Shaman King

Kouzoku Waga Herutsu

'Following My Heart'

Romance/Humour

Rated T

Pairings: Yoh+Anna, Ren+Pirika, Lyserg+Jeanne, HoroHoro+Tamao, Ryu+Jun, Faust+Eliza

Summary: Manta has tickets to a five star hotel in Hokkaido and has invited everyone. It was intended to be a nice relaxing trip where you could just chill out…but you and me both know that's impossible when the boys are hormonal teenagers and the girls are just not having any of it. Yoh's shy, Anna's stiff. Ren's prideful, Pirika's stubborn. HoroHoro's clueless, Tamao is confused. Ryu is flirtatious and Jun is thinking. What on earth is going to ensue when the 'ones not caught up in love' decided to do some stuff…coughcoughpushpeopletogethercoughcough Why you shouldn't get tickets to Hokkaido and be stuck with quarrelling teenagers who really need to sort out their fusses.

Cast

Yoh 15

Anna 15

Tamao 14

HoroHoro 15

Manta 15

Ren 14

Pirika 14

Ryu 20

Jun 19

Hao 15

Faust 36 O.O

Eliza 35

Chocolove 15

Lyserg 14

Jeanne 14

Marco (The Paedo is here for some reason…to get sneered at) 35

And all the random spirits…and Opacho…what's her age (or he?)

Chapter Four: Settling Into The Five Star Hokkaido Resort/Hotel

They had finally arrived after an excruciatingly long period of being confined to travelling non stop. The place itself was massive, covering a good fifty acres of grassland. The hotel was known as:

'HOKKAIDO HOTEL

THE PARADISE RESORT'

The buildings were scattered out among the acres, all surrounded by breath taking scenery and the soft noise of the bird's melody you would only hear early in the morning. It was divided into five main sections though: spa and leisure, sports and games, studies and libraries, entertainment and fun and randomly enough…a church section. There was one large church in every other section too, so it really shouldn't be called a section. A place where Jeanne would possibly mix well in.

When they finally checked in, Manta gave the receptionist the wad of tickets and after counting them, he allowed the teenagers to pass. Truthfully, Anna was very happy now that they had actually reached there. The place had a cosy and welcoming feel to it and was a very beautiful place indeed. She thought she could centre herself here, try and fix the ensuing problems between Ren and Pirika, mellow out…ah, but then HE happened.

Anna blinked and mentally groaned at her bad luck. She was supposed to relax in this Hokkaido resort and now the shaman with the overly cheery grin and skull necklace was standing there, hands thrust deeply in pockets, grinning and waving madly at her. Wasn't it odd he had predicted they would meet again?

Yoh's eyes locked with the boy's and noticing this, he grinned ruefully in response, but then turned back to Anna. The glimmer in his eyes was alarming, but it wasn't suggesting he was exactly going to kidnap her or what not…

"Ohayo Kyouyama-san," he said brightly, "I did figure we'd meet again!" Yoh's eyes narrowed and he snarled at the boy, making Ren feel a tad nervous being the one next to him and Anna roll her eyes.

'Oh drop dead.' She thought.

"Ohayo eh…Spiky." She said remotely, glancing at his unruly hair. He beamed at her and ignoring Yoh walked over to her, hands still in pockets.

"My name's Ryoi! May I call you Anna?" Yet again she rolled her eyes as Ryoi stretched his arm out and invited her to shake his hand in a friendly gesture. Reluctantly, she took it and after the hand shake, immediately broke contact, much to Ren's relief who was trying to avoid the fiery aura around Yoh.

"Hai Spiky." She remarked, brushing him aside as she continued her survey of the resort hotel. He seemed to stare and contemplate, a blank expression covering his usual one, but then broke into a haphazardly cheerful smile and dashed to Anna's side.

