Chapter Text
Shamans have been around prior to man grasping the concept of an afterlife, acting as a bridge between the living and the dead in order to help maintain some resemblance of balance within the universe. This has been a commonly accepted idea, although it would not be considered a universal truth once one actually looks at the individuals who make up this group. While balance has been many shamans’ goal, not all desire it. Some believe humans were cancerous and should be completely wiped out, while others believed that humans should rule over all the land. It seemed that even being in tune with the past and the deceased, did not keep people from formulating their own opinions. How could it? They may be shamans, but at the end of the day, they are just as human as the rest.
Two young women were laying in a clearing, both wearing the obvious signs of physical exertion. The sweat on their brow and heaving chests was the reward from a long day of training, having pushed them to their physical and spiritual limits. It wasn’t every day that someone got the chance that they were being given, and they weren’t going to squander it.
Most, if not all, shamans were preparing for the tournament. For centuries people had been training their children for the chance of achieving the power of a god. Five hundred years have passed since the last one, meaning it was finally time for a new Shaman King to rise, and this time it was going to be Miyo.
Her hair made it look as though she were resting her full body on an eclipse, some strands clinging to her as she continued to swelter beneath the sun. Brightly colored eyes were closing with every breath she drew in, risking what would be a well-earned nap. The deep ache she was feeling all over was telling her that the work done today was worth it, and while being in pain wasn’t her favorite thing, it at least let her know she was on the right path.
“Okay, I think...I think we got the oversoul thing figured out. Or at least we know how to make it.” Miyo managed to speak in between gasps, opening her eyes and glancing at her friend. Since the two became friends as kids they had been driving each other to be the best they can be. Part of this was because one would not allow the other to rest unless they truly felt they were done for the day. Miyo was hopeful that they were both done since she was sure neither of them had any strength left.
“Yep. Think we’re done for the day.” Anora was just as out of breath as her friend, nodding just in case her words failed her. By the looks of it, her lungs must have been just as on fire as Miyo’s.
Miyo groaned as she slowly sat up, Anora essentially giving her permission to rest for the remaining daylight. Both of their spirit partners seemed to be resting as well, neither of them present after their over souls vanished. While they had close bonds with their spirits, neither of them were real talkers. One never spoke directly to anyone and the other only spoke when needed. It was an interesting contrast since Miyo recognized how much she talked.
A hand was extended in front of her face and she realized Anora had managed to get on her feet before she did. Miyo smiled and grasped the hand, allowing herself to be pulled up. She fumbled a little, leaning against her friend to wait until her world stopped spinning.
“Let’s head back to the hotel. I’m sure you’re ready to pass out. And if you pass out before then, I’m not catching you.” Anora’s smile at the implication at least let Miyo know that she was joking, but she also wouldn’t blame her for just leaving her. There had been a few too many times that the girl had passed out and she could imagine it was just as annoying for Anora to pick her up as it was to experience it.
“Actually, I figured I’d stop by somewhere to get us food. Groceries are low and we don’t have money for anything to be delivered.” Miyo ran a hand through her hair in hopes to get the twigs out and tame it.
“Alright fine. Guess we’ll walk halfway and then split up. Is your spirit gonna come get me if you fall?” Anora teased playfully, recalling the many times that the poor guardian spirit had to take on the task of getting his master home. Miyo laughed and shook her head.
“Honestly, just let me lay there. If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.” Miyo dusted the loose grass off of her pants before they started their walk back into the large city that they were temporarily calling home. Tokyo.
“Tokyo is so gorgeous! We should really come here more often! Ya know, after the shaman stuff!”
Miyo and Anora were making their way along the sidewalks, Anora making sure to pay attention to the directions since Miyo seemed to be getting distracted by everything in her sight. From street food to stray animals, her attention was on everything but their path. Typically they didn’t visit large cities since neither of them wasn’t big fans of crowds, but Miyo still managed to appreciate it when their visits were short.
“Your sister lives here now, right?” Anora asked, grabbing hold of Miyo’s arm to keep the girl from going into traffic. Anora didn’t know much about Miyo’s twin, but neither did Miyo. The two of them had been separated at a very young age and did not get to actually meet till the previous year, but even then they did not get to spend much time together. Instead, most of the twin’s conversations were done over the phone.
“Yeah, I should really meet up with her. Apparently, she’s living with her friend and his fiance?” Miyo stated, grinning as carelessly as ever.
