Hey I'm back! I'm sorry it took me forever to update but I've been busy as
hell! Anyway this is the third chapter and I hope you enjoy it as much as I
enjoyed writing it. This chapter is longer than the other two so have fun
reading! Oh, and a special thanks and Hello to my girl Katie who beta read
it for me. Love you!
Chapter Three Amon just stared at Robin, grasping her hand tightly.
Robin sighed, eyes falling closed, and murmured, "I see."
Night fell, lowering the temperature to extreme cold. Robin was sitting on the bed with her knees pulled up to her chest when Amon finished talking to Nagira and walked into their room. Robin looked down from her bed, catching Amon's quiet words: "Damn! This just keeps getting worse!" Searching his tight face, she knew something was wrong, and that events were at a breaking point. Amon sighed, looking up at Robin, and caught her gaze.
'"When do we leave?" Robin murmured, eyes afraid, yet accepting. Amon, sensing her acknowledgement of their predicament, responded, "Tomorrow morning around seven." The faintest edge of fear laced his voice. Robin's eyes sharpened, catching the undertones. 'If he is afraid, then what hope have we?'
Amon, looking at Robin's stricken face, experienced a feeling nearly alien to him, a feeling akin to . . . sadness. His world here, the world he knew, albeit an unstable one, was about to come crashing down around his shoulders and he would have to shield the young witch at his side from the brunt of the impact. They were going to uncharted territories with only their intuition as a guide. He hoped, for her sake, that he could bear it.
"Well, goodnight, people!" Doujima chirped as she clicked her way out of the gothic building.
Michael just waved to her, he was too busy on the computer. Karasuma and Sakaki were also preparing to leave, for the night was almost half over, and all were weary. Michael glanced up from his monitor as they left, waving goodbye, and sighed, wistfully thinking of the few times Robin had brought donuts for him. Unfortunately, events had conspired to forbid that ever happening again -- she might never be back at Raven's Flat. He rubbed his eyes, overwhelmed for a moment by the apathy of the world. Although it was late, around eleven o'clock, Michael's hands incessantly tapped the keyboard, as though they could tap away the world.
Robin, on the balcony, felt the wind whip through her loose ginger mane. Her long black dress whirled around her legs as though she were dancing.
Amon, inside, stood staring at her, and he felt shock when a thought flitted through his head: 'She is so beautiful.' He felt . . . oddly protective of the young woman standing in the wind.
Robin, not noticing Amon behind her, nonetheless thought of him. She new the day to come would change their lives amazingly. She wanted to stay here, in Japan, and she suspected that Amon felt the same, but knew the danger that lay in that path. Hunters infested the city streets, looking for the two of them. They posed too much of a problem for their friends if they stayed. With that thought, she sighed. closing her eyes, but she felt such dismal finality that two tears managed to streak down her face.
Amon stared at her. Her shoulders were shaking faintly, and he wanted desperately to help her, but . . . he had no idea how to go about it.
Robin's shoulders slumped. She turned, tucking her wild hair behind her ears, and stopped dead. Her eyes widened fractionally and she murmured, "Amon!" Hastily wiping her face dry, she refused to meet his gaze.
His gut tightened with worry, and he tried to find something to say. Walking up to her, he grasped her shoulder, released her and sat, helpless, in a chair in the corner. Amon's gaze snuck out of the corner of his eye and rested on her. His mind wasn't entirely his own as it wandered. 'She looks so small.' He narrowed his eyes unconsciously. 'She is so pale, so fragile . . . So beautiful . . .' His eyes flashed open and he sat straight in his little chair. 'I did not just go there! I can't be thinking of her like that! She's my partner, and besides, she's young!' But he couldn't entirely tamp down the realization that she was, indeed, beautiful.
Robin sat on her bed, pulling her knees to her chest, holding her legs tight. Her face buried in her arms, she wondered what she had done in a past life to deserve this . . . 'I want it to end, God . . . Please help me, Lord . . . '
Amon's eyes were focused once again on the slight witch in the room. He wished fervently, 'Whoever may be listening, please, help her! She's in too much pain . . .' Rising, he walked to her side, but her head remained in her hands. Not entirely aware of what he was doing, his legs folded and he leaned toward her.
