AN: Hey everyone who is keeping up with the story I want to thank the reviewers who have reviewed. I wish to hear from everyone who does read this after all I do this for you all.
Chapter 6: The Best Medicine
Amon came early the next morning and he entered the hospital, two researchers followed behind him and a doctor stood there. Amon explained the situation that he had a possible cure for Karasuma's case. He need to see her, but they told him she was already asleep. He asked them anyway to lead him to her room. They did so and there Amon saw Sakaki once again asleep only this time he was in her bed with his arms wrapped around her. Amon sighed and slightly angered by this scene, realized that he had been blind all along. Why hadn't he realized it? Karasuma had showed an interest in Sakaki for the last two months, since the two years of her loss with Razan. Amon sat down in a chair and leaned his head down by her bedside.
The next morning Sakaki opened his eyes and saw Karasuma awake, she had a settled, but scared look on her face.
" Morning," Sakaki said pushing her hair back from her face
Karasuma grabbed his hand and kissed it then turned and looked down at Amon. She stroked his cheek and Amon stirred a little before opening his eyes. He sat up and looked at Karasuma and a small smirk broke from his shadowed face. Sakaki got up and sat down in a chair, head lowered. Karasuma reached out her hands for both to grab.
" My two men," she whispered
Both looked up at her and then gave a quick glance. Karasuma sat up and Amon reached into a bag pulling out a bottle. He looked at her and Karasuma stared at the bottle.
" I don't know if it will work, but it should help," Amon said
A doctor walked in and checked on her then Amon stood up. Amon looked at the doctor as she examined the substance.
" And how might you use this?" she asked
" Just like a regular shot," Amon said
The doctor called in a nurse and asked for a needle. She got one and handed it to Amon.
" I trust you know what your doing?" she asked
" Yes," Amon replied
Amon stuck the needle in the substance and then walked over to Karasuma.
" Just relax," Amon said
Karasuma nodded and Amon stuck her in her arm with a large amount. Karasuma looked at Amon as he dabbed her arm with a small cloth.
" There, it should work," Amon said
" How long with this take?" the doctor asked
" A day at the most, I'm guessing," Amon said
The doctor nodded and then walked out to tell her staff. Amon stood up and looked at Sakaki.
" Sakaki, could you give us a minuet?" Amon asked
Sakaki nodded and Amon reached into his bag then tossed Sakaki a razor and shaving cream.
" Clean up," Amon said
Sakaki nodded and walked out the room just to give them the time alone. Amon sat down and grabbed Karasuma's hand.
" You need to clean up too," Karasuma said rubbing Amon's rough chin
Amon grabbed her hand and took it into his own giving it a squeeze.
" Miho, I'm sorry," Amon said
" Amon, what do you have to be sorry for?" she asked stroking his cheek
Amon stood up and sat beside her and leaned over, then kissed her head.
" I was never there," Amon said
He grabbed her hand and kissed it then looked at the ring on her left finger and turned it for her.
" Amon," she said
" Miho, do your remember when you first came, fresh to the STN-J?" Amon asked
" Only a little," Karasuma said
Amon smiled and laid beside her and entwined his fingers with hers. He leaned his head on hers and stroked her arms.
" Then I'm going to tell you," Amon whispered
Flash back
Zaizen looked at the hunters, Karasuma wore a nice pants suit and a blouse. She shyly looked at the others and Amon turned away.
" Another hunter," Amon whispered
" This is Miho, Karasuma, she's the new replacement for Kariko," Zaizen said
Amon eyed her from the corner of his eyes and didn't say a word, but he knew Karasuma has the energy of what it took to be a hunter. He has mastered it long ago, but he knew it would take long. Amon was nudged by Razan and he looked over.
" Go say hello show a little courtesy," Razan said
Amon rolled his eyes and stood up and walked over to the young Karasuma and got down to her level.
" Miho," he said, " I'm Amon, your new comrades from left to right. Razan, Suki, and Ken our second newest."
Karasuma nodded and Amon looked at her slightly tilting his head to see her gaze.
