Hello everyone~!
Important announcement: Since things are happening in real life and my free time will probably decrease, I'll have to slow down the updates.
Hopefully I'll still load at least a new chapter per week at least...
Again, thanks to everyone who reads, reviews or favourites/follows. You make me very happy!
Now to the chapter, please enjoy!
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Warnings: mostly OC!centric, possible OOC, mistakes and stuff.
Lots of coarse language since our protagonist is rather... vocal sometimes (please bear with her, she'll get better... hopefully).
Rated T for language and some themes.
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Disclaimer: I don't own Shaman King, but I do own part of the plot and my adorable OC.
You know, the main disadvantage of having a spirit possessing your body and almost going berserk is that you, the shaman, may blank out for a certain amount of time due to the spiritual pressure and the emotional waves that hit you - and believe me, this is not so unusual when said spirit inundates your mind with its memories to distract you from controlling him/her.
That was basically the main hobby for a spirit like Tsumizuki (*coughs* and I still sucked at being a shaman sometimes *coughs*).
«May I ask what the hell were you thinking back then?! You could have killed him if we didn't intervened!»
And remember the earful I said earlier? I was getting the end of it.
Yoichi had been reprimanding me for a while, like half an hour at least since my awakening in the hospital.
Long story short, once Tsumizuki wreaked havoc, she almost killed Lyserg and hurt Ren and Horo Horo - who were trying to stop her before Yoichi's intervention; I hoped they were not hurt as much as if they went against the dowsing boy, though - but thankfully Yoh and surprisingly Lirirara managed to keep her busy until Yoi-chan brought me back to my senses.
I took over again, much to Tsumizuki displeasure, but passed out shortly after because of the pain and the blood loss from Lyserg previous attack.
Thus, why we all ended up here in the hospital.
I heard Yoichi sigh, probably at the end of his talk. «I hope this serves you as a lesson for the future, Karura-san. Your spirit guardian is too unpredictable to let it loose.»
«Of course, it won't happen...» ... any time soon, at least.
So, with a gleeful materialized Tsumizuki, who finally had her moments of fun (thus was momentarily satisfied), I ushered him out so I could get changed. My former t-shirt and jeans were all tattered thanks to that green haired brat and I was still in hospital clothes, so I definitely needed to wear something more comfortable.
A few minutes later I was ready - sleeveless shirt, jeans and snickers on - and strolling pleasurably to the fast food-restaurant the boys went to a little earlier (someone left me a post-it with all the directions I needed thankfully). To my surprise, when I arrived I heard them speak about Hao - and I didn't really like what they were saying, but I kept this to myself.
Still it is quite the surprise here.
From what I understood in the short amount of time we spent together, they didn't really want to talk or hear about him (kinda feel like I know why, not only in Lirirara's case); however, now they were. I shrugged it off, taking the place near Ryu and across Ren and Yoichi after greeting the group and apologizing to the boys for the incident with my spirit. Thankfully, they didn't mind too much: Horo Horo just emphasized on the fact that my spirit and I were "friggin' scary at full power".
«I ordered you a soda and some sandwiches, are those alright?» My brown haired companion said once I was seated. I only nodded and took the food silently.
«I'm surprised...» Lyserg muttered after listening to everyone. «I thought I was the only one chasing after him. It cost me to only find his name.»
The Usui boy snorted and took another bite of his food. «Yeah, this isn't simple. I have no valid reasons but I've decided to follow this group.»
I threw a look at Ryu's face while he assured the younger boy and almost choked on my soda after seeing him wink. Horo Horo and Lyserg's faces where priceless! Turning around and trying to stifle my laughter, I kept my ears on the conversation.
«Thank you, everyone.» he said with honesty, before his expression darkened a bit. «But... something puzzles me. Why did Hao, who has only met Yoh once, insist for him to join his group?»
«It's not that strange, you know.» I butted in nonchalantly. «He did the same with Yoichi and me before leaving for America, for your information. He's looking for strong people after all.»
The revelation didn't have much impact on them. «Still... doesn't it puzzle you guys? If he saw the finals, he must know that Ren is as strong has Yoh. Until he killed my parents I figured he was trying to complete his team, which goes according to what Karura-san just said, but...»
The boy steeled his gaze on me after that, like he still had something to say - probably ask about my previous taunting - but finally decided against it. I smiled at him.
«Well, probably he's looking for something more specific than followers. What if he decided to have a few people that don't think exactly as he does?» I paused a bit, resting my chin on a hand. «Having someone to argue with sometimes is rejuvenating, you know.»
After that, Ren snorted. «This is only a feeling I have, but how comes that you seem to talk as you know him?»
