Title: Everlasting

Disclaimer: I don't own Shaman King

NG: Ok people! So I always wanted to write this sort of fic. AND ITS REALLY LONG SO YOU BETTER LIKE IT! I should warn you though it contains spoilers. And some

..Uhm...more to the point. Sometimes I get the mood to be a bitter sweet story writer. I hope its really sad. I tried to make it so anyway. If it made you cry please tell me! I always wanted to write a fic that would make people cry!

…But anyway, I suggest while reading this you guys listen to Everlasting by Boa. I kept adding the translation where I felt suited the situation so please read the translation as well to understand it. Its at the end of the story. And…yeah that's all. Please don't forget to leave a review. And thank you all SO much for reviewing all my other stories. I'm currently also working on Need from Yoh's point of view and these reviews really make me want to write more. ENJOY!

Story

Gray clouds passed lazily over the bright sun, beaming down at the field full of people barely acknowledging its efforts. Many had joked this day to be the happiest day of their lives. No one considered sparing a thought on how unexpected reality could leave them. Only yesterday, all of them were powerful, invincible shaman.

One incident, a natural almost innocent incident, had bared all of them helpless.

Gairoju nokoru yukitachi ni
Hikari to kaze ga furisosogu

The wind blew softly against the canopies of the weeping willows, their branches swayed to and fro gently, saluting the last breath of the itako that had sat under them countless times, reading manuscripts, thinking, wishing secrets only they knew now.

Mune wo hatte mo utsumuite mo
Kisetsu ha ashi wo tomenai ne

They won't enjoy her company anymore.

Yubikiri mitai kawashiteta
"Ja ne" to "Mata ne" tte iu kotoba

Manta Oyamada gazed around the crowd with tired aching eyes. Every eye was locked before them. Their postures erect and straight with determination. As though facing a battle they expect to lose. As though one blow would shatter them. But he knew they won't. They had become far too strong for that.

Nare da shigusa mo wasureru no
Chigau mirai yuku no

There weren't many people. At least, not many there for her. Almost 3/4th of the group had come just for the sake of their friendship with Asakura Yoh. The other quarter for their respect.

Except for Hana, maybe Kino…and perhaps Yoh.

Kono sayonara ga tabidachi naraba
Boku no egao wo zenbu ageru yo

Manta looked at the blond three year old, clutching to Tamao's skirt as he peered over her legs. Looking shyly, a bit puzzled and confused as his mother rested upon the pile of woods before the crowd. Surrounded by millions of petals everyone had laid around her, Anna still held her domineering aura. Maybe because that's just how everyone would remember her. Clad in an extravagant white kimono, the Shaman Queen still held authority over all.

Manta wasn't surprised the boy didn't know what was going on. Who was brave enough to tell him? Maybe Anna. But that wasn't likely now.

Kino took hold of a bronze kettle, walking towards Yoh and stretching it towards him wordlessly. Yoh didn't move. He didn't even bother to acknowledge his grandmother standing next to him, willing him to take hold of the kettle. Manta watched his best friend and sighed.

Deatta koto mo aruita machi mo

His eyes were concealed behind his bangs, head a bit low, like it usually was in front of Anna. But now there wasn't a hint of smile dancing at the corner of his lips. What had anyone expected? Yoh and Hana were Anna's only real relatives now.

If it had been him…he didn't know how he would handle it.

Futari no mune de ikitsuzukeru no

"Yoh-dono…" Amidamaru whispered, looking down at his master quietly. Yoh didn't respond as Kino, her hand as steady as ever, continued to hold out the kettle to him. Not speaking a word.

"Yoh." Yohmei said, his voice stern and commanding.

Zutto zutto wasurenai

Without another word, Yoh looked at his grandmother, taking the kettle away from her, smiling a small greeting smile.

Everything will be alright.

Tobira ikutsu akete mo

His hand trembled as his fingers touched the rubber surface of the handle before grasping it firmly.

Kino didn't smile back as she backed away. Now all eyes were on Yoh, waiting for him to move.

Donna ni tooku hanareta mo

Manta felt a small flame of anger licking his chest. The tribe had wanted Yoh to cremate her. When Manta first learned of this, he was more or less shocked. He had always viewed the tribe to be in favor of changes and technology. But apparently religious ceremonies were another matter. Especially when it concerned the Shaman King.