Anora tilted her head in some confusion, having recalled overhearing a very different conversation
“Fiance? I thought she was living with her girlfriend?” Anora asked, brows furrowing as she tried to figure out when she might have misheard what was said.
“That too.” Miyo was obviously not as invested in the conversation as Anora, her eyes looking around the city and Anora began to simply drag her along. They came to a stop at one of the many intersections, waiting for the crowd to move before they would.
“This sounds like something that’s gonna give me a headache, so I’m not gonna ask till I’m ready to hear it.”
“Oh no, don’t worry! It’s not sketchy. I think it’s some kind of convenience thing. Actually, I didn’t ask for any details...” She never saw much of a reason in grilling her sister on life choices. Neither of them had much of a claim over the other, and it just seemed rude to ask. Plus, Miya had always been casual enough with the conversation to not set off any alarms that would make Miyo worried.
Miyo picked up walking speed as soon as the light gave her the signal, trying to match the pace with everyone around them.
“You know, you say that, but I just can’t see it. Granted, I know your experiences and all I know about you is sketch.” Anora let out a laugh, finding amusement in the fact she could get Miyo’s grin to drop so suddenly. If they hadn’t been in the middle of the street, she was sure Miyo would have stopped completely to give her a glare.
“Okay, first off, that’s not even fair because I haven’t dated nor have I tried to date. Secondly, I trust my sister...well, she seems like a good judge of character anyway.” Miyo didn’t lose any confidence in her words as she spoke.”
“Well, you tend to not be according to my ancestors.” Anora still had the smirk on her face.
“I don’t think it’s fair to hold things I can’t remember against me. Well, looks like this is where we branch off. I’ll see you back at the hotel!” Miyo waved at her friend before turning on the street, heading to the store while Anora headed back to the hotel.
Miyo grabbed a few items from the convenience store, sticking to the cheaper end of options. Travel wasn’t cheap and while the Patch was working hard to provide for the Shamans, the girls had decided to mostly fund their own stay. Miyo didn’t like the idea of rooming too close to other shamans and Anora agreed that it was probably best to keep enemies from being next door.
After paying for the few items she started her trek home, the sun having completely set. The shaman had looked to the sky and felt a little twinge of sadness that more stars could not be seen, though she expected that was just the price to pay for city living. The tournament would be over eventually though, and then she can go back to a more open space area. She smiled to herself as she wondered about what the tournament was going to be like, already feeling her Furyoku replenish itself a decent amount.
“Hey Kit, how you feeling?” She called out, not really bothering to see if anyone was around them. A small orb with fox-like features formed by her head, looking towards her affectionately as if to answer her question. While Kit never spoke with words, the two of them could always communicate well enough to have a full conversation. Perks of having known each other for so long.
“I know, I’m excited too! And look, this time I didn’t even need a nap before I started to recharge. We’re finally gonna see the fruits of our labor. Oooo, just wait Kit. We’re going to be amazing at this thing! You, me, Anora, and Vala!” Miyo laughed, a skip to her step as she started to cross over a bridge.
Kit seemed just as excited at her words as she was, the spirit doing a few flips to show off and earning another laugh from his master.
Both of them had been so focused on each other that Miyo had stepped too close to the edge, a slip of her foot causing her to fall into the river.
Miyo sighed as she attempted to wring her shirt a little more, still soaked to the bone from falling into the river. While she normally welcomes the cooling sensation of a rushing stream, she would have preferred it to be during the day or, better yet, not when she was still a while away from the hotel and had food items on her.
She complained under her breath as she felt another draft go by, chilling her skin and causing bumps to raise. She planned on continuing her path, but she stopped in her tracks and turned her attention to a man that was behind her. Funny, she didn’t sense him a moment ago. She quickly glanced him up and down before crossing her arms.
“One of the Patch, right?” It didn’t have to be worded as a question, his attire and the fact he seemed to be waiting on her gave it away. Granted, his expression was an interesting one. He looked as though he were uncomfortable to be in her presence, though she couldn’t think of why.
“I see you’ve already become well aware of who we are. And you are Miyo, yes?” He asked, tone almost sounding wary to her. She tilted her head as she tried to figure out why he was acting so oddly. Then again, it could just be his personality.
“Yeah, that’s my name...And I’ve met another member recently when they offered to find us housing...So, do you have business with me?” She asked, no longer aware of the coldness that was surrounding her, her attention being only on the man in front of her.
