Chapter 1

A new Shaman had arrived in Tokyo. She wasn't really sure if she was a Shaman, but she had a hunch. She could see spirits; that was one major clue. But she still couldn't be sure. The first time she had seen a spirit had been an eye opener. She had never believed they existed before that day. Now, three years later, it was still hard to believe.

She brushed a strand of blond hair out of her eyes bright blue eyes, continuing down the dark street without much of a purpose. She had heard that a few Shamans lived here, and she planned to track them down and question them. Maybe they could help her figure out who she was, what she was.

Up a few feet, she could see a figure standing in the moonlight. He wore a poncho and odd sort of Lego gloves. He had long brown hair that billowed slightly in the breeze, but she couldn't make out his face. Was he a Shaman? It couldn't hurt to ask.

The girl approached him without much hesitance. She tapped him bluntly on the shoulder, and Hao whirled around, ready to flame her. Of course, the girl was completely oblivious of this. She didn't know he could do that sort of stuff.

"Hi!" She said, looking him up and down. "Nice pants." ^.^

Hao eyed this new girl suspiciously. "What is it?"

She glared at him. "Geez, cool it. I wanted to know if you're a Shaman."

Hao's eyes grew wide as he really studied her for the first time. "Why do you want to know?"

"I have a rising suspicion that I might be one. I can see spirits, but that doesn't necessarily mean-"

Hao looked at her. This girl, who could see spirits. If she was a Shaman, she could possibly aid him in building his Shaman Kingdom. A thought accord to him to take her with him and see what worth she could possibly be to him.

"Yes, I'm a Shaman. I'm Hao. Who are you?"

"I'm Kristina. Are you really a Shaman?" She studied him again. "I thought Shamans wore long robes and ceremonial clothing-"

"No, that isn't quite true-er-did you say your name was Kristina?"

"Yeah. I'm from the states." She said bluntly, as though that explained everything. Hao nodded. There was no reason to go into detail. He glanced at her for a moment. It wasn't often a girl from the states just waltzed right up to him and asked if he was a Shaman. Kristina seemed to notice him staring at her, because she blinked twice, her eyes wide and her face pale.

"Whats wrong?" Hao asked uncertianly. "Your glaring at me like your about to kill me-" She took a step back, away from him.

Hao shook his head. He hadn't meant to scare her. He had-he had just been concentrating on her.

"No, I'm not-I mean-" He wasn't sure what to say. For the first time he could remember, he was at a loss for words. He fidgeted nervously with one of his gloves.

Kristina laughed after a moment, obviously unaware of this new side of Hao.

"Its no big deal. Your name is Hao, huh? Well, Hao, I was wondering if you could help me. I want to know who-what I am."

Hao studied her again. She could be a Shaman or even possibly a medium, like that bitch Anna. Of course, this girl didn't act like Anna. She was- nice. He forced a smile.

"I'm sure I could help. Come with me." He began to walk, Kristina following behind him.

Later That Night

Hao and Kristina arrived a little while later at the cemetery. Kristina had her arms behind her head and looked around with mild interest. She noticed two figures sitting beside a grave; one, a boy with orange headphones, and the other, a spirit with purple hair.

She began to walk toward them, but Hao grabbed her arm and pulled her into the shadows.

"Hao?! What is it?"

"Keep your voice down!" He whispered. "There are evil Shamans in this world who kill on sight or use others for their own foul purposes. He is one of them."

Kristina's eyes grew big. "Whoa-so, are you a good Shaman?"

Hao hesitated, then nodded, feeling somehow foolish for lying to her. "Yes, I am a good Shaman."

Kristina sat Indian-style in the shadows, watching the boy and his spirit. Hao sat beside her, chewing on his bottom lip. Why did he feel so nervous? So guilty? This wasn't like him-not at all-

1 Hour Later

Yoh and Amidimora had finally left the graveyard. Kristina was asleep, her head resting on Hao's shoulder. He watched her sleep, confused by his own reactions to her. He would have normally killed someone like her by now, but he just couldn't bring himself to.

There was stirring behind them, and Hao laid Kristina against a tree, turning to see who was there. It was Lyserg, glaring at him with the same usual hatred in his eyes.

"You! Hao! What are you doing here?"

Hao sighed, remembering just why Lyserg hated him so much. "I'm sitting here, Lyserg. What do you want?"

Lyserg seemed to have noticed Kristina and was now studying her. "Who's she? Another minion of yours? Another murderer?"

Hao smiled softly. "Not yet, Lyserg, not yet."

Lyserg growled. "So--you're recruiting new members, then?"

"She thinks I'm a good Shaman and that innocent little Yoh is evil. I earn her trust; I can use her to my advantage. She may possibly be a Shaman, too." He smirked.

Lyserg took a step back, disappearing into the shadows. "We'll get her, Hao. We'll make her see through your lies and deceit. You can not win." He was gone.

Hao stared at where Lyserg had been, pulling Kristina back to him. Without realizing it, he put one arm around her shoulder. He wouldn't let them take her.