Author's note: I know I didn't post for a few weeks and I am sorry. I have been pretty busy and didn't feel like it mattered to anyone anyway so I just pushed it aside. I've decided to put the whole thing up just to get it done with and be able to tell myself I did it. Hope you enjoy. Read and think about giving me a review to show you still love Shaman King.
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Chapter 7
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Pirika was playing on the swings at twilight and both Ren and Horohoro were with her. She could see them talking to each other not that far away. At first she smiled at them, and they smiled back, but soon she realized something wasn't right. Although they seemed to be speaking to each other, they never did more than look at her.
Deciding it was nothing she closed her eyes and let the gentle breeze blow through her hair. When her eyes opened again, she realized something was very wrong. In the few moments she hadn't been looking they had both turned around and were heading back to the onsen without a word to her.
Sticking her feet down into the sand desperately she forced the swing to a stop and ran after them. No matter how fast she went, it seemed they stayed the same distance ahead of her, despite the fact that they were walking calmly. It wasn't until they had gone into the onsen and shut the door that she felt like she was actually making progress.
That feeling changed the second she walked inside the building. When she stood outside there had been lights and noises coming from the house, but stepping through the door that was all gone. Now it looked abandoned. Not only was it dark, but there was a layer of dust over everything and the whole place smelled musty, as if it had been closed up for far too long.
She had watched them walk in, yet there wasn't a single footprint on the floor. Tears of confusion started sliding down her cheeks as she began running through the house checking every room for an occupant.
Once she had finished she fell to the floor of her bedroom sobbing. There wasn't a single person or ghost here. She was utterly alone and stayed that way until the sun had fully set. Just as the utter darkness set in she heard the whispers. Familiar voices breaking through the silence, whispering her name from all around.
Maybe it should have been comforting, having even the tiniest hint that she wasn't alone, but it was terrifying. Jumping to her feet she ran through the house again, searching for the source of the voices. She walked the entire place twice and still found nothing.
At this point her soft tears had turned into full panicked sobs. Here she was, in a place she knew like the back of her hand, hearing her friends calling her name, but she had never felt so alone. Waking alone and lost in an empty tent, watching as Hao walked away angry with her, the huge fights with Ren or her brother, nothing compared to this.
Things only got worse when the voices started to laugh. They just got louder and louder until she broke. Grabbing her hair at the roots she started pulling on it and screaming as loud as she could, hoping to drown it all out.
#
As her vision faded so did the screams, but she could still feel the tears flowing down her face. When her eyes focused again she was in the same room she had been, but it was still light outside and she was lying in the bed. Still, she couldn't shake the lonely terror that had consumed her only moments before.
Out of nowhere, a huge creature moved over and was only inches from her face. The fear and surprise that added to her already overwhelmed self made her scream. As ordered, the Spirit of Thunder had been watching her and when she woke he had looked over at her. As if understanding her distress, the large spirit shrunk quickly into a chibi size about three feet tall.
Between the smaller size and finally seeing what is was standing over her she calmed slightly. Before she could fully relax the door to her room flew open and Faust walked in.
His casual smile made her think he knew there wasn't any trouble, despite her screams. Still he came; just to be sure she was alright. That one little fact meant more to her than she could say.
"Is everything all right?" he asked her gently.
Forcing herself to smile she nodded. "I-I think I just had a nightmare," she said softly.
After glancing quickly around the room he smiled at her. "If you would like you are welcome to come sit near me while I continue my reading."
It only took her seconds to decide. Her fear of being alone was far stronger than the fading fear of anyone here hurting her. "Yes, thanks. J-just give me a minute." The doctor stood there patiently while she got to her feet and looked around the room for something she could bring with her.
Finally her eyes landed on a large square book leaning against the dresser. Seeing it brought back one of her earliest dreams with Hao. Closing her eyes for just a moment she saw herself opening Tamao's birthday present with her brother and Ren looking on.
She didn't have any memory of actually working on it, but the incident had occurred months ago and that had given her plenty of time. Walking over to it cautiously, she peeked inside, and to her delight, she saw it was filled. Grabbing it so Faust wouldn't have to wait any longer, she followed him back to his room.
He sat down at the desk and picked up the medical book he had abandoned to check on her. Not wanting to pressure her, he just left the door open and went back to his reading. She would stay or go when she was comfortable. Pushing wouldn't help.
Pirika acted slowly, moving into the room she went to a shadowed corner and sat down, keeping her knees up close to her chest. Minutes went by before she felt safe enough to move her legs under her and open the scrapbook onto her lap.
A smile slid onto her face as she skimmed through it. All of her friends had about two pages and there were other pages for the whole group. This was just what she needed; memories for each person. Something so she could know them all again.
Flipping to the pages she had reserved for the crazy doctor she looked over the pictures carefully, starting with the first one that caught her eye.
