A big thank you to all those who reviewed! I know that Yoh and Anna are very OOC, but they have to go with the plot of the fic. Enjoy this chap since it's longer than chapter one!

Disclaimer: Shaman King belongs to Hiroyuki Takei. So there's no point in suing me. Also, Grip belongs to Every Little Thing and to its respective owners.

Nostalgic Affection
chibi-asakura
Still An Inferno
Chapter Two

The sun's radiance went through every crack and patch of the Asakura household. Morning had once again proved its magnificence as it illuminated the crystal blue pond near the residence' main door. The light wind crept through the hallways, yearning for its prey. While the weather intensified the strange breakout of blitheness and peace, everything inside the once lively house of the Asakura's came all too unfamiliar.

December drew near and yet for the two teenagers living under this roof, not a sense of camaraderie, lingered in the air. Cold. It was the perfect term any bystander would like to comment if ever they passed this house. The sound of the word matched the remaining friendly atmosphere of the said home. It wasn't a home in fact,

This one is pure hell. Except for the fact that hell is full of blazing flames.

Her golden hair waved scruffily as she fixed the futon inside her wardrobe. She went to the bathroom, took a bath and brushed her teeth.

But this one still is, full of frozen flames. An inferno of resentment.

Anna Kyouyama stood in front of her mirror, her gaze lingering, but her expression was still pokerfaced. She grabbed the nearest comb she could reach on her wardrobe, then hastily combed her golden hair. Her small figure looked so pathetic in front of the mirror with her eyes swollen, it could have been worse.

She heard creaking sounds as she knotted her red tie then put on her green coat. However, with those continuous annoying sound, she did not make any move. She did not complain, nothing could make her move today, not even his nagging could make her feel worse. For I already am the worst.

She grabbed her school bag and slung it over her shoulders. It was Monday, another week of complete silence. Before, she believed that Monday will always be different from the remaining days of the week. Yet, with what happened a week before, she dared not to ponder what will happen to her the next day and the day after tomorrow. It will always be that way. Silence. Nothing more.

Seventeen year old Kyouyama Anna, exited her room and stood on the hallway, noticing the lone figure walked past her in a brusque way. Yoh shuffled his hair then put his orange headphones on top of his ears, turning it on. He swayed his head as he listened to the rhythmic beat of the sound emitting from the headphones and descended the stairs.

Anna sighed, her head shook involuntarily. 'It'd be a miracle if he'll talk to me.'

She followed, though hesitantly, she followed him with a heavy heart. Her steps weren't usually like this, heavy like her heart. But all because of Yoh Asakura, she reached the very strand of her temper then -poof- she fell. And then, she found no one to blame but Yoh. Perfect Asakura Yoh, he said so.

When Anna reached the kitchen, she saw Yoh sitting and fumbling some bread on his hands, each daubed with a strawberry jam. She could not look directly on his eyes, so like what Yoh did upstairs, she strode briskly then rummaged the fridge for an edible breakfast.

"There are no more food in there. Help yourself with a bread," Yoh considered, as his eyes accidentally met Anna's cranky ones of not finding any food.

"I can manage to live my day without any food, after all, I am Kyouyama Anna," she answered bitterly. She saw Yoh shrugged and returned in eating his sandwiches.

She sighed. Her wishes were not granted, and it was a relief that she didn't expect it to occur in return. She could do her breakfast with a mere glass of milk. Yeah that'd be better.

"I'm going already. I'm meeting Manta on the way," Yoh rose and heaved his school bag in his hands. He didn't look back as his ragged figure retreated the kitchen, his footsteps thudding on the wooden floor.

"Manta. Yeah, at least Manta was still normal enough to endure his mood swings," she paused. "And at least he talks to that hyperventilating midget."

"What are you mumbling yourself for?" Anna's dark eyes widened as a manly voice immobilized her flooding thoughts. She felt her heart skipped a second as the man of her exasperation gazed compellingly on her shocked expression.

"I…thought…you…ahh…you…yyoouu… left," Anna stammered. Never in her life did she stutter as terrible as that, especially in front of Yoh, of all people.

"But I did not say I'll leave without you," Yoh searched Anna's eyes for something which he thought would make him calm down a little. He heard it clearly, the way Anna spat Manta's name with disgust. Nah, it's not disgust. It's jealousy. A voice inside himself snickered.

Let me be. Yoh said inwardly.

