Hmm... it seems this took slightly longer than a week. Please forgive me, I
just had spacers put in and I've been in 'sluggish' mode for a while.
12/15/03 Um, I revised the last chapter. A VERY helpful reviewer told me how they didn't have doorknobs back then and all -_-... yeah, I should've remembered that. I'm too stuck on this time and age I suppose. Once in this Ancient Egypt fic thingy, I almost put that they had a fridge and sandwiches. T_T It didn't take me long at all to fix that mistake. I'm and id, what can I say. Forgive me for my stupidity. That why it's good to review! Tell me if I'm doing something wrong PLEASE
Here's the next chapter!
Disclaimer: I don't own Shaman King vol.1. Well, I do own the manga but not technically I guess you could say. Whatever! I don't own it just to be safe.
Chapter 4
"Wake up, Amidamaru!"
Amidamaru's eyes flew open and he sat up quickly, hand on the hilt of one of his twin swords, "Yoh? What is it?"
Yoh smiled, "Breakfast is ready! Come on!" he rushed out of the room.
This was definitely going to be 'fun' getting used to. He got out of bed and walked into the main room, sliding the door closed, and kneeled beside one of the tables. "Where is Yoh, Mosuke?" he asked.
Mosuke shook his head, "Doing YOUR job. He's out getting the water, he'll be right back."
"You let him go alone?"
"He wanted to go. I tried to stop him."
Yoh rushed back into the house, "I'm back!" he sat the small jug of water next to the door.
Amidamaru sighed, "Yoh, you didn't have to-"
"Yes I did. Mosuke said that 'one has never proved his worth until he has carried a full container of water 20 times.'"
"Mosuke told you that?" Amidamaru shot an unbelieving glance toward Mosuke who was smiling.
"So? I didn't think he'd believe me," Mosuke said almost laughing.
"How early did you wake up, Yoh?"
Yoh shrugged, "Just before dawn."
"That early?" his voice held concern.
"Yeah... just an old habit..."
Mosuke turned around, "A habit? I wish I was you."
Yoh shook his head slightly, "...You shouldn't," he smiled, "but anyways, what's the plan for today?"
"Nothing outside, that's for sure." He looked out the window, "The rain picks the strangest times to start."
Amidamaru's brow furrowed, "The rain...," he said in a barely audible voice. "Oh my..." The dream! He had forgotten about it.
"What is it Amidamaru?" Yoh asked, scrambling to his side.
"Whom do you care most about?" he muttered out.
"Huh?" Yoh was taken back slightly.
Amidamaru shook his head, "Sorry about that. Never mind, just a strange dream."
Yoh tilted his head slightly, "No more soup for you... Mosuke, have you been putting stuff in his food again?"
Mosuke laughed, "No, I wait until the weekends for that."
Amidamaru smiled, "Mosuke, put anything in my food EVER and you'll regret it."
They all sat together and ate, casually talking more about Amidamaru and why he wanted to become a samurai and also of Mosuke and how his dream of becoming a swordsmith was created. The inevitable question arose.
"Hey Mosuke, is the sword finished yet?"
Mosuke sighed, "Soon, all it will need is a name."
"It's almost complete?" Amidamaru asked in awe.
"Of course, this morning when Yoh awoke, he also accidentally woke me so I wasted no time in working on it."
Yoh looked at Mosuke, "I have a feeling there's something special about that sword..."
Amidamaru smiled, "Yes, there is."
Mosuke laced his fingers together, "When Amidamaru was younger, he went around breaking his swords ALL the time. He was always chasing thieves off the farm or something or other, but the swords always broke."
"I asked Mosuke to make me a sword, and do you know what he told me? To go and steal one from another samurai!"
"They weren't free ya know. Anyways, I had a very strong feeling that one day, Amidamaru would become a fine swordsman, so I crafted him a sword from my father's knife. Harusame is what we named it. Would you believe that Amidamaru actually cried?"
"So? That was your father's knife. I still can't believe you did that."