“I do actually. First, let’s find somewhere private and quickly. I have a busy schedule tonight.” His words were kept short as he began to walk down a nearby street.
Miyo followed behind him with little complaint. The Patch were the ones who oversaw the shaman fights and, while Miyo probably shouldn’t follow strangers, she figured whatever he needed was in relation to that.
Once they reached a place where they were less likely to run into others, the man turned around and signified for Miyo to stop.
“My name is Silva. I am one of the 10 patch members that are overseeing the fights. To qualify for the tournament you have to land just one hit on me.” Silva said confidently, crossing his arms and waiting for a response. It seemed his previous wariness had subsided, most likely due to the fact he was focusing on his job now.
“One hit?” Her eyebrow raised as she tried to assess his person. She didn’t fully trust his words, expecting there to be some underlying rule or a trick to what was to be seen as a simple task. While she had confidence in her abilities, she knew it couldn’t be as easy as it seemed.
“Yep. Do you agree with the terms? I have a lot of people to see tonight so make the decision quickly.” He glanced at his wrist, expecting something that Miyo assumed to be a kind of watch.
Miyo grinned and held out her hand for Kit to land in it softly, the spirit having a look of confidence that matched his master.
“Oh, you’re so on, dude! I’m a little tired from earlier today, but I think I got enough energy left to spar a little!” She eagerly grabbed hold of her weapon, a flexible whip-like item with blades running along with one side. She quickly fused Kit With her weapon, creating the oversoul she had just been practicing earlier in the day. The spirit energy encompassed the entire weapon, a pale light admitting from it that formed a foxtail. Along her arm formed a few pieces of armor, Kit’s head took residency on her shoulder, one with the metal-like material that had formed there.
“Hope you’re ready for this one hit.” Excitement bubbled out of her, adrenaline already beginning to pump at the promise of a fight. Kit seemed to chirp just as excitedly, the both of them excited to finally test their skills on someone new. Anora had always been an amazing opponent, but fights were so much more interesting when the enemy’s abilities were unknown.
“You have 10 minutes. And go!”
She barely let his last sentence finish, charging him with the whip trailing behind her. When she got close, she saw his leg come up with an animal spirit attached to it. She yelped and dodged the movement, but the tree nearby wasn’t as lucky. The tree all but shattered in front of her eyes, catching Miyo off guard. Before Miyo could recover from the shock, she felt a rush of wind before being slammed into another nearby tree, the breath leaving her body and pain shooting up her back.
“My apologies. I didn’t mean to go so hard.” Silva had commented towards the girl, a small smirk on his face. Five separate animal spirits adorned his body now including the bison that had hit the tree as well as a turtle, a snake, a coyote, and an Eagle. It seemed each of them was assigned to a part of his body, leaving no real blind spot for Miyo to take advantage of. That realization and his words managed to irritate Miyo.
Anora had explained to the shaman many times that Miyo had a tendency of reading too much into the tone of voice, sometimes creating a false narrative that acted as an irritant. Despite having practiced several times over the years to not be so reactive, all Miyo could hear from him was arrogance. The idea that someone would have to go easy on her made her skin crawl.
“Oh, you’re gonna be sorry!” She shouted, another charge heading straight to him. While her furyoku wasn’t nearly as full as it would have been earlier that day, she still knew she had enough left for this fight.
Before Miyo could even touch him, Silva seemed to take flight. The wings of the eagle raised him out of her reach, causing her to slightly trip forward when she tried to stop herself.
“I’m impressed that you have your oversoul down, though it looks like you are a bit impulsive.” He called out, arms crossed in front of him as the animal spirits surrounding him shared their own comments.
“Such a shame that all the spirit control is in the hands of a little brat! This should be over in no time! The tournament has no place for weaklings! I’m shocked that you even have an animal spirit” The eagle that acted as Silva’s wings cried out, adding to Miyo’s annoyance.
What the hell is that even supposed to mean?!
“Now, Silver Wing, what did we talk about earlier.” Miyo watched as Silva talked to his spirit partners, the turtle spirit also speaking up and attempting to quiet Silver Wing’s anger.
Miyo hummed before slinging her whip to a nearby tree, wrapping around tightly as she started to sprint. Using the whip to lift herself into the air and launch herself to him, Silva prepared for a frontal attack. Miyo didn’t want to figure out just what that attack would be.