#
She had been pacing in front of the building for the last twenty minutes. Only her idiotic brother could get through all of his previous fights nearly unscathed and then nearly kill himself by being a showoff on his board.
He had always set rules for her so she would be safe while they were out, but he rarely obeyed them himself. He had broken two this time. The very first rule he had was know the area. He had seen a new peak yesterday while wandering and had wanted to try it, heading out first thing in the morning.
Second was always tell someone that you were leaving and where you were going. When Ren and Chocolove had woken up he had already been gone. Most likely he thought his sister would have forbidden it, and he would have been right. He never should have gone out boarding just because he was bored of the dry desert.
She thought back to earlier that morning when she had asked everyone where he was, but got no enlightening response. At that point she had been angry, knowing he had just gone off to avoid her training.
None of that had mattered when Kororo showed up in a panic. Everyone had known something was wrong by the fear in her eyes, but only Pirika felt her heart drop. Only she understood how bad it must be. Before anyone else could even think about moving she took off after the small spirit.
Despite the fact that the others were faster than her, she got there first. Panic and desperation had taken over rational thought and her only wish was to be there as fast as possible.
He had been awake when she had found him, but he had landed hard on his head and had all but split it open. She knew head wounds bled more than most other wounds, but she was still faint from the pool of red around him.
After speaking to him quickly Faust had determined the only damage at all was to his head. The only reason he hadn't gotten up on his own was that he was too dizzy. Once he was sure moving him wouldn't hurt him, they threw him on Mic and headed back.
Pirika had followed the others back slowly, as if stalled by the terror. Now she was standing out here pacing, waiting to hear anything at all.
When Faust walked out she started to cry, but he gave her a reassuring smile. "He'll be fine in a few days. Besides the broken skull he has a concussion, but like his head it'll heal." Moving forward she tried to push past him to go see her brother but Faust held her back.
"Now isn't the time. I haven't finished closing up his cut and he is still far too confused to have a clear conversation. It would be best if you waited until later when he is coherent." She clearly didn't understand as tears fell again. "I'll take care of him. I promise you that, but for now you need to trust me."
Really looking up into the Germans eyes she saw a kindness you would never expect just looking at him. It was more of a comfort to her than she would admit. Any one besides those in their group would think she was insane trusting him to care for her brother, but she did. Steeling herself for what she knew she needed to do, she nodded and slowly fell to her knees as he walked back inside.
#
Although the memory tried to pull her farther she ripped herself away. She caught glimpses of what happened next and that involved someone else. For some reason she wanted to be with people when the memories of them came back. As for why she didn't have a clue, but if she had listened to her gut earlier things might have gone differently.
Another instinct was to only let herself walk through a memory or two for each person. Their impact was both physical and mental, and it had fully taken its toll. Even after her nap she still felt like she had out on the sidewalk before Ren dragged her back.
Knowing she wasn't strong enough to go through the entire book even given weeks, she decided that one picture told her as much as she needed about Faust. She still looked over the rest of the pictures, but refused to let any draw her in.
Eventually she heard a door slam shut downstairs. Looking up she saw Faust still had his nose in his book, but she felt sure he was watching her. A few minutes later Ren walked past the room and stopped as he saw her. Clearly he had been looking for her, but his calm demeanor showed her he wasn't concerned.
She suspected that the chibi version of his spirit still beside her was there at his insistence, so he could leave and still know she was safe. Leaning in he sighed at the sight of her wide open eyes. "You were sound asleep when I left and I've been outside less than an hour."
Not ready to go into details about her nightmare she just gave an apologetic smile. "Something must have woken me. After I was awake I didn't wanna be alone so Faust let me stay here." Meeting the doctors eye Ren gave him a nod before he motioned Pirika up and towards him. Getting to her feet she thought again about the silence in the house around them. "Where is everyone anyway?" she asked, shutting her scrapbook and bringing it up with her. Having been out with her all afternoon, Ren didn't have a clue, so he just looked to Faust.
"Well," he started, thinking carefully, "Yoh and Anna went to go pick up little Hana. Ryu talked about being able to ride around without having to worry about anything. Manta went with him. Both Lyserg and Chocolove wanted to spend at least some time in the city for fun, and lastly I believe Tamao insisted Horohoro get out of the house for a bit. She mentioned something about a picnic."
Pirika smiled at the last bit. "The fresh air will be good for him," she whispered fondly. Ren had to admit she was right. For the last two weeks he had barely walked farther than the front door and he really needed to get out for a bit. "Don't you want to get out for a bit Faust?" she asked curiously.
The blond German smiled. "Everything I want is right here," he told her, motioning to Eliza at his side and the books on his desk. "After all the excitement we've had around here I have been waiting for the chance to read and an empty inn is the perfect place."
Feeling bad for interrupting him Pirika gave him a bow and followed Ren to her room. Once he had shut the door behind them she sat on the bed and looked up. He was studying her carefully and she was beginning to feel uncomfortable.
