"What!" Anna cried, looking over her shoulder. Faust stood in the doorway
with Eliza by his side. He held a silvery tray of medicines and a teakettle
in his long-fingered hands. His face was paler and the bags under his eyes
were much fuller than the last time Anna saw him. He looked so much older
and skinner underneath his flowing white doctors coat. Faust entered the
room with his shadow, Eliza, close in step. He rested a hand against Anna's
forehead, testing her cheek.
"I do not feel a fever, Eliza," He muttered to himself. Anna smacked his hand away.
"I am not sick! What did you say about Yoh?" Faust winced and placed the tray of medicines next to her food. He looked at it with a calculating gaze.
"You have not been eating much lately either." Anna looked over at the food and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Tamao just had this delivered," she remarked, bluntly in a matter-of-fact tone. Why was he avoiding telling her about Yoh? "Now what about Yoh?"
"Yes. I just saw her running in fear down the hall. You been a lot more...impatient...as well," he analyzed. Why was Faust being so melancholy? He and Eliza were always happy to help people as best as they could. Overly enthusiastic maybe but they loved to do it. "I think maybe you should get more sleep, Lady Anna."
"What happen to Yoh?"
"Come sit down, Lady Anna," he invited, pulling out one of the chairs from the table.
"Stop it, Faust. Just stop it," Anna ordered in a low growl. "Tell me. What...happen...to...Yoh?"
"Master Hao forbids anyone to discuss Master Yoh with you, Lady Anna. If he knew that I even mentioned Yoh..." He looked over at Eliza and tenderly rubbed her cheek. Anna looked between them with her eyebrows knitted in a scowl. He forbids people talking about Yoh to her. Why would Hao do that? She rubbed her temples as a slow pain began to form in her skull. Anna took a seat at one of the chairs and sloppily sat down. She inclined her head, rubbing aggressively to dull the pain. Faust looked at her with sympathy. He took a small cup from the tray, pouring in some steaming water from the kettle and handed it to her.
"Here, Lady Anna. This will help." Anna took a sniff of it cautiously and nearly choked on the pungent menthol aroma.
"What is it?"
"It's a sedative. It will help you relax a little more."
"No I don't want any medicine," Anna replied, pushing away the cup. She was getting tired of people pussy-footing around her. They were so afraid of her. No of what she might say to Hao. It made sense deep down; somewhere hidden in her mind but then is was strange and very new to her.
"Please Lady Anna. Drink. You will feel much better," Faust coaxed.
"I don't want any," Anna shouted, her temper rising in irritation and confusion. She stood up to get a direct look at Faust. Although she had gotten taller, he still towered above her. "I don't need to feel better. I need to know what happen to Yoh! And if you will not tell me, then leave. Now!"
"I am sorry. Come one Eliza," Faust said, backing away. Eliza nodded and followed her husband out of the room, leaving Anna alone. Anna looked at the steaming cup and smacked it off the table. Strong peppermint wafted in the air and the water sizzled with steam. What is going on? Anna looked around the room and felt a wave of anger. I need to get out of here, she thought, stalking over to the bathroom. She found a pair of sandals near the bed and slipped them on her feet. Anna brushed her hair with a comb, sleeking down the tangles of sleep before she left.
* * *
Anna made her way down Patch Village, trying to keep away from the eyes of other travelers. The weather was nice and warm, tinted with a breeze that smelled like the forest. The shaman people looked happy. They were laughing and selling their merchandise to the numerous travelers. Everything was normal; everyone was going about there business the same way. It did not matter the sky was red or that Hao was Shaman King. They were happy and content. Anna scowled to herself, keeping in the shadows of the eaves of the various shops.
This did seem familiar. Patch Village as it is, walking down the streets but in her memory, she had been with someone. Someone powerful and always by her side, smiling and holding her hand with a firm but affectionate embrace. Anna shook her head, frowning. The people went about there business, not noticing her. The laughed and talked and joked around with each other. However, another thing pricked at her mind. No shaman had a human spirit as a companion. They all belong to things of nature like foxes and leaf spirits. Did Hao really succeed in destroying humans?
