Shaman King Fan Fiction ❯ Ivy, Shaman Runaway ❯ Many Meetings ( Chapter 28 )

 

Many Meetings

Ivy had run off, Isabelle had drifted off into her own little world, the rest of the little band of shaman that had assembled to welcome me dispersed, and I was left alone in the living room with Amidamaru.

 

“Aikido?” He asked, doubting if it was really me.

 

“Yes?” I acted as if everything were normal between us, like it was when we were both alive.

 

“What? How? Why? Why now?—“ Amidamaru started spitting a million questions a minute.

 

“—I'm going for a walk. Are you coming with me?” I asked nonchalantly as I floated out the door.

 

He cut in front of me and glared, “How can you act as if nothing has happened between us?!”

 

I shrugged as my glance shifted toward the floor. “You don't understand…”

 

“Explain it to me.” He said it as if he were worried, as if he cared, but I saw through to the underlying meaning, it was a command. I knew it was.

 

I pulled him outside so we could talk in private. “Look, It's been my life's dream to compete in the tournament, and now I can. Ivy is unbeatable. If she can down Hao, which she will, she'll win.”

 

A look of enlightenment came upon Amidamaru's face, “YOU WERE A SHAMAN!!! I get it now!!! All this time, all your talk of the tournament, and of finding others like you, all the talk of your people, and that also explains what you meant when you talked about finding a guardian, and how you could see me as a ghost when you were alive!”

 

If I wasn't so good at masking my emotions, I would have blushed at all of his gushing. Instead I coolly stated, “Yes of course I was a shaman, but now I'm a guardian ghost. I was never a very good shaman anyway…”

 

“Really?” He raised an eyebrow finding it hard to believe.

 

I chuckled when I remembered my failed attempt at shamanism. “I was a total flop as a fighter shaman! The only thing I was good at was fortune telling and a bit of Itako stuff; sadly, that's it.”

 

“So this is it, Aikido…this is your chance. I'm happy for you. It is a pleasure to serve my Master Yoh. How are things with Ivy?” He smiled gently like he used to.

 

“She's great. She lets me do pretty much whatever I want to. She doesn't try to dominate over me like other shamans do with their spirits. I have it good. Her other spirits are nice enough. Chip, the sparrow, he's really quiet, but he's kind of only there for moral support. Judo rescued the poor thing. Its tree was bulldozed and he was killed. They built a Wal-Mart where his tree used to be, and he just kept flying around inside as a ghost looking for his mother bird. He doesn't have any real powers except—I shouldn't say. You are a competitor and I shouldn't be telling you all of my Mistress's secrets. She doesn't even tell her family or friends what she can do. I get the impression that she wants to surprise whoever she fights. She's smart about not openly flaunting her abilities. Isabelle has a really tragic past. Her father-in-law murdered her on her wedding day. It was bad. I think she doesn't like being around Yoh too much, because he looks exactly like Rai did. Rai was an Asakura as well. Then there's me…whom you already know all about.” I rambled.

 

“Where did you go after they executed you?” He pulled closer to me.

 

I thought about it for a second, `Should I tell him the truth? He'd be upset…'

 

“Well?” He nudged me teasingly.

 

I smiled and decided that it didn't matter. “I went to visit Mosuke, and then I left to explore the world. I've been to every country, and almost every town.”

 

“You managed to do all that, but you couldn't even stop by and say `hi' to me?” He pouted.

 

“If I would have stopped to talk to you, I wouldn't have left. I would have stayed with you.” I pushed him playfully.

 

“Exactly.” He shoved back. “How'd you meet up with Ivy?”

 

“I was touring the U.S.A, when someone from St. Louis summoned me. It was little tree and a half year old Judo Tao! Did you know that the Taos traveled around the U.S. with Judo every once in a while? They never staid for a long period of time, but it was fun when they did come. Jun and Ran were both fun. Anyway, I don't know how, but the Taos got a hold of my sword after I died, and little Judo used it to summon me. Quite extraordinary, don't ya think?”

 

He smiled back at me and nodded. “So, even after all these years, do you still love me? I haven't forgotten my love for you…”

 

His blunt romantic statement shook me a little. I did still love him…but… “Yes…I do love you…” I whispered.

 

“Aikido…” He beamed happily at me.

 

I smiled sadly and cast my gaze downward. “I'm so sorry Amidamaru…I do love you…but…”

 

“`But' what? There are no buts when it comes to love.” He solemnly preached.

 

“I would love to just stay by your side forever, but I can't do that. I have a responsibility now. Ivy needs me. I can't leave her. I love you, but…goodbye.” I turned and started walking as tears streamed down my ghostly face.

 

A strong hand came to rest on my shoulder, “Maybe after the tournament?”

 

I kept looking forward so he wouldn't see my tears. “Will you wait that long?”

 

“I've waited so long already. My love can stay strong for a few more months.” He encircled his arms around me and I couldn't suppress a broad grin.

 

“I love you.” I said as I slowly moved in for a kiss.

 

“I love you too. I always will. I swear.” We could have stayed like that forever; ghosts don't need to breathe. We could finally express our love without fear after waiting patiently and remaining faithful for hundreds of years.