What You Don't Know - Nightglider-star

Title: What You Don't Know
Author: Nightglider-star
Rating: T
Published: 07-05-07

Summary:

Manta has always believed Yoh was a sweet, innocent, and simpleminded victim under Anna's cruel and vicious wrath. Hao knows otherwise. Amidamaru doesn't want to comment…so meh, read the story

Title: What you don't know

Disclaimer: I don't own Shaman King

Summary: Manta has always believed Yoh was a sweet, innocent, and simple-minded victim under Anna's cruel and vicious wrath. Hao knows otherwise. Amidamaru doesn't want to comment…so meh, read the story

Story:

"You think we should have left him like that?" Manta asked uneasily, looking around the dark street as though expecting something to jump out of the shadows.

Now to a normal person, Manta would be insane. Walking in the middle of the night in a deserted dark alley alone is not a wise thing to do, especially for someone his size. If anyone was present, Manta would have been placed in a straight jacket and sent to the mental asylum before he could say . But Manta couldn't say that. Because it was dark, and deserted. And saying that would only make him seem more mental. Besides that, the alleys were crawling with bloodthirsty, money lusting leeches that could corner Manta before he could say "!" But Manta won't say that. Because he knows his shortness would encourage them. And he won't stand a chance. Then why is it exactly that Manta insists on traveling alone at midnight in a dark alley despite his short-

"They get it already! Geez!" Manta yelled glaring at no one in particular.

…Anyway so Manta was walking along…

Manta rolled his eyes and turns his face to his left, "Ne Amidamaru, shouldn't we have stayed to help Yoh? Anna had been particularly harsh on him today."

Amidamaru clears his throat, "Yes...well…Yoh-dono and Anna-dono didn't wanted your parents to worry. Else they would forbid you to meet Yoh-dono again."

Manta sighed in frustration, sometimes his parents found the most ridiculous excuses to try and keep him away from Yoh.

That sounded so Yaoi…

"Shutup!" Manta glared furiously.

"I didn't say anything Manta-dono." Said Amidamaru, looking at Manta with round confused eyes.

"I…I meant…never mind…"

They walked in silence, dodging the particular spots they might get cornered by gang members.

When all of a sudden, Manta spoke up, "Why is Anna being so strict anyway? Yoh won the shaman tournament already."

If Manta wasn't looking ahead and had at that moment directed his gaze at Amidamaru, he would have seen a really fascinating sight. Amidamaru's expression had changed. He looked like a father trying to tell his children where babies come from. But fortunately for Amidamaru, he didn't have to answer.

"I can answer that shorty." Said a sly soft voice out of the darkness, stopping Manta and Amidamaru dead in their tracks.

'That voice…' Manta thought, his heart skipping several beats as a 14-year-old boy emerged from the shadows. He had long auburn hair that fell past his shoulders in the form of silk threads. His eyes twinkled with mischief and amusement, like amber placed before flickering flames. His well toned chest illuminated in the dull dark streats in an unholy light as his firm tempting lips curled across his face, smiling the dazzling and heart melting smile everyone of his followers and fans dream about. Manta felt his heart stop as he stared at the ethereal figure walking towards him, his silk locks blowing with the wind as a slight drool gathered at the corner of Manta's slightly agape mouth.

"I AM NOT DROOLING OVER HAO!" Manta yelled to no one in particular, stopping Hao (for once in his life truly startled) on his track and catching Amidamaru (who had put up his dighting stance) for the first time off guard.

Manta felt his cheek starting to burn hot as Hao and Amidamaru stared at him. Wiping away the little drool he really had gathered from-

"Being. Too. Shocked!" Manta growled at the silent night. Glaring at the sky. Amidamaru started worrying for his little friend as Hao smirked, "Anna finally got to you Manta?"

Manta seethed, still blushing furiously before snapping his face towards Hao, "What do you want Hao?" Manta barked.

Hao chuckled, "such temper Manta…and to think you were just drooling over me."

Manta's face darkened again in embarrassment as he stared adown at his feet, willing himself to remain silent.

"Hao-"

"Oh don't worry Amidamaru, I'm not here to cause harm..." Hao said waving his hand dismally.

"Then what are you doing here?" Manta snapped

Hao grinned at Manta, clearly enjoying his discomfort, "Were you expecting me elsewhere?"

Manta growled but decided to say nothing. Nothing good ever comes out when he speaks.

"You want to know why Anna is always so strict to Yoh?" Hao asked, his eyes coated with a strange gleam that chilled Manta to his bones.

"Anna-dono is always strict to Yoh-dono, she needs to be so he could train-"

"Ofcourse, but you know more into it…don't you Amidamaru?" asked Hao charmingly.

Amidamaru opened his mouth to say something, but then shut it, unable to gather words.

Hao's smile widened, "ah…so there is something you're not telling Manta."

"Manta-dono, we must get you home, your parents will be worried." Amidamaru said, trying to change the subject.

"Amidamaru wont hide anything from me!" Manta exclaimed, glaring at Hao. Amidamaru gave a guilty start as Hao chuckled.

"Ofcourse he wouldn't, but then again..."

"Then again what?"

"Manta-dono, it really is getting late"

"Why don't you come with me and see for yourself?" said Hao, smiling at Manta and ignoring Amidamaru's stricken face completely.

"See what?" Manta demanded, frowning, "And how do I know it isn't a trap?"

"Manta, Manta...why would I do that?"

There was silence as Manta went over a hundred possibilities. Hao grinned reading his mind.