It was doubtful he believed she just 'woke up'. The real question was whether he would call her on it. She really hoped he wouldn't. Maybe she would tell him at some point, but her dream of being abandoned hit her hard.
Right now she was still trying to accept that they cared about her and weren't going to leave her. Adding that was just too much. Not to mention Ren and her brother might think that this meant she still didn't trust them.
To be honest, she thought the fear and doubt buried deep in her mind would stay for at the very least a couple of weeks, but she didn't want them to know. They would both be hurt. She had caused enough pain already.
Happily, after staring at her for some time he let it go and switched to a slightly different topic. Turning his attention to his normally somewhat frightening partner that was now reduced to an overly large teddy bear he frowned. "Would you mind telling me why you turned the Spirit of Thunder into a pocket monster?"
Smiling at the still mini spirit she spoke. "I woke up with that thing standing over me!" she tried to explain. "After scaring me so bad I screamed and Faust came to check on me, he shrunk to a far more manageable size."
Ren had already guessed the reason was to make her less nervous, but that didn't mean he fully approved of the beings new look. Still, with the way she smiled and sat happily beside him, he let it go with no more than a soft disapproving grunt. "How are you feeling?" he asked. As soon as he had seen the book in her hands back in the doctors room he knew how she had been using it.
"I'm fine Ren-kun," she chirped.
What he didn't know was how many more memories she had pushed herself through, how much they had affected her, or to what extent the nap had helped. He didn't even have a clue how long she had slept, having been gone for forty five minutes she could have slept most of that or almost none.
She was unlikely to give him an answer if he asked and she was working hard to conceal her level of exhaustion. All he could do right now was guess. Making a concrete determination would need to be left for later, he could only estimate now. He would watch carefully.
Thinking back to what Faust had said about all the others the only ones likely to be back soon were Lyserg and Chocolove. Anna and Yoh had a decent length trip, Ryu loved night riding, and Tamao would keep Horohoro outside as long as she could. Likely she had used the food to lure him away and had brought enough to keep him busy for a bit. Given the absence of Tamao, Ryu, and Manta, and the condition Pirika was in, it was doubtful that there would be a real meal served tonight. The pair of them would need to go out for dinner. Ideally they would have take-out delivered, but that might not be an option.
The tourists may love the hot springs, but the locals wouldn't come near it. They remembered all too easily the state it had been in when Yoh and Anna had moved in. Not to mention the rumors that ghost seers stayed there would never stop flitting around.
Basically, that meant most people wouldn't come here no matter how much they were paid. Since he didn't want to leave her alone, they would have to go out to eat. For the moment she seemed strong enough for that.
Sighing he took her hand and pulled her back to her feet. "I'm sure you're hungry. Let's go out to eat." Even though his tone told her he wasn't fully approving, she was happy with the idea.
Walking over to the dresser she brushed her hair again before she smiled at Ren, her nose crinkling up as her eyes sparkled. It had been the first time they shone like that since the accident and it made him smile. That proved to him she was getting better, and that someday she would fully recover.
The sparkle had been there for only the faintest moment, but that was enough for him. Part of him had been worried that she would never really be back to the girl she was before, either because she couldn't trust anymore, or because that endless enthusiasm would be muted.
Placing a kiss on her head the pair of them headed out into town.
As they walked block after block he decided to quickly amended part of his previous thought. Maybe she would be slightly less trusting. However that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. She had probably been the child that would have gotten into a strangers car for a sucker.
In the end it was something that he had accepted about her. Still it was worrisome for him. The idea that one convincing person could make her do anything but walk into a busy street blindfolded made it hard for him when she was separated from both him and Horohoro.
Her trust for them outweighed her trust for anyone else and neither was as innocent or trusting as the naïve Ainu girl. The problem was that it took most of their focus to keep her out of trouble and at times they lapsed.
#
Ren had just gotten back into the country having been gone for over a week. Since Pirika wasn't expecting him until the next day he decided to go to the school and surprise her after she got out. The problem was that she hadn't come out when she was supposed to.
Even with his help, she still hated school and tried not to stay when not absolutely required. Her staying inside longer than needed wasn't right. After she was half an hour late he went to look for her.
There was a chance she had left a different way but he doubted it. As far as he knew, her routines when he was gone were consistent. First she went to her locker to grab anything she needed and then she headed out the same door he normally met her at before walking to her apartment.
She was so gullible that anything could have happened to her and that made him worry.
In order to work quickly he decided to talk to some of his old teachers. Most of them had liked him because he understood things so quickly, always had his work done, and was quiet in class. The only complaint they had was his tendency to get into fights for enjoyment.
Luckily they were more than willing to help despite that. Now the biggest problem was the information they had given him. Anger quickly filled him as he headed in the right direction.