The itako arched an eyebrow quizzically at him and his smile weakened, not from fear, but of displeasure. Pitying him in a way and secretly amused he handled her icy nature somewhat better than Yoh, she gave a brief and slow nod, before continuing to walk, Ryoi accompanying her,

Pirika, now in a better mood since arriving, winked at Yoh, laughing slightly, before running after the disappearing figures of the boy and girl. Tamao looked on after Anna and Pirika longingly and HoroHoro, seeing this, grinned. When she felt someone tap her shoulder, she turned and pink eyes met black. He nodded in approval and Tamao smiled sweetly at him. She jumped into his arms and gave him a warm hug, before bowing respectively to the others and running after the distant figures of the trio.

Faust smiled in his knowing way at HoroHoro, who had a vivid blush on his face and was staring in a dazed way after her. Ren let out an exasperated sigh and rolled his eyes at the love struck boy, before instinctively dodging at vase from behind thrown by Yoh, who after snapping out of his trance, realised Anna had gone with Ryoi and had immersed himself in public rage, which hit Jun in the back of the head.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Lyserg was in bliss. He was checking out the entertainment section of the resort and Jeanne was at his side. It was a burning hot day, the smell of tasty creations lingered in the air and the girl he had once served under which he had grown to love was with him, ALONE. What more could he ask for?

Humming to himself, he and Jeanne paused at a clothes shop. She was staring intently at a long yellow dress which was brimming with sparkle and had flowers fastened around it. Lyserg smiled gently at her, but then a puzzled frown appeared on his face when he heard a giggle. He craned his neck to see a group of girls in the shop, huddled together and whispering excitedly. One noticed his staring and smiled seductively at him and blushing beet red he closed his eyes and smiled meekly in response.

Jeanne automatically stiffened when she felt something amiss. She tried to push it away by focusing her attention on the dress, but it was becoming a nuisance. She had a searing pain of betrayal running through her but had no idea why she did. She flinched upon hearing Lyserg's laboured breathing and then, hesitantly, not fully wanting to seek the truth, she turned her head, biting her lower lip.

Her eyes blazed with fury as she sighted Lyserg. He was gazing into the shop window dreamily at a bunch of girls, practically drooling over them. One was gazing back, but to her he was just another lustful boy and she knew how to get their attention. She cocked her head to the side and continued with her seductive smiles, this one almost asking him a question. Lyserg, his face no longer red, found himself nodding with a goofy grin on his face.

Oh how right now Jeanne wanted to slam him into the glass window and run off to leave him with his sluts, but she remained calm on the outside, just glaring furiously at him. But, she knew that if she walked away, he would not notice and with every furthering second, her heart would break. She had to rightly confront him, and she had to do it right now.

"Hey, Lyserg-kun," Jeanne said airily, "are you gazing at the girls inside that shop?" Blushing frantically, he turned back to the silver haired girl and began to look very nervous.

"Of course not Jeanne, I just…"

"Ah that's good then," she said, combing her silver hair, "so…kiss me." The girls inside the shop snickered, Lyserg froze; sweat trickling down his face and Jeanne frowned. The dowser swivelled around to completely face her, disbelief fixed on his face. Something flickered in his green eyes and Jeanne's own widened. Addressing the emotion as disgust, she glowered, clenching her teeth, startling him even more.

"Jea…"

"BAKA! Leave me alone you…I…" Tears were spilling down her face and still surprised, Lyserg automatically reached out to wipe her tears away, but before his hand touched her face, she sharply turned around, closing her eyes so her ruby coloured pupils could not be seen.

"Jea..!"

"I SAID TO LEAVE ME ALONE!"

"Jea…"

"BAKA!"

"Nne…"

"I HATE YOU!" People paused to watch what they considered priceless entertainment. The words from Jeanne were hoarse, but laced with hate and the words penetrated through Lyserg's heart. His arm reached out but she had already ran away, pushing past people on looking he tried to block her path. Lyserg fell to his knees, his green eyes wavering, silently studying the tear droplet stained route she had departed in.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Faust walked along, smiling happily, Eliza by his side as always. Ren was sitting by the lake, arms crossed, legs crossed, eyes closed, obviously trying to muster up the strength to apologize to Pirika. He stole a quick glance at the Tao, before he turned to his wife.