"Ok, so there are a hundred reasons. But look at the situation. I don't have my spirit of fire, and you have both Masuke and Amidamaru."

"...True..."

"I don't think this is a good idea Manta-dono." Amidamaru said uneasily, "He could have his people waiting to attack."

"No...I more or less lost them when I lost Spirit of Fire." said Hao with a distressed sigh, "Now when I come back to power I would have to initiate severe punishment on them."

"IF you come back to power." Manta growled

Hao smiled, "Whatever you say. So want to come?"

"Why are you doing this?" Manta demanded, suspicious.

Hao shrugged, "For laughs." And before Manta could say anything else, Hao snapped his fingers, initiating a blinding lightening effect beneath their feet, crackling loudly as the three disappeared into thin air.

Manta felt like he was being hurtled off a cliff. His mouth was wide, ready to scream, but his voice seemed to have disappeared. Beside him Hao was lying on his back, arms tucked securely under his head. On the other side, Amidamaru sat crossed leg, glaring at Hao. Before Manta could try and utter anything, he felt his chubby cheek hitting the ground with a loud thud.

 AaAaA

NG: So? How was it? Please leave a review

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Want to read it...??? Just click the link! 

Windy ~ Keitorin Asthore

I only included a few parts of the story to give you a clue of what the story is about. Anna's problem, Hana's thoughts about his mothers (Anna his real mother and Tamao, the mother he grew up with) and a storm. Would it lead to something good for the relationship of Anna and her son or will it be a reason that'll make Hana push his real mother away from him? Read it (and a review for the author!)!

AaAaA

"When you look into your mother’s eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth."
— Mitch Albom (For One More Day)

 AaAaA

 

Title: Windy
Author: Keitorin Asthore
Rating: K
Published: 10-22-05

Description:

All Anna wants is to make a connection with her little boy, but it's going to take a lot more than what she expected. Oneshot. COMPLETE

A sneak peek:

Anna scowled as she stirred her tea. It had been two weeks since she and Yoh had returned, and Hana still wouldn't come near her. He would go to Yoh, yes, but nowhere near Anna. In his six-year-old mind, Tamao was still his mother. And now the house was empty. The guys were driving up to a soccer game north of Tokyo and Tamao and Pilika went shopping after dropping Hana off for first grade. Anna switched on her little television to watch her soaps. It was something to keep her from thinking too much about her own child avoiding her. It also kept her from noticing the dark clouds forming outside.

 AaAaA

Hana pulled out his crayons as the teacher's aide handed out paper. The other children promptly began to draw, scribbling their mommies and daddies with crayons and markers. Hana hesitated. He had his real mother, Anna. But...Tamao used to be his mommy. Sort of. She always reminded him that she wasn't his mother, and his real parents were far away, but they loved him. He tried to remember, but it's hard when for a six year old to remember his real mother when a different lady was the one to tuck him in every night. 

  AaAaA

 The wind roared, rattling the walls. The children whimpered in fear, some of them crying, and even a few screaming in terror. Hana clutched his backpack to his chest, burying his face in the dirty blue nylon. 'I want my mama, I want my mama,' he thought. 'Please, God, I want my mama. Please send my mama to me.'