Her head lifted when she felt his weight by her side. Her eyes flew open at the sight of his proximity, and a little gasp escaped her lips -- the very lips that Amon's eyes seemed to be focused on. He was moving closer and closer, and her heart began to pound louder and louder . . . The blood was roaring in her ears . . .
His forehead pressed against hers, and his eyes flicked up to gaze into her face. He reached up and gently smoothed her tears away. Her eyes closed at the slow, soothing touch, brows contracting as though it were painful. He felt his heart contract at the pained look on her face. His hand trailed down to her jaw line, brushing it softly. He hoped he could brush that look from her face and replace it . . .
Robin's face relaxed, and her eyes opened. She felt a surge if something at the unwittingly worried look in his beautiful green eyes, wanting to make sure he wouldn't worry. She leaned her head into his touch, eyes on him to gauge his reaction.
Placing his right hand behind her neck, he pulled her closer and brushed his lips lightly against hers.
Robin stiffened, stunned, but the sensation was gone in a moment. She regretted losing it, hanging her head.
Amon noted the dejection with which she held herself after he pulled back, but she had stiffened. Then he smiled. He dipped his head again, pressing his lips firmly against hers, caressing them gently. Slowly, as though she were afraid, she responded, growing bolder as she moved her mouth against his and felt him soften against her. She had wanted this for so long, but she hadn't realized . . . It was so strange, and a bit frightening, to be suddenly kissing the man whom she had regarded as a protector. But then, something clicked. 'I've always cared for him, as more than a guardian . . .'
After long, silent -- albeit warm -- moments, he pulled back to regard her. Her eyes were hazy, and her face was flushed, but she gazed at his mouth, then into his eyes, with more emotion than he'd ever seen her emit. 'She used to be so cold . . . Did I help her feel?'
'He's got the strangest look in his eyes . . .' She was basking in his burning stare, but she felt a bit uneasy. 'How is this right? Can we make it . . . ? Can I be brave enough?' Robin's gaze held his for mere moments before she collapsed into his embrace. Her arms threaded around his neck and she relaxed as she felt his arms encircle her waist. His lips brushed her cheek softly.
Morning came, all too soon for the reluctant duo, but they prepared their departure all the same, packing what little they had. Their minds were both preoccupied with one thing: i'We may never come back here again.' Nagira gave Amon the information about escape routes, lodging and such, but his tiger-like face was anything but businesslike. He clasped Amon's shoulder, and smiled bitterly when his half-brother returned the gesture. Robin, in Amon's black car, noted with sadness the new bond that the two men shared and felt a little guilt at the thought that she was partly to blame for the straining of said bond. Turning, Amon walked to the car and climbed in, shutting the door as softly as he could. Starting the car, he pushed the acceleration pedal down, and they started off to the airport. Robin noticed that he was white-knuckling the steering wheel -- just another of those little things that let her know about him. As though sensing her eyes on him, Amon reached over, keeping his eyes ahead, and covered her hand with his own. She smiled forlornly, gripping his hand tightly.'
After a few minutes, they drove into the airport parking lot. Robin suddenly shot her gaze out the window -- she'd had a twinge in her mind. Something was wrong. Amon's door clicking open caught her attention, and she saw his black coat swinging out. Her gaze was wary as she followed suit, climbing out of the car and slamming her door. Glancing at Robin as she hurried around the car, Amon murmured coldly, "Are you ready?" Despite his apathetic tone, he clasped her hand as they crossed the grounds to the terminal.
Once again, something bit at the back of her mind. Something was going to happen -- she could feel the tension. Glancing surreptitiously around, she noticed two men, wearing black yet overly casual, who just happened to be staring directly at her. One of the men nonchalantly peeked around, reaching into his pocket. Noting this, Robin narrowed her eyes and shifted so that her hand rested on her spectacles. The other man stared at her intensely and pointed, fingers twitching. Her mind snapped -- 'They're Hunters!' She cried, "Amon!" Hurling herself at him, she knocked him over as bullets whizzed over their heads. They dashed behind a corner, Amon readying his gun and Robin reaching for her power. As she tried to hurl it at them, it rebounded and she gasped. "Orbo!" She looked at Amon. "They have the orbo!" Bullets ricocheted off the marble near their heads. "Damn!" Amon hissed.
