Bring me a Yellow Rose
Chapter Four: Good-bye
I didn't know what exactly happened after that cold night. I didn't know how I managed to survive the next days. I didn't know what I ate, when I ate, or if I ever ate at all. I didn't know what I did. I didn't even know if I slept at all. In fact, I didn't know if I actually lived.
I don't care. I just don't care anymore.
I just don't remember anything. Or better said, I refused to remember.
Because every time I remember, my thoughts just seemed to end on her... On Anna... On the night I saw her last smile... On the night she was taken away from me...
Every time that happened, I just feel myself suffocating. I just feel my chest breathing heavily...
Pain...
Unbearable pain...
So why remember things that brought you so much pain?
All I know is, here I am, standing in front of her coffin, waiting as the last rites were said.
That's when it dawned into me. This is it. This isn't just a nightmare. This is reality.
Anna is gone, and she's never coming back.
Never ever coming back...
And I couldn't forgive myself for letting that happen. I couldn't forgive myself for letting her die, just like that. I couldn't forgive myself for not doing anything. I couldn't forgive myself because I can't do anything.
I looked around. Of course, my family was there, my friends as well. Even Hao made an appearance. Tamao and Pirika were wiping their tears. Ren and Horo-Horo stood beside me.
The shaman who was officiating motioned for me. I walked forward. I forced myself to smile sheepishly. "I guess this is it, Anna." I was surprised to hear my own voice. I was surprised that I could actually speak. "Good bye." I dropped the yellow rose that I was holding, and walked away.
I just couldn't stand it anymore.
It just hurt so much.
The days that followed were a blur. Waking up without Anna seemed different. I remember my friends asking me if I was okay. I remember them forcing me to eat, to do something other than lock myself in my room, mine and Anna's room.
Believe me, I was forcing myself to eat. I'm just not hungry. Every time I tried to shove edible things in my mouth (I'm sure it's edible, as Tamao cooked them), I ended throwing up. I gave up, eventually.
Then there's the presence of my friends. I just find them annoying each day, worrying about me like that, like I'm a kid or something. I just snapped one day, and found myself yelling at them. "Would you all stop asking me if I'm okay? After all, I'm still alive, right? So just leave me alone!"
I heard Ren scowl in impatience. "Fine, after all, I don't have time to bother with losers and freaks just like you who still couldn't move on even after a month his wife died!"
I didn't say anything. I tried to tell them to give me some more time. I tried to tell them to understand me. I tried to tell them, I really did. I just couldn't find my voice. Instead, in my anger, I found myself yelling back. "Why do you care, Ren? You don't know anything about what I'm feeling, right? You don't know anything about emotions, about feelings, damn it. You just don't know anything!"
I saw Ren visibly flinched. Inside, I really wished I could take back my words, or say sorry. But I didn't say anything. Tamao was already crying. Horo-Horo was holding back Ren.
"Just a piece of advice, Asakura. Get a life. What would Anna say when she saw you acting like this?"
That's the whole point, Ren, I thought. Anna's dead...
I choked as my chest became heavy once again.
When I didn't say anything, Ren spoke once again. "Fine. Do what you like. I don't care. Just do us a favor, if you want to end your pathetic life, end it pretty soon. We just couldn't stand it anymore, seeing you, The Shaman King, acting like a pathetic freak." I heard the door slam afterwards. I saw Horo-Horo sighed, looking at me, and then walked out, following Ren.
Tamao kept a close watch at me, afraid that I would do exactly what Ren said. Honestly, I have no intention of ending my life. If I do, honestly, I would have done that merely a month ago. Then again, if I saw Anna on the after life, she would surely kill me, if that was still possible.
So, the idea of suicide is definitely out of the question. If I want to die, I would like to in a battle, in a fight, not by just hanging myself. I still got some pride, you know.
Meanwhile, true to their word, my friends kept their distance at me, specifically Ren and Horo-Horo, and I preferred it that way. They no longer ask me how I am or what I'm feeling six times a day, though I know they were still watching me.
