Disclaimer: Shaman king still belongs to Hiroyuki Takei
Author's Note: hi! I'm back! Ideas seem to be pouring in lately so writing another story is possible. This story is inspired by a fanfic that I've read years ago but I cannot remember the title or the author. As I was thinking for the next chapter of Project: Makeover this just crossed my mind and demanded to be written.
A lot of surprises are in store for me in the next school year because we again have a reshuffle and I'm going to have new classmates for my senior year in college and for the brighter side, I'm back with my friends and finally we are all block mates again. I do hope that you'll like this story as I do while writing this. Ciao!
Warnings: this happened in an alternate universe. OOCness might be encountered while reading. Thank you.
~majrocks~
"Magic exists. Who can doubt it, when there are rainbows and wildflowers, the music of the wind and the silence of the stars? Anyone who has loved has been touched by magic. It is such a simple and such an extraordinary part of the lives we live"
-Nora Roberts
~majrocks~
Almost Magic
A brunette was cleaning the chemistry laboratory, Chemistry was his favorite subject. He loved mixing chemicals and it's the only subject that he didn't feel sleepy. His twin brother Hao was off to heaven knows where hours ago. He should also be if he was not cornered by some girls who desperately need his help.
While in elementary back in their hometown in Izumo people were avoiding them, both he and his brother for they are shamans. They were social outcasts then but everything changed when they both transferred her in Funbari Hill and enrolled in Shinra Private Academy.
Both he and his brother started a new life. Hao easily blended in especially with girls, whereas Yoh enhanced his ability with mixing chemicals and discovered that he has the gift for mixing potions. He is not a sorcerer or something; he is a shaman who just had a penchant for mixing potions.
His prowess was first used for his friend Chocolove McDonnell, the guy was hopelessly in love with Kira but the girl seems to ignore him. He pitied his situation and the guy almost pleaded at him to make a love potion.
So now, a year later they are still together due to his persistence and a little help from Yoh.
Ever since then word has gone about his ability, girls and boys alike came to his aid for different reasons and he even experienced being stalked at his room.
But despite all of that Yoh is careful in giving in with people's request; because every wish has their own payment and consequences; a tit for a tat, Equivalent Exchange.
He was now nearly finished cleaning when he felt another presence in the room.
"Is it true that you're a sorcerer?" a cold voice asked him.
He looked up and saw a blond girl standing in front of him.
"I am not" he simply said.
"But you can make potions right? Like⦠love potions?"
Her statement made Yoh look her way, he sure knows who she is. She's Anna Kyouyama, champion swimmer, smart, articulate and most of all known as the Ice Queen. Her approaching him is startling enough but her asking him about love potions, that is so out of this world!
He cleared his throat, "They say I can. Do you need one?"
He saw her blush for a second before her face become stoic and passive, "Make one for me, just name your price."
"Why would you need it? I mean you're the Anna Kyouyama, a lot of guys would love to be your boyfriend once you announce it," when she raised her eyebrow at him, he further explained, "To tell you the truth, you're a no. 1 request for love potions."
"And their progress?"
"Well, so far almost none even advanced to the first part. You know, before I make a potion I asses the person. For the potion to work the person must have a direct connection to the other. I do that to save both me and the requester time if ever they don't have any connection at all" he explained.
Anna smirked, "Good. So being an Ice Queen sure has its advantages. You still didn't confirm my request."
Yoh sweat dropped, his intention was to let her hopes down by informing her of the preliminary assessment but she seems to ignore it, "Before I accept that may I ask if you have any close connection with the person?"
"I have" came the reply.
Yoh nodded, "Okay, why don't you sit down so we can discuss this further. You could get varicose veins by standing so long."
Anna grabbed a nearby chair and she accidentally brushed past him he inhaled her scent ; she smells Mediterranean, refreshing, cool and made him think of clear coast waters. 'Dolce and Gabbana light Blue' was the first thing that came to his mind. He had encountered that perfume before when he and his mom was shopping.
"So what do we do now?" Anna grabbed his attention.
"Okay. This potion will only work if you have a direct relationship or connection with the person. The effect is something that I cannot guarantee. It varies actually; the person's mood is also a great factor. Say you give the potion when the person is in a bad mood and is pissed off or angry then effect of the potion is more likely minimal or it wouldn't change anything at all."
"So you're saying that I should give the potion when he is in a good mood?"
Yoh smiled at her, "You're catching up fast."
Anna just ignored his comment, "And then?"
"The potion will take around five days to make."
