Thank you all SO much for the reviews. They're greatly appreciated!
I've done HOURS of research and DETAILED notes just so I could make this story GOOD. I'm proud, (and a loser as well. Don't worry, I know T_T)
Ok, on a lighter note--- just so no one freaks out--- Amidamaru CAN touch Yoh! Shamans and Spirits/Ghosts exist on the same plane!
Um, before anyone says anything about the whole age difference--- I don't care. Age doesn't really matter. Well--- if it was like an infant and an 80 year old--- I'd be scared. BUT IT'S NOT! And Yoh is old enough to make his own choices.
Oh, and I am very aware of the misspelling of Yoh's last name in the previous chapter. It's 'sposed to be 'Asakura.'
Chapter 2- Dilemma
"So we know nothing of this boy?" Mosuke asked while placing a pot over the fire he had started.
Amidamaru shook his head, glancing slightly in the direction of the room in which Yoh slept. "No."
He had awoken the next morning with the boy still nestled up against him. After a strong attempt not to wake him, he had settled him back down into the bed, covered him up, and come out to speak with Mosuke.
"Did you say his name was Yoh?"
"Yes."
Mosuke propped an elbow up on his knee. "So, do we know anything else about him? Like how he got here? What happened to him?" It seemed strange to him that a boy would just be assaulted then left to die next to a river. Had he actually been attacked there? Or maybe he was hurt elsewhere, and then walked to that spot. Who knew? There were so many possibilities it was mind- boggling.
Amidamaru sighed. "No. He said he sort of remembered what happened, but he was too tired to speak about it. I wonder how he's doing."
Mosuke shrugged, "Why don't you go check on him then?" he stood up, "I'll go ask around town, see if anyone lost a boy." He laughed lightly, "How strange would that sound?"
Amidamaru's expression was one of bother. "Maybe you shouldn't. Someone obviously didn't want him alive if they would do what they did to him. They were trying to kill him. What if someone finds out that he's alive and comes here to finish the job?"
Mosuke was the one to sign now, "Very well, Amidamaru. You worry too much, though I trust in your words. I shall still go into town though. Maybe I will hear people speaking about it. Who knows."
"Thank you Mosuke."
"You are welcome. While I'm gone he'll probably awaken. He'll need a bath and food. You know what to do."
Amidamaru raised a brow. "After dealing with your brothers and sisters while we were young, and various other stray children, I think I'll be okay."
Mosuke smirked. "Ah, but he looks to be older than a child. Dare I say teenager? We all know how they can be."
"Indeed," he got to his feet.
"Well, I will bid you farewell now. I should be back tomorrow with the news, and hopefully more provisions. I fear that what we have in that pot on the fire is all we have left for now."
"We'll manage. Goodbye Mosuke. Have a safe trip."
"I will," he said and waved before disappearing out the door.
A soft yawn was heard from behind and Amidamaru spun around to face Yoh. He was holding his side, which had been covered in bandages, and looking around slowly.
"Yoh, how are you feeling?" Amidamaru asked walking towards him.
Yoh stretched, and then grimaced. "I've been better. How are you?"
"Fine, thank you," he said and stopped in front of him. "Would you like a bath? It'll help to cleanse some of the wounds."
"Yes, that would be nice. Are you sure?"
"Of course. Let's go," he said, motioning towards the door.
They exited the makeshift house and down the wooden stairs, but Yoh's legs failed him and he stumbled slightly, falling right into the supporting arms of Amidamaru.
"Sorry," Yoh said, looking at him slightly sheepishly.
Amidamaru shook his head, "Don't be."
The next thing he knew, he feet were swept out from under him, and he was being held close in Amidamaru's arms. "You don't have to carry me---" there was something like embarrassment in his words.
"Yes I do. You are still injured Yoh, you don't need the extra strain."
Yoh smiled and leaned his head against Amidamaru's chest. "Thanks."
It didn't take long to reach the springs. The water could be seen easily. It was beautiful. Like thousands of crystals or diamonds had been melted into a large basin, the water sat in a small cove that was sheltered slightly by beautiful yanagis.
