Morning came around too quickly and Yoh found that he had ended up falling asleep outside after all. He knew he had sat contemplating his father's reaction for some time but he didn't remember feeling drowsy, let alone feeling the gentle pull of slumber. He had made an important decision before that had occurred however and depending on what events the day heralded he knew he would have to follow it through.
It was difficult to know what would make matters worse and what needed to be done but it couldn't be helped. He knew where things stood; he knew that unless he could give them undisputable proof they would never accept his words. The problem was continuing with things in order to provide such evidence to support his claims, since he knew they intended to stop him.
It's sad to think that things have to be this way, especially given that Hao left me to try and make things easier. No, I needed a break to think, so that I know the decisions I make are my own. I know why things have turned out this way, I know what I need to do and I can do it. I know this is the path I'm meant to walk and I will, I'm not afraid.
Yoh sighed and stood up, making his way inside. He knew Ren was not going to be pleased with him for going off by himself but he hoped he wouldn't get yelled at too badly. He had enough of that to come later without it being the first event of the day as well. Ren shot Yoh a glare that clearly said 'I could kill you' as he entered but said nothing.
Yoh smiled apologetically before he was greeted by his other friends, glad that Ren had left it at that. His father, grandfather and Anna stood by the far wall, he had felt their gazes on him when he entered but he had chosen not to acknowledge them thus far, his attention remaining with his friends instead.
Once his friends had finished with their banter he moved over to Ren and Jun, greeting them cordially before moving on to business. "We need to talk when we get the chance. Things have changed and I may need your help."
Jun nodded and agreed while Ren said nothing. He was quite sure they both knew what he meant and neither was particularly pleased but they were willing to be compliant despite that. He was asking a lot lately and he knew that but it couldn't be helped, not when his family was making things so difficult. He still hoped that the situation would change and it wouldn't come to that but he knew that he wouldn't be that lucky, things were already set in stone.
Ren motioned for them to join the others, knowing they were being observed. Yoh allowed himself to be led and was soon dragged into an argument over who was better, not that he had any idea who Horo or Ryu were talking about. Manta tried to fill him in while the two of them continued their debate and Yoh quickly decided that he was definitely not getting involved.
"Why are you having such a stupid argument let alone this early in the morning?" Ren asked after a few minutes.
"It's not stupid." Ryu protested.
"Yeah, these things matter!" Horo added.
"No real effort to answer the question there then." Manta quipped, earning himself a couple of glares.
"You both have different tastes, neither is better than the other." Yoh stated softly, not really interested in the pointless debate or taking sides.
Both boys were a little disappointed with the response, though they clearly weren't surprised by it. That was the way Yoh was but they'd still evidently hoped that he would side with their opinion so they could 'beat' the other. It was never going to happen though; he wouldn't choose one person over another regarding something so childish. Usually he would have said he'd never do it under any circumstance but given the current situation that had changed.
It didn't take long for Anna to join them and recommend training, or a mini tournament. Horo and Ryu looked enthusiastic about the idea but Ren jumped in before they could respond and flatly refused. Horo looked set to argue but the serious look on Ren's face apparently made him think twice.
"Ren, Jun and I have things to do, we came here for a reason, remember? You guys could always go outside and do some training if you want to but I'm afraid he and I are going to have to pass, sorry." Yoh stated casually.
"Can't we all spend some time together after yesterday? Isn't that important? We all need some reassurance Yoh." Anna asked sweetly, though too obviously faked to be taken as anything other than manipulative.
"I'm sorry but we have an appointment, this isn't something that can be rescheduled but I'm sure the boys are quite happy to sort something out later once we get back." Jun stated softly though not without an edge of finality.
Anna agreed reluctantly and returned to his father and grandfather. Yoh silently thanked Jun for her intervention and turned back to his friends. They apparently decided to take up Yoh's suggestion and promised to do their utmost to make Yoh's family go along with them as well. While they didn't really understand what was going on, they understood that Ren was worried about Yoh and that was good enough.
Ren saw the others out of the house before catching up with Yoh and Jun. Neither of them found it the least bit surprising that he wasn't willing to have them stay there in his absence, though they weren't sure that he was particularly pleased to have them there at all. That was probably because he was worried though, he was usually accommodating of them, even if they did annoy him.
I'm not really sure what to expect from this, if anything. Really I hope that I'll be able to find out if my family have done anything and find a way to protect myself if they have. That isn't really the point of this visit of course but who knows, I might get lucky. It's sad that it has to be my primary concern though; I should be looking forward to this for what it is, rather than worrying about other things.
We might not get anywhere at all of course; he may not be able to tell me anything. Assuming he'll talk to me at all once he realises Hao and I share the same soul and that I want to help him. I could be wrong, he may not know anything of Hao, or just not care, I'm rather paranoid where Hao is concerned now. Unfortunately anything that involves my brother usually ends up being trouble.