Anna stopped. Then Manta...and Amidamaru...and Bason. Were they all...gone? Anna looked around a spirits followed floated around, following their shamans. No human spirits were there. Not one. Anna stomach tightened in silent remorse and she pursed her lips. Yes. She knew this. She somewhat know that they were gone but why could not she remember. Why did she get all these feeling of familiarity but she did not remember. It was making her so frustrated and worried. Anna rubbed her temples again as another headache formed in her skull. Why can I not remember anything? Is Yoh dead? How did he die? Where was he? Where were his idiotic friends? Anna moaned as her head began to pulse with pain, making her feel dizzy.
"Lady Anna! There you are!" Anna turned to see a girl with orange hair tied in bushy pigtails running toward her. She recognized this girl from the canyon. Macchi. The name flashed in her mind quickly. One of the Hana Gumi, a very loyal follower of Hao.
"Macchi. What do you want?" Anna asked, wincing because of the pain in her head, when Macchi was in earshot. Many people looked up then began to back away slowly. Anna frowned. For a moment, she wanted to give them a real reason to run from her.
"Master Hao was wondering where you ran off to. You haven't been yourself today, so he was worried," she said.
"I am fine," Anna said, solemnly.
"Lady Anna. You must go back," another voice ordered. Behind her a long legged girl with blue hair and a cigar tucked between her teeth came out from behind one of the shops. Kanna. Another name. She recognized her as well. A blonde girl holding onto a Manta looking doll came from somewhere else. She had one hand on her hip.
"Master Hao worry for Lady Anna," she said in a rather childish voice. The shamans were getting hint of this and back away. Anna scowled.
"Where you following me," she demanded.
"Master Hao's orders, "Kanna said curtly, removing the cigar from her mouth and tapping some of the ashes onto the ground. "Can not have anything happen to the Shaman Queen, now can we?"
"Nothing happen to Shaman Queen, "Mari echoed.
"I do not need his concern or yours. I am just going for a walk," Anna replied automatically. She hated excuses and here she was making one. Then, it seemed natural. They are my bodyguards, Anna realized. I hate them following me. Kanna grinned, maliciously.
"Do not worry, Queen Anna," she replied with disdain. "You could run off and we could care less. We are just working on Master Hao's orders."
"Here is my order. Get lost."
"Does not work like that. We take orders from the Shaman King, not his queen."
"You take orders from both of us, Kanna." The Hana Gumi turned to see Hao walking up to the four girls. He was smiling softly and pleasantly. The shamans of Patch Village reacted and bowed down to him formally. He ignored them, making a beeline to Anna and the other girls. Anna crossed her arms, blowing a stand of hair away from her face. Kanna, Macchi and Mari went to their knees unlike the rest of the shamans as soon as Hao was close enough. Why do not you kiss his feet as well or make a little path from him, Anna bitterly asked them. Hao placed a gloved hand on Anna's shoulder.
"Come on, Anna. Let's take a walk," he whispered playfully in her ears. She was about to protest but shut her mouth. No. She could not say anything, especially in public. Why not, she wondered as he led her away from the crowds and the Hana Gumi. She would love nothing more than to slap or kick him but she always hesitated. It was driving her nuts. Anna allowed Hao to lead her toward the forests that were around the Patch Village. The forests were beautiful, the trees whispered secrets to each other and the sun played with the dancing shadows. The leaves were made of different green hues from emerald to yellow-green. The grass was sprinkled with a light morning mist. Everything smelled fresh and full of sweet life. Anna kept her head inclined; avoiding any contacted with the beauty. Hao smiled and wrapped his fingers around hers. Anna looked at him, silently.
