Disclaimer: Majrocks doesn't sound like Hiroyuki Takei so I guess I do not own Shaman king.
Author's Notes: At last after 30,000 years I was able to update! Yey! Actually I did plan to delay the posting of this chapter but what I didn't anticipate is that it would be this long. The reason why I delayed this is because I wanted to hold on one minute longer to this fic, I know that once I uploaded this chapter I will eventually hit the dreaded 'complete' radio button which will mean that my longest fanfic will be complete and this is the last time that I will write something about this. I know it sounds melodramatic but I will surely miss writing this; it took me almost six months to finish this and a lot of memories and a part of me and my life are embedded in every word I wrote. Forgive me for being a drama queen but this is my only work so far that lasted long enough for it to be a part of my life. This is so special to me; I've talked to a lot of people from different parts of the world while making this fic possible. One of the happiest moments of my life are spent writing this and reading your reviews and I don't know how to thank you all enough to show how much this means to me.
~Not so Freedom Wall~
I knew you already know this but I want to give a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who read and kind enough to leave a review to let me know that you've been here reading. Words will never be enough to convey how much I love you guys!
Nothing – thank you for the review! I feel flattered by your complement I wish I could really to it. About the swimming pool part, yes it is from a Philippine movie entitled 'D' Another's'. Actually that scene was suggested by a friend of mine, I have a different one in my original draft but my friend borrowed my flash drive and she somewhat unearthed the typed version which I still need to proofread (the best that I can) and suggested the scene. It was so cute so, so I replaced everything and later when one of you asked me about it, I in turn asked her and she told me it was from that movie and it was one of her most favorite scene.
Ja01'Loving you always' – thank you for the review! It's good to know that a lot of people don't hold grudge on Redseb's playful and mischievous personality here. The engagement part was kind of rush to fit in with the swimming pool incident.
It's always a pleasure to know that people actually found the scenes I intend to be funny, funny. At least I know I am not the only one who has a weird sense of humor (just kidding!)
Midori no hime – Thanks for the review and support! I've already checked your blog and it was so cute! I really love it; there are a lot of good stories that you have archived there and I'm now excited to read all of those!
Yehey – thanks for the review! I hope that you won't be afraid to try college life because of my author's notes. College is so much fun, it might be a dog eat dog world but what's good about it is the pro's always outnumbers the con's which makes it more bearable!
Babsi-Flocke – thank you for the review! I'm happy that you found this cute. I am aware that Redseb is really mean almost throughout his appearances here but I really can't help adding that up =)
Complicatedmind21 – thank you for the review! You are one of my very first friends here; I really don't know how to thank you enough.
By the way when the scene is also suggested to me I was laughing as I'm thinking at what Yoh's expression would be. Imagining it while writing sure is fun!
And to all my silent reviewers, thank you also for taking the time to read this .^_^. V
~majrocks~
"Life is like a mustache. It can be wonderful or terrible but it always tickles"
- Nora Roberts
~majrocks~
Pirika was a walking bomb as she made her way to the nearest restroom to freshen up so she could proceed to her plan. She really wanted to kill someone but she knows that she will have to restrain herself so she can walk without being suspected then corner that womanizer and beat him up to a pulp to avenge her friend.
She saw the sign which indicates the following rooms are the rest rooms and entered rather hastily.
As she was reapplying her make-up a guy entered the room which made her scream, "Aaaahhhh! Pervert! Get out of here!"
The said guy was surprised to say the least but when the lady started screaming he ran out as soon as possible while muttering, "I'm sorry". When he was finally out of the room he looked at the sign and was more surprised to see that it indicates 'Gentlemen', the guy who is actually Ren Tao had his brows furrowed at this.
Moments later Pirika walked out of the rest room and when she saw that Ren was still outside with his arms crossed in front of his chest she snubbed him muttering, "Hmpf! Don't know how to read…"
~majrocks~
Pirika finally reached the conference room where her target was located. When she opened the door, she saw a raven haired guy wearing a crisp white long sleeved polo with necktie under his business suit and was arranging the documents which the share holders would later read as they present their new project. The guy's name is Jiro Shui, Pirika's target.