Two more months passed. I still can't believe who came that day, and visited me. Yep, it was my brother, that brother who appeared and did everything just to kill me four years ago.
Except this time, it was different. Hao appeared to save me.
"Your concerned friends told me about your idiocy." He started. "Specifically about fasting without an apparent reason..."
I merely looked at him. For the first time in history, my older brother was actually concerned about me. Jeez. What the hell happened to him? "I'm simply not hungry, Hao. I'll eat when I'm hungry."
"When?" I heard him ask. "When you're dead?"
I said nothing. I just smiled sheepishly at him. This is really getting weird. The Hao I knew a few years back would probably thank me for making his job of killing me easier.
'Get up." He ordered me. "Get up, Yoh Asakura!"
"Mind your own business, will you?" I sighed.
Hao was resolute. "I am challenging the shaman king into a fight."
He doesn't give up, does he? "Some other time, Hao."
"Now, Yoh Asakura, I want to fight you now." He called the Spirit of Fire. "A true shaman does not refuse a fight."
He was serious, I thought. "Fine." I finally agreed. I have no choice, really. "Let's do this outside. I don't want us destroying the house." I took the Harusame out.
I followed him into an open field. I called on Amidamaru, "Amidamaru, oversoul! To the harusame!" Hao likewise called the Spirit of Fire, and immediately launched an attack at me. I was taken aback, and call it luck, I managed to dodge the attack. If Anna was watching, she would have yelled at me for not being alert.
That's the point. If Anna was alive, then this wouldn't happen. If she were alive, then maybe, I wouldn't do things this stupid. If only she was alive, then maybe, I would still have the will to be living. If only...
I felt the air knocked out at me as Hao aimed another attack at me. I heard him sigh. "Pay attention, Yoh, I don't want to kill you yet."
He knows how to make me suffer, does he?
The fight continued for an hour. I still don't know how I managed to keep up with him. It was obvious that he had gotten a lot stronger these years. I was blocking all his attacks with difficulty. That's when I realized that he was not that serious. If he were, then he would have killed me in a minute since our fight had started. Besides, Amidamaru and I haven't thought of a plan yet.
Hao had the advantage in this fight. We both knew it. He was in the right state of mind, for one. He was in the right condition to fight, I haven't eaten anything since breakfast, and heck, it has been months since the last time I trained. I knew, within minutes, he would be declared as the winner.
What would happen to me? I don't know.
Anyway, I just don't care.
Part of me wanted to get angry for being so weak. Part of me wanted to scream for not having thought of a plan. Part of me wanted to hold on, to continue fighting. I know that I have to do something. I know that I have to win. Yet part of me just wanted to surrender. Another part of me just wanted to let everything go, that this was it, this was the death I'd been waiting for. That somehow, I would die in the hands of my own brother... That somehow he would give me what I wanted... That somehow, he would give me the peace of mind I yearned.
The latter sounded pathetic, because somehow, I knew, Hao wouldn't let me die. He has no intention to kill me in the first place.
So why the hell was he doing this to me?
The impact of his attack was getting the better of me. I was pushed farther, and farther the ground, as I desperately tried to block it with the Harusame. I heard Amidamaru telling me to hold on. Then I felt my legs giving away, I resist it anymore. But before it made any severe damage to my body, it stopped. Hao just stopped.
I fell to my knees, panting. I saw Hao approaching me, wearing an unreadable expression in his face. After minutes of tense silence, I spoke. 'Why' was the only coherent word I could get out my mouth.
He looks at me. Then suddenly he knocked his fist on my left cheek. The impact was so strong that I was thrown backwards, hit a nearby tree, and landed on the ground. I coughed out something metallic... Blood...
"Is this what you wanted?" I heard him yell.
I tried to stand, but before I could properly do so, he delivers a fist on my stomach. I landed once more on the ground, coughing out more blood.
"Do you think this is what Anna wanted?" He asked me sincerely.
My eyes widened at the mention of her name... I didn't know why, my breathing seemed to become ragged, my vision, a blur, then there was that familiar feeling again, building up in my chest, suffocating me...
Pain.