"No, as I said, I'm Kyouyama Anna. You go ahead, I still have to finish a certain homework I left undone yesterday," she turned and found herself nearing the sink, for no definite reason. She turned the faucet on and allowed herself to feel the piercing coldness of the falling water.

You can go find Manta, for all I care.

This day seems pretty weird. First, he's talking to me. Second, he wants us to go to school together. Pretty weird—no damn weird. I wonder if this is only a make-believe.

Left preoccupied with her bustling thoughts, Anna didn't notice the young Shaman stood behind her and closed the faucet. Yoh frowned, Anna didn't detect his presence.

"Aren't you learning from Home Economics? Turn the tap off after using," Yoh derided, his hands still resting on top of the faucet's handle.

Anna's mouth formed an 'a'. She looked more than shocked, confused Yoh thought. Her lips trembled under Yoh's gaze. Anna had no clue. A week ago, she had seen the side of Yoh as if he was being possessed by an evil spirit. He had hit her, her shattering heart at that.

"Classes start at 8:30. It's quarter before eight, we gotta go," Yoh gestured at the kitchen's door. Before Anna could even nod, her wrist fell down instantly and was locked into a firm grip.

---

"Master Hao," a small Shaman said. "He's getting to it again. Opacho sees his determination overcoming his senses. Master Yoh wants to battle Master Hao. Master, are you aware of that?"

Hao smiled, his long brown hair blew in front of his calm face. "I know Opacho. I know he will come back for the Shaman King Title. I, too, know that his willpower increased for the last four years."

"Master Hao, isn't your brother intimidated with what you can do?" Opacho moved forward to peek at the face of his master.

"Intimidated? Much more than that, Opacho, much more than that." Hao's face darkened as he remembered how his brother lose willingly to him. "He's cowered. And his determination is not enough to earn him a renewed self-esteem."

"Why Master?"

"Do you remember her Opacho? He was afraid of losing her, so my dear brother forfeited the match. How pathetic," smirked Hao. He stood up and his cloak dropped the ground heavily.

"What about her Master Hao?" the midget could only ask at his master's words.

"What about her? I'm sure she's so desperate to get the Shaman King title for Yoh. She would do anything in exchange of it," explained Hao. "She'd be a good prey."

"What are you planning?"

"I'm planning of surrendering the throne for my otouto. Quite a shame to hand it over easily, but I want her. I want Anna Kyouyama."

"But Master, what if the girl never agrees?"

"She will, I'm very sure, she will. Anything for my dear brother she'll do, even if it means that she has to go with me."

Otouto, you're getting very impaired because of your loss. But I know you are hurting, and I'll make the pain deeper by getting something which you knew all along was yours. Her.

------

(Anna)

I looked at Yoh as we silently journeyed the way to Funnbari High. Both of us are in Senior High School, our last year of being ignorant students. A year after this, we would have to prepare for our future, but not for me, because my future lies on his hands. If Yoh Asakura found me a fiancé, there'd be future waiting for me, but if not, I would have to train him until Hao appears for a fight. I signed the contract and there's no place to hide and run, he would find me anyways and besides, I have no place to stay.

His spiky hair bounced as we walked and bumped to find our way out of those buzzing people crossing the streets. I can still remember how he securely held my wrist on his, it was a firm one like what he did to me four years ago when Hao threatened me for my life. I didn't know. Maybe my eyes are fooling me the second time around, but it doesn't matter. I want to have his company even just for today.

We stood in front of the pedestrian lane and waited for the signal to emit a green light. Quite a range of people dressed in their school and office uniforms peeked their wristwatches looking apprehensive. I heard the attractive Shaman colliding beside me bemoaned something about tardiness.

I laughed mentally. It was just like four years ago when I arrived in that old onsen and started to kick his lazy ass. But now, it was a fair occurrence that the once so-called bummer Asakura Yoh, can kick me out of my wits. Yes, he could in just a matter of words. I was bemused by the sudden change in his behavior after I trained him, but I guessed it was just the effect of my training.

Yet, with all the hard works he zealously abided, we returned from the Shaman King Tournament heartbroken, whitewashed, loathed. And I can only blame myself for that. No one but me. Because he tried to save me from Hao Asakura, the current owner of the Shaman King throne. And all thanks to me because my friend here, has to wait for another 500 years before the next Shaman King Tournament begins. If only I can do anything to recover that loss. If only Hao would let me do something in exchange of the Shaman King throne.

"Come on now. The green light just turned on," Yoh ushered me through the vast population of students and employees, squeezing my petite body into a sandwich.