   AaAaA

~~~Keitorin Asthore~~~

I'll be there for you - Nightglider-star

Hi there everyone! Another story from  Nightglider-star! weepee. Here's a short summary from teh author and I included the firsct chapter below. You know you want to read it, ne? kekekeke You know what to do. Read and Review!

Title: I'll be there for you
Author:  Nightglider-star
Rating: T
Published: 12-24-06

Summary:


Kino Asakura has called Yoh and Anna to Izumo. The only thing they know about the trip is that until they arrive, Yoh will not train and will take PLENTY of rest. Exactly what is she upto? Yoh expects more training.

Title: I'll Be There For You

Chapter. 1: Off To Izumo

Disclaimer: Shaman King is NOT owned by me.

NG: OK! I hope you like this people! If not you're welcome to flame coz I didn't liked this chapter either I don't know, I don't feel like I used to when I wrote looonng ago. ..ok so not THAT long ago. But one or two years ago. So I thought if I started writing I could get the 'IT' back you know? Anyway I still hope you at least enjoy it, I'll put my best effort in the next chapter 3

"Just-A-Few-More-Minutes-Gotta-Run-Faster-Legs-Not-Aching-Arms-Not-Tired-I'm-Not-Tired-"

"5 minute left Yoh." Manta warned, trailing after his friend on his small bicycle.

That did it.

To the delight and dismay of his best friend, Yoh managed to forget about the searing pain his body was experiencing and hightailed down the path in a blur.

"H-Hey! Yoh wait up!" Cried Manta padding faster to catch up with his friend.

"Can't-Wait-Will be-Late-"

Hearing that, Morty felt another pang of sympathy for Yoh. The shaman Tournament had long been over, but Anna had decided her day wouldn't be complete without putting Yoh through her hell again. Day by day it seemed to get worse. Amidamaru was strangely quiet about it. Manta couldn't blame him. Living with the blond itako must be quite a traumatizing experience.

However, even though Manta was too used to Anna being unpredictable. The itako was rarely unreasonable...unless it concerned her of course. Why did she suddenly insist Yoh to follow a stricter training program than before?

To make matters worse, the itako was simply demanding the impossible.

Instead of 500 laps, she demanded Yoh to get up at three in the morning and run 900 laps in three hours. If Yoh wasn't able to finish even one lap, she would make him do more than 9 the next day, until he got used to running 900 laps in three hours.

And with a few whines and complains, Yoh would do it.

"Can't you slow down a bit even for a second?" Gasps Manta feeling his leg starting to throb from paddling.

"Are-You-Nuts?" Yoh panted, feeling the pain in his abdomen increase and his chest contract and heave painfully.

"If you don't slow down-you'll die even before Anna gets her hands on you!" Manta tried to reason, pitying his friend's condition.

Today Yoh Asakura was closer to finish 900 laps in the given hours than he was before. Unfortunately due to lack of finishing them in time, he had to do four more after it.

"Why is Anna being so cruel anyway?" Manta wondered out loud feeling his muscles starting to ache, "She wasn't this evil before."

"I-Have-No-I-dea-Morty" Yoh gasped trying to force himself not to slow down, "Chest-Not-Hurting-Arms-Not-Tired-Legs-Not-Killing-" Yoh started again feeling two river of tears falling down his eyes in misery.

"What-Did-I-do-to-deserve-this-Morty?" He cried unable to help himself.

"Maybe you could forget the extra four laps and just tell her you did it. You look like you have anyway."

"Right-And-She-Would-Believe-Me." Yoh gasped sarcastically.

Manta couldn't help but grin at that. Ever since Anna found out Yoh had been heating food for her instead of making one himself, Yoh had lost the ability to lie to Anna. Somehow, Anna always figured out when Yoh was telling the truth and when he wasn't. Manta suspected that it had something to do with the severe punishment Yoh had to go through after Anna found out of his little… 'Act'. He didn't know what Anna made him do though. Whenever he asked, Yoh would just turn ash pale and start muttering inaudible words. Even Amidamaru wouldn't be able to sustain his horror.

After a couple of unsuccessful tries, Manta eventually decided it was wiser to let the subject go. If that punishment was as horrible as both Yoh and Amidamaru feared from even mentioning it, he decided not knowing would be safer for him.

The two ceased conversations as they turned to their home-street. Aside from Yoh's continuous mantras. Spotting the Inn not far, Manta didn't know whether to sigh from relief or groan from despair.

In front of the onsen, waiting with her arms crossed and bandanna securely tied around her head, Anna stood with her usual frown, tapping her foot impatiently.

"What took you so long?" She snapped as the two shamans reached her.

"The-track-" Yoh tried to explain, finding it even harder to breath when Anna cut him.

"Go and get changed. We're going to Izumo."

"You're WHAT?" Manta cried

Yoh blinked, frowning slightly, "Izumo?"

"Yes. I got a telegram from Kino-sensei this morning after you left. She needs us to come to Izumo immediately. She wasn't specific, but she says she has something important to tell us about the tournament."

"Why didn't she just send you a letter?" Manta asked before he could stop himself.

Anna turned her cold malicious eyes on him, freezing him to his bones in fear.

"I don't know. But it is clearly too important to be discussed in one. Sensei wouldn't play around."

She looked back at Yoh, her eyes softening back to her usual glare, "Go and change. I have already bought the tickets and we leave in an hour." She looked back at Manta with a something Manta was sure was a little smirk. "Coming shorty?"

"Of course I am!" Manta cried indignantly, "You guys just can't go without-"

"Good. I charged the price of the tickets to your name. Go and pack."

Manta sighed, 'I should have known…'

Yoh smiled apologetically at his friend, "At least we wont have to tr-"

"Well what are you waiting for?" Anna suddenly snapped, setting the two boys in a flurry, "Oh and Yoh?" she added sweetly, a bit too sweetly for even a normal girl.

Yoh froze. This would not be good.

"Get plenty of rest on the plane."

Yoh's jaw dropped, he was sure Anna would make him do electric chair on the plane as well…but then...wait…that meant.

"Sensei has special training in store. She asked me not to train you anymore, and hand the reins to her." Anna answered casually before Yoh could speak, walking past him.

Instantly two trails of tears started streaming down Yoh's eyes, this just wasn't his week.

NG: ok, tell me how you liked it so far!

RE-EDITED: This chapter was re-edited, so you might find stuff you didn't before. And I might re-edit the other chapter a bit a well.

~~~Nightglider-star~~~~

Baby, It's Cold Outside - Keitorin Asthore

Hibi kore ko nichi (Good Day!)!!!  Minna-san, Ikaga desu ka? (How are you doing, everyone?) Keitorin Asthore ここで Memoirs Absolute (Keitorin Asthore here in Memoirs Absolute). This one is a one shot story about my fave anime couple Anna and Yoh of Shaman King. This is actually published a few years ago but still I love to read it over and over! So Hurray for Keitorin for writing this fabfic!


Title: Baby, It's Cold Outside
Author: Keitorin Asthore
Rating: K
Published: 12-08-05


Description:

Yoh. Anna. Christmas. Inspired by the song of the same name. Oneshot. COMPLETE.





Since this is just a one shot, I would only quote some scenes from the story. If you want to read teh whole story right away just click the title above! ^_^

"Anna?"

"What?"

"Your shoulders are blue," Yoh said, grinning slightly at her.

Anna answered with a scowl, her feathery-dark eyebrows knitting together. "I told you to turn the heat on, Yoh," she retorted.

"Baby," he whispered.

Anna blinked. "What?"

"Baby, it's too cold," Yoh coaxed. He lifted her hands against his cheek. "Stay here with me, baby."

"I hope you think this is within reason," Yoh said. He swiftly bent his dark head against her soft golden one, and touched his lips against hers. Anna's eyes shot wide open. He leaned back immediately. "I shouldn't have done that, should I?" He sighed heavily. "Anna, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-" 

****************************************** 

Ooohhhh... 

