Shaman King

Violet Twilight

Volume I

Rated: T

Genre: Romance/Fantasy/Drama/Supernatural/Action Adventure/ Angst

Pairings: YohAnna HaoOC OCOC RenPirika HoroHoroTamao LysergJeanne…

A/N: Heya, just figured I'd try this. Feedback is appreciated.

Part One: Glisten

I can see the future through closed eyes

Prologue

His fingers drummed impatiently down on the oak table as he let out a shuddering sigh. The bartender cast the boy a concerned glance, his features creasing as he frowned lightly. He asked the pesky customer to give him a minute and departed, choosing not to acknowledge the infuriated yelp from behind.

The boy's green eyes flicked up as the man approached, slowly narrowing, before a bored expression crossed his face and he looked away, resuming what he had been doing previously. The bartender blinked at him curiously, before pulling up a chair and seating himself by the same table. The boy did not bother to look up this time and the tension mounted; the silence awkward.

The bartender shifted uneasily, a feeling of apprehension falling upon him, but as it pestered him like an illness he resisted it, trying to regain his composure. The nonchalant boy was hoping the bartender would have grown weary and let him be, yet he persisted, remaining sitting there, as if waiting for him to speak. The boy rolled his eyes, ceasing his antics.

'As if I would waste my time on such matters.' He inwardly scoffed, stretching his aching limbs. The quiet atmosphere stayed, until it was pierced by the bartender clearing his throat. Muttering incoherent curses under his breath, the boy focused his stare on the bartender, becoming slightly irritated he was consistently being bugged by 'worried' people.

The bartender eyed the mug the boy grasped, contemplating on why he was subjecting himself to alcohol at such a young age. "Hey there son," he said coaxingly, giving the boy a light smile, "how ya doin'? Ya seem a bit down." For unknown reasons, the boy was not grateful for the man's concern. To him, it felt like someone was inserted a flame into his body and lighting it. It burned…

"I'm fine. Now, please leave me be." He requested, eye lids drooping. The bartender cast his gaze to the ground, wondering what to say next as he suspected the boy was heavily burdened. Said boy gave the bartender a spiteful glare, praying he would just get the message and go. But alas, fate was terribly unfair as the bartender gave him a strained smile, clasping his hands together from nervousness.

"Ah but…I assume you are not if ya drink down so much of that brew."

The bartender flinched when the boy glowered angrily, dark brown locks falling across his eyes. It was hard conversing with one who threw such harsh looks, he mused, but he had to crack on. "Its ok lad, you can tell me what's on your mind."

Instead of responding, the boy merely raised his mug. It met his lips as he gulped it down, all the while the bartender observed he with intrigue and worry. How much had the boy drank? How long had he been possessed to drink it? The boy set the mug down and silence reigned again for a bit, until he turned his attention to the bartender with furrowed brows.

"Will you not go away?"

"What's your name son?" He questioned gently, eyebrows burrowing, "I'd like to know."

An exasperated sigh greeted his ears, before the boy interlocked eyes with him, his hand aimlessly drifting to his other.

"My name is Kei Arashi. Now will you go?" The way it came out was more of a demand than a question, but the bartender sustained his courage, much to Arashi's distress. The bartender gifted him a wry smile, idle strands of greyed hair coming loose from his bun.

"Iie. You need company son, so I'd like to stay with you." The man wasn't asking permission; it was as if he had purposely glued himself to the chair, suspecting that Arashi would be hard to deal with. The bartender witness Arashi's dark green orbs flicker with enragement, but no sooner than it had shown it was replaced by…nothing. Arashi shrugged and commenced drinking again, this time taking bigger portions, before placing the mug down with a soft thud. He shrugged casually, his face free of any emotion displaying his thoughts and feelings, just like his eyes were.

"Fine old man. If you persist so infuriatingly, I suppose I should ask your name?" The man's face lit up at the question and his smile formed into a fully fledged one.

"Ah. My name is. Ado; Kuroi Ado."

"Well then Kuroi-sama," Arashi drawled morbidly, tucking his hair behind his ear, "I suggest you leave before I bore you out of existence." At that point Kuroi burst into jubious laughter and the reaction gained from Arashi, underlining his surprise and confusion was a slight brow raise.

Then he proceeded to ruffle Arashi's dark hair, causing the boy to stiffen and bat his hand away. The conclusion was Kuroi scratching his nose thoughtfully, eyes locked onto Arashi who was currently seething through his teeth, eyes glimmering with rage. Kuroi gave a half smile at getting emotion to show in Arashi's lifeless eyes. Heck, fury was better than a void…

"What the hell was that for?" He asked in a fuming manner, somehow managing to keep his voice low. His anger peaked when Kuroi shrugged casually, a large and positive grin breeching the borders of his cheeks. Arashi let the man clap him tenderly on the back, but moved away in case Kuroi attempted anything else. Kuroi sighed despondently, grin fading, before reaching for Arashi's mug and taking it in his large hands.

"Wanna refill?"