"I still can't believe you cried."
Yoh smiled fondly at the two. They were truly best friends. "Are you two going to wait until the new sword is finished before you go to a shogun?"
Amidamaru nodded, "That was the original plan, why?"
"Harusame... if this sword is truly as amazing and precious as you say, I think you should bring it with you instead... just in case."
Mosuke raised a brow, "Bring Harusame?"
Amidamaru remembered the ghostly voice of the maiden from his dream, "Harusame..." she had said. "You'll understand..."
"Maybe Yoh is right, Mosuke," he said.
Mosuke turned toward Amidamaru, "But you always said that-"
"Never mind what I said. That sword will help us one day, just not yet. Harusame is what we may need now."
Mosuke smiled, "Very well, Amidamaru. But if we are to go, we had best go now."
"Yes."
"Yoh, you'll remain here and do a few easy chores. We should return not too long after the sun has set."
Yoh smiled, "Ok. I'll have dinner waiting for you."
"Good, that's one of the chores. The only other thing you have to do is sweep off the front porch."
"No problem."
Everyone got to their feet and walked over to the front door. Amidamaru held Harusame in his hand and was looking slightly thoughtfully at it. The sword had never let him down before... he knew it wouldn't now.
Mosuke had slid open the screen and was already outside, and Amidamaru was also about to leave when-
"Good luck, Amidamaru," Yoh said suddenly.
Amidamaru turned quickly to face Yoh, who looked slightly worried. "Thank you. Is something wrong, Yoh?"
Yoh's typical smile returned, "Nah, it's nothing. I'll see you later."
Amidamaru paused, then took a few steps forward slightly and encircled his arms around Yoh's petit frame. "Goodbye, Yoh."
Yoh closed his eyes and smiled, "Bye." He leaned his chin on the samurai's shoulder.
A hug.
It was strange though. They embraced like they were long lost lovers or something. Amidamaru wasn't sure why he had done it, and Yoh wasn't sure of anything at the moment.
Amidamaru pulled back and with a warm smile, left, sliding the door closed behind him.
Yoh walked over to the window and leaned against the wall. "That's it... I have to tell him tonight."
-
Amidamaru caught up with Mosuke, who had a strangely smug smirk on his face.
"Uh, Mosuke?" he asked.
The rain had stopped leaving a cool but damp feel to the air. Amidamaru was dressed in his customary attire; a slate colored haori over a black shirt and cut pants. Over his shoulders were red iron armor plates that matched the guards on his arms and knees, and on his feet were his casual sandals. Mosuke wore his reddish orange outfit with the slits near the shoulders and the tie in the back. (AN: In other words, their 'normal' attire.)
Mosuke crossed his arms and continued walking, "What was that?"
"What was what?"
"That little 'scene' back there."
"Oh, it was just... nothing."
"I don't call that 'nothing'. You two were so close to forgetting about me and letting me walk to the shogun alone while you continued your little... moment, shall we say, together."
"It was just a hug!"
"Suuure," he quickened his pace.
"Mosuke...!"
-
Yoh swept the porch as well as the whole house. He had the whole day to himself after all. He contemplated how he was going to explain to Amidamaru how he felt, but each time he came out mumbling or not really making sense at all.
Thank goodness he had all day, because he was going to need it.
-
It took a surprisingly long time to get to the Lord's house, and when they did, two armed guards stood at the entrance. The house was beautiful. Interesting little Bonsai trees were planted in front. A small spring was situated not too far from the house with multifarious black and white rocks lining its edge. Four steps up was the door inside. (AN: This house and setting is beautiful in the manga. I love it.)
Amidamaru turned to Mosuke, "What now?"
Mosuke shrugged.
Amidamaru took a step forward. "Hello, we wish to speak to the shogun who lives here. We are in seek of a job. May we enter?"
One of the guards disappeared into the house and after a few moments returned. "Our Lord will see you both now."
Mosuke and Amidamaru breathed a sigh of relief and walked past the guard still stationed at the door and followed the other. He took them down a long hall and stopped at one of the doors. The guard slid the door open, "Enter."
