Title: Izumo
Disclaimer: I don't own Shaman King
Summary: Remember the episode when Yoh and Anna went back to Izumo so he could train in Yohmei's cave? Well this is how I imagined Tamao and Anna first met.
NG: THANKYOU ALL FOR THE REVIEWS! NEED HAS RECIEVED 13612 hits and among all my other fics has the highest rating for now. Thankyou all for your support!
Story
Gold dust swam gently under the rays of the sun, as it seeped down the slight gap between the door. Two guardians, one resembling a raccoon and the other a fox, laid sprawled on the floor, gazing at a pink haired 11 year old dismally. They were dying of boredom, yet Tamao had threatened them to stay in one place for at least another hour, else she would tell Yohmei about the playboy magazines she had confiscated from under their bed. They knew she wouldn't really, but then seeing as how the pink haired prophetess wasn't in the best of moods ever since the departure of the young hair of the house, they decided to take it easy…for once.
Tamao ignored them, trying to concentrate on her predictions. It had been eleven years since she came to the Asakura household. Every inch of the territory was now familiar to her. Yet she still needed to work hard on her predictions.
The wind flickered the leaves on the window sill, hinting a sign that would have probably gone un-noticed by any other person. However, just as it had moved, something familiar flickered through her senses. With a gasp, her eyes shot open, alerting her two guardian spirits to look on in interest.
"Could it be…?"
"As the moon kindles the night
As the wind kindles the fire"
"TAMAO!"
"H-hai!" Tamao cried, jumping up and rushing out of the room. The two spirits hobbled behind her.
"As the rain fills every ocean
And the sun, the earth
with your heart, kindle my heart"
The wind swept through the ground just as Tamao rushed over them, sweeping up the dry leaves in the air. Konchi and Ponchi panted, trying to catch up with the girl as she quickly made her way to Yohmei's room.
Tamao quickly stepped up to the door, gasping for breath. The two spirits finally caught up, just as Tamao straightened up and slid the door open.
"Yoh-mei sen-" Tamao stopped eyes widening as a pair of familiar brown ones looked up at her, "sei…"
Yoh grinned, "Yo Tamao!"
Instantly heat rushed up Tamao's neck, her eyes brightening, "Y-Yoh-sama!" then suddenly, as though realizing she made an error she quickly bowed, "w-welcome back Yoh-sama!"
"Tamao, I believe you haven't met Kino sensei's disciple, Kyouyama Anna?"
If possible, Tamao's face turned a darker shade of crimson. Looking up quickly, she bit her lips at the blond itako, "g-gomen nesai! Anna-san! Wa-watashiwa-"
"Ah-Anna!"
"E-eh?!" Tamao cried, feeling her heart stop as the itako grabbed Yoh's katana. Before anyone could do anything, it shot straight towards Tamao, before she had a chance to scream.
On reflex, Tamao quickly shut her eyes, bringing up her arm to block herself.
PLONK!
Eh?
Blinking, Tamao looked up. The katana didn't even touch her. Bad aim? She looked behind her, instantly jumping back.
"Konchi! Ponchi!" she cried, staring at her two spirits in horror.
There was a moment of silence when Yoh's whine jerked her back to reality.
"Anna! You could have hurt Tamao!"
Tamao's heart stopped. Yoh cared for her!
"Humph!" Scoffed the blond itako, glaring at the two unconscious spirits, "she's unharmed isn't she? Insolent brats."
Tamao flushed in embarrassment. Quickly turning back to the two she bowed, "gomen Anna-san! I-"
"You need to learn to control them better. If they showed such disrespect to the future Shaman Queen again, I would hit a lot harder, and a lot lower."
Tamao whimpered, feeling her nerves on edge as the itako looked at her sternly. Future Shaman Queen, this girl was-
"I'm Kyouyama Anna." Anna said importantly as though reading her thoughts, "Yoh's future wife."
The room fell silent as the two girls stared at each other. One with wide eyes and slightly trembling hands, the other with a challenging defiant look, arms crossed.
Yoh sighed inaudibly, not knowing what to say. He was too used to Anna's straightforwardness, especially on this matter, to blush from embarrassment. For now he felt sorry for Tamao. Being a victim to Anna's glare was not a healthy treat.