He found her right where they said. What mostly upset him now was that she wasn't alone. Sitting beside her, with a hand on her thigh, was a junior Ren recognized from the year before. Well now he must be a senior. Really that didn't matter. What did was the fact that Ren remembered a couple of fights with him. When he fought Ren, he was the one who picked the fight, not the other way around. He never fought fair, yet he always lost despite that. Still, he had blamed the Tao for his humiliation. Ren had never trusted the man and doubted it was a coincidence he was sitting next to Ren's girlfriend.
Though they had tried to keep the relationship secret it was easy enough to take a guess about them with how often he walked her home after school or considering the few times he had taken her out to lunch during their break.
The black haired boy at Pirika's side noticed his presence before she had. When he looked up and met the other man's eyes, Ren was glad to see a spark of fear. It was soon replaced by a confidence that made him worry just a touch.
Ren watched in disgust as his other arm started rubbing her back.
At that point he fully lost his temper, and moving quickly forward he hit him hard in the face.
Although the man had been waiting for him, he hadn't actually thought he would attack when he was right next to his girl. Because of that he hadn't braced himself for the hit and it knocked him off the bench and onto the ground.
Pirika hadn't seen it coming and had screamed, not knowing what happened. Looking up sharply, she saw Ren and became just as angry as he was. Standing up she got right in his face. "What do you think you're doing Ren-kun?" she snapped. Since the other boy had gotten up Ren ignored her question and pushed her behind him. Her fighting was pointless then. He would not let her go.
Reaching a hand up, the guy who had been sitting next to her wiped some blood off of his chin before he stepped forward. "If you come anywhere near her again I'll make sure it's the last thing you ever do," Ren threatened coldly.
Raising a brow he nodded to the girl being held hostage behind the Chinese. "We'll see how long she wants that," he goaded. Ren started to step forward, rising to the bait. Feeling Pirika yanking on his arm he knew he had to be rational. She was angry enough with him as it was. Adding a few more hits might help him feel better, but it would only last until he turned around and looked at her.
Choosing the more difficult action he restrained his urges. "Just stay the fuck away from her," he snarled before turning his back and all but dragging her in the direction of her apartment.
When they got to a park a little over half way there she ripped her arm from his grasp. "What the hell were you doing?!" she shrieked at him, not trying to hide her tears.
"How about what the hell were you thinking?" he snapped back. "He's got a worse record with girls than I ever did. Even you should be smart enough to stay away." Reaching the end of her rope Pirika went to slap him, but just like he did with any other girl, he grabbed her wrist and pushed it away effortlessly. Though he may have done it to anyone else who tried, he had never stopped her before. The shock and betrayal showed easily on her face but Ren wasn't moved.
"You're free to hit me when you have a damn good reason. Me protecting you from that bastard does not qualify."
Pirika didn't care what he thought. After he dragged her from the school just for talking to a guy she felt it was more than deserved. "You leave for a week with nothing more than a midnight call telling me you're gone and I'm the one who's in the wrong?" Ren stayed silent and let her continue on with her rant. Better that she get it all out of her system now. If they both stayed angry this could go on for days and that wouldn't help either of them. "Onii-chan has been working over nights all week so I only see him for an hour after I get home and before he leaves. I was so lonely that by Wednesday I was just sitting at lunch crying when he sat by me. I just wanted someone to talk to and he wanted to listen. He said he would be my friend."
The last part was said in utter desperation and Ren understood why. He knew what it was like to be surrounded by people and yet completely alone. All of them did. "Where has Tamao been?" he asked.
Since most of them had graduated last year there was only one other shaman besides Pirika and that was the pink haired seer. Normally the two spend all their breaks together because no one else wanted to be around them.
"She's had the flu all week," she retorted.
Trying not to scream with frustration he tried something a little different. "Why do you think he came to you now? You've shared the cafeteria for two and a half years. What was special now?"
Pirika could see his point but was still furious. "He told me he got into a fight with his girlfriend and didn't want to sit alone. He said he just wanted to hear someone else talk to get his mind off it."
At that point he lost it. "You can't actually be that stupid! He is playing you for a chance to have a good time and get to me," he all but shouted, making her cringe back a touch.
"Not everything is about you Ren-kun. I just wanted a friend," she snapped, but her confidence was gone.
"Shamans can't have friends," he told her coldly. "Humans haven't trusted us for hundreds of years and one horny teenage boy certainly won't be the first to change that. They either want to use us or get rid of us. The only thing you could ever be to him is bragging rights after he screws you." His words were as icy as any attack her brother could have thrown her way and she was so taken back she was pulling away. Finally calming enough to see how much he had upset her he sighed sadly. He hadn't meant to get that blunt but she just wasn't getting the picture. Moving to put his hand on her back so he could lead her home she pulled sharply back, surprising him. Before he knew what had happened she had created a ball of freezing water in her hands and flung it at him knocking him to the snow covered ground. Ren tried not to be angry at her for her reaction and also tried to ignore the numbness he felt covering his entire chest. He was used to cold attacks from her baka brother, but ice was different. When you got ice away from your skin the burning stopped, but the water soaked into his clothes and the frigid winter wind was keeping the low temperature steady. Steeling himself against it he headed in the direction she had run, which luckily seemed to be towards the apartment.
