Well, I see that people want me to update and so I'm keeping my promise! Here is chapter 6 ( go me…) This story is dedicated to my best friends Olga, Lina and Akylina(jenny-R). This chapter is for:

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jenny-R: Nya! Couldn't have done it without you!

KuroxTenshi: I am so happy you reviewed! You see I see my story getting a LOT of hits but no reviews and that really makes me wonder….Thank you!

Kanashimi Angel: Ah! Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy this one as well!

Rumia: Thanks!

luthien: Wow! From as far as Chile! I really hope you enjoy this chapter as well!

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Kaiba: EmeraldWolfChild doesn't own … wait what show is this?…Shaman King. Good night.

Emerald: O.O?

Thoughts

NOTE: (scratches head) I caught myself writing Manta so MORTY is changed to MANTA! Yeah, go me….

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The competitors stood at the edge of the forest. Some still shivering after the pain, others just glancing uneasily around. All of them had the mark on their foreheads. Though now it had receded to a dull red colour. All of them were anxious to start and yet no one knew what lay ahead.

"The first round is an obstacle course" said Silva while emerging to stand at the edge of the forest.

"You have 3 days to complete it . The last two Shaman are to be eliminated. The rules are:

1) No one is allowed to take short cuts. You miss an obstacle, points will be deducted. You miss three and you are eliminated from the fight.

2)There will be a three day break between each of the five stages of the tournament. You may use them how you please. However you may not sabotage other members in this period of time or you will be disqualified.

3)Last of all. The ultimate prize consists of two parts. You gain the first part on the first four stages. The second part you receive in the deciding round of the fight.
These are the three main rules. Changes, request can be made and other rounds may have some minor changes to them.

4) For this stage of the fight you have a few rules that apply only here. You will follow the arrows that will lead you through the course. Do not be fooled, this is a forest but you will encounter different, unusual terrain with all of its predators and prey. You may use those for whatever you choose fit. Teaming up is allowed but all against one is forbidden. You will all start from different entrances. Your paths may cross or sometimes merge but you must always follow your own given path. If you come out of your opponents exit you will be disqualified.

And a last warning. Death is NOT an essential part. If anyone is killed, you will automatically be disqualified." with this long statement Silva drew breath.

"Listen up." It was Anna this time, her voice commanding.

"You are going to be watched so don't even try to do any funny stuff. And if anyone tries to 'accidentally' hurt anyone." Her glare was pointed at Hao "You will regret it."

"Everyone ready? Start!"

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(A/N: Now there will be a break when different characters are concerned. XD)

Yoh started running. Thoughts were racing around his head absolutely non-stop. What was going on?

"Yoh-dono, we have on our path 3 different terrains: the forest, the tundra and the desert. Our path also crosses with Master Jocko, merges for a while with Master Ren and crosses with Hao."

Anger flashed through Yoh's eyes. He definitely did not like the last set up.

A faint rustle was heard and something bounded onto the path. A large sized deer stood there, looking in all of its glory down at the young boy in front of it.

An idea came to the boys head as he was looking at the animal. Slowly turning he asked his ghost.

"Amidamaru, what was that about using predator and prey?"

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"Opacho what are you doing here?" a smooth voice was heard in the clearing.

"Master Hao. I just wanted to tell you about the information requesting Anna. She is to be the bride of the winner as you already know. Yet, in her talk to Silva she was very hesitant to answer his question if one on one battles were allowed. For now that is all Master." The small boy dictated this information from memory.

"Good. Come again when you have more information."

The African boy nodded and disappeared.

"Anna, what are you trying to hide from me?"

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"What is it Bason? We need to get going….I don't have time for interruptions." Slightly snapping at his ghost, Tao Ren asked him.

"You have asked me to scout ahead. I am sorry but I was only able to see the first part of our course. We have the forest and the tundra in from of us. The roads I did not see as a heavy mist is covering most of the ground."

Growling with annoyance Ren, stopped for a moment.

"Damn it.This is no good. Bason, keep looking and report back immediately if you see something" said Ren before dashing of even deeper into the forest.

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"You have to be the bride? Who has created such a rule?!" an exasperated Silva questioned Anna.

"Hn. It's only because of the tradition. Besides I'll figure a way out to get this thing"she said while tugging at the necklace which seemed glued to her neck "Off. I will not be controlled. Not now, not ever!"

With that the young girl stomped of.

"You really think she can succeed?" The man turned towards the woman that had appeared behind him.

She slowly shook her head " There are only two methods and even she is not that desperate."

"Let's hope not. For her sake…"

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Walking up to the tree, Anna lowered herself on the ground with a thump.

Picking up the book she had with her she flicked it open. Scanning through it she started to gently mumble to herself. An unlikely habit she had picked up because she had been raised in solitude.

Yoh once told her it was cute but she had yelled at him and then retreated to her room. After all, it was so pathetic. Talking to yourself when you were lonely.

"Where is it…Removal…Removal…Here it is."

Submerging herself in the book, Anna Kyoyama began to try getting her life back on track.

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Manta was growing uneasy. Anna was sitting under a tree and reading a weird book like there was no tomorrow, everyone was acting all weird and what did Hao mean by giving Yoh that creepy scratch?!

Shaking his head, Manta sighed.

What a creep. I mean, can't he just leave us alone. Is that so hard? And what did he mean by 'Curse you'?! Ahh, too many weird things….

Suddenly realization struck.

"Oh no, oh no please not that!"

Frantically, the so called midget scrambled up and ran toward his back pack. Taking out his laptop he quickly switched it on.

"Just let me be wrong for once…."

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Tamao looked around the room. Everything was ready for when Yoh-kun and the others came back. And the potion was tucked away safely that Master Yohmei wouldn't find it.

"Anna cannot say I missed anything…." She glanced around a final time and made a mental check mark.

That is until she spotted a brown satchel lying on the floor. (A/N: Told ya we would need it!)

"My herb satchel! I thought I had left it downstairs…." She curiously picked it up. It was light and had a strange design on it. Plunging her hand in, she retrieved the only item that lay there.

A small jar of ointment.

"Why would anyone need an instant remedy for minor wounds?"
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This isn't two weeks straight but I'm not supposed to be updating before my exams so please be grateful that I'm taking this risk :) Well a lot is revealed in this chapter some direct and some indirect. Let's see who get's it…
Reviews are appreciated as they let me know someone is reading this! I will keep my promise with the 2 week update policy AFTER the exams, k? Wish me luck!
EmeraldWolfChild