"Gomen nesai…" Tamao finally mumbled, feeling helpless
Yohmei cleared his throat, "It's alright Tamao. Yoh and Anna just arrived from Fanbari. Please show Anna her room; it is to be one beside the temple."
"H-hai!"
"Those brats are worse than what you thought of them."
Yoh laughed, stretching his arms behind his head. They were walking towards Anna's room, Tamao leading them. He always knew Anna's first meeting with Tamao and her spirits would be interesting. But he didn't realize it would be this quickly.
Konchi and Ponchi were trailing behind them. Keeping a safe distance behind him and Anna. He never saw them this obedient since Matamune.
"I agree with Anna-san Yoh-dono." Amidamaru said, appearing beside Anna, "they give us spirits a bad name."
"They're not that bad." Yoh said lightly, "They take pretty good care of Tamao."
"Hmph." Anna scoffed, frowning at the pink haired girl before her, "looks like it. She looks like she'd get a heart attack at the sound of a pin drop."
"Really?" Yoh blinked, turning towards Tamao. Feeling his eyes, Tamao stiffened, walking more robotically than ever.
Yoh grinned, "Nah, Tamao has always been like that."
Rolling her eyes, Anna didn't bother commenting.
Ahead Tamao was just about ready to burst into tears. Her guardian spirits had displeased Anna AND Yoh-sama's guardian spirit Amidamaru! She was so ashamed! Hopefully Yoh wouldn't be mad at her. But she insulted his fiancée!! Anna was so mad at her! What should she do?! She had always tried so hard to control Konchi and Ponchi but the two never paid any attention to her, except when running away from Yohmei's wraths. She tried, she really did try her best to control them. Even Yohmei couldn't really control them! The only one who had was Matamune. Konchi and Ponchi still wore clothes because of him. If they weren't ancestral spirits Yohmei would have thrown them out years ago! Why couldn't she get a better control over them?! Now Yoh would hate her! And so will Anna and Amidamaru!
"Ne, Tamao?"
Tamao squeaked, wincing automatically and hunching her shoulders. Now she was in for it. Yoh would tell her how disappointed he was in her.
"Isn't Anna's room that way?" Yoh asked, pointing the opposite way.
"E-eh?!" Tamao cried, her face paling, "G-gomen ne! I-"
"It's fine." Anna cut in gazing at the young prophetess with a slightly exasperated and bored glare. Honestly she was almost starting to feel sorry for the girl. Almost.
For what seemed like a billionth time, Tamao felt her face heating up as she bit her lip, twisting her fingers awkwardly.
"I-I've heard a lot about you." She stammered, not daring to look at the blond itako, "I'm sorry about Konchi and-"
"Did you tell them to be perverted?"
Tamao blinked, looking up a bit in fright as Yoh gave her a sympathetic look.
"N-no I swear I-"
"Then there's no need to apologies." Anna interrupted again, turning towards her room, "I suppose lunch would be in an hour?"
"H-hai!" Tamao replied, looking at Anna walking towards her room.
"Good, I expect it to be acceptable. Wake me up when it's ready."
"Yes!" Tamao answered, standing more erect as the blond itako closed the door before them.
"Don't take Anna's tone to heart Tamao, she's always like that." Yoh assured, offering the girl an apologetic smile.
"I-its noth-I mean-I didn't think-she wasn't" Tamao stammered uncomfortably. She couldn't' exactly agree with Yoh! Anna was his fiancée! For all she knew he could be just being polite.
"I know. It's fine." Yoh grinned as the two started to walk towards Yoh's room, "She's not a bad person…once you get to know her." Pausing he added with a laugh, "that could take a while."
Tamao bit her lip, not trusting herself to say another word. As though reading her thoughts, Yoh placed his hand on her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
Frozen in place, Tamao couldn't do anything but stare.
"Don't worry. I think she likes you."
For once in her life, she didn't believe Yoh.
Laughing, Yoh stuffed his hands in his pockets again, "It's been great to see you again Tamao. I'm gonna take a nap as well. Call me when lunch's ready kay?"
"Hai." Said Tamao smiling at the young shaman as he entered his room.
She stood for a moment longer, before retiring to the kitchen. She must do her best to make it up to Anna.
Behind her, the two spirits finally wobbled their way to her, "Tamaoo-chaaann!!" They wailed, hurrying towards her pitifully.
