Disclaimer: I do not own Shaman King.
Note: This chapter is solely dedicated to my beloved pet bunny of almost 6 years, Sunny, who departed from this world on 23-07-2005.
Elemental-Zero: glad to know you can hear loads more! I agree with you that we tend to overlook little things till we lost them, and it's wonderful news that you can have a second chance. I used to depend on my rabbit for company when I'm lonely too, now she's suddenly gone…
Strife-lover: lolx, you didn't have to worry that much about Horo, I can't possibly kill him or I'll have no one left to torture. 'smile'
MeeLee: Oh wow, one of my fav authors actually liking my story. 'sniffles' About the beating myself up part, well, I guess you can say I'm my own work's biggest critic. I suppose you'll have noticed that I'm highly critical about my work, thus I edit and re-edit countless times before I post a chapter… hmmx…
Freefaller: you should know that I've an over imaginative brain, if only I can have a little talent in maths or drawing too… my biological drawing of a frogs scares even me, it's that bad…
XimpertfectlyX: lolx, thx for reading and reviewing…continue doing that and make me a happy authoress… 'I'm being demanding again'
Lady girl: lucky you. Did you have a nice holiday? Imagine, you running around and shopping as much as you want while I'm stuck in a classroom. Somehow this just doesn't click as fair, does it? 'grins'
The Beauty of Silence — Chapter 11
Tao Ren looked at the unsuccessful comedian next to him, tempted to just knock him out. In an attempt to ease the tension, Chocolove had cracked 'jokes' non-stop for the past half-hour, pausing only at times to catch his breath and to shout out Horohoro's name. It's not like he would be able to hear it anyway. Now I'm thinking that not letting our spirits come with us had been a very stupid decision. If Koloro and Bason had both been here, Ren was positive they could find the missing Ainu in a matter of minutes. Now, the search could last for hours, or even days. He looked at the barren landscape before him. They were still near the summit, and it was cold up here, way below zero degrees Celsius, so that even the ground was covered in a thin layer of frost. Rocks jutted out randomly, and sparse patches of tundra grass poked their way out of the snow. These grass, besides him and Chocolove, were about the only living things he saw on the harsh snowy grounds, so he was fairly certain, with only one glance, that Horohoro was not anywhere near the top. Dammit, he must be in the forest then.
The Ainu sneezed violently. Someone must be thinking about me. Maybe Ren was cursing me. He treaded his way cautiously on the blanket of pine needles, hoping that no living beast, constantly starved on this cold terrain would be attracted to him. He knew that the easiest way to follow the route that Nature made to reach the summit was to follow a river or stream, but had been unsuccessful in finding one. If Horohoro had been able to hear, he would have known that a river was indeed nearby, just within walking distance, for it was gushing over the rocks, eroding ever deeper into the steep valley. The trees still remained unfriendly, tall and stern, seemingly mocking him, but Horohoro had been comforted that this time, at least, he was lost in a wonderland of Nature's, and no more in a city made from inorganic metal and steel. The mountain air was fresh, and it was one that he relished and missed. Just like Hokkaido. He hadn't realized up to this point of time how much he missed his home, where everyday life goes on at a much slower and relaxed pace. Perhaps I should tell Mum and Dad after all. If I'm never going to regain my hearing, they should know about it. They are my parents after all…
Hao Asakura laid down his pen as he shut his personal dairy. The familiar 'click' sound that told him that it was securely locked sounded as always, and he allowed himself to give a small sigh. Living with his twin brother and the rest if the gang these days had made him wonder if total world annihilation had been a good idea. He had never had any doubt in himself before, and was actually afraid if continuing to stay here would soften him up. Even if I do give up on my plan, it wouldn't matter much, would it? I'm sick of being doubted and feared by those mere mortals that actually dared to claim to reign supreme among the other creations of Nature. Who are they to speak? They are so weak… Now, the stories of Shamans have faded away into nothingness, leaving them nothing but a legend. Nobody could, and would fear me anymore. To the outside world, I'm just a youngster who had nothing better to do. A breeze caressed his face gently as he looked out of the window. Normal people getting on with their lives in a normal, routine sort of way. I could get used to that. The wind picked up, fingering with his long auburn strands as his curtains fluttered about. He knew that winds signified change, a sign that something new will happen soon. Are the winds of change hinting to him that he could have a new chance at changing too?
A startled snow rabbit crouched down, unmoving, as Ren entered the forest. He and Chocolove had spilt up, hoping to increase the chances of finding their lost teammate. If there was any find, they'll go along the river, or they'll meet near the river after an hour. If we still didn't find him them, I don't know what else we can do. He felt like shouting out Horohoro's full name to vent his frustrations, but decided against it to conserve energy. He was getting colder as the minutes passed, and the wind was getting stronger. He hadn't realized just how worried he was till he fully considered the situation, and couldn't help blaming himself for all this trouble. If only I hadn't suggested this whole trip, if only I hadn't insist that we leave our spirits behind, or go separate paths. This damned thing's my entire fault. Horohoro, where are you?
Horohoro was beginning to feel more at ease now. The tall trees surrounding him were silhouetted against the pale sky. All traces of gold had withdrawn, leaving the pale violet, green and blue streaks much more obvious. His stomach rumbled. He was tired, hungry and just a wee bit cold. He couldn't help it but think of Ren again. He knew that his team leader was dependable, and if anyone can find him, it'll be him.
