Chapter 2: A Secret and Pain
Sakaki sat down at his desk and looked at the pen that remained on his jacket. He smiled every time, he looked at it and occasionally gave a slight blush. Doujima and Robin looked at him and then cleared their throats. He looked over his shoulder and raised an eyebrow.
" Inquiring minds want to know," Doujima said
" It's nothing," he said
" So, is our guardian angel blushing over the one he watches?" Doujima said
Amon walked in and all stopped and looked at him. He was different than his usual mysterious nature.
" Amon," Robin asked
" We have a hunt let's pull up the files Michael," Amon said
Doujima looked at Amon and slightly tilted her head.
" Something's up," Doujima whispered to Robin
They walked to the briefing room and sat down. Karasuma walked in and set her purse down.
" Funaki, Dayu, 26 years old, craft of weather, Last seen in this area," Michael said
" He's wanted for four murders according to Solomon, but the police won't let us near the sites of these deaths. They told us there are natural deaths," Amon said, " Not freak deaths."
Karasuma looked at the file and looked carefully at the picture. She then slightly gasped.
" What's wrong?" Sakaki asked
" Look at this guy doesn't he look the least bit familiar?" Karasuma asked
Sakaki looked at the picture and slightly shook his head.
" He looks like the thug from the other night," Sakaki whispered
" Amon does this guy have an updated photo?" Karasuma asked
" No," Amon said
Sakaki looked and pointed out, by drawing a couple things.
" It's got to be, up for a hunt tonight," Sakaki asked
" I'm for it," Karasuma said
Amon looked at them and asked, " Would you two like to share something?"
" We were just talking about this guy we have a lead," Karasuma answered
Amon looked at Karasuma and Sakaki and then nodded.
" Then we'll let you organize the hunt Karasuma," Amon said
Karasuma nodded and Amon dismissed them. Karasuma walked to the back and Sakaki sat down on the back table. Amon walked in and gave Sakaki a look.
" Get off the table, you sit in a chair. That's what they're used for," Amon said
He looked in the back fridge and sighed.
" Don't you have a fridge of your own Sakaki?" Amon asked
" I do, but I keep on forgetting to bring the sushi home," Sakaki said
Amon pushed boxes of sushi out the way and pulled out a bottle of water. He shut the door and looked at Sakaki.
" Clean it out tonight or it's going into the garbage, this isn't your fridge to store your food in," Amon said
Karasuma looked at Amon, but didn't say anything. She turned back to Sakaki and shrugged.
" He's just in a bad mood….again," Karasuma said
" He needs to get laid," Sakaki said
" Sakaki," Karasuma said
Sakaki shrugged and said, " It's true I mean come on."
Karasuma shook her head and organized the hunt for tonight. She handed the plan to Amon and he looked at it.
" How do you know it's him?" Amon asked
" We saw him when he attacked us the other day," Karasuma said, " Same scar on his left eye, no hair, he's your average street thug."
Amon nodded and looked at the clock, seeing it was nearly 9. He looked at Sakaki and Karasuma.
" Alright, then we'll wait until tonight," Amon said
Later Sakaki sat in the back eating sushi and Karasuma looked at him.
" How come you eat sushi only?" Karasuma said
" Cause it's a good diet," Sakaki said, " Has a perfectly good balance of everything you need."
" You can't live on sushi alone, it's just not healthy, what about your meats, your dairy, fruits," Karasuma said
" It's got fruit sometimes," Sakaki said
Karasuma smiled and Sakaki offered her some and she took a bite. He smiled and finished up what he had left. Karasuma went back to what she was doing.
" Hey Ms. Karasuma do you ever take off work I mean stop working for once and have fun?" Sakaki asked
" Sometimes, but I can't just drop everything, it's my life," Karasuma said
" Yeah, but your like only what 19," Sakaki said, " Why don't you just live a little you know have fun."
Karasuma shook her head and sighed.
" I wish I could, I just don't have the time," Karasuma said, " it's paying my bills."
Sakaki looked at her as she just stared away from him and he sighed. He jumped up and grabbed her hand.
" Come on," Sakaki said, " Follow me."
