Hey. Well, the long awaited chapter! Haha what's going to happen? Read on and you'll find out. But it won't happen so soon. SUSPENSE…hee. Anyway, where have my reviewers gone? –sobs- anyways, lets just get on with this chapter! Enjoy! Oh and snow-angel-anna has already updated, so check it out yea!
Chapter 8- Darkening clouds
"So…that means that Kaede is the fiancée your parents arranged for you?" Lyn asked after a stunned silence. Hao nodded soundlessly, a thousand thoughts racing through his head.
"Hey! That's cool!" Lyn laughed and slapped Hao on the back. Hao looked at Lyn in surprise and she grinned. "Kaede's a really kind person, even if she is quiet. You're a really lucky guy to have her as your fiancée. Many guys are going to be so jealous you know?" Lyn laughed merrily as she finished.
"Umm…do you mind not telling Kaede about this?" Lyn blinked in surprise at Hao's request. "Why not?" She asked, looking at him curiously.
"Because…I'm not sure of my feelings for her…and if I choose her, I don't want her to think that it is because it was arranged. If I choose her, I want it to be because I truly love her with my whole heart." Hao said, trying his best to express his feelings with words and failing miserably.
Lyn stared at Hao for awhile, scratching her head with uncertainty. After a second's consideration, she smiled and gave her word not to tell Kaede about the arrangement.
"Well, let's join Ren and Kaede before they start worrying where we have disappeared to…" Lyn said with a grin before running towards Ren and Kaede. Hao glanced from the paper to the sign one last time before running after her.
The future remains unknown to us
Uncertainty plagues us
But this is where life has led us
And we shall face our destiny
Bravely, even through the fear in our hearts
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As Ren walked down the path slowly, he observed the details of his surroundings, keeping a firm hold on Kwan Dao. The gardens were well tended to, and yet there was not a single gardener in sight. The fountains in the garden were placed to give visitors a welcome feeling, so although the path from the front gate to the main doors was long, it was a relaxed walk.
Kaede's house was built in the style of a western manor, and it was indeed big. His Chinese mansion was bigger, but also far more menacing. This place just seemed to give you peace of mind, so why did Kaede look so bitter to be back?
"Are you alright?" Ren asked, lengthening his strides until he was walking alongside Kaede. Kaede looked up at him in surprise and smiled bitterly. "I must look really out of it. You, of all people are asking me if I'm alright…am I really that easy to read?"
Ren shrugged and walked in silence for awhile before speaking. "It's just that…you don't really seem happy to be back…" Kaede shook her head sadly. "This place holds many painful memories for me…it's not that I'm not happy to be back or anything…it's just that I associate this place with sadness more than joy…"
Ren looked at Kaede for a second before nodding thoughtfully. He understood what Kaede was saying, at least part of it. He had felt that same way about his home before he had overcome his hatred for his father. In the same way, Kaede had to overcome the pain of her past and learn to let go.
That task was not his, however. He had noticed Kaede's behaviour around Hao, and had come to the conclusion that she liked him quite long ago. And although Hao may not have realised it, he too was showing signs of affection towards Kaede.
Just then, Hao and Lyn came walking up to join them. Ren slowed his pace and fell behind with Lyn. Hao walked to Kaede's side and patted her on the shoulder, and Kaede gave him a weak smile.
"I will remain true to my word. I will help you to move on from your past." Hao told Kaede with a determined glint in his eye.
Kaede looked at Hao in surprise and then looked down at her feet awkwardly. "Thank you…" She said, not knowing what else she could say.
Kaede glanced back at Lyn and Ren, and saw a grin on Ren's face. She turned back with a small smile on her face. She agreed with Yoh when he said that those two made a cute couple. Hao probably disagreed since he like Lyn, and it probably hurt him that Lyn was closer to Ren than to him.
The most ironic thing in the whole love triangle had to be that Lyn didn't have feelings for either of them in the way they wished. To make it worse, she was not even aware of how they felt towards her. Lyn was far too ignorant when it came to love.