They had decided that as the wife of the shaman king, no priest could have the honor of freeing her from her earthly form. Preferring the old methods, they had over looked what effect it would have on their king. Surprisingly Yoh hadn't protested. He never said anything relating to the matter.

Tsunaide te to te

"Otou?" Hana murmured, taking a step away from Tamao towards his father. Tamao placed a trembling hand on his shoulder, not daring to look at him as tears threatened to spill down her eyes.

Hanare ha shinai

Just as Hana was about to look up Pirika kneeled before him, swooping him into her arms.

"Your otou is a little busy Hana-chan." She chirped grinning at the boy, "shall we get some ice-cream and wait?"

"Oka?" Hana questioned pointing towards his mother, still staring at Pirika with wide eyes.

"She's resting. We'll bring her another flower ne? Wont she be surprised when she wakes up."

"Ne!" Hana mimicked happily before the two made their way away from the crowed.

"Hmmhm." Tamao moaned silently, staring at Yoh's back as she finally let the tears flow. Kieko had warned everyone from crying in front of the boy. Yoh would have to tell him later.

The rest still stood erect. Some had silent trails running down their eyes. Some had their clenched fists trembling. None allowed themselves to leave. No one would let Yoh handle this alone.

Handle? Was that really the correct word?

Yoh looked back down at the kettle, his hand falling limply beside him, tired of the weight as he let out a small sigh.

Muriyari ni demo wasurenakya
Tsugi no jibun ni ikenai no

Ugoki hajimeta honmu koushi
Kimi ga chiisaku naru

Slowly and gradually he started walking towards her. His feet felt heavier with every step, but he continued to near her. He felt sorry for Faust. And glad at the same time. If he had indeed loved Eliza more than he loved Anna, this must have been harder for him. No wonder he couldn't let go. But what did that matter now. He was the Shaman King, and he still wasn't powerful enough to bring her back. She had told him not to. Like always, he couldn't defy her. And unlike Faust, he couldn't live spending the rest of his life trying to find ways to bring her back. Unlike Faust, he was being forced to let her go.

Yoh sighed, pausing briefly to gaze up at the sky.

"Its like a dream. I just don't know what is real. I'm having a hard time accepting it."

FLASHBACK

"Both sides are real. Everything you experienced till now is real." Anna said matter of factly, looking over the school grounds

END FLASHBACK

Kujiketa toki ha sou boku no tame

Feeling his eyes starting to prick at the corners, Yoh smiled weakly. Everything will turn out. Everything always turns out.

FLASHBACK

"Can I sleep with you tonight...?"

Yoh exhaled evenly, looking at nothing in particular. Goldva had said everything would change in the opening ceremony. He could never figure out how to tell her that. So he had avoided the topic. Just like he had been trying to avoid it then. By coming home silently late, knowing she had been waiting, hoping she would have already gone to bed. This was exactly what he wanted to avoid. It tasted too bitter. He preferred an easy life. Without any complications. He preferred the shield the two had set between them ever since she first read his thoughts on his feelings when they were ten. When she had slapped him and ran out of the room. Two sliding doors keeping them apart. Just like tonight. He was grateful they were between them then. And how they always had been, in some way, unconsciously, ever since then. It would have been so easy to keep it that way. Knowing she was on the other side, that he wouldn't have to open the doors to her. Because it was easier. Behind those doors. He wanted them closed. It felt more peaceful. Like the calm before the storm. It had been much easier.

She had closed them between them last time. They had never touched them since. The shield had stayed. Now she will open them again. Because he could never refuse her. Especially not tonight. He should have known ignoring the changes wouldn't stop them from ocurring. And if he didn't succumb to it and face it, things always got more complicated.

Earlier that day if she had asked him, he would have pretended not to hear it, shocked as much as he might have been. Through out the day he had an almost desperate instinct not to face her. In school he hadn't looked at her when he told her he was going to spend time with his friend. He should have known she wouldn't realize it would be hard. But then that moment, he wanted to see her. It could be the last time. It could be the last.

"Yes."

Anna closed her eyes feeling her strength give way. Her hand trembled as it touched the wooden frame of the door, pushing it gently and as slowly as possible, aside.