"What?" Anna jerked upwards from the chair, "Why would it take that long? Can't you make it faster? "
"I'm afraid that it's the fastest. Some ingredients can only be mixed on certain days"
Anna sighed then run a finger through her hair.
Yoh felt something tug at his heart at the genuine sadness that he saw in her eyes, "If you are willing to wait that long, who knows it might turn out good."
Anna just nodded.
"So what's his name?"
Anna looked at him as if he was crazy, "Why would I give you that?"
"Are you holding up information? How can I help you if you don't want to spill the beans? If you are really that adamant and doesn't trust me then I guess there is no point in starting the potion" he was about to stand up when he felt Anna's hand on his own and couldn't understand why his heart skipped a beat at the action.
"Okay fine. But just promise me that whatever we talked will just be between you and me. It won't escape this room. Get it?"
Yoh nodded, "It's a promise."
Anna inspected her surroundings first then when she was assured that they are the only people in the laboratory blurted out, "It's Hao Asakura"
Yoh almost dropped from his chair, "H-Hao? You mean my brother?"
Anna gave him an annoyed look, "That's the reason why I don't want to tell you, now you won't help me for sure"
Yoh was still surprised, "I-I thought the two of you are already dating each other?"
"We were, but your idiotic excuse for a brother had a sudden change of heart"
"So he dumped you?"
Anna glared at him, "Do you have to be so blunt?"
Yoh cringed at her tone, "Sorry... I didn't mean anything bad with my choice of words"
Anna looked at him suspiciously then stood up and made her way to the door.
"Hey where are you going Anna?"
"Out. For sure you won't help me. I just wish that you can keep your word and not tell the world about my secret" her hands were already clutching the door knob when his next words made her stop and turn to face him.
"I didn't say I won't help"
She walked to her direction and eyed him, "So you're willing to help me and in some way betray your brother?"
Yoh gave a low laugh, "Betray? I think it's a harsh word. No, I won't be, not in any way that you look at it, I mean I have nothing against you. You have very good credentials compared to any of his girls. His welfare would always come first and I am positive that you are fit for the position. And I haven't finished discussing the whole thing"
Anna's eyes seem to lighten up,"So, what are the other things that we need to discuss?"
"Limitations. The potion, once consumed would take effect for a week-"
He was cut off when Anna grabbed him by the collar," One week? You're a making a love potion that will ONLY last a week?" her face was flushed with anger, "So that means that even if that potion of yours will work he will only love me for a week then what? Dump me again? Are you playing tricks with me Asakura? If you don't want to help me then tell me straight rather than playing nice but giving my request for only a week"
Yoh felt shivers down his spine as he frantically tried to calm her down," Wait- Anna let me explain it further"
When her grip on his shirt loosens a bit he grabbed the opportunity and backed out a few centimeters away from her.
"Look Anna, this is the truth, no potion no matter how great the creator is can last a lifetime. That explanation can be simplified by this analogy: Potions are like medicines. They're effect varies for each individual. What works for you may not work for others; and vice versa. Most of all, they both have shelf life or expiration date, they can't last forever," he paused then waited for Anna to react, when she didn't, he continued, "Short as it may be but the one week effect of the potion will greatly help you by awakening his feelings for you and wooing him into loving you would be easier. How you handle the relationship after that is up to you. The potion already helped you and it would be up to you to help yourself by maintaining the burning flame of love in his heart"
"Is that the reason why you asked me if I have a direct connection with him?"
"Yes. Basically, how can you open up a locked love if the person didn't even know that you exist in the first place?"
Anna smiled bitterly, "Innovative. Well, are there any more bombs that you need to blow up?"
"Uhmm... and to complete the potion you will need to give something."
"How much?"
"It's not monetary. What I'm asking is a sacrifice for the potion. It's more of an Equivalent Exchange; you will have to give something close to your heart. It could be anything that you are willing to live without. It's not just material things, it can also be memories, love, friendship anything that is dear to your heart"
Anna felt shivers down her spine at his words, "How will I know what that is?"
"You will in time. You still have a few days to think of one."
"And... and what will happen to the sacrifice after the potion wears off? Will it go back to me?"
Yoh shook his head then looked at her apologetically," It would be gone forever. That's the sad part in all of this. Sometimes the amount of sacrifice is more precious than the potion itself. So before we even start with the potion, you have to weigh if the effect of the potion is really worth the price to pay because whether or not you use the potion or even if you back out of the ordeal you will still have to give something."
Anna was silent and contemplated Yoh's words. She then remembered the very reason why she was here...
