Yoh found himself being ushered into a curtain-covered room by the priest who introduced himself as Zinc.
"The Prince Hao will see you now," said Zinc politely. Yoh clenched his fists and entered the room.
His eyes roved around the silk-draped room, then slowly found the lone four-poster bed that was surrounded by torches. Seated on the bed was Hao Asakura himself, grinning.
"Welcome, little brother," said Hao. "I'm glad that you can accept my invitation. I was a little afraid you won't come because I invited you in such a short notice."
"Will you please tell me what you want to do with me now, and get it over with?" he asked.
"I want you to die, Yoh Asakura, plain and simple. But not yet- I still want to play a little more with you." He straightened, smiling lazily still. "I will acquaint you to our family, Yoh." He stood up. "Follow me. I want Father to meet you first."
The next afternoon, Anna and the others were walking under the scorching heat of the sun.
"How much farther before we reach the Court?" asked Pirika, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow.
"A half day of more walking," replied Chocolove.
"Can't you spare a few bucks from your fortune to rent us at least a mule, Horo Horo?" snapped Anna, temper as hot as the heat of the sun killing them.
"I-It slipped my mind actually." The Ice ainu sighed. "I was too excited to see Yoh again. I forgot about the transportation."
Anna rolled her eyes, then chose to shut up. She needed all the energy she could have in walking. And she had to save all her energy so she could give Yoh the flagellations he would never forget. She was going to make him feel the wrath of a woman whom he broke a promise with.
I told you to tell me first where you are going before you leave. Yoh, I am SO going to kill you!
"Hey, what if I share a little joke, you guys!" piped Chocolove.
"No, thank you," said Tamao, sweatdropping.
"Oh come on, don't be shy! The way you guys look, I say you need a little entertainment," chided Choco.
"Do entertain us by evaporating into thin air," snapped the itako.
"Oh Ms. Anna, try to control your temper!" begged Tamao. "Bickering won't make our journey easier."
"Anna is in heat again," said Chocolove, prompting the pissed itako to slam his face to the ground.
"Gah-Anna!!! I meant to say that you're hot-tempered again!" cried the African boy as everyone watched, face dark.
The itako walked away, muttering.
Tamao smiled awkwardly and helped Chocolove up. "Are you alright?"
Horo wiped a bead of sweat running down her forehead. "Are you alright, Tamao?"
"H-Hai. It is a little hot, but it's not really that bad-" Her words were cut when he suddenly took off the scarf he tied around his head. His light blue hair fluttered down as he handed her his towel. "Put this on your head," he instructed. "It can help keep the heat off your head."
Her cheeks reddened. "A-Arigatou."
Horo gave her a quick smile, then turned to everyone. "Alright, if we want to grab a lunch, we have to walk double time."
Just then, a coach passed by the roadside. Horo thought it was going to go past him, but to his surprise, it stopped right beside them.
A familiar face popped from the window. "Going my way?"
Horo Horo grinned. "Yup!" He turned to his friends. "Hey guys, my friend here is going to give us a lift-" To his bewilderment, his sister and the others stood there, shocked.
Faust VIII smiled at them. "Don't worry; I won't charge you anything for the ride. Now hop on if you want to reach the Asakura Court faster."
Yoh was seated by the window of his luxurious room when Amidamaru suddenly appeared beside him.
"Master Yoh, what is it?" asked his trusty spirit.
"I was just thinking…what would I do now that I have met my family." He sighed deeply. "I don't know if they accept me or not." He remembered the indifferent looks he received, first from his grandfather, then from his grandmother. He didn't want to imagine anymore what kind of look would he receive from his father, whom he hadn't met yet.
"Well, for one thing, you have to learn to get used to them," said the samurai spirit slowly.
"I know, but how can I do that? They frighten me," he complained. "Plus, there's also one thing."
"Which is?"
"I miss Anna," he said softly, a voice that was close to breaking down to tears. Amidamaru could only shake his head in pity at his master.
"I'm sure that she knows already about my disappearance," he continued.
"Yeah, and I'm sure she's very, very mad at you right now," said Amidamaru.
"I still wish I could have told her how I feel for her." He grinned. "Even if she doesn't feel anything for me. I don't mind. As long as she doesn't go away, I don't mind at all."
"But you do know that the chances of you two seeing each other is far-fetched, right Master?"
"Right." He laughed sadly, then pointed to his heart. "Tell that to my stubborn buddy." He stood up. "I think I'll take a little walk around the palace."
Amidamaru got up. "Aren't you worried about your brother- that he would pull a surprise attack on you or something?"