The two nodded and slowly walked into the elaborate room. The smell of lightly burning incense filled the room.
"Well? Don't just stand there, please, come closer," a sly yet authoritative voice said. The voice belonged to a short man who sat kneeling on the floor. He wore a plain white yukata and had his hair done up in a bun with a pointy black hat covering it. His eyes... they were scary. They slanted upwards in a devious sort of way and his small smirk added to the strange look. "Have a seat."
Amidamaru and Mosuke bowed and kneeled in front the small man laying Harusame between them.
This was it.
-
"Ho Ho Ho, very interesting. Traveler, you say this magnificent sword, Harusame.. was created by the two of you?" The shogun asked fanning himself lightly with a plain white fan.
"That is correct, my Lord." Amidamaru said, "We have worked hard, I to be the perfect samurai..."
Mosuke finished with, "And I to be the perfect swordsmith!"
"Day and night, we have challenged each other to improve our mastery!"
The Lord smiled, "Ho Ho Ho. I have a passion for swords myself! Why don't you two come to work for me?"
Both Amidamaru and Mosuke turned toward each other with huge grins on their faces.
They were successful! (AN: Did any of that sound familiar? It was the exact dialogue from the manga. There's more.)
-
Amidamaru and Mosuke walked down the steps and in the direction of the house. Already the sun had begun to set.
"We did it, Amidamaru! We two orphans have risen to honorable stations!" Mosuke exclaimed.
"I never imagined you'd present the Lord with a sword you made yourself!" Amidamaru said.
"I've just been trying to make swords to equal or surpass your expertise! Now that you have a master to serve, you'll become a great samurai!"
"True!"
"And we'll never have to go hungry again!"
(AN: end manga dialogue)
/\/\/\/\/\
Yoh was up and waiting when Amidamaru and Mosuke returned. "Well?" he stood up, his face filled with anticipation.
Mosuke beamed, "He hired us!"
"That's wonderful! I was so worried. The food is ready, have a seat."
Everyone sat down, well, Yoh didn't. He was busy going over what he was going to say to Amidamaru.
"Yoh, is everything ok?" Mosuke asked.
Yoh smiled, "Yep, just fine." He kneeled down by the table with the others. "So, what did the person's house look like? Was it fancy?"
Mosuke nodded, "Oh it was more than fancy. The Lord had his own personal hot spring in front of his house with all these black and white rocks outlining its edge." Yoh looked up from his bowl slightly surprised. "And there were these little bonsai trees in front as well. And after you walked up the steps, how many were there Amidamaru?"
"Four," Yoh stated flatly.
"Yeah, four... how did you know, Yoh?"
Yoh swallowed hard, "Lucky guess."
"So anyways, the house was magnificent. I wish you could've seen it."
Yoh only smiled.
"Hey Yoh, were you okay by yourself?" Amidamaru asked.
Yoh nodded, "Yeah."
"I bet it was sort of lonely. Sorry we had to leave you here..."
"Don't be, Amidamaru," he stood up and patted him on the back. "I'm getting more water." Moments later he returned with his small cup and reclaimed his spot in front of Amidamaru. 'Crap,' he thought. His hands were shaking. He sat the glass on the table and gripped loosely onto the table's edge. 'I can do this...'
"Yoh, you did a wonderful job sweeping up the house. Thank you."
Yoh looked up at Amidamaru and smiled, "You're welcome." His voice was slightly shaky. He knew what was coming...
"Are you okay, Yoh?" Amidamaru asked.
Yoh swallowed hard and looked up. Damn his original speech. "Amidamaru, I love you."
---TBC---
Next chapter: Amidamaru's reaction. I'll give ya a hint... there's some fluff for those of you who want it. Yey.
Thanks Hao's Offspring! You're one of my heroes!
Everyone... HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS! And if I don't see before then, A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Thanks for the reviews! I luv you guys!
Please review!
