Forgotten Memories

Confessions

"I'm not sure if you're a monster or just some lucky guy, Ryuu," Horo Horo said after gulping another can of soda. He had three already that evening.

The gang was huddled in the private dining area of the Asakura itako inn for Ryuu's re-awakening party. Empty canned soda and chips were scattered all around the place ala Funbari Onsen's summer vacation party part two.

While the gang enjoyed themselves, Suzume and Anna both sat glowering in one corner of the room. Their master would kill them if she found out that her grandson and his friends had messed up the place. Suzume, in particular, felt guilty for taking part in this boisterous celebration. She had even helped Tamao buy some groceries from the shop at the foot of Osorezan as the gang trained all afternoon.

"I'm the strongest man in the world for all you know, Horo Horo," Ryuu grinned and flexed his arms.

"Don't be such a braggart. You're only lucky 'cause we arrived just in time to save your neck! Hao's spirit may not have the chance to absorb your furyoku completely." Ren sneered.

"Nonetheless, Ryuu was able to recover in just one day unlike the rest of the trainees who remained asleep until now. That is really something," Jeanne spoke with a hint of amazement.

The tall guy lovingly held the girl's hands while tears streamed down his face, "You really are my friend, Mistress Jeanne. I appreciate your commendations."

"I agree with you, Jeanne. You're such a downer, Ren. Can't you see that our guy here is a survivor?" Chocolove patted Ryuu's head like a dog.

"One thing's for sure though. It appears that Ryuu still possesses his spiritual senses," Faust VIII remarked which hushed everyone in the room.

"Oh yes, I haven't noticed that he can see Tokagero and other ghosts until now," Tamao thought out loud.

"I'm still examining the other victims whom I hope would wake up soon. No offense, Anna but I'm really baffled at your current situation," the doctor turned to the itako who was brooding at the corner. The group was all eyes on Yoh's fiance.

"It's a bit frustrating on my part as a doctor that I couldn't find any cure to treat your affliction if you may call it that way."

"What happened to Anna is really strange. No hard feelings Ryuu but I don't believe Anna has lesser spiritual strength than you for her to completely lose her powers," Lyserg admitted.

"The very reason I'm undergoing the Soul Purification Ritual is to gain them back," Anna stood up. "I better get enough sleep tonight for tomorrow's second try." The blond itako shot a glare at Yoh before leaving, "Better clean up this mess or else." Then she left the room and went to her own.

He had always known the leader of the Patch tribe as a strong-willed man who made the right decisions all the time. He had always known him to be his father and master although they were never related by blood. He was found alone in the oasis and was adopted by the Patch tribe when he was very young. Ever since he was asked to be his apprentice, he had never left his master's side. That night he positioned himself behind him as his father convened the Patch council of elders' meeting. The village priest who was called Hao stood before them bearing some grim news of their neighbor tribe's demise.

"I found her in the oasis. She was the lone survivor of the eastern shamanic tribe," he heard him say. The elders wore shocked faces upon hearing his words.