Yoh laughed. "He's not the type to do that. He told me that he wishes to battle with me using our furyoku. A clash between us is inevitable, and I don't think he would ruin that opportunity by assassinating me." He began to walk out of the court when he turned to the samurai spirit. "Amidamaru, please do let me walk all alone. I want to be alone while I think."
"But Master Yoh-"
"Please?"
The samurai sighed. "Oh, alright. Geez, Master Yoh, you are so stubborn!"
Kino and Yohmei watched from the balcony as their grandson crossed towards the court garden.
"He has a tremendous untapped potential within his body," said Kino. "We must wake it up before Hao decides to start his domination."
"I know," agreed Yohmei. "When Hao introduced Yoh to us last night, I have a feeling that he knows that we're planning to pit his younger brother against him. I think he's even enjoying that fact."
The old woman clenched her fists. "Hao…"
Everyone in the compact coach was staring at the blond-haired horseman. Horo Horo finally asked, "What's with you guys? Why are you staring at Faust as if he's a wanted criminal or something?"
To his dismay, it only seemed to add tension to the already thick apprehension inside the vehicle.
Faust laughed. "Actually, I've met your friends already."
"You have? Wow," said the Ice Ainu.
Anna raised an eyebrow. "If you must know, Horo Horo, he was the one who kidnapped me and attempted to kill Manta and the others."
Horo snickered. "You're kidding."
Collective sighs from the people around him.
"What?" asked Horo, irritated.
The doctor smiled. "Actually, Horo Horo, they're right. Our first meeting wasn't pleasant. I did cause them a lot of trouble."
"What an understatement," muttered Ryu.
"But past is past," said the blond man dismissively. "I'm helping you right now, am I not?"
Anna narrowed her eyes at him. "So what are you planning to get as a reward for suddenly morphing into a good Samaritan?"
Faust smiled impeccably. "Nothing."
"Tell that to the marines."
"Oh, alright." The doctor laughed. "I heard you're an itako, Anna, so I need your help so I can talk to my deceased wife."
"You have a wife?!"
"Yes." His tone was friendly, but his eyes suddenly turned sharp. "My beautiful Eliza."
Anna noticed that, and an idea formed in her mind. "You know, Faust, I can help you. In fact, I can help you reunite with your Eliza."
"Eh?" Faust and everyone else turned to the itako.
"But you have to swear your loyalty to us first," she said.
Faust nodded without hesitation. "No problem. I do solemnly swear to be faithful to you and your friends."
Anna nodded approvingly. "I'll work on it tonight."
Because of what the itako said, the doctor became more energetic. By the end of the afternoon, they were standing in front of the Asakura Court gates already.
"That's funny," said Chocolove, frowning.
"Huh?" Pirika looked dumbfounded. "I didn't get it. Where's the punch line?"
Ren nudged her. "He wasn't cracking a joke." His eyes roved around the compound. "The gates are supposed to be closed. People just don't get access to what's inside those gates because that is where the royal Asakura family lives."
Asakura? Anna remembered Hao, and she realized that she might see him here, if he was telling the truth about his identity.
But what will Yoh be doing in this place? Was he mistaken for a prince or something because he resembles Hao?
Horo decided to ask a bystander. "Sir, why are the Asakura gates open?"
The man looked impatient. "How should I know? I didn't open them."
Prayer beads slammed on the man's face. Anna, looking pissed, was eyeing him with equal intolerance. "Don't act like a wiseguy if you don't want the spirits of the massacred samurais to go after you tonight in your dreams."
The man immediately obliged. "I heard that there is going to be a celebration tonight. The Prince Hao will announce something very important."
Anna released him after digesting the news. Immediately, the bystander fled in fear.
"What do we do now?" asked Ryu. "If there is a celebration, it means amassing of people. How will we find Master Yoh?"
"I am Anna Kyouyama, and I will find the way," said the itako.
Yoh was walking in the garden, still immersed in his musings about his situation when he heard someone crying for help. Immediately, he went towards the source of the voice. "I'm coming!" he yelled encouragingly.
Only to find a man wearing a bird mask lying on the grassy ground, holding on to his hips.
"Oooh, my aching back!!!" yelled the stranger.
Yoh sweatdropped. "Er, l-let me help…"
The man turned to him, paused, the cried again. "Hurry! My muscles are swelling! Ah, it hurts!!!"
Later, the boy and the bird mask stranger were seated against the bark of the tree, resting. Yoh was helpfully massaging the back of the man.
