Shaman King

Violet Twilight

Rated: T

Genre: Romance/Fantasy/Drama/Supernatural/Action Adventure/ Angst

Pairings: YohAnna HaoOC OCOC RenPirika HoroHoroTamao LysergJeanne…

A/N: Heya just figured I'd try this. Feedback is appreciated. Thanks for reviews so far.

Part One: Glisten

Mercy is neither given or earned in a harsh world

Chapter One

He smirked at the bypassing people, who were either squabbling or joking with one another. He rolled his eyes as a huddle paused to argue over a bus fare home. Humans…what was the point of their existence? They messed up, destroyed and hampered the plant they were currently situated on. Shamans were much more understanding and at peace with what occurred around them. Of course, he wasn't going to bother eliminating these human's as in the end they'd be done with each other.

"Oi! You!"

Arashi responded by snorting and closing his eyes, resting his head on the palms of his interlocked hands. He heard an infuriated grumble and the sound of feet thumping along the ground; growing in volume as the human neared. He cracked one eye open to study the man who was now glowering down at him; face reddened from overuse of anger; sweat sticking greying hairs to his forehead and temples. Arashi gave the best shrug he could; considering his position and then the eye was closed again.

He stiffened when he felt a large hand grasp the scarf wrapped around his neck and slowly reopened his eyes, meeting the man's overbeat glare with a simple confident filled scowl. The man was obviously drunk; from his ragged heaves in and out and the way he wavered as his feet shifted underneath him, trying to compose a decent balance. Arashi withheld his scornful laughter, but clasped his hand over the man's, their eyes meeting.

"I suggest you let go," he said evenly, eyebrows slanting. "Unless you give a reason as to why you're holding me like this-."

"Yous were givin' me der evils innit?" He uttered. Arashi cringed as the man's alcoholic breath brushed past his face.

"You were mistaken I'm afraid; so let go."

"Iie. Innit wrong ter giv'm evils like-."

Arashi arched a brow, sustaining his cool. "Who are these others I am 'giv'm evils' to?"

"Why you little…"

"Fine," he drawled, eyebrow twitching, "let me put this in layman's terms. Lemme go."

"I ain't got no reason ter let ya go, innit?"

"I can't understand your terrible grammar either. 'Innit!'"

"Yous makin' fun o' me innit?"

"Duh…"

"Whys you little...!"

When his 'posse' heard a booming thud behind them, they halted with their chattering and turned around fully, only to have their eyes promptly widen. Their mate was out cold on the hard gravel ground; face first with a brown boot placed upon his back. There stood Arashi, arms crossed, dark brown spiked locks draping themselves over his face as he cast an unimpressed look downwards. He let out a short and spiteful mutter, before swivelling around fully and removing his foot from the man; his black sheath clinking as he did.

They all gasped, and one or two sped after Arashi, gritting their teeth and raising balled hands to shake furiously at him. He paused and shot them a glare over his shoulder, but they paid no heed and continued charging at him. He rolled his eyes again, a habit he had developed over the years. His nose crinkled as he remained level headed; his hand drifting to his sheath. He paid notice to their yells of outrage and his hand firmly grabbed the tanned yellow handle of his blade. As their thundering stampede quickened, he wrenched a peculiar looking sword out and spun round.

Clumsily, the group came to a stop, faces paling and sweat trickling down their faces when the first two at the front let out groans and fell forwards. They anxiously shuffled forward, peering down at their bodies, to only have their eyes snap wide open. There was a gash on each stomach, starting from the waist and travelling right to the beginning of the shoulders. The gashes were almost identical and the bodies of the men lay stiff and motionless as blood flowed out from the wounds.

Without any hint of remorse broadening upon his features, Arashi raised the blade of his for everyone to see; the men's blood coating the tip a charcoal red. The handle was a tanned yellow; with an odd red ruby planted in the middle of it, joining the blade to the handle. The blade itself was utterly odd. It was jet black and jagged with a stony texture. Arashi couldn't help but swing the blade in front of them, sending droplets of red towards them. They gasped and stumbled back; some of the woman clasping their hands over their mouths.