What do you think did Yoh do??? 

Hmmm. Curious? 

Read and Review! 

Blessings - Nightglider-star

We have a new author on Memoirs Absolute! Yay! Nightglider-star on the block. He is also an FF.net author and I'm about to give you guys a story from him. Here:

Title: Blessings
Author: Nightglider-star
Rating: T
Published: 07-06-09

Summary:

Hi I'm back with another series of one shots. Chap 2; Never Alone: "Ah…" Yoh sweatdropped, "even if you say so, why does that sound like it would be painful?" "I'll make sure it would be painful." Anna replied darkly.

TITLE: His wife

Disclaimer: I don't own shaman king.

Nightglider: Hi people hope at least some of you missed me or at least remembered me. I forced myself back to writing or now though I'm still stuck in the laziness fever. Hopefully I'll get over it once I publish it. So this is another series of one shots and this time I would TRY not to let my mood take control o me but you know, can't promise anything. I hope you enjoy this one. Next one-shot will be up eventually. Reviews encourage me to write though (hint hint). Anyways I shall stop my blabbing now and leave you to enjoy the fic not that most of you even read this (I know I seldom do) BUT STILL ENJOY!

Oh and the credit goes off to Smart angel for making me feel guilty about not writing any fic in a long while, and remembering me. That was so sweet. Well anyways its because of her that you're reading this fic now. So here's to Smart Angel, hope you'll enjoy this hun. Cheers!

Story

"Yoh, are you done yet?"

"Almost" Yoh Asakura sighed, not bothering to glance back as he picked up the last sheet of cloth from the basket, "Do you need anything?"

There was a pause before he was finally answered.

"No. I want to go for a walk."

He took his time clipping the sheet to the wire before training his eyes on his fiancee.

"Do you want me to come?"

She looked at him impassively. Her fingers twitched and stiffened on the palm of her hand. Yoh chose not to comment.

"Yes." she finally answered tonelessly.

Yoh turned back to his basket, picturing her re-entering the inn almost half consciously. It was for that reason why he was surprised to find her still standing in the same position when he turned back to face the house, basket in hand.

"Whats wrong?" It was a stupid reason, and Yoh acknowledged that fact even before speaking it out loud. It wasn't like they always took a walk whenever either of them felt bothered about something, but Yoh knew Kyouyama Anna would always use subtle indications that something was troubling her. Her pride seldom allowed her to admit it in words, so Yoh had gotten used to sensing the slightest of pauses or sagging of her shoulders to determine when she needed him. It was never pleasant waiting for her to tell him, which was always in a round about manner. Sometimes he was even forced to ask her straight out, praying all the while for her to be composed enough to answer. Sometimes she would, sometimes she'd pretend he didn't say anything at all and sometimes she would frown warningly in which Yoh would have to remind her she was human, no matter what she was expected of. If anyone had known of the last resort Yoh would execute, he would have already be termed as the bravest man alive. But then if anyone did knew they would probably be roasted alive before they could term the young Asakura that. So it was perhaps a good thing no one did.

Anna didn't reply but Yoh continued to wait in silence. She finally showed some response by lowering her eyelids as her stance lost its stiffness, "Leave the basket, I'll wait for you outside."

Before Yoh could reply, she was already heading towards the gate. Feeling he was left with no other choice, he places the basket by his feet before unrolling his sleeve from his elbow.

The walk as usual was silent. But the route the itako choose was different from their usual ones. Yoh managed not to question until they reached a park filled with loving couples and laughing kids running about. He turned to her, mouth already open to question what were they doing there when he realized she was already a few paces ahead of him. Yoh blinked before quickening his pace to catch up to his fiancee. Why did she choose this place? Anna hated crowd.

They found a nice spot under a small weeping willow. Sunlight streamed down its canopy in large gold patches on the soft green grass. A few wild lowers were scattered at the rim of its trunk, shying away from the grass.

Taking a seat, Anna leaned against the trunk before closing her eyes. Yoh couldn't help but smile at the serene atmosphere as he took a seat beside his fiancee, lying down on the cool grass and heaving a sigh of content. This was a nice change.

Neither said another word for a long time. But that was common for both. Words didn't had any value to either unless absolutely necessary. Or perhaps the fact really was both accepted the other too much to say much of anything.

The laughter and chatter from the happy family seemed to merge in a murmur as Yoh stared up at the clouds. They seem to flow in an almost hypnotic manner. Merging with each other to form something new, while still staying serene and in peace all the while.

Too immersed in the transformation of the white fluff in the sky, Yoh didn't notice Anna turning her face to him, watching him with the same look he had studying the sky, until about a minute later.

"You've been doing all your chores without much complaint these days." It wasn't a question, so Yoh wasn't sure what to say to that.

"Does that bother you?" He tried to joke, still keeping his eyes intact on the sky.

"No," she replied after a small pause, "But your pink haired friend is giving me a headache about it."

This statement was of course absurd, so Yoh didn't bother stifling a chuckle at that. Tamao giving Anna a headache?

"Its not funny." Anna said shortly as if reading his mind, "As your wife its your duty to spare me the inconvenience of bearing a headache by not worrying your friend too much."

Yoh smiled, still not turning to her, "How is doing all my chores without complaint worrying her?"

"How am I to know how the mind of that woman works." Anna replied shortly, turning back to face the running children before her.

They both were silent for a while before Anna decided to add, "She must find it uncharacteristic I guess."