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Ren looked at Lyn and saw her taking in the details of her surroundings, smiling happily. He grinned for a split second before straightening his face. She must be relieved to be back.
Although Lyn's actions were mostly unpredictable, some of them were predictable enough once you got to know her. And knowing Lyn, she would never be fully relaxed unless she had confirmed for herself that her parents were truly alive and well.
Lyn looked around the gardens, remembering when she had first visited Kaede's house. She had been amazed at the beauty of the gardens and at the size of the manor. But Kaede was right in saying that the house was too big and empty too often. Lyn still preferred her cozy house where she had grown up in.
Lyn was happy and excited to be back, as that meant that she would be able to see her parents soon. After all, she had not seen them since the second preliminaries, when she had gone with Kaede to find Patch Village, and that had been around five months ago.
To be able to see you soon
To hear your voices once again
That fills me with so much joy
And my heart soars with the thought
I can finally make sure
That the two of you are safe and sound
And I can see your smiles
The smiles which give me joy
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When they reached the main doors, Kaede raised the knocker and slammed it down on the door. A resounding knock could be heard inside the manor. A few minutes later, the door was opened a little and a round faced man with an amicable expression peeked out. The man seemed to be around thirty-something, and he had wrinkles on his face.
It took a second before the butler realised who he was looking at, and when he did, a smile cracked his lips and his face lit up. "Miss Kaede! You are back! You look more beautiful than ever."
"Thank you, Katashi…and don't address me so formally. Kaede will do." Kaede said with a smile before turning and gesturing towards Hao, Ren and Lyn. "This is Lyn, I believe you've met her before…"
"Ah yes! The friendly girl who always made Miss Kaede and the maids laugh…You look as bright as ever, Little miss…" Katashi said with a smile and shook Lyn's hand. Lyn laughed and thanked him politely.
"And this guy is Asakura Hao and the other is Tao Ren." Kaede continued, gesturing at Hao and Ren respectively. Katashi's eyes narrowed for awhile and he cast a suspicious glance at Kwan Dao before he looked at Kaede questioningly. "Oh don't worry, Katashi…Hao isn't evil anymore…and Ren's not planning to use Kwan Dao…" Kaede told Katashi, understanding his worries immediately.
"Well, guys, this is Katashi…He's more a father to me than a butler…he's looked after me whenever my father was not around…" Kaede said, smiling, a mixture of joy and sadness in her eyes.
"Well, Miss Kaede, if you and your friends would follow me, I will lead you to the rooms that have been prepared for you. The Master wishes for you and your friends to dine with him as soon as you have settled down." Katashi said, gesturing for them to follow him. "Father's home!" Kaede exclaimed excitedly before continuing. "And I told you…no need for such formality…just call me Kaede…" Kaede finished with a sigh, following Katashi and tilting her head to tell the rest to follow.
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"Lyn…thank you for looking after Kaede all this while." Daisuke said after they had eaten lunch. "Nah…I think Kaede was the one looking after me…" Lyn said, shaking her head and laughing.
"Well, Uncle Daisuke, would it be alright if I took my leave for now? I want to go and see my parents…" Lyn asked, standing up.
"I'm sure you must be eager to see them too, so go ahead…" Daisuke said, smiling at Lyn gently. Lyn nodded eagerly and was about to walk out of the living room where they were seated when Ren stood up suddenly.
"Sir, would it be alright if I escorted her?" Ren asked politely. Daisuke nodded and gave Ren a knowing smile which caused him to flush. He thanked Daisuke for lunch and walked after Lyn, his cheeks heated. On his way out of the living room door, he grabbed Kwan Dao which he had left leaning against the wall by the door. He wasn't sure of his feelings himself, and yet everyone else seemed to know more than he did about how he was feeling.
I guess I should step out of self-denial
And just admit my feelings for you
But my feelings confuse me so
And make my uncertainty grow
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"Well, Kaede, I have something important to tell you. Recently, a family of reputable Shamans have asked for you to be wed to their son, who is a year older than you…I thought that it would be a suitable arrangement as that would mean you can live a comfortable life, so I agreed." Daisuke told Kaede cautiously.