A/N: I recommend you listen to Every Little Thing's Grip while reading this part. I was, so I got motivated. That song's very hyper, but rather cute! Lolz! Don't ask for the translation! I just put a small part of the song, I don't want this chapter to be long because of a song. .

Aiiro ni chirabaru nanatsu no hoshi yo
Sorezore ni ima omoi wa tsunori uchikudakarete ai wo sakenda

"Chotto matte!" I ran as Yoh looked at me, a small smile forming on his face. I, in return, managed to curve my lips, perhaps it was more like a smile, I thought.

"We're gonna be late!" He whimpered.

"Say it to my face!" I snapped as we ran down Funbari. Both of us sensed those weird stares given by people surrounding us. It doesn't matter. Even for now. Don't spoil the moment.

Nigedasu koto mo dekizu ni yume ni sugaritsuku
Ikasama na hibi nado ni wa mou makenai

"Hello Manta!"

I was brought into a halt when I finally heard Yoh greeted someone cheerfully. I noticed Manta walked to us, looking as pleased as ever. I greeted the new version of Humpy Dumpy too.

"Hello Yoh!" Manta grinned. He hesitated for a moment but smiled at me like what he did to Yoh. "Good morning Anna!"

Mezameyou kono shunkan wo
Yagate bokura wo torimaku dearou
Musekaeru you na riaru na nichijou
Taisetsu na mono wa ... nanda'?!

The three of us chatted wildly for the rest of the trip. It felt like old times before each of us were mostly put into a graveyard in battling with different Shamans. Take Yoh for example of course.

Zeitaku na sekai no naka ni miekakure suru eien no kakera
Sawatte tsukande bokura no ima wo kicchiri aruitekou

This day might be the day I'm waiting for. Peace. But there's something amiss, which I cannot point to myself. Nevertheless, I felt it…

-----

(Yoh)

I saw Anna smiled at me. Maybe because I'm not being harsh on her again and she did really has a good point. We arrived Funbari High at 8 o' clock flat, since the distance between the school and our home is a merely fifteen-minute walk. We sweat dropped as we saw students scrambling on our direction. Uh oh, this is harder than I thought.

I grabbed Anna out of the way as we ran to the school's backyard. I could hear her mumble curses under her breath. I suddenly felt peace while her hands rested on mine, breaking the tension with only the two of us leaning on the wall of a school building. I suddenly felt a shock of electricity sprang through my nerve endings. I recalled the incidents of the Shaman Fight, four years ago.

--Flashback--

"Dear brother, choose now," Hao laughed at my bewildered yet flinching expression.

"This is no time for nursery rhymes Hao! Leave her out of this!" I flared as my power spirit, Amidamaru, asked me to calm down.

"Master Yoh, your anger will just cause you a big trouble," Amidamaru said earnestly.

"Don't expect me to do that Amidamaru! He's gonna kill Anna!" I retorted.

"But"-

Amidamaru was soon cut by my wicked brother's smirk. "Yoh. The throne or her? NOW!"

"Leave-HER-out-of-this!" I yelled my body cannot respond, I was too petrified by the shouts I was hearing from the Spirit of Fire's death grip. Anna.

"Feisty, aren't we dear brother?" Hao's voice became serious and during those times, I knew he would do it. He'd kill Anna.

"Stop!!!!!!"

--End of Flashback--

"Quite a fan's club you have there," panted the itako beside me. My vision became hazy as I gazed at Anna's haggard face, damped with sweat. Blonde locks shielded her black eyes from me.

I fretted. No, I shouldn't feel this way. Just because images of how mercilessly my twin brother frightened me of killing the girl beside me doesn't mean I have to pour all my hatred on Anna again. If I'd do that again, I'm positive, I might kill her.

Maybe it was only my alter ego on cue, the part of me which apparently holds an anger towards Hao and to her. Anna.

"Or maybe it is just your pride," my subconscious completed my sudden state of shock. Was it really true? The reason of why I hate Anna lies on my appalling pride? I'm conceited, yes I am, but at least I still exist. And what do they think is the best for me to feel? Happy? Rejoicing? I doubt it.

Patience, I do need one. I would not be this troubled if only I didn't feel any surge of emotion. I stared at Anna, for the longest time in seven years that we've known each other. I just remembered that she's committed to me, and so am I to her. The contract still has to be finished. Even for today, I just want peace—the thing I fought for, years ago.