Then again, maybe everything really will be okay. He knows my fears, I can see that but it's okay, they're not going to be fulfilled. He's a good man, not judgemental, someone willing to believe in the good he sees, I know I have nothing to fear. It's a relief to meet a shaman who isn't automatically biased because Hao is involved. This man is accepting and wise, I'm glad Jun managed to arrange this meeting because I'm sure it's going to be invaluable to me.
"Welcome, I am Zhou Jian." Was the cordial greeting they received.
"Thank you once again for allowing us. This is my brother Ren and this is Asakura Yoh." Jun replied, the two having already met.
"It is my pleasure to meet your friend; he offers insight into areas I could only dream of. He and I have much to discuss, though I feel that it would take quite some time to truly benefit us."
"Yes, I agree, I don't have a problem with that." Yoh replied confidently.
Ren and Jun looked to Yoh in surprise while Jian nodded, having expected that response. It must seem like a big decision to be making so quickly, to agree to stay with a stranger for what could be months or longer. He knew it was the right choice to make however and since he had been sure he would have to leave everyone and everything for a time anyway, it was the perfect opportunity.
Everything in life happened for a reason; he believed that without doubt, even if the reason was hard to see sometimes. The recent events had led to this and he was going to see it through without hesitation. It didn't matter if no one else understood, he believed in himself and he was sure the man in front of him was trustworthy and had no ill-intent. He needed a way out because his family was going to make it impossible to stay and now he had been provided with one. Everything always worked out the way it was meant to.
"Let us go through a few things together to satiate your curiosity, and then leave your friend to my care. You all know there is a cloud looming over him threatening to cause harm to him elsewhere. I assure you he will be safe here, it is for the best that he stays."
Ren looked to Yoh for reassurance and Yoh smiled warmly, nodding his agreement to the statement. They understood each other and the situation, so Yoh wasn't worried. He didn't really want to make anyone worry but now was one of those times that you had to put yourself first. He couldn't stay put, he had known that for certain since that morning and this way he wasn't alone fending for himself.
"Please don't worry. I had to leave anyway, that's what I was going to talk to you about. Doing things this way is safer and easier and if I'm lucky, maybe it will put my family at ease a little. Either way, we both understand the situation and accept the consequences this may or may not bring."
"As long as you'll be okay, though I may well have to drag you to ours to make sure you're having a good meal. It isn't as though you're far away from us." Jun replied genially.
Ren nodded. "As you wish but Jun is right, you're not far from us, so don't think you can keep away."
Yoh smiled and nodded. "Thank you both, for everything."
And so hours have passed and here I am alone in Jian's home. It's strange to be under someone else's roof, especially when I don't know said person. It isn't unpleasant or uncomfortable though, as it probably would be for most people; I just know what I can and can't do, so I'm not left sitting wondering what's okay and what would offend. It's still strange to be staying here all of a sudden though.
It was interesting discussing so many things with Ren and Jun here but I know there's a lot more that he wouldn't say with them here. I don't think any of it is a major secret or that he doesn't trust their discretion, I think he just wants us to go through it all before it goes any further. He said I offered insights into areas he could only dream of, so maybe he knows about my world and the phenomena is something he's studied for a long time.
That kind of thing usually makes a person 'protective' of the subject matter, wanting the information before anyone else. Still, it isn't as though it makes any difference whether that's the case or not. If he can help me with Hao and my family and I can help him answer a few queries, then it works out for us both and that's what counts.
As long as we can both help each other then it's worth it, right? Neither of us wants to hurt anyone, we're both happy to live in harmony, so it's okay. He's a nice guy, maybe not overly socialised, given he's more of a hermit but he isn't rude or anti-social, he's been very kind to us. He wants to know about my world and I'm sure he would love to go there as much as I would, there's no harm in that.
Yoh greeted Jian when he returned with something for them to eat. Dining would be casual, a chance for them to learn a little more about the other before they got down to business. He knew they had a lot to talk about before anything could get under way, though he had to be sure he wouldn't be putting himself or Hao at any risk before he was willing to do anything.
Still they had plenty of time to work through everything and make sure the situation was understood in its entirety. He was sure that Jian would help find an answer if he didn't already have one, with this seemingly so important to him, he wouldn't be willing to take any risks. That suited Yoh perfectly because he wasn't willing to risk it either, not when it could make so much of a difference.
I wonder how long it will be before I get to speak to him again and if I'll have a solution or our new world by that time. Being away from them and having to stick to their routines, I should be able to spend more time training and searching for the answer to the ever problematic reishi. It will be easier to fulfil both parts now, I'm sure of that; it's just a matter of time. Daijobu datte, nantoka naru.