His long bangs framed his face, gently swaying in the wind. The long mane moved with him. He was smiling softly. The same smile he always wore. It was different from Yoh's. Softer and ancient filled with more sorrow than laughter. Yoh's smile had always been goofy, warm and brilliant. She loved the way Yoh's smile had always reassured her. Hao was dressed the same as he had when he was thirteen except his cloak was decorated with Patch Village patterns. Mostly of stars and she could catch a glimpse of his pants. Hao caught her looking at him with a gentle scowl and squeezed her hand. Why did this seem briefly familiar?
"What's on your mind, Anna."
"Why did you forbid people taking about Yoh with me?" Anna demanded, the question spilling from her mouth in a rush. Hao stopped in his tracks and turned so he was facing Anna. His arms gripped her shoulders, painfully.
"Anna," he said. She could tell he was trying to choose his words carefully as he took a long pause between her name. "Yoh's death hurt you so much. I could not bare to see you in that pain again."
"That did not stop you from marrying your brother fiancée, now did it?" Anna wanted to say it. The smart remark played on her tongue dangerously but she swallowed it back. She wanted to hit him and make him tell her the real reason why. Yet, all her body would do was nod in reluctant agreement. Unshed tears glistening in her eyes. Anna looked away from Hao so he did not see her tears. Even his name made her feel so weak and depressed. Hao smiled and embraced her.
"Anna," he whispered into her head. All she could envision was Yoh holding her like this, making her feel wanted and safe. She stifled the moan in her throat. "Maybe I have been keeping you inside for too long."
"Come on. Let's go," he said, taking her hand in his. Anna sighed. She brushed away the wetness in her eyes. Her stomach and heart were tighten and sobs were stuck in her throat. She had to make a great effort to stop from crying or screaming.
"Where are we going?" Anna finally said, her voice was strong and demanding.
"Do you not recognize where we are?"
"No."
"Do not worry you will," Hao said. There was a darkness to his voice, a warning that made Anna stop with her bantering. After a few moments, they came across a cottage, sheltered by the forests. It was makeshift and naturally made with mud, wood and leaves. Anna looked over at Hao, curious but keeping a stoic face as he led her down the stone path. Where was he taking her? Why did this seem so familiar? Who lived in that cottage? She had a feeling that she already knew and she felt a sigh of relief flood her chest.
"Mother. We come to pay you a visit," Hao called playfully, knocking on the door. Anna frowned. Mother? The door to the cottage opened and Keiko Asakura welcomed Hao and Anna with a faint smile.
"Keiko," Anna said, wearily as she looked at her mother-in-law. She looked so old. Her face was lined with wrinkles and she looked so solemn and broken. She was dressed in her miko robes, holding a broom. Anna's stomach eased, but only sightly at the sight of Yoh's mother. Actually, Hao's mother as well but she never fully considered it.
"Hao. Anna. It been so long," she said, softly. Keiko took both of them in her arms, giving them a quick hug. Anna was just as tall as Keiko now was, maybe even taller. "Come on in."
"I am sorry Mother," Hao said. It was polite but there was no real remorse. "I have business in Patch. I just wanted Anna to get away for a few days. Will that be alright?"
"That's fine with me. It been so long since we spent anytime together. Kino will be happy to see her as well." Kino-sensei, Anna thought. She was still alive. Anna wanted so badly to see her mentor. She wanted someone to explain to her without pussyfooting what was going on.
"Thank you mother," Hao said, delightedly. He kissed Keiko on the cheek, warmly. He turned to Anna and gently pressed his warm lips against her mouth. Anna frowned.
"I'll see you in a few days. I hope you feel better, my dear, Anna," he said, brushing away her hair from her face. He kissed her again against her cheeks then left. My dear? Anna temper flared. She clenched her hand into a fist and almost set out after him. Keiko placed a hand on her shoulder, shaking her head.
"Come on in. Kino been waiting for you to visit." Anna did not reply. She turned her head away and watched Hao disappeared into the forest. Just wait, you bastard. As soon as figure out what happen to Yoh and what is going on, I am going to kill you, Anna pledged. No you will not, her subconscious replied. Keiko led Anna into the cottage, smiling at her with motherly love. Anna scowled at her subconscious. Yes I will.
