আ𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 2 | 𝘙𝘦𝘯
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The epic edgelord, the one with the honorable Tongari, the one and only Ren Tao will be introduced in this chapter- ("￣O￣")
Also, vote if you want-
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A/n:
'*' = Flashback.
Note: Don't be a silent reader!! Tell me what you think! :DD
.
MANTA RAN THROUGH THE STREET AS USUAL, glancing at his watch worriedly again. "Cram school ran late again.." He came across the old cemetery gate. "Oh yeah, I forgot about the shortcut through the graveyard. It's not so bad now that I'm friends with all the ghosts."
Manta was on top of the gate when a voice spoke. "You there, what's your hurry?"
Manta turned. "Huh? Yoh-kun and (Y/n)-kun..?"
"No, wait, it's not them.." He thought. Standing on the roof was a boy in his school uniform. He had raven hair and golden eyes, the one who was watching them the time before. (Y/n) had happened to be at the graveyard as well, but as soon as she spotted the raven haired boy she hid. There was something about him. No, it wasn't the Tongari hairstyle he wore.. It was his aura. (Y/n) didn't sense any explicit, life-threatening danger from the boy but she felt enough to be wanting to stay out of his way. She didn't want to be noticed.
"I guess there are people who are just like Yoh-kun and (Y/n)-kun... Oh wait! I don't have time for this!" Manta checked his watch and went to leave, but stopped on his tracks when the raven spoke. "Have you ever noticed that there are no stars in Tokyo?" He asked. "Hu.." Manta breathed. "The stars are the streetlights that guide mankind. Those who cannot interpret the movement of the stars will surely lose their way and perish. Do you two belong to the ignorant masses who ignore the stars?"
(Y/n)'s breath hitched upon realizing that the footstep she made earlier pretty much gave away her being there. The raven knew. Manta pointed a finger at him. "What do you mean, no stars? This is the best stargazing spot in town!"
"Ha.. You can't call these true stars. I thought you might understand," With a faint glow of golden light, the raven was suddenly now behind Manta. "Because you also can see spirits."
"Wha.. Spirits?!" Manta asked.
(Y/n) suddenly and swiftly moved from her hiding place and stepped in between the stranger and Manta, instinctively. This boy was strong, she could sense it. The raven's golden eyes met her (e/c) ones sharply.
He suddenly let out a little laugh, staring deeper into (Y/n)'s eyes as he smirked. "You're fast, do you have a Spirit Ally?" He asked. (Y/n) narrowed her eyes. "I don't," She replied, straightening up. "Ano sa... What's your intention?" (Y/n) asked, loosening up a little bit. "I think I sensed you back then."
"Impressive, you sensed my presence from that distance?" The raven praised. "Don't be afraid, I won't harm you," He spoke. "I just wanted you two to do something for me."
"What?" Manta asked. (Y/n) was shifting closer to Manta as if to shield him from the raven. "Give a message to your friend with the headphones. You," He shifted his attention to (Y/n). "You're his sibling, right? Tell him, too."
(Y/n) quirked a brow. "To Yoh-kun?! And how did you know that (Y/n)-kun and he were siblings?!" Manta asked, whirling around.
"Who are you?" (Y/n) asked, her tone implying that she was unfazed. The raven smirked.
"My name is Ren," He introduced, a smoke appearing around him as the gold-armored spirit appeared behind him. "Tell your friend, that his spirit samurai will be mine."
-
"It's true! At the old cemetery, there was a boy with the ghost of a Chinese warlord!" Manta yelled. "No doubt about it! He was a Shaman! There are other Shamans besides you two! (Y/n)-kun, say something!"
Yoh mumbled something sleepily and turned to (Y/n), who was rather worked up. She had this unsettled, barely noticeable frown, like she was thinking seriously about something. What did that raven mean by Amidamaru being his? Was he going to hurt Yoh in order to get what he wanted?
He was very prideful, (Y/n) could tell at first glance. The aura that surrounded him was powerful, somewhat hateful with a tad bit of pain.
She felt all of it and emphasized, whether she liked it or not. Something in her wanted to turn that dark aura into that of a pleased, eased peach. Truth be told, she wanted everyone to be like that, and knew that Yoh would make the world a better place thus she would fight for him.
"Well... Duh..." Yoh muttered lazily, snapping (Y/n) out of her trance. Manta just stared. "You're not surprised?!" "What's the big deal? I never said (Y/n) and I were the only Shamans," Yoh finally opened his eyes, still resting on his arms against the desk. "There are lots of us all over the world." With that, Yoh buried his face in his arms again. (Y/n) sighed. What was she going to do with him?
"Ni-san," She said seriously.