Tamao sighed, her heart going out for the spirits as they gave her wounded looks. She stopped and turned, kneeling down to greet them as they trotted closer. Two fat trails of tears streaming down their eyes as they jumped in her arms, wailing at the cruelty the itako had bestowed upon them.
Tamao sweat-dropped, a bit frustrated and at the same time sympathetic at the spirits exaggeration. Not knowing what else to do, she patted and rubbed their heads in comfort. A small distance away, a ghost of a samurai looked on at the scene, smiling slightly at the small girl.
The atmosphere was tensed as every eye in the hall stared at the blond itako, sitting calmly before the table. Yohmei sweat dropped at the nervous flicker in Yoh and Tamao's eyes. Why were they so nervous? Anna was having her first bite of Tamao's cooking. Yohmei sighed; sometimes he wondered if the world was filled with idiots.
He looked back at Anna and blinked. Kino's glaring face flashed across his mind. It brought him back to the time his wife used to judge his cooking.
Yohmei blinked before heaving another sigh. Ok, so maybe in this case it was understandable.
"Hmm…" Anna murmured softly, tasting the particles in her mouth thoughtfully as they melted on her tongue.
Unconsciously, both Yoh and Tamao leaned forward, waiting in anticipation of her reaction. There was only one thought running through each of their minds. Even Yohmei started feeling a slight chill of apprehension at the look on their faces.
Finally, Anna nodded her approval, "You have skills in this child."
Once again, Yohmei sweat dropped. Child? How old did she think Tamao was?
Yoh grinned, relief clearly evident on his lips as Tamao relaxed into a small smile, "I told you she liked you."
Tamao blushed as Anna ignored her fiancé, taking another bite of her meal.
Yohmei cleared his throat, putting down his bowl and turning to Yoh, "Yoh, after dinner I want you to go cleanse yourself. You would need to remain calm during your training."
The smile instantly vanished from his eyes, Yoh could only nod. Tamao looked at Yohmei before looking at Yoh again in concern. What were they talking about?
Anna remained silent.
"Maa..! That was the best meal I had in ages Tamao-chan!" Yoh cried happily, stretching his tensed arms. Yohmei had retired to his room while the kids waited for dissert.
Tamao blushed as a shy smile blossomed on her lips, "A-arigato…"
Anna blinked lazily at the pink haired prophetess, but chose not to comment on her reaction.
"Yoh weren't you supposed to do something after dinner."
Yoh yawned tiredly, but managed a grin at his fiancée, "Hai hai, I'm on it."
"Ah…Yoh-sama." Tamao started as Yoh got up, "will you continue training here again?"
"Nah, after a bit of it I gotta head back to Fanbari." Yoh answered, heading towards the door. Pausing before the entrance he turned to Tamao with a smile, "You should visit us sometimes Tamao, it's a really friendly place."
Tamao bit her lip before smiling and nodding, "Hai!"
"Great!" Yoh grinned before turning about again, raising one hand in the hair, "well, Ja'ne. Anna."
Tamao blinked, before stealing a glance at the blond itako. Anna was looking at Yoh leave, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of her lips, but Tamao wasn't sure.
There was a tensed moment before Anna finally averted her gaze to Tamao, raising an eyebrow in question. Startled, Tamao turned crimson.
"Gomen! I didn't mean-" she stammered, quickly standing up
"To stare?" Anna drawled, her voice gave a touch of amusement.
If possible, Tamao blushed more than ever, "H-hai…"
"It's fine." Anna stated carelessly, not in the mood for another apologetic speech.
"Ah…ano…" Tamao stammered softly, not knowing what to say. In truth, she had this urge to be on the good side of the powerful itako. She was Yoh's fiancée, and it was obvious she wasn't shy in causing harm. Or shy in any other manner. But she honestly didn't know what to do. Tamao hadn't ever spoken to another person before. In school everyone avoided her, since she lived in the haunted Asakura state. She really didn't know how to befriend a girl, much less the cold itako.
Anna stared at the pink haired girl, hand supporting her cheek as she tried to think of something to say. Did she even realize how long she was taking?
Now normally Anna was a very impatient person, but this time she found herself slightly amused by her. Or more or less by how easily she could be intimidated.
"Tamao…was it?"
