Chapter 2: In The Care Of
Karasuma and Amon walked into the hospital and walked to her father's office. He walked out and Karasuma looked at him, waiting for him to explain to them why he called them.
" Dad, what's going on?" Karasuma asked
" Come with me," he said
He led them to Sakaki's room and Karasuma grabbed Amon's hand. He opened the door and let them in first. Sakaki's parents stood up and looked at Amon and Karasuma.
" Where's Sakaki?" Karasuma asked
" He's in rehab right now," her father answered, " The Sakaki's would wish to speak with you."
Amon looked at them and then Karasuma nodded, her father shut the door and pulled up chairs.
" Ms. Miho, Mr. Amon, we know you've worked with Haruto a little over two years," Sakaki's mother said
" That's right," Karasuma answered, " He's a great hunter, a little gun-ho at times."
Sakaki's parents smiled and Sakaki's father pulled out papers and handed a copy to Amon.
" We wish to have Haruto put into your care," Sakaki's father said
" Our care?" Amon questioned, " He's your son, why put him in our care?"
" Because you've know him since he was 15, we don't. We love him dearly and this is the best we could come up with, that might help him regain his memory as the 19 year old," Sakaki's father said
" All due respect sir, wouldn't this be interfering in his personal life if we take him….according to the rules as his superiors we can't," Amon said
" But you're the only two we can trust," Sakaki's mother said, " We want the best for Haruto. Please, Mr. Amon. He can come see us anytime on the weekends."
Karasuma lowered her head and then looked at Amon. Amon looked at her and then the papers. They were very wealthy people and offered a huge sum of money for their hospitality.
" I would like to discuss this with my wife," he said
He took Karasuma's hand and led her out the room. Karasuma looked at Amon and placed her hand on his face.
" We promised we wouldn't let another comrade down," Karasuma said
" We can't, there's no way, your pregnant," Amon said
" Sakaki needs our help, Amon," Karasuma said, " As a team…maybe he can teach us things like we will teach him something."
Amon nodded and grabbed her hand and Karasuma kissed him. They walked in and Amon looked at the couple.
" Alright we will do this for Haruto's sake," Amon said
Sakaki's father handed Amon a pen and he signed the papers. Karasuma's father looked at them and smiled seeing that Sakaki would probably recover fast.
By the end of the day Sakaki was told he would be staying with Karasuma and Amon for the time being. Sakaki embraced his mother and beg for her to take him home. His father showed no emotions towards his son's childish behavior.
" You will do this my little Haruto," she said, " You can come see us on the weekends."
" But I don't want too," Sakaki said
" Haruto, you will listen to these people and respect them," his father said, " So, stop acting like a child and do as your told. Arisa let's go."
His mother kissed his head and Sakaki watched them leave.
" Take care of him please," his mother said as she left
" We will," Karasuma said
Sakaki turned to the window and Karasuma looked at Amon. She grabbed his hand and kissed it. Karasuma walked towards Sakaki and placed her hand on his shoulder.
" Let's go Haruto, it's getting late," Karasuma said
Sakaki looked at Karasuma's reflection in the window.
" It's a new experience, but you'll get use to it," Karasuma whispered
Sakaki nodded and turned around and looked at Karasuma. Her pleasant disposition made him at eased, he grabbed her hand. Karasuma jumped feeling his rough hand wrapped around her hand. Her gazed soften, feeling a childish grip on her hand, not a full grown man's.
" Shall we go," she said
" Yeah," Sakaki said
They walked out and down to the garage and got into Amon's car. Sakaki got into the back and looked out the window. Amon and Karasuma got in and Karasuma looked back, then sighed. Amon looked in the review mirror and looked at Sakaki.
" You'll get use to this, it's only temporarily," Amon said
He took off and drove to the apartment and Karasuma prepared dinner for them. Amon walked in and poured a glass of wine as he waited.
" He's going to be a little out of it for awhile," Amon said
" Where did you put him?" Karasuma asked
" In the office, I laid out a foam mattress. I'll clear out the room tomorrow when I get back. You don't do any lifting," Amon replied
" Yes, sir," Karasuma joked
Amon smiled and kissed her and placed his hand on her stomach.
" And you if she does, kick her," Amon said talking to Karasuma's stomach
Karasuma shook her head kissed his head.
" I don't think this baby listens," Karasuma said
Amon smiled and kissed her.
" It's looking great," Amon said
Amon walked out and looked at Sakaki just standing there.
" Take a seat your not a prisoner," Amon said, " Your in our home, you're a guest."