Pain worse than the one I felt a moment ago.
Anna. I repeated to myself.
Hao's voice continued to bug my mind.
Do you think this is what Anna wanted?
"I don't know." I found myself answering, my voice trembling. "I don't know what she wanted..."
That's when it started to snow...
Then as if someone played them on my head, memories of that cold night came flooding my senses...
Call it déjà vu...
I suddenly blacked out. My mind was slowly giving in to the situation... I couldn't stop them, these memories, triggered by the mere drop of snow...
"How are you feeling?"
"Dying," She replied nonetheless calm. I regretted I did.
I looked at her. "Don't say that."
She faced me, her eyes, somewhat sad. "I told you to prepare yourself for this day."
I really wished to stop them... these memories... I tried to think of other things...
"Defeat every shaman that challenges you. I also don't want a loser for a husband." She paused, "On second thoughts, I don't want you turning into an arrogant jerk like your brother was before. Better a lazy bum, than an arrogant jerk, okay? Just do your best, remember your principles, and enjoy the fight, like before. That's what matters. Clear?"
They still continued...
"Stop this stupid game of yours. Stop blaming yourself. It's nobody's fault, not yours, not mine." I didn't say anything. "I don't want you doing the most stupid things in life right after my death. I don't want you lamenting over me, like there's no tomorrow, or starving yourself to death. I want you to move on, though it hurts, everything would be okay. Not once did I hold your fate. You could still exist without me, and stop thinking that you can't. I want you to be happy, Yoh. I don't want you turning into a cold, hopeless person just because of me. Trust me, you wouldn't like it."
I sat in shock, as I remember her last words... She wanted me to be happy, and I failed her...
I failed her...
I failed Anna...
I didn't know how much time passed, I just sat there, the impact of what I did, of what had happened finally getting on me.
I didn't feel cold. I didn't actually mind the snow, or the fact that I was wearing only a half-buttoned shirt and shorts, and I would be freezing in no time.
I just woke up from my trance when I realized that there was a hand on my shoulder, shaking me. I felt warmth radiate on my whole body as a coat was placed over me.
I looked up and saw the face of my brother.
I couldn't read his expression. I just saw him brought out something from his cloak, and handed it to me...
It was a yellow rose...
Fresh, and fully bloomed... The delicate petals soft to the touch...
I stared at it in wonder, as thousands of questions rushed in my mind.
Where...
How...
Why...
I was too shocked; too fascinated at the yellow rose I was holding, to notice that Hao had started to walk away.
But I did hear his soft whisper, amidst the cold and violent wind...
"Go. She's waiting for you."
"Why?"
I finally had the courage and enough sense to ask, as I hold the yellow rose closer.
"Her last wishes." I heard him reply. Then, he was gone.
I found my destination rather easily, amidst the snow, and the cold wind nearly freezing me, making my feet numb.
Where am I? Call me crazy, visiting in such conditions, but I was actually in the cemetery. Hey, Hao said she was waiting, and knowing Anna, she hated waiting, so I rushed here as soon as I can.
I finally glimpsed a mob of blonde hair. It was expected, as I was already in front of her grave. It was the first time I was here, after her burial. I saw her turn, finally sensing my presence, and looked at me.
She was irritated. Either it was because of my pathetic behavior, for being late, or just because she was summoned for pathetic reasons by my brother...
"Hi!" I said, breaking the silence. I gave her a sheepish smile, the best smile I can muster.
Anna continued to glare at me. Not that I mind though, I actually missed those glares...
No, I didn't just miss her glares. Actually, I missed her. I missed Anna, and all the glares, sermons, rare smiles, and torture that came with her.
"I heard that you've been doing pathetic things, lately."
I shrugged, and gave her the yellow rose. I saw her eyes softened, as she took it... Hey, call it perfect timing. "I always do pathetic things."
Her glare was back at me. I wished that I hadn't spoken anything at all. Before she could even speak and start her sermon, I explained everything already. "Anna, I'm sorry. I promise I wouldn't do anything like that again."
I reached out a hand to caress her cheek. I barely felt anything, as my fingers touched her cheeks.
