soothed him and he just let his body relax.
By 9 Karasuma and Doujima came and they knocked on Amon's door. He got up and opened the door.
" Good evening," Doujima said
" Good evening," Amon said
" I have come to drop off your beloved," Doujima said
Karasuma came to him and he wrapped his arm around her waist.
" I have a clearance badge for you Miho, files and your suit case," Doujima said
" Thank you Yurika," Karasuma replied
" I hope to see you two back in 5 days," Doujima said, " So, see you later."
" Bye Yurika," Karasuma said
Doujima walked off and went to HQ to have a word with her father and not a pleasant one at that.
Hikari and Nagira came home from his office with a note from Doujima stating she went to drop Karasuma off at Amon's hotel room because she was to go in front of the board. Nagira sighed and looked at Hikari.
" Why does Solomon have to be a bitch?" he questioned
" What's a matter uncle Nagira?" Hikari asked
" Yurika went up to bring Ms. Karasuma up to Amon, so she can stand in front of the board tomorrow," Nagira replied, " I guess it's only going to be us going out tonight."
Hikari nodded, Nagira sighed and took Hikari by her hand and they headed downstairs to head out to eat.
Sakaki and Robin went out on the town and had a romantic evening together, but there was still worry in Robin's eyes about Amon and Karasuma, both had it bad. Amon was standing before a board which determined his future and Karasuma was helpless since the accident.
" Don't worry Robin, Amon will talk to the board," Sakaki said, " He's done this before."
" I hope so," Robin said, " But what if the board doesn't believe him about Kitai and what if they punish him for keeping his sister's daughter. Amon doesn't deserve that."
Sakaki took Robin's hand and gave it a squeeze to assure her that he was there for her and then everyone would be fine.
Day 3
Amon opened his eyes and saw Karasuma lying in his arms and he remembered she came for his sake. He kissed her head as she snuggled closer to him and gave a little moan.
" Miho," he whispered, " It's time to get up."
" Just a little longer," Karasuma said
He gently woke her up again whispering sweet words in her ear. She smiled and opened up her eyes staring at him. He leaned down and kissed her on the lips.
" What time is it?" Karasuma asked
" It's nearly 8," Amon whispered
She laid her head on his chest and he rubbed her back gently .
" I wish we could skip," she said
Amon gave a moan of agreement, but then said, " It's not like school or work."
" Just torture," she replied
The two got up and Amon slipped a shirt on, then walked over to Karasuma. He lifted her into his arms and she wrapped her arms around his neck. He kissed her and he sat her down on the couch.
" Amon, what time are you going?" she asked
" I leave for 9:30," he said
Amon made coffee and made a breakfast for the two of them and he sat down with her. Karasuma grabbed his hand and he gave her hand a squeeze, he saw the scars on her arms that only brought back what had happen three weeks ago.
By 8:45 Amon helped Karasuma to the bathroom and she looked at him. She started the shower and tested the water.
" Come take a shower with me," she said kissing him
She slipped off his shirt and undressed him the rest of the way and he lifted her nightgown off. He helped her into the shower and both washed each other and just held each other.
" Amon, do you really think I will be able to help you?" she asked
" Yes, you're the evidence that Kitai attacked us," Amon said
She traced her hand down to his side and looked at the scar left behind on his side.
" And did you send them proof that you too were hurt?" she said
" My medical bill was presented, " Amon replied
Karasuma sighed and leaned her head on his chest as the water washed down them.
9:30 the escort was there and Amon helped Karasuma out the door carrying her briefcase with her files in it. The escort looked at Karasuma as Amon helped her into the car. Amon got in and slid next her, he took her hand and she leaned her head against him.
" Don't be nervous," he whispered
" I'll try not to," Karasuma replied
He nodded and looked out the window as they pulled up to HQ. Amon got out and walked over to Karasuma's side and opened the door. He helped her out and walked with her through the scan. They were then taken to the board room where Amon gave her the chair to sit. He knelt down by her side and took her hand.
" Are you feeling alright?" he asked
" I'm fine," she said stroking his cheek with her hand
The board walked in and Amon stood up as they looked at him. They set files down and then took a seat.