The glass creaked as several silver scars cascaded down its smooth form.

FLASHBACK

"You really didn't have to do this..." Yoh said weakly, eye twitching.

"Your grandmother ordered it."

"BUT THIS LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING I WORE WHEN I WAS 8!" Yoh yelled clutching the clothes.

"Hahaha, what kind of thing is this?" Manta laughed, pointing.

Anna raised her eyebrow, "Are you saying you don't like my hand sewn outfit?"

Yoh and Manta froze. She MADE it?!

"I LOVE IT! Thanks for the battle costume, nothing is more important!" Yoh exclaimed striking a pose.

"IT'S SO CUTE!!!" Manta agreed heart eyed.

Anna felt a vain popping on her head, "You two can't act."

END FLASHBACK

Clenching his fist, Yoh started moving forward again. He should stop thinking.

Ren and Horo Horo watched, their eyes glaring slightly as their friend made his way towards his wife.

FLASH BACK

Yoh blinked standing at his front step. Loud sounds of people running, shouting at each other and furniture crashing stopped him from stepping in. Something told him he should come back later. But for some reason he couldn't move.

Suddenly, a loud sound of someone slapping made him jump back. A few seconds later there was a deafening sound of something crashing against the wall. Yoh sweat dropped. If he went in there, he could PROBABLY save the house form being destroyed. But there was a fir chance of getting killed. But then there was more a chance of his friends being killed if he didn't stop or TRY to stop Anna.

"Any more noise and you shall join that Ainu Idiot."

Yoh smiled as a chorus of compiling murmur followed his fiancée's order. At least Anna seemed to be back to normal. Which meant he should come back a little later. But then lunch would be late. Yoh sighed. Maybe he was insane to keep her with him. He liked having a peaceful easy life. With Anna, he could count on the exact opposite. With someone like Tamao, he could count on the exact kind of life he wanted. But then Tamao wasn't Anna. Which settled the matter. His life felt easier with everything in order anyway. Even though it wouldn't HURT for Anna to do shopping once in a while. Idiot Anna.

"Excuse me?" Anna asked sweetly, opening the sliding door just as Yoh froze rigid in his step, "Did you say you wanted to join your friends?"

Yoh sighed, and he actually expected to get away?

"When did the guys get here?" he asked instead walking in and following her to the kitchen.

"Manta called them. He came looking for you earlier and I needed a clean Inn."

Yoh sweat dropped, "But they're my friends not maids..!"

"Thats what WE told her." muttered an irritated voice from behind the closet.

"Eh..?" Yoh blinked just as Ren came out, wearing Anna's pink apron and bandanna over his head.

Yoh's lips trembled dangerously as he looked at his friend. Yup, Tamao wasn't Anna. Without Anna, things wouldn't be this entertaining.

END FLASHBACK

Yoh bit his lips, trying to control his will. But no matter how much he tried. The memories seemed to stream out towards him. Almost begging him to stop. But he couldn't stop. Didn't they know that? He promised Anna!

FLASHBACK

"So do you want to tell me what's wrong, or do I have to guess?" Yoh asked casually, staring ahead at the lake.

"...I guess I'm just afraid we'll grow apart."

FLASHBACK

Yoh looked at her silently as Anna rubbed her hands, blowing at them to keep them warm. Wordlessly, he held out a can of hot chocolate. Anna looked at it silently before accepting it.

Yoh sat down beside her, "I admit the shaman tournament will bring about a lot of changes. But even if it takes years, we'll always be friends. Ok?"

"...If you say so."

FLASHBACK

"Yoh..."

"Hmm..?" Yoh asked looking up from his family hair loom Anna just handed him, and smiled, "Ah...you don't have to say it."

Anna looked at him impassively.

Yoh grinned, "I'm glad you came, you look well."

Anna paused, biting back a small smile, "You too." she said shortly. What else was there to say?

Yoh laughed.

FLASHBACK

"Ah...that's right."

Anna quirked an eyebrow as Yoh approached her. The oracle bell still lying before her feet.

"You did me a great favor by bringing me my oracle bell..." Yoh said, smiling warmly, "I need to thank you Anna..."