It was inevitable though. She's already a spirit, after all.
"You always break your promises."
I smiled once again. "Not this time, though." I leaned forward to kiss her, or rather, to do something that was supposed to be a kiss. I felt merely a cold, and light feeling on my lips. I slowly backed away.
She must have felt my uneasiness. "Yoh..."
"Anna," I cut her off, "I'm okay, don't worry." I smiled once again. "I didn't know the feeling in kissing a spirit."
Anna smiled back. Then her lips hardened once more in mock anger. "Yoh, you have to go home now, you're freezing. Idiot, you never cared about your health..."
"I didn't know my wife cared for me that much." I grinned. "I'll just wait for you."
She nodded. I saw a somewhat dimensional vortex, as the entry to the other world opened. Anna walked away from me.
"Tell your brother not to go summoning me again, and to take care of my beads."
I nodded, and flashed her a smile. "Anna, I love you."
"I know. Take care of yourself. " I saw her smile back. "I love you too, Yoh."
Then she was gone.
I went home to find my friends completely worried about me. Somehow, they didn't notice that Hao had come, and took me with him. Tamao became hysterical when she didn't find me in my room, nor in any part of the house. She called the whole gang to find me.
"Where have you been?"
I smiled at them. They exchanged looks of horror... Thinking that maybe, I really lost my mind this time...
"Yoh..."
I cut off Tamao's words. "Don't worry, I'm fine."
And I mean it, this time...
I saw Tamao and Pirika nearly in tears. Ren nodded. Manta, Horo-Horo, Jeanne, and Faust smiled back at me. Lyserg, Ryu, and Chocolove gave me a smack on the back.
"So what's for dinner?" I asked, breaking the tension.
Meanwhile, Hao watched them from afar, satisfied at the way things had turned out. "Now, I could finally go back to my plan of conquering the world with Satan."
"You would?" His assistant, Opacho, asked.
Hao smirked. "Just joking. I promised my sister in law I'd be a good boy. I don't want to die yet, you know."
The end
Chapter Four: Good-bye
I didn't know what exactly happened after that cold night. I didn't know how I managed to survive the next days. I didn't know what I ate, when I ate, or if I ever ate at all. I didn't know what I did. I didn't even know if I slept at all. In fact, I didn't know if I actually lived.
I don't care. I just don't care anymore.
I just don't remember anything. Or better said, I refused to remember.
Because every time I remember, my thoughts just seemed to end on her... On Anna... On the night I saw her last smile... On the night she was taken away from me...
Every time that happened, I just feel myself suffocating. I just feel my chest breathing heavily...
Pain...
Unbearable pain...
So why remember things that brought you so much pain?
All I know is, here I am, standing in front of her coffin, waiting as the last rites were said.
That's when it dawned into me. This is it. This isn't just a nightmare. This is reality.
Anna is gone, and she's never coming back.
Never ever coming back...
And I couldn't forgive myself for letting that happen. I couldn't forgive myself for letting her die, just like that. I couldn't forgive myself for not doing anything. I couldn't forgive myself because I can't do anything.
I looked around. Of course, my family was there, my friends as well. Even Hao made an appearance. Tamao and Pirika were wiping their tears. Ren and Horo-Horo stood beside me.
The shaman who was officiating motioned for me. I walked forward. I forced myself to smile sheepishly. "I guess this is it, Anna." I was surprised to hear my own voice. I was surprised that I could actually speak. "Good bye." I dropped the yellow rose that I was holding, and walked away.
I just couldn't stand it anymore.
It just hurt so much.
The days that followed were a blur. Waking up without Anna seemed different. I remember my friends asking me if I was okay. I remember them forcing me to eat, to do something other than lock myself in my room, mine and Anna's room.
Believe me, I was forcing myself to eat. I'm just not hungry. Every time I tried to shove edible things in my mouth (I'm sure it's edible, as Tamao cooked them), I ended throwing up. I gave up, eventually.