She had been even more furious when he had a quick word with her brother because at that point they were both against her. Deep down, she knew what Ren said was true.
Although Ren had gotten past his kill all humans phase, he would never fully trust them. Actually most of them wouldn't. They had all been hurt too bad for far too long.
As much as she wanted to believe he was just being an overly jealous boyfriend, she knew he was trying to keep her safe, just like her brother was when he talked to her that night.
That didn't mean she wasn't angry, but it did mean she would forgive them both, a fact that became clearer when other students around her started giggling and pointing at school on Monday. Being the butt of their joke hurt more than anything Ren or her brother could have said.
The problem was that her trust had been broken before and she still wanted to believe people were mostly good, despite the bad things they did. It drove Ren up the wall, but all he could do was guide her carefully to keep her out of trouble.
Her innocence and trust in others was just one thing he liked about her. At least, that's what he told himself.
#
When he had shaken the chill of the memory off he looked down to see Pirika looking at him oddly. "Aren't I allowed memories as well?"" he asked, slightly amused at her reaction.
For the first time she understood how he felt when she went through memory after memory without him knowing what was going on. She didn't like it. "What was it?" she asked. "Tell me."
He smiled at her enthusiasm. Maybe if he answered her now he could get her to tell him about one later. Giving a deep sigh he acted like her request was nearly unobtainable. Pirika knew better and just giggled.
If he hadn't heard her speech to her brother this morning about needing to remember everything to be the same he might have kept his mouth shut. However he had understood her words, far better than Horohoro had. If Ren had grown up differently there was a chance he wouldn't have become friends with Yoh or maybe even made the fights. Then he never would have met Pirika and she was the best thing that ever happened to him. "I was just remembering one of the times I got back from traveling and you had over reacted again."
Scowling she put her hands on her hips. "I do not over react!" she snapped. Ren watched in amusement as she struggled with the choice of asking exactly which memory or staying obviously angry with him. Curiosity won. She was still scowling and pouty as she started walking again. "Tell me," she instructed. Thinking for a moment Ren decided how he wanted to tell her. In the end he gave her one clue that should send her into the memory.
"It was the one and only time I came back to find another man with his hands all over you."
Within seconds her eyes had glazed over as her side of the memory passed through her. Ren could tell it wasn't pleasant just by the look on her face. She started fearful but then got angry. The last thing she seemed to feel was sadness. Ren was helpless as he watched everything play out for her again. Once she came back to him they could talk.
When she focused in again she was only upset for a moment before she buried it all deeply. Instead of wanting to talk, she just looked up at him and smiled happily. Ren knew she had just bottled it up. Her light was gone. Not really wanting to leave the subject there he decided to push a little. "And what lesson did we learn that day."
Giving him a smirk of her own she laughed. "I have a jealous boyfriend." Pausing for a moment he accepted that she wasn't going to talk so instead he just let it go with a smirk.
"I am not jealous," he informed her coolly. "I've never had to share previously in my life and I see no reason I should start now." Pirika giggled at his reaction.
Looking over at her he realized that, perhaps, it wasn't all that surprising that Hao had managed to trick her so easily. It seemed that protecting her was going to be far more difficult than he ever could have expected but now that he knew what it felt like to lose her, he would pay any price for it.
#
Dinner was mostly quiet with Ren being afraid to trigger any more memories. She wanted to badly to remember everything, and while he was happy to help her, he couldn't let her push herself even farther. The bags under her eyes were huge and after that last round her tremors hadn't stopped. She'd actually managed to drop her chopsticks a few times. When they were finished she was so exhausted she didn't even fight him about going back to the inn.
With a sigh he tucked her into bed and spent the next fourteen hours at her side. He knew that she would wake as soon as he left and couldn't bring himself to go. She needed as much rest as she could get.
#
"Now, do you remember what to do if you need me?" Ren asked her for what felt like the millionth time.
Pirika giggled and rolled her eyes. Instead of being annoying, his hovering made her feel warm and fuzzy inside. "Yes Ren-kun," she told him.
"I want to hear you say it," he insisted when she seemed to think that was enough.
"If I need you or I start to panic I call the Spirit of Lightning, who will be following me. I just need to stay put while he gets you."
Ren was never this controlling, but it was the first time he was going to be away from the onsen since he got her back and just thinking of leaving her made a pit enter his stomach. He wouldn't leave if it wasn't for the fact that he had to get a little air. Ren hadn't had a chance to really process things since her return and he was overwhelmed. They both needed a little time apart.