Hao groaned softly when he heard Daisuke tell Kaede about the engagement. He should have guessed that Daisuke would inform Kaede about something so important concerning her. Well, he would just have to make sure that if he agreed to the marriage, it would be because he truly cared for her.
"You actually decided something so important without me?" Kaede asked Daisuke sadly. "Well, I guess it's alright because I've given up on the one I care for…" Daisuke looked at Kaede, sorrow flooding his eyes. "I'm sorry…all I wanted was to give you a better life…I know I have not been a good father, and I just wanted to make up for that…"
"If you had really wanted to make that up to me, then you could just have spent more time with me. All these years, that has been the only thing I wanted from you…" Kaede told Daisuke, tears welling up in her eyes.
"I'm sorry…I didn't know…" Daisuke said, walking towards Kaede and embracing her. Kaede hugged Daisuke in return, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. As Hao watched the scene, he felt a surge of emotion within him. If only he had the courage to have such a heart-to-heart talk with his parents. He owed them that much.
"Anyway, the fiancée that has been arranged for you is Asakura Hao…I've heard that he's no longer evil, so you don't need to be afraid of him…" Daisuke said as he sat back down across Kaede. Kaede looked at him in shock, then looked at Hao. Hao shrugged nonchalantly. "I didn't want to tell you so soon but looks like your father told you anyway…"
I want to give her joy
And yet I want the same for you
I'm waiting for the right time
So that my selfishness does not hurt you two
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"Daddy, Mummy! I'm so glad to see you again! I missed both of you so much!" Lyn cried, launching herself into her parents arms the second they opened the door. "I'm so glad you're safe!" Lyn's mother said, tears slowly trickling down her cheeks. "I'm glad to see you too, kiddo…" Lyn's father said, ruffling her short brunette hair fondly.
As Ren watched the scene, he felt as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulder. He was glad that Lyn's parents were safe and that the three of them were able to have such a touching and happy family reunion. However, no matter how he looked, there seemed to be something wrong with that scene. Something seemed to be missing.
"Well, who's that friend who came with you there? Your boyfriend? Somebody is actually interested in my tomboy daughter?" Lyn's father joked, causing Ren to flush slightly. He was about to retort that he did not like Lyn, but Lyn answered her father before he could open his mouth.
"Daddy, Mummy, I would like you to meet Tao Ren…he's been a really good friend, and he's looked after me like Kaede did…" "Is that so? Well, I would like to thank you for looking after my daughter…she's a lot to handle…her father spoilt her too much…" Kaede's mother said, smiling gently at Ren, and making Ren feel awkward.
"Oh…so he's only a friend…" Lyn's father said, sounding disappointed. Lyn turned to Ren and rolled her eyes, shrugging her shoulders sarcastically. "Well, anyway, this is my mother, Tsukiko, and that old man over there is my father, Kenshin."
"It's nice to meet you, Ren…" Tsukiko said gently. "Nice to meet ya, kid…" Kenshin said, giving Ren a friendly slap on the back. "I'm not a kid…" Ren muttered, but smiled anyway. "Well, come in…you are just in time for tea…" Tsukiko said, inviting Ren into the house while Lyn ran straight in.
Your family was so friendly
Your mother so gentle while your father was like a brother
Seeing you so happy and at home
I felt as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders
And yet, there seemed to be something missing
Just what I couldn't tell
It just seemed to spoil the picture
Of your happy family
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"Well, thank you for coming…you had better get back to Kaede's house soon…it looks like a storm is coming soon…Take care ok, Lyn? And I hope to see you again, Ren…" Tsukiko said, handing Lyn the backpack in which she had packed Lyn's belongings. "Tao Ren…hey! Does that mean that you are one of the two Shaman Kings!"
Lyn rolled her eyes and sighed apologetically. "Sorry about that…my father kinda suffers from a slow reaction time…" "Well, I see where you got that from now…" Ren said, smirking. Lyn huffed indignantly, but a small grin was on her lips and there was a sparkle in her eye.