Looking into her eyes he remembered. Her lifeless body, the emotional pain; the pain which turned him crazy. He sighed and a small smile graced his features. Anna had brought his wife back with the ten eighty beads over two years ago and nothing in words could describe how grateful he was to her He was grateful also that even after all that had transpired between the two, he and Manta had finally got along.

Thinking on his love for Eliza, he turned his attention to two figures sitting on the bank next to each other by the lake, on the opposite side of Ren. He grinned cheerily. It was Yoh and Anna. After awhile, Ryoi had lost his footing from carrying so many shopping bags and tripped, earning him a one way ticket to the nurse's office. Anna did feel quite sorry for him, but Yoh was ecstatic.

He was sitting to her left, one arm over her shoulder and she was to his right, her head resting on his shoulder. His smile warmed at the sight of Yoh's extremely fond smile and Anna's happy expression. She had her eyes closed but was still awake and Yoh was gazing at her happily. Faust saw she was content to stay like this as was Yoh and shaking his head with a cheery smile; he turned his attention back to Eliza.

He briefly halted upon sighting something he had not seen for years. It then came to him this was where he had come on holiday with Eliza when they were teenagers. Back then, it was known as 'Hokkaido camp.' He grinned freely at the memory and stared at his beloved, giving her a charming smile. She smiled back.

"Eliza, do you remember that tree where I confessed my love to you under? Well, if I recall, it is that very same one overlooking the lake." Eliza looked over at a large sakura tree and a smile broke out on her face. Seeing this, Faust smiled serenely, too much in a daze to hear Ren's claim that their love was 'making-picnickers-throw-up-what-they-had-prepared.'

They walked over to it and stopped by it. Faust fingered the trunk gently, the treasured and precious memories returning to his mind and probably to Eliza's mind as well. The doctor and her locked eyes and their smiles increased. Faust was brimming with joy inside and knew. Though Eliza could no longer speak, her smile said it all.

"SO!" Hao stated cheerfully, earning an outraged glare from Anna, "HOW ARE WE DOING TODAY!" Yoh inwardly groaned but managed a small smile at his brother, which made Anna glare at him too. They were quite happy with each other's warmth and then the elder Asakura twin's annoyingly fun voice interrupted them.

Anna narrowed her eyes menacingly at Opacho, who seeing this hid behind Hao's legs. Hao stared down at the little guy questioningly, but then shrugged and beamed at his brother and future sister in law.

"Hao," Anna began, using a cool and collected tone, "any particular reason why you're here?" He gave Anna a goofy grin and Yoh, becoming more agitated by the minute, wrapped his arms around Anna's waist, which caused her to blush as she wasn't expecting it and become quiet.

"Nothing much Anna-chan, it's just Ryoi has been admitted out of the hospital and he was looking for you." At this a demonic look appeared in Yoh's eyes and seeing this, Hao's grin faltered.

"Wh…why?" Anna queried, still recovering from Yoh's unexpected affection. He smiled dumbly at her and she refrained from throwing him into the lake.

"You left your itako beads, remember? You put them in a shopping bag and asked Ryoi to guard it with his shamanic powers as you suspected idiots would think of it as a fashion statement and nick it. And Pirika also said if he didn't guard it with his life, he'd wish he was being devoured by an oni."

A sad emotion sparkled in Anna's eyes at the mention of 'oni' and Yoh, seeing this tightened his grip around her, shooting a bemused Hao a death glare. Said person blinked in confusion as his mind processed what the word 'oni' made Anna feel. Oh. His brows knitted together and he turned to Anna with a pleading and forgiving look in his eyes.

Anna, visibly trembling, only nodded. Yoh, absolutely ballistic, gave his brother an enraged look, scaring him out of his wits. This holiday was meant to be stress free, not bring out the bad sides of people.

"Gomen Anna," he murmured, his hazel eyes reflecting understanding, "I spoke out of place and regrettably stupidly. Please forgive me?" The tension vanished as she gave Hao a weak smile, earning a sigh of relief from her fiancé and Hao. But then, she made Yoh loosen the grip he had on her and walked over to Hao, who was quite puzzled by this.