Amidamaru sat Yoh down on the edge of the springs that were outlined in smooth white and gray stones. "You can undress quickly and then get in. The water may be a tad too warm so be careful."
Yoh smiled up at him. "I will."
Amidamaru turned so his back was facing Yoh, giving him some privacy. He heard the faint shuffling of clothing, a small splash, and a soft, "I'm in."
He turned and took a seat behind Yoh on the stone outlining. "Well, I suppose it's best if I ask you how you're feeling now."
"A lot better. How'd you find this place? Isn't it owned by one of the towns?" Most of them had been turned into popular 'bath houses' that only Lords and other people of high stature could afford. It seemed to strange to him that there would be one in the middle of nowhere.
"No, this is an old one. Mosuke and I stumbled upon it when we first found this place."
"Mosuke?" Yoh asked, slightly confused.
"Oh, I guess you haven't met him yet. Mosuke is my best friend. He's the one who cleaned up your cuts and wounds when I found you. You'll meet him tomorrow."
Yoh nodded and sunk deeper into the warm water. It felt wonderful. Nothing seemed to hurt anymore. "Amidamaru? Could you wash my back?"
"Hm? Certainly." He sank his hands into the warm water and gently placed them against the soft skin of Yoh's back. Slowly, he began to gently rub his hands against his back in circular motions.
Yoh sank even deeper into the water leaning back into the touch. He could've spent eternity in that single moment, forgetting all his past worries and problems and only focusing on that feeling of security and repose. 'I could stay like this forever.'
He lifted his arms slightly out of the water. They felt like they weighed a ton. "Could you wash my arms too please?" he asked innocently.
Amidamaru sported a kind smile before saying, "Of course." He trailed his hands over the small upper arms ridding them of any excess dirt and sensitively caressing them. Something slightly bothered him. Yoh had scars all over his body. Some were old and already beginning to fade, and others were more recent. They lined his back and ran onto his arms. He wondered how anyone could've done such a thing to the boy. Yoh was polite, genial, and nice to have around. A sad smile came to his face. How much longer would he be staying? Someone would probably want him back. How could anyone not?
"Hair too?" Yoh asked with his eyes closed.
"Sure," Amidamaru said, once again smiling. He cupped his hands in the water and brought up a small handful of it, letting it go when it was above Yoh's head. It ran down his back and face causing him to shake his head quickly sending a rain of water droplets everywhere. Amidamaru chuckled softly and proceeded to rinse the hair. It felt like silk. He massaged his hands through the wet locks reveling in the texture. Finally he withdrew his hands and after a quick instruction to "dip", Yoh submerged his head in the water in one quick motion and in an instant was back up.
He sighed and turned to look at Amidamaru with a huge grin on his face. "You're good at that."
Amidamaru smiled and handed Yoh a pile of clothing. "Put this on. It's not much but---"
Yoh stopped him, that same congenial smile on his face. "It's plenty."
Once again Amidamaru turned to let the boy change in peace. A few minutes later, Yoh walked into Amidamaru's view. He had on a short light blue yukata, with a dark blue haori over it, and on his feet were woven setta. He definitely 'made' the outfit. Even Amidamaru was slightly taken back by his elegance in such mediocre garments
"Amidamaru, I don't know if I can accept this," he said unsure of himself.
"Don't worry about it. Neither me nor Mosuke can fit into it, so it won't do us any good sitting around."
Yoh's face was still troubled, but he took a seat next to Amidamaru and sighed. "I owe you so much already. Is there anything I can do in return?"
"No, not really. It's my job to do anything I can for you. Mosuke and I don't really have that much to do as it is. We get food, we clean clothes, we repair things. Well, actually Mosuke is a Swordsmith."
Yoh tilted his head slightly, "What are you?"
"A samurai. I am destined to become a perfect samurai," his expression was intent. "I have been training all of my life to achieve my goal---" and then, his face seemed to fall, "- it just doesn't seem like I'm getting anywhere. I need a shogun, but none will hire me, or they'll only hire me. You see, I want to work with Mosuke at my side. I, the fighter, and he the supplier. Maybe it's just an impossible dream though."
"It isn't! If you keep on persevering and working hard, someone's going to notice your talent along the way. You just have to have faith."
