Disclaimer: I don't own Shaman King.
The neon lights lit up the night sky in the Entertainment District. The streets were crowded with people - some getting into restaurants, bars or nightclubs, to either destress from a long day at the office, or to simply gather with friends, or both. Or perhaps for a young executive like Yoh, it's mostly for fun.
8:35 PM, Club Eliza.
Music turned up to its highest volume, lights flickering every now and then, anyone was hardly recognizable- much less hear their conversations, and that annoyed the young assistant, to the point where he wanted to bail on his boss.
"You have a lot of meetings tomorrow. May I request for you not to get so wasted?" Hiroshi reminded again, whispering loudly to Yoh's ears.
"We could always cancel...I am the CEO after all."
The latter answered with a smirk. He knew what buttons to push.
"I strongly advise against it!"
Hiroshi replied with such gravel in his voice, but Yoh simply shrugged and replied,
"Whatever you say. So, just get anything you want as usual and I'll be right over there,"
He pointed at the table where a group of women are seated.
"Don't wait up."
He walked past him but he grabbed his arm and attempted a futile attempt of warning...
"Right. You have until twelve."
"Or...?" Yoh taunted.
Wipe that smirk off your face. He thought.
But he wouldn't dare say it out loud...yet.
"I'll have the bouncers drag you out." He replied.
"You'll do that?" He challenged.
"If that's what it takes." And more.
"Suit yourself."
"Certainly will, Master Yoh."
He's obviously drunk, and out of character, but I am used to it. However, I have to make sure he stays out of trouble.
Hiroshi sat on the bar stool and asked for a can of soda. The bartender complied and asked him,
"Haven't seen you around here. Are you new in town?"
"No. We just happen to pass by this area." He said, as he popped open his carbonated drink.
"Ahh. Was that your boss?"
"Yeah."
"Make sure he doesn't drink more than he can handle. Things get messed up from there, if you know what I mean."
"Don't worry about it Mister..."
"Faust."
"Alright."
Meanwhile, a blonde girl sporting a black dress, entered the said club. She made her way to bar and sat at the far end, like always.
"Tequila sunrise."
"Rough night, Anna?" Faust probed as he handed her drink.
"Nah, just chilling out." She took a sip from the glass as Faust wondered what she'd been up to, this time.
"Go home once you finish that drink, alright? Seems to me, you've had quite a few even before you came here."
"I just had two glasses of red wine courtesy of my blind date, who, might I add, will probably be spending his night in the hospital." She said proudly.
"What?!"
"Details later." She waved her hand and ushered him to attend to his other customers.
With his soberness fading away, he limped towards the bar, and asked for more drinks. It should take a minute or two, to serve what he asked, but the other bartender purposely slowed his pace.
"Ah, sir, don't you think you've had too much tonight?"
Yoh turned to him "Frank," he started after reading his name badge. "I'm sober, I promise you. Now, may I have that drink?"
Visibly annoyed, the Asakura turned his head sideways and spotted the blonde. Frank sighed in relief when the inebriated guy focused his attention on the girl.
"I'm coming back for that drink, Frank." He muttered as he made his way to her.
"Hey there." He greeted.
The lady glanced for a moment and smirked at him.
"Not interested." She uttered quickly.
"May I buy you a drink?"
"Already have one." She raised her glass slightly to prove her point.
"Then, may I buy you another drink?"
"No, thanks. I know you... and I don't want to be involved with the likes of you."
"That's interesting. How much..." He leaned in for a closer look.
"Excuse me?" She said in an incredulous tone. It's one of the things that Anna hated the most.
"How much..." He accidentally placed his hands on her lap, when he almost fell off his chair.
She stood up and slapped him. "Jerk!"
The slap echoed inaudibly in the bar. Yoh felt the corner of his lips burn from the impact and he could taste a bit of blood. As a form of retaliation, he grabbed her by the arm and pressed his lips to hers. Anna was definitely stunned.
The kiss was brief - but sparks flew when their eyes met for about two seconds, until he whispered to her ear,
"Should we continue this somewhere else?"
He sure knows how to kill the mood.
She exploded in anger and stormed out of the place but not before landing a vicious groin kick.