"Good," he said softly. Before leaving the room he placed a kiss on her head. She expected him to go so she shut her eyes and smiled, but she felt another kiss, this time to her lips.
Pirika only waited a few moments after he left before she grabbed her scrapbook and started searching the onsen for people.
The first person Pirika ran into was Yoh heading up the stairs. She reached out a hand to get him to pause and he seemed to understand because he got to the top of the stairs and stopped, giving Pirika a chance to search through her book.
The first picture that caught her eye had been taken when Pirika was about to start high school. Although it was in the section with Yoh, he was only off to the side. His picture self was smiling into the darkness at a couple hidden mostly by shadows.
#
"Pirika," a voice called from the stairs. Glancing over Pirika saw Yoh. Tilting her head a little she stopped and waited for him to come over to her. "You're looking for your brother aren't you?" he asked.
Not liking the smile he wore Pirika frowned. Still, she wouldn't lie to him. "Yes. I'm bored and I wanted him to play with me."
"He is a little busy," Yoh tried to explain.
Although Pirika knew where this was going and glared at him, she played dumb a moment longer. "He went to work right after school. He should finally have gotten back a little while ago. He knows how much I like to see him at night so where else would he be?"
Yoh shook his head. Her act didn't fool him. He saw the way her shoulders tensed and her mouth turned down angrily. "Let's go for a walk Pirika."
She wanted to deny him, but Yoh wasn't someone you really disobeyed. Especially when he had the air of authority about him as he did now. Gritting her teeth she followed him outside.
They walked a few blocks towards the cemetery when Pirika was confronted with the sight she had been expecting. Over in the moonlight she could see her brother sitting with his arm around Tamao. Since Pirika liked the seer, she knew there wasn't any logic to her anger. Still, she was jealous. Sharing her brother wasn't something she had ever needed to do. He had always been hers alone. Spinning angrily she punched Yoh on the arm. The brunet didn't seem to mind. He just pretended it hadn't happened.
"Look at him," Yoh ordered.
Although her eyes moved to her brother they were fixed in a glare.
"Really look at him," Yoh insisted. "Look at how relaxed he is. You know him well enough to imagine the smile on his face right now. You can even see him laughing if you look close."
Although she didn't want to admit it, Yoh was right. She could occasionally see his body shaking with humor. He was too casual for it to be anything but.
"He really tries to do what is best for you," Yoh explained. "He stays in school to be a good example. He works so much to get the pair of you that apartment you are both looking at. This is the first thing he has done for himself in a long time and he is truly happy. Can you take that away from him?"
Pirika was angry with Yoh. She hadn't wanted to see reason. She was happy being unreasonable. Still, thinking about what he did and how happy he was she couldn't do anything but frown. "You've made your point," she growled, heading back for the onsen. When she was a little distance away she looked back at the sight.
It wasn't just Horohoro that was happy right now. A smile lit Yoh's face just seeing the pair. Finally Pirika gave a little smile of her own. Her brother was always so tense. Maybe Tamao could help with that. Pulling out her camera she snapped a picture before heading back for her room.
#
When things faded back and Pirika was standing at the top of the stairs she saw Yoh looking at her curiously. He was almost eager.
"What did you see?" he asked her.
Pirika laughed a little at his enthusiasm. "It was a memory not a vision."
Yoh just shrugged, not caring much about the difference. Shaking her head Pirika turned the book around and let Yoh see which her finger was pointing at.
His brown eyes lit up as he scanned the pages. "Can I choose one?"
Now Pirika laughed loudly. "Why not," she agreed. What Yoh chose might tell her something about him as well. Finally Yoh picked and pointed to a picture in the top corner.
"Why that one," Pirika asked curiously.
Yoh smiled. "I'll tell you after," he explained.
Smiling at him Pirika looked down at the picture and let it pull her away.
#
Pirika was sitting in the park crying. It wasn't sad tears however. They were joyful. Still, she didn't really want anyone else to see so she had come here alone.
"Hey," a voice called from behind her.
Pirika jumped. She thought she had been alone. Looking up slowly she saw Yoh. His hands were out in front of him, signaling peace.
He must have known she didn't want to talk because he simply sat on the swing beside her.
Eventually he did speak, telling her why he had come. "You brother is getting a little worried about you," he told her.
Pirika sighed and looked in the direction of the onsen. She had been gone a while, but she figured that his win would have had him celebrating for longer. Getting to her feet she started back, knowing that Yoh was only a few steps behind.
They were nearly back when she came to a stop, her eyes were locked on the ground. "I'm sorry Yoh," Pirika mumbled. It was easy to see that Yoh didn't know quite what she meant by the way he tilted his head. "I shouldn't have yelled at you so much after you beat Onii-chan. I thought our dreams were over and I blamed you. You weren't trying to hurt us. I was just angry with you. It didn't help that you just smiled and laughed. So did Onii-chan."