"Faith," he sighed and turned toward Yoh, "I'll remember that. You're nice to have around."
Yoh smiled, "So are you."
"Well, would you like to eat now? There's already some food prepared at the house."
"Sure, I'm starved. Let's go!" he jumped to his feet, taking ahold of Amidamaru's hands.
"Alright," he said.
They walked back to the house and Yoh sat down on the small mat in front of the slowly dying fire while Amidamaru prepared Yoh's meal.
The whole day had seemed to already have passed. The vast blue sky was fading, leaving in its wake brilliant blues and purples- the beginnings of the sun's set.
Yoh was happy. He hadn't been able to say that in a long time. Life before had been---bad. He didn't even want to think about it. That's why he liked being around Amidamaru so much--- he could forget about his past and think about how happy he was with him.
"Here you are Yoh," Amidamaru said, handing him a small clay bowl filled with soup."
"Thanks," he said, lifting the bowl to his lips. It didn't take him long to finish and soon, the empty bowl was sitting on the floor. "That was good."
"Would you like any more?" Amidamaru asked. He was surprised Yoh hadn't inquired it yet.
Yoh shook his head. "No thank you," he sighed and turned gazing aimlessly into the fire.
"Is everything all right Yoh?" he quickly asked, his voice filled with worry. Yoh looked deeply troubled by something.
Yoh shivered. "I don't--- want to go back."
"Back where?"
A single crystal tear ran down Yoh's cheek, causing Amidamaru to freeze. The tear was soon joined by many others falling and soaking into the plain haori. Amidamaru slowly kneeled in front of Yoh taking his small hands into his.
"Yoh, what's wrong?" he asked.
Yoh dove into his arms and continued to cry. He didn't sob loudly, but rather silently. The tears just kept coming. Amidamaru wrapped his arms around the smaller boy and pulled him closer. This had to have been about what went on before he had come here.
"Shhh, let it all out. All your pain, anger, sadness, and frustration, just let it all escape. Yoh, I will never let anyone hurt you again, all right?"
Yoh nodded slightly and pulled back wiping his eyes with the back of his sleeve. "Sorry, that's not like me. I guess I just needed time to vent."
"Yoh listen to me," he said, placing his hands on his shoulders, "I will try my hardest to make you happy here. Don't hesitate to ask me for anything. When you're here, you deserve to be in high spirits. Whatever happened before to you before this is over. You don't have to worry about it anymore. I'm always here if you need to talk. I'll stay by your side and protect you. Ok?"
Yoh slowly nodded, before being drawn into a warm embrace. Everything felt so--- right. 'He barely even knows me, and yet, he's willing to do almost anything for me. Why? I've never ever--- felt like this before. Every time he holds me like this, I feel like I might melt.' He inwardly shook his thoughts, 'it's probably just nothing.'
Amidamaru pulled him back and stared intently at him. "Yoh, I have one more favor to ask of you: You must trust me."
Yoh smiled. "I already do."
"Good. Well, night is quickly approaching. You should get as much rest as you can. Tomorrow, I must train so you'll be with Mosuke most of the day. Who knows what he'll put you to work doing."
"Work? Aw man. Well, it's the least I could do." He hopped to his feet, "So where do I sleep? Anywhere will do."
"No, you are a guest. You may sleep in my room."
"But where will you sleep?" he asked.
"I may not even sleep. I do some of my training at night as well," he got to his feet. "I will see you in the morning Yoh."
Yoh yawned, "Ok. Try and get some sleep though, 'k?"
Amidamaru smiled, "I'll try. Sleep well."
"Thanks."
Amidamaru waited until Yoh had gone into his room, and was in bed. Mosuke always knew the solutions to serious predicaments, and tomorrow he would come back with the answer to one:
Would Yoh be able to stay? Or would he have to leave?
---TBC---
All right, yet another chapter is up. In the next chapter, it gets more into Amidamaru's actual past and all that good stuff. It's hard to stretch 4 pages into many chapters, but I've already got it planned out. Yey!
Thanks SO MUCH for reading. I knew I wasn't the only Yoh/Ami obsessor :P
Next chapter should be up around next week!