Before Yoh could reply, Manta began shaking him slightly. "Listen! That boy's going to take Amidamaru from you! Isn't that a big deal?!"
Yoh finally sat up. "Amidamaru?"
-
The sunset grazed the town softly as the three of them walked down the streets of town. "Hmmm... Ren?" Yoh asked. "Nope, doesn't ring a bell. Never heard of him. You, (Y/n)?"
(Y/n) shrugged. "I only heard of him from a passing spirit. He was scary, that's all I was told. He's not that bad in my opinion, though, but please be careful, Ni-san." "Really? But there must be a connection! Maybe you ticked him off somehow," Manta muttered. Yoh held his chin with his hand. "I don't think so, Unless..." "What?" "Remember, I told you that a Shaman's rank depends on the strength of his spirit? Maybe he saw Amidamaru and I in action."
Amidamaru appeared and grinned. "Ah, of course," He said. "Amidamaru!" Manta startled. "Ah, that boy saw how powerful and magnificent I am and wants me for himself," Amidamaru went on.
"Well, yeah. But you shouldn't brag," Yoh said in a relaxed tone. "As a Japanese Samurai, I'm curious about this Chinese warlord of his." "Would the ancient warlord use a GUN..?" (Y/n) muttered to herself. "I wonder too, (Y/n)-dono," Amidamaru responded, grinning wider.
Manta looked worried. "It'll be fine," Yoh reassured. "People who see spirits can't be evil. So you can stop worrying."
Manta stared up at him. "What did he look like, (Y/n)?" Yoh asked. "Anything particular about this aura?"
"Yeah.. In appearance, I mostly remember his gold-colored eyes. Ren also carried a briefcase, I think there's a weapon inside it," (Y/n) explained. "Did you have to look up at him?" Yoh asked, most daringly. "I didn't have to look up at him, Ni-san," (Y/n) huffed.
"Ooh, so he's of (Y/n)'s kind—"
Say sike right now—
"His aura is mainly prideful, hateful, but there was a little bit of pain."
Yoh laughed a little, but nodded in understanding. "What was it like?" He asked. (Y/n) pointed to her chest. "It was a feeling of loss. Like he's angry at someone for taking something away from him."
Manta looked at the two Asakuras in confusion. "Wait, is that a Shaman ability?" He asked.
Yoh shook his head. "You see, (Y/n)'s both an Empath and a Shaman." "Empath?" "An Empath is someone who can strongly perceive and understand other's feelings, basically."
"But what are you going to do about Ren, Ni-san?" (Y/n) asked.
"I'm sure his intentions are good, after all. I wanna meet him," Yoh said relaxedly. "He could be our first Shaman friend, (Y/n)."
"Yes! And I'd like to meet this Chinese warlord, too!" Amidamaru said cheerfully. "I look forward to it." "Me too," Yoh agreed. (Y/n) sighed softly. "Oh, whatever.." Manta shrugged. Abruptly, a few shivers ran up and down (Y/n)'s spine. This feeling of danger, what was it coming from? She grabbed Yoh by the cloak just as someone yelled. "What do you think you're doing, brat?!"
The three stopped walking at the sight. Four men, a damaged van, and a young boy with raven hair and a Tongari style spike on his head.
Ren.
He held his briefcase in his hand as he stared up at them. "That's him! That's Ren!!" Manta yelled. "That's him? Ohh, he's the same height at (Y/n)-chan here," Yoh said calmly. (Y/n) pinched his ear vengefully, causing the brunette to apologize quickly.
"I do not see the ghost of the warlord," Amidamaru stated, as Yoh rubbed his ear.
Ren glared at the four men surrounding him, auriferous eyes seemingly like piercing knives. "Stop whining, vermin," He grumbled. "That car was in my way."
"Say what?! You didn't have to kick it! Are you crazy?" One of them shouted angrily. One of the headlights of the car was shattered, courtesy of Ren.
"Oop-"
"Who you callin' vermin?!" The other man pointed a metal bar at Ren.
"Your car spews pollution into the atmosphere and obscures the stars. That's what makes you vermin. You cockroaches that prey on the earth!" A furious yet deadly calm was shown in Ren's face. Oh, well, (Y/n) couldn't argue with what he said.
Honestly, she would have done something similar, except leave no car to be mad about. But it was highly unlikely she'd have to do so, seeing that the last time she snapped was years ago.
The four men, metal bars in hand, jumped at Ren. "You bastard! Don't mess with us!"
(Y/n) would have jumped in if not for the smirk on Ren's face. He leapt up, kicking and striking the attackers at swift and skillful speed. (Y/n) could now understand why he was dangerous. Apart from being skilled in hand-to-hand combat, to imagine how he'd be if he combined that with the strength of Shamanism. (Y/n) hadn't seen it yet, but she didn't want Yoh to get hurt.
