Chapter 4
Crane Harbor

Robin had trouble falling asleep that night out of excitement for the promised outing. For weeks now, Amon had been the only other person she'd seen, and while there was no one she'd rather be with, she was craving more human contact.

Just as she drifted off to sleep, an owl hooted softly in the trees outside. The sound made it into her dream, where it was a puzzling incongruity. In her dream, the sun was shining. The windows of the cottage were wide open, and through them instead of the trees of the forest she could see Mount Fuji, huge and snowy, shining against the blue sky.

The floor of the cottage was painted with runes, which she recognized as a spell to make someone fall in love, just as she recognized she was the one who'd painted it.

"This is against the rules," Amon said, though he sounded amused.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." She blotted out the activation rune frantically, canceling the spell. "Please don't hate me. I'd prefer you to kill me than hate me."

"It's just funny that you thought you needed it."

"Growing up in a convent doesn't make me a nun," she stated.

Amon crossed the room slowly, and she froze, unable to move or speak. When he was a step away from her she stopped his advance by placing both hands on his chest. They stood there for a minute, neither moving. Then he kissed her.

She kissed him back immediately, passionately, for a long time. Then he wrapped his arms around her, and she rested her chin on his shoulder, and knew everything was going to work out.

Then a dark shape welled up in the window, something too shadowed to make out, too sinister to comprehend. It pushed its way inside.

A barn owl cried out as if in warning, its screech tearing through the darkness.

"Amon!"

She started awake, and wasn't sure if she'd really shouted his name or only dreamed it. She listened to night sounds for several minutes. Finally she got out of bed and listened at the thin folding screen that separated her from him.

Her heart eased when she heard him breathing rhythmically in his sleep. It was just a dream. Not the first dream she'd had about kissing him, and not her first nightmare by far. It was the coincidence of the owl, perhaps, that had made it seem significant. Owls were an ancient symbol of witchcraft.

It was a dim, rainy day. Robin had said she wouldn't mind saving the excursion for another day, but Amon said she had been stuck in their isolated cottage long enough. And, honestly, Robin didn't mind the rain, especially because it meant walking next to Amon under his umbrella.

They stopped under the eave of Crane Harbor and Amon shook off the umbrella, then they stepped inside the tea shop.

"Welcome," the hostess said.

"Manharu, good morning," Amon greeted her.

Manharu stared at Robin for a moment. "So this is the girl," she whispered before making a bow. "It's an honor to meet you, Robin."

At the note of almost reverence in her voice, Amon realized this woman was a Witch. He wasn't surprised.

"You too," Robin replied, seeming to fumble for the appropriate response.

"Come this way, please."

The hostess led them to a private tea room. When she pulled aside the curtain, they found Yuji Kobari sitting at the table.

"Master!" Robin exclaimed.

He rose and they embraced. "I have been missing you," he said softly, with paternal affection.

Amon looked away, feeling like he was intruding on their reunion, but at the same time pleased at having arranged it.

"This is the special thing you had planned for me?" Robin asked Amon.

"Yes," he said simply.

The smile she gave him warmed his heart.

They all sat at the table.

"I hope your accommodations aren't too uncomfortable," Yuji said.

"We are quite comfortable. Thank you."

"I'm sure your days have been frightfully dull."

"Not dull at all. It's been...peaceful."

Yuji smiled, and looked at Amon. "I hope she's been keeping out of trouble."

"There's been no trouble," he said.

"It must be a strange thing, perhaps a frustrating thing, to hide instead of hunt."

Amon shook his head. "As Robin said, it has been peaceful. I have been enjoying it."

Master gave him a questioning look, like he knew there was something troubling that peace.

"How is everyone back home?" Robin asked.

"They are doing well, but they miss you. Everyone misses you."

Manharu brought a pot of gyokuro tea to their table, along with an array of wagashi.

The guests conversed quietly. Of the three of them, not one was given to exuberance, but their genuine interest in one another's lives kept the conversation flowing.

When Robin excused herself to the restroom, Yuji took the opportunity to ask Amon, "Is it difficult for you, leaving behind your life to protect her?"

"No," he answered.

"Are you happy, with her?"

Amon wasn't sure how to answer that. He was there to make sure if Robin was corrupted by her power she wouldn't live long enough to use it against humans. He was to be her judge and executioner. It was his duty, and he wouldn't let himself forget that. At the same time, he was fond of her, fonder than he would admit, and Yuji knew it.

"Yes I am," he said.

"I suppose in a way this is the first vacation you've ever had. Have you talked to her?"

"I talk to her every day."

"But have you really talked to her? Have you told her how you feel? Have you at least told her why you became a hunter?"

The answer to those questions was no.

"You have given up so much," Yuji said. "You must know there are others who love her and can protect her."

"It has to be me."

"I know why you believe that, but I don't agree with it."

Robin returned to the table. "What are you discussing?" she inquired.

"Nothing important."

She smiled softly, knowing they were lying but not about to pry. "Master, I haven't thanked you yet for the birthday gift you sent me. I have been practicing calligraphy. I'm no good at it yet, but I find the practice very relaxing."

"I'm so glad you enjoy it. What have you been writing?"

"So far I've only been copying poetry."

Their conversation continued for over an hour, then Amon and Robin took their leave.

"It was so good to see you, Master," Robin said. "I hope I can see you again soon."

"I would like that. I hope to come visit you at the cottage, if I can."

As Robin walked out, Amon bowed to Yuji and whispered, "Thank you."

"Thank you. And I apologize for what I said before. There is no one I would rather have as her protector than you. I know in my heart that killing her will never be necessary, and I know you would never kill her unless it was necessary."