"Thanks, Yoh," said the man gratefully.
Yoh did a double take. "Y-You know my name?"
The man laughed. "Don't ask why; I just know."
The boy grinned. "Alright."
"My name is Mikihisa." He rubbed his back too. "I was afraid that no one would hear me crying for help in the garden. This stupid arthritis attacks without notice." He chuckled at Yoh. "Thanks for the massage. You won't charge anything for your services, right?"
Yoh smiled. "Not a penny."
The man looked at him for a few more moments, then laughed under his breath. "How old are you?"
"Thirteen."
It's been eleven long years then. Yoh, my boy, you've grown up.
"Why do you ask?" wondered the boy. "How old are you?"
The man laughed out loud. "I'm old, let's leave it like that."
"You're ashamed to state how old you are?"
"Something like that."
Yoh grinned. "You shouldn't laugh at old age; pray that you reach it too."
Mikihisa laughed once more. "Well, when you put it that way…"
Both he and Yoh laughed in chorus.
"So you live in the streets?" asked Mikihisa, fascinated. He was listening to his son's tales of how he used to live.
"Not really. My friends provide me a good place to live with three times a day meal. Dakedo, I would rather stay in the marketplace. I learn lots of things there." Yoh raised a finger to emphasize. "For instance, I'm sure you guys do not know that the chicken comes before the egg."
"Oh? Why is that?"
"The dictionary says so." With that, the two burst into laughter.
"And I've also met the most wonderful girl in the world in the market too." Yoh looked out at the sky, smiling serenely. "The girl whom I didn't know I was looking for at all until she came to my life." He tucked his knees. "I still can't stop being grateful for that fateful day that I decided to sleep in the market that high noon."
Mikihisa grinned. Now this was interesting- his son's love life. "Tell me about it."
Yoh grinned, blushing faintly. "Actually, there's not much to tell." He then narrated how he and Anna met, and how he became her bodyguard, then their adventures later on. In the end, Mikihisa was grinning.
"You're right. The story wasn't much," he said.
Yoh sweatdropped. "Gomen. Did I bore you?"
Mikihisa patted his shoulder. "No, you made this old man very happy. If your mother could see you now…"
Yoh blinked. "You know my mother?"
The man stood up and stretched. "I think my arthritis is a bit more manageable now. Thanks again, Yoh Asakura. We'll meet again."
Yoh stood up. "Y-You called me an Asakura? W-Wait!" He was about to follow the man when someone called him from behind.
It was the court priest, Zinc.
"Master Hao wants you to get ready now. You are going to attend a public ceremony tonight." The priest smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Master Hao will now introduce you to the public as his younger brother."
The young Asakura didn't know what his brother had in mind, but he decided that he was going to play along until he knows enough. He followed Zinc back into the palace, not noticing the look Mikihisa was throwing his way.
That night, the palace was overflowing with people around Izumo. Everybody wanted to know what was the important announcement the Prince was going to make. Adding to the excitement was the thought that the prince will show his face to the public for the very first time.
Anna and the others were crowding with the people who came to the ceremony. Her eyes were sharply alert for the telltale signs of her bodyguard- his orange headphones or his unruly dark hair. So far, she found none.
She looked at her companions. Pirika and Tamao opted to stay behind in the room Faust rented for them – he's paying the rent, of course – because the prophetess was avoiding to be seen by the soldiers of the Asakura court. Only the men remained, minus Chocolove, who wandered off.
Her attention was caught by the loud banging of the gong. She turned grim. The ceremony was starting.
Chocolove snickered when he was able to get past the guards of the palace. Apparently, the footguards too were curious as to how the prince they serve looks like.
If he was asked, he didn't care. But he did care to see what was inside the famed luxury palace of the Asakura court.
His eyes widened upon seeing the magnificent interior of the room- the large crystal chandeliers, the silk curtains, the grand spiral staircase. It was like a scene directly created out of a movie.
His eye was caught by a door that was insignificantly designed compared to the other doors. He was surprised when he saw a court priest emerge from the door itself.
"I wonder what they keep in there." Choco decided to investigate when the priest disappeared into the side entrance of the palace. "I hope there's food there."
To his surprise, it was a cemented staircase leading down to a…
…dungeon?
He gulped, but just as he was going to close the door, he heard a familiar female voice humming from inside. His eyes widened. He could not be mistaken- he knew that voice very, very well. Without thinking twice, he dashed down the stairs.
The messenger took the center stage. "People of Izumo, we shall now meet the crown prince of the Asakura court. Let us bow to His Highness, Prince Hao Asakura!!!"