```AmethystRoze```
I've done HOURS of research and DETAILED notes just so I could make this story GOOD. I'm proud, (and a loser as well. Don't worry, I know T_T)
Ok, on a lighter note--- just so no one freaks out--- Amidamaru CAN touch Yoh! Shamans and Spirits/Ghosts exist on the same plane!
Um, before anyone says anything about the whole age difference--- I don't care. Age doesn't really matter. Well--- if it was like an infant and an 80 year old--- I'd be scared. BUT IT'S NOT! And Yoh is old enough to make his own choices.
Oh, and I am very aware of the misspelling of Yoh's last name in the previous chapter. It's 'sposed to be 'Asakura.'
Chapter 2- Dilemma
"So we know nothing of this boy?" Mosuke asked while placing a pot over the fire he had started.
Amidamaru shook his head, glancing slightly in the direction of the room in which Yoh slept. "No."
He had awoken the next morning with the boy still nestled up against him. After a strong attempt not to wake him, he had settled him back down into the bed, covered him up, and come out to speak with Mosuke.
"Did you say his name was Yoh?"
"Yes."
Mosuke propped an elbow up on his knee. "So, do we know anything else about him? Like how he got here? What happened to him?" It seemed strange to him that a boy would just be assaulted then left to die next to a river. Had he actually been attacked there? Or maybe he was hurt elsewhere, and then walked to that spot. Who knew? There were so many possibilities it was mind- boggling.
Amidamaru sighed. "No. He said he sort of remembered what happened, but he was too tired to speak about it. I wonder how he's doing."
Mosuke shrugged, "Why don't you go check on him then?" he stood up, "I'll go ask around town, see if anyone lost a boy." He laughed lightly, "How strange would that sound?"
Amidamaru's expression was one of bother. "Maybe you shouldn't. Someone obviously didn't want him alive if they would do what they did to him. They were trying to kill him. What if someone finds out that he's alive and comes here to finish the job?"
Mosuke was the one to sign now, "Very well, Amidamaru. You worry too much, though I trust in your words. I shall still go into town though. Maybe I will hear people speaking about it. Who knows."
"Thank you Mosuke."
"You are welcome. While I'm gone he'll probably awaken. He'll need a bath and food. You know what to do."
Amidamaru raised a brow. "After dealing with your brothers and sisters while we were young, and various other stray children, I think I'll be okay."
Mosuke smirked. "Ah, but he looks to be older than a child. Dare I say teenager? We all know how they can be."
"Indeed," he got to his feet.
"Well, I will bid you farewell now. I should be back tomorrow with the news, and hopefully more provisions. I fear that what we have in that pot on the fire is all we have left for now."
"We'll manage. Goodbye Mosuke. Have a safe trip."
"I will," he said and waved before disappearing out the door.
A soft yawn was heard from behind and Amidamaru spun around to face Yoh. He was holding his side, which had been covered in bandages, and looking around slowly.
"Yoh, how are you feeling?" Amidamaru asked walking towards him.
Yoh stretched, and then grimaced. "I've been better. How are you?"
"Fine, thank you," he said and stopped in front of him. "Would you like a bath? It'll help to cleanse some of the wounds."
"Yes, that would be nice. Are you sure?"
"Of course. Let's go," he said, motioning towards the door.
They exited the makeshift house and down the wooden stairs, but Yoh's legs failed him and he stumbled slightly, falling right into the supporting arms of Amidamaru.
"Sorry," Yoh said, looking at him slightly sheepishly.
Amidamaru shook his head, "Don't be."
The next thing he knew, he feet were swept out from under him, and he was being held close in Amidamaru's arms. "You don't have to carry me---" there was something like embarrassment in his words.
"Yes I do. You are still injured Yoh, you don't need the extra strain."
Yoh smiled and leaned his head against Amidamaru's chest. "Thanks."
It didn't take long to reach the springs. The water could be seen easily. It was beautiful. Like thousands of crystals or diamonds had been melted into a large basin, the water sat in a small cove that was sheltered slightly by beautiful yanagis.
Amidamaru sat Yoh down on the edge of the springs that were outlined in smooth white and gray stones. "You can undress quickly and then get in. The water may be a tad too warm so be careful."