Thanks very much for reading. (I mean that ^ ^)
```AmethystRoze```
12/15/03 Um, I revised the last chapter. A VERY helpful reviewer told me how they didn't have doorknobs back then and all -_-... yeah, I should've remembered that. I'm too stuck on this time and age I suppose. Once in this Ancient Egypt fic thingy, I almost put that they had a fridge and sandwiches. T_T It didn't take me long at all to fix that mistake. I'm and id, what can I say. Forgive me for my stupidity. That why it's good to review! Tell me if I'm doing something wrong PLEASE
Here's the next chapter!
Disclaimer: I don't own Shaman King vol.1. Well, I do own the manga but not technically I guess you could say. Whatever! I don't own it just to be safe.
Chapter 4
"Wake up, Amidamaru!"
Amidamaru's eyes flew open and he sat up quickly, hand on the hilt of one of his twin swords, "Yoh? What is it?"
Yoh smiled, "Breakfast is ready! Come on!" he rushed out of the room.
This was definitely going to be 'fun' getting used to. He got out of bed and walked into the main room, sliding the door closed, and kneeled beside one of the tables. "Where is Yoh, Mosuke?" he asked.
Mosuke shook his head, "Doing YOUR job. He's out getting the water, he'll be right back."
"You let him go alone?"
"He wanted to go. I tried to stop him."
Yoh rushed back into the house, "I'm back!" he sat the small jug of water next to the door.
Amidamaru sighed, "Yoh, you didn't have to-"
"Yes I did. Mosuke said that 'one has never proved his worth until he has carried a full container of water 20 times.'"
"Mosuke told you that?" Amidamaru shot an unbelieving glance toward Mosuke who was smiling.
"So? I didn't think he'd believe me," Mosuke said almost laughing.
"How early did you wake up, Yoh?"
Yoh shrugged, "Just before dawn."
"That early?" his voice held concern.
"Yeah... just an old habit..."
Mosuke turned around, "A habit? I wish I was you."
Yoh shook his head slightly, "...You shouldn't," he smiled, "but anyways, what's the plan for today?"
"Nothing outside, that's for sure." He looked out the window, "The rain picks the strangest times to start."
Amidamaru's brow furrowed, "The rain...," he said in a barely audible voice. "Oh my..." The dream! He had forgotten about it.
"What is it Amidamaru?" Yoh asked, scrambling to his side.
"Whom do you care most about?" he muttered out.
"Huh?" Yoh was taken back slightly.
Amidamaru shook his head, "Sorry about that. Never mind, just a strange dream."
Yoh tilted his head slightly, "No more soup for you... Mosuke, have you been putting stuff in his food again?"
Mosuke laughed, "No, I wait until the weekends for that."
Amidamaru smiled, "Mosuke, put anything in my food EVER and you'll regret it."
They all sat together and ate, casually talking more about Amidamaru and why he wanted to become a samurai and also of Mosuke and how his dream of becoming a swordsmith was created. The inevitable question arose.
"Hey Mosuke, is the sword finished yet?"
Mosuke sighed, "Soon, all it will need is a name."
"It's almost complete?" Amidamaru asked in awe.
"Of course, this morning when Yoh awoke, he also accidentally woke me so I wasted no time in working on it."
Yoh looked at Mosuke, "I have a feeling there's something special about that sword..."
Amidamaru smiled, "Yes, there is."
Mosuke laced his fingers together, "When Amidamaru was younger, he went around breaking his swords ALL the time. He was always chasing thieves off the farm or something or other, but the swords always broke."
"I asked Mosuke to make me a sword, and do you know what he told me? To go and steal one from another samurai!"
"They weren't free ya know. Anyways, I had a very strong feeling that one day, Amidamaru would become a fine swordsman, so I crafted him a sword from my father's knife. Harusame is what we named it. Would you believe that Amidamaru actually cried?"
"So? That was your father's knife. I still can't believe you did that."
"I still can't believe you cried."