"I said you were forgiven Hao, but I haven't demonstrated my forgiveness in actions." Hao blinked and behind him Opacho quivered, making him feel even more at ease.

"Eh? What do you mean Anna-chan, I don't…" he was cut off as Anna booted him in the place and sent him flying skywards, making Opacho yell out 'HAO-SAMA!' She grinned sardonically, waving to the sky.

"You're forgiven Hao!"

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Manta sighed and slammed his head on the table, awakening Chocolove who had fallen asleep prior to their excruciatingly long and pointless plotting. The comedian gawked into space, before Manta looked up and saw him gawking like a fool.

"Walls don't praise jokes," he said in a frustrated tone, 'Not that it would praise yours.' He added mentally. Chocolove scratched his cheek thoughtfully, before appearing to scan Manta.

"What benefits do you get from this Manta? I mean, I get to freely joke around Anna without her hitting me, but what about you? Why not focus on your own love life to satisfy your needs?" A blank expression appeared on Manta's face, making Chocolove wish he had not spoken.

Meanwhile, in the other room, Pirika was sitting on one of the many soft couches in the leisure section, pondering. She wondered how the others managed it. Yoh and Anna were like yin and yang, but were attracted to each other. Pirika was told about Anna's childhood and sometimes wondered; what if she hadn't been abandoned? What if she was not born with Reishi? What if she was not beaten by humans who feared her? What if she was just a normal girl? Pirika smiled shyly. But, in a bizarre way, those events took place for a reason and there was one significant bright side to it all. She would never have met Yoh if these things did not happen.

HoroHoro had just realised he was in love with Tamao and was shy and meek around her. She was shy and meek around everyone, but more so HoroHoro. Having both apologized for the cake incident, they had been inseparable and Pirika, even from a far away distance had caught his red face and dazed expression after Tamao had hugged him. That had made her grin and she noticed Anna smiling wistfully. But then the itako looked puzzled afterward when Yoh chucked a vase and it hit Jun and had asked Pirika. Pirika was astounded Anna hadn't realised, but apparently when it concerns the one you love, you can be a tad oblivious.

Ryu and Jun got along well enough and everyone could tell she loved Ryu, but the tall shaman himself spent a lot of time hitting on women and watching them either in magazines or in books. But, Ryu had been concerned when it dawned on him he had upset Jun and he had made things right. Everyone wondered if he loved Jun and Pirika, Hao and Ren knew one person knew if he did; Anna. She had been somewhat of a problem fixer this journey and it had only begun, but she did not speak what she knew. Pirika was bursting with wanting to have knowledge if Ren held feelings for her, but she knew Anna would not speak, but smile oddly at her. Was that a silent answer?

She became rigid when she heard a slight noise. She ever so slightly greeted the person by turning her head, to find Ren there, leaning against the doorway, arms crossed and a random emotion in his yellow eyes. Pirika was torn. She didn't know whether to hit him or run or jump into his arms and confess her feelings for him, so she came to a swift and absent decision. She'd just sit and marvel at how manly he looked.

"Pirika." He remotely stated, making her brows rise in surprise. That was a tone he had NEVER used on her before. It was soft, gentle and tender, but at the same time, calm, commanding and demanding. It was the type she had heard Anna use on Yoh before, usually when he did something that held meaning and she wanted to know what it was about. Blue eyes met yellow.

"Yes?" She responded, any anger she should have been feeling melting under the intense gleam of his eyes. His gaze softened which literally made her heart skip a beat and she blushed.

He walked over to her, claiming her hand in his and sat down next to her, his eyes never leaving her. She was touched and surprised at his sudden display, but remained quiet. Her anger subdued by conflicting emotions, she intently stared at him, silently motioning for him to continue.

"Pirika-chan," he whispered, her own eyes widening, "I am…sorry." He sighed in defeat at the tears that appeared in her eyes and released her hand, reaching his feet. "I am truly sorry, but…I understand if you don't want to be around me." When he walked away, a hand shot out and grabbed his. He froze and then his head whirled around to see Pirika there, a smile on her face and tears running down her face. Ren was confused. How could she be happy if she was crying for goodness sake?