Anna's head remained steady as she watched Hao Asakura make his way to his seat- on the balcony. Hao quickly spotted the blonde girl, for she was one of the few people who didn't bother to bow in respect at him. He smiled at her, then turned to the crowd.
"People of Izumo, I have called you all here, not because of me, but because of my younger brother," he began.
Buzzes filled the crowd. The prince has a younger sibling?
"Everyone, please meet my brother, Asakura Yoh."
Anna was perfectly still. She couldn't believe her ears- did she hear Yoh's name associated with the surname, Asakura?
Is that why he went away? Because he is actually a royalty? Anna felt her chest constricting. Why didn't he tell me?
Even when the crowd was hushed, her heart couldn't stop screaming. She wanted to protest- her Yoh was not royalty; it was all a mistake. He was just a nobody that a couple of Indians took care of. He was just a simple person with an even simpler mind, one that she adored.
Everything was a lie, right?
Yoh was ushered by the court priests to where Hao was. He watched as the sea of faces disappeared when everyone bowed lowly to him.
"See that, little brother? The people welcome you," smirked Hao as he stood up and prepared to return to the palace. As he passed his brother's side, he whispered, "Anna is in there too."
Yoh's eyes widened. He immediately went to the railing of the balcony and yelled, "Anna!!!"
The crowd fell into silent buzzes. On the other hand, Anna slowly stepped back, away from the crowd, away from the nightmare. She pivoted and ran away.
Now everything makes sense- why Yoh was always away, why Yoh had a striking resemblance to Hao, why Yoh left.
"A prince…" she whispered, shaking her head. "God…what kind of joke are you playing on me?"
She could hear Horo Horo and Ren calling her to come back. She didn't listen to them. She just wanted to get away from the place.
"Yoh…you liar!" She angrily wiped a tear away from her eye. "And you…you made me cry. Damn you!"
Yoh clenched his fists. Hao could have planned this- he must have known somehow that Anna would be here. Not thinking twice, he jumped down from the balcony, to the shock of the crowd.
"Prince Yoh!" The palace guards were about to stop him when Mikihisa appeared. The man raised a thumbs-up to the boy. "She went that way," he said, gesturing to the right.
Yoh gave him a quick grin. "I do not know anything about you except for your name, but thank you so much."
Mikihisa smiled fondly as he watched his son go. "You're welcome, my son. Go get that girl."
Tsuzuku
Pinoy Mankin Omake (na-miss nyo ba? Sabi n nga b, nde eh)
On auction: Aawitan Kita, Babayaran Mo ang TF ko: The Mankin Character OPM Song Compilation
(P50 per pirated copy. Buy 1 Take 1 offer: P100 lng, no stir!)
Featuring the carrier single: Mr. Suabeeehh rendered by our very own Hao Asakura (naks!) dedicated to Anna-chan, with special participation from Yoh et al.
Also features: Furyoku 4never's hit single, Can't Lose You, I Might Lose Me, Kapampangan version.
Other tracks:
- Lupang Hinirang by Megumi Hayashibara
- Manta's Lactum Song
- Ren's Pen Pen de Sarapen song
- Hao adoration songs rendered by Syao-chan
- This Guy's in love with u, pare by Horo and Ren-chan
- Ispageti by Hao and Lyserg, back-ups by the X-Laws
- Broken Bowel, este Vow by Anna Kyouyama (opo,opm yan, sabi ni syao)
- Banyo Queen by Yoh Asakura
Bonus Track: Handsome Hao sung by Syao-chan (OPM nga, in fairness whahahahahahahahha!!!!)
(tune of Pretty Boy by M2M)
I like awake at night
See Hao engaged in a fight
But what can I do when I swoon over him
He even invades my dreams*
(*not wet dreams, mind you, perverted ones)
I lie awake and pray
That you will look my way
But trapped in the screens of my TV set
It's out of his hands, I bet
Chorus:
Oh my handsome, handsome Hao I love you like I
Never ever loved no one before you
Handsome, handsome Hao of mine
Please tell me you love me too
(tell me you love me too)
Oh my handsome, handsome Hao I need you oh my
Handsome, handsome Hao I do
Give me your smile, your everything else
Except for your earrings
I always write his name
And put it with my name
And sometimes I think I hear him call
Even if he has no load*
(prepaid cel card load ^^)
He stays a little while
And touches me with his smile
(touch me with his smile)
I wish that I could always make him stay
Forever beginning this day
Repeat chorus
Oh handsome Hao (2x)
Say you love me too
Repeat chorus
"The Prince Hao will see you now," said Zinc politely. Yoh clenched his fists and entered the room.