Sakaki sighed and walked to the couch and sat down. Amon kind of just sighed, unsure what to do…his voice tone was dry with no expression so no one knew when he was joking. He sat down and worked on reports and paid bills, he then turned on the lights and looked at the junk. He sighed and picked up some things until Karasuma called.
At dinner Karasuma and Amon watched Sakaki eat, he acted as if he was starved at the hospital.
" This is really good," he said taking another bite
" Glad you like it," Karasuma said
" Are you sure you tasted it before you swallowed?" Amon questioned
Sakaki looked at them and swallowed then straighten up. Karasuma handed Sakaki a napkin and smiled.
" Sorry, I guess my stomach thought my throat was cut," Sakaki said, " The food at the hospital taste dry."
" It is dry, no substance," Amon said
He fixed Karasuma more salad and then he placed some more food on his plate.
" I saw you were pregnant Ms. Miho, how far along are you?" he asked
" I'm three months, 5 days," Karasuma said
" So, the baby will come in October?" Sakaki asked
Karasuma nodded and said, " If on time. I hope so."
Amon looked at Karasuma and saw she was worried about the child's birth as well, being their second. Amon took a bite of his food then rested his fork on the plate.
" Haruto, what do you remember about the past?" Amon asked, " Anything, do you remember the accident?"
" I don't know, what accident?" Sakaki said, " The one that made me lose my memory?"
" Yes," Amon answered
" I had a dream about an accident, but I don't know," Sakaki replied, " It's all just a blank…my past is there, but not my future."
" What do you mean?" Amon asked
Sakaki sat back and rested his fork down, then said, " To an extent you can see your future through your dreams, but when I sleep I see nothing."
Karasuma looked at Sakaki, trying to pick up feelings. She got light headed and to play it off she took a sip of her water. Sakaki's perspective was a child's way of believing in destiny, but destiny wasn't what Sakaki truly believed in. He believed in living his life with a free will.
Later that night Karasuma stood on the balcony and sighed, she leaned against the railing and let her hair blow with the wind. Amon slipped out and walked next to her.
" I see only a lost boy," Amon said
Karasuma turned and looked at him and said, " He's asleep?"
" Yeah," Amon said
Karasuma sighed and he gently rubbed her shoulders and kissed her neck.
" What's wrong?" Amon asked
" I don't know, I'm just worried maybe," Karasuma said, " What happens if he never reverts back. He'll be that 12 year that wants to grow up, but he is grown up."
" We can't solve every problem Miho, we can only solve what we're given," Amon said
Karasuma looked at Amon and laid her head on Amon's chest as he held her.
" Your maternal instincts are already kicking in," he said
Karasuma smiled and looked up at Amon.
" How did Sakaki's parents know we were perfect to take care of Sakaki?" Karasuma asked
" I was wondering that myself," Amon answered
" I guess there's a reason that we will find out soon enough," Karasuma whispered
The next morning Amon started early as he always did and too his surprise Sakaki was up. Amon saw him sitting at the table in the far corner of the table.
" Your up early Haruto," Amon remarked
" I always get up this early," Sakaki flatly stated
Amon looked over his shoulder and said, " That's the hunter in you. You see Haruto you hunt witches, we get up this early everyday, seven days a weeks. Do you remember that?"
Sakaki looked at Amon and nodded his head.
" Ms. Miho told me I was a witch hunter," Sakaki said
" You still are Haruto, you just have to find it in you," Amon said
" Can I come with you, to work?" Sakaki asked
Amon looked at Sakaki and said, " Are you ready for a day of running."
Sakaki stood up and nodded and Amon agreed.
" You have to keep up," Amon said, " It's a demanding job, go get ready."
Sakaki walked back to the spare room and Amon wrote a note to Karasuma that Sakaki came with him. Sakaki came out and both of them walked downstairs and got into Amon's car. Amon explained to him what they used and asked Sakaki if he remembered each item. Sakaki only blankly nodded, but Amon assured him sooner or later his memory would return. Amon pulled into the garage and saw Robin getting out of Doujima's car since Amon was running late.
" Morning boss," Doujima joked
Amon got out and Sakaki looked at the two women that got out. Robin looked over and saw Sakaki sitting in the car.
" Amon, you brought Sakaki," Robin said
" He wanted to come, anything that might jog his memory, will help," Amon said
" He's still in the state of mind of a child isn't he?" Doujima asked
" I think he's fighting to remember, this morning he was up before me and told me he always got up this early. A 12 year old doesn't get up at 5:30 on a Saturday morning," Amon said
Doujima walked over and Sakaki looked at her, she opened the door and smiled.