Frankly it wouldn't be a problem for her to take Ren on, she could go all day, the amount of stamina she held was beyond average. It if felt like she was choking from breathlessness, all she had to do was loosen up her fighting style.
But for one, she didn't have a Spirit Ally at the moment. Two, she had to take Yoh, Manta, and her surroundings, and somehow Ren's wellbeing into account.
"Woah, Kung Fu," Yoh mused. "Look at him move!" Manta said. "Wait, is he really a Shaman?" Yoh pointed a finger at Ren. "He's strong without a ghost." "I was sure he had a ghost.." Manta scratched his head. "Or did I imagine it?" "He has a Spirit Ally," (Y/n) spoke. "I'm guessing that his weapon is in his briefcase, and his Spirit Ally is hiding for now."
The door of the van shut closed as one of the men seethed. "Idiot.. I'll kill you!" The van started making humming sounds.
Ren remained composed. "Hmph. I suppose vermin must be exterminated," He tore off his blazer, grasping an oval shaped object that was hidden beneath it, belted to his shirt. "Come forth, Bason!" He ordered. "There he is!" Manta shouted.
The warlord revealed himself, the briefcase opening and revealing a spear, as Ren grasped Bason in his Spirit Ball Mode. Ren thrust his palm onto his chest, fusing with the spirit. "Hyoui Gattai!"
Ren caught the spear as the car came at him, grasping his weapon tightly. Ren took a stance. "Bason! Chinese Slash Dance!"
The car split in two, the two halves parting away from each other, driving past Ren and crashed, bursting into flames behind him. (Y/n) felt disturbed, having done nothing to stop it all of a sudden. She felt the urgent and disturbed aura from Yoh, as well. She tightened the grip on his cloak, eyes narrowing at the flames. She knew the man wasn't dead, she could feel his life force. "What!" Manta said loudly. "Did you see that, Yoh-kun, (Y/n)-kun?! That's the ghost!"
Yoh was wide eyed now, as the man crawled away from the flames. "What the hell was that...?" The man muttered. The edge of the spear was pointed at his face. "Oh? Cockroaches die hard. But die you will!"
The man began to sob and Yoh and (Y/n) moved swiftly. Ren moved to make the finishing blow on the man, but the spear wouldn't move. Yoh was grasping the spear's handle from behind, (Y/n) quickly grabbing the middle of it. "That's enough," Yoh spoke. (Y/n) didn't like this situation. She didn't like it at all, not the scene of someone nearing death. "Please don't," (Y/n) requested quietly.
Ren stared into her (e/c) eyes for a second, then looked at Yoh, ignoring the pleading and pained expression in her eyes. "There you are, headphone boy." "What do you think you're doing? A Shaman doesn't take human lives!" Yoh said, clearly upset. The man took the chance to run away, sobbing. "Calm yourself. Their lives are worthless," Ren tugged the spear out of Yoh's grasp, lowering it and facing the two Asakuras.
"They pollute the skies and the stars have hidden themselves. That is who those rotten humans are. I don't care if these people die."
"You're human tho—"
"My name is Tao Ren, and in time.. You will know me as the man who purified this world. The ruler of the Shamans! Now, enough talk, headphone boy," Ren smirked. "Hand over your Spirit Ally, the samurai."
"No," Yoh said without hesitation. "What?" "Who do you think you are? You're talking nonsense," Yoh crossed his arms. "Do you really think I'll give in to your demands?"
Ren tilted his head. "Hm... Should I have said 'please', then?"
(Y/n) deadpanned. "Amidamaru's not an object, don't act like he is. He has feelings and he's a living being, and he's still human, with a human soul," She objected. "Amidamaru is our friend. I won't hand him over like he's an object," Yoh retorted, placing his hands on his hips like when (Y/n) got sassy.
"Friend?" Ren asked. "Of course. If you want Amidamaru's help, just ask us like a friend. (Y/n) would be more than happy to assist in anything she can help with, right?" Yoh looked to (Y/n). "Yeah," She hummed. "Amidamaru might like to help, too."
Ren suddenly burst out laughing. "Haha! A ghost is your friend? That's a new one," He smirked. "Where did you get that idea?"
"What's so funny?" (Y/n) and Yoh asked at the same time. "To a Shaman, a spirit is merely a tool to which to draw their abilities. Is a carpenter 'friends' with his saw? How absurd!"
"Tools?" Yoh repeated, getting more disturbed and a tad bit angry by the minute. (Y/n) could feel it as she stared sourly. "What? It's the simple truth, do you have a sort of problem with it?" He asked.
Oh, well, (Y/n) was naturally patient, but right now she was rather annoyed and a little hurt on Amidamaru's behalf.