Tamao stiffened, automatically looking up like a soldier facing the general, "Hai!"
"Take a seat."
Tamao blinked before doing as she was told. Anna continued to observe her quietly as Tamao fidgeted. Did she do something wrong?
"You like my Yoh."
Tamao froze.
"Don't you?" Anna finished quietly, eyeing the girl with a strangely serious glint in her eyes.
Tamao at first had an urge to apologies again, but the look in Anna's eyes told her she won't stand for her to beat around the bush. And Tamao had no doubt she was impossible to lie to.
"H-hai…" Tamao whispered, feeling a strange sense of dread and heartache enveloping her chest. She could forget about befriending the itako now.
To her surprise, Anna's eyes softened, "for how long?"
Tamao blinked, "I…y-your not."
"Mad?" Anna guessed lazily, lowering her eyelids.
Tamao lowered her head in shame. She wanted to tell Anna she didn't. Or that she was sorry she did. She had tried to stop, but every time he came before her, or even when he was mentioned by Yohmei, she couldn't make her heart stop fluttering. The image of his smile was plastered on her mind and she couldn't get rid of it. She was ashamed of it. She knew he was taken. She wasn't the kind to steal someone away from another…but.
"Feelings aren't something one can control." Anna remarked, not taking her eyes off the younger girl, "you liking Yoh just means we have something in common."
Tamao blinked looking up at the itako. She didn't know what she was talking about.
Anna frowned, looking sideways, "Hey! Perverted spirits!"
All of a sudden, Ponchi and Conchi materialized before the itako, frightening Tamao half to death. They were listening to her?!
"Bring me and your mistress tea. And it better be good."
"Hai!" The two spirits cried, sweat trailing down their faces before the two disappeared in a puff.
Tamao could only stare.
Anna looked back at Tamao, speaking as though there was never a tense moment.
"So you can predict the future right?"
Dumbly, Tamao nodded, still looking at Anna speechless.
"Can you predict when Yoh will come back from the cave?"
Tamao blinked, Cave?
As though reading her thoughts, Anna lowered her eyelids, "Yoh's going to enter Yohmei's cave."
It was as though Anna had slapped Tamao hard. Her heart frozen in place, Tamao felt all the air being sucked out of her lungs. Yohmei's Cave?
Anna blinked, "I take it you've heard of it?"
Eyebrows suddenly creasing in worry, Tamao nodded, "Hai…" she whispered softly.
There was another moment of silence as Tamao contemplated on how to break the news to Anna. She obviously had no idea how dangerous Yohmei cave was. No one had ever returned once they entered it. How could Yohmei send his own grandson in there? Was the title that important?
Anna looked at the girl for a moment, before her eyebrows narrowed.
"You really have some nerve don't you?" she drawled icily, "claiming to love my Yoh. You have no idea what it-"
"Anna-sama!" Tamao spoke up, a bit sharply, standing up. There were a lot of things she could stand. She could stand people dissing her when she tried to talk to them. She could stand people ignoring her, calling her weak, having someone else own the right to call someone she loved as theirs and she could even handle Ponchi and Conchi's perverted-ness and Yohmei's scolding. But she would not stand someone doubting her feelings for Yoh. They were all she really believed in. They helped her train harder and harder every day to be the best she could be. To eventually let go of all the hurt and attempt a smile, just like Yoh always did when faced with the most brutal training.
Anna blinked lazily as Tamao glared at her, unfazed by the outburst.
"When you love, you have unconditional trust in that person." Anna continued as if Tamao hadn't even shouted, "you doubt Yoh would return."
Tamao felt her heart skip a beat as she tried to maintain her glare "you have no idea-"
"What Yohmei's cave is like?" Anna interrupted, "Yohmei gave us a faint idea. No one ever has returned, too dangerous, artificial death. That's the one right?"
Tamao bit her lip, her brow disturbed into a frown as she gazed at Anna.
Didn't she care?
"Yoh has a lot of promises to keep, especially to me." Anna went on, just as Ponchi and Conchi appeared with tea, "He will not fail."
The two spirits looked at each other in question before turning to Tamao.
Tears were trailing down Tamao's eyes as she looked at Anna. Instantly angered, the two, forgetting about their fear of the itako were about to charge an attack when suddenly Tamao's voice stopped them. Anna took her tea from their tray.