Yoh smiled up at him. "I will."
Amidamaru turned so his back was facing Yoh, giving him some privacy. He heard the faint shuffling of clothing, a small splash, and a soft, "I'm in."
He turned and took a seat behind Yoh on the stone outlining. "Well, I suppose it's best if I ask you how you're feeling now."
"A lot better. How'd you find this place? Isn't it owned by one of the towns?" Most of them had been turned into popular 'bath houses' that only Lords and other people of high stature could afford. It seemed to strange to him that there would be one in the middle of nowhere.
"No, this is an old one. Mosuke and I stumbled upon it when we first found this place."
"Mosuke?" Yoh asked, slightly confused.
"Oh, I guess you haven't met him yet. Mosuke is my best friend. He's the one who cleaned up your cuts and wounds when I found you. You'll meet him tomorrow."
Yoh nodded and sunk deeper into the warm water. It felt wonderful. Nothing seemed to hurt anymore. "Amidamaru? Could you wash my back?"
"Hm? Certainly." He sank his hands into the warm water and gently placed them against the soft skin of Yoh's back. Slowly, he began to gently rub his hands against his back in circular motions.
Yoh sank even deeper into the water leaning back into the touch. He could've spent eternity in that single moment, forgetting all his past worries and problems and only focusing on that feeling of security and repose. 'I could stay like this forever.'
He lifted his arms slightly out of the water. They felt like they weighed a ton. "Could you wash my arms too please?" he asked innocently.
Amidamaru sported a kind smile before saying, "Of course." He trailed his hands over the small upper arms ridding them of any excess dirt and sensitively caressing them. Something slightly bothered him. Yoh had scars all over his body. Some were old and already beginning to fade, and others were more recent. They lined his back and ran onto his arms. He wondered how anyone could've done such a thing to the boy. Yoh was polite, genial, and nice to have around. A sad smile came to his face. How much longer would he be staying? Someone would probably want him back. How could anyone not?
"Hair too?" Yoh asked with his eyes closed.
"Sure," Amidamaru said, once again smiling. He cupped his hands in the water and brought up a small handful of it, letting it go when it was above Yoh's head. It ran down his back and face causing him to shake his head quickly sending a rain of water droplets everywhere. Amidamaru chuckled softly and proceeded to rinse the hair. It felt like silk. He massaged his hands through the wet locks reveling in the texture. Finally he withdrew his hands and after a quick instruction to "dip", Yoh submerged his head in the water in one quick motion and in an instant was back up.
He sighed and turned to look at Amidamaru with a huge grin on his face. "You're good at that."
Amidamaru smiled and handed Yoh a pile of clothing. "Put this on. It's not much but---"
Yoh stopped him, that same congenial smile on his face. "It's plenty."
Once again Amidamaru turned to let the boy change in peace. A few minutes later, Yoh walked into Amidamaru's view. He had on a short light blue yukata, with a dark blue haori over it, and on his feet were woven setta. He definitely 'made' the outfit. Even Amidamaru was slightly taken back by his elegance in such mediocre garments
"Amidamaru, I don't know if I can accept this," he said unsure of himself.
"Don't worry about it. Neither me nor Mosuke can fit into it, so it won't do us any good sitting around."
Yoh's face was still troubled, but he took a seat next to Amidamaru and sighed. "I owe you so much already. Is there anything I can do in return?"
"No, not really. It's my job to do anything I can for you. Mosuke and I don't really have that much to do as it is. We get food, we clean clothes, we repair things. Well, actually Mosuke is a Swordsmith."
Yoh tilted his head slightly, "What are you?"
"A samurai. I am destined to become a perfect samurai," his expression was intent. "I have been training all of my life to achieve my goal---" and then, his face seemed to fall, "- it just doesn't seem like I'm getting anywhere. I need a shogun, but none will hire me, or they'll only hire me. You see, I want to work with Mosuke at my side. I, the fighter, and he the supplier. Maybe it's just an impossible dream though."
"It isn't! If you keep on persevering and working hard, someone's going to notice your talent along the way. You just have to have faith."