The said spirit watched calmly from behind Yoh, who was frowning. (Y/n) could understand where Ren was coming from; It was all that he knew.
But she hated the idea of someone like Amidamaru being talked about like an object. Hell, she was only ten steps away from grabbing Ren by his collar and talking some sense into him.
"That samurai is too good for you," Ren spoke, the fire behind him clearing away as Bason appeared behind him. "A powerful spirit deserves a powerful owner like me." He glared at Yoh. "If you won't hand him over— I'll take him by force. Let's go, Bason!"
(Y/n) wasn't liking where this was going, neither did Yoh. She discreetly got into a stance next to her brother. "First, destroy that Shaman!" Ren commanded. He seemed to be completely ignoring (Y/n).
"A ghost without an owner can easily be tamed by a skilled Shaman even against its will. And it will be recast as a splendid tool!" Ren smirked.
(Y/n) readied a pocket knife from her sleeves. Yoh internally wondered why the hell she would keep a pocket knife hidden in the sleeve of her school uniform, it was concerning really. However, this is what the chapter plot demanded.
(Y/n) would much rather fight with her fists or something like a katana, but the pocket knife was all she had at the moment. She couldn't possibly defend against Ren's spear with her own flesh, it would be painful and it would be rather useless.
Yoh was growing angrier at how Ren spoke, (Y/n) identifying the color surrounding him as a passionate crimson. Yoh picked up a metal bar that had been by his feet. "Is that how you turned your spirit into a fighting machine?!" He asked. "I don't know what sort of bigshot you are, but.. The way you treat ghosts like property ticks me off— Amidamaru!"
The samurai spirit appeared by his side.
(A/n: WATASHI GA KITA—)
"I am here!" "He's got things all wrong!" "I agree!"
Ren crazed a grin. "There you are, samurai!"
"Let's go! Hyoui Gattai!" Both of them yelled, fusing with their respective spirits.
Ren leapt up and tried to strike with his spear, which Yoh blocked with his bar. Ren then launched a series of slashes, all of which the Asakura siblings skillfully dodged. The last slash however, deeply cut (Y/n)'s cheek, causing her to wince a little bit, but she didn't falter. Without missing a beat, she charged at Ren, his golden eyes following her movements to predict the rest. She moved to the left, but struck to the right.
He blocked it with his spear, and a kick came towards his face, which he blocked with his arm. (Y/n) swung her right arm at his face, making a punch that caused him to grunt. He thrust his spear at her, which she blocked with her pocket knife, glaring into his auric eyes as he glared into her (e/c) ones, both of them daring. Before Ren could thrust his spear at her again — ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°),
(Y/n) leapt up, the knife breaking under the spear's pressure as sparks flew. She kicked against Ren's chest, propelling herself upwards and landing a harsh axe-kick to the back of his head. Ren's head collided with the ground, and (Y/n) aught sight of his forehead bleeding as she backed away next to Yoh, noticing that Ren had managed to make another slash at her arm.
Yoh and Amidamaru stared at her for a second, eyes filled with worry. Yoh quickly made a sidestep and tried to slash at Ren, but he ducked, smirking. "Don't get in my way!" He yelled. "Chinese Slash Dance!"
"Ni-san!" (Y/n) yelled. "Parr-" (A/n: PARRY THE PLATYPUS—)
"I can handle this!" Yoh and Amidamaru interrupted in sync, swinging the metal bar and forcing the spear in another direction. "If I cannot dodge, I shall parry!"
Ren leapt back. "He deflected my Chinese Slash Dance?" He thought. (Y/n) got up. "Ni-san! I'll be right back! Hang on for a second!" "Of course!" Yoh and Amidamaru replied.
The (h/c) haired girl quickly ran off. "Wait a second, where are you going, (Y/n)-kun?!" Manta asked. "You'll see!" And she was off. Ren laughed. "Running, now is he? But no matter. I expect no less from the ghost I chose! You deflected my attack!" He praised. "Now I want you all the more, Amidamaru!"
-
"Kotone... I hope you agree with me.." (Y/n) thought, making a turn around the street and to the gates of the museum.
-
Ren spun the red-handled spear in his hand. "The test of your strength is done. Now I'll hunt you for real!" "Testing my strength? What are you talking about?"
-
"Kotone!" (Y/n) yelled, catching sight of the spirit. "(Y/n)-san," Kotone turned around the second she heard the voice, and smiled. "Kotone — I need your assistance again."
-
"100% Integration!" Ren shouted. Yoh's eyes widened, the golden lights surrounding Ren brightly. "Chinese Slash Dance!"