" Why don't you come and join us Haruto, we don't bite," Doujima said
She reached out her hand and Sakaki looked at her, he then took her hand and got out of the car. Amon looked over as Sakaki showed shyness, like he was a child. Amon walked over and looked at them.
" Let's go upstairs," he said
Doujima and Robin walked upstairs and Amon followed behind Sakaki. Sakaki looked around the building seeing it was very gloomy, and eerie. They took the elevator upstairs and walked into the office.
" Morning Amon, we got a case," Michael said, " I see you brought Sakaki."
" Alright let's prepare for a briefing," Amon said
" Got ya," Michael said
Amon led Sakaki around explaining to him everything. Sakaki only gawked in amazement and followed Amon to the briefing room. Sakaki sat down and looked at the monitors. Michael put up the witch and Amon looked at him.
" His name is Akira, Bunya, age 10. His craft developed over the months. He's killed 6 people out of pure joy. We've tracked his movements for quite sometime," Michael said, " He's in the Tokyo area."
Sakaki looked in slight fear seeing a child being hunted. Sakaki breathed deep and Amon looked at him. Amon sighed and told them to get ready, for the hunt. Doujima and Robin took ear pieces and headed out. Amon pulled out Karasuma's orbo pendant and slipped it around Sakaki's neck.
" This is orbo, do you remember this?" Amon asked
" It's a liquid," Sakaki said looking at it
Amon looked at Sakaki and said, " It will protect you, but don't depend on it. You will follow me and do nothing."
Sakaki nodded and followed Amon down to his car. Amon took off with Sakaki and followed Doujima's signal. They both pulled up to dark alley ways and Doujima looked at Robin.
" Scare him out," Doujima said
Robin used her fire and just as they had predicted the kid blocked it and walked out.
" Witch hunters," he said, " Using witches."
" Surrender," Doujima said
Amon pulled out his gun and Sakaki got out and stood behind Amon, but watched. Amon fired a shot and the kid blocked it.
" He's pretty strong Amon what do we do?" Doujima asked
" Robin stand down, Doujima follow me," Amon said
" Right," both said
Robin looked at Doujima and Amon take the back ways and Robin looked at Sakaki. He stared at the kid and she walked over to him.
" Sakaki, are you alright?" she asked
" He's a kid," he whispered
" He's a witch Sakaki, we have to hunt him," Robin whispered
Sakaki looked at her and she placed her hand on his shoulder.
" I'm only a witch because they marked me as one," the boy said
The ground began to shake and Robin grabbed Sakaki's hand, she pulled him away from the area as the orbo began to react towards the craft. Rocks flew up and Robin burned them before they came towards them. Sakaki ducked and Robin looked at the boy and used flames against him.
" Amon he's getting violent," Robin said
" Tell Sakaki to get back, we're behind the kid," Amon said
" Sakaki stand down," Robin said, " This could get ugly."
Sakaki nodded and did as he was told and stood down, but as he did he stepped into a hole in the cement.
" Robin," he cried
Robin turned around and ran over to aid Sakaki, she grabbed his hand and pulled him up, but as she did the boy created sand and let the wind blow it.
" Sakaki hold on," she cried
Sakaki's hand slipped and Robin fought the sand as the boy came at her with a sharp rock.
" Robin!" Sakaki shouted
Robin jumped back and used her fire pushing the kid back. Sakaki pulled himself up and Robin pushed the kid back.
" Amon!" Robin shouted
Amon raced down the alley and saw the kid in the open and he fired some shots hitting the kid once. The kid turned his attention towards Amon, Amon narrowed his eyes and Doujima came around and fired two shots. The ground underneath shook and pushed Amon back and Doujima.
" Amon, Doujima," Robin said
" I'm ok," Doujima said, " He's strong Amon."
Amon got to his feet holding his arm and looked at the kid. Sakaki held his breath, but backed off and Robin looked the kid.
" Robin, he's been shot three times push him this way I can get another shot," Amon said
" Your arm though," Robin said
" Send him this way Robin I'll do it," Doujima said
Robin nodded and created a massive wave of flames herding the kid towards Doujima and Doujima fired 3 shots and the kid fell. Sakaki breathed deep and Amon walked over and looked at the kid.
" Everyone alright?" Amon said
" Yeah," Doujima and Robin said
Sakaki just stared at the fallen kid and Amon looked over at him, seeing the fear in Sakaki's childish eyes.
" He was a kid," Sakaki whispered
" A witch Haruto," Amon said, " We hunt them."