Jiro was surprised when the door opened and a pretty blue haired lady wearing an off-white strapless knee length dress with ruffles at the hem entered the conference room. She smiled sweetly at him which instantly pushed his buttons and being the bastard that he is, he started to flirt with her, "Good morning ma'am" then flashed an angel like face.
Pirika wanted to roll her eyes at his antics but instead forced a smile then walked forward to him.
"If all the share holders are as beautiful as you then I would be more than glad to prepare the conference room everyday" he said in a practiced manner.
"Do you love her that's why you dump her?" Pirika said as she approached him.
"W-what?"
"Why do you men always treat women as some kind of a toy that they can play with until they found a new one to sate their wants?" She was boring holes in his body with her glare.
Panic was clearly written all over his face as the beautiful woman before him turn into a monster, "I- I don't understand what you're talking about..."
"Is it a sin to be monogamous and stay with just one woman? Are you that insatiable that you can't be contented with just one woman? The hell with you!" with that she finally burst and pummeled him while muttering curses. She had hit him mercilessly with almost everything that her hands can touch; chair, folders, her high heels, etc., until he is begging for her mercy while asking what he'd done to trigger this.
She was about to hit him with the chair again when the door burst open and both of them unconsciously looked at the door; Pirika on the verge of aiming the chair on his head and Jiro curled down helplessly on the floor.
Ren on the other hand, the one who opened the door to check if the room is ready stood frozen for a moment at the scene before him then gathered his wits and immediately shut the door to avoid a scene in the conference room.
"Just what the hell is happening here?" he growled then went between them and grabbed the chair from Pirika.
Jiro wiped the blood from his mouth and stood up, "That girl is crazy-!" he was cut off when Pirika slugged him on the jaw, for a petite woman she sure has a lot of energy.
Ren grabbed her wrist then tried to calm her down, "What's wrong Pirika?" Jiro then protested then cursed her and tried to get even when Ren knocked him on the nose and he fell on the ground, "You're so noisy" then turned to Pirika, "What's got into you?" the said girl burst into tears and he gave her his handkerchief.
"So, what do we have here? This is a setup right? Wait - I'll call the police. This is interesting" he opened his cell phone when Ren opened his wallet and pulled out bills.
"Call the police and let the whole company know your shameful tragedy or take this and shut up" he said arrogantly at Jiro. Suddenly he heard voices outside the door, "Forgive me" he said to her before tearing a portion of her skirt and sliding the strap of her dress on her shoulders, and he then ruffled her hair and wiped her lipstick to stain her face.
When the door opened the people outside saw Ren angry and glaring at Jiro them turned to Pirika and shouted, "What the hell are you thinking wearing something like that? You're so careless! Haven't I told you that short dresses like that provoke rape? What if I didn't come on time and saved you? What do you think will happen to you?" he grabbed her by the elbow and dragged her out of the room.
When they looked inside again they saw Jiro with his nose bleeding sitting on the floor and his suit crumpled.
~majrocks~
They were now in a secluded spot in a restaurant near the building. When the waiter arrived wit their coffee he turned to Pirika who was wearing his coat and had just finished telling him the reason behind her fiasco.
"So that guy is a certified gold digger and womanizer. And when your friend told him that she was pregnant with his child he demanded that she had an abortion" he said while sipping his coffee.
"You shouldn't have stopped me," she answered.
"Next time remind me not to incur your wrath,"
She just ignored his comment, "That bastard ought to be killed. He was a worthless bastard as all men are"
"Hey, you shouldn't judge the whole male populace by the actions of one. We, just like females are different from each other. You hate us when we judge you girls based on the bimbo's that we meet so why would you do the same with us?" Ren defended.
"Whatever. By the way, thanks for... for helping me out to save my image with the people." Her face become calm and she smiled genuinely at him before lifting her cup.
Ren for the second time was amazed at how Pirika can be stunning while the sun's rays seemed to be trapped in her hair making her tresses glistened and her feature's be emphasized.
Is she always like this or is it just him? When he felt Pirika's gaze on him he blushed then become defensive, "D-Don't you ever think that-that's for you! I just don't want them to have anything to say against you because my image will also be affected. You're my employee since you're the head make up artist of the movie that my father is funding, so technically you're under my responsibility." How come he didn't see her beauty when they always see each other on the set not to mention their disastrous blind dates?