(Y/n) came around the corner, Kotone beside her. Blood flowed from Yoh's shoulder, as he crashed to the ground. Ren scoffed, blood splattered all over his face. "To access 100% of a ghost's power, you must have the mental strength to command the ghost," He licked a bit of blood that had crossed his lip. "The difference between our Shamanic abilities is very vast. Amidamaru is mine!"
"Ni-san!" (Y/n) yelled, rushing to Yoh's side. She knelt down. "The wound's too big for me to heal right now, but he hasn't lost too much blood. The cut's really deep, but not fatal. What were you doing?" Kotone asked sternly.
"Kotone?"
"Don't 'Kotone' me! This boy's bleeding out, what happened?" (Y/n) turned to Ren, now able to feel at least slight anger towards the raven. "What, are you angry? Are you going to avenge your brother, boy? I don't need to kill you too, so step away if you know what's good for you," Ren said condescendingly.
"This can't be happening! Yoh-kun and Amidamaru lost!" Manta started to freak out.
"He was soft," Ren said. "A Shaman who can't impose his will on his ghosts can never tap into their full power. Much less a Shaman who considers ghosts 'friends'. He can't possibly dominate ghosts!"
(Y/n) slipped her hand under Yoh's head, checking for bruises. There were some, hell, he just had his head hit against the cement ground.
Her fingers trailed gently across the wound carefully, then she searched her pockets for any bandages or a handkerchief. "Dominate?" Manta asked Ren.
"Yes, there is a reason why we must do so. During integration, two souls occupy the body at the same time." "Two souls.." Manta's breath hitched. "Oh, you begin to see.. Two souls controlling one body. It will inevitably cause conflict, as well as delay in reactions, with two equal 'friends' at the controls.. The body can't be optimally utilized."
(Y/n) stayed silent, taking a handkerchief from her pocket and wiping Yoh's wound clean carefully. The puddle of blood below him didn't grow further, signaling that the bleeding had already slowed. Kotone was slowly stopping the bleeding, whilst observing (Y/n)'s face.
Ren pointed at Yoh. "A Shaman exploits a ghost's powers. He must completely dominate the ghost, at all times. And use it like a tool to achieve 100% integration! An idiot who treats ghosts like 'friends' cannot access all of their powers!"
Ren approached the two Asakuras. "A superior F1 machine cannot win a race, if driven by an incompetent driver," He pointed the spear at Yoh's throat. "A superior machine needs a driver good enough to control it. Rest assured, I'll drive Amidamaru beautifully."
That sounds weird, in another sense—
(Y/n) couldn't quite take the idea of Yoh 'resting' , as Ren put it. She clasped the edge of the spear, pushing it away from Yoh, wounding her hand in the process. "Does it hurt? I told you already, I don't need to kill you too. Out of the way," Ren said. "You are mistaken," (Y/n) said through gritted teeth, more of her blood dripping to the ground. "Stop it. Amidamaru's not a machine!" Yoh protested, surprising Ren as he leapt back. Yoh sat up, grasping his wounded shoulder as (Y/n) helped him. "Careful, it is not completely healed, Ni-san," (Y/n) worried. Yoh nodded, turning back to Ren. "I told you already, Amidamaru's our friend — So quit calling him a tool."
Yoh was sweating from pain and discomfort, and (Y/n) felt it painfully. But neither of them had the intention of backing down. "You—You have enough power to stand?" Ren asked.
Yoh hissed slightly in pain. "Tsssk.. My arm would've been sliced off if Amidamaru hadn't dodged at the last moment.." Yoh muttered, standing up with (Y/n)'s assistance. Ren stared. "Incredible!" He praised. "You withstood Bason's attack from that vulnerable position. It makes me want you all the more—Amidamaru!"
The samurai spirit revealed himself next to Yoh. "Forget it! I will never go to you!" Ren crossed his arms. "Don't put on a show. What can you do under these conditions? You won't be able to dodge, not with your master wounded."
Yoh fixed back on his headphones. "Forgive me, Yoh-dono.. If only I was stronger," Amidamaru apologized. "Don't be ridiculous. You're plenty strong enough, Amidamaru," Yoh spoke, his voice then growing serious. "I was the one who failed. I never expected to meet a Shaman like him.. I'm sorry too, (Y/n), you got hurt because I failed.." "Yoh-dono..." Amidamaru's voice trailed off. (Y/n) would have slapped Yoh in the back of the head and tell him that he was wrong if he were not injured, so she drew sharp breath instead. "Amidamaru, I probably won't be able to beat him — So you better go right now," Yoh said.
Ren scoffed. "A pointless gesture—If you die, there will be no place for that samurai in this world." "Then he'll go to where his friend Mosuke is, the afterlife," Yoh grinned slightly. "Amidamaru feels no attachment to the world of the living."