" How old are you Miho?" Amon asked
" 15," Karasuma said softly
" 15, your at a new age where things will be different, where did you come from," Amon said
" Kyoto," Karasuma said
" Very nice place to live," Amon said
Amon didn't smile, but his voice was gentle to Karasuma. A trusting voice and then he stood up and nodded to Zaizen as if to say, he could take it from here. Zaizen left and Amon walked her towards Razan.
" Razan, will be your partner Miho, he's experienced and is in need of a level headed partner," Amon said, " Cause he can't seem to grasp reality to well. He's our Senior hunter."
" How do you do?" Razan said
" Very well," Karasuma said
Razan smiled and nodded, he and Amon taught Karasuma everything they knew from perfect hunts to failed attempts. Amon watched Karasuma develop her skills as a hunter and Razan often teased him about how Karasuma would take his job. Amon only shook his head with the same reply.
" Not in my life time," Amon said
With time Karasuma became older and Amon became like her older brother and she could always go to him for advice. Of course it was hard when it dealt with love because he didn't know feelings of these types. She sat on the desk as Amon fixed the back.
" Amon," Karasuma said, " What advice can you give me on love?"
Amon dropped files and he quickly picked them up.
" Your too young for that stuff," Amon said as he placed the other folders
" I'm 16," Karasuma said
Amon sighed and rubbed his eyes then said, " It's a game, you don't want to get involved with. It gets you distracted."
Karasuma looked at him as he folded up some other paper work. He walked over to the front and placed some files on Suki's desk.
" File those," he said, " Your always bored."
" Of course, what every you say," Suki said
Amon looked at Karasuma and stopped.
" You will do well not to pay mind to Razan's feelings especially at your age. He's too wild for you and to unpredictable," Amon said, " Why are you asking about love now?"
Karasuma lowered her and Amon stared at her.
" Please tell me you didn't," Amon said
" We went out that's all," Karasuma replied
" This has been going on for a year now, haven't you learned anything?" Amon said, " You can't do that. He's your partner and it's going to cost someone their life."
Amon was right a year after Razan and Karasuma were engaged. Doujima had come to the office as a young ditzy new helper, but not a replacement. Karasuma and Doujima became friends and Doujima encouraged the engagement thinking it was romantic. Razan and Karasuma had set a date for the middle of August and yet misfortune took place. Amon had watched the whole thing, his orders were clear, that there could no longer be a disturbance in the STN-J including love. The senior hunter had to be taken out. Solomon had sent word for Razan to be promoted to an agent to avoid any further damage to the system. Everything went wrong with the hunt, Razan was given a weak pendant of orbo, the witch had killed him on site. Amon had felt the guilt laid on his shoulders when Karasuma grabbed him by the arm asking him to save him. Amon couldn't he was not to interfere. Karasuma grieved and Amon was there as the big brother.
" I'll watch out for you," he whispered as the rain fell
Karasuma stared at the grave site as they filled in the grave site. An umbrella was placed over her head and she looked at Amon.
" Why? We were happy, we had everything?" Karasuma said
" Come on, let's get you inside," Amon whispered
He led her to his car and drove her to the STN-J. Karasuma stood in the garage staring at the black car that was his. She held the keys in her hand and opened the door.
" Razan," she whispered
Amon watched her from the shadows as he often did, he knew 8 months later there would be a hunter to replace the late Razan. One that would change her life around.
End
" How come you never told me?" Karasuma whispered
" I was following orders from Zaizen, I was not to interfere or I to would have been shot on site," Amon said, " I didn't want too. Razan was like a brother to me, he was my mentor."
" Of course and 8 months later Sakaki came," Karasuma said
Amon nodded and kissed her head, then stroked her cheek.
" Amon," she whispered
" Hmm," he said
" Why did your bring this story up?" she asked
Amon looked down at her and said, " I want you to be with the man you want to be with. I know you love me Miho, but there's something that made you hurry and say yes to my proposal. I believe it has something to do with a certain hunter that reminds you of Razan."
" Sakaki," she said
Amon nodded and a smile creased his lips. Karasuma wrapped her arms around Amon and he kissed her head.
" I want you to know I will be here for you," Amon whispered, " But I am better off as a brother to you then a lover."