" Good morning," Doujima's father said
" Good morning," Amon replied
" Ms. Karasuma, glad to see you well," he said
Amon walked behind Karasuma's chair and placed his hands on her shoulders. Karasuma reached down and pulled the briefcase with her paper work in it. She opened it and handed Amon the files.
" Why are you hear today Ms. Karasuma?" A board said
" As proof that Konjou, Kitai is dangerous for even Solomon," Amon said
He walked up and handed the files with Karasuma's tape as well. Amon looked at Doujima's father and then walked back to Karasuma.
" Ms. Karasuma, these files are much more different then Amon's," A board member said
Karasuma looked Amon the board members looked at the files then the board member looked at Doujima's father.
" Please excuse us," Doujima's father said
Amon knelt down and looked at Karasuma.
" You're looking a little pale," he said
" I don't feel to well," Karasuma replied
He took her hand and said, " This won't last long."
The board members walked in and Doujima walked in with her father and behind her walked Kitai.
" Members of the board Agent Yurika Nagira and Agent Kitai, Konjou," Doujima's father said
" Thank you," Doujima said
" Have a seat Agent Konjou you have a long day," Doujima said
Konjou took a seat in the back and Doujima walked over to Amon.
" I've talked to my father yesterday, he's dropping your charges," Doujima said, " but I couldn't drop the others. Your going to have fight for Hikari. Good news is Hikari has permission to remain here."
" Thank you Yurika," Amon said
" Good luck," Doujima said
Karasuma smiled and Amon looked at the board and they pulled the other file.
" The girl Hikari," Doujima's father said
" I ask that you don't take her from me, she and my brother are all I have left of family," Amon said
" She's dangerous," a board member said, " Look at you, you can't control your powers."
" That's not true," Karasuma piped up standing up
Amon looked at her and walked over to help her stand.
" Ms. Karasuma you may speak," Doujima's father said
" Hikari, has never used her powers at all, only to train Amon, Yes, she is capable of killing or hurting someone, but what witch isn't? Amon has raised her not to use those powers for killing, he's taught her how to suppress her anger. Hikari is not dangerous, I assure you," Karasuma said
Amon looked at her, and she sat down carefully then Amon turned to the board.
" Her powers increase daily, you can't suppress them," another member said, " Can you prove to us that she deserves a chance."
Karasuma looked at Amon and looked down at her. He looked at Doujima and she looked at her father.
" The wedding video," Doujima said, " It will be here tomorrow."
" Then we'll conclude," Her father said
They rose and Doujima got Kitai up and walked her outside. Amon helped Karasuma up, he wrapped his arm around her waist and walked her out. He walked her to a car waiting for them. He got her in and slid in next to her, she leaned her head against his chest.
" Your still a little pale, when we get to the hotel I want you to rest," he said, " I'll bring you something to eat."
" Alright," she replied
He kissed her head and then leaned his head on hers as they were taken back to the hotel. When they got there Amon helped Karasuma out and took her up to the room. He carried her in the rest of the way and laid her down on the bed. She looked at him and smiled, he removed his tied and walked to the kitchen making her a little something. He called to Hikari to see how she was handling things with Nagira.
" Is Ms. Karasuma taking care of you now uncle Amon?" Hikari asked
" A little, right now she's resting," Amon said
" When are you coming home?" Hikari asked
" I hope Sunday, where is Nagira?" he asked
" He's making lunch right now and he's going to go to work. Robin and Sakaki are going to take me out today," Hikari said
Amon stirred the soup and walked over to Karasuma. He sat down next to her and she sat up and took the soup. He placed a glass of water on the night stand and looked at her as she ate the soup.
" How is Sakaki and Robin taking you somewhere?" Amon asked
" Sakaki's borrowing Uncle Nagira's car," Hikari said
Amon sighed and said, " Tell him to drive carefully and not like he drives his motorcycle."
" I will," Hikari said
" Good girl," Amon said
" Well, I got to go lunch is ready, tell Ms. Karasuma to get well," Hikari said
" I will," Amon replied
He hung up and Karasuma looked at him and smiled. He saw her color return to her skin. She grabbed his hand and kissed it.
" Amon, don't worry," she said placing her hand on his face
He leaned into her hand and then grabbed her hand and kissed it. She smiled, then finished the rest of the soup. He laid down next to her and took her in his arms, just holding her.