"Okay. If that's what you said" it's the first time that Pirika noticed how handsome Ren is when you looked at him closely. To her, he was just a spoiled arrogant bastard who doesn't care about his surroundings never had it occurred to her that he might have another side.
"See anything you liked?" Ren caught her attention smirking.
She blushed and averted her gaze at the cup.
His smirk widen, "Free this evening?"
"Yes, why?"
"I'll pick you up in your place at seven,"
Her mouth was left open at his statement, "Is that how you ask for a date?"
"Well, you owe me for saving you and for that coffee so I think that's the best payment that you could offer and besides, who wouldn't want to go out with me?"
Pirika gave him a scandalized look, "Why would anyone want to go out with you? That's ridiculous!"
Ren just smiled at her, "You know you want to Pirika. You should feel honored; I don't usually allow last minute reservation for my time"
Pirika glared at him then stood up and was about to leave when she heard him, "Be ready by seven; I'll be taking you out even if you're in pajamas and house shoes though a good dress is better for a fancy restaurant."
She snubbed him and walked out of the restaurant already thinking of going to the mall to buy a dress for the evening.
~majrocks~
It's been over a month now since Yoh was hit by a car and met the girl who changed his life. According to their contract he would have to court her for half a year and based on that he still have to work for five more months to be able to call her his. Despite that, he is allowed to take her out and sometimes had a chance to hold her hand and if his luck is really that high, he can stole a kiss and get away with it.
But there are also times when his luck seems to have run out, just when he thought he can stretch some rules someone would barge in and cut their 'moment', even outside the mansion they would "accidentally" bump into one of Anna's family members though they both know better that her family is spying on them.
Over a month now and still no one except their families and the Tao siblings knew about their weird relationship.
There are two reasons for this 1) they had a contract and Jun also interjected that for the sake of his career and his movie he better be a bachelor on his fan's eyes; 2) Anna also doesn't want publicity. She's from a very private family and Yoh didn't want to involve her in the business' dirty tricks.
He knows he can't keep her away from the limelight and prying eyes forever, what he didn't anticipate is that it would be this soon. Now on his hands was a nearly torn magazine whose headline bares it all, 'Asakura's secret girlfriend- revealed!'
It also contained a picture of him and Anna to emphasize the story inside. When Jun first called him about the magazine being released on the same day of his movie's premiere night he froze then ordered his maid to buy the said magazine and minutes later he was reading the story of how he and Anna first met, the one thing that he promised her to be a secret is now out in the open.
Everything from the hospital up to the wedding was revealed only it had been romanticized and made Anna look as if she lured him in this relationship.
He tried to call Anna's cell phone but the line is off and their telephone is always busy so instead he called Jun to say that he would be going to Anna's house.
Sneaking out of his flat when a herd of reporters were outside proved to be quite a challenge but Yoh was already used to it by now and he's on his way to Anna's.
When he was near the said house he saw a lot of press cars and reporters hovering on their gate, he can't possibly use the front gate, without being cornered so he dialed Anna's number again but it's still off; he tried Redseb's number and luckily he answered and helped Yoh to enter the house through the back gate. When he entered the house he saw Anna and her family sitting on the living room with his manager Jun.
They all looked at him and he was ashamed of what he had caused them that all he could mutter was, "I'm sorry"
Anna's father walked to him then patted his shoulder, "Its okay, your manager here explained everything and besides we all know that this would happen sooner or later right?"
He nodded then walked to Anna's direction whose eyes were glued on the television. He took a seat beside her and turned his gaze on the boob tube.
The story was published first on the internet yesterday evening and a lot of comments had been made on it. Most of it were from angry fan girls who were writing harsh words about Anna and expressing their hatred on her. The reporter was reading some comments made by the fan girls when Redseb turned the TV. off
"They are not worth our time" he said.
Yoh held Anna's hand and wrap his other hand on her shoulder, "I'm sorry I've put you into this..."
Anna squeezed his hand, "Its okay. Say whatever they want I don't care as long as my family is out of this."