Hiroshi, who just went to the men's room, made a mad dash to Yoh.
"Are you alright?"
"That girl's really something isn't she? She's really interesting." He said, half-daze, drunk and writhing in pain.
"You're being impossible right now, Master Yoh. We're done here."
What Yoh meant by his last statement to her, was to go some place quieter, where they could talk. And he was really meaning to ask her 'How much' of an idiot he was. It sounds improbable but, somehow, he knew they were destined to meet.
Only if...he could remember all that stuff in the morning.
Infuriated by Yoh's actions, Anna grabs the book of spells and reads the incantation of soul switching. What she really wanted to accomplish, was for her soul and Yoh's to switch, so that she could get her revenge - maybe have the board of directors buy all of his shares or donate all his money to charity - something of the sort. She was clearly blinded by anger, that she missed out on the tiny inscription at the bottom of the page; the one that says it will switch the soul of the same person from another reality.
Anna is mostly level-headed and composed, that on normal days, she wouldn't have even thought of messing with wiccan stuff. However, she tends to be impulsive when angered.
She went to her favorite coffee shop like usual, ordered her caramel machiatto, still fuming from last night.
What was I thinking anyway? Why would I want to be in his body? Tch. Good thing the spell didn't work.
Yoh then walks in to the shop.
Oh boy, could this day get any worst?
"Thank goodness I found you. Could you remind me again how we ended up in the city? Coz I don't remember a thing. Everything's weird. Did you know we own a five star hotel, just a few blocks from here? Gramps may have forgotten to mention that..."
What the hell? What is this guy doing here? What is he talking about?
"Do I know you?" I said, with all the annoyance I could muster, feigning ignorance.
Is he here to apologize about last night? Then, could it be that he actually remembers me?
"What do you mean? Anna, I'm your husband."
Hahaha. What a nightmare. I would never marry someone like Yoh Asakura.
"Are you out of your mind? I've never even seen you before." Of course I'm lying... but why would I admit that to this jerk? "And how did you know my name? Were you stalking me?"
My act was so convincing, I was starting to believe my own lie.
"Huh?"
"Listen Mister, I'm not your typical damsel-in-distress. The only one who's gonna be in distress if you don't leave me alone, right now, is you."
I pointed my finger at him and said "I mean it. Stay the hell away from me, weirdo."
I walked out graciously out of that coffee shop, leaving him with his mouth wide open. I thought I already won, but the nutcase just won't let me be.
"Anna, please wait!"
"What do you want?" I huffed in frustration.
"Something's wrong in this picture. Can we please go back to the hotel and talk things out?" He pleaded, while he lightly grasped my forearm. "Look, whatever I did, I'm sorry, I really am. Please, let's talk."
Oh hey, he's apologizing. Wait, back up. Did he say "hotel"? Did he honestly think I'd go with that bullshit? Now he's done it.
"I warned you, Mister."
He wriggled wildly as he dropped to the ground. As if luck was on my side - a police car just happened to pass by and saw the commotion. One of the two cops took him to the car and drove away, while the other one stayed behind to get my statement. Never expected this to work my way, but it did. He deserved it.
Wait a second... what exactly did he mean when he said I was his wife? No, no. He's just a crazy bastard.
I hurried back home when skepticism kicked in. And there it was, that tiny inscription which I failed to see. Great. Just great.
~o0o~
Hao, the coveted one among the twin Asakuras, signed his first paperwork as the new head of the Asakura Group of Companies. He's a genius, constantly on the top of his class and graduated from university at a tender age of fifteen. The youngest twin on the other hand, was a certified magnet for trouble. He would always get in a tough spot, getting beat up here and there - his attackers mistaking him for his twin. Hao, would strike back as an older brother's automatic response, but their elders would always blame the younger one.
"I'll always be here for you, Yoh. I promise."
Promises are meant to be broken.
Yoh stood in front of his brother's headstone, and muttered a silent prayer for his soul's repose. A tragic accident claimed his life, and now he has to fill in his shoes for the sake of the Asakura clan. Hao would've wanted him to.
One year ago...
Hanazawa Residence, 10:00 PM.
"Takumi, we're going first. Hao's wasted." Yoh told their common friend as he draped Hao's arms over his shoulders.