Sorry to Manta, Bason, and Amidamaru fans.
"I do not feel a fever, Eliza," He muttered to himself. Anna smacked his hand away.
"I am not sick! What did you say about Yoh?" Faust winced and placed the tray of medicines next to her food. He looked at it with a calculating gaze.
"You have not been eating much lately either." Anna looked over at the food and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Tamao just had this delivered," she remarked, bluntly in a matter-of-fact tone. Why was he avoiding telling her about Yoh? "Now what about Yoh?"
"Yes. I just saw her running in fear down the hall. You been a lot more...impatient...as well," he analyzed. Why was Faust being so melancholy? He and Eliza were always happy to help people as best as they could. Overly enthusiastic maybe but they loved to do it. "I think maybe you should get more sleep, Lady Anna."
"What happen to Yoh?"
"Come sit down, Lady Anna," he invited, pulling out one of the chairs from the table.
"Stop it, Faust. Just stop it," Anna ordered in a low growl. "Tell me. What...happen...to...Yoh?"
"Master Hao forbids anyone to discuss Master Yoh with you, Lady Anna. If he knew that I even mentioned Yoh..." He looked over at Eliza and tenderly rubbed her cheek. Anna looked between them with her eyebrows knitted in a scowl. He forbids people talking about Yoh to her. Why would Hao do that? She rubbed her temples as a slow pain began to form in her skull. Anna took a seat at one of the chairs and sloppily sat down. She inclined her head, rubbing aggressively to dull the pain. Faust looked at her with sympathy. He took a small cup from the tray, pouring in some steaming water from the kettle and handed it to her.
"Here, Lady Anna. This will help." Anna took a sniff of it cautiously and nearly choked on the pungent menthol aroma.
"What is it?"
"It's a sedative. It will help you relax a little more."
"No I don't want any medicine," Anna replied, pushing away the cup. She was getting tired of people pussy-footing around her. They were so afraid of her. No of what she might say to Hao. It made sense deep down; somewhere hidden in her mind but then is was strange and very new to her.
"Please Lady Anna. Drink. You will feel much better," Faust coaxed.
"I don't want any," Anna shouted, her temper rising in irritation and confusion. She stood up to get a direct look at Faust. Although she had gotten taller, he still towered above her. "I don't need to feel better. I need to know what happen to Yoh! And if you will not tell me, then leave. Now!"
"I am sorry. Come one Eliza," Faust said, backing away. Eliza nodded and followed her husband out of the room, leaving Anna alone. Anna looked at the steaming cup and smacked it off the table. Strong peppermint wafted in the air and the water sizzled with steam. What is going on? Anna looked around the room and felt a wave of anger. I need to get out of here, she thought, stalking over to the bathroom. She found a pair of sandals near the bed and slipped them on her feet. Anna brushed her hair with a comb, sleeking down the tangles of sleep before she left.
* * *
Anna made her way down Patch Village, trying to keep away from the eyes of other travelers. The weather was nice and warm, tinted with a breeze that smelled like the forest. The shaman people looked happy. They were laughing and selling their merchandise to the numerous travelers. Everything was normal; everyone was going about there business the same way. It did not matter the sky was red or that Hao was Shaman King. They were happy and content. Anna scowled to herself, keeping in the shadows of the eaves of the various shops.
This did seem familiar. Patch Village as it is, walking down the streets but in her memory, she had been with someone. Someone powerful and always by her side, smiling and holding her hand with a firm but affectionate embrace. Anna shook her head, frowning. The people went about there business, not noticing her. The laughed and talked and joked around with each other. However, another thing pricked at her mind. No shaman had a human spirit as a companion. They all belong to things of nature like foxes and leaf spirits. Did Hao really succeed in destroying humans?