Robin's heart did phenomenal acrobatics as she felt a pair of strong hands lift her by the waist from behind. The gasp that escaped her lips was strangled, and she thrashed as her efforts to use her Craft were rebounded. Amon heard the gasp and turned, brows slamming together as he leveled the gun at her assailant. Robin's heart froze as she felt cold metal pressed against her skull. She could hear the smirk in the man's voice as he warned, "I really wouldn't do anything stupid." Robin lay perfectly still in the unwelcome and offensive grasp.
Amon's eyes flashed as he slowly lowered his gun. Clenching his teeth, he ground out, "Don't hurt her." Robin felt tears prickle as she saw his well-hidden but altogether desperate expression. She knew him too well.
Another black-clad man came to stand beside Robin's captor. Amon felt a presence behind him and whirled, coming face to face with Karasuma. She held a gun aloft, pointed at Robin. His eyes blazed in shock and anger.
"Shoot the witch! Karasuma!" The scream echoed in the suddenly silent halls of the airport terminal.
She glanced at the man, to her side, then focused her eyes on Amon. He tried to identify the look -- triumph? That didn't make sense . . . "I'm sorry." She stared back in Robin's direction and pulled the trigger. Immediate pandemonium ensued. Screams and shouts rang about the hall as the reverberations of the gunshot died.
Robin dropped to her knees, shaking, eyes open in shock. Beside her fell the man who had so unceremoniously seized, blood spattering everywhere as he croaked, "Karasuma -- y-you bet-trayed . . . us . . ."
Shots rang into the crazy air. Amon dashed over to Robin, snatching her wrist and pulling. She surged to her feet, snapping out of her shock and slipping behind the counter Amon pointed her to. Everywhere, everywhere, Hunters shot and ran and ducked, all against Amon and Karasuma, who were filling the Hunters with lead as often as they dared to pull off a shot.
Suddenly, Robin heard an insane voice scream out, "Every witch must be Hunted!" She whipped around, frantic, but couldn't use her Craft soon enough to avoid the clip on the shoulder. The man's eyes were crazy, wild, and suddenly still as a distinct shot ripped through his back. The tall man fell, slowly, revealing Sakaki standing behind him, smoking gun in hand. She shot him a grateful glance, clasping her arm to herself. Turning, Robin strode to Amon and Karasuma. Sakaki followed, pulling off another few rounds into some men who approached. Amon's eyes darkened with fury and worry and he shouted, "Hide! Dammit, Robin, do not martyr yourself!"
Robin stared at him quietly saying, "It all ends now, here." At her words, though her eyes were focused on him, her Craft surrounded the Hunters who stood nearest. The others' eyes bulged, whites showing all around, and they began shooting hysterically. Her shields rose, protecting them.
Amon stared at her, awed, lowering his gun for the /ith time that day, and the other two followed suit. Robin, eyes fiery, stalked closer to the men, and her fire surrounded them instantly, growing heavier with each step she took. Her eyes cleared, and she murmured, "Fallen Angels", before burning the very life out of them. The young witch stood still, watching the embers of her destruction, then she closed her eyes, murmuring, "God have mercy upon them." The only sounds to be heard were the dying screams. Amon walked slowly, cautiously, up behind her and placed his hands gently on her shoulders. She stared at the flames, flickers in her eyes.
Karasuma watched them both and sighed, saying, "You had better go and catch your flight before more of those goons show up from headquarters."
Amon nodded, removing his hands gently from Robin's shoulders. Said girl sighed, peeking up at her. "Thank you."
Karasuma smiled sadly and Sakaki simply replied, "Just catch your flight and do it fast." When she turned her eyes to him, he smiled shakily. "Go on, be safe." She nodded thanks.
Amon seized his companion's hand and started walking. "Let's go." Robin nodded, hurrying to keep up with him. Karasuma and Sakaki smiled behind their hands to see the young, fair girl's hand in the dark, imposing man's -- he seemed so protective of her now, all of a sudden!
Both of the fugitives startled as gunfire busted out again. Amon threw his counterpart behind him and pulled out his gun, backing her slowly towards safety. Slugs careered past their faces as they snuck towards their flight.
