First things first. I am so sorry for not updating for so long. Another is for redoing this story. I hope you will enjoy and review. Keep in mind that this is my first fan fic on Shaman King.

Disclaimer: I do not own Shaman King or any of its characters.

A Break

"To all the present shamans, participating or not," Goldva rasped. "I am here to convey a message from the Great Spirits."

She paused, allowing the words to sink down. A hush fell over the crowded stadium, where, just moments before, Team Star had engaged in battle with Team Kabbalahers.

"The Shaman King Tournament," she continued, "has been postponed."

[Yoh's POV]

The future was bleak.

That was the only thought in my mind. What could be worse? The tournament was on hold 'until further notice'. According to a rather sheepish Silva, the Patch officials were short of finances to run the tournament. What the heck? Normally, I would have embraced such situations gladly, but this break could only mean one thing.

More training. Everyday.

I groaned inwardly. It had already been two days since Goldva made the big announcement. It was kind of amusing when all ten Patch officials retreated quickly as the incredulous crowd gaped at them uncomprehendingly. Not a second after they disappeared, almost every present shaman had started shouting and demanding an explanation.

I didn't really think much about it at that moment of time but Hao, from where he sat at the top of the stadium, seemed rather disappointed at the news. For the first time, I saw his lips curve down as his forehead creased together. I suppose I wouldn't be all that happy if I were him. This only delayed his goal to become Shaman King, after all.

My mind seemed to always go into a whirl of confusion whenever I thought of my twin. I rolled the word around my tongue. I still found it weird that I actually do have an older brother. Especially that it was Hao. My memories raced back to the point of time when Hao had won the match against my dad. I wasn't surprised that Hao had won, of course. I remembered my horror as my father stood protectively in front of Seyram and Redseb when it was clear that they would lose. Hao could have incinerated them then and there; after all, he did have the reputation of killing off any who stood against him in battle. Yet, he merely smirked and told the Patch official that my dad had given up.

Hey Patch, the Kabbalahers Team has given up. Mind if you stop the battle now and declare me the winner?

Those were his exact words. I sighed. He's my twin, right? Then, why was it so hard for me to understand him? I rounded a corner and came up to an Inn situated just outside the Patch Village. Anna had told me recently that we would be staying there as guests until the tournament commences. I took off my sandals and entered the Inn with slight trepidation, wondering if I still had the job of cleaning the house like I did back at En Inn.

Since most shamans had decided to leave for their respective countries, the Inn was empty save for me, Anna and the rest. The Patch were in charge of the Inn, but only one would be staying along with us. The inn here was huge, about one and a half the size of En Inn; the only difference being that this Inn had more guest rooms.

I pulled open the door of the largest living room.

"Yoh-kun," Manta greeted, grinning.

I returned the greeting as I flopped down beside him, stifling a yawn.

"Yoh-kun, can I ask you something?"

I lifted an eyebrow curiously. "Go ahead."

"Do you think your father will stay here with us?" the short blonde asked.

I thought over it for a minute. "I don't think so. He has always loved the outdoors. I should think that he'll stay there with Redseb and Seyram."

Manta nodded slowly. "But then, Hao is staying outside too. Will they be safe?" he looked at me tentatively.

"Hao won't hurt them, Manta."

He looked surprised at my confidence. "Yoh-kun, how do you know?"

I bore my eyes into his and smiled. "I just know."

The piercing sounds of banging and hard objects crashing awoke me from my blissful slumber. I groaned, clamping my fingers over my ears in a vain attempt to shut the noise out. Angry exclamations followed after another short round of crashes and curses.

"What are you doing here?"

I easily recognized the voice belonging to Silva's, the official in charge of the Inn this week. I looked up dazedly in the direction of the ruckus, feeling a tinge of annoyance. I stood up reluctantly and staggered into the hallway. My clumsy footsteps brought me to the entrance of the Inn, where multiple shamans had assembled. Among them consisted of Anna, Manta, Ren, Ryu, Horo Horo, Faust, Chocolove and Silva. My eyes zeroed in on the two figures standing casually at the door. My eyes widened.

Hao and Opacho.

Hao leaned against the side wall and stared in what I deduced as amusement at Silva.

"Don't you think it rude to ask such a question that way to a customer, Silva?" he asked, a small smile tugging at his lips. "In any case, Opacho and I would like a room. We'll be staying here from now on." He raised his hand when Horo Horo opened his mouth and continued. "This is an Inn, am I correct? From what I know, and do correct me if I am wrong, this Inn welcomes all shamans whether or not they are participants of the Shaman Fight. Since so many shamans have left for their countries, I am sure that this Inn has a lot of vacancies. Despite what you may think," he stared pointedly at the Ainu, "I have every right as any of you to stay here."

Horo Horo clenched his fists. "Not if the owner doesn't welcome you."

Hao arched an eyebrow condescendingly. "Hmm? At this moment of time, the Patch are the owners, yes? It has always been an ancient rule in the line of Patch that they must treat all the participating shamans equally, whether or not they like them. To break the rule does have its own drastic consequences."

Silva sighed. "He's right." He gestured to the counter reluctantly. "Please come this way. I'll be taking care of the procedures."

Hao smirked and started to follow the Patch, Opacho right on his heels.

"Why are you here?" I murmured.

Everyone turned to look at me as Hao paused briefly. He tilted his head and bore his chocolate orbs into mine.

"I find it rather tiresome sleeping outside. Don't misunderstand me. I love the outdoors," he glanced sideways for a second before flicking his gaze back at me. "I keep getting unwanted visitors at night."

He turned and motioned Silva to continue, carefully avoiding the mess on the floor.

"And how do you know we won't attack you?" Ren asked, his voice harsh.

This time, Hao didn't pause but he looked over his shoulder and shrugged. "I just know."

I watched Hao place Opacho on his shoulders gently as both of them stared intently at a piece of paper that Silva presented them. Hao pointed at some diagram on the paper and Opacho laughed as he bobbed his head up and down.

Tearing my gaze from them, I started to walk in the direction of the living room. I felt someone staring at me but I didn't turn; a part of me already knew who he was.

I just know.

Somehow, those words seemed horribly familiar to what I told Manta a few hours ago.

Well, how was that? The next two chapters are almost done, but I'm not going to post them up yet.
I want to know what you guys think, so please review!
Constructive criticism and feedback are welcome to help improve my writing.