"Anna-sama…" she whispered, "what if…"
"Don't ask me stupid questions." Anna stated, her voice wasn't sharp, "I want you to start practicing on your ouija board. From what Kino-sensei told me, you're still a novice aren't you?"
Helplessly, Tamao nodded, scrubbing her tears furiously. But they wouldn't seem to stop. What if Yoh didn't come back? What would she do-
"When Yoh goes into the cave, I want you to start working on your predictions. Find out when he'd be getting back." Anna stated casually, sipping her tea.
Tamao blinked, "But-"
Anna blinked at Tamao, looking on silently.
Tamao bit her lip hesitatingly. There was so much she wanted to know, but for some reason, all those questions were just swarming on in her head. She couldn't find words for them.
A few seconds passed by and Anna spoke, "Tea."
"Eh?"
"Your tea is getting cold."
"Ah…gomen…" Tamao whispered automatically, sitting down.
None of them spoke another word as minutes ticked by. Tamao fidgeted in her seat, shooting glances at the blond Itako every now and then before directing her gaze to her cup. Blushing in guilt at her antics.
The silence was finally broken when Amidamaru emerged from the doorway, telling Anna that Yoh was done with his laps.
Tamao watched silently as Anna gave a brief nod before taking one last sip of her tea.
"Tell Yoh he may begin his three hours of electric chair, I will meet up with him later."
Amidamaru bowed before disappearing once more.
Tamao glanced back at the blond itako. The difference between herself and Anna was startling. She was everything Tamao wasn't. But did she really-"
"If you have something to say, say it already." Anna spoke up, her voice edged with impatience.
"Ah..! Ano…" Tamao stammered looking back down at her cup, "Gomen Anna-san…but…do you-"
"Yoh is my fiancé, of course I love him." Anna retorted casually.
Tamao felt her cheeks flaming up as she looked at the blond itako incredulously.
Anna raised her eyebrow, making Tamao realized she was staring.
"Ah! I-gomen ne!"
Anna sighed getting up from her seat, "I'm going to look around."
"H-hai…" Tamao trailed off, looking back at the table. There was a moment of silence before she looked up and froze. Anna didn't look happy.
"Well?"
Finally realizing what the itako wanted her to do, Tamao tried to fight off another blush creeping up her neck as she quickly grabbed the two empty cups and stood up from her place, "Gomen-ne! I-"
"It's fine." Anna interrupted, walking away. Tamao followed quickly.
"I heard you looked around the state today."
Anna closed her eyes, enjoying the fresh breeze against her skin as she trudged down the path.
"I did. There isn't much to look at."
"Ah. Grandpa prefers to keep it simple." Yoh replied, staring ahead of him.
The two had decided to pass time taking a stroll towards the shrines in the Asakura residence. Yoh merely to get away from more training, and Anna for the lack of TV. She could have taken a walk with Tamao or the spirits. But Konchi and Ponchi annoyed her. And she didn't want to hear Tamao apologizing ever four seconds. Amidamaru on the other hand had a habit of getting too friendly with other ghosts to be good company. Yohmei was too old and she didn't felt like going by herself. That left only one person.
FLASHBACK
Yoh Asakura collapsed on the hard dirt, breathing heavily as he finished his 2000th sit up for the day. No matter how much he did it, he never gotten used to it. Maybe because Anna added another hundred sit ups every bloody day. Stupid An-
"Yoh."
"I'm sorry!" Yoh exclaimed stupidly, shutting his eyes tight.
Silence.
"Yoh." Anna said again, her eyes lowered in a you're an idiot glare, "What are you doing?"
"Umm…" Yoh blinked, looking up at the blond itako before breaking into a charming smile, "training?"
Anna eyelids lowered, "Honto ne…"
Yoh laughed nervously, sitting up but not standing up.
"Yo!" He greeted, raising his hand
Anna sighed, taking a seat across her fiancé.
Yoh blinked at her. That was a first.
"Something wrong?"
"You're a pathetic liar."
Yoh sweat-dropped, shooting his fiancée an apologetic grin.
"I want to go for a walk."
"Eh?!" Yoh stammered in surprise. Without another word Anna got up and looked at Yoh expectantly.
"Walk." She said simply, looking at him.