Karasuma glanced back at them feverishly. "Get going! Go catch your flight! We'll cover your backs! Go!" Her yells did not fall on deaf ears -- Amon whirled and hurled Robin over his shoulder, muttering to her, "I'm sorry, but I can move faster this way." Sakaki and Karasuma fired rapidly, holding the Hunters and their temps at bay.
Robin writhed in his grasp, trying desperately to escape and help her other friends. His hands tightened on her hips. "Stop that! They can handle themselves." His voice cut through her struggles and she fell limp, on the verge of tears. "Let me go, please, Amon!" He shook his head and continued to carry her towards the gate. She stared back at them desolately, crying, "Blessed Virgin Mary, protect them!" Amon felt his heart cinch at her earnest words.
Behind them in the terminal the other two former Hunters were still loosing bullets into the soon-to-be corpses of enemy Hunters. "Do you think they're aboard yet?" Sakaki called through clenched teeth to his partner.
"I don't know -- keep firing!" Her voice was showing obvious strain.
Amon pounded through masses of curious people who stared nervously at the would-be delusional kidnapper. The gate was crowded, but their tickets were prime and they boarded swiftly. Finding their seats, the two renegades sat and tried to calm their nerves, breathing hard. They felt a lurch and Robin looked through the window of the now-moving plane. She whispered brokenly, "Dear God, please, protect Amon and I through the coming dangers."
Amon, catching what she said, smiled faintly, though his heart was still throbbing erratically. Deliberately looking the other direction, he took her hand, enfolding it in his own. She twisted, surprised, gawking at him until he finally turned in her direction. "What?" he asked, a smile in his eyes, but not on his lips. His gut plummeted when she sniffled.
"Thank you, Amon, for saving me." He shivered. Her words sounded oddly prophetic.
Moments later, he felt her head hit his shoulder, and he shifted immediately so that the sleeping girl wouldn't slide off. She ended up curled against him, his arm around her shoulders and her head on his chest. As he drifted to the itinerant psyche's shore, his thoughts fled to one subject: 'Robin, I shall die before you -- my life for yours.'
The plane soared noisily over the Pacific Ocean, on toward Asia, then Europe -- to the beautiful Italia.
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Chapter Three Amon just stared at Robin, grasping her hand tightly.
Robin sighed, eyes falling closed, and murmured, "I see."
Night fell, lowering the temperature to extreme cold. Robin was sitting on the bed with her knees pulled up to her chest when Amon finished talking to Nagira and walked into their room. Robin looked down from her bed, catching Amon's quiet words: "Damn! This just keeps getting worse!" Searching his tight face, she knew something was wrong, and that events were at a breaking point. Amon sighed, looking up at Robin, and caught her gaze.
'"When do we leave?" Robin murmured, eyes afraid, yet accepting. Amon, sensing her acknowledgement of their predicament, responded, "Tomorrow morning around seven." The faintest edge of fear laced his voice. Robin's eyes sharpened, catching the undertones. 'If he is afraid, then what hope have we?'
Amon, looking at Robin's stricken face, experienced a feeling nearly alien to him, a feeling akin to . . . sadness. His world here, the world he knew, albeit an unstable one, was about to come crashing down around his shoulders and he would have to shield the young witch at his side from the brunt of the impact. They were going to uncharted territories with only their intuition as a guide. He hoped, for her sake, that he could bear it.
"Well, goodnight, people!" Doujima chirped as she clicked her way out of the gothic building.
Michael just waved to her, he was too busy on the computer. Karasuma and Sakaki were also preparing to leave, for the night was almost half over, and all were weary. Michael glanced up from his monitor as they left, waving goodbye, and sighed, wistfully thinking of the few times Robin had brought donuts for him. Unfortunately, events had conspired to forbid that ever happening again -- she might never be back at Raven's Flat. He rubbed his eyes, overwhelmed for a moment by the apathy of the world. Although it was late, around eleven o'clock, Michael's hands incessantly tapped the keyboard, as though they could tap away the world.
Robin, on the balcony, felt the wind whip through her loose ginger mane. Her long black dress whirled around her legs as though she were dancing.