His eyes roved around the silk-draped room, then slowly found the lone four-poster bed that was surrounded by torches. Seated on the bed was Hao Asakura himself, grinning.
"Welcome, little brother," said Hao. "I'm glad that you can accept my invitation. I was a little afraid you won't come because I invited you in such a short notice."
"Will you please tell me what you want to do with me now, and get it over with?" he asked.
"I want you to die, Yoh Asakura, plain and simple. But not yet- I still want to play a little more with you." He straightened, smiling lazily still. "I will acquaint you to our family, Yoh." He stood up. "Follow me. I want Father to meet you first."
The next afternoon, Anna and the others were walking under the scorching heat of the sun.
"How much farther before we reach the Court?" asked Pirika, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow.
"A half day of more walking," replied Chocolove.
"Can't you spare a few bucks from your fortune to rent us at least a mule, Horo Horo?" snapped Anna, temper as hot as the heat of the sun killing them.
"I-It slipped my mind actually." The Ice ainu sighed. "I was too excited to see Yoh again. I forgot about the transportation."
Anna rolled her eyes, then chose to shut up. She needed all the energy she could have in walking. And she had to save all her energy so she could give Yoh the flagellations he would never forget. She was going to make him feel the wrath of a woman whom he broke a promise with.
I told you to tell me first where you are going before you leave. Yoh, I am SO going to kill you!
"Hey, what if I share a little joke, you guys!" piped Chocolove.
"No, thank you," said Tamao, sweatdropping.
"Oh come on, don't be shy! The way you guys look, I say you need a little entertainment," chided Choco.
"Do entertain us by evaporating into thin air," snapped the itako.
"Oh Ms. Anna, try to control your temper!" begged Tamao. "Bickering won't make our journey easier."
"Anna is in heat again," said Chocolove, prompting the pissed itako to slam his face to the ground.
"Gah-Anna!!! I meant to say that you're hot-tempered again!" cried the African boy as everyone watched, face dark.
The itako walked away, muttering.
Tamao smiled awkwardly and helped Chocolove up. "Are you alright?"
Horo wiped a bead of sweat running down her forehead. "Are you alright, Tamao?"
"H-Hai. It is a little hot, but it's not really that bad-" Her words were cut when he suddenly took off the scarf he tied around his head. His light blue hair fluttered down as he handed her his towel. "Put this on your head," he instructed. "It can help keep the heat off your head."
Her cheeks reddened. "A-Arigatou."
Horo gave her a quick smile, then turned to everyone. "Alright, if we want to grab a lunch, we have to walk double time."
Just then, a coach passed by the roadside. Horo thought it was going to go past him, but to his surprise, it stopped right beside them.
A familiar face popped from the window. "Going my way?"
Horo Horo grinned. "Yup!" He turned to his friends. "Hey guys, my friend here is going to give us a lift-" To his bewilderment, his sister and the others stood there, shocked.
Faust VIII smiled at them. "Don't worry; I won't charge you anything for the ride. Now hop on if you want to reach the Asakura Court faster."
Yoh was seated by the window of his luxurious room when Amidamaru suddenly appeared beside him.
"Master Yoh, what is it?" asked his trusty spirit.
"I was just thinking…what would I do now that I have met my family." He sighed deeply. "I don't know if they accept me or not." He remembered the indifferent looks he received, first from his grandfather, then from his grandmother. He didn't want to imagine anymore what kind of look would he receive from his father, whom he hadn't met yet.
"Well, for one thing, you have to learn to get used to them," said the samurai spirit slowly.
"I know, but how can I do that? They frighten me," he complained. "Plus, there's also one thing."
"Which is?"
"I miss Anna," he said softly, a voice that was close to breaking down to tears. Amidamaru could only shake his head in pity at his master.
"I'm sure that she knows already about my disappearance," he continued.
"Yeah, and I'm sure she's very, very mad at you right now," said Amidamaru.
"I still wish I could have told her how I feel for her." He grinned. "Even if she doesn't feel anything for me. I don't mind. As long as she doesn't go away, I don't mind at all."
"But you do know that the chances of you two seeing each other is far-fetched, right Master?"
"Right." He laughed sadly, then pointed to his heart. "Tell that to my stubborn buddy." He stood up. "I think I'll take a little walk around the palace."
Amidamaru got up. "Aren't you worried about your brother- that he would pull a surprise attack on you or something?"
