Shaman King Fan Fiction ❯ Ivy, Shaman Runaway ❯ Sympathy For The Devil ( Chapter 40 )

 

Sympathy For The Devil

“Fine.” I pouted. At least I would be able to get away from the same four walls of the tent. “Wait.” I stopped him again. “You mean like a date?” I raised an eyebrow.

 

“Well, if you want to call it that, yes, I suppose it is a date.” Hao smiled happily at me.

 

“Are you taking me out to dinner?” I questioned.

 

“I am.” He confirmed.

 

“Then at least I'll get a free meal out of it.” I retorted. His smile lessened considerably.

 

“I'm sorry you feel that way…” He walked back over to me and kissed me on the cheek. “I'll be back for you later. I love you.” He stood up and left, his smile restored to his face.

 

I rolled my eyes at his retreating back. `Yeah right. Love! Ha! I have yet to find out the reason he wants me around, but I can assure you, it's not love. He's probably planning to use my powers to take over the world or something, but I know he's using me! He's not in love no matter what he says!' As soon as I was sure that he was well off in the distance, I grabbed my boots, slipped them on, and readjusted all my other clothes. `Time to go. Ivy, Shaman Runaway is at it again.'

 

I walked for hours, and wasn't really getting anywhere. It was like something was pulling me back, closer to where Hao was. “Damn!! What's wrong with me!?!” I struggled until I was completely worn out. It was about 3:00 when I finally collapsed. “I can't take it any more. I give up! `Tis better to die in the desert than come crawling back to him.”

 

Of course, after lying in the dirt for three minutes, I decided to swallow my pride, go take a shower, and get ready for tonight's date. There was no way I was getting out of it.

 

I returned back to camp, and was greeted by my `sisters'.

 

“OMG, Ivy!!!!!!!!!!!! We so have to get you ready for your date with Master Hao!!! OMGOMGOMFGOMG!!” Macchi squealed.

 

“Yeah, we can't have you going in those old clothes.” Kanna took a puff of her cigarette.

 

“Mari is jealous, but Mari thinks that Ivy would look good with her hair done up.” Mari contributed to the conversation.

 

The Hanagumi rushed me to their tent, and started the makeover against my will. I didn't want to get all dressy for him. Despite my protests, I actually looked really good. They decked me out in a snazzy, sparkly, red evening gown that came to mid thigh on me. It was cut so that it showed major cleavage, and had slits up the sides. Macchi did my finger and toe nails in bright red, while Mari did my make-up. Kanna did my hair up so that it looked much like Lyserg's spirit, Chloe's hair do. I had on a black choker with a ruby heart pendant on it. My precious sidekicks, my black boots, were replaced with open toed, glittery, red sandals.

 

By the time they were done I looked like a sluty Barbie Doll. `Perfect. I've always wanted to look like an adult version of child play-thing.' I thought sarcastically.

 

“What do you think?” Macchi cried excitedly as she pushed me in front of a full-length mirror.

 

“I-I-I…” I stammered getting a good look at myself. “Wow…”

 

“If that don't turn him on, nothing will.” Kanna stated, turning me around to admire her work.

 

“The Hanagumi will do Ivy's outfit and makeup for her wedding too.” Mari smiled one of her rare smiles at me.

 

That snapped me out of my daze. “WEDDING!?”

 

“Yeah!! Your wedding silly!!” Macchi smiled brightly.

 

“We've already got an idea of how we're gonna dress you an' everything.” Kanna confirmed.

 

“What wedding?!” I was still shocked that they were already planning my wedding, and I had no intention of getting married yet.

 

“When Ivy marries Master Hao. THAT wedding. Has Ivy suddenly become very stupid without Mari noticing it?” Mari scowled at me.

 

“Who said anything about me marrying Hao!? I'm going to marry…” I trailed off, not finishing my sentence as I winced in pain. I suddenly felt a sharp pain to my head. “Never mind.” I whispered.

 

The conversation was decidedly ended as Opacho peeked his head into the tent. “Is Mistress Ivy ready, yet? Master Hao is waiting.”