Yoh just gave a laugh, same as then, and threw an arm around Pirika before she could continue. "Don't worry Pirika," he told her. "Things will be good from here on out."
Giving Yoh a little hug she pulled away and faced the onsen. This made her think of another conversation she should be having.
#
Just like had happened with one of Faust's memories Pirika felt herself being pulled towards a different person so she stopped. That would be her next stop.
"Why that one?" Pirika asked Yoh curiously.
Yoh gave his classic smile. "That was the first time you didn't hate me," he explained with a laugh.
Pirika laughed with him for a moment but then decided she needed to move on. "Where is Anna?"
"Downstairs probably, watching her shows." As if nothing had happened Yoh continued on his way and Pirika hurried down the stairs.
Anna gave a tiny smile when Pirika walked over to her. The others had been talking and she knew what to expect. Not wanting to put pressure on the girl she kept her eyes on her soaps as Pirika sat down and opened her scrapbook.
Pirika didn't need to look at the picture to start this one off. It was a beautiful picture of the hot spring at night, but her memory trip with Yoh was prompting enough since it had happened less than an hour later that night.
#
Pirika finally tracked Anna down, relaxing in the hot springs. She approached awkwardly. This wasn't something she wanted to do, but she felt she had to. More people experience probably would have helped, but that couldn't be changed now.
Anna looked over when she heard the younger girl splash into the water.
"A-Anna," she stuttered. When she had the blonde's attention she moved towards her and continued. "I w-wanted to apologize."
Finally Anna spoke. "I heard your brother made it to the next round."
Pirika smiled as the words calmed her. "Yeah," she admitted with a nod. "That's what this is about. It wasn't fair of me to be so rude to you and Yoh after he beat Horohoro."
Anna looked Pirika right in the eye, her gaze serious. "We can't ever give up on them," she told the girl. "Yoh is the same as Horohoro. They can't do this without us."
Pirika didn't know what to think. This wasn't the Anna she heard about. Just as soon as the moment had come, it was gone. Anna had gone back to soaking and was fully ignoring the Ainu girl. It was as if the whole thing had never happened.
#
Pirika left the memory smiling. That had been her first hint of Anna's soft side. It didn't make a regular appearance, but was around when someone really needed.
A sound drew Pirika's attention. It was a soft cry. Both women in the room looked to the bundle wrapped up by the Ikato's chest. A little blond haired boy lay there. Seeing him caused Pirika to flip to the next page. There she saw a picture of Anna, exhausted but smiling as she held a few day old babe.
#
They had come, but Pirika was unsure about being here. Anna had Hana two days earlier and Yoh had wanted them to come over so he could show off his new pride and joy.
How could they say no? It didn't help that Horohoro was totally oblivious to his sister's fears.
When they walked in the door to see Yoh. His smile was enormous, but he looked a little out of it.
"Anna is upstairs with Hana," he explained. "Do you want to go see them?"
Horohoro laughed softly as he shot his sister a look. "That would be why we are here."
"Yeah," Yoh said, as if reminding himself. After shaking his head he led them to the bedroom. Walking in they saw Anna laying on the futon resting with Hana swaddled up beside her.
If anything Anna looked more exhausted than Yoh. It made sense but it was something the Usui's had never seen. There were bags under her eyes and her hair was mussed.
Still, there was a previously unseen smile lining her lips as her eyes locked on the little boys.
Staying quiet Yoh moved forward and lifted the infant from the blankets. Hana fussed a little, but settled when Yoh pulled him close to his body. Seeing a chance for rest Anna closed her eyes and relaxed.
Horohoro walked over and smiled. "Cute kid Yoh," he said as he poked at the chubby little cheeks.
Pirika was a little more cautious than her brother as she approached, but she still made it over to his side. She smiled at herself as she looked down at him. He was adorable.
When he gave a huge yawn far too big for his tiny mouth Pirika giggled. This caused him to open his little brown eyes and turn in her direction.
Just as she was starting to relax the doorbell rang downstairs.
"Crap," Yoh said. "That must be the pizza."
"I can grab it," Horohoro offered, but Yoh shook his head.
"No I still have to dig out the money." His eyes crossed over Anna's sleeping form and he turned to Pirika. She felt dread before he took the step towards her. "Here Pirika," he said.
No one knew about her fears, so Yoh didn't pay much mind as Pirika stuttered and tried to refuse. "N-no. Please, I wouldn't want to impose. I'm sure he would prefer someone he knows."
"Nonsense," Yoh assured her. Without a hesitation he passed the small bundle over.
Before Pirika could even think about it Yoh had Hana safely arranged in her arms and the two men had scampered from the room.
Mere seconds had passed before two little brown eyes opened and the babe started to fuss. Pirika panicked.
"Relax," Anna growled from the bed.
Pirika looked up desperately to see Anna laying there with one eye open watching her. "What?"
"Relax," Anna ordered again. "If you stay that tense you are going to fall over. I'd rather you didn't while holding my son."
