Now, before you even start reading, don't worry, nothing bad is going on - 3 more weeks to go! Laters.
Yoh smiled brightly as they materialised in the world he had been helping to grow for so long. Being there in the flesh was completely different to in his dreams but it was exactly what he had hoped it would be. It was a wonderful feeling to be there and that was made even better by the fact that Hao was at his side.
He wasn't really surprised that they had appeared by the rock face not far from the lake; given it was the most similar feature between both locations. There was a small stream that ran over the miniature cliff edge but there wasn't the pool present like the one they had swam through however.
"It's beautiful Yoh; you've done an amazing job. I know we've seen it before, but this is the first time it can really be judged." Hao stated softly.
Yoh nodded. "I know, I was thinking the same myself. We're finally here…"
Hao wrapped his arms around Yoh, gently but supportively. Yoh leaned into the embrace; enjoying the feeling of contentment he always seemed to feel we he was close to his brother. It was perfect, being together and having a new start in a new world. It wasn't going to be a fairytale but it was a chance to be happy, rather than forever longing for something lost.
Hao let go of Yoh, taking his hand instead. Yoh knew where they were going as soon as Hao started walking, that one spot beside the lake was where all their dealings had taken place. That had quite easily become his favourite place here and apparently Hao held the same sentiments for the place that he did.
We probably shouldn't stay too long; the others will be waiting, though I don't suppose the others can really be brought here until Jian arrives. It wouldn't be fair not to let him be part of the first public showing after all the help he's given me, especially given I know how important it is to him. This phenomenon has been his life's study after all.
Ren probably isn't going to like waiting but he knows what the situation is, so as much as he may complain, I know he's okay with it really, since he agreed knowing full well Jian was first in line after Hao and I had gone. Unless he gets distracted by something else I can't see him not passing comments though, that's just how Ren is.
"We can stay here permanently, right?" Yoh asked suddenly.
Hao looked back at him and smiled. "Yes Yoh, you already know that. Everything is fine now, don't worry."
Yoh nodded, looking a little sheepish, he knew that the world was fully sustainable and very much real; he just needed someone else to tell him as much. It was too easy to get wrapped up in things and Hao had looked into that side of things far more than he had. It was just the reassurance he wanted, the words that acknowledged that his efforts had paid off.
They arrived at the lakeside and Hao sat down, bringing Yoh to sit beside him. Yoh leaned against Hao's shoulder, as was quickly becoming habit, and looked out over the lake. It was the first time they had been there together during daylight hours, though the evening was quickly drawing to a close and the sun would be setting in the not too distant future.
"Hao, can we train for a little?" Yoh queried.
"You're worried?" Hao asked softly in response.
"A little. It's been too easy so far, given how unhappy they were about it all. I'd rather not take any unnecessary risks."
"That's understandable after coming all this way; of course we can, though it will be strange learning from you, rather than the other way around."
Yoh grinned, he could understand that. Hao had been the major authority in shamanism for a long time, taking instruction from someone else would be an unusual experience. He wasn't sure that Hao had ever really been taught, he knew Matamune had helped him out, but he wasn't sure if most of what Hao could do had been self-taught.
I don't really know all that much about Hao, we've talked and he's told me stories, but there's still a lot that I don't really know or understand. I don't mind that, I know it's important not to know everything about a person; still, I'm not sure that I should be guessing about things like that. Though really, I don't suppose it should matter, it was a long time ago and who cares how it was learnt?
It will be difficult though, trying to figure out how I'm supposed to teach this to him. Still, we'll figure something out between us I'm sure, or Hao may know what to do already. He knows so much more than I do, so it's quite possible he knows what to do to get the information he needs. Certainly the quicker and easier he learns it the better.
He does seem to know what he's doing, so I'll just do as I'm told and let him get on with it. If it can be learnt now, before we have to leave and risk any chance of bumping into our family then I'll have a lot less to worry about. Chances are that we're not going to have a lot of time to do anything about it for a while, given everything else that's going on, so hopefully a little time now will be all that's needed.
I'm not quite sure what he's done but it feels very strange and I'm not entirely sure that I'm comfortable with it. I appreciate that a direct link to my knowledge is the quickest way to learn, but it feels like a complete invasion of my privacy. It isn't that I have anything to hide from him, I don't but I don't know, I think maybe a person should have something for themselves.
"I can stop if you want me to; we can try more conventional means?" Hao asked softly.
Yoh remained laying down with his eyes closed. "No, if we can do this now and get it over with then that's best."
"I don't want to make you so uncomfortable, are you sure Yoh?"
"Yes, it's okay, just do it. The quicker we're done the better."