 

“No!” “Yes!!!” Was the response that greeted the little shaman's ears. I did not want to go, and was intent on staying in that tent as long as possible. The Hanagumi, however, had other plans for me. I was pushed, shoved, dragged, carried, and other wise forced out of the tent. With one last humongous shove, I was pushed out of the tent. The force was over powering, and I tripped on my own feet. Luckily two strong arms were there to catch me.

 

I looked up into the face of an angel. He had long, mahogany brown hair that was newly washed, so it shone and glimmered in the setting sun. His chocolate brown eyes sparkled as they smiled down on me lovingly. His perfect, round mouth was widely grinning at me as well with his pearly white teeth. He was wearing a black tuxedo complete with a formal black tie, and white collared shirt. Soft white gloves covered his strong hands, and he wore small silver bands for earrings; they looked like they were something the Patch Indians would wear. Damn he was sexy.

 

As I was looking over him, this fallen angel was intently studying me as well. He slowly leaned forward to kiss me softly. But just as soon as the kiss started, it ended as he pulled away, leaving but a butterfly kiss upon my lips.

 

“Ivy, you look magnificent.” He whispered as he stroked my cheek.

 

`That voice!' He was no angel. “Hao…” I let go of him and stepped back, finally taking in my surroundings. I then noticed that all of Hao's followers were watching intently, most with starry eyes. I could have sworn I heard some cooing `How romantic!'.

 

“Ready to go, Darling?” Hao questioned.

 

“With you? A-alone?” All at once I found my voice.

 

“Well that was the general idea of a date, last time I checked.” He raised an eyebrow inquisitively at me.

 

“Well…I—that is to say…um…” I fumbled with my words as I bit the inside of my cheek (a bad habit of mine).

 

“You know, if you would be more comfortable, Opacho could come with us…” He graciously offered, realizing my stance on the situation.

 

I nodded eagerly, “Thank you.” I let a small smile slip through the steel defense of my face.

 

Hao noticed, and returned the smile with a smirk of his own. “Time to go; Opacho you ready?”

 

“Yes Master Hao!” Opacho grabbed hold of Hao's pant leg, and Hao scooped me up so that he could carry me bridal style. Before I could disagree, we disappeared in one of his famous columns of fire.

 

Mere seconds later we arrived outside a really fancy Patch theatre. Hao set me down on my own two feet, and I stood agape at the size and style of the place. “Wow…I didn't know that those cheap-skate Patch could afford something like this.”

 

“It was built as a tourist attraction. Not a lot of people can afford to come here, but when they do, they usually end up paying their weight in gold. The Patch charge a pretty penny for anything and everything in the theatre.” Hao informed me.

 

I turned back around to look at him skeptically, “And you're paying for this?”

 

As soon as I looked, he was gone, and two elusive arms slid around my waist and pulled me back up against their master. Hao whispered deviously in my ear, “Darling, I'm Hao Asakura. I don't pay.”

 

I giggled as I pulled away. “I should have known.”

 

Suddenly an outside voice broke into Hao and my's conversation. “Opacho will be sitting a few rows away from Hao and Ivy, for he has no desire to sit and watch them make out.” Opacho informed us.

 

Hao rolled his eyes and smiled at the precocious youth; I turned bright red, whether it was from embarrassment or anger, I couldn't tell. “What?!” I screeched. “What would ever lead you to believe that I'd let him touch me like that!?”

 

Opacho rolled his eyes and shrugged as he started walking into the theatre.

 

“Will you ever let me touch you Ivy?” Hao asked.

 

I scowled dangerously at him showing my displeasure. “NO.” I made it painfully clear where I stood on the issue.

 

“Not even a little?” Hao teased as he started tickling my sides.

 

“Nooooo!!” I couldn't help but squirm and laugh as he moved to tickle my neck, the most sensitive part of my body. “GOD! Hao, have mercy!! I give, I give!”