He pulled her up and led her downstairs and grabbed his helmet and spare helmet.
" We're going for a ride," Sakaki said
" Sakaki we just can't leave work," Karasuma said
" Sure we can," he said
Sakaki put on his ear piece.
" Hey Michael, Ms. Karasuma and I are going to check out some of the crime sense," Sakaki said
" Alright, I'll let Amon know," Michael siad
Sakaki handed her the spare helmet.
" You need fresh air anyway," Sakaki said
She took the helmet and put it on and Sakaki started his motorcycle. He helped Karasuma get on and she wrapped her arms around him.
" Hang tight," he said
He took off down the garage and Karasuma held onto him. She smiled as the wind ripped past them. Sakaki smiled under his helmet feeling her hold as he took close turns. He weaved through traffic and gave her a few scares just to hear her laugh afterwards. Sakaki took her down the dark side streets and by past traffic. He came to a stop and looked at her.
" How do you like the ride so far?" Sakaki asked
" I'm enjoying it Sakaki," she said
Sakaki smiled and took her outside of town on to a path in the forest and stopped. He got off and removed his helmet. He then helped her down and she looked at him.
" Amazing," Karasuma said
" I do this all the time," Sakaki said
Karasuma smiled and looked at Sakaki, she felt a warm feeling just being with him.
" Of all the years, we've been partners, you've never been this spontaneous," Karasuma said
" Oh, come on Ms. Karasuma I'm always spontaneous," Sakaki said
" No, your different, you've saved my life twice, you speak to me differently then before," Karasuma said, " Your someone I don't even know anymore."
" I'm still the same hunter," Sakaki said
Karasuma smiled and walked along the path and then stopped. Sakaki walked over to her and looked at her.
" We've all changed," Sakaki said
Karasuma turned and looked at him and said, " Perhaps your right, maybe it's the fact that we're all getting older and the STN-J has changed too."
Sakaki walked next to her and Karasuma met his eyes.
" You've brought life back to me Sakaki," she said, " Let me try something new."
Karasuma reached up and kissed Sakaki on his lips, Sakaki kissed her back. Karasuma felt the warmness of his lips touch her own, she then wrapped her arms around him and Sakaki pulled her close. Sakaki didn't feel wrong kissing his partner, in fact there was something that drew him closer to Karasuma. Karasuma pulled away and blushed a little and turned away.
" I'm sorry," she said
Sakaki looked at her and nodded, he questioned what happened. His thoughts wandered as he watched Karasuma look around the forest.
" Please, don't tell anyone Sakaki," Karasuma whispered
" Tell them what?" he asked
" About what just happened," Karasuma replied, " I don't know what came over me."
Sakaki looked at her and she turned to him. She grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze.
" Promise me Sakaki, that you won't tell anyone," Karasuma said, " It's very awkward for me to say this, but Amon won't like it if he found out."
" Amon?" Sakaki questioned, " What does Amon have to do with this?"
Karasuma shook her head and turned away.
" We should go," Karasuma said
" No, tell me," Sakaki said, " What does Amon have to do with this."
Karasuma shook her head and shrugged and Sakaki sighed.
" I see," Sakaki said, " That's why he's been giving me strange looks when I'm around you."
" He doesn't want to talk about it," Karasuma siad
" Why him though?" Sakaki asked
Karasuma shook her head and walked towards Sakaki's motorcycle. Sakaki put his helmet on as Karasuma looked at him.
" Sakaki," she whispered
" Come on we don't want to keep Amon waiting do we?" Sakaki sarcastically said
Karasuma placed her helmet on and got on. Sakaki went straight back to the STN-J. He pulled up and helped her off then he pulled out and took off.
" Sakaki!" she shouted
" Let him go," Amon said
She looked at Amon as he walked out the shadows. She lowered her gaze and walked over to him. He gently wrapped his arms around Karasuma and she leaned her head on his chest.
" He'll get over it," Amon said
She sighed and wrapped her arms around Amon in a lovingly embraces. She was making the right decision, she knew she was. A strong relationship with a strong man, someone she could talk to, but there was something she felt was missing.