Silence filled the group and I admit I didn't expect such a blunt question. However, that was not something I wanted to hide, but... maybe the time was not right?
«Well, I may have a little better understanding on him than all of you.» And I try to not judge and label him as a murderous, pyromaniac psychopath as the majority of you all. He is all of that, but he also has his reasons to be. «I'm not really close to him at the moment, but I'd like to. He probably still needs the company of his family after all.»
I said that so nonchalantly and matter-of-factly that it took a few second for the four oblivious youths to register. When they did, they went all screaming.
«WHAT?!»
My smile didn't waver while Yoichi face-palmed. «In this life, Hao's my little brother.»
And with that the secret-not-so-secret was out.
Not so far from the restaurant, Yoh was talking with Amidamaru about the new additions to the group and the existence of reasons behind Hao's doings; he didn't know yet, but he shared the same opinion as Karura on the whole matter, even if he couldn't forgive him for taking innocent lives.
«Yoh-kun?»
The young boy slowly turned his head to the Seminoa girl. «Ah, Lirirara! Are you alright? It's the first time you travel, so maybe you're a little... unused?» he asked carefully, but she shook her head.
«Nothing like that, even if I'm a woman don't underestimate the Seminoa tribe.»
Yoh laughed sheepishly. «I didn't underestimate you, don't worry. Why don't you take a seat here? Today's the ideal day to relax!»
It was not an unheard occurrence that Yoh would take naps outside, especially when the sun was so bright in the sky and the air was refreshing. Seeing nothing wrong with that, she sat besides the young male and looked up at the blue sky.
«Yoh-kun, can I ask you something?» she said after a few moments of silence.
«Sure.»
The girl took a breath. «What do you think about Hao? Be honest, please.»
«Mh... Well, I don't like his way of doing things and I really can't forgive what he already did, but I also think that he may have some reasons to act like that.» he paused, gazing directly at a cloud passing by. Lirirara was now looking at him carefully. «Something severe may have happened to him in the past, I don't believe he was like that from the very beginning.»
The Seminoa woman stayed silent, remembering the talk she had with the other female on their departure: she said basically the same things Yoh just said, but looked like she knew even what precisely was going on.
"He's hurt too, Lirirara, believe it or not. His own powers is his curse." She couldn't believe that Hao, the same person that killed heartlessly her ancestors and brethrens, was suffering as well; but the sorrowful look in Karura's eyes was so sincere... "I'd like to help him, you now... to find some peace, even if just the tiniest bit."
«I... I can't forgive him for what he has done either.» she said out loud; Yoh didn't answer. «However, I have to know why... why the Seminoa had to suffer this happenings by his hands.»
She needed it, for herself and her spirits.
The boy beside her hummed and nodded at her. «We'll help you with that, I promise.»
«...Thank you.»
Obliviously to them, a certain man was looking after the Asakura heir from a nearby tree. Hidden among the leaves and branches, Mikihisa stared warily at his last son with concern: Yoh had been approached by Hao and he was currently travelling with Karura. Those two were dangerous companies for him, the man thought.
It looked like the plan of him avoiding his older siblings altogether didn't work out well: he, Keiko, Kino and Yohmei had decided to never tell Yoh about them for a reason - namely, that Hao was a threat that he would eventually face and have to kill and that Karura nearly managed to kill the old man because of an argument about Hao himself.
She defended him, of all people!
Mikihisa considered the possibility that his firstborn was a reincarnation of someone from Hao's past lives; she seemed to know a lot about his doings but still didn't have any negative feelings towards him, hence the idea was not so impossible.
However, if that was the case then he would have to... stop her before she could ally with the millenary shaman.
So, he tried to kill her - before she could understand, before the Tamashimi came to take her back with them, before she became stronger - but failed, just as Yohmei did with Hao; he managed to hurt her badly, but with a trick she escaped from him.
Fifteen years passed before he found her again and alone, but it was already late: she got far more powerful and was always with Yoichi, or Shiho, or Hanemasa - Mikihisa didn't want to create tension between the families and kindly demanded that his daughter back, but much to his stupor they refused.
He thought to retrieve her through law too, the Asakuras were still her legal guardians, but the mistress of the Tamashimi household threatened him against it.
You try to send the authorities to our home and I'll show them the bruises you gave her. And shall I remember the attempt on your second son's life? Karura told them, he realized, and it hurt to think that his daughter trusted some stranger more than her own family. One word from the child and you will all end up in more trouble than it's worth and probably lose your last son too. Is this what you want, Mikihisa-dono?
So that was it.