"Well, kiddos, see you soon…" Kenshin said fondly, ruffling Lyn's short brunette hair and poking Ren's tongari. Ren glared at Kenshin, but Kenshin pretended not to see the glare. "Bye Daddy…Bye Mummy…" Lyn said, hugging and kissing each of them on the cheek in turn.
"Oh shit!" Lyn swore as they were walking down the long path to Kaede's house. "What is it?" Ren asked concernedly. "I think my mother forgot to pack my diary and my extra sword equipment…" Lyn said, looking at Ren pleadingly. "Alright…we'll go back to get them…"
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Lyn dropped her backpack to the ground and stared at the scene ahead of her in horror. Her house was being engulfed by roaring flames, and from where she was standing, she could see her parents' bodies. A large pool of blood was forming under those two bodies. Lyn felt tears welling up inside her, but held them in.
Lyn looked around for the person who was responsible for all this, and saw him on the burning roof of her house. The flames licked him, but left him unscathed.
A cold wind blew and his brunette hair was ruffled by the wind, and his black and red cloak billowed behind him. His deep blue eyes glittered with a cold harsher than ten of the coldest winters thrown together.
Lyn growled in rage and prepared for battle. The cold wind blew her hair into her eyes, but she ignored it, her deep blue eyes glinting with anger and hatred.
"Archangel, oversoul!" Lyn used the light from the sun as a medium and Archangel created a sword oversoul. The sword shared the same physical appearance as Heartblade, aside from the fact that it was made of a soft golden light.
Lyn jumped up onto the roof and slashed at him, but he disappeared and her attack missed, causing her to stumble forward. He teleported behind her and she whirled around, striking at him in a blind rage.
Ren watched in horror as he saw Lyn engage a strange man. Or rather, a strange boy. He looked only slightly older than Yoh. Then, Ren noticed something. Which each strike which Lyn delivered, the golden light of her oversoul was growing harsher. Lyn was fighting with anger and hatred, and that would weaken her attacks.
Four years or so ago, when he had been fighting Hao, he had fought with anger as he thought that Hao had killed Yoh. He had ignored Silva and Karim's repeated warnings and had persisted in fighting with anger. The result had been his defeat by Hao. The same result had met Lyzerg and the rest, who had also fought because of their rage.
If fighting with rage and hatred weakened them thus, Lyn would be affected by it even more drastically. Her spirit was one of light, and her power came from love, kindness and a caring heart. If she continued fighting this way, she would only weaken herself for the enemy.
"Lyn! Stop it! Don't fight with hatred and anger! It will only weaken you! It is not the way!" Ren's words fell on deaf ears as Lyn continued her onslaught on him. She saw that her attacks were not even leaving any scratches on him, and in desperation, she thrust for his heart.
"Can you really bear to kill me?" He asked, a smirk on his face. Lyn stopped her oversoul before it reached his heart when she heard this, and released her oversoul. He was right. She could not bear to kill him.
Definitely not him.
Against him, I am unable to raise a finger.
His smirk widened when he saw Lyn freeze and release her oversoul. He had known that it would work, that his words would affect her. He drew his sword from under his cloak and raised it above his head, bringing it down in a powerful downward slash. To his surprise, his attack was blocked. He stared at Lyn's protector and growled in frustration. He had missed his chance to end her life because of him.
"Looks like someone has gotten herself a loyal lapdog…" Lyn shook herself out of her thoughts and looked up at him. "He is not a dog…he is my comrade…my FRIEND!" Lyn shouted in anger at him. He smiled an evil smile which sent chills down even Ren's spine and disappeared. "Now is not the time…" His voice echoed even after he was gone.
Ren gently scooped Lyn up in his arms bridal style and jumped off the roof lightly. Just as he set her down, there was a flash of lightning and rain started pouring down, putting out the fire.
Lyn watched as the blood from her parents' corpses mixed with the rain and flowed away, and the tears she had held back came pouring out, rolling down her cheeks and mingling with raindrops. Then, she raised her head and screamed in anguish.
Yikes! Long chapter. Oh wells…it was worth it…or not...what do you think?