It has been one year since the Shaman King tournament and of course Yoh had defeated his brother Zeke and not only that but had managed to make Zeke the error of his ways and now he was on the good side. The world overall was safe once again from Zeke and the Shaman community could live in peace again.
The entire gang minus Zeke of course because he was enjoying the forests with his Fire spirit, was all at Yoh's house all relaxing and enjoying this free time that they had. They were all having fun except from Len who had separated himself from the others in the living room. He sat alone in the garden watching the starry night sky with his guardian ghost hovering close by.
"Master Len, is everything alright?"
The Chinese Shaman didnt look at his ghost as he replied. "It's nothing Bason..." Young Len let out a sigh as he replied, he had so much on his mind at the minute. It was linked to his family and what was soon about to happen would affect him for the rest of his life. Bason knew what was on his Master's mind because he knew how much it would affect them both but mostly his Master.
"Something troubles you Master...is it the ceremony?" Len sighed and Bason knew that was the cause of his Master's troubles. Len knew that he would have to go through the ceremony at some point in his life but he didnt think that it would be this soon but the events of him defeating his Uncle En had escalated. There are several ways that would allow Len to become the new head of the family.
The first is that the head of the family has pasted away and the rest of the family have to decides that the next in line was ready to take their place. The second way was that the next in line would become head if they defeated the current head, in essence if the heir proved that they were more powerful and capabile than the current head, the heir would take their place. Len had gone through the second way as he had defeated his Uncle.
"...yes Bason...i dont think i'm ready to lead the Tao Family"
Bason hovered closer to his Master, he knew Len would be like this it was a terrible amount of pressure and it require a lot from him. The spirit tried to reassure his charge, "You'll become a great leader for the Tao family, you earned it Master Len" Bason had hoped his Master would be able to lead the Tao's to greatness. "When are we to leave for the Tao family manor?"
"In two days, we are taking my Jet back home...i'm sure Uncle has arranged transport for us to the manor" Bason could hear the slight anger in Len's voice as he mentioned his Uncle. His Uncle had changed a bit due to his defeat but Len wasnt on the best terms with him.
"Have you mentioned the ceremony to the others Master Len?"
The chinese shaman groaned as Bason mentioned that little fact, he didnt want to mention this to them but they would ask questions. "No...but i'm sure my dear sister will mention it to them"
Then as if on que someone stepped out of the house and stood out with the young shaman...it was someone that Len knew well; his big sister June. She was dressed in her usual black chinese dress with the green dragon embedded on it and as usual she had her hair up with the aid of two clips. She stood right next to her little brother and watched the sky with him for a few moments before speaking.
"Now Len, why are you out here all by yourself?" June had always worried about her baby brother but she knew what was going through his mind. She hadnt expected her Uncle to announce the ceremony so early but it was tradition and Len wasnt about to escape that.
The purple haired shaman sighed as he moved from his position to stand slightly away from his sister, she had the knack for knowing what was wrong with him. That tended to happen a lot because she had a lot to do with his upbringing outside the family home. "As you can see i'm with Bason, June...now leave me alone"
Len turned to face her, his golden eyes shining slight...they betrayed his emotions if you knew what to look for. June looked back at him giving him her uncanny little smile that spoke volumes. "You're not worried about the ceremony are you Little Brother?" She hit the nail on the head.
She knew this because Len didnt answer her but walked over to the Koi pond. "I...i dont think.." He couldnt finish what he was about to say because he was cut of by a hand on his shoulder.
"You dont think you're ready to become the head of the Tao family" The green haired Chinese Shaman smiled not because of her brother's suffering but because he was starting to act like someone his age...he was in essence afraid of the new responsibilities and anyone else would be to.
She needed to reassure him. "Dont worry Len, the spirits of our ancestors will provide you with guidance and you have us of course." Len smirked slighty as June tried to cheer him up. She had always been there for him and before he had defeated his Uncle she was all that he had...of course he had his mother and his grandfather but he had built a strong bond with his big sister.
"Thank you June"
June smiled, "Your welcome little brother...why dont you invite the others to come along?" Maybe having his friends with him would help him to get through the ceremony, Yoh always had a good influnence on him.
Len just rolled his eyes and gave his sister the look that was saying 'are you kidding' and he voiced this. "June you know it's family only..." Len stated this fact and cant believe had just stated that he ask the others to watch the ceremony.
But as always June had an answer for everything. "I'm sure they would make an exception for your friends Len...would you like me to ask them for you?"