" Amon," she said
" Hmm," he moan
She looked at him and saw his eyes closed and then she kissed his head.
" You're a good man Amon," she whispered
Day 4 and 5
Day four went over what Amon had done. Amon argued his case with them and stated why Hikari should remain in Japan. He stated, that she would not harm anyone, not a human, animal, or another witch. The board found this slightly impossible, but Amon was willing to prove it. Karasuma watched as Amon fought for Hikari's custody as he showed what he could. With Doujima's help he was able to show the board that he would be a good parent.
Day five was his judgment day and he waited to hear their decision. Amon looked at Karasuma and she gently rubbed his back to sooth his nerves. His heart raced as he listened to the whispers. Doujima walked up to her father and he leaned over.
" Father, Amon may have a dark look to him, but he has changed since this girl came into his life. He has nurtured her to be a fine little girl. Nagira and I are crazy about her too. We'll be there with Amon to raise her up to be a suitable person, along with the STN-J," Doujima said
" Yurika, this is not only me deciding on this girls future," her father said
" Then make them understand, what you saw on the wedding tape is more than an uncle, but a father," Doujima said
" Yurika," he said
Doujima looked at the board members and said, " Can you turn a girl away that has changed a man's life? She has given Amon hope to live, you can't take that away from him. Nor from his comrades. This girl has not only taught him how to look deep inside himself, but all the members of the STN-J. Would you be able to send someone you love back to where they don't want to be, because they love who they are staying with?"
" Mrs. Nagira, we understand that you have concerns for the girl, but it is for her well being," a member said
" Please, Agent Chijin," Doujima said, " I know you have two children and two nieces. Would you be able to give away any of them?"
She turned to Amon and he stood up straight.
" This man is a legend, and idol to our hunters, to us he is our father away from our fathers. He's the one who guides us, nurture us to be a hunter," Doujima said
Karasuma looked at Amon and grabbed his hand as Amon looked at the board.
" I ask again, please don't take this girl from me," Amon said, " She's not a witch like you would think. She is her mother's spirit and my mother's heart."
The board looked at Amon and then at Doujima's father as he took a deep breath.
" Then it's settled," he said, " This day forth Amon, you are the sworn guardian of this girl. You are to teach her the ropes around Japan, take care of her, clothe her. Nurture her with a fatherly love."
" I'll do all I can," Amon said
" Then Hikari, Ame is apart of both you and the STN-J. Train her well," Doujima's father said, " This case is closed."
He rose and the board members nodded. Karasuma smiled and Amon looked at her. Doujima walked over and stood there and put out her hand.
" I know you still see me as a co-worker, and I think I will always be one to you," Doujima said, " Even though I'm family."
Amon looked at her and hugged Doujima, in a fatherly embrace.
" You are my brother's wife, I can't deny you that privilege to be my sister," Amon said
Doujima wrapped her arms around Amon and hugged him. Karasuma smiled and Amon looked at Doujima and wiped her tears from her face.
" Thank you Yurika," he said
He turned to Karasuma and took her in his arms.
" We have no need to stay any longer, let's go home," he said
The three of them walked out and Doujima waited for them to come out the hotel. Amon got into his car and pulled up for Karasuma to get in. He got out and helped her in then put the bags in the back. He then got in and looked at her and grabbed her hand.
" I love you," he whispered
" I love you too Amon," she said
She leaned over and Amon put his arm around her and kissed her.
" Let's go home and celebrate," she whispered, " I know the perfect wine."
She smiled and Amon nodded then drove off with Doujima following behind him. Doujima called home and waited for Nagira to pick up.
" Hello," he answered
" Hello sweetheart, we're on our way home, I think we'll keep Hikari an extra night, just because Amon and Karasuma need to relieve some stress," Doujima said
" Ah, I see," he said with a chuckle
" We'll have another wedding sooner or later, I say 8 months," Doujima said
" I'm sure sooner if Amon is ready for marriage," Nagira said
" We'll be home around 8 maybe it's 5 now," she said
" I'll be up," he said
" I love you," Doujima said
" I love you too, get here safe to me," he said
She hung up and watched ahead and smiled at the thought of Karasuma and Amon getting married.
" Two hunters," she thought, " The forgotten and the found."