" Is he dead?" Sakaki said
" No, just unconscious for a long time," Amon said
" Amon how's your arm?" Robin asked
" It's alright, I'll get it checked out," Amon replied, " Haruto, are you alright?"
Sakaki nodded and said, " I'm fine."
Doujima and Robin looked at Sakaki.
" He's probably scared out of his mind," Doujima whispered
" Yeah," Robin said
They headed back and Sakaki looked out the window without a sound. Amon looked over at him and then pulled into the garage after Doujima. Both got out and did the reports once they got into the office. Michael handed them another report and handed Amon a message from Karasuma.
" She wants you to call her as soon as you get a chance," Michael said
" Alright, thanks Michael," Amon said
Amon walked to the back and gave Karasuma a call, he told Sakaki not to go anywhere less someone was with him. He didn't trust the curious mind of a 12 year old mixed with the strength of a 19 year old.
" Haruto," Doujima said, " Are you doing alright?"
" I'm ok, I'm staying with Ms. Miho and Mr. Amon," Sakaki said
Robin looked at Sakaki and said, " How do you like that living situation?"
" It's alright," Sakaki said, " A little cramped."
Robin nodded and Sakaki looked around and Robin looked over at Michael as he gave a confused look. Robin sat down next to him and kind of explained the situation.
" Karasuma's got her hands full now with a kid coming and well kind of raising one," Michael whispered, " So, he doesn't remember anything about the accident or his state of being of a 19years old. That's hard to just think about it."
Robin nodded and Amon walked out and looked at Sakaki.
" Haruto I need to bring you back to the apartment so Miho can bring you to your appointments," Amon said
" Oh, alright," Sakaki said
Doujima leaned on one hand and sighed and looked at Robin and Michael.
" He's a 12 year old in a 19 year old's body, How do you live the day not seeing that your older than you act?" Doujima said
" I don't know, but I'm sure in time he will remember," Robin said
Amon brought Sakaki home and walked him up to the apartment. Sakaki walked in and Amon followed behind him.
" Miho, I'm home," Amon called
Karasuma walked out of the bedroom and waved. Karasuma walked to the door and grabbed her keys.
" I could have come picked him up," Karasuma said
" It's alright," Amon said
" Alright Haruto, let's go," Karasuma said
Sakaki nodded and followed behind Karasuma and Amon.
" I'll try to make it back before dinner," Amon said, " I don't know how the hunts will go."
" Alright, I'll make dinner around 9," Karasuma said, " Take your time getting home."
Amon kissed her cheek and headed off then Karasuma opened the door for Sakaki.
" Come on let's go," she said
He got in and she pushed her seat back and got in. She drove off to the hospital and got Sakaki situated. Her father checked him out and then let the nurse take him to rehab.
" So, how was your first day with him there?" he asked
" Fine, he really didn't say much, he's got an appetite like I don't know what," Karasuma said
" That's good Miho, I'm glad to hear that and how's your husband reacting to the new change?" Karasuma's father asked
" Dad, his name is Amon," Karasuma said, " And he's reacting fine, were you expecting him not too?"
Her father shook his head and said, " No, not at all. I just wasn't sure, he keeps to himself, so I thought this might make him a little edgy. Because someone new wants to open up to him."
Karasuma sighed and shook her head.
" Dad, you won't talk to him. How else is he suppose to open up to you, if you don't try. I want Amon to feel welcomed," Karasuma said
" Miho, I just don't know," her father said
Karasuma shook her head and looked through the window that led to the rehab room.
" We've been married two years Dad," Karasuma said, " Amon and I are in love as much as the first day we met and kissed."
" What about the child situation?" he asked
" We're sure this one will be alright," Karasuma whispered, " We're not going to lose hope because we lost one," Karasuma said
Karasuma watched Sakaki as he did his usual and her father looked at her as she did so.
" Miho," her father said, " Your risking your life to have this baby."
" Then a least it can live," Karasuma said, " If it's my time the go then this will be the best way cause I gave my life up for this child."
Karasuma looked at her father and smiled.
" Is that why your won't speak to Amon dad?" she asked, " Because you think he's the reason we lost the other one?"
" Of course not," her father said, " It's just I don't think he's right for you."
Karasuma shook her head and sighed, then turned back and looked at Sakaki.
" He is the right one," Karasuma said
Later, Sakaki came from his rehab as Karasuma waited for him.
" I'm all finished," he said
" Alright," she said
She looked at Sakaki and smiled then looked at her father.
" We'll be back tomorrow," Karasuma said
Karasuma walked out with Sakaki and her father sighed as she walked off.
