Disclaimer: I do not own Shaman King. The characters are owned by Hiroyuki Takei who had successfully ended the series and the manga Shaman King. I own the plot though... but I don't profit from it.

So now that's settled let's continue.

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Chapter 7: The date

The next day Pirika wanted to get some fresh air. The never-ending issue with Ren was suffocating her at some point. Horohoro was not helping as well. Ever since Pirika cried to her brother she felt like her brother was acting a little bit overprotective over her. It was the same reason why she started to distance from him... and now he's doing it again.

Just last night her brother was bugging her. He kept on asking what was with Men and her... Pirika was avoiding any form of conversation with her brother but her brother was persistent.

'Seriously...' Pirika thought, 'I think I'm old enough to have problems... '

Pirika woke up early the next day. She put on her cutest clothes and even put make up on. Somehow she wanted to have a date with herself. It was the best way to keep her mind off things.

She was going down to have a short breakfast when Anna instantly bumped into her.

Anna raised an eyebrow looking dangerously at Pirika. Pirika just gulped. She almost forgot how early Anna wakes up.

"So you're going out?" Anna asked.

Pirika nodded. "I just need fresh air."

"You look like someone on a date?" Anna inquired once more. Nothing escapes her eyes.

"With myself..." Pirika answered.

Anna then sighed.

"I don't have the right to stop you anyway. Just be careful on the way." Anna said. She then started to go back to the common room.

Pirika then went outside. She decided to wear her white boots today. She then started to walk, silently opening and closing the door.

Pirika was then outside the house. She needed to walk for a while before riding a taxi or something. She was already quite far from the onsen when she realized that someone was running behind her.

"Pirika! You are here!" The girl then heard.

Pirika turned around. She then saw a familiar face running towards her. She was looking at him for a while. She knows this person. She just cannot remember where. The person then stopped in front of her. He looked very happy. It was only then that Pirika finally remembered him.

"Masuda-san? Why are you in Funbari?" Pirika uttered looking quite surprised.

The man named Masuda then looked at Pirika from head to toe. He smiled. Pirika noticed his eyes. She then stepped back a bit.

"I followed you of course." The guy said.

"Why?"

He then grabbed Pirika's arm pulling him towards him. Pirika instantly pulled back.

"I am taking you with me. I'd decided... I can't live without you."

"What?" Pirika said almost shouting, "You can't decide on something like that without my permission!"

"But... I really love you. I will never leave this place without you." The guy insisted.

Pirika tried to twist her arm to be free but his grip was firm. Resistance was futile. The only way out of this would be talking... or shouting.

"I don't like you okay! So stop bugging me! Let me go!" Pirika shouted still pulling her arm.

"NO! YOU CANNOT DUMP ME TWICE!" The guy then shouted. He then grabbed Pirika's other arm.

The man then started to drag Pirika. Pirika was still struggling to get away from him but he was still stronger.

"I said let me go! Stop it! Leave me alone!" Pirika shouted.

Masuda was about to say something when someone grabbed his arm. He stopped pulling the girl. The grip of the newcomer was quite powerful.

Pirika looked at the one who suddenly appeared. It was Ren.

"Who are you?" Masuda said angrily.

"The girl said let go. Are you not listening?" Ren asked coldly.

Masuda's grip tightened. Pirika's face showed Ren she was in pain.

Ren then pulled Masuda's hand. Instantly the latter let go of the girl. Somehow Masuda's hand was forced to let go by Ren's grip.

Ren then pushed Masuda. Masuda fell, sitting on the ground. Ren then turned to Pirika.

"You're hurt?" Ren asked checking the grip mark Masuda did to Pirika.

"I'm fine. This is nothing." Pirika assured.

Ren then looked at Masuda. Both men seemed angry. Masuda was now standing up. He didn't like what happened.

"Who are you!"

Ren's lips twitched.

"It is quite a surprise that someone as low as you do not know me... I am Ren Tao, the head of the Tao clan. " Ren said using the high and mighty tone of voice.

"You don't have anything to do with us! Get lost!" Masuda shouted.

Ren lifted his eyebrow.

"Who is this person Pirika?" Ren asked not even moving his stare away from Masuda.

"M...My ex-boyfriend." Pirika answered quietly.