FLASHBACK

"Brr. Its so cold!" Yoh whined stuffing his hands in his coat pockets and hunching up his shoulders, "Are you ok?" he asked turning around.

"Fine." Anna replied impassively, walking calmly past him.

FLASHBACK

"I'm leaving everything to you."

Yoh's eyes widened, "Ah..? Oh..! You can depend on me this year-"

"Not that." Anna replied shortly

"Eh?" Yoh stuttered, eyes widening.

Anna didn't meet his eye as she quickened her pace just a bit, "Offering at the temple. I dropped my wallet."

Yoh sighed, "that's unfortunate…"

FLASHBACK

"ANNA!"

Anna looked up, startled. Yoh was trying to FIGHT that thing?!

"Anna! Run! I'll hold him off! Go get grandmother and Matamune!"

Anna stood still, watching Yoh in shock. Why wasn't he running away..?

FLASHBACK

"Where is Anna?!"

"Umm...I don't know..."

"WHAT?!"

"Hey take it easy...I don't know where she is." Oh-Oni replied, waving his hands for peace.

"Explain..." Yoh growled, glaring at the Oni murderously.

The Oh-Oni gulped, drawing back.

FLASHBACK

"Stop it Anna! You'll die in those clothes!"

"SHUTUP!" Anna shouted throwing more stones at them as the Oni laughed in delight behind her.

FLASHBACK

"I understand..." Yoh whispered, gritting his teeth as trails of tears ran furiously down his eyes.

Anna started looking at him in surprise.

"GOODBYE MATAMUNE!"

FLASHBACK

"You're covered in blood...are you alright Anna...?"

FLASHBACK

"Don't you think she looks a little…scary?" Yoh asked uneasily staring at Awayaringo.

"That's only a facade." Anna replied, "The reason why she dresses up like that and makes those actions is to hide her weakness inside her inner self."

Her eyes softened as she gazed at her idol singer, "This poem...is actually a very very beautiful song."

Yoh smiled, looking at Awayaringo, "Just like you..? Is that so?"

Anna turned towards him sharply, eyes wide in shock.

"I'm finally beginning to understand since coming here..." Yoh continued closing his eyes with a sigh, "Many things have happened."

He opened them again turning to Anna smiling, "Other people's inner hearts, you actually understand them right?"

Anna's heart skipped several beats as she turned her gaze away.

FLASHBACK

"Since it is so, you should be giving up now right? Only bad things will happen if you continue to stay here. So you should quickly-"

"I'm not going anywhere." Yoh interrupted shortly.

FLASHBACK

"Your carefree senses have nothing to do with me. Because I hate everyone. So I don't wish to have any relations with anyone. And you still want to build up a relationship?! WHY?!" she shouted, startling Yoh alert.

"Erm...Why? Ah..." Yoh asked weakly, not daring to look at her as his face turned an interesting shade of red.

Anna's heart stopped dead as Yoh's thoughts started streaming down her brain before she could stop them.

"Actually...it must be really hard to understand other's feelings..." Yoh murmured with a sigh, still blushing furiously, momentarily forgetting she could read thoughts.

Feeling her cheeks growing warm, she felt her mouth hanging open.

"How disturbing!"

FLASHBACK

"By the time that T.V. program ends, next year will be here. Once it finishes, lets go to the temple...together. I know to go where there's a big crowd is hard for you...but to fulfill wishes, praying at temples in new years is most effective."

"Speaking your wishes to the Gods at the start of the New Year-But that is not for protection, but to set a goal for oneself."

"For example, what you wish to do this year or what you would like to become? To make an agreement with the Gods not to have any relations with anyone-to have a free heart."

Yoh smiled, "I think-you would like to settle that power of yours, right?"

Anna bit her lips, narrowing her eyes to try and find an argument against it, "But...I..."

"There'll be a way." Yoh stated firmly, "If you really can't stand being in crowds, and accidentally call upon an oni, then lets run away together. Even if prayers can not tame that power of yours, in the end it doesn't matter."

Anna started, looking over her shoulder. What was he talking about?

Yoh smiled, "If that happens, then just wait until I become Shaman King, then I'll do something about it."

Anna stared out in darkness, listening quietly as tears started cascading down her eyes.

"When that day comes, I will become the shaman king, and save you."