Yoh smiled fondly at the two. They were truly best friends. "Are you two going to wait until the new sword is finished before you go to a shogun?"
Amidamaru nodded, "That was the original plan, why?"
"Harusame... if this sword is truly as amazing and precious as you say, I think you should bring it with you instead... just in case."
Mosuke raised a brow, "Bring Harusame?"
Amidamaru remembered the ghostly voice of the maiden from his dream, "Harusame..." she had said. "You'll understand..."
"Maybe Yoh is right, Mosuke," he said.
Mosuke turned toward Amidamaru, "But you always said that-"
"Never mind what I said. That sword will help us one day, just not yet. Harusame is what we may need now."
Mosuke smiled, "Very well, Amidamaru. But if we are to go, we had best go now."
"Yes."
"Yoh, you'll remain here and do a few easy chores. We should return not too long after the sun has set."
Yoh smiled, "Ok. I'll have dinner waiting for you."
"Good, that's one of the chores. The only other thing you have to do is sweep off the front porch."
"No problem."
Everyone got to their feet and walked over to the front door. Amidamaru held Harusame in his hand and was looking slightly thoughtfully at it. The sword had never let him down before... he knew it wouldn't now.
Mosuke had slid open the screen and was already outside, and Amidamaru was also about to leave when-
"Good luck, Amidamaru," Yoh said suddenly.
Amidamaru turned quickly to face Yoh, who looked slightly worried. "Thank you. Is something wrong, Yoh?"
Yoh's typical smile returned, "Nah, it's nothing. I'll see you later."
Amidamaru paused, then took a few steps forward slightly and encircled his arms around Yoh's petit frame. "Goodbye, Yoh."
Yoh closed his eyes and smiled, "Bye." He leaned his chin on the samurai's shoulder.
A hug.
It was strange though. They embraced like they were long lost lovers or something. Amidamaru wasn't sure why he had done it, and Yoh wasn't sure of anything at the moment.
Amidamaru pulled back and with a warm smile, left, sliding the door closed behind him.
Yoh walked over to the window and leaned against the wall. "That's it... I have to tell him tonight."
-
Amidamaru caught up with Mosuke, who had a strangely smug smirk on his face.
"Uh, Mosuke?" he asked.
The rain had stopped leaving a cool but damp feel to the air. Amidamaru was dressed in his customary attire; a slate colored haori over a black shirt and cut pants. Over his shoulders were red iron armor plates that matched the guards on his arms and knees, and on his feet were his casual sandals. Mosuke wore his reddish orange outfit with the slits near the shoulders and the tie in the back. (AN: In other words, their 'normal' attire.)
Mosuke crossed his arms and continued walking, "What was that?"
"What was what?"
"That little 'scene' back there."
"Oh, it was just... nothing."
"I don't call that 'nothing'. You two were so close to forgetting about me and letting me walk to the shogun alone while you continued your little... moment, shall we say, together."
"It was just a hug!"
"Suuure," he quickened his pace.
"Mosuke...!"
-
Yoh swept the porch as well as the whole house. He had the whole day to himself after all. He contemplated how he was going to explain to Amidamaru how he felt, but each time he came out mumbling or not really making sense at all.
Thank goodness he had all day, because he was going to need it.
-
It took a surprisingly long time to get to the Lord's house, and when they did, two armed guards stood at the entrance. The house was beautiful. Interesting little Bonsai trees were planted in front. A small spring was situated not too far from the house with multifarious black and white rocks lining its edge. Four steps up was the door inside. (AN: This house and setting is beautiful in the manga. I love it.)
Amidamaru turned to Mosuke, "What now?"
Mosuke shrugged.
Amidamaru took a step forward. "Hello, we wish to speak to the shogun who lives here. We are in seek of a job. May we enter?"
One of the guards disappeared into the house and after a few moments returned. "Our Lord will see you both now."
Mosuke and Amidamaru breathed a sigh of relief and walked past the guard still stationed at the door and followed the other. He took them down a long hall and stopped at one of the doors. The guard slid the door open, "Enter."