" You seem very tense around your father Ms. Miho," Sakaki pointed out
" He's angry because I married Amon," Karasuma said, " I just try to tell him that Amon and I are happy together."
" It's hard not to have a good relationship with your parent's," Sakaki said, " Especially if your taken away from them."
" I had no choice, Haruto," Karasuma said
" No, I understand," Sakaki said
Karasuma looked at him and then drove off to the apartment. Karasuma stopped though for some groceries and Sakaki helped her carry her bags off. She got out the car and guided Sakaki upstairs to the apartment then they unloaded the bags of groceries.
" So, Amon took you on a hunt?" Karasuma asked, " Did you see anything that triggered off a memory?" she asked
" I didn't like it, people get hurt," Sakaki said, " They don't deserve to get hurt even though they're different then us. A kid was put down because he was a witch, but he looked like a normal kid."
Karasuma looked at him as she put away groceries.
" Mr. Amon said it was because he killed people," Sakaki said, " But I don't think it's right."
Karasuma felt a sudden sadness as Sakaki explained how he felt about one of the hunts when a child was put down because he killed 6 people. His innocence in this state of mind made him naïve.
" It's not easy Haruto, you see, he was what Solomon calls a witch, someone who abuses their craft," Karasuma said
Sakaki shook his head and looked at the tomatoes in his hand.
" It's not fair though Ms. Miho," Sakaki said
Karasuma walked over to him and embraced him, something she never did to her hunters. She pulled him close and gently held him in her embrace.
" Haruto, your not ready to get back on your feet," Karasuma said
Sakaki wrapped his arms around her and let her hold him in the motherly embrace. He couldn't help the way he thought, it was apart of him that couldn't be suppressed.
Later that night Sakaki helped set the table for the three of them and Karasuma prepared dinner. Amon would be coming in about 9:30, so dinner would be ready in time. Karasuma laid out some books and sat down next to Sakaki.
" I heard you like to read," she said, " These are the books I read when I was away from home. They're fill with adventure that will take you places that you would always dream of going."
" They sound interesting," Sakaki said
" Enjoy them, they're great," she said
By 9:30 Amon walked in and Karasuma stood up and greeted him. She kissed his cheek and Amon smiled.
" It smell wonderful," Amon said
" It's done waiting for you," Karasuma said
" Where's Sakaki?" he asked
" Reading," Karasuma said, " I gave him some books of mine."
" Well, that should surly spark the imagination," Amon said
He walked into the living room and saw Sakaki on the couching reading. Karasuma served up dinner and called them to dinner. The three ate in silence and Karasuma looked down at her plate thinking about what happened 6 months ago. She shook her head and Amon looked at her, he could tell she was in thought cause she always looked down.
" Miho," he whispered
" Yes," she replied
" What's wrong?" he asked
Karasuma shook her head and said, " Nothing, I was just thinking that's all."
" Its not like you to stay silent over dinner," Amon replied, " What's wrong?"
" I'll tell you later," Karasuma whispered
" Alright," Amon said
Later, Karasuma and Amon walked out on the balcony and Karasuma stared out. Amon put his arms around her and kissed her neck.
" What's wrong?" he asked
" Amon, do you ever wonder about that day, if we didn't take that turn?" Karasuma asked
Amon sighed a frustrated and Karasuma looked at him as he drew away from her. He looked out and leaned on the railing.
" Amon," she said
" Miho, that was 6 months ago, we can't help what happened?" Amon said, " I'm still healing and I know you are, but you can't dwell on it."
" Amon, she was our child," Karasuma said
" It's not your fault Miho, it's not anyone's fault," Amon said
Karasuma looked at Amon and grabbed his hand and Amon looked away.
" Why did this happen?" Karasuma said
" I don't know Miho, what brought this on? Was it your father's babbling?" Amon asked
" He brought it up," Miho said
" Son of a bitch, Why do you put up with him Miho?" Amon asked, " He's done nothing, but doubt our relationship and marriage."
" He's concern," Karasuma said
Amon shook his head and said, " He's concern with his own legend. Your father said you couldn't have a child and you had one. Your going to have second one if he likes it or not."
" But its different, the accident…."
" The accident did nothing Miho, I saw the x-rays, you can have this child," Amon said, " And come October I will be right at your side when that child is born. I will fight my way to see my child."
Karasuma looked at him and she wrapped her arms around him.
" I promised I would be with you forever and that's what I'm going to do, your father may not approve of that, but I do," he whispered
Karasuma nodded and hugged him back, her father's words were no threat to Amon, he loved her with all his heart.