Amon, inside, stood staring at her, and he felt shock when a thought flitted through his head: 'She is so beautiful.' He felt . . . oddly protective of the young woman standing in the wind.
Robin, not noticing Amon behind her, nonetheless thought of him. She new the day to come would change their lives amazingly. She wanted to stay here, in Japan, and she suspected that Amon felt the same, but knew the danger that lay in that path. Hunters infested the city streets, looking for the two of them. They posed too much of a problem for their friends if they stayed. With that thought, she sighed. closing her eyes, but she felt such dismal finality that two tears managed to streak down her face.
Amon stared at her. Her shoulders were shaking faintly, and he wanted desperately to help her, but . . . he had no idea how to go about it.
Robin's shoulders slumped. She turned, tucking her wild hair behind her ears, and stopped dead. Her eyes widened fractionally and she murmured, "Amon!" Hastily wiping her face dry, she refused to meet his gaze.
His gut tightened with worry, and he tried to find something to say. Walking up to her, he grasped her shoulder, released her and sat, helpless, in a chair in the corner. Amon's gaze snuck out of the corner of his eye and rested on her. His mind wasn't entirely his own as it wandered. 'She looks so small.' He narrowed his eyes unconsciously. 'She is so pale, so fragile . . . So beautiful . . .' His eyes flashed open and he sat straight in his little chair. 'I did not just go there! I can't be thinking of her like that! She's my partner, and besides, she's young!' But he couldn't entirely tamp down the realization that she was, indeed, beautiful.
Robin sat on her bed, pulling her knees to her chest, holding her legs tight. Her face buried in her arms, she wondered what she had done in a past life to deserve this . . . 'I want it to end, God . . . Please help me, Lord . . . '
Amon's eyes were focused once again on the slight witch in the room. He wished fervently, 'Whoever may be listening, please, help her! She's in too much pain . . .' Rising, he walked to her side, but her head remained in her hands. Not entirely aware of what he was doing, his legs folded and he leaned toward her.
Her head lifted when she felt his weight by her side. Her eyes flew open at the sight of his proximity, and a little gasp escaped her lips -- the very lips that Amon's eyes seemed to be focused on. He was moving closer and closer, and her heart began to pound louder and louder . . . The blood was roaring in her ears . . .
His forehead pressed against hers, and his eyes flicked up to gaze into her face. He reached up and gently smoothed her tears away. Her eyes closed at the slow, soothing touch, brows contracting as though it were painful. He felt his heart contract at the pained look on her face. His hand trailed down to her jaw line, brushing it softly. He hoped he could brush that look from her face and replace it . . .
Robin's face relaxed, and her eyes opened. She felt a surge if something at the unwittingly worried look in his beautiful green eyes, wanting to make sure he wouldn't worry. She leaned her head into his touch, eyes on him to gauge his reaction.
Placing his right hand behind her neck, he pulled her closer and brushed his lips lightly against hers.
Robin stiffened, stunned, but the sensation was gone in a moment. She regretted losing it, hanging her head.
Amon noted the dejection with which she held herself after he pulled back, but she had stiffened. Then he smiled. He dipped his head again, pressing his lips firmly against hers, caressing them gently. Slowly, as though she were afraid, she responded, growing bolder as she moved her mouth against his and felt him soften against her. She had wanted this for so long, but she hadn't realized . . . It was so strange, and a bit frightening, to be suddenly kissing the man whom she had regarded as a protector. But then, something clicked. 'I've always cared for him, as more than a guardian . . .'
After long, silent -- albeit warm -- moments, he pulled back to regard her. Her eyes were hazy, and her face was flushed, but she gazed at his mouth, then into his eyes, with more emotion than he'd ever seen her emit. 'She used to be so cold . . . Did I help her feel?'
'He's got the strangest look in his eyes . . .' She was basking in his burning stare, but she felt a bit uneasy. 'How is this right? Can we make it . . . ? Can I be brave enough?' Robin's gaze held his for mere moments before she collapsed into his embrace. Her arms threaded around his neck and she relaxed as she felt his arms encircle her waist. His lips brushed her cheek softly.