Yoh laughed. "He's not the type to do that. He told me that he wishes to battle with me using our furyoku. A clash between us is inevitable, and I don't think he would ruin that opportunity by assassinating me." He began to walk out of the court when he turned to the samurai spirit. "Amidamaru, please do let me walk all alone. I want to be alone while I think."
"But Master Yoh-"
"Please?"
The samurai sighed. "Oh, alright. Geez, Master Yoh, you are so stubborn!"
Kino and Yohmei watched from the balcony as their grandson crossed towards the court garden.
"He has a tremendous untapped potential within his body," said Kino. "We must wake it up before Hao decides to start his domination."
"I know," agreed Yohmei. "When Hao introduced Yoh to us last night, I have a feeling that he knows that we're planning to pit his younger brother against him. I think he's even enjoying that fact."
The old woman clenched her fists. "Hao…"
Everyone in the compact coach was staring at the blond-haired horseman. Horo Horo finally asked, "What's with you guys? Why are you staring at Faust as if he's a wanted criminal or something?"
To his dismay, it only seemed to add tension to the already thick apprehension inside the vehicle.
Faust laughed. "Actually, I've met your friends already."
"You have? Wow," said the Ice Ainu.
Anna raised an eyebrow. "If you must know, Horo Horo, he was the one who kidnapped me and attempted to kill Manta and the others."
Horo snickered. "You're kidding."
Collective sighs from the people around him.
"What?" asked Horo, irritated.
The doctor smiled. "Actually, Horo Horo, they're right. Our first meeting wasn't pleasant. I did cause them a lot of trouble."
"What an understatement," muttered Ryu.
"But past is past," said the blond man dismissively. "I'm helping you right now, am I not?"
Anna narrowed her eyes at him. "So what are you planning to get as a reward for suddenly morphing into a good Samaritan?"
Faust smiled impeccably. "Nothing."
"Tell that to the marines."
"Oh, alright." The doctor laughed. "I heard you're an itako, Anna, so I need your help so I can talk to my deceased wife."
"You have a wife?!"
"Yes." His tone was friendly, but his eyes suddenly turned sharp. "My beautiful Eliza."
Anna noticed that, and an idea formed in her mind. "You know, Faust, I can help you. In fact, I can help you reunite with your Eliza."
"Eh?" Faust and everyone else turned to the itako.
"But you have to swear your loyalty to us first," she said.
Faust nodded without hesitation. "No problem. I do solemnly swear to be faithful to you and your friends."
Anna nodded approvingly. "I'll work on it tonight."
Because of what the itako said, the doctor became more energetic. By the end of the afternoon, they were standing in front of the Asakura Court gates already.
"That's funny," said Chocolove, frowning.
"Huh?" Pirika looked dumbfounded. "I didn't get it. Where's the punch line?"
Ren nudged her. "He wasn't cracking a joke." His eyes roved around the compound. "The gates are supposed to be closed. People just don't get access to what's inside those gates because that is where the royal Asakura family lives."
Asakura? Anna remembered Hao, and she realized that she might see him here, if he was telling the truth about his identity.
But what will Yoh be doing in this place? Was he mistaken for a prince or something because he resembles Hao?
Horo decided to ask a bystander. "Sir, why are the Asakura gates open?"
The man looked impatient. "How should I know? I didn't open them."
Prayer beads slammed on the man's face. Anna, looking pissed, was eyeing him with equal intolerance. "Don't act like a wiseguy if you don't want the spirits of the massacred samurais to go after you tonight in your dreams."
The man immediately obliged. "I heard that there is going to be a celebration tonight. The Prince Hao will announce something very important."
Anna released him after digesting the news. Immediately, the bystander fled in fear.
"What do we do now?" asked Ryu. "If there is a celebration, it means amassing of people. How will we find Master Yoh?"
"I am Anna Kyouyama, and I will find the way," said the itako.
Yoh was walking in the garden, still immersed in his musings about his situation when he heard someone crying for help. Immediately, he went towards the source of the voice. "I'm coming!" he yelled encouragingly.
Only to find a man wearing a bird mask lying on the grassy ground, holding on to his hips.
"Oooh, my aching back!!!" yelled the stranger.
Yoh sweatdropped. "Er, l-let me help…"
The man turned to him, paused, the cried again. "Hurry! My muscles are swelling! Ah, it hurts!!!"
Later, the boy and the bird mask stranger were seated against the bark of the tree, resting. Yoh was helpfully massaging the back of the man.
"Thanks, Yoh," said the man gratefully.