END FLASHBACK
They walked a bit further. Neither one of them said another word. And perhaps, neither one was aware of a young prophetess watching them silently from afar.
Tamao felt her heart throb as she watched Yoh and Anna making their way towards the shrine. The two walked close together, hands by their side. They weren't doing anything. They weren't even holding hands…but then…what was it…Why did it hurt?
"Yoh."
Yoh didn't say anything, waiting or her to continue.
Anna paused before looking ahead, her eyes lit with determination, "A lot of people are expecting you to return."
A smile curled at the corner of his lips, "Hai."
Tamao bit her lip as Anna clenched her fist slightly, keeping her face impassive.
"I want you to makeup with the midget after you come back."
Yoh sighed, but before he could say anything Anna halted her step, turning fully towards him. Feeling he had no other choice in the matter, Yoh turned to her. Unconsciously, Tamao felt herself inching closer, unable to tear her gaze away.
"Unless you make up to him you won't be able to concentrate completely on your training or the tournament. I don't want your mind wandering. More than it already does."
Yoh smiled, "Gomen."
The two fell into silence again. Tamao watched in curiosity before her heart suddenly skipped a beat in realization.
Neither one of them had made a move to walk again. They were just standing, and looking at each other. Yoh with a small smile and eyelids drooped a little low and Anna, well she still looked as impassive as ever.
Tamao felt her heart beating faster as a hint of pink started emerging on her cheeks. She wanted to turn away, but for some reason felt rooted. Were they…Was he going to-Was she going to-!
"Your pink haired friend is worried you won't come back." Anna spoke once more, startling Tamao to almost let out a squeak. Was she…she wasn't….Was she going to tell?!
Yoh blinked, "Tamao?"
"One more shock and she might suffer from a nervous breakdown." Anna continued, walking away from him a bit before placing herself atop the trunk of a fallen tree, "Try to save me the trouble for finding the hospital for both of you."
Yoh laughed as Tamao just stood in shock. What…what just happened?
"Tamao-chan gets scared easily. But when it comes to it, I think she's stronger than she seems." Yoh assured, stuffing his hands in his pants pockets.
Tamao felt a small smile slip across her lips. Heart instantly warmed. Yoh was so wonderful.
Anna sighed, closing her eyes, "I know that already."
Tamao stared; smile instantly vanished as her mouth suddenly fell open. WHAT DID SHE SAY?!
Yoh seemed to be surprised as well, though for some reason, not as much as Tamao.
"If she can survive holding feelings for a guy who bearly realizes she exists, she has to have a strong will."
Tamao felt a ton of brick falling down on her head.
Yoh blinked in surprise, a small spark of interest lightening in his eyes (wow that rhymed), "Tamao likes someone?"
There was a moment of awkward silence before Tamao fell to her knees in relief, feeling a fat trail of tears falling down her eyes. She didn't know whether to dance in joy or burry herself alive for the stupidity of the situation.
Anna sighed, giving her fiance an exasperated look.
Yoh blinked, confused, "What?"
"My fiance is an idiot."
Yoh grinned, "You think so?"
Tamao watched quietly as Anna blinked before glaring at the young shaman, "I'm adding 200 more laps tomorrow."
Tamao sighed, a bittersweet smile lifting her lips as Yoh whined and tried to talk Anna out of more training. He was supposed to go into the cave tomorrow, so she knew Anna would relent. Still…
Getting up, Tamao decided to head back. Maybe it would be better if she returned to her chores. She could use the distraction.
NG: I don't know...I didn't bother to write out Tamao's feelings and felt it better to leave you guys to igure it out. I think they're pretty obvious right? Despite many fanfics, I consider Tamao as a person who doesn't have any ill will towards anyone unless they try to hurt anyone she cares about. She doesn't even get mad at Ponchi and Konchi too much. And thus despite her feelings for Yoh, I don't consider Tamao jealous o Anna. She idolizes her. That much is pretty apparent in manga and anime. Maybe I'd write another part to it. This didn't satisfy me like my fics usually do...but then I didn't elt I should change anything. Anyway I guess its because its different from my other stories, perhaps thats why I felt a bit uneasy about it.
I'll let you guys decide i it was good or not. Please don't forget to leave a review. I do accept anonymous reviews as well you know, and I don't care if they're in perfect english.