Anna stopped. Then Manta...and Amidamaru...and Bason. Were they all...gone? Anna looked around a spirits followed floated around, following their shamans. No human spirits were there. Not one. Anna stomach tightened in silent remorse and she pursed her lips. Yes. She knew this. She somewhat know that they were gone but why could not she remember. Why did she get all these feeling of familiarity but she did not remember. It was making her so frustrated and worried. Anna rubbed her temples again as another headache formed in her skull. Why can I not remember anything? Is Yoh dead? How did he die? Where was he? Where were his idiotic friends? Anna moaned as her head began to pulse with pain, making her feel dizzy.
"Lady Anna! There you are!" Anna turned to see a girl with orange hair tied in bushy pigtails running toward her. She recognized this girl from the canyon. Macchi. The name flashed in her mind quickly. One of the Hana Gumi, a very loyal follower of Hao.
"Macchi. What do you want?" Anna asked, wincing because of the pain in her head, when Macchi was in earshot. Many people looked up then began to back away slowly. Anna frowned. For a moment, she wanted to give them a real reason to run from her.
"Master Hao was wondering where you ran off to. You haven't been yourself today, so he was worried," she said.
"I am fine," Anna said, solemnly.
"Lady Anna. You must go back," another voice ordered. Behind her a long legged girl with blue hair and a cigar tucked between her teeth came out from behind one of the shops. Kanna. Another name. She recognized her as well. A blonde girl holding onto a Manta looking doll came from somewhere else. She had one hand on her hip.
"Master Hao worry for Lady Anna," she said in a rather childish voice. The shamans were getting hint of this and back away. Anna scowled.
"Where you following me," she demanded.
"Master Hao's orders, "Kanna said curtly, removing the cigar from her mouth and tapping some of the ashes onto the ground. "Can not have anything happen to the Shaman Queen, now can we?"
"Nothing happen to Shaman Queen, "Mari echoed.
"I do not need his concern or yours. I am just going for a walk," Anna replied automatically. She hated excuses and here she was making one. Then, it seemed natural. They are my bodyguards, Anna realized. I hate them following me. Kanna grinned, maliciously.
"Do not worry, Queen Anna," she replied with disdain. "You could run off and we could care less. We are just working on Master Hao's orders."
"Here is my order. Get lost."
"Does not work like that. We take orders from the Shaman King, not his queen."
"You take orders from both of us, Kanna." The Hana Gumi turned to see Hao walking up to the four girls. He was smiling softly and pleasantly. The shamans of Patch Village reacted and bowed down to him formally. He ignored them, making a beeline to Anna and the other girls. Anna crossed her arms, blowing a stand of hair away from her face. Kanna, Macchi and Mari went to their knees unlike the rest of the shamans as soon as Hao was close enough. Why do not you kiss his feet as well or make a little path from him, Anna bitterly asked them. Hao placed a gloved hand on Anna's shoulder.
"Come on, Anna. Let's take a walk," he whispered playfully in her ears. She was about to protest but shut her mouth. No. She could not say anything, especially in public. Why not, she wondered as he led her away from the crowds and the Hana Gumi. She would love nothing more than to slap or kick him but she always hesitated. It was driving her nuts. Anna allowed Hao to lead her toward the forests that were around the Patch Village. The forests were beautiful, the trees whispered secrets to each other and the sun played with the dancing shadows. The leaves were made of different green hues from emerald to yellow-green. The grass was sprinkled with a light morning mist. Everything smelled fresh and full of sweet life. Anna kept her head inclined; avoiding any contacted with the beauty. Hao smiled and wrapped his fingers around hers. Anna looked at him, silently.
His long bangs framed his face, gently swaying in the wind. The long mane moved with him. He was smiling softly. The same smile he always wore. It was different from Yoh's. Softer and ancient filled with more sorrow than laughter. Yoh's smile had always been goofy, warm and brilliant. She loved the way Yoh's smile had always reassured her. Hao was dressed the same as he had when he was thirteen except his cloak was decorated with Patch Village patterns. Mostly of stars and she could catch a glimpse of his pants. Hao caught her looking at him with a gentle scowl and squeezed her hand. Why did this seem briefly familiar?