" Your going to break the engagement off?" she asked
" Yes, I want you to be happy with him not me," Amon said
He slid the ring off her finger and looked at her.
" Don't lose that hope Miho," he said
He kissed her forehead once more.
" I'll let him come in," Amon said, " After all he's been the best medicine."
Amon slid out of the bed and walked to the door and opened it. Sakaki looked up and handed Amon the shaving cream and razor.
" She needs to talk to you," Amon said
He put out his fist hand and Sakaki put out his hand. Amon dropped the ring into Sakaki's hand.
" In the end she chose you," Amon said
Sakaki looked at the ring and nodded then walked in and stopped.
" Amon," Sakaki said
" Yes," Amon replied
" I'm sorry for the horrible things I've said in the past. I was just angry that's all," Sakaki said
" I don't hold grudges Sakaki, It's understandable," Amon said
Sakaki walked in and walked to Karasuma's side. He sat down and looked at her she gave a soft smile.
" Sakaki," she said
" You already look better," Sakaki said
" I have you to thank, you've kept me strong this far," Karasuma said
" Don't talk like your going to die, the cure will work. You'll be on your feet in no time," Sakaki said
Karasuma grabbed his hand and he stood up.
" Sakaki," she whispered
" Yes," he replied
" I love you and I want you to know that," Karasuma said with tears in her eyes
" I love you to Miho," he replied, " I'm going to take care of you for as long as I live."
" And I hope it's a really long time," Karasuma said
Sakaki leaned over and kissed her deeply, then stared at her. He saw life return to her as he just stared at her.
1 month later
The medicine that Amon had developed cured Karasuma's illness with in three weeks. The clots of orbo that developed in her blood dissolved and she was free to go. Karasuma started a new life with Sakaki and was careful of her past with the man she loved. Karasuma wrapped her arms around Sakaki as he tossed a few pancakes. She laid her head on Sakaki's back and smiled. She kissed his bare back and Sakaki turned around and pulled her close to him.
" How are you feeling?" he asked
" I'm feeling better ready to go on another hunt," Karasuma said
She ran her hands up his built chest and leaned her head on his chest.
" Sakaki just hold me," Karasuma whispered
He wrapped his arms around Karasuma and kissed his head.
" So, how do you feel becoming 20?" Sakaki asked
" Pretty good," Karasuma said
Karasuma and Sakaki sat down and had a nice breakfast, then went into work.
" We have a hunt, welcome back Ms. Karasuma," Michael said
" Thank you," Karasuma said
Amon walked in and hung his coat on a back of a chair.
" So, what do we have?" Amon said
" Kinuko Bando age 27, power to turn things into spears and hurl them at her victims. She's killed a total of 8 witches," Michael said
" Then let's get the hunt on," he said
Karasuma looked at Sakaki and grabbed his hand. Sakaki smiled and they walked down together. Karasuma got into her car and Sakaki followed behind her on his motorcycle.
" When you get there, stay in position there will be enough time to stop the witch," Amon said
Karasuma and Sakaki were given a place to stake out, a familiar place to Karasuma. Sakaki loaded his gun and looked at Karasuma as she stared at the familiar alley way and street signs. A glimpse of the past flashed, but she wasn't sure why now.
" Sakaki, Karasuma the witch is near you," Amon said
Karasuma's pulse raced and Sakaki nodded
" Alright," Sakaki said, " We'll get her."
Karasuma looked at Sakaki and grabbed his hand and he looked at her. He saw fear in her eyes and she shook her head.
" You can't," Karasuma said
" Don't worry everything will be fine," Sakaki said
He walked out and aimed his gun at the witch that was near. Her eyes showed coldness and no mercy.
" Witch hunter I shall show you no mercy," the witch said
" As I won't show you mercy," Sakaki said
Karasuma walked out and the witch looked at Karasuma and smiled.
" Witch hunters," she said
Sakaki fired three shots and Karasuma went at the witch.
" Karasuma," Sakaki shouted
The witch smiled and used her power against Karasuma. She fought what she could before being forced back. Sakaki ran towards Karasuma and helped her up.