Pirika nearly tripped over her own feet as she rushed to get the child back to its mother, causing him to give a little cry.
"Sit," Anna ordered calmly, glancing at a spot near the bed.
Not sure what to do Pirika tried to pass off Hana first but Anna shook her head and gestured to the seat again. Moving stiffly Pirika obeyed.
Anna waited until the younger woman was seated before she spoke again. Instead she looked her up and down. Even all the years prior when they had met Anna had never seen Pirika look this small and frightened. It was almost humorous. Well it would be if it wasn't for the true fear in those blue eyes.
Seeing that she had taken a seat Anna closed her eyes a little again. Her exhaustion wasn't an act and any rest was appreciated. "Just relax," she repeated. "Hold him against you and calm down. You can do this Pirika."
Pirika took a deep breath and obeyed. She didn't like being afraid this way. She didn't hate kids, or even dislike them. Her eyes were locked on the infant and she actually laughed in delight and relief when he sighed and settled.
Looking up she saw Anna watching her with a smile. Looking up Anna met her eye. "What are you afraid of?"
Pirika debated denying it, but it wouldn't help much. Not only would it be a lie, but Anna was attentive; far too attentive for her not to have noticed every tremor Pirika had given. She was also smart enough to make an educated guess as to the source of the fear. Pirika sighed and let her shoulders slump. She had never mentioned this to anyone.
"I- I never knew my mother," Pirika stated, her tone a little detached. "My father always said I killed her. Then Horohoro ran away with me when I was five. I have no experience with children myself and I don't have any memories to look back on. What if I-"
Anna interrupted. "What if I hurt it?" she wondered aloud, as if taking Pirika's thoughts right from her. "What if it hates me? What if I can't take care of us?"
Pirika watched the blond with her mouth hanging open.
"You aren't the only one with fears Pirika," Anna said in amusement. "I was abandoned younger than you were when your brother saved you. I was on the streets until Kino found me."
"You had Kino though," Pirika insisted. "There was never a mother figure in my life."
"Kino wasn't really a mother figure," Anna explained. "She saved me and I will always care about her, but she was never a mother. There was no touchy feely bits to our relationship."
"Why aren't you afraid?" Pirika asked softly. Anna was having a tender moment and Pirika was hoping she might actually get a response.
"I am afraid," Anna corrects. "I was terrified the first time Yoh handed him to me."
"Then why?" Pirika broke off, not actually sure what she was wanting to ask.
Anna gave a faraway smile. "Yoh," she answered simply. It didn't matter what the exact question was. Yoh was the answer. "Yoh makes me feel strong. Seeing him look at Hana I know I can do this."
Pirika gave a little forced smile of her own. "You're lucky Anna, for having someone like Yoh."
"Ren will surprise you," Anna told her.
Pirika looked over in shock. Anna had known just what she was thinking. How that was possible she didn't have a clue. The pair of them were not common knowledge. Hell, even Horohoro didn't know! How could Anna?
The smirk the ikato wore told Pirika she wasn't going to say another word.
#
The memory was bitter sweet. It was her first memory of Hana, and her first time feeling confident with a baby. It was also one of the times Pirika and Anna had really bonded and those were special.
The downside? It made her think about children of her own. Of course she wanted babies, but Pirika did not have Anna's faith in Ren. Pirika loved the Tao, more after her recent disaster. Still with his own childhood being what it was, and the current situation with his family, Pirika couldn't imagine him ever liking children, let alone wanting one of his own; regardless of what Anna thought.
After having fallen in love with Hana, Pirika was pleased to be an honorary auntie. She loved the position she had now, but it let her see her concerns about Ren were valid.
#
Anna was sitting on the couch letting Hana use her fingers to hold himself up. Pirika and Yoh were sitting on the floor a few feet from each other, both cheering the little boy.
A gleeful squeal from the toddler encouraged them.
"Come to papa," Yoh urged the little one. Seeing his father and hearing his voice Hana turned and carefully released Anna's fingers. He toddled four or so steps before he tripped and fell to the ground. Not fazed by the fall he crawled over to Yoh's arms.
"Good job buddy!" Yoh praised as he pulled the boy back to his feet. Glancing up at Pirika he turned the boy and pointed him towards her. "Go to auntie," he told him.
Seeing a smile on the boy Pirika encouraged him as well. "Come on Hana. Come to auntie Piri."
With the biggest smile he did it, teetering every step between the two.
"Yay!" Pirika cheered, clapping happily as Hana babbled in her lap.
"Awe come on," Horohoro whined. "He comes to her but he never comes to me?"
"Hush," Tamao told him with a giggle.
Pirika looked over her shoulder towards her brother when she saw him. Ren. He was standing there by the door watching her with the oddest look. Hana started to stumble so Pirika had her attention yanked back. By the time she looked again Ren was gone.
#