Later Karasuma, Robin, Sakaki and Amon took off on the hunt. Karasuma walked out the store just like the last time and right on queue two thugs followed her. Karasuma looked to her right and saw Amon, then saw Sakaki on the left. She patted her coat for the gun act as though searching for her keys.
" They're behind me," Karasuma said
" Hey lady, it seems we've run into each other for a second time," Dayu said, " This time it looks like you have money since you didn't buy anything."
Sakaki reached for his gun and Amon shook his head. Karasuma looked at Sakaki in the background. Amon advanced and got his gun ready, the orbo was reacting. Amon looked around, then saw the clouds forming.
" Why don't you gentleman leave," Karasuma said, " I've come prepared."
" We'll see, Witch hunter," Dayu said
A bolt of lightning struck just between Karasuma and Dayu. She covered her eyes and he grabbed her pulling a knife out.
" Don't move," Dayu growled
" Karasuma," Sakaki whispered
" Don't move Sakaki," Amon said
The orbo pendant reacted and Amon looked at Robin.
" Dayu," Robin said
Dayu turned around and Robin shout flames around Dayu's partner.
" A craft user," he said, " Bring on the rain."
It began to rain and put out Robin's flames and Robin was forced back by a bolt of lightning. Amon fired a shot and his Dayu's partner.
" Another one," Dayu growled
He suddenly made a blast of wind come at Amon and then snow. Amon fought against it and Sakaki fired a shot and missed Dayu.
" Sakaki I told you to stay back," Amon shouted
" No way Amon not this time," Sakaki said
Karasuma reached for her gun and Dayu put the knife closer to Karasuma's neck. She gasped and felt the hair on the back of her neck rise.
" Karasuma!" Sakaki shouted
A bolt of lightning struck the knife and Karasuma's pendant changed into the three shades of green before turning black. She closed her eyes and her eyes became limp.
" Karasuma!" Sakaki shouted
Amon ran and fired, there was no mercy in this hunt. Sakaki did the same and Robin forced fire on Dayu's arms. He looked at Robin and narrowed his eyes and a bolt came at her, but she blocked it. Sakaki fired three shots into Dayu's leg and he fell dropping Karasuma. His partner looked at them and ran off in fear. Dayu finally gave up and Amon called Michael. Sakaki ran over to Karasuma and looked at her, she had a burn mark on her neck.
" Karasuma," he whispered
Amon ran over and looked at Karasuma, slightly pushed Sakaki away from her. Amon lifted her and checked her pulse and couldn't pick one up.
" No," he whispered, " Miho, open your eyes."
" Is she dead?" Robin asked
" No, she's not," Amon growled
Sakaki called for an ambulance and Amon held Karasuma. He continued to try to get a pulse, even if it wasn't a noticeable one.
" Come on Miho," he said
He pushed in time with his own heart beat and he breathed deep. Sakaki looked and finally Amon got one. He saw her open her eyes and then close them again. He felt her breaths on his hand as he placed his hand on her face. The ambulance came and took Karasuma and Amon rode with her. Sakaki watched and felt his heart shatter in his chest seeing Amon taking care of her.
" Come on Sakaki," Robin said, " Let's go."
Sakaki took a deep breath and followed Robin. She rode with him to the hospital and saw Amon was gone.
" Excuse me, what room is Ms. Miho Karasuma in?" Robin asked
" Room 145 next to the ICU," the nurse said
Robin looked at Sakaki and tugged on his jacket.
" I can't see her," Sakaki said, " It's my fault she got hurt."
" No, it's not now come on," Robin said
She dragged Sakaki down to her room and they entered. Amon was sitting next to Karasuma and he looked over at Sakaki and Robin. Karasuma looked at Sakaki seeing he was sadden, by the scene. Amon stood up and walked out the room and Sakaki walked over. Karasuma smiled and looked at him.
" I'm sorry," he whispered, " I didn't save you this time. I hesitated."
" Don't blame yourself," Karasuma said, " Your still my guardian angel."
" No, I'm not, I'm a fallen angel," Sakaki whispered
Karasuma grabbed his hand and said, " Haruto Sakaki, stop speaking as though you've lost your courage. Where's the daring Sakaki I know."