Young Len wasnt sure about this whole idea but as usual June had talked him into it and relucantly he agreed to June's proposal. The Tao siblings and Bason re-entered the Asakura home and they went into the living room where the rest of the gang were currently sitting and chatting away. Yoh was the first to notice that Len and June had joined them and he greeted his friend warmly.
"Hey Len! Where've ya been?" Yoh had been worried about Len for a few days now, he was acting differently than he normally would. He always seemed distant like his mind was over working about something.
Now the others noticed that the Tao's had returned to the living room, Trey being the loudest of the group shouted out to the Chinese Shaman. "Yeah, you just disappeared on us as usual."
Len ignored the Aniu and his annoyingly loud voice...June noticed his annoyance and spoke to the gang, "Everyone...i would like to invite you all to the Tao Manor to watch a very special ceremony"
Now everyone was interested in what June waa saying...but what was this special ceremony to do with the Tao family. Anna was the first to voice this. "And what special ceremony would this be? ..."
"This ceremony will make Len the official head of the Tao family, Uncle has to step down" They all glanced at the soon to be head of the Tao family, he was still remained silent as his sister spoke to the gang.
Morty was the first to speak after June announced their invitation to the ceremony. "That sound awesome"
The green haired english shaman known as Lyserg nodded in agreement. "I agree, it sounds like an intersting occasion"
The gang all started to talk about the ceremony and what they would need to bring...basically they all agreed to go to the Tao's home. As they continued talking Len was in his own little world and as usual Bason was hovering nearby his Master. The only one who seemed to notice Len was the younger of the Asakura twins; Yoh, the chocolate eyed Shaman King got up and approached the golden eyed Shaman.
"Hey Len?"
No answer.
"Hello earth to Len, Len?...Lights on but nobodies home!" Len was snapped out of his trance and he saw Yoh was stood near him with a slightly worried look on his face and the others were now all staring at him.
"What?" He didnt like being stared at.
"You spaced out on us...that's usually my job" Answered Yoh with his uncanny grin.
Rio spoke up next, "Yes Shortpants, it's not normal for you to take Matser Yoh's job of being in a world of your own"
Len had it now, he hated it when the motorcyle gang member called him Shortpants...he had a name so why couldnt he use it! Len was annoyed and distracted as it was he didnt need Rio to add to it. He felt himslef become angry.
"How many times do i have to tell you...STOP CALLING ME SHORTPANTS!!!!!" Len completely ost his temper and stormed out of the room with Bason following closely behind him. The chinese shaman stormed out of the front door and stood out on the porch letting the cool air wash over him. The others just stared at the area in which Len had just left.
"What's the matter with him?" Trey did have a point, they didnt know what was wrong with their friend. "Talk about a hot head!"
Jocco couldnt resist... "He's a hot head...i'm a hot leg!!" What a lame joke...(I know it's terrible) They all ignored the comedian...
"June what's the matter with Len?" He had gotten very angry too quickly...normally he could control his temper.
Len's older sister sighed as she crossed her arms and her guardian stood next to her in case he was needed. "He's worried about the ceremony...It is a huge responsibility being the head of the Tao family" Answered the green haired Tao. "He feels that he isnt ready to take Uncle's place"
Bason continued on. "It is both an honor and a burden for someone as young as Master Len"
Wow that's tough.
"Poor guy" Jocco stated to no one in particular but he had voiced what they were all thinking.
"And i thought Yoh had it bad but he'll be head of the infamous Tao Family" Stated Morty but suddenly had a thought. "No offence June" June shook her head she knew that her family had made a name for themselves but not a good one...all because of their uncle.
"So when is this ceremony Miss June?"
They were all invited but they had no idea when it was..."We'll be heading to the Tao family home in two days" They didnt have long but June wasnt speaking. "The actual ceremony wont begin until my Uncle declares a date, though it will be soon"
"So Len only had two days left really" June nodded, it was true her little brother only had two days of burden free life before he would have to prepare for the ceremony.
Suddenly Yoh had an idea, which was a achievement in itself. "Why dont we show Len the time of his life before we leave?" It was a good idea but like a lot of idea's it had a flaw.
"This is Len we're talking about" Trey was going somewhere with this...well they all hoped. "We dont even know what he likes to do"
The Aniu had a good point...for once. They didnt really know a lot about Len outside of his shaman life, but for Len he never really had a life outside of training for the Shaman tourament. So to sum it up, all he knew was fighting and training. Everyone sat and thought for a moment, well except Anna who had left the living room on her own accord.