"The blade is made from magma," he explained impassively, eyes darkening. "But I doubt you really care. Ah, but you'll be assured your ringleader is alive, but as for these two…," he kicked them lightly with his foot, frowning tentatively, "well, I'd hurry and tend to them…"

And they obliged, stooping down and crawling to their injured comrades, fussing and arguing over what to do. Arashi, solemn and emotionless turned on the ball of his heel and departed, wordlessly.

: Part One:

"Yoh? Hello-o-o!"

The brunette blinked and slightly turned his head to meet large and worried black orbs, obviously belonging to his best friend, Manta. He grinned wryly but his eye lids drooped and he let out a disgruntled sigh, pulling his headphones down to hang around his neck. Manta cocked his head to the side, observing the shaman and opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a loud, demanding voice.

"Yoh! Manta! We're going somewhere, so get ready!"

The short boy scratched his cheek in confusion, used to the blonde's orders and such, but the abruptness of this one had him befuddled.

"Hey Yoh-kun," he said thoughtfully, shifting his eyes to the boy, "where do you think we're going so soon?"

"I…don't know." He replied slowly, the doubt well drawn into his face.

"I said get a move on!" Anna barked, brooding at the two males.

They sweatdropped and both shouted 'hai' back, ambling off to get ready. The itako sighed in resignation and shook her head, leaning against the doorframe and folding her arms.

"You must go to a place called the purity temple. That will tell everyone what is going on."

"You'd best be right Hao…"

Meanwhile, a small group that consisted of Ren, HoroHoro, Pirika and Tamao all gawked at what was being told. After Manta had finished explaining, HoroHoro leant back, stroking his chin in a thoughtful manner. Tamao blinked and wondered if the suddenness had anything to do with her leave yesterday, while Ren and Pirika remained quiet; Ren with a calm demeanour, obviously pondering and Pirika because she was not bothered. Actually, she was quite thrilled, but kept her silence as Ren had stated she was a chatterbox and she wanted to prove him wrong. The fact that Tamao was just standing there and being quiet now was tempting however…

"Well," HoroHoro began, breaking the silence, "why does Anna want to go to some remote place? Where are we going exactly going anyway?" Manta shook his head, affirming he hadn't a clue. HoroHoro glanced at the greyish sky, resuming stroking his chin while Ren wordlessly walked a little ways away, gazing out at the plummeting land before them that transformed into hills. He grimaced and seated himself on the trimmed grass, resting his Kwan Dao next to him and cupping his chin in his hands. The day was relatively bleak and he had a bad feeling about this trip and somewhere felt Anna was having second thoughts. His peace and pondering was disrupted by an energetic as ever Pirika came bounding over; a silly grin upon her features.

"Ren-kun," she chirruped, making the boy sigh and lower his head, "what do you think? Are you gonna enjoy this trip?"

"Pirika…we don't know where we are going exactly, I am not the type to express that joyous emotion, I…you are prodding my Kwan Dao…"

She blinked at him innocently, ceasing her poking of the spear like weapon. "Nani? It pokes people, so it deserves a little payback."

Ren blinked confusedly at her philosophy, before sighing through half lidded eyes and promptly snatching it from her poking frenzied fingers. She scowled good-naturedly at him, balled hands on her hips in Anna fashion.

"You come out with some bizarre things." He drawled, amber eyes flicking upwards. She mimicked him and they watched the infrequent clouds roll by, before yet another loud noise ended the tranquillity. Ren sighed again, for what would be the start of many that day and reached his feet, dusting himself down. Pirika imitated him yet again, her gaze transfixed upon him. It turned out Anna had arrived and HoroHoro had constantly pestered her about their location. It was odd really, considering the amount of times she had walloped him he still did not recall he shouldn't agitate her.

They lined up, peeking somewhat nervously up at the blonde who stood in front, figure straight, hands on hips, her rosary beads clinking together as she moved a bit.