"Baka," she reprimanded him gently, the smile still in place, "I'm crying tears of happiness." He blushed at this but concealed quickly, but not fast enough for Pirika to see. Her smile widened, and she let go of his hand, putting both of her hands behind her back. "Does this mean we're cool?"

"We're cool." Ren replied with a grin. They stood there grinning at each other, not quite knowing what to do next. Then Ren's expression darkened a bit. "How much was that bracelet?" Pirika blinked and her grin reverted into a nervous smile.

"Ah…that's not important…"

"I know you didn't bring a lot on this trip...money wise you only brought about ten thousand yen"

"Heh heh...ah, it..."

"Oh c'mon Pirika! How much was it? Surely it wasn't THAT expensive?"

"…It was…ten thousand yen…"

The colour from his face drained.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Lyserg took a deep and long breath, before pushing the doors to Jeanne's suite open. He was greeted by the sound of hysterical sobbing and lots of girly products battering him, courtesy of Jeanne. He opened his mouth to speak but this time Marco summoned his guardian Michael and Lyserg retreated, sighing in defeat.

All day after that incident he had followed Jeanne, trying to apologize, also secretly wanting to know why she wanted him to kiss her. His heart broke at the words 'I HATE YOU' and that was still etched in his mind and his heart broke more at the sound of her pained cries and anger. It was his fault. Her tears. Her isolation for the day. Her agony. Was all because of him.

'You stupid weasel,' his inner voice contradicted him; 'do you know how badly you've upset her?'

'Yes…'

'How badly her heart is torn?'

'…………….'

'How long she has cried over you?'

'Ah…'

'How pissed off all the girls are and how Anna made a note that she was going to kill you?'

'Eh? I…'

'I nothing scum! Why did you lustfully cast a gaze on those shopping sluts when you had intended to buy Jeanne a present, you worthless piece of…'

'I KNOW! I KNOW I'M A WORTHLESS WHATEVER THAT DESERVES TO ENDURE THE WRATH OF ANNA-SAMA AND ALL THE GIRLS! I KNOW I TURNED INTO A HENTAI FOR A SECOND! BUT I LOVE JEANNE WITH ALL MY HEART AND I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY SHE ASKED ME TO KISS HER!'

'Oh my god you are a dense baka…why'd you think?'

'I don't…'

'Maybe she has some feelings for you big boy, why else would she have got so worked up?' The world froze around him, his eyes widening. The voice left him to console in the silence, inwardly muttering curses and insults about him. He really didn't care his conscience was telling him off. All that mattered was the last statement which came from it.

'Oh Jeanne…please…I'm so sorry.'

"I see emotional wounds run deep." A voice sounded from the gloom. Lyserg stiffened and looked up to see Hao a short distance away, looking solemn. Lyserg hung his head because of his own self loathing. Hao smiled sadly and rolled his eyes, but gave up and flopped down on the floor, surveying Lyserg.

"Hao," Lyserg said anxiously, "I…"

"…Have some love troubles with Jeanne. Don't worry Lyserg-kun; the maestro of love is at your service." Lyserg had always thought of Hao as a demon. He remembered the flames licking at him, the burnt and lifeless bodies of his parents and the cockily grinning face of the murderer. The images were burnt in his mind and he could never remove them. It had happened so long ago now and at the start he looked at Hao with resentment, however…

Now he could see the change in Hao. His eagerness to fit in, protect his friends and cheer people up. It occurred to Lyserg it was his brotherly love for Yoh and love for Anna which caused the sudden change. He had been misjudged and untrusted when he had done no harm, which had made him go insane. Though Lyserg could not exactly call Hao his true friend, maybe in time, he could…

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

HoroHoro gulped and anxiously scratched the back of his head, making Ren roll his eyes and Pirika giggle. There was an upcoming dance for the third anniversary of Hokkaido resort hotel, kind of like a prom. Yoh had eventually asked Anna, while having a blushing fit and she too blushing had agreed to go. Faust and Eliza were going, no questions asked there and everyone presumed Lyserg and Jeanne were to go together, but after the events thought otherwise. In fact, when Lyserg came into the room where everyone except Jeanne and Marco now was, Anna booted him right back out and slammed the door on him.