 

But still he wouldn't stop, “I didn't know you were so ticklish, Ivy. Somebody's boy-crazy!” He teased. “Come on, scream my name, won't you?”

 

“Hao!” I tried to get out through my laughter.

 

“You know that's not good enough…louder.” He commanded, going back down to my stomach.

 

“HAO!! Hao, Hao, Hao, Hao, HAO!!!!!!!!!” I screamed, and thankfully he finally eased up. I collapsed in his arms panting.

 

“Never…do…that…to…me…again.&# 8221; I slowed my breathing and stood on my own feet. “So, originally when you thought of taking me here was it to make out in the dark theatre, or did you really want to watch the movie?” I asked.

 

Hao thought about it for a moment, “Well, if you wanted to make out, I'd love to, but if you want to watch the movie, let me put my arm around you, and I won't try anything.”

 

“I suppose letting you put your arm around me wouldn't be too huge a price to pay for watching the movie and you not making a move on me in the dark…” I smiled slyly at the grinning Hao. “Promise?”

 

“Promise.” He crossed his heart and led me into the theatre.

 

Opacho and I watched the movie with interest, it was quite funny. It was about a secret agent who got assigned to baby-sit the family of an inventor who had recently been kidnapped and murdered while working on a secret computer program. I won't spoil the whole plot for you, but it was hilarious!

 

I really don't think Hao watched much of it though; he was too busy gazing dreamily at me, and hand-feeding me popcorn. I let him have his fun, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have if someone else had been in the place of Hao…I just couldn't think of who…A sudden stinging sensation plagued itself upon my poor head. I cringed and brought my hand to rest on my forehead.

 

Hao, who still had his arms around me, noticed my sudden quick movement. “Ivy, are you okay?!”

 

I raised my head to smile weakly at him. “Yeah, I'm fine; I just have just been having a pretty bad reoccurring headache since I woke up…”

 

“Poor thing…” Hao brushed some stray hairs from my eyes. “Anna must have hit you harder than I thought…Ti amo, il mio angelo dolce: I love you, my sweet angel.” He leaned over to softly kiss my forehead.

 

I let him, but it still felt wrong, like someone else should be comforting me…another sharp pain. Luckily for me, the movie had ended and it was time for dinner.

 

“Is Mistress Ivy going to be alright.?” Opacho hovered worriedly below me.

 

“I'll be fine, Opacho. I just have a really bad migraine.” I smiled at my little friend as the worried expression changed to one of relief.

 

“I'm still not convinced that you're actually okay.” Hao voiced his concern.

 

I turned to look at him, “Worried are you?”

 

“Yes, is there a reason I shouldn't be worried about my bride-to-be?” He tilted my chin upward so I faced him.

 

I pulled away, semi-angrily. “You still think of me as your fiancée?” I glared half-heartedly.

 

“Of course. You will be my wife no matter what. I love you Ivy, and one day you will be mine.” He stated simply as he smiled at me, playing with a loose strand of my hair.

 

I stepped away from him yet again. “I will not be owned or possessed.” I dangerously seethed.

 

He took another step forward to counter my retreat. “But you can fall in love. I may not be able to force you to do anything else, but I can make you fall in love with me.”

 

“Ha! Yeah, right!” I took another step back.

 

“I've done it before, I can do it again, but for now, I'm going to carry you because you don't look well at all.” Once again, I was swept off my feet, and whisked off in a whirlwind of flames.

 

This time we three arrived in front of a gorgeous restaurant. It was huge. “Okay, where did all these fancy buildings come from?” I asked, shocked to find yet another high-class business in cheap Patch Village.

 

“Like I said before—tourist traps.” Hao cooed as he ushered me into the Fancy French restaurant.

 

We were seated out on the balcony overlooking a replica of the French countryside. Breath-takingly beautiful. It was chilly however, and my skimpy dress didn't offer much protection from the elements. Luckily for me, Hao draped his jacket over my shoulders to keep me warm.

 

I rolled my eyes at the clichéd romantic gesture, but mumbled a grateful “Thank you.” Never the less.