I brushed the strands of her hair and tucked it behind her ears, murmuring almost above a whisper, "Don't you ever dare scare me again, ok?"

Anna looked at me, her cheeks flushing. I could feel the heat radiating from her usually cold and limp body. "Anou….ahhh…"

"Are you alright?" I asked, I could tell that my voice is full of concern.

"Yes… I am. I am Kyouyama Anna remember?" her voice created an impact on my behavior. There she goes again, trying to hide everything.

I cupped her face onto my big hands and it became warmer. No, I should not give in to my emotions. Anna took a glance on my frozen face and began to breath heavily. I snapped from my thoughts once again. "Let's go to class."

Anna responded with a nod. We went back to the mob, both of us carried an expression of a mystifying reaction.

----

4:00 in the afternoon.

Normally, classes in Japan end at this hour, the school grounds and the soccer field should be packed with students coming from different year levels. But today seems different, even Asakura Yoh perceived the strangeness that afternoon. Manta, himself kept on fidgeting on his seat. Anna, on the other hand, was the one who appeared tenser than any other individual inside class 3-A.

(A/N: why class 3-A? The mankin characters are 17, and in senior high school. Senior high school is a non-compulsory higher education which consists of three years. When you are 17, you are on its last year. Senior high begins at the age of 15. How did I know? winks)

"Class that's all for today. You may leave," the sensei finally announced and there were loud yawns heard at the back, one coming from Yoh.

"Finally," said Yoh, stretching his arms high above his head.

"Hi Yoh!" Manta greeted him, his schoolbag in between his arms and underarms.

"Hi," Yoh grinned sheepishly.

"Is there any problem with Anna?" asked Manta, his eyes landed on the doorway.

"With Anna?" Yoh halted. "Why?"

"I just saw her dashed out of the room, looking worried," Manta rubbed his chin.

"What?" Yoh asked in disbelief. His tangerine headphones fell and stayed still on his neck.

"Did you feel something weird just a few minutes ago?" said the midget, frowning.

"Something? Yeah!" Yoh answered, seeming not to care. He adjusted his headphone back to his head. "Can Anna sense more than I do?"

"I think so. She seemed really worried. She was not concentrating on our discussion today. Atypical Anna, I say," Manta's brows began to rise in every angle.

"Then, we go look for her!" Yoh announced urgently, then sprinted to the door. Manta followed suit but not enough to race with Yoh's panicking pace.

"I think I sensed Hao."

----

Anna stood near a sakura tree, her hands tightened into fists and her dark eyes were flaring. A chilly wind passed by and blew her tresses away from her face, revealing a half terrified and half determined look. Her stance grew firmer as she gritted her teeth with sheer anger.

"Hao," Anna spat, resentfully. "Don't tell me you have another hidden agenda in that thick and smug skull of yours."

"Clever as usual aren't we Anna?" Hao's voice echoed the deserted backyard of Funbari High. "I can still remember how painful you look when my Spirit of F-"

"I'm in no mood for childish plays Asakura Hao!" Anna butt in offensively.

"That is exactly what your adorable boyfriend said to me when I was about to kill you!" Hao mocked, his presence still lingered in the air but Anna cannot see his face.

"What do you want with Yoh?! Aren't you contented? You have everything Yoh's heart desires, what is the thing that you still want?" Anna cried, bitterness evident on her cold voice. "You are the SHAMAN KING! You have the THRONE! Could you still ask for more?!"

Anna's eyes widened as a figure dressed in a cloak leapt in front of her. Hao. Her first instinct was to run and call for Yoh's help. But she held herself, she had caused enough troubles to Yoh, so now, it's time for her to fight back. She stepped backward, as Hao's presence seemed to choke her awfully.

"Yes I want more, a thing I'm sure my brother will not give to me, should I say the reason of his existence?" Hao slyly said. He advanced towards Anna and tried to grab her hand. Luckily, Anna has good reflexes and backed away at the exact time.

"The Shaman King throne is the only reason why he stays alive, nothing more. And you have it all to yourself for 500 years! I'm warning you Hao, back off!" Anna threatened. Four years ago, this evil scared me out of my wits, but now, I won't let him harm me again. For Yoh, I will not fail.

Hao stepped forward, his eyes widening, "I should have known that you're not as cognizant as I thought when I first saw you."

"I've always been aware with my surroundings Hao, that's what I've been known for, Kyouyama Anna the itako," Anna gave emphasis to the word itako. She straightened her posture and glared at Hao.