" He's gone," Sakaki said
He got up and walked off and Robin looked at Karasuma.
" Get better alright," Robin said, " I'll talk to him."
" Thank you Robin," Karasuma said
Robin walked off and Amon walked in and grabbed her hand.
" Get some rest, I'll be back tomorrow," he said
" Alright," she said
He kissed her forehead and walked out. Robin and Sakaki left and Amon narrowed his eyes.
The next day Sakaki came in and Amon rose from where he sat.
" Sakaki I want a word with you," Amon said
" Yes, sir," Sakaki said
Robin looked at Sakaki, seeing the lack of sleep in his eyes and then looked at Amon, there was anger, and frustration.
" Sakaki's in for it, add a few more bruises to the list," Doujima said
" It's nothing to joke about," Robin said, " Karasuma was hurt and Amon blames Sakaki for it."
" So the rumors are true Amon and Miho are in item," Doujima said
" Shh," Robin said
Amon shut the door and looked at Sakaki as he sat down.
" What the hell were you thinking last night," Amon said
" I was going to save her," Sakaki said
Amon narrowed his eyes and said, " You failed then. She's suffered from second degree burns on her neck and mid back thanks to you."
Sakaki looked at Amon and narrowed his eyes at him.
" Do you know what orders are Sakaki?" Amon questioned
" Things you don't give very well," Sakaki replied
Amon slapped Sakaki across the face with the back of his hand.
" Your sarcasm isn't what I asked for," Amon said, " You failed as a witch hunter to obey orders. He could have killed her with that knife."
" All due respects sir, but if he wanted to kill her he would have done it in the first place. He did the same thing to us the other night. He was going to use the bolts of lightning to kill us," Sakaki replied
" You should have thought about that before you advance," Amon said
Sakaki stood up and looked at Amon.
" You should have protected her too, she was pleading for her life, but you didn't go help her," Sakaki said
" Shut up," Amon said
" No, if you loved her that much you would have done anything to protect her, why else did I take the chance," Sakaki said
Amon threw a punch at Sakaki and Sakaki fell back. Robin walked in and saw Amon hold Sakaki by his neck.
" Stop it!" Robin shouted
Doujima walked in and both Robin and Doujima pulled Amon away from Sakaki.
" Bastard," Sakaki spat
" Get out of here," Amon growled as the girls grabbed Amon by his arms
Sakaki narrowed his eyes and walked off grabbing his helmet. Robin and Doujima looked at Amon.
" What the hell is up with you two?" Doujima said, " You've been at each other's throats for the last two days."
Amon broke away and walked off and Doujima and Robin looked at him.
" I have a feeling there's a lot to be explained," Doujima said
Sakaki road to a flower store and picked up roses. He then went to the hospital and went to Karasuma's room. He walked in and Karasuma sat up, she had a bandage wrapped around her neck and Sakaki felt the pain.
" Sakaki, what happened to your face?" she asked
" Amon's evil hand," Sakaki said
" Oh no, he blamed you didn't he?" she asked
Sakaki sat down and handed her the flowers and said, " I never want to get on Amon's bad side. I've done that twice, but never got this bad of a hit before. He must really be protective you."
Karasuma lowered her head and Sakaki grabbed her hand.
" Why are you with him Miho?" Sakaki asked
" Don't call me that Sakaki," Karasuma said
" It's your name isn't it?" Sakaki said
" I don't let anyone I work with call me by my name," Karasuma whispered
" I know expect for Amon," Sakaki mockingly said, " I know, I know."
Karasuma looked at him and shook her head.
" No you don't know Amon like I do. I know his pain, his thoughts," Karasuma said
" And I guess you love him. Of course you do that's the only reason your with him. He's everything you want, and your looking to settle down with him," Sakaki said
" Sakaki," she sternly said, " What has gotten into you?"
" Did you ever think, that there are other people," Sakaki said, " Perhaps not cause you have him….it's all about him."
Karasuma narrowed her eyes and slapped Sakaki across the face and he looked at her.