Jun cleared her throat, "That ambitious writer really knows when to strike; what are you planning to do now Yoh?"
"Clear things out," he answered then turned to Anna, "I would like your permission to speak to the press about us, I know we have a contract and I'm intending to keep that but I won't allow them to crush your image. Can we stretch that contract so I could clear you out and maybe I could just make up for it?" he gave her his best puppy dog eyes.
Redseb feigned choking then said, "Eew… this is one sappy mini soap opera…"
Anna glared at his cousin then sighed, "Guess we don't have any choice."
"But Yoh," Jun called their attention, "How about Mr. Yukimura's offer? You are aware that his offer would be affected right?"
Yoh looked worriedly at Anna, her face devoid of any reaction. She knows what the offer is. Mr. Yukimura, award winning director and Yoh's idol offered him a role in a soap opera that he would be working. When he delivered the news to Anna he was so ecstatic; he was his idol, this is the chance that he'd been waiting for.
All seems fine save for a catch, Director Yukimura only work with singles, and when he mean single, it's not married, no significant other or boy friend/ girl friend.
A pregnant pause occurred then Anna's father cleared his throat and ushered everyone to leave the two of them alone.
Another deafening silence prevailed when they are finally alone, Yoh, who couldn't take the silence anymore, spoke, "Anna…"
"Grab the opportunity Yoh, you've worked hard to achieve your status now. Don't let anything or anyone stop you from reaping what you sow" she said in a calm voice and an even poker face.
Yoh honestly couldn't understand her but years of experience taught him that if a woman looks and act calm and collected on situations like this it only meant one thing- danger, "What are you saying?"
Anna gave him a look which clearly says, I-don't-know-how-someone-could-be-as-dumb-as-you before answering, "Deny the story, and just tell them you've had the accident, period. Or maybe you could also add that you are just being grateful that I didn't let you die on the road that's why you're hanging with me."
Yoh's jaw dropped and he suddenly had the urge to shake her shoulders or maybe shake himself so he could wake up from this nightmare.
"Did you know that a lobster sometimes have to cut its body in order to survive?" she spoke again.
Yoh's face now resembled a big question mark, 'Why is she telling me this? Does she want to eat lobsters?' he thought.
"Same goes with us," she avoided his gaze, "Sometimes we have to sacrifice something to gain another or to save ourselves."
"Is that really what you want Anna?" his face was grim as realization hit him.
"Once the con's outweighs the pro's its as good as dead and you have to let it go; that is the thing that I've learned in our business."
~majrocks~
'You can have anything but not everything' that's what his grandfather used to tell him when he was young.
'You can't have all the things that you want, you have to weigh who is heavier and more beneficial then chose it. '
As Yoh waits for his cue on the dressing room he is weighing things, still checking who weighs more and has more benefits with little casualties. He was still debating whether to choose the once in a lifetime offer that he had worked for years to achieve or a whirlwind romance that came out of nowhere.
A voice pulled him out of his reverie, "Yoh, five more minutes" reminded Jun as she straightened a wrinkle in his white dress shirt.
"Okay, thanks"
"Will I also be waiting or you will tell me your decision in advance?"
He smiled, "Sorry Jun, you really have to wait"
She pouted then playfully slaps his back, "Sorry, sorry…. If everyone will just say sorry to atone for everything they'd done, why on earth do we need police?"
~majrocks~
He smiled and chose his words carefully as he answered the opening questions that his interviewer, renowned talk show host Ryunuske Umemiya or simply Ryu was asking.
He was very at ease with the interview; most of it was because Ryu was a great host, easy to talk to and would never lead anyone to get the answers that he wanted to hear but rather the answers that everyone should.
When the question finally landed about his relationship with Anna Kyouyama, he already formed a decision and was more than ready to face the music.
He paused for a moment before answering then flashed his trademark grin, "We are very good friends…"
Redseb who was watching the show in their living room turned the TV off in his anger over the other man's answer and stomped his way to his room angrily.