Lyserg was the first to voice an observation, that was what he was good at. "Well he likes Chinese and likes milk?"
"He enjoys the thrill of a good fight and he enjoys training himself to new limits" Bason was the only one that was with Len almost every hour of the day so he knew what Len liked doing...it usually involved him as well as they usually trained together. "He also enjoys the company of his spirit guardian"
Spirit Guardian? But that was Bason...so why would the chinese lord say that...
"But that's you Bason, isnt it?" All the groups ghosts had gathered around Len's ghost.
The great Chinese Lord spirit shook his head but June answered the question. "Bason is refering to Len's horse"
Now this was interesting news...How on this world was that huge white horse that was usually seen riding a spirit. "That huge horse is a spirit?" Asked Pilika, she basically voiceed what they were all thinking.
"Dont tell me you didnt notice? Any of you?" They all turned to where the voice was coming from and they saw a slightly annoyed Anna stood in the doorway glaring at them all. Yoh closed his eyes and scratched his head slightly worried now.
"Well no...uh Anna...i cant say i noticed"
Several of the others agreed, "Yeah i thought it was just a big horse"
"No Len's horse; Hitaro was a gift from our Father before he died" That was a sort of explanation but they were getting of track.
"So what are we going to do to help Len?"
"So what did we come up with again?" That was the thing they had come up with nothing and that frustrating really.
Morty sighed in his chair, "Nothing guys...June, you must know what he likes?" Asked the shortest of the group, hopefully June would know more about Len than all of them being his big sister and all.
They all sighed as the green haired chinese shaman shook her head and crossed her arms. "He never really had the chance to do all the things that you got to do...all he knows is training and fighting" It was sad for her to think about her little brothers life, he had grown up not knowing anything other than how to be a ruthless Shaman fighter.
Suddenlly the youngest of the Asakura twins had another idea...two in one day, that was an achievement. "Why dont we show him all the things he's missed out on?" Now they were onto something!
"That's a great idea Yoh!"
Before they could discuss anything they heard what sounded like a whistled melody. It sounded really beautiful and calming except for June, Bason and Pailong none of the others had ever heard anything like it before. "What is that?"
The melody suddenly stopped and it was replaced by the sound of hooves.
"Master Len has summoned Hitaro here" Bason recognised those hooves anywhere because part of his horse; Black Phoenix was part of Hitaro, that's why the white horse accepted both of them.
They all went to the front porch and as predicted they saw stood outside the house Hitaro...Len was stroking his head and the white spirit was leaning into it. As they all stood there Len turned around to see everyone staring at him, he didnt like it he had a lot on his mind so he didnt need their annoying antics as well.
"What do you want?" His annoyance and anger was evident in voice, Yoh was the only one brave enough to talk to Len and he was the only that hardly ever was on the end of one the Tao's insults.
"We'll we noticed that you seem stressed so we decided to help you out" Dramatic pause. "We want to show you the time of your life before we leave!"
Len sighed, he knew they would try something like this...that's what friends do i guess. But he wasn't in the mood. Hitaro lowered his massive body so his Master could mount his saddle. Len did just that and he sat in the saddle of his spirit Guardain as he stood up to tower the others.
"Len?" June was worried about her little brother.
"I'll think about it...I need to be alone, Come Hitaro" Len took up the reigns and Bason was about to float up to his Master's side but Len held up and hand and shook his head. "No Bason, i want you to stay here...i need to think alone"
"As you wish Master Len, i will remain with Lady June"
The young Chinese Shaman nodded and gave Hitaro a little nudge to get him going, "YAAHH!!!" Hitaro responded by rearing up on his hind legs and running out of the Asakura grounds and into the distance...probably heading towards the woods.
"...Len..." Lee Pailong could easily see that June was upset and he wouldnt have that, he hated seeing her like that.
"Dont worry Miss June, Len will be fine" June smiled at her Guardian, she appreciated his support. She knew that her brother was strong especially after all the events of the Shaman Tournament, especially after he was killed and brought back to life. June still shuddered every time she thought about it, if it wasnt for Len's friends then she would've lost her little brother.
Sensing the tension Yoh did what he did best and cheered up the atmosphere, "Yeah he'll be fine June, no lets go in and eat" Yoh's best friend giggled as they all re-entered the house. "Is that all you think about?"