FLASHBACK

"I want to go and welcome the arrival of the new year," Yoh said looking straight at the sliding door, "you had better not fall asleep ok?"

He smiled, "I'll wait for you."

FLASHBACK

Anna blinked before quickly turning around quickly, crossing her arms, "I guess you worked harder than ever this time."

Yoh smiled, "You think so?"

Anna looked at him sideways, "you did well."

Yoh grinned, "Thank you!"

FLASHBACK

Matamune gritted his teeth as the Oh-Oni walked towards the Mount Osore, clutching Anna in his grip.

"This is bad…If he continued to get stronger, Anna's furiyoku would run out."

Yoh's eyes widened as he looked at Matamune, "But…that"

"If that happened, Anna would die."

Yoh stared at Matamune in horror, before whipping his head back towards the retreating Oh Oni. Anna had fainted in his grip. Yoh's heart stopped.

"NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

END FLASH BACK

Yoh's eyes shot open as he stopped dead in his track. His heart started beating faster as the view of Anna lying before him suddenly cleared. That last memory. It was like he was screaming, really screaming.

All around him there was silence. Every eye was on him, waiting for him to burn his wife. Burn her.

Yoh breathed staring at the kettle in horror.

Burn her...?

FLASHBACK

Yoh was sitting on his futon, looking at her. He wasn't smiling. But his eyes were just as bright as her's. Looking at her wordlessly, as she drew near kneeling before him.

It was then her lips had trembled. Just slightly, barely noticeable to anyone but her. He had smiled pulling the blankets over her as they laid down. His hand reached for her cheek, caressing it lightly. She closed her eyes at his touch, leaning towards him as he wrapped his other arm around her, pulling her close.

The glass cracked in protest as he ran his finger up her cheek, pushing the blond strands away from her face. How long will it be till he sees her again? He should have known he needn't tell her everything would change. Maybe she knew that before he did. He should have known he can't avoid Anna Kyouyama. Not because he couldn't. Or because it was foolish to try. But because...

Anna opened her eyes and looked at him in question. He leaned forward, placing his lips over her's in reply. He will miss her.

The glass shattered and fell. Both of them, for once, didn't care.

END FLASHBACK

Yoh lowered his eyelids, feeling a strange numbness wrapping around his body as his feet started moving forward on their own.

Ryu, closing his eyes looked away as Yoh grew closer to Anna. Amidamaru bowed his head as Bason placed a hand over Tokagero's shoulder, keeping him from approaching Yoh.

Daijoubu da to naite kurete ne

Lyserg stood with the rest of the X-laws, looking over Yoh worriedly as Jeanne and the rest prayed in silence.

Hajinai you ni tsuyoku naru kara

Standing beside Manta, Chocolove could do nothing but sigh. Manta agreed. Not even Chocolove's lame joke could lighten the moment.

Yakusoku suru yo Yume ha kanaeru

Yoh blinked, looking down to find himself standing in front of the sleeping itako. He didn't had the strength to think more. And he didn't had the strength to do anything else. He never felt more drained in his life.

Oto no shinai namida ga
Kono mune nagareru kedo

Almost helplessly, he watched her stoic expression. Her eyes were closed in deep slumber. Yet her body was alert and guarded. Just like she had always been. Yet there was no stiffness in her brows. The corner of her lips weren't curled down. For a split second, Yoh could almost see her chest rising and falling with every breath. Yet she remained still.

Kuyamazu ni fumidasu yo
I'm so in for your tenderness
Mata aeru made

Placing the kettle down, forgetting about his surrounding, Yoh inched his fingers closer to her cheeks. Trailing his fingers across the smooth skin. Almost expecting her to open her eyes, look at him annoyed and scold him for waking her up.

One of the patch priests made a move to call put to Yoh, but Sylva held up his hand. Watching the Shaman King pay his last farewell to his bride. The priest shot him an irate look before stepping back. What did it matter anyway?

Everlasting...

She would wake up in a few seconds. It took time when she was in a deep sleep. In a few seconds she would glare; a slap was an expected bonus; increase his training and then forgive him when he'd make her her favorite breakfast.

Yoh smiled.