Then there's the presence of my friends. I just find them annoying each day, worrying about me like that, like I'm a kid or something. I just snapped one day, and found myself yelling at them. "Would you all stop asking me if I'm okay? After all, I'm still alive, right? So just leave me alone!"
I heard Ren scowl in impatience. "Fine, after all, I don't have time to bother with losers and freaks just like you who still couldn't move on even after a month his wife died!"
I didn't say anything. I tried to tell them to give me some more time. I tried to tell them to understand me. I tried to tell them, I really did. I just couldn't find my voice. Instead, in my anger, I found myself yelling back. "Why do you care, Ren? You don't know anything about what I'm feeling, right? You don't know anything about emotions, about feelings, damn it. You just don't know anything!"
I saw Ren visibly flinched. Inside, I really wished I could take back my words, or say sorry. But I didn't say anything. Tamao was already crying. Horo-Horo was holding back Ren.
"Just a piece of advice, Asakura. Get a life. What would Anna say when she saw you acting like this?"
That's the whole point, Ren, I thought. Anna's dead...
I choked as my chest became heavy once again.
When I didn't say anything, Ren spoke once again. "Fine. Do what you like. I don't care. Just do us a favor, if you want to end your pathetic life, end it pretty soon. We just couldn't stand it anymore, seeing you, The Shaman King, acting like a pathetic freak." I heard the door slam afterwards. I saw Horo-Horo sighed, looking at me, and then walked out, following Ren.
Tamao kept a close watch at me, afraid that I would do exactly what Ren said. Honestly, I have no intention of ending my life. If I do, honestly, I would have done that merely a month ago. Then again, if I saw Anna on the after life, she would surely kill me, if that was still possible.
So, the idea of suicide is definitely out of the question. If I want to die, I would like to in a battle, in a fight, not by just hanging myself. I still got some pride, you know.
Meanwhile, true to their word, my friends kept their distance at me, specifically Ren and Horo-Horo, and I preferred it that way. They no longer ask me how I am or what I'm feeling six times a day, though I know they were still watching me.
Two more months passed. I still can't believe who came that day, and visited me. Yep, it was my brother, that brother who appeared and did everything just to kill me four years ago.
Except this time, it was different. Hao appeared to save me.
"Your concerned friends told me about your idiocy." He started. "Specifically about fasting without an apparent reason..."
I merely looked at him. For the first time in history, my older brother was actually concerned about me. Jeez. What the hell happened to him? "I'm simply not hungry, Hao. I'll eat when I'm hungry."
"When?" I heard him ask. "When you're dead?"
I said nothing. I just smiled sheepishly at him. This is really getting weird. The Hao I knew a few years back would probably thank me for making his job of killing me easier.
'Get up." He ordered me. "Get up, Yoh Asakura!"
"Mind your own business, will you?" I sighed.
Hao was resolute. "I am challenging the shaman king into a fight."
He doesn't give up, does he? "Some other time, Hao."
"Now, Yoh Asakura, I want to fight you now." He called the Spirit of Fire. "A true shaman does not refuse a fight."
He was serious, I thought. "Fine." I finally agreed. I have no choice, really. "Let's do this outside. I don't want us destroying the house." I took the Harusame out.
I followed him into an open field. I called on Amidamaru, "Amidamaru, oversoul! To the harusame!" Hao likewise called the Spirit of Fire, and immediately launched an attack at me. I was taken aback, and call it luck, I managed to dodge the attack. If Anna was watching, she would have yelled at me for not being alert.
That's the point. If Anna was alive, then this wouldn't happen. If she were alive, then maybe, I wouldn't do things this stupid. If only she was alive, then maybe, I would still have the will to be living. If only...
I felt the air knocked out at me as Hao aimed another attack at me. I heard him sigh. "Pay attention, Yoh, I don't want to kill you yet."
He knows how to make me suffer, does he?
The fight continued for an hour. I still don't know how I managed to keep up with him. It was obvious that he had gotten a lot stronger these years. I was blocking all his attacks with difficulty. That's when I realized that he was not that serious. If he were, then he would have killed me in a minute since our fight had started. Besides, Amidamaru and I haven't thought of a plan yet.