" Miho, are you alright?" he asked
" I'm ok," Karasuma said
Sakaki looked at the witch and narrowed his eyes.
" I told you I won't show mercy to you and now there will be no pity!" Sakaki shouted
Sakaki fired at the witch and she blocked the bullets, she let them drop to the ground. She laughed and looked at Sakaki as she closed her eyes and a force of energy just shot from around her. Sakaki was thrown back seeing the orbo wasn't protecting him. He hit a wall and fell to the ground.
" Sakaki!" Karasuma shouted
She ran towards Sakaki and knelt down. She touched his face and he moaned, then opened his eyes.
" I'm alright," he whispered, " I can do this."
" No, Amon and Robin should be here, you can't fight anymore," Karasuma said
" I can," he whispered
Karasuma pulled out her gun and shook her head.
" No, Sakaki stay down I'll handle this, after two years I shouldn't be afraid of the past," she said
Karasuma stood up and then turned to the witch. Karasuma narrowed her eyes at the witch and raised the gun at her.
" Your kind took someone I cared about so dearly. I won't let it happen again," she said, " I am a witch hunter for the STN-J and you are a witch that will be hunted."
Amon and Robin ran down the alleyways and turned a corner. Amon looked around and stopped and shook his head.
" What's wrong?" Robin asked
" This is where it happened 2 years ago," he whispered
" What happened?" Robin asked
Amon took off running as he looked at the sky and saw rain starting to fall.
" It was raining that day," Amon whispered, " It's all repeating its self."
He turned a corner and then heard three gun shots. He stopped feeling his breaths become shorter, three shots were heard that day too.
" Karasuma, Sakaki," Amon said
Robin felt her heart stop, hearing Amon say his comrades' names. He was scared and she could feel it. As they turned a corner Amon loaded a large amount of orbo in his gun, the old type of orbo. One that could possibly kill a witch if used the wrong way. He stopped and saw the scene before him.
" No!" he shouted
Robin felt emotions from Amon that she never had before. Her own partner was showing fear. The witch turned and narrowed her eyes, as she smiled a sinister smile.
" Amon," Karasuma said
Sakaki got up and stumbled to his feet. He looked at Karasuma then Amon, sweat fell from the hunter's face as he struggled to keep his footing.
" Miho," Sakaki said
" Sakaki," she whispered feeling the warmth from his body
Amon aimed his gun at the witch and Robin put on her glasses. She was experiencing the past in the making, some how knowing Amon knew this place, knew this picture.
Amon fired two shots, two powerful bullets forced their way towards the witch. The witch smiled and lifted a very sharp object and levitated up then hurled it at Amon. Robin acted quickly and burned the object, but the witch continued several tries. Robin looked at Karasuma and nodded her head. The witch looked at Karasuma and then Amon, she lifted two objects and hurled them at Karasuma and Amon. Robin couldn't save both. Then the witch hurled a block of cement at Robin hitting her in the stomach. Robin fell back. Amon dodged the sharp object, but then heard Karasuma cry out Sakaki's name. Distracted by this, a sharp piece of metal flew at Amon and stabbed him in his lower abdomen.
" Amon!" Robin cried
Karasuma looked up and saw Amon fall and she shook her head.
" Amon," she whispered
She looked at Sakaki as he struggled to pull the piece metal out of his shoulder. Blood covered his shirt and continued to bleed badly.
" Sakaki hold on, we'll get help," Karasuma said, " Robin are you ok?"
" I'm fine," Robin said
Robin pushed the block away from her and ran to Amon. Amon suffered badly as he breathed deep, the sharp metal was lodged deep into his lower abdomen. He looked at Robin as she removed her coat.
" Hold on," she said
These words faded into his mind as the pain made him pass out. It was when he woke being rushed into the emergency room, he realized someone was watching over him. Amon faded to the beeps and calls of the nurses and machines that were in the emergency room. Robin looked at Karasuma and walked over to her, and placed a hand on her shoulder.
" I couldn't save him," Karasuma whispered, " I couldn't save Amon."
" Sakaki's ok, and Amon will be too. You can't be hard on yourself, I tried to save both of you too."