Morning came, all too soon for the reluctant duo, but they prepared their departure all the same, packing what little they had. Their minds were both preoccupied with one thing: i'We may never come back here again.' Nagira gave Amon the information about escape routes, lodging and such, but his tiger-like face was anything but businesslike. He clasped Amon's shoulder, and smiled bitterly when his half-brother returned the gesture. Robin, in Amon's black car, noted with sadness the new bond that the two men shared and felt a little guilt at the thought that she was partly to blame for the straining of said bond. Turning, Amon walked to the car and climbed in, shutting the door as softly as he could. Starting the car, he pushed the acceleration pedal down, and they started off to the airport. Robin noticed that he was white-knuckling the steering wheel -- just another of those little things that let her know about him. As though sensing her eyes on him, Amon reached over, keeping his eyes ahead, and covered her hand with his own. She smiled forlornly, gripping his hand tightly.'
After a few minutes, they drove into the airport parking lot. Robin suddenly shot her gaze out the window -- she'd had a twinge in her mind. Something was wrong. Amon's door clicking open caught her attention, and she saw his black coat swinging out. Her gaze was wary as she followed suit, climbing out of the car and slamming her door. Glancing at Robin as she hurried around the car, Amon murmured coldly, "Are you ready?" Despite his apathetic tone, he clasped her hand as they crossed the grounds to the terminal.
Once again, something bit at the back of her mind. Something was going to happen -- she could feel the tension. Glancing surreptitiously around, she noticed two men, wearing black yet overly casual, who just happened to be staring directly at her. One of the men nonchalantly peeked around, reaching into his pocket. Noting this, Robin narrowed her eyes and shifted so that her hand rested on her spectacles. The other man stared at her intensely and pointed, fingers twitching. Her mind snapped -- 'They're Hunters!' She cried, "Amon!" Hurling herself at him, she knocked him over as bullets whizzed over their heads. They dashed behind a corner, Amon readying his gun and Robin reaching for her power. As she tried to hurl it at them, it rebounded and she gasped. "Orbo!" She looked at Amon. "They have the orbo!" Bullets ricocheted off the marble near their heads. "Damn!" Amon hissed.
Robin's heart did phenomenal acrobatics as she felt a pair of strong hands lift her by the waist from behind. The gasp that escaped her lips was strangled, and she thrashed as her efforts to use her Craft were rebounded. Amon heard the gasp and turned, brows slamming together as he leveled the gun at her assailant. Robin's heart froze as she felt cold metal pressed against her skull. She could hear the smirk in the man's voice as he warned, "I really wouldn't do anything stupid." Robin lay perfectly still in the unwelcome and offensive grasp.
Amon's eyes flashed as he slowly lowered his gun. Clenching his teeth, he ground out, "Don't hurt her." Robin felt tears prickle as she saw his well-hidden but altogether desperate expression. She knew him too well.
Another black-clad man came to stand beside Robin's captor. Amon felt a presence behind him and whirled, coming face to face with Karasuma. She held a gun aloft, pointed at Robin. His eyes blazed in shock and anger.
"Shoot the witch! Karasuma!" The scream echoed in the suddenly silent halls of the airport terminal.
She glanced at the man, to her side, then focused her eyes on Amon. He tried to identify the look -- triumph? That didn't make sense . . . "I'm sorry." She stared back in Robin's direction and pulled the trigger. Immediate pandemonium ensued. Screams and shouts rang about the hall as the reverberations of the gunshot died.
Robin dropped to her knees, shaking, eyes open in shock. Beside her fell the man who had so unceremoniously seized, blood spattering everywhere as he croaked, "Karasuma -- y-you bet-trayed . . . us . . ."
Shots rang into the crazy air. Amon dashed over to Robin, snatching her wrist and pulling. She surged to her feet, snapping out of her shock and slipping behind the counter Amon pointed her to. Everywhere, everywhere, Hunters shot and ran and ducked, all against Amon and Karasuma, who were filling the Hunters with lead as often as they dared to pull off a shot.
