Chapter eight: School

I sighed deeply as the cool air blew into my room causing what few posters I had on the walls to dance. My eyes darted over to the clock, its red numbers glowing in the darkness of the room.

It was 5:38 only a few more hours and I would be starting a new year of school. I had been dreading this moment ever since I realized Hao could control my thoughts, hell he could even control my actions if he wanted. For the most part I had kept to myself, not venturing out of the house, scared of what might set me off next. Hao was like a demon inside my mind that lurked in the darkness, making me wonder when he would strike out next.

I heard the ruffle of covers next to me and smiled when I saw Anna role over still sound asleep. She had moved her futon into my room so she could keep an eye on me. It didn't bother me in the least that she was sleeping in my room, in fact over the last few weeks we had spent more time together then we ever had before. She never told me straight out but I think she was still very scared that I might have another attack and not make it.

Seeing her worry so much over me made me feel sick. So far I had been lucky Hao had not come to me in my dreams, nor had he caused me to lash out at anything or anyone, but I could still feel him crawling through my soul corrupting it even more with every breath I took.

Closing my eyes I desperately tried to let sleep take me but when a distant car alarm started to blare loudly I gave up all hope. Silently I got out of bed careful not to wake Anna.

Walking downstairs I stopped at the coffee maker, pouring myself a cup of last night's coffee still warm from the heater. I took a gulp of the bitter liquid, coughing loudly after trying not the gag but I knew I would need this caffeine boost during my first period Chemistry class.

"Wow someone's excited about there first day of school," A voice said behind me.

Without turning around I knew who it was, "I guess you could say that Anna," I replied smoothly.

I heard her walk closer to me, "Are you feeling alright?"

No! I have my psycho brother living inside my soul! "Ya I'm alright." I said taking another slip of coffee.

She took the coffee cup from my hand, setting it down on the counter, "Then why don't you try to go back to sleep."

My eyes met hers for only a moment before I looked away afraid she would see more in my eyes then I was letting on with my words.

As she started to walk away I took hold of her hand, she turned her head slightly confused.

"I care for you deeply, you know that right Anna," I asked my voice shaking slightly.

A light flush of red crossed her cheeks before her eyes narrowed with suspicion, "Why are you talking like this Yoh?"

Because I don't know when I will ever be able to say these words again. I said to myself before putting on the best smile I could muster at the moment. "I guess I'm still a little shook up about what happened."

I can tell she is not reassured, but she smiles still, "Don't worry I am to. Now come back to bed."

I nodded in agreement letting her gently pull me towards my room.

That morning we took the car to school, deciding it would be faster then the bus allowing us to avoid the registration line ups.

The first day of school was like every other year, people lined up talking and gossiping to one another about their summers laughing all the while. I sighed deeply, knowing that I could never have that sort of freedom again, as long as my brother's soul was inside me.

As I was waiting in line, trying to keep myself busy by reading the information sheet they had given us, some guy with his group of friends cut in front of me. Pushing me aside, with more force then was needed.

I cringed and gritted my teeth, feeling that anger again filling my body up to the brim. Slowly I could feel my self control slipping away, lost in a fog of red.

"What the hell do you think your doing?" I asked him grabbing his shirt pulling him around so he was only mere inches away from my anger filled eyes.

His face turned into a sneer, smacking my hand out of its tight hold on his school uniform, "I was here before you Asakura! My friend was just holding my space!"

My grip tightened severely around the paper in my left hand slowly turning my knuckles white, "Like shit you were here first!" I yelled back.

As I was about to shove the guy out of line, a hand rested against my shoulder. I turned around ready to yell at or even punch who ever had touched me, but fell silent when I saw it was Anna.

"Yoh what are you doing?" she whispered to me. Her face turning red holding back from yelling, causing an ever bigger scene.

I looked around at the large crowed that had gathered. They were all staring and whispering among themselves. Probably wondering what had gotten into the normally cool and calm Yoh.

"She's right Asakura, I'd listen to your girl friend if I was you," The boy said, his tone turning from angry to arrogant, knowing he was going to win this fight.

I only ground my teeth together, trying hard not to deck this guy right in the face.

"Come on, do it Yoh!" Hao's voice whispered in my head.

Closing my eyes I tried to push away my anger, as well as Hao's voice, that kept ringing in my ears. Pain started to shoot up my spine and into my head.

I knew what this was right away. The harder I resisted Hao and his anger the worst the pain would get. I never even noticed Anna and Manta leading me away from the lecture theater and into the hallway.

"Are you feeling well? Maybe I should take you to the nurse or something?" Manta managed to say between his panicked breathing.

Shaking my head no I slid down the wall and sat on the floor resting my head between my legs. I breathed deeply trying to ward off the increasing pounding in my head, as well as the growing nausea forming in my stomach.

"This is what you get little brother for trying to fight my power."

Suddenly the constriction in my throat gave way, "I'm going to be sick," I mumbled pushing past Manta and into the bathroom.

Pushing open the stall door I vomited loudly into the toilet, emptying out my stomach, until nothing came up but acid. "Fuck you Hao," I whispered.

Manta insisted I go see the nurse but I said it was nothing just a stomach flew that was gone now. I was lucky that he believed me. Damn I was getting good at lying. Anna only raised an eyebrow at me, her face as blank as paper. Ok so maybe I wasn't that good at lying yet.

School was not only boring but I was having a hard time concentrating on even the simplest tasks. I spent five minutes sharpening my pencil until it was only a stub. I was so scared that Hao was going to make me loose my temper again. I hated that he had all this power over me, and I couldn't even see him.