 

We ordered, and the waiter brought out Poulet en Salade for me, Entrecôte au Beurre d'Olives et aux Echalotes Rôties for Hao, and Pissaladière for little Opacho.

 

“Not hungry, Ivy?” Hao asked, looking at my small salad.

 

“No, not really. I haven't been eating much lately for some reason…” I replied looking down at my food.

 

“You're not starving yourself on purpose are you?” He asked suspiciously.

 

“No.” I assured him. “I'm just not hungry.”

 

“If you say so…” Hao wrinkled his brow at me, but continued eating.

 

“Ivy seems distant.” Opacho remarked as he climbed into my lap.

 

I smiled softly as I began to feed him. “Just thinking.” I explained.

 

“About what?” Hao pressed.

 

“Nothing…” I sighed.

 

“You wouldn't be thinking this intently about “nothing”.” Hao stated. “I can read your mind incase you've forgotten, so the only person you would be keeping this from would be Opacho.”

 

I glared softly at my salad. “Fine. I was just puzzling over why Anna hates me so much. How can she hate her own sister?” I admitted.

 

“Probably because you were messing around with her fiancée.” Hao suggested bluntly.

 

That killer headache struck again and made me cringe in pain.

 

“Ivy?!” Hao rushed over to my side.

 

“Mistress Ivy!!” Opacho whimpered.

 

“I'm okay.” I managed to bite back the pain and smile slightly without gritting my teeth. “What was this about my sister's fiancée? I didn't know she was engaged…when did this happen?” I asked.

 

Both boys starred at me with extreme confusion on their faces.

 

“Has Ivy forgotten about all the time she spent away from Master Hao?” Opacho looked astonished.

 

“What do you mean? My memory is perfect. I'm absolutely fine. Nothing's wrong with me at all.” I protested.

 

“No Ivy.” Hao said sternly. “You're not fine. Something is definitely wrong. Very wrong. I'm taking you home right now.”

 

“Oh, Hao, you worry too much, I said I was fine, now why won't you believe me?” I pouted. I didn't want to leave yet; I was having fun despite myself. Not that I would ever let Hao know.

 

“Because I love you, and I'm worried about your health.” He took my face in his hands and looked pleadingly into my eyes, entreating me to do as he asked.

 

“But…I…I haven't even gotten dessert yet.” I'm sure I sounded extremely childish, but I really didn't care.

 

“If we get dessert to go, then will you come home?” He asked, knowing how stubborn I could be, trying to compromise.

 

I nodded happily. “Waiter, one Cannelés to go! You want anything, Opacho?” I looked down at my little companion who was holding on to me tight.

 

He nodded, “And one Compote de Pommes!”

 

As soon as we got our dessert, Hao picked me up, yet again, and teleported us back `home' to the campsite. When we landed, he didn't put me down, but instead continued to carry me.

 

“Opacho, get Luca to bring his medical supplies to my tent AQASP.” (as quick as shamanly possible) Hao ordered as he carried my to his tent.

 

“Yes, Master Hao!” Opacho cried as he scurried off to find the X X-LAW turned Hao minion.

 

“You know, my legs work fine. You don't have to carry me.” I whispered in Hao's ear half-heartedly. In truth I liked being carried; it made me feel important.

 

“You're not well, and if I carry you, I can keep an eye on you better. Besides, I like carrying you.” He brought me into his tent, and laid me on the bed. “How do you feel?” Hao asked as he hovered over me.

 

“The headache is still really bad. I have no idea what's wrong with me…I'm really tired, too.” I replied.

 

“Hang in there, Luca will be here soon.” Hao stroked my cheek.

 

“I can't…I feel like I'll fall asleep any second now.” I tried to get out as my eyes slowly drifted closed.

 

“Maybe I can help you stay awake.” Hao closed the gap between our lips and engulfed mine in a fiery kiss.

 

“Hmmm? Uh! Mmmm…” I tried to protest, but he had me trapped, lying on my back on the bed, and him on top like that, he totally dominated me, but I didn't give in and kiss back.