Hao had the advantage in this fight. We both knew it. He was in the right state of mind, for one. He was in the right condition to fight, I haven't eaten anything since breakfast, and heck, it has been months since the last time I trained. I knew, within minutes, he would be declared as the winner.
What would happen to me? I don't know.
Anyway, I just don't care.
Part of me wanted to get angry for being so weak. Part of me wanted to scream for not having thought of a plan. Part of me wanted to hold on, to continue fighting. I know that I have to do something. I know that I have to win. Yet part of me just wanted to surrender. Another part of me just wanted to let everything go, that this was it, this was the death I'd been waiting for. That somehow, I would die in the hands of my own brother... That somehow he would give me what I wanted... That somehow, he would give me the peace of mind I yearned.
The latter sounded pathetic, because somehow, I knew, Hao wouldn't let me die. He has no intention to kill me in the first place.
So why the hell was he doing this to me?
The impact of his attack was getting the better of me. I was pushed farther, and farther the ground, as I desperately tried to block it with the Harusame. I heard Amidamaru telling me to hold on. Then I felt my legs giving away, I resist it anymore. But before it made any severe damage to my body, it stopped. Hao just stopped.
I fell to my knees, panting. I saw Hao approaching me, wearing an unreadable expression in his face. After minutes of tense silence, I spoke. 'Why' was the only coherent word I could get out my mouth.
He looks at me. Then suddenly he knocked his fist on my left cheek. The impact was so strong that I was thrown backwards, hit a nearby tree, and landed on the ground. I coughed out something metallic... Blood...
"Is this what you wanted?" I heard him yell.
I tried to stand, but before I could properly do so, he delivers a fist on my stomach. I landed once more on the ground, coughing out more blood.
"Do you think this is what Anna wanted?" He asked me sincerely.
My eyes widened at the mention of her name... I didn't know why, my breathing seemed to become ragged, my vision, a blur, then there was that familiar feeling again, building up in my chest, suffocating me...
Pain.
Pain worse than the one I felt a moment ago.
Anna. I repeated to myself.
Hao's voice continued to bug my mind.
Do you think this is what Anna wanted?
"I don't know." I found myself answering, my voice trembling. "I don't know what she wanted..."
That's when it started to snow...
Then as if someone played them on my head, memories of that cold night came flooding my senses...
Call it déjà vu...
I suddenly blacked out. My mind was slowly giving in to the situation... I couldn't stop them, these memories, triggered by the mere drop of snow...
"How are you feeling?"
"Dying," She replied nonetheless calm. I regretted I did.
I looked at her. "Don't say that."
She faced me, her eyes, somewhat sad. "I told you to prepare yourself for this day."
I really wished to stop them... these memories... I tried to think of other things...
"Defeat every shaman that challenges you. I also don't want a loser for a husband." She paused, "On second thoughts, I don't want you turning into an arrogant jerk like your brother was before. Better a lazy bum, than an arrogant jerk, okay? Just do your best, remember your principles, and enjoy the fight, like before. That's what matters. Clear?"
They still continued...
"Stop this stupid game of yours. Stop blaming yourself. It's nobody's fault, not yours, not mine." I didn't say anything. "I don't want you doing the most stupid things in life right after my death. I don't want you lamenting over me, like there's no tomorrow, or starving yourself to death. I want you to move on, though it hurts, everything would be okay. Not once did I hold your fate. You could still exist without me, and stop thinking that you can't. I want you to be happy, Yoh. I don't want you turning into a cold, hopeless person just because of me. Trust me, you wouldn't like it."
I sat in shock, as I remember her last words... She wanted me to be happy, and I failed her...
I failed her...
I failed Anna...
I didn't know how much time passed, I just sat there, the impact of what I did, of what had happened finally getting on me.
I didn't feel cold. I didn't actually mind the snow, or the fact that I was wearing only a half-buttoned shirt and shorts, and I would be freezing in no time.
I just woke up from my trance when I realized that there was a hand on my shoulder, shaking me. I felt warmth radiate on my whole body as a coat was placed over me.