"Really? I'm quite surprised," he chuckled. "Then give me what I want, NOW!"

"Who died and gave you the permission to just order me around?! You want to have something? Why don't you go and visit for that? You might find there what you are looking for!" said Anna, sardonically. "Sorry, can't help you, we don't have internet connection!"

Anna started to walk away when she felt her wrist burn. Hao gazed into her dark eyes and leaned closer until Anna could feel herself breathing slowly. Anna felt the scorching pain on her left wrist grew deeper. She bit her lip, preventing herself to cry. Not in front of Hao. She just cannot. Hao's grip tautened as Anna caught sight her blood dripping on the ground. She stomped her feet, unable to do something.

"How is it like to feel so helpless Anna?" Hao mocked. His right hand released a bit of his furyoku and Anna's left wrist was likened to the kettle's steam. Her hand was, literally, burning.

She let out a scream of pain, but no one can hear it.

"Stop whimpering and give me what I want! Do you want yourself to be roasted alive?!"

"I'd rather see myself in a pork grill than complying your tainted brain!" Anna shrieked. "I'm not a fortune teller! How would I know what you want?!"

"I'll give the Shaman King throne," Hao offered. His death grip lessened a bit and was not releasing an ounce of his furyoku, fortunately, for Anna, who was nearly smothered by a flaming sensation.

"I'm not as stupid as you think Hao. You have a lopsided way of thinking and don't expect me to follow your orders around like your idiotic minions do," Anna snarled, something scarlet was still oozing from her left injured wrist.

"I'm serious dear Anna," Hao said. "The Shaman King throne, in exchange of you."

Anna was rendered speechless. Her? Of all people he wants to bargain with, why her? The Anna Kyouyama known for being a cynical lady? Fate must be kidding her. She shook her head, "I will never agree with that."

"But with the Shaman King throne for my brother? I think to get a refusal from a strong-minded person like you is highly endearing or something I don't expect."

"Everything in a person's life comes surprising. In fact, you'll never know who'll hit you the next," she replied, through clenched teeth.

Hao dragged her close. "Think of it. You said it so right? Being the Shaman King is what my brother wants. You even surprised me when you said that it's the reason of his existence. Quite piteous my foolish brother really is."

"I-am-not-a-toy!" Anna snapped as she struggled from the latter's grasp. "I am not just someone you and your brother can trash whenever you got bored or whatsoever! You don't have to take pity on your dear brother! I could tell that he's quite contented with my cries!"

She was wrong, she wasn't supposed to release her façade, not now, not ever, and not especially with him around the vicinity. She just felt his presence. The soul of the person who made her cry for the first time, Asakura Yoh.

---

"Not someone you and your brother can trash whenever you got bored or whatsoever! You don't have to take pity on your dear brother! I could tell that he's quite contented with my cries!"

Yoh turned the corner just in time to saw his friend being harassed by his replica. Anger immediately rushed inside his veins when he saw the scene he never wanted to see. Hao, with…Anna.

"Hao," Yoh's voice shook. His twin brother smiled at him and raised his left hand, for the other went around Anna's bleeding wrist.

"Yoh," Anna whispered. She tried to wriggle her hand free but failed due to Hao's darkening stare at his brother.

"Stop wriggling and I'll burn you down again!" he warned, his gaze still focused on Yoh who was on the same level of hatred as Hao's.

"What do you want this time?!" Yoh demanded, his eyes did not flicker. He averted his eyes to Anna who was still clutched with Hao.

"Don't melt your stare with her brother for I might do it in front of your eyes," Hao sneered, looked at Anna then back to Yoh, who has finally moved closer to them.

"Give Anna back to me!" Yoh reached for his waist but his haru-same wasn't there.

"Poor brother, you can't fight without your helpless samurai and sword can you?"

"Grrhhh…" Yoh trembled. Hao was really pissing him off. If only he could do something, anything. To his surprise, it really was a miracle when he saw Hao released Anna without him noticing. There was a loud boom heard and Yoh could see only smoke, but he was sure he heard something.

You aren't a toy, but someday, you are. I'll come back otouto, to get something which belongs to you.

"ANNA!" Yoh echoed the first group of letters that his mind processed. He rushed to her side and supported her body with his right arms going around her pale neck.

Anna coughed. She covered her mouth with her left hand and she immediately recognized the aching sensation sprang through her body. She propped her right elbow on the ground and tried to sit up. "Yoh?"