“Oh, no you don’t!” She shouted, the whip being released from the tree and then aiming for his leg while she still flew towards him. Silva moved to the side, dodging the incoming attack with ease.
“You’ll have to do better than that if you want to enter this tournament!” Silva cried out, sounding as though he was trying to encourage her. His thoughts were interrupted by a noise behind him. The snake turned her attention, quickly announcing what she saw.
“The tree behind us!”
The whip once again was attached to a tree, though this time when Miyo pulled on it, it snapped a large branch off. The coyote provided Silva’s speed as he was once again dodging an attack, quick movements to the side in order to not be caught between Miyo and the branch. He landed himself on a tree as he looked over at the girl.
Miyo had landed back on the ground, bringing the whip back to her with a confident smirk on her face.
“You’re clever, but small tricks will be no match for me,” Silva commented. If he was impressed, he wasn’t showing it. Then again, Miyo expected that not much could impress a Patch member since they worked closely with The Great Spirit.
“Any chance I can get you to write down the fact I’m clever? I have a friend that would just love to hear that.” Miyo joked, a laugh bubbling out of her throat as she imagined Anora’s reaction to the comment.
“Are you sure you’re in any position to be joking?” The older shaman questioned her seriousness, causing her to wave her hand at him lightly.
“Oh don’t worry, you have my undivided attention. Doesn’t mean I can’t have fun though, right?” She grinned, beginning to store her Furyoku into the whip.
Silva appeared to be smiling, as his oversoul seemed to change. Each animal attached to one another, forming a canon that was now taking aim at the girl.
“Let’s see if you can keep that positive attitude up. I’m sure I don’t need to explain to you how damaging a blast of Furyoku can be.” He stated, energy appearing to be drawn into the center of the canon.
The threat did not cause Miyo to falter. Instead, she readied her whip, narrowing her eyes as she anticipated his moves.
When the blast shot from the canon, she raised her arm and flung the whip in front of her. A bright light encompassed the area as the two Furyoku’s clashed against one another.
As the light cleared, Silva was shocked at the sight. It seemed that the girl had aimed her whip at the right point, breaking the focal point of his energy and having it split apart before it could have collided against her. The ground was scorched with two long marks that ran along with her previous position. He looked up in time to see the girl falling towards him, another jerking movement of her arm having the whip coming towards him.
The impact of the whip against his chest caught him off guard, just enough force behind the hit to register it, but not enough to cause any kind of serious damage.
Miyo landed in front of him, one knee hitting the ground and a victorious shout coming from the girl. She jumped up excitedly, oversoul falling apart, and Kit forming to be next to her.
“Hell yeah! You said a hit, that was a hit! C’mon, big guy, tell me the good news!” She grinned up at the older Shaman.
Silva stared at her in bewilderment before he let out a laugh, shaking his head as his own oversoul diffusing.
“What’s so funny?” She asked, confused as she tried to figure out just what she was missing. She didn’t say anything all that funny and a quick glance at Kit showed that he was just as confused.
“Oh, it’s nothing. You just are...unexpected.” Silva spoke after he calmed down. His own spirits seemed just as confused as Miyo, but he shook it off with ease. He brought out a piece of technology and presented it to her.
“As proof of your entrance, this is your oracle bell. You are an official participant of the Shaman tournament. This will alert you to details on your fights as well as provide other information on the tournament in general. Make sure to keep it on you at all times.”
Miyo grabbed it and quickly strapped it to her arm, a grin spreading across her face as she realized how much closer she was to her goal.
“Awesome! Wait, can I ask you questions?” Miyo asked, excitement back as she looked over the small screen that now adorned her arm.
“Whatever you need to know will be disclosed to you on this device. I have many other shamans to see to, but maybe in the future, we can speak more. Take care, Miyo. The journey in front of you is going to be a difficult, but rewarding one.” He patted her shoulder lightly before Silver Wing was once against hoisting him into the air.
Miyo slung open the door to her hotel room, excitedly running into the living space she shared with Anora.
“Anora! You’re not gonna believe this!” She called out, the door shutting loudly behind her as she walked into the room. Anora looked up from the magazine that was opened in front of her, an annoyed expression on her face.
“Where’s the food?” Anora asked, arms folding in front of her chest as she seemed to analyze Miyo. In response to her question, Miyo looked down to realize all she had was the oracle bell with her.
“Oh right...I knew I was forgetting something….”