He and his family stayed away from the Tamashimi estate and Karura's life from the time being, only focusing on Yoh's life and training. And of course none of them ever told him that he had two other siblings.
But if she tells him everything now... If that happened, he didn't know how Yoh would react.
He needed to report to Yohmei on this, soon.
Everything that happened after that followed perfectly the story - Horo Horo getting lost, the rest of the group having to wait for him -, hence we should concentrate on what Fate had for them later.
Mesa Veldede was the next stage and they were the actors.
After reuniting with our little lost Usui at a fast food in Diringo City, our little group left to our final destination: Mesa Veldede, the place where - according to Liririara - the Patch Village was located.
Now you may be wondering why, after my sudden revelation of siblinghood, I was still allowed to stay in our little party. I suspect it was to keep an eye on me closely (since I might have been considered a source of information about Hao and/or a possible spy) and to prevent me from "joining my brother's side" (which was a little ironic, I already did in a sense).
Thus here I was. What really surprised me though was the fact that Yoh didn't have much against me being still here, as if he didn't mind my possible association with the future king. Not that I was complaining or anything, of course.
So, we took a bus from Diringo straight to Mesa Veldede, an ancient site - and a tourist attraction for many people - where all the houses looked terribly alike, the only difference noticeable in height. It will be like walking in a maze once we get in there. Hopefully we wouldn't get lost.
«Isn't it strange that the place we're looking for is so... in plain sight?» Horo Horo asked out of the blue while we were walking among the ruined buildings.
«Nah, not really. It's supposed to be a secret place and all, but honestly, which shaman would ever considered a place like this to be the passage for the Patch Village if he or she had no hints? It's quite difficult to point out, right Lirirara?»
She nodded with a small smile. «You're right. It's a pretty smart idea, hiding something in plain sight...»
The eight of us kept busy with small talk and whatsoever (even if Ren always answered with monosyllables; seriously, the guy rivaled with Lirirara sometimes!), until we arrived to a point where the access was limited: the big, yellow sign with "KEEP OUT" written on it was quite the warning. To me, however, was the notice that we were on the right path.
«Shall we continue?» Lyserg asked.
«I think... I think it's here, the entrance for the Patch Village...»
Yoichi took a step ahead. «I sense a strong source of power from there, even if it seems far, far away.»
«Then it's decided!»
«Hey, you there!» We all turned around to meet five pairs of eyes; Hao's henchmen. «For conservation reasons the access is limited to those with a group pass. If you really want to go through, then we may go all together, right?»
Now, I didn't really remembered their names (Boris being the only exception and you'll soon know why) but I knew that their objective was basically killing everyone off, saving Yoh of course. I reflexively positioned myself between them an Lirirara, fearing that she'd be the first one who would be targeted.
Mmh, I wonder if he told them to kill Yoichi and me too. I considered; my mind closed off the current conversation - basically Ren recognizing the men, Lyserg almost going and bite their heads off and Yoh fortunately stopping him and inquiring about their motives - as I looked around to find the exact spot where Boris would be thrown to later in the battle. It was somewhere rather high on the right...
«... You look exactly like him. The resemblance with your great ancestor, our Lord Hao, is unbelievable.»
«Master Yoh...»
«A descendant of Hao...»
...Or maybe it was on the left? Argh, hell! I can't remember well!
«Bullshit!»
«I'm confused!»
«To hell with this Hao guy.»
«No... if it's the man from Lilirara's vision it's possible he is a descendant...»
A large vein popped up on my forehead as I finally snapped, not enjoying the chaos a little bit. «Do you really have to be this loud? There's someone who's trying to concentrate here!»
Silence filled the area for a second and all eyes were suddenly on me. ...Why I have a bad feeling about this?
Then Horo Horo seemed to recover from the strange atmosphere. «Right! Karura, you said you're his sister, right?» Ignoring the loud gasps and later murmuring from the five-people group, I nodded at him. «Then maybe can you explain what the hell is going on here!»
I paused, sighing and putting both my hands on my hips with a scowl on my face. Mmh, now should I...? Well, there's no point hiding it since that genius gave the hint.
«Well, they said the truth. In his first life, Hao was known as the great onmyoji Asakura Hao.» I obviously remarked on the family name. «He became the head of the family and founded a school for shamans where he taught too, those techniques has been passed down from a generation to another aftermath. Dooown, down until the current one. Namely you, Yoh.» I ended my little monologue facing my brother, who was just as stunned as the rest of the group. «Ah, there's also a little bit of information that you should know, but I'll tell you in private later, okay?»