---

(Anna)

"WHY?!" Yoh scared me to death with his voice. He was back again, to his normal self. The side of him I never wanted to see, the aftermath of the Shaman King Tournament. His antipathy towards everybody, especially to me was increasing. I cannot take such emotions, besides my left wrist still throbbed because of Hao's supreme furyoku.

"I do not understand," I whispered.

"It's funny that you don't understand what I meant. Liar!" He shook my body vigorously. I think he would attempt himself to kill me. His voice was powerful even his blazing eyes forced me to descend to death. My throat tightened, I cannot speak, my voice seemed lost. God, not now.

He stood up and hauled me against his lean body. I suddenly felt happy, but the next thing he did caught me off guard. I went crazy, I really did.

Author's Notes: Wow! This chapter was really long! Comments? Suggestions? Flames? Review!

Only joking! I will never end the chapter there! snickers No! Please don't hate me! It's getting sappy again, I just want to lighten you up guys! I promise I'll never do that again!

BACK TO THE FIC! --->

He slammed me against the wall and it did take me by surprise. His husky breath blew my golden locks away. I flinched, the blow must've been the cause of my now feeble body. He pushed me harder on the wall, but I think I'm lucky the Yoh is still a foot away from my trembling figure.

"I thought you have more sense?!" he yelled. "I thought you've already learned!!!? I thought you've become sensible enough not to show even a strand of your hair to Hao!!!!"

No. He was starting it again, the puzzle refused to be mend. He broke it once more. I thought I could fix it bit by bit with a glue, but my instincts failed me. Yoh Asakura not just shattered my heart he burned it into ashes. Still an inferno his eyes were as they bore into my petrified ones.

My mouth opened, but nothing came out so the Shaman mused his thoughts vocally on me…again.

"Seeing him hold you makes my heart wrench! Remember why I got defeated! Remember it! Remember it! Just seeing you talk to him helps my haunting defeat retaliate my senses! The hatred! The suffering I would have to undergo till my life is over!!"

"I just felt him. I know I am responsible for your loss, that's why I talked to him," I lied. My voice croaked, I knew it, I lied. I was afraid of his wrath, his temper. I knew all of these things were brought by the tournament. But I cannot heal his wounds, for I, myself cannot find any solution for this matter.

Yoh punched the wall. It created a loud bang. Looking into his eyes, I know what he wanted to hit… Me.

"Do you know how much I hate myself?!!" he asked silently, his head dropped low. I could not see his face, they were covered by his bangs. "DO YOU?!!"

One by one, tears fell from my eyes. I sniffed as I tried to string the words inside my mind together.

I…nnn..never… No…I know it…wasss… STOP! I cannot. I'll only stammer if I try.

"ANNA!" He yelled my name and I closed my eyes due to his loud voice.

Flashes of events flooded my mind.

A brunette boy sitting near the lake, looking so peaceful.

A panting child of about ten running around the house looking for his hideout.

The thirteen year old Yoh Asakura who was so alarmed when I arrived at his house. But he still gave me one of his boyish grins.

The Yoh I hardly knew after the shaman fight. Helpless. Worn out, in soul, in heart and in mind.

The lad who eagerly asked for my help after his defeat with his twin.

And the Yoh Asakura standing in front of me, cursing my name.

No, he isn't Yoh. This one isn't Yoh. Where are the smiles? Those unique laidback smiles? Where? Were they buried together with the Yoh whom I befriended? Yoh. I never wanted to see the new Yoh!

No!

Shout Anna! My mind screamed as my tears dropped harder.

NO!

Anna! Anything! It was my heart this time. Go.

"It hurts," I said as grief traveled through my body like electricity. Piercing. I did not intend to say it, but I cannot do anything about it, I can only repeat what I want him to hear. "It hurts Yoh."

"It hurts. You're not Yoh. You are not my friend. You're only a shaman whom I do not know."

Author's Notes: This is the real author's notes, and nope I'm not kidding. Find out on the third chapter what will be Yoh's reaction! Yippee! Comments? Suggestions? Flames? Yep, as long as it's constructive. Ohhh!!! Review! Review and make me happy! I won't update unless I get reviews! Sounds persistent ne? grins

Date Finished:

November 29, 2004

Isn't it odd? It's true, I've finished this chapter last November 29, 2004. You guys can ask why I posted it late… Uggh… I only have one reason for all my procrastinations, because of school works!

Review! Thank you!

chibi-asakura