"Ok, listen here. We're all needed to go somewhere away from Funbari. If you dare ask me what we are going to," she spoke monotonously, eyeing HoroHoro warily as his hand rose but swiftly lowered, "you'll get a fist in your face. I assure you where we are going is profitable for you all. Now, got that?" everyone nodded. "Good, now let's go before I get wrinkles."

So, (though HoroHoro protested, Anna soon dealt with him) they walked down into Funbari's centre. Jun, Chocolove, Ryu, Lyserg, Jeanne (of whom had joined them recently), Faust and Eliza were even more bewildered than the others, having been dragged along. Chocolove had been giving a performance when a 'mysterious female blonde' had stormed onto the cheap stage, disposed of the security and hauled him off. It was creeping up to half four and banter was exchanged, while a stony Anna consistently stared ahead, expressionless and eyes stony. Yoh would have comment, if he had not contemplated on the matter thoroughly. For even Anna to become so frigid, it must have been a hell of a significant matter.

But when the blonde halted, eyes wide, the whole group was stopped. Yoh, who was walking behind her and conversing animatedly with Manta bumped into her, sending her forward somewhat, but in redemption he grabbed the back of her arms gently and pulled her towards him, her back skimming his front.

"What's wrong?" He whispered soothingly into her ear when she went rigid. She turned her head a bit, just enough for him to glimpse the swarming worry in her deep black orbs. She pointed forward, though didn't look forward and his gaze followed her arm to find something…

"What the hells that?" HoroHoro burst out, backing up a bit. A figure of ebon black, the shape of its body changing as it pulsed of pure energy, with shifting spikes moving down its small back craned its neck to face them, soulless grey orbs flickering. It grinned, revealing normal looking teeth, save for the rather larger canines and dashed. Reacting the quickest, Ren whipped out his Kwan Dao, entered Bason into it and jumped in front of HoroHoro, blocking the beast and sending it hurtling back.

It had a bumpy roll, before it composed itself and charged wildly again. This time the majority of the group had their weapons enveloped in furyoku and were guarding, while Manta, Tamao and Pirika stepped back. Anna followed them, but had centred herself and was now watching with narrowed eyes. She had a bad feeling…and yet again as he pushed forward, deflecting the odd being back, so did Ren…

: Part One:

"Who-o-o-o-o-o-o-a! Look at that! And that, and that and-!"

"Yeah," the tall man chuckled softly, "I kind of get the fact you're intrigued Nukumi-chan."

"Heck yeah!" the raven haired girl declared, a gigantic grin smothering her face. Her equally dark eyes scanned the new area to her with shining mirth, while her companion smiled tenderly and raked a hand through his dark hair. He wore his hair in the fashion of dreadlocks, while the girl's long hair was loose and straight. The man, seventeen years of age was about six foot, his skin dark brown. His brown blue eyes were gentle and wise.

"Hey, Nukumi-chan? Where are we headed?" He inquired, beginning to hum as he cast his gaze to the small village a few miles away. The girl of around five foot three, give or take half an inch more, turned her grin towards him.

"We're headed for that village Gachou oni-chan!"

"Which is called…?"

"…"

"You don't know?"

"…"

She scowled when he chuckled, rubbing her nose angrily. Gachou rolled his eyes playfully, ruffling her hair.

"I never did figure a fifteen year old runaway had the innocence of a small child." He mused, grinning when her scowl deepened. She crossed her arms and pouted, the happiness stilling in her eyes.

"I'm only a runaway 'cause kaachan an tousan wouldn't let me go…"

"Well, would you let your child follow a strange dream calling her to Funbari?"

"…"

"Thought so. They were just worried."

"I know…but now you've made me go all sad…"

Gachou, calm as he was rolled his eyes again; proceeded by leaning against the broad trunk of the towering oak. The girl's emotion changes were unpredictable; the slightest thing could make her as optimistic as hell or very pessimistic.

They trekked on in a sombre silence to the village, until the sight of a snow coated bunny made Nukumi perk up instantly.