Yoh did a double take. "Y-You know my name?"
The man laughed. "Don't ask why; I just know."
The boy grinned. "Alright."
"My name is Mikihisa." He rubbed his back too. "I was afraid that no one would hear me crying for help in the garden. This stupid arthritis attacks without notice." He chuckled at Yoh. "Thanks for the massage. You won't charge anything for your services, right?"
Yoh smiled. "Not a penny."
The man looked at him for a few more moments, then laughed under his breath. "How old are you?"
"Thirteen."
It's been eleven long years then. Yoh, my boy, you've grown up.
"Why do you ask?" wondered the boy. "How old are you?"
The man laughed out loud. "I'm old, let's leave it like that."
"You're ashamed to state how old you are?"
"Something like that."
Yoh grinned. "You shouldn't laugh at old age; pray that you reach it too."
Mikihisa laughed once more. "Well, when you put it that way…"
Both he and Yoh laughed in chorus.
"So you live in the streets?" asked Mikihisa, fascinated. He was listening to his son's tales of how he used to live.
"Not really. My friends provide me a good place to live with three times a day meal. Dakedo, I would rather stay in the marketplace. I learn lots of things there." Yoh raised a finger to emphasize. "For instance, I'm sure you guys do not know that the chicken comes before the egg."
"Oh? Why is that?"
"The dictionary says so." With that, the two burst into laughter.
"And I've also met the most wonderful girl in the world in the market too." Yoh looked out at the sky, smiling serenely. "The girl whom I didn't know I was looking for at all until she came to my life." He tucked his knees. "I still can't stop being grateful for that fateful day that I decided to sleep in the market that high noon."
Mikihisa grinned. Now this was interesting- his son's love life. "Tell me about it."
Yoh grinned, blushing faintly. "Actually, there's not much to tell." He then narrated how he and Anna met, and how he became her bodyguard, then their adventures later on. In the end, Mikihisa was grinning.
"You're right. The story wasn't much," he said.
Yoh sweatdropped. "Gomen. Did I bore you?"
Mikihisa patted his shoulder. "No, you made this old man very happy. If your mother could see you now…"
Yoh blinked. "You know my mother?"
The man stood up and stretched. "I think my arthritis is a bit more manageable now. Thanks again, Yoh Asakura. We'll meet again."
Yoh stood up. "Y-You called me an Asakura? W-Wait!" He was about to follow the man when someone called him from behind.
It was the court priest, Zinc.
"Master Hao wants you to get ready now. You are going to attend a public ceremony tonight." The priest smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Master Hao will now introduce you to the public as his younger brother."
The young Asakura didn't know what his brother had in mind, but he decided that he was going to play along until he knows enough. He followed Zinc back into the palace, not noticing the look Mikihisa was throwing his way.
That night, the palace was overflowing with people around Izumo. Everybody wanted to know what was the important announcement the Prince was going to make. Adding to the excitement was the thought that the prince will show his face to the public for the very first time.
Anna and the others were crowding with the people who came to the ceremony. Her eyes were sharply alert for the telltale signs of her bodyguard- his orange headphones or his unruly dark hair. So far, she found none.
She looked at her companions. Pirika and Tamao opted to stay behind in the room Faust rented for them – he's paying the rent, of course – because the prophetess was avoiding to be seen by the soldiers of the Asakura court. Only the men remained, minus Chocolove, who wandered off.
Her attention was caught by the loud banging of the gong. She turned grim. The ceremony was starting.
Chocolove snickered when he was able to get past the guards of the palace. Apparently, the footguards too were curious as to how the prince they serve looks like.
If he was asked, he didn't care. But he did care to see what was inside the famed luxury palace of the Asakura court.
His eyes widened upon seeing the magnificent interior of the room- the large crystal chandeliers, the silk curtains, the grand spiral staircase. It was like a scene directly created out of a movie.
His eye was caught by a door that was insignificantly designed compared to the other doors. He was surprised when he saw a court priest emerge from the door itself.
"I wonder what they keep in there." Choco decided to investigate when the priest disappeared into the side entrance of the palace. "I hope there's food there."
To his surprise, it was a cemented staircase leading down to a…
…dungeon?
He gulped, but just as he was going to close the door, he heard a familiar female voice humming from inside. His eyes widened. He could not be mistaken- he knew that voice very, very well. Without thinking twice, he dashed down the stairs.
The messenger took the center stage. "People of Izumo, we shall now meet the crown prince of the Asakura court. Let us bow to His Highness, Prince Hao Asakura!!!"