~flashback~
"Anna..." a long haired brunette looked at his date seriously.
"Yes Hao?" Anna looked at him fondly. He was her dream boy; a dream turn reality guy.
"I think we should stop seeing each other."
Anna stared at him dumbfounded, "Pardon?"
"You've heard me; I think we should stop seeing each other."
~end of flashback~
"Anna?Anna?" Yoh called and even shook her shoulders.
"W-what? Are you saying something?" Anna was still daze in reminiscing the ill-fated scene.
"You're spacing out. Are you okay?"
"I'll do it. Let's start the potion"
Yoh was shocked at the determined look on her face then sighed, "If that's your decision. So when is the best time for us to meet the whole week?"
"Why?"
"Because you need to be present while I mix the ingredients and on the fifth day we would be mixing the sacrifice at around midnight at my place."
When Yoh saw Anna's hesitation he said, "If you're still in doubt, you can still back out."
"No. We'll do it. Meet me up in front of the library at 3 pm daily."
~majrocks~
The following day, after her class ended Anna proceed to the library and found Yoh dozing off in a corner.
She nudged his shoulders which startled him and he looked guiltily shocked, "I didn't do it!"
Anna suppressed a laugh at his reaction, "Do what?"
Yoh, who finally composed himself blushed then scratched his head, "Nah... It's nothing"
"So what do we do now?"
"Sharp as always, why don't we go somewhere private to talk about this?"
~majrocks~
Yoh found themselves in the school's indoor swimming pool. Actually the indoor swimming pool has two parts, a so-called public one which all student's who are taking swimming as their P.E. is using and a private one which is used exclusively by the school's swimming team.
"Are you sure we're allowed here?" Yoh asked nervously.
"Have you forgotten who you're talking to?" Anna asked.
As if a light bulb has been lit, Yoh finally remembered that Anna was part of the swimming team, "Oh, yeah you're part of the swimming team. Hehehe..."
Anna just rolled her eyes at him, "Took you so long in realizing that?"
"Aren't we interrupting any practice?"
"Practice usually ends before 3 pm so no one is using the place anymore. Now that I've answered your question, let's cut the crap and proceed to the true reason why we're here."
"Okay," Yoh then opened his backpack and took out a Bunsen burner and a small pot and several other bottles, "The first step is to collect things from the person that we wanted to woo."
Anna nodded.
"We need a few strands of his hair, nail clippings and his shirt."
Anna gave him a scandalized look, "How on earth are we going to get those? You don't expect me to just come to him and say 'Hey Hao can I have some strands of your hair, a few nail clippings and also one of your shirts puhlease" she stretched the last word to emphasize her disdain on the concept.
Yoh sweat dropped then smiled nervously, "Uhmm... Don't worry I'm not expecting you to actually do that," he took a blue shirt from his backpack, "Rest assured that I'll also help you. I've already got one of Hao's shirts and as for the others," he pulled out his cell phone, "Hello Horo... yes its me... can you come over here... and also bring Ren with you... okay... here in the private part of the indoor pool... thanks..."
Anna just nodded in awe as Yoh worked with ease in boiling water on the burner while lining up several weird looking bottles.
"I have the rest of the ingredients, after we get the things from Hao we can keep it marinated and on the fifth day which is Sunday we will seal the potion along with your sacrifice. Have you already thought of one?" he asked her through his peripheral vision.
Anna shook his head, "I still can't think of one. I know for sure that you wouldn't need my arms or any part of my body..."
Yoh put a hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry, there's still plenty of time."
~majrocks~
A few minutes later a blue haired and blue eyed boy arrived along with a purple haired golden eyed Chinese boy with a weird hairstyle. Both were wearing school uniform just like Yoh and Anna.
"Wow! This private one is way bigger and better than the public pool" exclaimed the blue haired boy.
"Ren! Horo-horo!" Yoh called them.
"How did you get permission to enter here?" asked Ren as he tossed his bag on the side.
"Not me though, she has an access here," then turned his gaze at Anna, "Anna, these are my friends, Horokeui Usui and Ren Tao. Just call them Horo-horo and Ren"
Both of their mouths dropped when they realized who Yoh is referring to.
"And, guys this is Anna Kyouyama. You already know her right?"
"Holy cow!" Horo-horo shrieked and within seconds had captured Yoh in a headlock, "I can't believe it buddy! Who would have thought that you'd be fast and slick with girls to actually hitch down Anna Kyouyama!"