"Yeah and sleeping too, that's me Morty"
_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
Meanwhile quite a distance from the Asakura home, the troubled Chinese shaman known as Len Tao had stopped riding and stopped at the lake in the middle of the woods. Hitaro had moved to take a drink from the lake, although the horse was a spirit, he was different from your average and he needed to eat, drink and sleep like a real horse. Len sat on a large boulder on the edge of the lake looking out towards the calm water. The lake was magestic in appearance when the moon shown on it making it almost glow at night.
Len enjoyed the quiet and calmness that this area brought him, he discovered this place when he had to get away from the others especially Trey and Jocco because they wouldnt stop annoying him.
As Len sat staring out to the lake he was joined by another, one that he knew well but was no longer in the living world; Ren Tao...Len's long dead Father. The spirit hovered next to Len and stared out as well, this male spirit was dressed in a traditional Chinese robe and Len looked like a younger version of this man.
"You seem troubled My Son" He even sounded like a older version of Len, so there was no questioning that the two were related. Then several others appeared as well, Len recognised them as his ancestors that were watching over him when he defeated En.
Len sighed, his ancestors knew exactly what was wrong...so why did they bother to ask...he was sad on the inside as well because he knew that his father's spirit was coming to him for what might be the last time because he was crossing over soon. His other ancestors remained behind because they were bound to watch over the Head of the Tao family and now they were watching over Len...His father's spirit wasnt bound as the others were.
"Hello Father" Len didnt even look at him. He was so distracted.
"Tell me what's wrong my Son" Ren wanted his son to admit what was wrong, it was the first step to overcome the problem.
Len turned to look at his father's spirit, golden eyes met golden eyes. "You know perfectly well Father"
"I want to hear it from you"
Len knew he wasnt going to win so he spoke out what was troubling him, "I dont think i'm ready to become Head of the Family...I'm only 15..."
"Is that what you feel my son?" Ren hovered closer to his son and looked directly into his eyes. "I believe you will lead this family to greatness, you will make an excellant leader for the Tao family honor...i will admit it will be difficult and it is a lot of responsibility but you will succeed"
Lead the family to greatness? Yeah right, how can i lead my family... "I dont know..." Before he could continue he was cut off by his father as the spirits of his ancestors gathered around him .
"Len, listen to yourself...you are Len Tao, you will be strong and you will succeed...you'll still be able to live life as you want but their will be changes" Ren let that sink in to his son's mind before continuing on. "You will have control over you Uncle's army and you will recieve the family furioko, which must be used to protect the family. They will look to you for assurance and protection"
Len sat still for a moment and let all of that sink in...his father was right, he was Len Tao and he would be strong for his father and for his family.
"Thank you father...i will lead the family to greatness and we will no longer have to hide." Len summoned Hitaro and mounted his saddle. "I will make you proud Father..."
The spirits of Len's ancestors all gathered around him. "We will be watching over you our descendant, you will have our power to protect the Family's honor" Len nodded and turned Hitaro towards Yoh's home.
"Goodbye Father...i will make you all proud" With a flick of the reigns, Len set his course for Yoh's home and Hitaro ran at full speed leaving the spirits behind.
"Goodbye my son, i wish we could've spent more time together... i love you my Len, make me proud" With that the spirit of Len's father disappeared along with his ancestors but unlike them he wouldnt return.
A short while Len returned to the Asakura grounds, he stopped outside the front door and he could hear all the hustle and bustle inside the house. Len jumped down from Hitaro's back and stroked the side of his head. "Good night Hitaro, go get some rest"
The white horse followed his Master's advice and walked away from the house and after a few feet, he disappeared as though he was never there. Now for the difficult part, going back in.
Len sighed and he opened the front door and noticed that everyone was still on the living room, he didnt feel like joining them...he wanted to go to bed. As Len made his way to the stairs he didnt go unnoticed especially by his guardian ghost.
"Master Len you've returned"
Everyone turned to look at the hall way and Len had returned. "Len, come join us!" Yoh wanted to get their plan underway.
"Yeah,we were just discussing what to do for your fun day" As good as that sounded, Len wasnt in the mood.
"Thanks but no thanks...i'm going to bed" They all knew that they wouldnt change Len's mind, he did look exhausted. Bason in his spirit ball form, hovered next to his Master.
June just wanted to hug her little brother but she knew he wouldnt appreciate it in front of the others...she would just have to do it later. "Well goodnight little brother"
"Yeah, night Len"
Len nodded and proceeded to his room, it was a basic room but most of his stuff was at the home that he and June shared. He closed the door not bothering to turn on the light, he removed his shirt and shoes. Len changed into his night trousers and went strainght into bed...as soon as his head hit the softness of the pillow, he was out like a light.