"What's on your mind, Anna."
"Why did you forbid people taking about Yoh with me?" Anna demanded, the question spilling from her mouth in a rush. Hao stopped in his tracks and turned so he was facing Anna. His arms gripped her shoulders, painfully.
"Anna," he said. She could tell he was trying to choose his words carefully as he took a long pause between her name. "Yoh's death hurt you so much. I could not bare to see you in that pain again."
"That did not stop you from marrying your brother fiancée, now did it?" Anna wanted to say it. The smart remark played on her tongue dangerously but she swallowed it back. She wanted to hit him and make him tell her the real reason why. Yet, all her body would do was nod in reluctant agreement. Unshed tears glistening in her eyes. Anna looked away from Hao so he did not see her tears. Even his name made her feel so weak and depressed. Hao smiled and embraced her.
"Anna," he whispered into her head. All she could envision was Yoh holding her like this, making her feel wanted and safe. She stifled the moan in her throat. "Maybe I have been keeping you inside for too long."
"Come on. Let's go," he said, taking her hand in his. Anna sighed. She brushed away the wetness in her eyes. Her stomach and heart were tighten and sobs were stuck in her throat. She had to make a great effort to stop from crying or screaming.
"Where are we going?" Anna finally said, her voice was strong and demanding.
"Do you not recognize where we are?"
"No."
"Do not worry you will," Hao said. There was a darkness to his voice, a warning that made Anna stop with her bantering. After a few moments, they came across a cottage, sheltered by the forests. It was makeshift and naturally made with mud, wood and leaves. Anna looked over at Hao, curious but keeping a stoic face as he led her down the stone path. Where was he taking her? Why did this seem so familiar? Who lived in that cottage? She had a feeling that she already knew and she felt a sigh of relief flood her chest.
"Mother. We come to pay you a visit," Hao called playfully, knocking on the door. Anna frowned. Mother? The door to the cottage opened and Keiko Asakura welcomed Hao and Anna with a faint smile.
"Keiko," Anna said, wearily as she looked at her mother-in-law. She looked so old. Her face was lined with wrinkles and she looked so solemn and broken. She was dressed in her miko robes, holding a broom. Anna's stomach eased, but only sightly at the sight of Yoh's mother. Actually, Hao's mother as well but she never fully considered it.
"Hao. Anna. It been so long," she said, softly. Keiko took both of them in her arms, giving them a quick hug. Anna was just as tall as Keiko now was, maybe even taller. "Come on in."
"I am sorry Mother," Hao said. It was polite but there was no real remorse. "I have business in Patch. I just wanted Anna to get away for a few days. Will that be alright?"
"That's fine with me. It been so long since we spent anytime together. Kino will be happy to see her as well." Kino-sensei, Anna thought. She was still alive. Anna wanted so badly to see her mentor. She wanted someone to explain to her without pussyfooting what was going on.
"Thank you mother," Hao said, delightedly. He kissed Keiko on the cheek, warmly. He turned to Anna and gently pressed his warm lips against her mouth. Anna frowned.
"I'll see you in a few days. I hope you feel better, my dear, Anna," he said, brushing away her hair from her face. He kissed her again against her cheeks then left. My dear? Anna temper flared. She clenched her hand into a fist and almost set out after him. Keiko placed a hand on her shoulder, shaking her head.
"Come on in. Kino been waiting for you to visit." Anna did not reply. She turned her head away and watched Hao disappeared into the forest. Just wait, you bastard. As soon as figure out what happen to Yoh and what is going on, I am going to kill you, Anna pledged. No you will not, her subconscious replied. Keiko led Anna into the cottage, smiling at her with motherly love. Anna scowled at her subconscious. Yes I will.
Sorry to Manta, Bason, and Amidamaru fans.