"I could see that. I should get you a cab."
"No," Hao groaned. "I can drive. I'm sober."
"No, you're not dude. I'll call for a cab." Takumi answered back.
"Nonsense! Let's go, Yoh!" Hao staggers to the door.
"I'll take care of him Takumi, thanks."
"You can't even walk straight!" Scolded Yoh, as he continued to guide Hao.
"You're right," Hao admitted. "You should drive us back." He dangles the keys.
"I can't drive."
"Yes you can. It's an automatic transmission. All you have to do is step on the gas pedal."
"No, it's better if we get a cab."
"No, you need to learn how to drive these things. It's easy, trust me."
"But..."
"Do you trust me?" Hao asked with half-lidded eyes.
"Of course."
"Well, then."
It's my fault. It's my fault you're dead, Hao.
Yoh rounded a corner on a narrow road, when another vehicle came rushing from the opposite direction. Although the truck was able to maneuver slightly, it still collided with their sedan. Said car pivoted twice and ended on the side of the road, its front rear protruding on the second lane. Both of them were conscious, slightly bleeding from the fragments of glass.
"You alright?" Hao removes his seatbelt and reaches over to Yoh.
"Yeah. But, I think my arm's broken."
"We're going to be okay, as soon as I find my phone and call someone..."
Wham!
It wasn't of any help that it was raining hard that day, which made the road slippery; the lack of lighting made it worse. The worst part of all, was another speeding vehicle who crashed into them.
Yoh suffered from a broken arm and leg, and almost died from five broken ribs, one of which pierced his heart, if the surgery wasn't successful.
It took several months of therapy before he was able to walk normally again, but he was beyond broke. The only bestfriend he had is dead.
How he motivated himself to cope with this tragedy, was simply admirable. He took it to himself to be like Hao and he succeeded. Well, almost.
No matter how he strived to get the elders' approval, they never accepted the way he handled things. True, most of his ideas were outright ridiculous, but they somehow work. Yet, they still wouldn't give him the recognition he deserves and he just accepts it; because he's the one who took their precious Hao away.
He was gonna live with it for the rest of his miserable life; however, the soul switch happened.
~oOo~
"I refuse."
"Why?"
...Because being in that place reminds me of the day I lost my brother.
...Because going back means I'd have to endure another day of self-blame for causing my brother's death.
"Do you know what it feels like to lose someone important to you?"
"Yes..."
"I doubt that. In that world, I..." He hesitated. "...killed my brother."
His voice was regretful and pained.
"So did I."
This made Yoh#2 look up.
"You're lying."
"I wish I was. If there was another way, I would've chosen that. It was for a greater purpose..."
"What a twisted logic, Yoh."
"No, you don't get it. In that realm, we are Shamans and shamans play a very important role. Hao was a shaman stronger than anyone, therefore, he's been proclaimed as the Shaman King. In order to ascend his throne, he had to leave his physical body behind. In that way, he'd be able to watch all over creation. Because that's how stuff works in my world. It's okay if you don't understand but I really need for you to get back. Even if you stay there, it still wouldn't change the fact that your brother is gone. It's simply pointless."
"Heh." Yoh#2 smirked. "Staying in this dimension wasn't my intention anyway."
He needed those words badly. He knew he's the one who couldn't move on.
"Thanks."
Yoh grabbed a robe, ran out the room, to the elevator and hailed a cab, directed it towards Funbari.
~o0o~
He ran past the gate, past the entrance of the inn, climbed the stairs and halted in front of their slightly opened door. He muttered a quick prayer before entering the premises.
"I'm home." He stopped a few paces away from Anna.
She knew it was him - who else would run like hell, in a bath robe, with shaving cream remnants on their face? Only her Yoh would.
"I'm on time, right?" He panted. "Right?"
"Yes, you are."
"Yokatta..." He heaved a sigh of relief. "Happy Anniversary, Anna."
"It's not until tomorrow."
And again, Yoh's mouth hung open.
~o0o~
Yoh turned around to face his subordinate. He bows down and apologizes.
"Gomen ne, Hiroshi."
"I should probably tell you what really happened that day."
"What are you talking about?"