The response was a curt shake of the head, which was proceeded by the boy reaching his feet and hanging his travel back over his shoulder. Kuroi visibly blanched as Arashi bypassed him, briskly walking to the entrance of the little pub. He did halt by the door though, giving Kuroi a fleeting glance. Kuroi grimaced back at him as Arashi's eyes darted to the counter.

"Money's there." He murmured, before fully turning away and leaving through the door. His soulless words echoed throughout the lonely and quaint abode. Kuroi sighed dejectedly and leant back against the chair, rubbing his temples to ease the stress and closing his eyes.

: Part One:

"Ne…what do you think Yoh?" A voice questioned curiously, snapping the brunette out of his reverie. He smiled at the owner of the voice; having found himself all too willing to smile at whomever spoke to him.

The boy who had asked had his elbows propped up, supporting his chin as he surveyed the vast area. The area they were in at the moment was valued with a high prestige. No one argued on why it was though; it was not to be debated on.

It was a miniature area, surrounded by a number of trees and isolated from busy traffic, suffocating fumes and flustered people. There were clusters of flowers scattered around the lush and long grass, in full blossom and flaunting the elegant and majestic nature of spring when a gentle breeze brushed past them and made them tentatively sway.

There was an endlessly flowing stream, which was teeming with fresh fish. It sometime sprayed out water and those unlucky enough to be standing there at the time would promptly be drenched. HoroHoro's mouth curved upwards as he took in the sights, the expecting answer from Yoh all but forgotten. The sun was casting broad rays down, making the shadows shift and seem to dance rhythmically. The sky was a vivid light blue, where white cotton lulled about and birds in small groups squawked and swooped down and up; to and fro.

Yoh smiled cheerily at his friend, who was mesmerised by the immaculate beauty of their surroundings. That was a good thing too, as Yoh had been much too busy pondering on matters to hear the original question. He had been recently dozing when a sudden shock seared through his body; initiating him to sit bolt right up and hold his pounding head. A headache had developed and he had needed a serene background to bring him to ease, so his ever intelligent fiancé had suggested he go to a detached place in Funbari and now here he was with two of his friends.

Just before the abrupt shock, a fuzzy image had shown in his mind. It was a hunched figure, staring at a trembling hand which was coated in thick crimson blood. Yoh shuddered at the recollection and decided there and then he wasn't going to allow it to affect him, mentally or physically. Shaken or not, it was just an odd occurrence. Perhaps it was something to do with the horror film they had watched just a few days ago, yes, that sounded plausible to his ears.

'Or maybe fate has brought you a premonition?'

Yoh shook his head firmly, banishing the devious thoughts from his mind. Maybe it was a lack of sleep and state of exhaustion? Yoh sighed, easily realising the ailment would not reach the extent of seeing such horrifying things. Noting his master's bereaved character, he took it upon himself to manifest by his side, giving him a forlorn frown.

"Yoh-dono?" He grilled hesitantly, watching the hazel eyes of the Asakura flit up to him. Yoh simpered at him painstakingly and Amidamaru discerned the befuddlement and wariness swirling in his dark orbs. The samurai paled and bit his lower lip, sceptical on whether he should pursue what he saw or leave it alone.

As he turned out to be indecisive, his decision was demonstrated by another as Yoh was prodded subtly by a well known Kwan Dao. Yoh blinked and then looked up to meet strict and intense amber eyes, belonging to none other than Tao Ren. He gave Ren a similar smile to the one he had given Amidamaru, but the purple haired boy swiftly caught onto the act, his angered look turning to a brood.

"You look troubled." He stated airily, arching a brow. Yoh gawked at his friend's perception, but pinched his eyes closed and his smile became more centred.

"I'm fine. I just had a weird shock, that's all…" Ren frowned doubtfully as did Amidamaru, but possibly at that moment it dawned on them Yoh was not going to speak in full detail. Either way, the only one that would be able to get a word out of him when he was being happily stubborn was his hard headed fiancé; Kyouyama Anna.

Back at the onsen, the blondes eyes fluttered open and wordlessly she laid down the controller, reaching her feet and brushing herself down. Tamamura Tamao and Usui Pirika observed with a bemused intrigue as she swivelled around and left them. The television blared as one of her soaps began, but it was the last thing on the remaining female's minds as they continued to place their gaze on the door.

"What do you think that was about?" She inquired, absently scratching her head. Tamao, who before had been pouring herbal tea set the jug down and threaded her fingers together, black eyes sombre. Taking the hushed air around them as the answer to her own question, Pirika presumed Tamao had nothing to speak about, so sighing flippantly she landed on a large cushion, folding her arms underneath herself in a quiet huff. Her mind wander as she pondered on where her role model was going, but so much thinking only left her with a headache, so she deigned that a nap would not be such a bad idea. Her eyes fluttered shut and eventually soft snoring filled the room, accompanied by the words of the actors on screen. The volume had been turned up high, even for Anna's standards, because this was meant to be an epic season finale.

Combing a hand through her pink hair, Tamao crawled to the television and took Anna's spot, seeing the controller. She picked it up and held it delicately; peering down at it as if she were a baby seeing her parents for the first time. Gradually, a half smile made its way onto her face, as she began to experiment with what she could do.