"Faith," he sighed and turned toward Yoh, "I'll remember that. You're nice to have around."
Yoh smiled, "So are you."
"Well, would you like to eat now? There's already some food prepared at the house."
"Sure, I'm starved. Let's go!" he jumped to his feet, taking ahold of Amidamaru's hands.
"Alright," he said.
They walked back to the house and Yoh sat down on the small mat in front of the slowly dying fire while Amidamaru prepared Yoh's meal.
The whole day had seemed to already have passed. The vast blue sky was fading, leaving in its wake brilliant blues and purples- the beginnings of the sun's set.
Yoh was happy. He hadn't been able to say that in a long time. Life before had been---bad. He didn't even want to think about it. That's why he liked being around Amidamaru so much--- he could forget about his past and think about how happy he was with him.
"Here you are Yoh," Amidamaru said, handing him a small clay bowl filled with soup."
"Thanks," he said, lifting the bowl to his lips. It didn't take him long to finish and soon, the empty bowl was sitting on the floor. "That was good."
"Would you like any more?" Amidamaru asked. He was surprised Yoh hadn't inquired it yet.
Yoh shook his head. "No thank you," he sighed and turned gazing aimlessly into the fire.
"Is everything all right Yoh?" he quickly asked, his voice filled with worry. Yoh looked deeply troubled by something.
Yoh shivered. "I don't--- want to go back."
"Back where?"
A single crystal tear ran down Yoh's cheek, causing Amidamaru to freeze. The tear was soon joined by many others falling and soaking into the plain haori. Amidamaru slowly kneeled in front of Yoh taking his small hands into his.
"Yoh, what's wrong?" he asked.
Yoh dove into his arms and continued to cry. He didn't sob loudly, but rather silently. The tears just kept coming. Amidamaru wrapped his arms around the smaller boy and pulled him closer. This had to have been about what went on before he had come here.
"Shhh, let it all out. All your pain, anger, sadness, and frustration, just let it all escape. Yoh, I will never let anyone hurt you again, all right?"
Yoh nodded slightly and pulled back wiping his eyes with the back of his sleeve. "Sorry, that's not like me. I guess I just needed time to vent."
"Yoh listen to me," he said, placing his hands on his shoulders, "I will try my hardest to make you happy here. Don't hesitate to ask me for anything. When you're here, you deserve to be in high spirits. Whatever happened before to you before this is over. You don't have to worry about it anymore. I'm always here if you need to talk. I'll stay by your side and protect you. Ok?"
Yoh slowly nodded, before being drawn into a warm embrace. Everything felt so--- right. 'He barely even knows me, and yet, he's willing to do almost anything for me. Why? I've never ever--- felt like this before. Every time he holds me like this, I feel like I might melt.' He inwardly shook his thoughts, 'it's probably just nothing.'
Amidamaru pulled him back and stared intently at him. "Yoh, I have one more favor to ask of you: You must trust me."
Yoh smiled. "I already do."
"Good. Well, night is quickly approaching. You should get as much rest as you can. Tomorrow, I must train so you'll be with Mosuke most of the day. Who knows what he'll put you to work doing."
"Work? Aw man. Well, it's the least I could do." He hopped to his feet, "So where do I sleep? Anywhere will do."
"No, you are a guest. You may sleep in my room."
"But where will you sleep?" he asked.
"I may not even sleep. I do some of my training at night as well," he got to his feet. "I will see you in the morning Yoh."
Yoh yawned, "Ok. Try and get some sleep though, 'k?"
Amidamaru smiled, "I'll try. Sleep well."
"Thanks."
Amidamaru waited until Yoh had gone into his room, and was in bed. Mosuke always knew the solutions to serious predicaments, and tomorrow he would come back with the answer to one:
Would Yoh be able to stay? Or would he have to leave?
---TBC---
All right, yet another chapter is up. In the next chapter, it gets more into Amidamaru's actual past and all that good stuff. It's hard to stretch 4 pages into many chapters, but I've already got it planned out. Yey!
Thanks SO MUCH for reading. I knew I wasn't the only Yoh/Ami obsessor :P
Next chapter should be up around next week!
```AmethystRoze```