"The accident... you weren't the one driving the car, Master Yoh."
"What?"
"It's your defense mechanism... you convinced yourself that you were to blame for Master Hao's death."
"No, no. I know exactly what happened. I was driving."
"You weren't. It's not how you remember it. You were the one who was drunk that night..."
Hanazawa Residence, 10:00 PM.
"Takumi, we're going first. Yoh's wasted." Hao told their common friend as he draped his younger brother's arms over his shoulders.
"I could see that. I should get you a cab."
"No," Hao replied. "I'll drive. I'm sober."
"Are you sure dude?. Wouldn't it be better if...?." Takumi answered back.
"Ah, Takumi, I'm the best driver in town. I'm telling you, I'm sober. Want me to recite the alphabet for you? Cause I would do that."
"Uhh, I suppose not. Well then, drive safely."
"I'll take care of him, thanks."
"Brother, you're under so much stress aren't you?" Asked Hao, as he continued to guide Yoh towards their car.
"You're right." Yoh admitted. "I mean, you're the chosen one Hao. Why do I have to put up with them?"
"You're an Asakura heir, that's why."
"Pfft. Lame."
He strapped him in the passenger seat and started the engine.
"Hey, Yoh?" He stared at him intently.
"Ah?" He replied with half-lidded eyes.
"You should take over the company."
"I'm supposed to be the one intoxicated, Hao. Why are you spouting such nonsense? Even so, I highly doubt they'd allow you to step down. They'll never hand the company over to me... unless you're six feet under. Do I also have to remind you that I'm the black sheep of the family?"
"Ugh, you're not a problem child, brother. It's the elders and this whole family tradition. You should do something about it once you take on the responsibility."
"Baka. I told you, they'd never appoint me."
"Oh, they would, eventually."
"Huh?" He whined.
"You'll see."
"Let's just go home. I'm about to barf...anytime soon."
"Disgusting."
"Dakara, isoide kudasai onii-chan."
"I told you not to drink too much. What am I going to do with you?" Hao smirked.
Hao rounded a corner on a narrow road, when another vehicle came rushing from the opposite direction. Although the truck was able to maneuver slightly, it still collided with their sedan. Said car pivoted twice and ended on the side of the road, its front rear protruding on the second lane. Both of them were conscious, slightly bleeding from the fragments of glass.
"You alright?" Hao removes his seatbelt and reaches over to Yoh.
"Yeah. But, I think my arm's broken."
"We're going to be okay, as soon as I find my phone and call someone..."
Wham!
~o0o~
That cafe was, after all, her favorite place. It's been 2 days since that incident... she's glad it was all over. Then he walked in.
"Thank goodness I found you. Could you remind me again how we ended up in the city?" He sat on the chair across her and waited for her response.
"You have got to be kidding me." Anna stared at him, eyes wide in shock.
"Huh? Anna, I'm your husband."
She stood up, fished her phone from her bag and called Faust. The call was cut short when Yoh snatched it away.
"Of course, it's a bluff. Please, sit down." He motioned her to go back to her seat.
"You did that to annoy me, right?"
"No...,"
Anna's brows creased.
"Yes. I find your reaction quite amusing." He said with a smug. "But before you say anything else, I wanted to apologize for that time..."
"We're even."
"True."
"Is there anything else in particular you wanted to talk about?"
"Matter of fact, yes. I've been thinking... do you think it's a great idea if we go on a date, say, 8 P.M tomorrow?"
"Am I supposed to take that seriously?"
"I am serious."
"Why the sudden interest?"
"Because...you're interesting. Haven't I told you before?"
"I'm not, the slightest bit, interested in you."
"Oh? So are you saying that, that kiss doesn't mean anything to you?"
"Yeah, that's what I'm saying."
"Liar."
"Say whatever you want..."
Yoh leaned over and captured her lips in his. Once again, she was caught off guard, but what surprised her more, was her lack of resistance.
"See? I knew you were lying."
Yoh sat back with a huge grin on his face. Anna turned away from him, face in deep red.
"I... don't know what you're talking about."
"Anyway, I'll pick you up by 7:45 tomorrow. If I could have it my way, it wouldn've been today. However, there's something I need to do first. Well then."