"You guess." Yoh repeated, closing his eyes.

Anna closed her own before letting out a small sigh, "Yoh."

"Hmm..?"

"Whats wrong?" There was a trace of command in her voice.

"Nothing."

Silence...and then

WHACK

"Ow..." Yoh whimpered before turning to give his fiancee what he hoped was a wounded look, "what was that-" Immediately, his words died on his tongue.

"Asakura Yoh..." she growled, hair flaring out behind her in flames,

Yoh gulped, but before he could say another word, her claws had his throat in its sharp grasp.

"Ack..! Ann-"

"Are you willing to tell me now?"

Yoh winced slightly before looking up at her, smiling lightly, "Isn't this more inconvenient?"

Anna's eyes narrowed further but she loosened her grip. Yoh noticed she didn't pull away but decided not to comment.

"I'll talk to her," Yoh promised, tucking a strand of gold behind her ear unconsciously.

The glare was still intact, but the spark had softened in her eyes, "And you wont talk to me?"

Yoh didn't reply as he looked at his fiancee almost impassively. This seemed to irate the itako more.

"I'm your wife Asakura." she growled, digging her nails in his shoulder, "Its your duty to see to my rights..!"

Perhaps they both didn't realize Anna had spoken out loud. Perhaps it was the position they both were in, or perhaps the old ladies sitting on a bench near them, oblivious to both, were far too fascinated and nosy for their own good.

"Oh my..."

And it was exactly that moment when they let out that exclamation that what Anna had just said finally registered in his mind.

Yoh felt his face burst to flames as he looked at Anna in horror. He was supposed to fulfill his husband duties to her NOW?

Anna blinked at Yoh's reaction (having been seething with anger too much to notice her position, words and the old women's gasp) before realization dawned on her and her skin took the same shade as Yoh's.

"I HADN'T MEANT THAT RIGHT! YOH BAKA!"

Tamao Tamamura jumped letting go of the pile of dishes she had just finished washing as the Itako's scream penetrated through the kitchen.

"M-Mistress Anna...?" the poor girl whimpered, looking about as if in the next second something in the kitchen would explode.

Anna had her face buried in her hands as she sat beside a badly wounded, yet sheepish Yoh in a new spot. Yoh kept smiling apologetically at the strangers passing by as Anna continued to curse and threaten Yoh under her breath, not even bothering to glare again.

After her outburst, it had been left up to Yoh to drag the two of them away from the extremely awkward and embarrassing spotlight. She was sure people were still craning their necks to look at them. This was all Yoh's fault.

Yoh on the other hand was having a pretty hard time trying to stifle his laugh. After things had settled down (though he still suspected the old ladies were still trying to look over at them) the humor in the situation wasn't hard to not acknowledge. Besides his fiancee rarely, if never, got embarrassed. So that was a surprising treat.

"Shall we go home?" Yoh asked, trying to not sound too cheerful.

Anna didn't reply, stubbornly intact in her position.

Yoh decided to try cheer her up, "Come on, it wasn't that bad."

Anna still didn't reply.

Yoh smiled sheepishly and scratched his forehead, "Ok, so it was bad...pretty horrible, but people will forget you know. Its not like they know us. We don't even come here all that much."

"Its not the people that are giving me a headache." Anna murmured, running her palms across her eyes tiredly before leaning back.

Yoh blinked and tilted his face, "Whats wrong then?"

Anna scowled, still not looking at him, "Funny you're asking that now."

Yoh blinked clueless, "Huh?"

Anna turned to him, glaring, "I'm your wife Yoh. At least I will be."

Yoh continued to stare at her, not understanding where she was going with that.

"Ah..."

"Its my right to know whats bothering you."

Ah.

Yoh gave Anna a long look, before smiling slightly, "Is that all?"

For some reason, Anna's heart throbbed at that. She took her gaze away, choosing to stare intently at her knees. After some time, she heard a faint tired sigh from her side. Before she could will herself to look, something warm covered her hands. Her eyes widened slighly as she finally turned her gaze back to her fiancee, who had shifted over, resting his head on her lap.

Yoh still had her hand as he looked up intently at his fiancee, before giving her palm a gentle squeeze.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was being selfish." He admitted tiredly, "Can I tell you when its easier?"

Anna lowered her eyelids but nodded. Yoh smiled in gratitude before closing his eyes tiredly.

After a while, he was surprised to feel cool slender fingers running the length of his hair. He opened his eyes questioningly to his fiancee. But the itako's face was impassive.

"You're not supposed to be alone Yoh." she said simply.

This time Yoh didn't felt it hard to smile. He laced his fingers with her's, not bothering to say another word.

Anna continued to brush her hand through his hair until Yoh fell asleep. Sometimes you don't need words to express there is a problem. Sometimes you don't even need to know what the problem is. Anna knew whenever Yoh would feel ready to tell her whatever was wrong, she wouldn't be surprised. And she wouldn't be able to take away the pressure completely. But for now, being like this was enough.

It's like catching lightening
The chances of of finding, someone like you
It's one in a million
The chances of feeling the way we do
And with every step together
We just keep on getting better
So can I have this dance? (Can I have this dance?)
Can I have this dance?Nightglider: So...? Was that a good come back present? Please don't forget to leave a review and tell me about it. Until next time, See ya people!

To Brave the Darkness - JFrost

Oh! It's ben a long time! haha. Here I am again, imma introduce a new story from JFrost. I already posted some of the stories from this author and now we have a new great story from here. A very twisted plot and unmistakably awesome plotline. Here we go.