If he just extended his patience a little more, he could have heard his next words…
"She was a very wonderful and interesting woman. She's not just another pretty face that you could see in every corner of this world but rather someone who has brains and knows how to carry herself well. She doesn't pretend to be something she's not and she's not afraid to show her not so good side and manages to show everyone that her flaws could also be viewed as an advantage." He paused for a moment then spoke again, "She tends to look deeper into a person's personality. She may not show that she cares in ways that the society defines as appropriate but nevertheless shows it in ways that you can't expect possible. "
The audience has mixed reactions on Yoh's statement and you can feel the tension grew thick inside the studio you can slice it with a knife.
"For a friend you speak highly of her," Ryu observed, giving him a sly smile.
"With all due honesty Ryu she and I aren't an item yet. I'm still courting her; I really don't know where they got the idea that she's already my girlfriend and say those things to her."
Ryu straightened his position then asked again, "I see… however Yoh, you're also aware that this still unofficial love affair can affect your career right? I mean there's your possessive fan girls and we are also aware of Mr. Yukimura's offer to you. I know that this might already crossed your mind but I really can't help but ask, you do know that sometimes affairs like this can be let's say 'fatal' to a career," Ryu adjusted his trademark hairstyle and lowered his voice a few octaves while making that it is still audible enough for the audience to add a dramatic effect, "Didn't it ever occur to you that maybe you're gambling something this precious for another that might just be another passing fancy?"
Yoh just gave his host a knowing smile then looked at him straight in the eye, "How many years do a star need to live a sky rocketed career before he thinks its enough? What I have with her right now, it's one of the things that you can call true in this world. I'm aware of what's at stake, I guess that's just love, it's giving a sharp knife to someone and trust that they won't stab you with it," he broke his eye contact with Ryu then gazed at his fans, "I never know how I can repay you all for the love and support that you gave me. Ask me anything and for all of you I'll do it but please don't ask me to give her up. I'm not a picture or a poster boy; I'm as real human as all of you. I cannot please everyone. I ask you to please just accept this new transition in my life, but if you really can't do that, it's fine. If it's the end of the road for Yoh Asakura the movie star so be it. I wouldn't want to sacrifice what I have right now then someday regret that I did, to always be haunted by guilt and what ifs. Because no matter if this is really true love or not, I'm willing to play the game and if I ever fail, I know that I can always rest assured that at least I've tried and charge to our reliable life credit card, Experience. "
And that is how it goes, if you are asking where in the world is Anna while Yoh is being interviewed, she's in the kitchen, watching the television with Marri, Macchi and Kanna. She never really wanted to watch the interview but when she went to the kitchen to grab something to drink, she found the maids watching the TV and her feet felt as heavy as lead she absentmindedly watched the whole segment.
After the interview, as expected Yoh didn't get the role that Mr. Yukimura was offering and his career rocketed downwards…
.
.
.
.
.
as a bachelor
and sky rocketed as a committed ma. Majority of his fans accepted him back warmly, of course there are still those who aren't so pleased with his decision and sometimes they would pester him and Anna.
Some fan girls would leave nasty comments and graffiti's on their car and some reporter's would harass them, they even got far as accusing him of being a gold digger and Anna as a social climber but after they tasted Anna's wrath, fans and reporters alike learned to distanced themselves from the 'Mistress from Hell' while their loyal fans dubbed them as YohNa (can't think of any name, sorry, disclaimed).
And if you think that after this would be the phrase, 'And they lived happily ever after…' I guess we could always think again.
Yoh's penance for violating their contract was Anna doubling the duration of their original plan, Yoh was none to happy about it but endured in anyway. Like any other relationship, theirs also has its ups and downs, Anna's possessive nature would kick in once in a while and they would sometimes ended up arguing which in turn would left Yoh the shorter end of the stick; Yoh also has moments especially with Anna's rather handsome and flirtatious liaisons officer.
Of course there is also our little' angel' (really?) Redseb, who would always take advantage and every opportunity to play with his cousin and his boy friend with his not-so-wicked pranks; one prank that really outshine was the one where he told Yoh that because they had a fight, Anna decided to migrate to their house in Canada and doesn't have any plans of ever coming back. Our hero then rushed to the airport and when he found Anna on her way of boarding the airplane, grabbed her passport and ticket and tore it in front of the horrified blond then almost pleaded on her to not migrate to Canada for good.