I'm glad he asked, though I don't like it being so obvious to him that I'm uneasy about this. I hope he doesn't think it has anything to do with trust, hopefully he'll understand that it's just the way people react to the feeling of being scrutinised. Hopefully this won't take too much longer, though I know Hao won't do it any longer than he needs to either way.
I wonder how long we've been here for; I know it should run on the same linear time that Earth does, but that doesn't really help me right now. Lying here pretty much spaced out hasn't helped any with knowing how much time has or hasn't passed either. Nothing feels tethered to any rules and I'm too out of it to be able to pay any attention to the world outside my head. Honestly, absolutely anything could be happening and I wouldn't know the first thing about it, even things done to me.
It's kind of scary, but it's only the two of us and I'm sure he wouldn't hurt me, so it's okay, it's just the sense of complete helplessness that's off-putting. I can't even really feel him anymore, but equally he's everywhere, I guess I must have gotten used to the sensation so it isn't overbearing like it was before. Still, I hope it ends soon…
Yoh opened his eyes slowly, feeling like he'd been in a very deep sleep for a very long time. It was dark now, the stars were twinkling brightly above him, though that didn't tell him the time, nor how long they had been there. Hao was off somewhere to his side, he could feel the other's presence but had no intention of attempting to move or talk quite yet, he still didn't feel right.
He heard Hao move beside him and felt a hand brushing through his hair a few moments later. Taking his eyes off the stars he looked back to where he assumed his brother would be sitting. Hao smiled apologetically, still petting Yoh's hair gently. Yoh closed his eyes again, hoping it would help him recover faster. Hao remained at his side trying to sooth him, for which Yoh was grateful, not that it meant he was going to let the issue slide once he was feeling better; Hao definitely had some explaining to do.
After what felt like forever, Yoh started feeling better and finally sat up, all attention on his brother. Hao sighed and nodded, knowing all too well that Yoh wanted answers and wasn't going to give up. He knew it was only fair to explain since Yoh had allowed him to do it, despite his disquiet, but it was still a lot of hassle.
Hao pulled Yoh to him, allowing Yoh to lean against him, rather than let him try to support himself, he knew it would be a little while longer before Yoh felt completely right in himself. He explained slowly what he had done and why it had affected Yoh the way it had, judging on Yoh's reaction as to how much detail was required. It took about five minutes to explain everything to a satisfactory level in the end, much to Hao's relief.
Once the explanation was over, Yoh pulled away and stood up, walking closer to the water's edge. At least he understood what had happened, and he knew for certain Hao could block the reishi now. Whether it was something he would choose to do permanently or whether he would turn it on and off as it suited him, Yoh couldn't be sure, though he hoped for the former; it had caused far too many problems.
"We should head back." Yoh stated blandly, the experience having left him feeling exhausted.
"Yes, it's getting late, the others will be waiting." Hao replied, though his tone lacked his usual confidence.
Yoh turned to face his brother, not missing the look of gilt that flashed in his eyes. Yoh shook his head. "I'm not angry with you, I'm just tired. The knowledge was learnt and it isn't as if I got hurt, so don't worry about it. I agreed to do whatever needed to be done; you didn't force me, so relax."
Hao nodded and walked over to Yoh, taking a hand in his. "Then let's get you to bed, everything else can wait until morning."
I really do feel completely drained; it's hard to keep my eyes open. From Hao's explanation of it, that does make perfect sense, so I'm not concerned, I'm just glad that it's over. Hopefully everything will wait until morning because I don't think that I could stay awake much longer if I tried. I'm sure Hao can answer any immediate questions or concerns if there are any.
I'm not really sure that I want to go back, and even less so about trying to swim back to shore once we go back through the portal. Hao will make sure I don't drown or do something stupid, not that I think I can expend the effort to dry myself rather than just collapsing to sleep as soon as we're back. I know I mustn't go to sleep soaking wet though, I'll make myself ill if I do.
Well, that certainly makes things easier. I know I was complaining earlier about Hao using shaman abilities rather than swimming, but right now it suits me perfectly. I'm not sure him carrying me is a good idea given that trying to stay away is difficult enough when I have to support my own weight, but I'm not going to complain about staying dry.
Hao set Yoh down gently on the bed. As much as he would rather have Yoh with him, he knew it was too early to be doing things like that; it would cause too many questions to be raised. Settling him down he explained that Yoh had tired himself out teaching Hao to block the reishi and left it at that.
Yoh agreed with Hao's comments as and when he needed to as Ren was understandably not happy, but once Yoh confirmed the comments he settled down and accepted it. He was too tired for arguments and questions, he just wanted to sleep. Eventually the fuss was over and with a gentle goodnight Hao left him to his slumber, everyone else having the consideration to follow suit and not disturb him.