Title: To Brave the Darkness
Author: JFrost
Rating: M
Published: 06-18-10

Summary:

Serenity will do anything to escape the caged life her torturous stepfather has created for her. To taste freedom she would even ruin her own reputation. Lord Endymion is known for bragging about his many conquests. He becomes her only hope.

 Title: TO BRAVE THE DARKNESS

Disclaimer: I don't own anything about Sailor Moon

Authors Notes: Alright everyone, here is my next story. A huge shout out goes to my beta reader for this story. BeeZ10. She's helping me make this story the best it can be. Angeliclin helped me so much with Legends of Love. She was awesome. I've written pretty much this whole story already and dumped the first half of it on poor Beez10, and now I'm already off on my next one so I'm probably going to rotate the stories between both of them. Who knows. It depends how far I get in my next story.

Hope you guys all like this one! I think the next one I do isn't going to be a period piece. I might take a wild shot at a modern day one.

Growing up outside of the Kingdom was considered next to impossible. The city itself was lush, green and vibrant, while just over the massive stone walls there was a barren wasteland of heat and desert. It was considered torture to be sent there, reserved for the most evil of criminals.

Serenity decided that she'd rather live out there then put up with her stepfather for another moment.

"I have had enough of this," he yelled angrily at her, his face red and his hands trembling. "You are old enough to understand the way things work."

"I understand that as a subject of this kingdom I have the right too…"

"You are my daughter and that means you have to do what I say."

Serenity crossed her arms. "So you're my father today?"

He glowered at her. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"It just means that you're only ever my father when you need me to do something. If my mother were alive she would hate you for the way you use me for your convenience."

"Then it's a good thing she died when she did."

Serenity forced herself not to react. She forced herself not to lunge forward and slap him. "You are not my father," she said slowly. "When you married my mother I was already four. Just because her unfortunate death landed me here does not mean I have to obey you."

"Then you are not welcome in my house."

"Finally," she said throwing up her arms. "I will leave the moment your guards step out of the way of the gate."

She could see the rage boil within him and knew what was coming next. He would never let her go. He hadn't yet because he knew she was of use to him.

"You are condemned to your rooms."

Serenity rolled her eyes. "At least it is peaceful there."

"You will do what I say. You will remember your place while my guests are here and you will act in a manner becoming of a woman of your stature."

"I will do whatever it takes to get you to let me go."

"If you cross me," he said moving close to her, using his height to try and intimidate her, "you will regret it. I will never let you just walk out of here. If ever you're gone, it'll be because you're walking with the criminals outside the city walls."

Serenity glared at him.

"My guests will be arriving before dinner. You will be dressed and ready to greet them."

Serenity turned around to walk away from him, not giving any sort of affirmation to the subject. She wouldn't promise him anything of the sort. She would do whatever she could to make life harder for him. The man was nothing but pure, stinking evil and she would be glad to see him publicly disgraced no matter what the ramifications to herself.

"Serenity," he said, stopping her.

She turned to face him, making it clear by her expression that she couldn't care less what he might say to her now.

"I have a plan for you Serenity, and no matter how hard you fight I will make sure the future comes about the way I imagine it. Fight me if you want, but at least this time stay cautious. It would anger me deeply if you were to be tainted."

Serenity looked at him confused. "Tainted?"

"Lord Endymion will be among my guests."

Surprise washed over her. "Lord Endymion."

"As I am not blind to your beauty, I know you will be a target for him. Perhaps keeping close to my guards while he is around is advisable."

Serenity found herself a little speechless. Not because her stepfather was showing a morsel of care for her, but more because he would invite a man like that into their home at all. Lord Endymion, who she had never met, had a reputation stronger and darker than most in history. He came from a family wealthier than the King himself, and much more treacherous. Endymion, like his father before him, took pleasure in other people's pain.

She walked out of the room, too flustered to really acknowledge her stepfather at all. Lord Endymion was coming to their house.

Despite her father's warning, if Lord Endymion saw and wanted her, there was nothing any of them might do to stop him. If he had his way, she would be ruined.

Back in her room, Serenity tried to picture the man capable of continuing on a reputation so black people were afraid of him. Her stepfather would probably have been unable to stop him from coming. Lord Endymion had a hand in almost every business venture in the Kingdom, and if it was a business party coming, Endymion may have invited himself.

Despite herself, she was unsure how to act.

"Are you alright Serenity?" Her maid asked.

Serenity looked at her. "Lord Endymion is coming to stay this week with the rest of my stepfathers party."

The maid went completely white, eyes wide. The look of fear was obvious. "You mustn't let him see you," she whispered.

Serenity nodded. "I understand as much."

Her maid was in front of her quickly, on her knees, gripping her hands so tightly it almost hurt. "My lady, you must convince your father to hide you while that man is in this house. If you sees you, he'll want you."

Serenity shook her head. "We don't know that."

"You are too beautiful to be ignored."

Serenity sighed. "As my stepfather likes it."

"It is one thing for your stepfather to use you to attract people to his business or look at you himself with his disgusting gaze, it is another to allow you in the same house as that man. You must hide yourself."

"What would happen?" Serenity asked. "If that man did ruin me?"

The maid looked confused by the question. "You mean, if he were to have his way and take you to his bed?"

Serenity nodded. "What would happen afterward?"

"You would be ruined."

"And what would that mean?"

"It would…it means…..my lady, it would mean that you would no longer be considered a lady of the highest class. Your very title would become meaningless and you would have no chance to marry well."

