Wel, I'm back! This is a fast update for me but I think it came out okay. For the record I've got some idea of Master's plan now (I hope! maybe I think . . . but any thoughts or comments would be appriciated . . .) so hopfully things will run soothly! Well, read and review! (Don't forget!) Tell me what you think!
As one final note to those who are interested there will be three more chapters in this story from the looks of things.
One more thing, I know I was insitant about reviews in the last chapter but I hadn't goten any in a little while so I was feeling lonely.
Ch. 8 The Device
When Michael looked into reports of missing witches he actually found several that had died mysteriously or disappeared under unexplained circumstances. However their powers and strength levels were widely different. There was no possible connection between them. No way to link up any of them. For now it seemed they had reached another dead end.
It was a week later when a message arrived at the STN-J telling them that a car would arrive for them in two hours. It didn't say where they were going or why. Only that they would be going and they should be ready on time. "Well whoever this is seems quite self assured to give us such a message." Sakaki comment after he read the aforementioned note.
The others all nodded in agreement. "It's strange . . . I'd really feeling better knowing where we're being taken and why." Michael admitted.
"I'm feeling uneasy about it as well." Robin chimed in.
"Should we go?" Asked Karasuma.
"Of, course!" Exclaimed Dojima "This could lead to us finding Amon, finally."
There was a silent concurrence among all the members. Dojima's comment had reminded them of what their mission had been for over a year now, get Amon back. That's what they wanted and they just might have a chance to get it.
As the letter had promised a black SUV arrived in front of Raven's Flat two hours and later. It was large bulky and had ominous tinted windows. Robin and Michael looked at it together from the window as the driver got out. Michael glanced over at Robin to see she looked as if she was tense. "You okay, Robin?" He asked.
Robin turned to him with a forced smile on her face. "Yes, I'm fine, Michael."
"Let's go he looks impatient." Dojima insisted.
"I hope you're ready." Karasuma said to Robin.
She didn't reply. They all bunched silently onto the elevator. Michael pressed the down floor button and they descended to the first floor. Sakaki led the group across the lobby and through the front door. As the neared the vehicle the driver opened the door for them. Robin climbed in first followed by Michael and Karasuma. Sakaki got in the middle row of seats. The driver slammed the door shut behind them and got into the front seat. The windows were darkened so they couldn't see outside either. There was also a Plexiglas screen between them and the driver so they couldn't talk to him. They looked around nervously at each other, concerned by these strange arrangements.
They drove in silence for about thirty minutes before the car came to a complete stop. The driver opened the door and the STN-J climbed out in noiseless single file. They blinked in the bright sunlight. Before them stood a medium sized unmarked brick building. The front door was a pair of heavy metal double doors that gave the building an official cast. The windows were few but all were darkened so any hope of seeing inside was futile. The stocky from of the driver appeared and directed them towards the entrance. "Master is waiting." He said softly.
Robin took a deep breath and said bravely, "Then let's not keeping him waiting."
She led the way though the doors. Inside the hallways were metallic and cold. Raven was waiting for them dressed in a black vest and fishnet stocking with knee high boots. She seemed to be not as energetic as before and there was a feel of tiredness to all she did. Raven smiled wearily. "Welcome. I'm glad you all came." She said empathetically.
"Start explaining yourself, Raven. What's going on and where's Amon?" Haruto demanded.
Raven didn't even flinch as Sakaki's outburst. "Patience. All will be revealed in time." She replied calmly.
Raven turned and began to disappear down one of the many long corridors that led into the building. Michael led the others in the rush to keep up with her. Slowly they journeyed forward.
Raven left them ten minutes later in a small almost cell like room. As she closed the door Raven promised Master would be there soon.
Robin looked around apprehensively as the door closed behind them. There was nothing in the room and the only distinguishing feature was a raised platform type area at one end. It connected to the rooms second other door.
The wait seemed to go on for forever to the people in the room by it actually only lasted about fifteen minutes. All of there were wary and on edge. Not sure what to expect from the mysterious individual who had them brought here. Finally the door began to creep open. A man entered in behind it. He was older with graying hair and a weathered face. He looked to be between his late 50's to mid 60's give or take. He was only of average height and slightly heavyset. He was dressed in a black suit and seemed to be considerably wealthy.
Michael's face displayed horrified shock upon seeing the man and couldn't speak for several long minutes. The others noticed his reaction but were unable to discern why. "Do you know who he is?" Michael demanded with emphasis when he was able to speak.
"No." Dojima wined obviously feeling put out by not knowing who this individual was.
"Please tell me you know him." Michael insisted turning to Robin.
"No I'm afraid I don't. Who is he Michael?"
"That man is one of the two greatest witch hunters of all time, the legendary Master Kakami Ukimoto."
The faces of the other STN-J members assumed similar expression to the one Michael had had. The name Kakami Ukimoto along with that of his partner Father Juliano Colegui was mythological in the witch hunter circles. He was practically a celebrity. Michael seeing they knew who he was now went on. "He was partners with Father Juliano Colegui back when he worked for the STN-J. He's also Amon's Sensei and trainer from back when he first started."
"So . . .?" Dojima drawled.
"He's supposed to be dead. According to our records he was killed ten years ago during the Tenshu Case."
"What!" Gasped Sakai.
Dead? Mouthed Karasuma and Robin.
"No way!" Dojima exclaimed.
"I'm not kidding. The report said he was completely torn to pieces by the witch." Michael insisted.
Behind the group the man raised his hands and began clapping. "Bravo. Thank-you for the introduction. I'll take over from here."
The turned to look at the man know as Kakami Ukimoto. It was clear that most were mystified or confused as to why he was alive. He continued on smiling at them. "I'm afraid you've got one detail wrong, however. I was not killed ten years ago as you claim. In fact the whole Tenshu case is a lie. It's really a cover for Solomon Hunting of me. The fools believed I had become too powerful and wanted to do away with me. I learned of their plan ahead of time and was able to fake my own death and go underground."
They starred back at him in disbelief. Still Ukimoto kept his poise and continued to speak. "I'm sure you wondering what I've been doing for the last 10 years and I intend to show you all in good time. For it is also the reason you have come to see me today."
"Amon, Where is he?" Robin pleaded.
"Soon my dear. Have a little patience. You'll see him soon enough." He child her.
He turned back to the others then, "Come now!" He called heartily "and I shall give you a tour of the place."
They looked at each other and followed him out. He led them through a maze of corridors. He stopped in front of a pair of heavy metal doors that were double bolted. He enter a long set of codes into the keypad beside it and swiped his card. The light flashed green and the doors slid open slowly. He walked in and the others came in after him.
Inside was the most amazing sight ever scene. It was a massive bio-computer complex. Connected to it in smaller glowing pods were people.
Amon: What is this? You suck! How can you make so many chapters without me? You'd think the fact I was sueing you would change something . . .
Me: Well, . . .I um . . . I don't know, honestly.
Amon: Well, do you think I could posible be in the next chapter or will I have to add the threat of orbo bullets to the list?
me: No problem! You'll be in the next chapter for sure!
Me: Starts smirking. Little does he know I already had plans to include him in the next chapter.