The breakfast she would spend instructing him his daily chores, while feeding Hana banana paste. Yoh always made a mess whenever he tried to feed him. It was just something he couldn't handle. No matter how many times he would practice. Without her, both he and Hana would always mess things up.

Kono sayonara ga tabidachi naraba
Boku no egao wo zenbu ageru yo

Tears had falling down his eyes, yet he still gazed down at her. Unaware of what was happening. He won't break down.

Deatta koto mo aruita machi mo
Futari no mune de ikitsuzukeru no

Leaning down he placed a soft kiss on her forehead, willing for her, one last time to open her eyes. End the dream he didn't want to be in.

Zutto zutto wasurenai

She was cold, yet he didn't care. For a few split seconds, he locked her gaze on her eyes. Waiting; almost desperately for her to glare at him. He wouldn't mind a hard slap. Just something. Anything; to stop him from doing what he had to.

Tobira ikutsu akete mo

Yoh closed his eyes, tears now trailing down more furiously than ever. Almost angrily and desperately. Yet his features stayed calm. Did he really thought Anna would listen to him?

A small smile crept across his lips again as he looked back at his itako bride. He could never make her do anything. She was just too good.

Donna ni tooku hanareta mo

Placing his lips one last time on her fingers, Yoh straightened up again, numbing out every thought and memory for a few minutes. The flaming torch was handed. Hana was too far to witness anything.

Kieko closed her eyes, holding Tamao sobbing against her chest. Slowly all heads bowed down for the final moment as Yoh threw away the kettle. Letting out some of his anger on the bronze pot. His lips pressed in a thin line.

Tsunaide te to te

Yoh looked back at Anna one last time. His eyes creasing to one last plea. Like a child begging for one more chance. No response. The blond itako kept her eyes closed, unaware of the tears being shed for her. Ironic, when she was alive it was always because of her.

Feeling his heart shatter inch by inch every second, Yoh closed his eyes in defeat.

Hanare ha shinai

Matamune watched the gray smoke ascending towards the sky quietly as the other guests started to head back. Yoh still stood before the fire, his back facing Matamune as the flames flickered against the wind. He wanted to approach his friend, but knew letting him be would be better. Yet he couldn't make himself leave him either.

Closing his eyes, he smiled weakly, recalling the lines he had once wrote for Yoh and Anna.

Love is the meeting, the seperation

It is a transparent piece of cloth

Translation:

Light and wind downpour
On the remaining snow of the roadside trees

Even if I'm filled with pride or looking down at myself,
I can't stop the seasons from changing.

As if it were a pinky promise
We exchanged the words of "Bye bye" and "See you"

How can you forget these familiar gestures?
Are we headed to different futures?

If this farewell is the beginning of a journey,

I'll smile as much as I can for you.

Even the fact that we met and the streets we've walked

will remain in our hearts.

I'll never, ever forget,

even if I open countless doors.

It doesn't matter how far apart we are,

Our locked hands

will never separate.

I have to forget even if it's against my will

or I won't be able to face the rest of my own journey.
As the train starts to move away from the platform
you become small.

When I was crushed, you cried

For my sake, saying it was all right

I'll be strong so you don't feel ashamed

I promise you, our dreams will come true

My silent tears are
pouring out of my heart but

I'll take a step forward without regrets.
I'm sorry for your tenderness,

until I see you once again.

Everlasting...

If this farewell is the beginning of a journey,
I'll smile as much as I can for you.

Even the fact that we met and the streets we've walked
will remain in our hearts.

I'll never, ever forget,

even if I open countless doors.

It doesn't matter how far apart we are,

Our locked hands

will never separate.

NG: If you had heard the song while reading the fic like I suggested, you might have enjoyed it more than without the song. Well I did anyway. PLEASE REVIEW!

And umm, yeah, I'm dedicating this fic to psychobubbles and the rest of my old reviewers for being so adorable and not leaving me even though I had started writing shorter fics. And I hope this one was long enough and good enough for you guy! LOVE YOU! That done, I also hope you realize I wont be updating or writing new fics that frequently especially long ones coz well, my teachers are giving me too much assignments. And frankly I should have been doing them right now. But meh I expect this fic to make up for it coz well...its long! Is it longer than need...? No idea. But meh anyway, once again review or else! I worked hard you know!