Serenity nodded, taking in the information calmly. "If I were no longer desirable to any person in the highest class of the kingdom, then perhaps my stepfather would no longer have a use for me."

Her maid looked ready to pass out, her fear was so strong. "You are not thinking of giving yourself to him."

Serenity shook her head, sighing wearily. "I am not." It was true, the thought was almost too much. She wanted to get away from her stepfather, but there were things she should not be willing to do to achieve that goal. Giving up her virtue to a man whose reputation was too black to even imagine was a step too drastic, even for her. "But I do have to get out of here," she said sadly.

"The guards at the gate are coming around," her maid said. "You are making progress with getting them to let you out. My friend the cook says they speak of you often, sometimes crudely, but in a manner which suggests they are starting to soften to your cause."

Serenity nodded. "Then we will keep trying. As soon as I can get out, I'll be gone."

The maid nodded, obviously relieved the Serenity didn't intend to go too far with her desire to leave. She walked over to the closet and started looking for a dress.

Serenity hated business parties like this. Her stepfather always gave these dinners so he could introduce his daughter to all the men who were looking for a wife, either for themselves or their sons. Of course, they were almost never permitted to marry her, but she was to show off for them, to draw them into her father's circle. It seemed oddly simple, but so far it had always worked. Her father had made a very large sum of money he would not have normally acquired because of her.

It wasn't that life here was awful; it was more that there wasn't a life here. Her stepfather kept her away from everything so that he could use her when he needed to lure someone in. She wasn't allowed to socialize outside his circle, which were all men and therefore not an option to make too strong a connection with. She wasn't permitted to attend balls or plays in case her beauty become adapted to.

It was true that she was beautiful, like her mother before her, but she was not willing to hide herself because her father wanted to use that for his own devices. Now she felt more distain for her looks than love. She almost wanted to curse her luck in appearance and wish for the freedom of being ugly.

Her stepfather had never really cared for her, as far as she knew. When he married her mother, he did it because he was attracted to her, not because he wanted a family. When her mother died, he had taken her into his family begrudgingly. Now, after four other wives and no other children, he had found a use for her.

"Your stepfather has sent over a few new gowns," her maid said coming back out of the closet.

Serenity sighed. "Of course he has."

A few hours later, dressed and ready for dinner, Serenity sat at the top of the stairs, resting her head on her hand, which rested on her knee. Her maid beside her looked through the banister to see the people coming through the front door.

"All men as usual," she said softly.

Serenity nodded, unsurprised by the news. Of course it was all men. It was always men. Her stepfather was afraid of what might happen if she found a woman whom she could befriend and confide in. His opinion was that women, on their own, were not as devious as when they came in pairs. Worst of all when they came in groups.

"Do you know what he looks like?"

"No," Serenity said. "He's not very old I don't think. I heard he's more dangerous than his father because he's not yet an older man. He's young and able to handle the stress of any situation."

"My word," the maid said breathlessly. "If he's a young man, then I don't know how he managed to already get the reputation he has."

Serenity shrugged. "Wealth buys you almost anything."

Voices could be heard from below, and Serenity heard her father making excuses for her absence.

She smiled. Obviously he had promised them all her presence and he would be furious that she wasn't greeting his guests. He wanted them more than willing to speak to him right away about business. She didn't always understand why men were more willing to do business when they saw her, but she assumed it was some shallow thought of lust and desire that clouded their judgment. Men were so easy to predict when they were infatuated.

"When are you going to go down?"

Serenity shrugged. "When I'm ready."

"I'm not sure which one he is. They're mostly young men this time, all handsome and all obviously wealthy. Seven of them in all, and only one who looks old enough to have a full-grown son. It cannot be him."

Serenity leaned back, stretching her feet out in front of her and letting her shoulders rest on the step above her. It was dark in the house, except for where their guests were permitted, so she wasn't worried about being seen.

She waited.

It was only a matter of time.

More time actually, then she expected.

"I will not stand for this girl," her stepfather said angrily as he all but stomped up the stairs to where he knew she was sitting.

She smiled at him. "How is your dinner party going?"

"Get up!" He said grabbing her arm as her maid scurried away. He hoisted her to her feet, hurting her shoulder. "I am sick of your childish antics. You will obey me or I will make your life something miserable."

Serenity pulled away from him. "You've already succeeded."

"You have no idea how hard I can make things for you," he spat at her. "If you don't get down there this instant, our relationship will become abusive."

She glared at him. "You wouldn't touch me."

"You are not truly my daughter," he said in a deathly angry voice. "There are things I could do to you, which I have refrained from doing, that will make you yearn for the life you have now."

His words actually frightened her. She was used to his yelling and promising pain, but he had never threatened to do something like that to her before. What exactly did he mean? Was he talking of raping her? He was her stepfather.

Serenity clenched her hands tightly at her sides.

"Tonight is very important," he hissed. "The men down there, if convinced, will make it possible for my business to move along without me. We will be rich and I will no longer have to work. And if you screw this up for me, I promise you that you will regret it."

She was actually afraid of the look in his eyes.

"At least you are dressed," he said looking her over carelessly.

She nodded, a little flustered.

"Come now," he ordered, turning around and walking down the stairs.

Serenity followed quietly, finding herself in a situation more desperate than all the others. It was one thing to be used for her stepfather's gain and wish for a different life. It was another thing all together to be afraid, every day, of the man who was supposed to be your guardian.

Would he really harm her in that way? The look in his eyes said he would.

Serenity shivered as she walked into the dinning room where everyone was already sitting.