 

Luca walked in on us like that. “Ahem…Master Hao, Opacho said it was an emergency.”

 

Hao broke the kiss, and looked sheepishly at Luca. “Sorry about that. Here's your patient, Doctor. I'll finish my business with her later tonight.

 

“Says you.” I glared at him, immensely angry with him for taking advantage of my helplessness. At least now I was awake…

 

“Now what seems to be the problem, Ivy?” Luca took out his equipment and started examining me.

 

“Well…” I told Luca my symptoms, and he ran some tests as Hao and Opacho waited outside the tent waiting in anxiety for news on me.

 

Luca finished up his examination an hour later, and walked out of the tent to tell Hao the results. “Master Hao…”

 

“Well?!” Hao, who had been sitting on the ground up until then, sprung to life instantly.

 

“Well…you see, Master Hao…” Luca stumbled over his words, not exactly sure how to break the news.

 

“God, dammit, Luca!! Is it good news or bad?!” Hao seethed, his temper flaring at Luca's lack of fact telling.

 

“I'm so sorry Master, there's nothing I can do…” Luca lowered his head.

 

Hao grabbed him by the collar and pulled him off balance despite the fact that Luca was taller than Hao. “What do you mean, `there's nothing you can do'!!!?” Hao shrieked. “Find something to do about it!!”

 

“But Master, there's no cure! All we can do is wait, I'm sorry, but I can't cure her!” Luca apologized frantically.

 

“Why can Luca not do anything?!!!” Opacho joined Hao in attacking Luca. “What's wrong with Mistress Ivy?!!”

 

“She's got acute amnesia!!” Luca flinched. “I'm sorry, but I can't bring her memories back!”

 

Hao and Opacho both glared and growled at the priestly man. “IDIOT!!!” Hao shouted. “God, I thought it was something fatal!”

 

“Luca should not toy with Hao and Opacho like that!” Opacho pouted. “Opacho was very worried about his Mistress!”

 

Luca looked immensely relieved not to have Hao at his throat, but was still cautious of the fire-wielder. “I am so sorry Master Hao, Opacho. Well, she remembers everything from before her escape, and then she remembers she went to live with her sister, that she ran into the X-LAWS several times, and she remembers her talks with you Master, but that is all. She doesn't seem to remember any of the people she met while living with Yoh including Yoh himself. I have no idea how long it will take for her to regain those memories of them, but there is nothing I can do to speed up the memory restoration process.”

 

“Good.” Hao grinned widely.

 

“`Good'?” Opacho and Luca chorused.

 

“Luca, how is Ivy feeling? Did you tell her that she has amnesia?” Hao asked, ignoring their question.

 

“She fell asleep before I got the chance to tell her about her condition; she's extremely tired, but if you don't mind me asking, why is it a good thing that it will take awhile for her to get her memories back?” Luca asked.

 

“Perfect. Luca, go tell the rest of the camp that Ivy has acute amnesia, and that they are not to mention Yoh or any of his friends. Also tell them that they are not under any circumstances to inform her that she lost some of her memories.”

 

“Yes, Sire.” Luca nodded, catching on to what Hao had in mind.

 

Opacho was still clueless, however. “What is Master up to?”

 

Hao knelt down to speak with his smallest companion, “Opacho, Ivy has lost her memories of Yoh. What's better, she doesn't know that she's lost her memories of him! My competition for her heart has been completely wiped out, and if I can keep her from remembering him, she'll be mine for all eternity.”

 

Opacho's eyes widened, “Master Hao is a genius! But what if Ivy remembers on her own?”

 

“Well, Opacho, let's just pray she doesn't. Let's just pray she doesn't…If you'll excuse me, I'm going to sleep with my beautiful fiancée.” Hao smirked widely as he entered the tent.

 

“Don't you dare try anything!” Opacho called after him.

 

“Don't worry, I won't! I just want to hold her!” And hold me he did until early the next morning, I awoke in his arms.