While the five recovered from the latest news, Yoichi approached me. «Karura-san, dou you think it was a wise decision to tell them now?» he whispered at my ear, eying the teens with a worried look.
«They need to know, Yoichi. Since that stupid father of his didn't tell him a thing about Hao I might as well fill him in completely later.» ...Or not, I wasn't really sure about this.
«Uhm, excuse me.» Hao's henchman, the one who did all the talking until now, called. «Is it true? You're master Hao's sister?»
I sighed. Why did I have to repeat myself? «I am, at least in this life. We're born from the same mother and father, but other than that we have no connections. We only spoke once actually, do you mind telling how's he doing?»
«He's... fine?» the Chinese giant told hesitantly. His companions sent him a glare with no particular reason while I smiled at him.
«Great, he never shows up around here so I was worried. Thank you!»
"They're looking at you as you were just escaped a mental clinic." My spirit noted half amusedly and half mocking. "How is it that you have this power to astonish people simply my opening your mouth?"
If it's of any comfort you should achieve the same result by keeping yours shut.
"Touchè~"
After that little exchange, that might have lasted a bit longer than planned, I heard only the end of the white clothed man muttering something like "minimal resemblance with master Hao" - well excuse me for having a lighter shade of hair, jackass - and "needing to ask him first".
He cleared his throat to gain everyone's attention again. «In any case, we have a mission to accomplish.»
«Mission?» Horo Horo asked, suddenly warier than ever.
«Orders are to give master Yoh some secret information and to exterminate his four companions. Those are master Hao's orders.»
A second later, Boris apparently sank his teeth into Lyserg's neck, like a real vampire. That move enraged to no limit Ryu, which however found himself with a brand new hair cut thanks to the eccentric Romanian man.
«Aah, humans... so simple, so fragile... without a doubt, I choose Elvis here as opponent.» he said in an half serious, half dreaming way. «Let me introduce us. This is my spirit, Blamuro. He was a vampire slayer.» As he said that the phantom appeared behind him, looking not so healthy even for a ghost. «My name is Boris Tepes Dracula and I am a vampire.»
While Ryu was still out cold from the shock of the haircut, the others panicked after the self proclaimed vampire; Yoh, dear Yoh, promptly believed him (and I think he has some issues with vampires seeing his exaggerated reaction) while Ren and Horo Horo basically called him an impostor.
«You don't even look like Dracula! That guy does!» the young Usui noted, pointing to the other man in dark clothes. Don... Daj... shit, I'm almost there with the name- Ah! Damayaji!
And after this phrase, Boris began to wave and act strangely, making even Yoh worried about him. Oh man, he even started to cry!
«What are you saying, Horo? It's crystal clear that Boris is a descendant of Dracula!» I defended the blonde, much to everyone's surprise. «You know, Dracula - or Vlad Tepes if you prefer - has always been represented as a heartless man, but he was still an elegant noble! No offense, but that man doesn't have the looks of an aristocrat. Boris does instead, so cut the crap and give the guy some acknowledgement!»
That intervention seemed to do the trick to calm Boris down, but now he looked at me as I grew a second head. I stood there motionless, only flashing him a brief supporting smile before pouting at Ren, who said something about "idiots who fell for such stupidity"; it was not stupid! The poor man needed some comfort too, for Christ's sake!
However, I had to bring my attention back to the blonde vampire when I felt a leather-gloved hand taking my own. «I'm moved to no end by your kind words. To think I was able to meet a lady with such a noble heart... You're undoubtedly master Hao's sister.» And he kneeled before me, placing a light kiss on the back of my hand.
...What. I blinked a few times. «Err...Thank you?»
«Enough with that!» an uncharacteristically pissed Yoichi screamed at the vampire. I turned and looked at him: oh God, was he going in berserk? Now, of all times, and for something as trivial as this?
(and with this I mean Boris being polite and dandy)
«However!» I jumped visibly at the blonde's resumption. «I can't let someone compare me to such a low life.»
Oh snap. He's going to do it anyway.
Tsumizuki rolled with laughter in my mind. "Did you really expect any better from the ones you stick around to~? Your fiancée is basically a rather jealous and bipolar guy-"
He manages just fine. And he's a friend, not my fiancée.
"-and you plan adding the source of said jealousy, who's the most dramatic man I've ever seen by the way, to the party." She continued as if my correction hadn't even been noticed.
I snorted. Worse than Faust?
"...They're not even comparable, master."
I rolled my eyes, cutting off the discussion. Well, I shouldn't really be astonished now.
I did have the tendency to keep only the craziest people, after all.
Guess what will happen with Boris and the X-Laws.
Please review~