"My apologies for my daughter's late entrance," her stepfather said with a smile that looked charming. "Gentlemen, this is the lady Serenity."

Serenity sat down without really looking at any of them, and she could tell by her stepfather's gruff breath that he didn't approve. So she looked up, gave a little smile, and then looked back at her plate.

"You have a very beautiful daughter," one of the men complimented her stepfather.

"Thank you," he said without tact. "I am very proud of my Serenity."

Serenity looked up and around the table. Seven men, six in their twenties it seemed, and one older, perhaps her fathers age. They were all handsome enough, and smiled at her charmingly. It was all usual. They all had the usual look of instant infatuation. All but one.

Serenity usually glanced around, picked one or two she thought might be slightly interesting, and tried to get as much conversation out of it is she could to sate her hunger for social interaction at least until the next dinner party. But this time, the man sitting at the end of the table, made her immediately freeze in her spot.

She couldn't seem to look away from him. The bluest eyes she had ever seen, gazing at her with a darkness that seemed to swirl from deep within him. His handsome face held a deeply amused look, and his glossy black hair drifted just slightly into his eyes.

She knew who he was immediately. There was only one person she could think of who might so openly look at her like that.

"I hope our business affairs do not bore you."

Serenity snapped her gaze away from Lord Endymion to look at the young man just across from her. He was plain next to Endymion. Brown hair and a charming smile, but not really handsome features. Only a second ago she had thought them all handsome.

She forced herself to smile. "I am used to my stepfathers business affairs happening at dinner," she said as calmly as she could. "I am no longer bored by the subject."

"It is a wonder I have not seen you around," another man said.

"It is not beneficial for me to be seen in public," she said without thinking.

Her stepfather glared at her.

Serenity felt her heart leap a little, and then anger set in.

It was so sudden. One moment she was slightly afraid, and more than a little flustered, and the next she was so angry she could cuss. How dare he threaten to rape her. How dare he even think about using something like that against her. She was not part of his property. He might be able to dictate certain aspects of her life, but he was not allowed to touch her.

Instead of turning her anger on him, she looked at the table of men, giving them her most winning and charming smile. "I'm sorry, I am of course the rudest of creatures. I have not asked any of you to be introduced to me. It does not matter of course, because once you've joined business ventures with my stepfather you will hardly ever see me again, but I would like to know at least for proprieties sake."

Her stepfather laughed, but she could hear an edge to his voice. "My daughter is angry with me I fear, and not doing a very good job of hiding it."

Serenity glanced at Endymion, who she could feel looking at her. He hadn't said anything yet, and that amused look hadn't yet left his face. He was watching her curiously.

The other men seemed eager to speak to her.

"It is perfectly excusable," the older man said, smiling at her. "What are you to accuse him of lady Serenity?"

Serenity felt her fathers warning without looking at him. She held her head high and never faltered. "He threatened a great punishment if I do not perform to his satisfaction tonight."

"That's enough Serenity," her stepfather hissed.

She finally looked at him. "May I be excused? I think my continued presence here is not likely to help your cause."

He just glared at her.

Serenity stood up, smiled at the table, glanced once more at the man sitting at the end of the table who was taking a drink from his wine, still smiling if no longer looking at her, and then walked out of the room as confidently as possible.

As soon as she was out of sight, she nearly collapsed.

What had she just done?

Serenity tried to focus on breathing. Her heart was beating in her chest, almost hurting her with it's furious attempt to get out. She felt a little faint.

But she wasn't sorry she had done it.

She quickly made her way up to her room, knowing she would have to get ready for the wrath of her stepfather. She wasn't sure if he would fulfill his threat, but he would definitely be angry with her. Her only hope was that he would wait until the end of the week, when his guests were gone.

But she heard him coming when she was only halfway up the stairs.

Glancing back at him, she could see his anger swirl around him. Fear gripped her and she quickly turned away to hurry up the stairs.

"You can't get away from me girl," he growled, coming after her.

Serenity hurried to the end of the hall, throwing her bedroom door open and trying to barricade herself in her room.

He was too fast.

Before she could close the door, he pushed against it, flinging her down to the floor with the momentum.

She looked up at him, scurrying herself away, afraid of him.

"How dare you," he snarled, reaching down to grab her arm and pull her painfully up to him. "How dare you make a fool of me." Before she could blink he had hit her, hard, sending her back onto the ground, holding a hand to her face while tears threatened to spill down her face. "You are not to leave this room for any reason other than to entertain my guests during the day. Your maid will not be allowed to come to you. You will return here very night and wait for me until the end of the week. Then, you will see just how serious I am."

His meaning was clear.

"You wouldn't dare," she said breathlessly.

His smile was menacing. "Wouldn't I?"

She could see in his eyes that he would. But to prove his point he grabbed her again, and this time picked her up and threw her back onto her bed.

Serenity screamed as he came after her, ripping at her dress. He grabbed her hair, yanking it painfully back and roughly biting her neck. She pleaded with him to stop.

"It's too late Serenity," he said angrily. "You wanted to defy me and now you will experience the consequences. If you leave this room, I will inform my guards to tie you down. I have certainly waited long enough for you. If you are in fact grown up enough to fight back, then you are grown up enough to start fulfilling your actual purpose."

Serenity was thrown back onto the bed and suddenly found herself free of him.

She watched, tears falling down her cheeks and anger boiling within her, as he walked out the door, slamming it behind him.

The only thing she could think about at all was that she would never let that man touch her, even if she had to die to stop it.

End of Chapter one! Review please!

Chapter two will be out soon hopefully!

Please Read and Review!