Everyone knew Ren and Pirika wanted to go together, but their stubbornness got the better of them. They didn't argue and everyone was happy they had patched up their differences, but if one asked the other would agree, but of course…fearing rejection, none of the two asked.

The only ones who didn't know Ren and Pirika were normal again were Manta and Chocolove, who were still plotting devilish plans to bring them back together.

HoroHoro wanted to ask Tamao, but for once in his life was silenced and too shy. He was standing outside her suite, blushing tremendously, his hand hovering and shaking over the door handle. Anna walked by and then paused by HoroHoro, who looked back to see her staring. She arched an eyebrow, her face not betraying her emotions and HoroHoro sweat dropped. She then kicked him through the door and went on her way. It was simple enough for the staff to put Tamao's door on its hinges again anyway…

Tamao nearly squealed as HoroHoro suddenly blasted into her room, landing stomach first onto the floor. She swore she saw a blonde haired girl nod in approval and walk off. She just stood there, blushing like there was no tomorrow until an aching male Ainu forced himself to get up.

He and Tamao's eyes met and when it dawned on him he had technically invaded her privacy, though Anna had helped him do so and he bowed his head respectfully.

"Gomen, I…"

"Ah, it's ok Horo-kun." She said in an uncharacteristically high voice, causing HoroHoro to feel even more uneasy. He had been thinking of turning back instead of coming in. Half of him was grateful she had done that, referring to her as his guardian angel, while the less…sociable side of him wished the itako would burn in hell. "Do you need anything Horo-kun?"

He froze, his breathing ragged, which made Tamao very concerned over his welfare. He gulped again and found himself staring into her innocent and beautiful pink eyes. He inhaled a large portion of air, telling himself he couldn't turn back now, though the exit of her room was inviting and exhaled.

"Tamao," HoroHoro sighed, rubbing his head, "ah…you know there is a dance coming up and all and I was kind of wondering…would you…I dunno…go with me?"

Tsuzuku

Wow, there was a lot of problems in that chapter. OMG! I made Lyserg a hentai! So wrong…very wrong and anyway, Jeanne is rather angry at him. I left my first cliff hanger. Yay! Anyways, there will be one or two other new characters next chapter. Thanks if you reviewed.

Chapter Five Preview:

Dumbstruck, Tamao stood as if glued to the spot, her expression unreadable. HoroHoro sighed inwardly and outwardly, before giving her a pained and defeated smile.

"Ah…its ok, I understand. I'll go now…" and with that he disappeared out of the door, Anna, who was hidden and eavesdropping looking on after him, her black eyes flickering.

"Ok!" Manta exclaimed, rising his fist in triumph, "let operation REN AND PIRIKA commence!"

"Hello," the short girl, probably shorter than Manta said smiling, a very bemused Yoh and Anna exchanging glances, "my name is Jukio Yikashi, the daughter of the resorts owner!"

Her body was bathed by the moonlight's glow as her finger skimmed the surface of the lake. She paused when she heard yelling and turned to see Chocolove racing towards her, Ren at his heels.

The comedian pushed past her, mumbling 'sorry' and before she could react, Ren, not noticing she was there, collided with her and carried on as if nothing had happened, though paused when he heard a splash. He whipped his head around to see Pirika surface from under the water's depths, gasping for air and after a few seconds, noticed him gaping and gave him a glare which consisted of raw hatred.

Lyserg cursed as Jeanne stared him down, her eyes glimmering with fresh tears. He resigned and let her storm off, Marco awaiting her at the doorway into the leisure section, giving Lyserg a glare before following her suite. Hao, observing from the darkness, sighed and shook his head at the absolutely crestfallen dowser.

"One shall meld perfectly,

then all should change forever

the exit of trust for a long while

only strengthening the heart."

End Preview For Chapter Five

Bye!