Anna's head remained steady as she watched Hao Asakura make his way to his seat- on the balcony. Hao quickly spotted the blonde girl, for she was one of the few people who didn't bother to bow in respect at him. He smiled at her, then turned to the crowd.
"People of Izumo, I have called you all here, not because of me, but because of my younger brother," he began.
Buzzes filled the crowd. The prince has a younger sibling?
"Everyone, please meet my brother, Asakura Yoh."
Anna was perfectly still. She couldn't believe her ears- did she hear Yoh's name associated with the surname, Asakura?
Is that why he went away? Because he is actually a royalty? Anna felt her chest constricting. Why didn't he tell me?
Even when the crowd was hushed, her heart couldn't stop screaming. She wanted to protest- her Yoh was not royalty; it was all a mistake. He was just a nobody that a couple of Indians took care of. He was just a simple person with an even simpler mind, one that she adored.
Everything was a lie, right?
Yoh was ushered by the court priests to where Hao was. He watched as the sea of faces disappeared when everyone bowed lowly to him.
"See that, little brother? The people welcome you," smirked Hao as he stood up and prepared to return to the palace. As he passed his brother's side, he whispered, "Anna is in there too."
Yoh's eyes widened. He immediately went to the railing of the balcony and yelled, "Anna!!!"
The crowd fell into silent buzzes. On the other hand, Anna slowly stepped back, away from the crowd, away from the nightmare. She pivoted and ran away.
Now everything makes sense- why Yoh was always away, why Yoh had a striking resemblance to Hao, why Yoh left.
"A prince…" she whispered, shaking her head. "God…what kind of joke are you playing on me?"
She could hear Horo Horo and Ren calling her to come back. She didn't listen to them. She just wanted to get away from the place.
"Yoh…you liar!" She angrily wiped a tear away from her eye. "And you…you made me cry. Damn you!"
Yoh clenched his fists. Hao could have planned this- he must have known somehow that Anna would be here. Not thinking twice, he jumped down from the balcony, to the shock of the crowd.
"Prince Yoh!" The palace guards were about to stop him when Mikihisa appeared. The man raised a thumbs-up to the boy. "She went that way," he said, gesturing to the right.
Yoh gave him a quick grin. "I do not know anything about you except for your name, but thank you so much."
Mikihisa smiled fondly as he watched his son go. "You're welcome, my son. Go get that girl."
Tsuzuku
Pinoy Mankin Omake (na-miss nyo ba? Sabi n nga b, nde eh)
On auction: Aawitan Kita, Babayaran Mo ang TF ko: The Mankin Character OPM Song Compilation
(P50 per pirated copy. Buy 1 Take 1 offer: P100 lng, no stir!)
Featuring the carrier single: Mr. Suabeeehh rendered by our very own Hao Asakura (naks!) dedicated to Anna-chan, with special participation from Yoh et al.
Also features: Furyoku 4never's hit single, Can't Lose You, I Might Lose Me, Kapampangan version.
Other tracks:
- Lupang Hinirang by Megumi Hayashibara
- Manta's Lactum Song
- Ren's Pen Pen de Sarapen song
- Hao adoration songs rendered by Syao-chan
- This Guy's in love with u, pare by Horo and Ren-chan
- Ispageti by Hao and Lyserg, back-ups by the X-Laws
- Broken Bowel, este Vow by Anna Kyouyama (opo,opm yan, sabi ni syao)
- Banyo Queen by Yoh Asakura
Bonus Track: Handsome Hao sung by Syao-chan (OPM nga, in fairness whahahahahahahahha!!!!)
(tune of Pretty Boy by M2M)
I like awake at night
See Hao engaged in a fight
But what can I do when I swoon over him
He even invades my dreams*
(*not wet dreams, mind you, perverted ones)
I lie awake and pray
That you will look my way
But trapped in the screens of my TV set
It's out of his hands, I bet
Chorus:
Oh my handsome, handsome Hao I love you like I
Never ever loved no one before you
Handsome, handsome Hao of mine
Please tell me you love me too
(tell me you love me too)
Oh my handsome, handsome Hao I need you oh my
Handsome, handsome Hao I do
Give me your smile, your everything else
Except for your earrings
I always write his name
And put it with my name
And sometimes I think I hear him call
Even if he has no load*
(prepaid cel card load ^^)
He stays a little while
And touches me with his smile
(touch me with his smile)
I wish that I could always make him stay
Forever beginning this day
Repeat chorus
Oh handsome Hao (2x)
Say you love me too
Repeat chorus