Karasuma sighed and then Sakaki walked out two doors led by a doctor. He walked over and Karasuma stood up. She saw his shoulder wrapped up and a bit of his arm.
" Are you alright?" she asked
" 46 stitches and I couldn't be better," Sakaki replied
Karasuma smiled and said, " You always find a room for a joke."
She wrapped her arms around Sakaki as he leaned his head on her own. Robin smiled and stared at the doors waiting for news on her partner.
Amon's thoughts had faded into a dream or a flash back, one that only allowed him to remember a promise.
Dream
Amon opened his eyes and looked around, Karasuma, Razan, Doujima and Kate stood there. He sat up and didn't say anything, until he couldn't exactly remember what happened.
" What happened?" he asked
" You had a bad encounter with orbo," Razan said, " but lucky enough we were there to revive you from the after effects."
Amon looked at his chest, that was bandaged up and sighed. He leaned back and stared at the ceiling.
" I had a bad dream," Amon said
" Perhaps, the effects didn't ware off yet," Razan replied
Amon looked at the Senior hunter and then at Kate, Doujima and Karasuma. The three girls wore faces full of worry and endless questioning.
" Kate can you get some coffee for Amon and Karasuma, would you mind running downstairs to get a couple of pillows?" Razan asked
They nodded and walked off and Razan looked at Amon. Doujima walked out the room and followed Karasuma.
" So, what was it about?" Razan asked
" The future," Amon replied, " You were replaced, after 8 months after your death."
" I see, Amon I need to ask you a favor," Razan said
Amon sat up again and looked at his comrade. A trusted friend and comrade as well as a brother to him.
" If something is to happen to me Amon, I want you to take care of Miho for me. She trust you and you're the only one I can really trust to take her in. You're her mentor after all," Razan said
Amon looked at Razan and nodded.
" Yes," Amon said
Amon looked out the window and then laid back down. He closed his eyes and Razan looked at him.
" Amon, you have to wake up now," Razan said
End of dream
Amon opened his eyes and looked around seeing Karasuma and Sakaki wrapped in each other's arms. Robin had gone home from the long wait and pain from the cement block hitting her. Amon sighed and towards the window and then heard Karasuma moan and then Sakaki too. They both looked up and saw Amon laying there staring out the window.
" Amon," Karasuma said
He turned and looked at them as they stood up. He gave them a weary look and sighed.
" I'm sorry Amon, I couldn't save you," Karasuma said
" It was my foolish act," Amon said, " I earned this."
" You were brave Amon," Sakaki said
Amon nodded and slightly moan in pain and Karasuma helped him sit up a little.
" Miho," Amon said
She looked at him and breathed deep, his tone was like it was when they were engaged.
" Yes," she said
" I had a dream that reminded me of a promise I made to Razan," Amon said, " I promised him that I would take care of you."
" Amon," she whispered feeling a lump into her throat, " Why are you saying this?"
" I forgot about it. I was near death and it came to me," he said
" Amon," she whispered
Sakaki looked at Amon and then Amon turned to Sakaki.
" I think now that promise belongs to Sakaki, after all he's the one that reminds you of Razan, not me," Amon said, " But I will watch over you."
" Amon, stop talking like that," Karasuma whispered
" Take care of her," Amon said
" I will," Sakaki said, " And you'll be there to help won't you?"
Amon nodded and said, " I won't break a promise."
Amon leaned back and closed his eyes and Sakaki and Karasuma looked at the hurt hunter. He was paler and his breaths were shallow, he was on the verge of death, death that breathed on the back his neck.
" We should let him rest, we'll come tomorrow," Sakaki said
Karasuma nodded and Sakaki grabbed her hand, he led her out, as she stared at Amon. The machines beeped and Karasuma sighed, then walked with Sakaki.
" He'll be alright," Sakaki said
Sakaki and Karasuma returned to his apartment, where they now lived together. Karasuma took a shower then Sakaki followed afterwards. They pulled down the bed covers and slid into bed, Sakaki put his good arm around Karasuma as she rested her head on his bare chest. They fell asleep and let worries fade away.