He stood up and gave her a peck on the cheek. "See you soon."
That's two kisses in one day.
Anna just gave him a nod. Two minutes and ten seconds later, she was mentally slapping herself for giving in to his charms. How did he do it?
The next day...
"So, how do I look?" He asked Hiroshi.
"Dashing, as always."
He fixed up his tie and smoothed his coat, only to change it once again.
"Maybe I should wear a tux."
"Master Yoh, it's a dinner date, not a wedding or any other formal event. I believe what you're wearing now is quite alright."
"Are you sure?"
"We can bet your life on it."
"Hey! Why aren't we betting yours?"
"Maybe you should just wear a tracksuit."
"Hah, you're not helping!"
He paced in his room. One hour to go before his much anticipated date.
"You really like this girl, don't you?"
"Huh? Why would you say that?"
"Oh please. You've only spent two hours changing from one attire to another and still can't make up your mind. Isn't that enough proof?"
"Whatever. Are you sure she'll like this?"
"Wait and see."
God, she was nervous. She'd been fussing over the dress he sent, continuously ranting about it to Faust.
"I never should have come." Faust said irritably, as he watched Anna pace back and forth in the room.
"We're friends, right? I need you."
"Huh? Need me to what? Wear that dress for you? Or did you want me to dress you?"
"That's ridiculous!"
"Then, what the hell do you want from me, girl? What else do you want me to say? We've been at this endless battle of whether you should go or not for at least, one WHOLE day. Give me a break!"
"Why did he even send me a dress?"
"Why else? And I've answered the same question for over ten times already. Don't tell me you haven't noticed."
"Ugh, you're not helping!"
"I'll make it really simple for you, Anna."
"Okay."
"Just wear the goddamn dress and get it over with! If it turns out to be a disaster, then tell yourself this: SHIT HAPPENS. That's it."
"I hate you."
"Likewise." He sighed. "Now, stop being a bitch and get ready. Some of us have to work, you know. It's not like you're in high school. Geez."
Yoh bought her flowers and took her to a restaurant. She was a bit awkward, not really talking much, but he was not going to give up.
"I have something to confess...the day that other Yoh and I switched, was the day of our supposed meeting." He revealed.
"Huh?"
"You were setup for a blind date right?"
"Yes..." She thinks for a bit. "But you can't be Hiroshi. Don't tell me..."
"If you knew you were going to meet with Yoh Asakura, would you have gone?"
"Honestly? No." She answered right away, without any hesitation.
"I thought so. Everyone should be given the benefit of a doubt, don't you agree? And didn't you change your name as well? Eliza?" He teased.
"Well... I won't make any excuses. But come to think of it, I still met Yoh Asakura."
Finally, there's spontaneity in their conversation.
"True. Doesn't that indicate something?"
"Like what?"
"Destiny. Fate. Whatever you want to call it."
"You believe in those stuff?"
"You don't?"
"I don't."
"Oh? I could've sworn you felt the same way...ah well, I could be wrong. But I guess there's no point in holding back... I really like you. In fact, I may even be in-love with you." He blushed.
"Are you serious?"
"I am. It's okay if you don't want to admit it yet..."
"Wait, wait. Admit what?"
"You'll see. Just know that I'll wait for you."
"Huh? For how long? A week maybe?" She said jokingly.
"A month. A year. A decade. A century. In our next lifetime. Yeah, I'll wait for you." He said with determined eyes.
So, their date went well.. or as Anna would say it "It was perfect." A few years later, they got married, had ten kids and lived happily ever after...oh sorry, not ten kids, just one. I'm happy for her. I guess both Yohs and Annas got their happy ending.
How I knew? Well, I talk to myself often, if you know what I mean. ~Faust
Author's note:
I hope I was able to wrap things well. Thanks to all those who left me reviews; kept me motivated. :)
By the way, I've made several drafts of this chapter and I was quite content with the last one before this... but unfortunately, I accidentally deleted it from my pc (I was organizing my files...) Geez. *headdesks*
UPDATE! So, I found out that the version I had with the other computer has more conversations in it, soooooo... I included it here. :)
**Dakara, isoide kudasai onii-chan.(So, please hurry up, brother)