Anna's reaction was priceless, though, it was a mixture of anger, embarrassment and being clueless on what he was talking about.
The situation was just cleared when Anna confirmed that she was not going to migrate to Canada but will rather attend an important business meeting there.
Yoh's face flushed and from that day vowed that he will never fall for Redseb's tricks…
"It's always a blessing that being a writer never crossed your mind," a voice cut his story telling.
Yoh upon hearing her voice turned his gaze at the door and saw Anna standing there with her arms akimbo, "Or else I'll be so ashamed of being acquainted with you," she continued as she walks to his direction on the couch.
"And why is that?"
"Because you're a terrible and boring storyteller"
"I'm not!" he whined.
"Yes you are, see? Even your own son is a living proof to it" she remarked as she got the now sleeping Hana from his father's arms. "When I left him to you he is still wide awake and energetic but look at him now, he got so bored at your story that he fell asleep," then caressed her son's chubby cheeks.
"Hey, I'm just telling him the story of how we met" he insisted.
Anna rolled her eyes at him, "It's not the story that bored him baka it's the one telling the story"
Yoh made a face then said proudly, "I have been thinking actually of writing a book, let's say my autobiography…"
"Good luck to the world"
"But you love me for it," he said then wrapped his arm on her waist and hugged her from behind then kissed Hana's forehead.
"You wish" replied Anna then planted a quick kiss on his lips.
~majrocks~
~EPILOUGE~
25 years later…
"Holy…!"
His eyes can't believe what he now saw, it's already past eight am and he should be at the office before 8:30.
It's true that his parents loves him very much, but his mom is strict when it comes to schedule and sure is scary if she wants; even his father cowers when his mom transforms into a seething dragon (his father's words not him). He whirled his way in preparing himself then hastily made his for his car and almost sent it flying.
Just his luck, traffic was pouring in and he had no choice but to find an alternative route.
He maneuvered the car in an ally, when he was slowing down to enter a curb, a lady entered his car.
"Miss this is not a taxi" he told her.
"I know. Just get the car moving, I need to get out of here fast" she ordered him.
He raised an eyebrow at her statement, he glanced at her, she was wearing a black knee-length dress, blond hair parted and some are in a side braid and has a red bandana on her hair. She looks familiar; he just can't remember where he'd seen her.
"Hello? Have you done checking me?" she icily snapped.
He blushed then moved his gaze on the road, "Miss, I don't want to be rude but can you just get out" he shoved her away but she stood her ground and looked at him as if he had grown another head.
"Didn't you recognize me?"
"Huh? Have we met each other before?" he didn't know why but this scene seems familiar. A male voice reverberated in his ear and he felt shiver down his spine.
"I can't believe this, from what cave are you from? I'm Anna III, the international acclaimed singer, hello?" she yelled in an exasperated tone.
Really this guy is testing her patience.
"Really?" he said quizzically, not believing her, "Who are you kidding? You don't look a bit like her!"
Anger rose in her body, she badly wanted to wring his neck but she didn't have enough time, she needs to get out of here fast before her fans catch up on her. She counted one to ten then sighed then sang one of her popular songs.
Realization dawn on Hana but before he could confirm to Anna III that he already recognized her; they heard several voices saying "Anna III!" loudly.
Oh My Gosh Anna shrieked, "Start the car!"
Hana immediately complied but not before camera flashes and video cams caught a glimpse of them.
'Really just my luck, now aside form my father having a heart attack because I'm late mom would also be having one after she reads the morning paper with my face on the headline.'
~End~Fin~Wakas~
Thank you for supporting and reading this story, even though I want to thank everyone who reads this personally I know some of you didn't gave me any clue of your identity so therefore I would say Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you and greet those who left a trace of their existence namely:
Nothing, Ja 01'Loving you Always', animelover147, Midori no hime, yehey, Babsi-Flocke, complicatedmind21, Natasuya, df14-blacksnow, elpatolocosisi, asakura yohanna, timisnotmyname, Nightglider, Timelegend, nina, summer bloom, psychobubbles, lily, and HPCS2
and also to those who put this in your favorites and alerts.
If I forgot to mention your name, please forgive me...
P.S.
I really love to get reviews, please don't forget to leave one...