Everyone seemed shocked at this. "What?! Once a ghost crosses over, he can never return to this world! Are you saying you would give up your Spirit Ally?!" Ren asked.
Yoh mustered a smile. "It's better than Amidamaru becoming your machine!" He thumbed at his right eye and stuck his tongue out at Ren playfully. "Yoh-dono..." Amidamaru's voice trailed off again. Ren grasped his spear. "In that case, I'll kill you before your samurai can leave this world, and make it mine!" Ren was about to charge at Yoh when (Y/n) stepped in front of him, but that wasn't what made him stop. Amidamaru stepped in front of the girl, spreading out his arms as if to shield both Asakuras. "Amidamaru!" Yoh yelled. "Baka! What're you doing? Go to the afterlife now!" "Amidamaru, please understand that Ni-san is doing this for you. Go — now," (Y/n) said seriously.
She really was getting a little tired of having to hold back like this. But she knew that Kotone preferred it that way.
"Yoh-dono, (Y/n)-dono," Amidamaru said. "Even if we cannot win this battle, it would be an unbearable shame—For a samurai to abandon his master. Nevertheless — I have grown attached to you." "Amidamaru..."
Ren laughed. "Haha! What a heartwarming friendship you fools have! But your friendship will be your downfall.." He smirked. "Let's go, Bason!" He went into a stance again. "100% Integration!"
Manta began to fret again. "Chinese Slash Dance!" Ren leapt up, as (Y/n) stepped in front of Yoh, staring - no, glaring intimidatingly straight into Ren's auric eyes, but he wouldn't falter. (Y/n) prepared for the blow when Yoh shoved her aside, blocking the strike with his metal bar. Something was different.
"You're just delaying the inevitable to integrate at this point in the game," Ren grunted, then his eyes widened. "How could he block Bason's strike? It couldn't be..?" He thought. The powerful aura that surrounded Yoh was clearly visible to (Y/n), who stared ahead as Kotone tended to her wound. "Can he use 100% Spirit Integration as well?" Ren leapt back. "That was a fluke. A ghost's 'friend' couldn't possibly..."
Yoh picked up another metal bar by his feet. "Sure we can," He spoke. "You showed us how to. If our thoughts are fully unified, I can wield 100% of Amidamaru's powers." "Tch." "Our thoughts are now one in our determination to beat you! I won't allow you to hurt my friends!" Yoh got into a stance, concentrating. "That stance.." Manta murmured. "That's the stance that Amidamaru used when he earned the title of 'Fiend' 600 years ago! Amidamaru's legendary fighting stance!"
"Nyorai," both Yoh and Amidamaru spoke. "Ha, your thoughts are one, you say? What a load of crap. Equals can never achieve 100% Integration," Ren got into a stance. "Not even best friends. Was there ever a time when your friend did everything exactly as you wanted?"
Both of them charged at each other. "Yes!" Yoh and Amidamaru responded, voices in sync. "Here's our answer! - Amidaryu Halo Blade!"
Two slashes, cutting Ren's spear into pieces and tearing past his clothing. "100% Integration.. Is it possible, could he too... Have the potential to be the Shaman King?" Ren crashed to the ground as Yoh landed on his feet. "Shaman King..." He muttered, and with that Yoh crashed to the ground as well. "Yoh-kun!" Manta yelled.
In no time, (Y/n) was by the brunette's side. Kotone checked the wounds, again. "He pushed himself into unconsciousness, (Y/n)-san. The opponent has been knocked out. Neither were wounded fatally." "Thank you for the check, Kotone.." "I-I'll go to get some help from the hospital, (Y/n)-kun!" Manta told her, running off quickly. "Thank you!" (Y/n) called after him.
"What about the boy over there, (Y/n)-san?" Kotone asked, motioning to the unconscious Ren. 302Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzl0zRBFoJ
"Could you check for injuries, Kotone?" "He was the opponent though.. He should choke on a pebble—" "Kotone."
*
A little Yoh had his arms stretched out to a leaf on the stone ground as water flowed in the river before him. He grunted in concentration. "Hah!" A small puff of smoke emerged from under the leaf. Other than that, nothing happened. Little (Y/n) was staring at the leaf before her, next to Yoh. "Hah!" She imitated Yoh playfully, an even smaller puff of smoke appearing from under the leaf in front of her. "What was that?!" An elderly voice scolded. "You've been training for 4 years! And you can't even summon an earth spirit?!"
(Y/n)'s lips twitched with disappoint of herself as she tried again. "Hah!" A slightly bigger puff of smoke but nothing much changed. Yoh began to complain. "But Gramps, how can you expect us to do this?! What's the point anyway?"
