Disclaimer: I don't own Shaman King.
Trouble always seems to find him wherever he goes.
Making a run for it appeared to be a great idea at that time. He had no clue where he was, who he is and why the strange creatures were chasing him. He's puzzled too, considering he ran throughout the night and yet he has enough strength to go on, maybe another mile.
He wonders why those 'beasts' were after him, now that he got them off his back.
Searching in his pockets, he found a wallet. He checks it, only to find a picture of a woman with a little boy. Looking closely, he noticed that the boy had the same eyes as the woman.
"This must be her son." He thought. "They must be my family."
Flipping over the picture revealed a note, a neat cursive handwriting that says 'Anna and Hana, March 20.'
He returns his wallet to his back pocket along with the photograph and breathes a sigh.
What the hell happened to me?
As he was running his hands over his forehead, he felt a long, narrow slit just above his right eyebrow which caused him to wince. His fingers were covered with traces of blood from his wound.
"Are you alright?"
His head snapped up almost instantly, his whole body tensed upon hearing a voice. It belonged to a man, most probably in his primes, dressed in a black trench coat, with blue eyes and dark brown hair, brushed up neatly.
"Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you." He said, "I'm here to help." He offered his hand. A few seconds passed and no handshake took place. The man withdrew his hand and spoke again, "Oh sorry for being rude. My name is Cole Saint. What's yours?"
Cole earned another skeptical look from the stranger.
"I don't know who I am," He finally answered.
"You mean, you don't remember, right?" Cole probed.
"I guess."
"Get in the car. I'll take you to the hospital."
Even though he's still a bit reluctant, he accepted the offer. He just met Cole but somehow, he knew that this person could be trusted.
~0oo0~
It was a thirty minute drive all the way to the Saint's mansion from the hospital.
At the front gate, they waited for at least 10 seconds before the car moved in. They drove past an enormous maze garden, a fountain stood in the middle of it, before arriving at the main entrance.
An eight-step staircase adorned with crescent-like seals, paved the way to the antique wooden double doors, providing access to the grandeur manor. Upon entry, several ionic pillars stood align, guiding the visitor to see the main lounge.
In the lounge area is a pair of staircases on both sides, a usual interior design of castles that includes a platform to oversee who comes in and out of the home.
"Luke, show him his room."
"Yes, Master Cole. This way, please." Luke led him to the guest room.
~0oo0~
I guess I got exhausted after all. I hit the sack as soon as I reached the bed. Why is it that I can't remember anything? Though, a vague memory seemed to have crossed my mind when I saw the photo.
He took out the picture from his wallet again and stared at it. There's no doubt that these people were dear to him, else he wouldn't have kept the snapshot. His mind may not be able to remember it right now, but his heart is saying otherwise.
He stood up and was headed for the door when Cole came in.
"How are you feeling?"
"Still a little sore and a little nauseous."
"You still don't remember anything?"
"I'm afraid so."
"Would you mind if I ask you some questions?"
"If it helps, why not."
"Why were the vampires after you?"
"Vampires?"
"Yeah."
He gave Cole a confused look.
"You don't know what vampires are?"
"For real?" He said incredulously.
"Unfortunately."
"In all honesty, I don't have any idea. I must've hit my head really hard."
"Severe concussion, like what the doctor said"
"Yeah..."
"Don't worry though, they won't be coming after you... not while you're under my care."
"Are you like a cop or something?"
"Hmm, yeah, something like that." Cole replied. "It's alright, no need for you to worry about those things. I reckon you're not from around here just by looking at you."
"..."
"No offense meant, but I've been in this town for quite a while and I literally know everyone...well, most of them."
"How did I end up here?"
"I'd very much like to know too." He paused, "Which is why, I'm currently running a database check to find out who you are. Face recognition may take a few more hours or so..."
"Why are you helping me anyway? What if I was a criminal?"
"Nonsense. One thing you need to know about me is that I am a very good judge of character. What I need you to do now is to relax a bit."
Face recognition completed.
"Ah!" Cole exclaimed. "Sooner than I expected. Let's see who you are." He taps on one of the buttons to reveal a name and an address.
"Yoh Asakura. Well, nice to meet you Yoh." Cole offered his hands again.
"Yeah... it's so weird... I still don't remember anything."
"Hmm, says here, you're married to Anna..." He pulls up another file "And you have a son too. Cool!"
Yoh took out the picture from his wallet and showed it to Cole. "It's them alright."
"Your wife is absolutely stunning. Good for you." Cole remarked.
"I forgot to ask this but... where am I exactly?"
"You're in Okinawa. Says here on your file, you're currently residing in Tokyo. I'll get you a plane ticket right away."
Cole picks up his phone and makes a call.
"It's me. I need a plane ticket delivered to me in half an hour, bound for Tokyo - for one, yes. Alright, thank you."
"I don't really know what to say other than 'Thanks a lot'."
"All I can tell you is 'Don't mention it'." Cole grinned.
"I'll pay you back, I promise."
"Nah. You don't have to. I'm leaving by the end of the week."
"I'll come back before then."
"Yoh, don't bother really."
"But..."
"Let's not make a big deal out of this alright? Even though I would love to visit your place and meet your family, I can't leave town. Have to do more cleanups here and there."
"Ah I see."
"Well, you heard the conversation, ticket's gonna be here in 30 minutes so until then, you just relax in this room, maybe freshen up a bit."
"Yes."
"I'd like to see you off but regrettably, I have another appointment. Take care of yourself Yoh and I hope you'd regain your memory soon."
"Be careful out there and thanks again."
Cole closes the door.
~0oo0~
On the plane, he remembered the conversation between him and his wife that transpired a few hours ago.
"Hello?" greeted the voice on the other end of the line.
"Hello, may I speak with Anna Asakura?" He asked politely.
Within seconds, she answered him with "Yoh? Where the hell are you? We've been worried sick!"
Yoh almost dropped the handset before replying with "So, you're Anna?"
The line went silent for a while. It seemed that she knew something was wrong. A calmer voice was the next thing he heard "Yoh, just tell me where you are. I'll come get you."
"I-I'll be boarding a plane back to Tokyo and will arrive tomorrow morning."
"Okay, I'll be there."
He was amazed at how fast his wife changed her mood from grouchy to nice. He noticed though - something about her voice that felt like she was about to cry upon hearing his voice - made him realize that she loves him so much.
~0oo0~
"Yoh." She was standing in front of him, eyes wide in shock. All he could muster was a faint smile. He just couldn't remember her right now.
Anna threw her arms around him, almost on the verge of tears. But she held it in and told him "Welcome back."
"Thanks," He uttered. "Please don't be offended Anna. My head's messed up right now literally...I'm so sorry."
She swallowed down the lump in her throat before she answered, "Don't worry about it." and hung her head down so he could not see the tears that were starting to build up in her eyes. She grabbed his hands tightly as they headed back to Funbari Inn.
Author's Note: Chapter 1 done. Please review!