: Part One:

Ren blanched and backed away, eyes snapping open in alarm. People had long cleared the area and the creature seemed content bombarding the group of friends with black balls of energy and hurling itself at them. To their experience, they had never quite encountered a creature of this type, so as it came back relentlessly, always seeming unfazed by getting hit back, the group grew weary. As it bolted towards them at a fast pace, Ren raised his Kwan Dao and thrust it downwards before impact. It penetrated the creatures flesh and it let out a croaky screech of agony, a screech so bad Ren and everyone threw their hands over their ears, flinching visibly.

Its blood looked thick and was a shady orange. But, as you may not expect, the creature hopped back to its feet and the flesh that had been discarded had formed another…creature.

"What in the name of-!" The Tao was cut off when both lunged at him. He managed to block, barely mind you, one after the other, but when the second bit his ankle, he yelled in pain and was promptly headbutted in the stomach by his companion. Ryu took this chance to intervene with Tokageroh's ghostly vines. It wrapped around them and sent them flying, while the others huddled around Ren, a sniffing Pirika stooping down to his level and holding his shoulders firm as he winced, blood seeping from where he was bitten.

The creatures regained their composure and set course for the Chinese man again, but Chocolove, Yoh and HoroHoro stepped in front, each running for a head on collision with their weapons readied. HoroHoro and Chocolove took on one, while Yoh was left to deal with the original, which was leaving a trail of blood with each movement. They hacked, slashed and swiped, but each time they hit, only more emerged. Eventually, the three were surrounded. Lyserg and Faust had joined the fray, but it was to no avail. Though Ren could not join in with the battle, it would have not made a difference.

"What are we going to do?" Jeanne asked absently in a hushed manner, knuckles whitening.

"Surely…Yoh-sama and the rest will beat them…" Tamao piped up, the worried gleam in her eye betraying the confidence she had mustered up. Ryu gritted his teeth, his lizard like guardian spirit floating nervously beside him.

"Well," he remarked stubbornly, rubbing his chiselled chin and grinning, "I don't know about you ladies, but I believe I am going to fight."

"B-but Ryu!" Manta wailed, outstretching his arm, "you'll get hurt!"

"Ah. Its much better than doing nothing my short friend." Following his own words, Tokageroh entered the Bokken Ryu housed and jumping past the circle, he landed with his friends, a determined expression setting in.

"Anna-sama? Can't you do anything?" Tamao asked, her eyes not drifting as another battle started up. The blonde bit her lower lip, shaking her head vigorously. Pirika took a look at Ren and then stormed up to the itako.

"Anna-chan! Now is not the time for calmness! Look, everyone's injured-."

"Oh? So its better to panic?" Anna snapped in a harsher than intended tone.

"I think we're done!" HoroHoro exclaimed, dodging the creatures to only bit slashed by another. Yoh, clenching his teeth, blocked with the Futsonomitama, sweat trickling rapidly down his face. He ducked, but was clawed at on his back, which sent him jerking forward to another. He swiftly parried, but a black orb of crackling energy skimmed his shoulder; completely obliterating the fabric and lightly burning his shoulder. He cringed and raised the glowing white blade above him, snapping his eyes shut as numerous creatures jumped up and cast their eyes down to him.

He waited…

Nothing.

He screwed up his face, before opening both eyes, blinking in confusion. He lowered the Futsonomitama, Amidamaru disengaging himself from it and materialising beside Yoh, just as perplexed as he was. The first thing everyone noted was the fact that nothing was there. No bodies, remains, nothing…

"Uh…is it me, or does a lot happen in a blink?" Yoh joked in a bemused tone. Several laughed anxiously, until their eyes fell upon a figure.

He was hunched, standing, a sword with the blade made from a black rock resting over his shoulders. The whole sword was enflamed with a dazzling golden glow, which quickly fazed to an inky black, camouflaging the blade. The glow subsided all together and the boy, about five foot six allowed the sword to drop downwards and he slowly raised his head.

One person recognised him…

They just refused to believe it at the time…

: Part One:

How much longer must we wait! I am an impatient being!

Well, you're going to need patience.

Easy for you to say…

Why is she so moody?

I do not know

I'm not

Are too

Come now. No squabbling my children. The time draws near…

Tsuzuku