His grandfather jumped down from the high boulder he sat at. "One who calls something impossible just because he hasn't learned it.." He formed some handsigns, the leaves below his feet floating with a blue glow. "Is one who gives up too easily!" Blue, round spirits with leaves at their cores charged at Yoh and (Y/n). "Leaf sprites?!" Yoh was struck and tossed into the water, while (Y/n) panic-dodged. "The specialty of Onmyoji Shaman's, Shikigami familiar spirits. As a member of the Asakura family.. You must at least learn to master shikigami!" Yohmei yelled.
(Y/n) began to fumble with her fingers, intimidated by the stern aura surrounding the elderly Shaman. "I'm not.. A member of the Asakura family anyway.." She muttered. Yoh swam up to the surface. "I don't wanna learn it! Neither does (Y/n)!" "What?!"
Yoh crossed his arms. "I don't wanna become a Shaman at all. I don't think (Y/n) does either!"
The girl furrowed her brows in protest, but didn't say anything. "Then what do you want to do when you grow up?" Yohmei asked sternly. "Listen to my favorite music, relax and live in comfort and convenience," Yoh responded without hesitation. Oh dear. "YOU IDIOT!"
(Y/n) could swear that Yohmei's booming voice could be heard throughout the mountains.
-
"The humans are inevitably multiplying and expanding their cities. Soon people will have completely forgotten the spirits of the land.. But human beings cannot escape the great cycle of life," Yohmei explained. "If forests are destroyed, there will be less oxygen. If soil is eroded, the land will become.. Barren, and the water will run from its course. All things in this world are connected in a cycle, no one can foresee how our present actions will come around and affect the earth. That's why people need guidance to survive on this planet."
"You mean.." Yoh's voice trailed off as a wind filled the forest, leaves being set in a fluttering dance. (Y/n) gazed up at the night sky, wonder filled in her (e/c) eyes. Yohmei nodded. "The Ultimate Omniscient Spirit. The great king of spirits, whom some call a god." "Oh! I know that one! The Great Spirit is the center of this world and is like the gate to the next, right, Gramps?" (Y/n) asked eagerly. "You studied well, (Y/n)."
"The king of spirits.." Yoh murmured. "What's he like?" (Y/n) asked curiously. Yohmei stood up, hands folded behind his back. "He has had many names and forms... But only very few have ever met him. Those blessed few revealed to the rest of us the will of the king of spirits.. To establish balance to the world. And so that greed will not lead us to the path of ruin. People only chase their own desires and are on the path to destruction."
Yoh stood up. "Hey, Gramps.. What kind of person can meet this 'king of spirits'...?" "Do you know?" (Y/n) asked. "Heh heh," Yohmei chuckled slightly. "Well, only someone who can become one with the king of spirits... One who has the power of all the Shamans, the Shaman King. Those who human history calls 'Heroes'."
Yoh stared up into the sky as did (Y/n). "In any case, you don't care," Yohmei muttered. But Yoh was smiling in fascination. "I-It.. It's.. It's so cool! Could I be a Shaman King, too?!"
Yoh asked. "Haha! Fat chance! What's gotten into you, Yoh? Why would such a thing interest a lazy fellow like you?"
"Because, if I were friends with the king of spirits.. I could do whatever I wanted for the rest of my life! I'd never have to work!"
Yohmei's jaw practically dropped to the ground. "C'mon, Gramps, tell me how I can become the Shaman King! I'll train real hard!"
"YOU IDIOT!"
*
It was nighttime, Yoh was asleep and recovering in the hospital. (Y/n) stared at his sleeping form quietly, her own hand bandaged and treated. Yoh had been asleep for hours. He'd probably be asleep for much longer, too. A certain someone came to mind and (Y/n) sweatdropped at what a lecture Yoh would be getting when this someone heard of this injuries and condition. Did she disapprove of Ren for what he did to Yoh? Yes. Was her head clouded from years of built up emotions she felt from strangers since she was 7? Yes. Was she on the verge of smashing the table next to Yoh in frustration of herself for being so useless? Yes.
Did she resent Ren at least a little bit? No, she couldn't. (Y/n) couldn't really hate anyone, much to her own pity, and there were only a few, truly horrible people she resented through the years. The farthest she ever really went in her whole life when she was angry was slapping but anything else and she'd feel like a murderer.
She forgave Ren, seeing that he got hurt by Yoh and Amidamaru, too. She didn't see it fit to hold a grudge against him, even though he almost killed her brother, (or at least intended to.) mistreated spirits, etcetera.
(Y/n) drew a sharp sigh as Kotone observed Yoh's bandages and the treatments that were used on his wound. "Ne, Kotone," (Y/n) spoke, a stray lock of her (h/c) hair falling in front of her face. "Yes, (Y/n)-san?" Kotone responded attentively. "You don't have to treat me like I'm your Shaman or 'Master' anymore. You can go free now.."