Suddenly, Robin heard an insane voice scream out, "Every witch must be Hunted!" She whipped around, frantic, but couldn't use her Craft soon enough to avoid the clip on the shoulder. The man's eyes were crazy, wild, and suddenly still as a distinct shot ripped through his back. The tall man fell, slowly, revealing Sakaki standing behind him, smoking gun in hand. She shot him a grateful glance, clasping her arm to herself. Turning, Robin strode to Amon and Karasuma. Sakaki followed, pulling off another few rounds into some men who approached. Amon's eyes darkened with fury and worry and he shouted, "Hide! Dammit, Robin, do not martyr yourself!"
Robin stared at him quietly saying, "It all ends now, here." At her words, though her eyes were focused on him, her Craft surrounded the Hunters who stood nearest. The others' eyes bulged, whites showing all around, and they began shooting hysterically. Her shields rose, protecting them.
Amon stared at her, awed, lowering his gun for the /ith time that day, and the other two followed suit. Robin, eyes fiery, stalked closer to the men, and her fire surrounded them instantly, growing heavier with each step she took. Her eyes cleared, and she murmured, "Fallen Angels", before burning the very life out of them. The young witch stood still, watching the embers of her destruction, then she closed her eyes, murmuring, "God have mercy upon them." The only sounds to be heard were the dying screams. Amon walked slowly, cautiously, up behind her and placed his hands gently on her shoulders. She stared at the flames, flickers in her eyes.
Karasuma watched them both and sighed, saying, "You had better go and catch your flight before more of those goons show up from headquarters."
Amon nodded, removing his hands gently from Robin's shoulders. Said girl sighed, peeking up at her. "Thank you."
Karasuma smiled sadly and Sakaki simply replied, "Just catch your flight and do it fast." When she turned her eyes to him, he smiled shakily. "Go on, be safe." She nodded thanks.
Amon seized his companion's hand and started walking. "Let's go." Robin nodded, hurrying to keep up with him. Karasuma and Sakaki smiled behind their hands to see the young, fair girl's hand in the dark, imposing man's -- he seemed so protective of her now, all of a sudden!
Both of the fugitives startled as gunfire busted out again. Amon threw his counterpart behind him and pulled out his gun, backing her slowly towards safety. Slugs careered past their faces as they snuck towards their flight.
Karasuma glanced back at them feverishly. "Get going! Go catch your flight! We'll cover your backs! Go!" Her yells did not fall on deaf ears -- Amon whirled and hurled Robin over his shoulder, muttering to her, "I'm sorry, but I can move faster this way." Sakaki and Karasuma fired rapidly, holding the Hunters and their temps at bay.
Robin writhed in his grasp, trying desperately to escape and help her other friends. His hands tightened on her hips. "Stop that! They can handle themselves." His voice cut through her struggles and she fell limp, on the verge of tears. "Let me go, please, Amon!" He shook his head and continued to carry her towards the gate. She stared back at them desolately, crying, "Blessed Virgin Mary, protect them!" Amon felt his heart cinch at her earnest words.
Behind them in the terminal the other two former Hunters were still loosing bullets into the soon-to-be corpses of enemy Hunters. "Do you think they're aboard yet?" Sakaki called through clenched teeth to his partner.
"I don't know -- keep firing!" Her voice was showing obvious strain.
Amon pounded through masses of curious people who stared nervously at the would-be delusional kidnapper. The gate was crowded, but their tickets were prime and they boarded swiftly. Finding their seats, the two renegades sat and tried to calm their nerves, breathing hard. They felt a lurch and Robin looked through the window of the now-moving plane. She whispered brokenly, "Dear God, please, protect Amon and I through the coming dangers."
Amon, catching what she said, smiled faintly, though his heart was still throbbing erratically. Deliberately looking the other direction, he took her hand, enfolding it in his own. She twisted, surprised, gawking at him until he finally turned in her direction. "What?" he asked, a smile in his eyes, but not on his lips. His gut plummeted when she sniffled.
"Thank you, Amon, for saving me." He shivered. Her words sounded oddly prophetic.
Moments later, he felt her head hit his shoulder, and he shifted immediately so that the sleeping girl wouldn't slide off. She ended up curled against him, his arm around her shoulders and her head on his chest. As he drifted to the itinerant psyche's shore, his thoughts fled to one subject: 'Robin, I shall die before you -- my life for yours.'
The plane soared noisily over the Pacific Ocean, on toward Asia, then Europe -- to the beautiful Italia.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~