The two nodded and slowly walked into the elaborate room. The smell of lightly burning incense filled the room.
"Well? Don't just stand there, please, come closer," a sly yet authoritative voice said. The voice belonged to a short man who sat kneeling on the floor. He wore a plain white yukata and had his hair done up in a bun with a pointy black hat covering it. His eyes... they were scary. They slanted upwards in a devious sort of way and his small smirk added to the strange look. "Have a seat."
Amidamaru and Mosuke bowed and kneeled in front the small man laying Harusame between them.
This was it.
-
"Ho Ho Ho, very interesting. Traveler, you say this magnificent sword, Harusame.. was created by the two of you?" The shogun asked fanning himself lightly with a plain white fan.
"That is correct, my Lord." Amidamaru said, "We have worked hard, I to be the perfect samurai..."
Mosuke finished with, "And I to be the perfect swordsmith!"
"Day and night, we have challenged each other to improve our mastery!"
The Lord smiled, "Ho Ho Ho. I have a passion for swords myself! Why don't you two come to work for me?"
Both Amidamaru and Mosuke turned toward each other with huge grins on their faces.
They were successful! (AN: Did any of that sound familiar? It was the exact dialogue from the manga. There's more.)
-
Amidamaru and Mosuke walked down the steps and in the direction of the house. Already the sun had begun to set.
"We did it, Amidamaru! We two orphans have risen to honorable stations!" Mosuke exclaimed.
"I never imagined you'd present the Lord with a sword you made yourself!" Amidamaru said.
"I've just been trying to make swords to equal or surpass your expertise! Now that you have a master to serve, you'll become a great samurai!"
"True!"
"And we'll never have to go hungry again!"
(AN: end manga dialogue)
/\/\/\/\/\
Yoh was up and waiting when Amidamaru and Mosuke returned. "Well?" he stood up, his face filled with anticipation.
Mosuke beamed, "He hired us!"
"That's wonderful! I was so worried. The food is ready, have a seat."
Everyone sat down, well, Yoh didn't. He was busy going over what he was going to say to Amidamaru.
"Yoh, is everything ok?" Mosuke asked.
Yoh smiled, "Yep, just fine." He kneeled down by the table with the others. "So, what did the person's house look like? Was it fancy?"
Mosuke nodded, "Oh it was more than fancy. The Lord had his own personal hot spring in front of his house with all these black and white rocks outlining its edge." Yoh looked up from his bowl slightly surprised. "And there were these little bonsai trees in front as well. And after you walked up the steps, how many were there Amidamaru?"
"Four," Yoh stated flatly.
"Yeah, four... how did you know, Yoh?"
Yoh swallowed hard, "Lucky guess."
"So anyways, the house was magnificent. I wish you could've seen it."
Yoh only smiled.
"Hey Yoh, were you okay by yourself?" Amidamaru asked.
Yoh nodded, "Yeah."
"I bet it was sort of lonely. Sorry we had to leave you here..."
"Don't be, Amidamaru," he stood up and patted him on the back. "I'm getting more water." Moments later he returned with his small cup and reclaimed his spot in front of Amidamaru. 'Crap,' he thought. His hands were shaking. He sat the glass on the table and gripped loosely onto the table's edge. 'I can do this...'
"Yoh, you did a wonderful job sweeping up the house. Thank you."
Yoh looked up at Amidamaru and smiled, "You're welcome." His voice was slightly shaky. He knew what was coming...
"Are you okay, Yoh?" Amidamaru asked.
Yoh swallowed hard and looked up. Damn his original speech. "Amidamaru, I love you."
---TBC---
Next chapter: Amidamaru's reaction. I'll give ya a hint... there's some fluff for those of you who want it. Yey.
Thanks Hao's Offspring! You're one of my heroes!
Everyone... HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS! And if I don't see before then, A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Thanks for the reviews! I luv you guys!
Please review!
Thanks very much for reading. (I mean that ^ ^)
```AmethystRoze```