Yoh felt the need for air and managed to escape, "Phew... Horo... you got me close... wait, what are you talking about?" he breathed then continued, "She's not my girlfriend she's a client" all the while blushing either from lack of air earlier or being mistaken as Anna's boyfriend.
"So the Anna Kyouyama needs a love potion?" Ren asked in disbelief.
"And what if I am?" she countered through one raised eyebrow.
"Nothing. It's just seemed very out of character for you. If you told me this before I saw you here I might have laughed my head off, really never in anyone's mind would it ever cross that you would need one." Ren justified his comment.
Anna glared at him, "I don't know if I should take that as a compliment or an insult. Either you think so highly of me or you think that I'm not capable of any human emotions let alone love. And I'm so sick and tired of people thinking that way, frankly I don't care what other people think of me but just for the record, I'm also a human who is capable of having emotions; I'm not a brick wall, bullet-proof asexual reproducing plant or a robot to devoid myself of any human inclusive emotion."
Yoh came between them, "Okay. Stop that guys. Anna, Ren didn't mean anything by that statement. They are here to help us get all the things we need."
"Is it the usual?" asked Horo-horo.
"Yes except the shirt I have it already."
"So who is the lucky guy?" asked Ren.
"Hao Asakura, my brother"
Ren and Horo's jaw dropped upon hearing the name.
"I beg your pardon?" Ren asked again doubting if he heard it right.
"Hao Asakura, my twin brother."
Horo then looked at Anna absentmindedly then to Yoh then to Anna again just to go back to Yoh's face then pointed a finger at Yoh, "Y-you're going to make a love potion that would be used to your own brother?"
"Technically yes" Yoh replied nonchalant.
"What kind of brother are you? Throwing your own blood in the lion's den!"
A vein popped in Anna's forehead then smacked the Ainu boy, "What do you mean lion's den?"
Horo touched his swollen face then whispered to Ren, "Should I answer that honestly?"
The Chinese boy shrugged, "If you want to get hit why not?"
Horo-horo paled then turned to Yoh, "O-okay buddy Ren and I will be going now... let's just see each other tomorrow when we bring the needed materials. N-nice meeting you Anna" then sprinted as fast as he can outside.
Ren also motioned to go then saw Horo's bag and sighed as he also picked it up, "The idiot forgot his bag" he turn to Yoh, "Same time same place?"
"Yes"
~majrocks~
After the two went away Yoh continued to mix the contents of some containers to the pot on top of the Bunsen burner.
"Asakura..." he heard Anna call his attention.
He turned to her and saw that she is sitting cross legged beside him, "You can call me Yoh,"
"Okay, Yoh..."
"Yes?"
"Have you ever made a potion for yourself?"
"What do you mean?"
"A love potion... for someone you like"
Yoh stopped, "No. I haven't and I am not planning to do one."
"Why? Is it some kind of a rule?"
"Not really, I mean there is no rule about that. It's just I have a different view regarding love potions."
Anna raised an eyebrow at his answer, "Different view?"
Yoh added one more ingredient before stirring the pot continuously, "I view love potion as a selfish instrument to human desires. When someone uses a love potion to woo someone they are disregarding the feelings of other people. They use it to be happy but doesn't mind if the other is also feeling the same way."
Anna stared at him and looks like she'd been thrown a large bucket of ice cold water, "So... so you think that I'm also selfish..."
Yoh didn't even cringe at her question but just looked at her straight in the eye, "To some I see that, but we all have different views and reasons. I don't want to judge a person by the bond paper method."
"Bond paper method?"
"It's like this, when you put a mark on new clean bond paper, it will be viewed as an imperfection; an ugly mark that would taint the clean sheet. And I don't want to view people by that way; I believe that most of the time there is really no right or wrong it just depends on your reason for doing it" he then smiled at Anna, "No matter what I believe I can't understand why I didn't see you as that kind of person. Something tells me that there is more than what meets my eyes." then caught her hand and held it.
Anna just nodded, deep inside her something is stirring; as the boy held her hand she can feel her heart race and flutter. She had never felt that before, not even when Hao held her hand.
She can feel butterflies at her stomach but at the same time certain calmness enveloped her body. She felt she was finally at home.
~TBC~
This is my two shot vacation fic. I'm so glad that I still have some time to slack off before the first semester starts.
I hope that you like this as much as I do and the second part would be posted shortly after I uploaded the final chapter of 'Accidentally Yours' and chapter two of 'Project Makeover'.
Reviews are not required but is highly recommended and would be greatly appreciated and loved!
Lovelots,
Me, Majrocks