I looked up and saw the face of my brother.
I couldn't read his expression. I just saw him brought out something from his cloak, and handed it to me...
It was a yellow rose...
Fresh, and fully bloomed... The delicate petals soft to the touch...
I stared at it in wonder, as thousands of questions rushed in my mind.
Where...
How...
Why...
I was too shocked; too fascinated at the yellow rose I was holding, to notice that Hao had started to walk away.
But I did hear his soft whisper, amidst the cold and violent wind...
"Go. She's waiting for you."
"Why?"
I finally had the courage and enough sense to ask, as I hold the yellow rose closer.
"Her last wishes." I heard him reply. Then, he was gone.
I found my destination rather easily, amidst the snow, and the cold wind nearly freezing me, making my feet numb.
Where am I? Call me crazy, visiting in such conditions, but I was actually in the cemetery. Hey, Hao said she was waiting, and knowing Anna, she hated waiting, so I rushed here as soon as I can.
I finally glimpsed a mob of blonde hair. It was expected, as I was already in front of her grave. It was the first time I was here, after her burial. I saw her turn, finally sensing my presence, and looked at me.
She was irritated. Either it was because of my pathetic behavior, for being late, or just because she was summoned for pathetic reasons by my brother...
"Hi!" I said, breaking the silence. I gave her a sheepish smile, the best smile I can muster.
Anna continued to glare at me. Not that I mind though, I actually missed those glares...
No, I didn't just miss her glares. Actually, I missed her. I missed Anna, and all the glares, sermons, rare smiles, and torture that came with her.
"I heard that you've been doing pathetic things, lately."
I shrugged, and gave her the yellow rose. I saw her eyes softened, as she took it... Hey, call it perfect timing. "I always do pathetic things."
Her glare was back at me. I wished that I hadn't spoken anything at all. Before she could even speak and start her sermon, I explained everything already. "Anna, I'm sorry. I promise I wouldn't do anything like that again."
I reached out a hand to caress her cheek. I barely felt anything, as my fingers touched her cheeks.
It was inevitable though. She's already a spirit, after all.
"You always break your promises."
I smiled once again. "Not this time, though." I leaned forward to kiss her, or rather, to do something that was supposed to be a kiss. I felt merely a cold, and light feeling on my lips. I slowly backed away.
She must have felt my uneasiness. "Yoh..."
"Anna," I cut her off, "I'm okay, don't worry." I smiled once again. "I didn't know the feeling in kissing a spirit."
Anna smiled back. Then her lips hardened once more in mock anger. "Yoh, you have to go home now, you're freezing. Idiot, you never cared about your health..."
"I didn't know my wife cared for me that much." I grinned. "I'll just wait for you."
She nodded. I saw a somewhat dimensional vortex, as the entry to the other world opened. Anna walked away from me.
"Tell your brother not to go summoning me again, and to take care of my beads."
I nodded, and flashed her a smile. "Anna, I love you."
"I know. Take care of yourself. " I saw her smile back. "I love you too, Yoh."
Then she was gone.
I went home to find my friends completely worried about me. Somehow, they didn't notice that Hao had come, and took me with him. Tamao became hysterical when she didn't find me in my room, nor in any part of the house. She called the whole gang to find me.
"Where have you been?"
I smiled at them. They exchanged looks of horror... Thinking that maybe, I really lost my mind this time...
"Yoh..."
I cut off Tamao's words. "Don't worry, I'm fine."
And I mean it, this time...
I saw Tamao and Pirika nearly in tears. Ren nodded. Manta, Horo-Horo, Jeanne, and Faust smiled back at me. Lyserg, Ryu, and Chocolove gave me a smack on the back.
"So what's for dinner?" I asked, breaking the tension.
Meanwhile, Hao watched them from afar, satisfied at the way things had turned out. "Now, I could finally go back to my plan of conquering the world with Satan."
"You would?" His assistant, Opacho, asked.
Hao smirked. "Just joking. I promised my sister in law I'd be a good boy. I don't want to die yet, you know."
The end