"I want to stay with you," The spirit replied. Amidamaru, who had been silent the entire time, suddenly arched an eyebrow. "Why not join Mosuke?" He asked.
Kotone crossed her arms. "I take pride in serving (Y/n)-san. She's been my master for years and years. We parted temporarily, but I see only her as a Shaman who should be my master."
Amidamaru deadpanned at the 'her'. "Wait a moment, (Y/n)-dono is a girl?" He asked. Kotone nodded, laughingly. Amidamaru remained silent again, trying to see what had (Y/n) mistaken for a boy. The said girl stood up. "I'll be going to clear my head, alright? Can you watch Ni-san, Amidamaru?" "Of course, (Y/n)-dono!" Amidamaru assured her.
(Y/n) gave a small smile before opening the window. "(Y/n)-san," Kotone said seriously. "Please, let's leave through the door—Like normal people—Not through the forsaken window, (Y/n)-san."
"..." (Y/n) stuck a foot out the window daringly, a doe-like expression on her face. "(Y/n)-san, no." "(Y/n), yes."
She swung by a few windows, before landing on her feet. "Your hand is still injured," Kotone yelled, floating after her.
The moon was big and the stars were as twinkly as Aoyama Yuga—✨.
The night colors beautifully painted the town, as (Y/n) observed, skipping down the streets. Her steps were light and it was almost as if she was dancing.
During the night, when no one was watching, it seemed as if it were alright to act like a child.
She needed to clear her head to be there for Yoh in her best mindset, so she would.
She climbed quickly over the cemetery gate, to see a figure standing there atop the hill. The aura was somewhat familiar. (Y/n) leapt up to the hill, and the figure turned around. "What are you doing here?" The question was asked by both at the same time.
(Y/n) stared, a few strands of (h/c) falling in front of her face, which she quickly dismissed by tucking behind her ear. She stood there for a minute, Ren's auric eyes staring right back at her. Their eyes scanned each other for another few moments, before Ren spoke first. "Why are you here?" He asked in a condescending tone.
(Y/n) thought he must've been frustrated and angry from the previous loss in battle he had to Yoh.
"Boi, I'm trying to recover from the stress you gave me."
(Y/n) wanted to say that. But she didn't.
(Y/n) shrugged, and without hesitation she walked over and sat by the edge, crossing her legs. She swore on the Great Spirit that she caught Ren glance at her bandaged cheek and hand for a split second.
"It's not Bason's fault," She said in a soft tone. "He did everything you told him to. He was only being obedient. Ni-san just happened to be stronger at the moment. Don't take it personally."
Ren's eyes widened sharply. What was this girl?
"But.. I'm okay," She smiled reassuringly, stretching her wounded arm up to the sky, as if pretending to hold the stars between her fingers. "Nothing that can't be toughed out. Ni-san's doing fine as well. He's taking a nice nap."
Ren scoffed. "I never asked about your wellbeing nor your brother's, and it doesn't matter to me either," He smirked.
"I caught you glancing at my injuries, though, so I thought there was no harm in letting you know," (Y/n) responded, closing her hand into a fist at the night sky. "Or were you just checking to see how much damage you did? If so, it's pretty good. I lost at least a shot's size of blood." 302Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSOZJ1A5mi
How she managed to figure out how much blood she lost and compare it to a shot is beyond even the narrator.
"I never asked for your opinion."
"Oh yeah, how old are you?" She asked. "Why should I tell you?" Ren replied.
"You know, it's only civil. You could be a nice rival. You're strong, you know. Ni-san just used 100% integration for the first time in the spur of the moment, and you already knew how. Your presence is strong, too. I could sense you from miles away—"
"Can you shut up."
"Mood. Anyways, how old are you?"
"Thirteen," Ren responded, still in a condescending tone. "Ooh, no way, I'll be going 13 in some time—Ni-san keeps comparing our heights," (Y/n) placed a hand on top of her head. "He said you and I were both short.. Turns out I'm like, a centimeter or two shorter than you..."
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"I AM NOT SHORT!"
"I know, right?—But Ni-san said—"
"I AM NOT SHORT!"
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&
Eyy another chapter done!! Sorry it's quite long. I hope it wasn't rushed or anything. Don't be a silent reader!! Tell me what you think. I'd like feedback. Also, do you like the current conditions you and Ren are in? Lemme know, because I can't write romance for shyt xD.
Criticisms? Pointers? Ideas? You can comment or DM me for all of those!
Someone talk to me :'D . .
Anyways, good night/day/whatever wherever you are!!
&
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