The Afro shaman glanced briefly at Tao Ren before lowering his head and asking in a meek voice whether it would be okay to postpone their search till tomorrow. Another three hours had passed, and they could now see the stars glittering in the heavens above. They had reached the base of the mountain, and though Ren was determined to continue their search by going upwards again, he was not as keen. He was certain that Horohoro would be able to take care of himself. In a way, the mountains are the ice shaman's home. Chocolove cringed as he awaited Ren's scolding, but it never came. The Chinese shaman's brow was ceased into a frown, and tension on evident on his young features. I've never seen him looking so uptight before, not even when we're up against strong opponents. When he heard Ren's thoughtful reply he was rather shocked. It never occurred to him before that the impassive, seemingly emotionless team leader could actually be tactful for once, instead of the usual, "He'll show out of nowhere soon, grinning his head off. Then I'll hit him." Nodding his head in agreement, Chocolove started on the long trip home, pausing only once to make a call at a nearby payphone back to the inn.
"You go back first, and have a larger search party the next morning if we're still not back yet. You're tired and hungry after all, you wouldn't be much help. I'll continue the search alone. I'm sure, with my capabilities, I'll be able to find the Ainu-baka." Ren surprised himself. Is it possible that his concern for Horohoro had ran deeper than he thought? Damn, I don't want Chocolove to think I'm going soft or something. Some traces of his Father's teachings never dissolved with time, part of him, though it was just a tiny part, still believed that becoming too close with anyone, even his family, would weaken him. Some things just never change. He chose to think of it as a way where he could boast to the Ainu to give him an edge over the other in their next argument, but knew that wasn't entirely true. He had been deceiving himself since young anyway, cheating himself that emotions aren't important when he had already realized that the exact opposite holds true, that he generally assumed that living a little longer in his falsely secure world of self-delusion wouldn't hurt. What wouldn't I give for a chance to reveal my true thoughts and feelings?
The silver of moon glittering palely above the sky illuminated the snow upon the ground, so that they glowed in a soft, incandescent way. How beautiful. Horohoro almost smacked himself upon his head. I can't believe I'm still thinking of such things when it's at a time like this. All of a sudden, almost imperceptibly, he detected a shift in the winds. Around him, creatures stiffened. The rabbits dashed back to their holes and dormice scampered into the few bushed. Someone, or an animal, was approaching his way fast, and he could sense the air of aggressive heading their way. Whoever was coming was not friendly. Holding the largest and thickest branch he could find in the vicinity in such a short given time, Horohoro hid amongst the tall, straight trunks of the trees and waited.
The block of wood, as Ren had presumed it was, left a deep imprint upon the snow. He had chose to try to return to the spot where they had split up, before following upon what he hoped was Horohoro's trail. He also discovered, thoughit was no surprise there, that without the annoying Chocolove, he had been able to go through details much more carefully, and discovering subtle signs that gave clues as to where the ice shaman had gone through before, had quickened his pace in excitement. No matter how much Horo had loved the nature and tried to minimize the damage done to the flora and fauna surrounding him, he is a rather clumsy person by nature, not to mention a bit disoriented and muddle-headed. Ren knew that his tiger instincts would not let him down, and true enough he could hear the hurried footsteps crunching away on the pine needles a little way off within an hour, and as he expected, beyond the trees, grinning at him sheepishly, was the Ainu-baka. When had I understood him so well?
Barely contained laughter threatened to spill out as he struggled to remain silent. He couldn't help it; Ren was just too, comical at times, without meaning to be funny of course. Horohoro assumed that Ren was about to scold him, and he already knew for what. He can be so predictable at times. Preparing for a snappy retort without needing to hear the contents, he had been very amused when a flurry of snow found its way into Ren's open mouth. Ren had looked most annoyed, but he couldn't attack the snow that had just melted in his own mouth for vengeance, could he? Snow had just started to fall; large pure white flakes fluttering like feathers onto the ground. They were beautiful, made from pure spring water untainted by the touch of Humans. Ren was still scowling, and Horohoro could guess why. The snow had gotten into their clothes, sliding down their backs, and when the body temperature melts the snow, they would be both cold and wet.
Now that he had found Horohoro, Ren didn't know quite what to say. He had been secretly delighted at finding him, of course, but that didn't help much in starting a conversation of any kind. The Ainu looked like he didn't mind the irritating powdery snow falling from the sky; on the contrary, he looked much happier than he had been in days. A mischievous smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he just fathomed a way to make that grin disappear off the ice shaman's face. It's time for the punishment. Horohoro was the last, wasn't he?
While sounds of wheezing and complains drifted down the mountain, tens of kilometers away, around a campfire, sat three extremely well built guys, discussing their game tactics for the match they have with team The Ren in the coming week.
Author's note: Whew, finally completed. I promise more action next chapter, I suppose. It's high time they get into the thick of action again. But there's no guarantee though. I'm starting to miss my rabbit at times already.:( Oh well, death's inevitable for everyone at the end, so I have to accept this. Sorry for babbling about random stuff again, remember to read and review as usual…