: Part One:

"I have a bad feeling about this," the blonde muttered darkly, scanning the area with livid black orbs, "and I swear if you dragged me out here for nothing, I will make you suffer." This only amused the brunette smiling charmingly at her. He flipped his long hair and neared her, a sharp breeze picking up his hair and throwing it around. It tried to mess with the girl's hair, but as she seemingly glared at the sky, the gust hastily subsided.

"Ah Anna-chan, I'm in agony," the shaman sniffled dramatically, "I thought you knew I was not one for idle banter."

"That's what you're all about," she complained monotonously, waving her hand to signify her point, "now; I'd like to know why I'm out here Hao." The confirmed brunette; Hao cocked his head to the side, knocking strands out of the place as he did so and smiled cutely.

"Well, you see…it concerns Yoh."

"Excuse me?" She queried in a sharper tone than intended. Hao rubbed the back of his head and appeared very meek indeed. Anna's black orbs interlocked with his chestnut ones, piercing them with unethical ease. "Tell me Hao. What concerns my fiancé?"

"Well Anna," the flame shaman began, nose crinkling, "I fear he's viewed an image, or had a dream of such, which I believe holds a more significant meaning to what he accepts to believe. So, as I am clueless, I have come to consort in you…"

There was silence between them for a long while; Hao looked away and Anna averting her gaze to the ground, before she composed herself and stared hard at Yoh's older twin.

"Tell me then. Tell me what you and Yoh have seen. And then…well, we'll just have to see…"

: Part One:

"Lyserg-kun?"

"Hai Jeanne-sama?"

"I have a…weird feeling of sorts…"

Lyserg raised his head from the detective book he was rereading, green eyes shimmering with alertness at Jeanne's declaration. He grimaced and dropped the book, pivoting round so he could properly face the silver haired maiden, who had now taken a keen interest in twiddling her thumbs. When she looked up to meet his eyes, insecurity swarming hers, he smiled gently to show her not to be alarmed. It must have worked, as the emotion of apprehension was replaced by relief and her lips formed a soft, simple smile.

"Go on," the dowser urged, turning back around to close the book, "I'm listening." He finished with a full blown grin, patting on the space next to him. The ruby eyed female blinked, bewilderment etched onto her features, before realisation dawned on her and her smile grew anxious, a timid red adorning her expression. She complied though and walked towards him, seating herself on his bed. The duvet had comical pictures threaded into it which caused her to giggle and the shaman himself blush. "C'mon, it's not that funny." On the contrary, this comment only seemed to fuel her amusement as her giggles transformed into chuckles. Lyserg rolled his eyes playfully, before grabbing the girl abruptly and pulling him nearer to her, ruffling her hair affectionately. Her face totally covered in red, Jeanne gave a mock pout, thumping him in 'anger.'

"Unhand me baka."

"Take back your laughter."

"Never!"

Lyserg sweatdropped, releasing his 'friend' and suddenly finding discomfort in the position they had been in. He gulped uneasily and shifted, before intent eyes fell on the girl again, who was giving him a sideways glance. He smiled tenderly and titled his head somewhat.

"Hai?"

"Oh um…I have a feeling it would be good to see Yoh-san and his friends very soon." Lyserg's eyes widened as he wonder whether he heard right or not. Jeanne's mouth formed a tight frown as she waited for any reply, her fingers clenching and unclenching slowly. Gradually, the initial surprise of the off hand suggestion passed by, and he simply stayed there, studying her with an expressionless face. Jeanne, biting her lower lip, finally sighed in resignation, opting to bang her head on the wall. At the fact she snapped so easily, Lyserg grinned. When Jeanne saw this, she rolled her eyes exasperatedly and returned the favour by scowling at him, causing him to blanch.

"Gomen!" He said cheerily, whilst her eye lids drooped. He scratched his cheek thoughtfully, pouting somewhat, before he grinned in agreement at her words. "And yeah, it'd be cool to see Yoh and the guys. If we could just give Marco the slip…" he sighed resolutely, shaking his head as if to confirm the idea was pointless. Jeanne however, was not show easily thrown from ideas and smirked slyly, patting the dowser on the head.

Blinking like an innocent little boy, he lifted his head up for their eyes to meet and shivered at Jeanne's very odd expression. He frowned a bit when she got to her feet and made her way to the door. She paused by it, to throw him a jubilant grin over her shoulder and beckon him towards her. He obliged rapidly, looking rather lost as to what she had in mind. Jeanne rolled her eyes, but she had to admit-it was one of his endearing traits.

"C'mon Lyserg-kun," she said predominantly, placing balled hands on her hips, "we have to go give Marco-san the slip!" Lyserg on the point of high mirth, allowed himself to be hauled away by the ruby eyed maiden, reflecting on her attitude today. She had been very Jeanne-like, but at the same time, not…

: Part One:

I thought you were going to take care of it?

I am, so just give me some time!

You take much to long!

It will activate soon

How soon exactly?

The sixteenth. That's when.

Tsuzuku