" You just slapped me," he said
" Welcome back to reality Sakaki," Karasuma said
" I guess I needed that," Sakaki said
Karasuma looked at him and reached over and placed ice on his face. Sakaki felt the relief as the ice soothed his face.
" He really doesn't need to abuse his co-workers, after all I never saw him as that type," Karasuma said
Sakaki looked at Karasuma and sighed, he stood up and then turned away.
" Why can't things be like they were before?" Sakaki said, " I could deal with just being your partner."
He walked off and Karasuma sighed. She smelt the roses and tears fell from her face.
" Oh, Sakaki I'm sorry you can't understand," Karasuma said
Later Sakaki sat down at the park his mind was filled with thoughts. He couldn't stand seeing Karasuma talk about Amon like he was the good guy. Amon was possessive and he would do everything to keep Sakaki away from Karasuma. Sakaki went back to the STN-J and saw Amon gone, he climbed the stairs and entered the office. Michael looked up and so did Robin and Doujima.
" Oh dear," Robin said, " Your face is horrible looking Sakaki."
Sakaki shrugged and sat down in a chair. Doujima grabbed a cup and poured him coffee then handed it to him. She sat down and they looked at him. Sakaki was in a daze and they couldn't get him to talk.
" Sakaki, why don't you go home, your looking pale," Doujima said
" I'm only dreaming," he whispered, " I'm not here."
Doujima slapped him across the face and he blink and felt his face burn.
" Snap back to reality and speak up," Doujima said
" What good will it do me?" he asked
Robin sighed and said, " Amon did this too you because you failed right?"
" I didn't fail, I just wanted to protect my partner is that so hard, but he wouldn't let me," Sakaki whispered, " I'm no longer Karasuma's partner."
" That's a bunch of horse shit if I ever heard it. Sakaki your Miho's partner regardless of what happened," Doujima said
" I can't," Sakaki said, " For as long as he is with her. I no longer exist. I just wish I could fade away."
Robin frowned as he talked about fading away. She shook her head and stood up.
" How can you talk like that Sakaki, your not who you were back on the hunt. You're a coward if your giving up. How can you say you're a witch hunter," Robin said
Sakaki stood up and Robin looked at him and she narrowed her eyes.
" I know how painful it is, but you can't go on living like your nothing," Robin said
Sakaki shook his head and walked off and Doujima sighed. She was feeling sorry for Sakaki, he wasn't himself. Sakaki rode home and went up to his apartment there he just flopped on the hallway floor and closed his eyes.
" Haruto Sakaki, stop speaking as though you've lost your courage. Where's the daring Sakaki I know." Karasuma's voice echoed along with his reply
" He's gone," Sakaki said
" He's dead, he's gone. He never will bother you again," Sakaki whispered
Dream
" He won't hurt you I promise and he won't hurt me," Karasuma said
" How do you know that?" Sakaki asked
Karasuma turned away and walked down a path way in the park. The cherry blossoms were in season.
" Amon and I are the top hunters, it was only destiny that we came together, him on top and me right beside him," Karasuma whispered
She caught some of the blossoms in her hand. She turned and looked at Sakaki seeing he lowered his head.
" You worry to much, your only upset because your afraid for my well being," Karasuma said
Karasuma placed her hand on Sakaki's face and then hugged him.
" Your still young," Karasuma said, " You don't need to follow me every where I go."
" I want to," he whispered
End
Sakaki opened his eyes and saw he slept until the next morning. He got up and looked around seeing he was on the floor. He cleaned up and let the water beat down on him. He placed one hand on the wall and just leaned toward the wall, head down letting the water beat on him. He felt the relief on his sore muscles and the healing bruises he acquired from two nights ago.
" Leave me alone," Sakaki whispered, " Just leave me alone."
Sakaki opened his eyes and looked up at the water then got out. He looked in the mirror and saw his reflection blurred out from the condensation. He wiped it off and looked at himself.
" Who are you?" Sakaki whispered, " Are you who I use to be?"
He smiled and shook his head.
" Your the side of me which I can no longer be," Sakaki whispered, " My shadow, the one I'm afraid of."