But it was enough for Ren to hear. He then smirked. He then put his arms around Pirika and pulled her closer to his side. Pirika was surprised but she didn't resist. Ren Tao was too powerful to be opposed.

"I have nothing to do with her?" Ren repeated mockingly, "Seriously."

Ren closed his eyes. He then brushed his nose on Pirika's hair. Pirika instantly stiffened. In an instant she turned red.

"She's my girlfriend now... so I guess... it is you who have nothing to do with us." Ren said looking murderously at Masuda.

Ren sneered while looking at Masuda.

The fact finally sunk inside Masuda. He looked shocked. He then started to walk back.

"She's only tricking you! She will dump you someday when she gets bored with you!" Masuda shouted.

'She already dumped me...too late.' Ren thought sadly but his face did not show any trace of the thought.

"She can't possibly be bored with me. I shall make sure of that." Ren said confidently.

"That woman doesn't know how to love!" Masuda shouted once more.

"I shall teach her then... unlike you. I know I am capable of showing her the feeling."

Knowing that he was defeated; Masuda turned around and started to run away.

Pirika started to move away from Ren. Masuda was not looking now so they should stop being this close.

"Don't go yet... he could still look back." Ren whispered.

His voice tickled her ears. Somehow she doesn't want to let go as well. She could hear the drumming of her heart. This proximity between them was not helping it beat slower at all.

Ren then turned around while still keeping the girl close. The two then started to go back to the onsen.

"So that was the thing you don't want to show your brother... right?" Ren whispered. "This side of you."

Pirika still had her head down. She was red all over. Though her heart was on overdrive she could still think straight.

"That's my true side... I play around with boys. Like he said... I do not know how to love." Pirika whispered.

Ren sighed. 'I know... I got rejected right?' He thought.

They have finally reached the front gate of the onsen. Ren finally let go of Pirika. Pirika almost came back to him when he let her go but she stopped the feeling at once.

Ren was also about to pull her back but he decided that he was asking too much... just to pretend like that was enough for him.

"Where are you going by the way?" Ren asked noticing how Pirika looked.

"I was about to have a date with myself." Pirika said trying to avoid Ren's stare.

"Stay inside the premises. I'll come with you." Ren said as he went inside the house.

"What! How about Men!" Pirika said trying to stop Ren. But Ren was already inside.

Pirika sighed. Somehow she liked the idea... but on the other hand she doesn't. Being with Ren... no scratch that... having a date with Ren...

"It's a dream... come true." Pirika said with a smile.

She then shook his head.

"He already had a kid! What on earth am I thinking!" Pirika said. She then decided to follow Ren and stop him.

She was on the door when it slid open. Behind it was Ren. Pirika stepped back. Ren was now dressed. He was wearing a black collared buttoned shirt. The first three buttons were opened revealing a comfortable white shirt under it. His hair was tied in a pony but somehow the three spikes on his head were still there. He was also wearing dark pants.

Ren even in casual clothing still had that air of authority with him.

But it was more than enough to send Pirika's heart flying.

"Yoh will take care of Men for today. I am coming with you."

Pirika gulped.

"Why?" Pirika asked.

Ren looked away and blushed a bit.

"It's stupid and delirious... to go... alone... in a date. " Ren said.

Pirika tried to look at Ren's face but the guy went on hiding away from her.

"I'm just worried about your mental health okay! If you don't want to then... fine." Ren continued.

Pirika smiled. She then shook her head gently.

"I don't want to waste your attire... oh noble head of the Tao clan." She said teasingly.

Ren also smiled. It was not a smirk or anything like that... it was a real warm smile.

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Ren could easily order anyone to bring him a car but he didn't bother. They went towards the city riding a horse-drawn carriage. When they arrived in the middle of the city Ren Tao went out first. Pirika also followed.

As soon as she stepped her foot down she can't but notice the stare of the people around them. They were causing too much attention because of the carriage.

"I knew riding this was a stupid idea... now they're all looking at us." Pirika whispered to Ren.

"Nonsense." Ren said ignoring the stares.

Ren then started to walk. Pirika followed at once.

"Where are we going?" Pirika asked.

"Eating."

Pirika then started to run to reach abreast Ren.

"Ren... you haven't been in a date before am I right?" Pirika asked.

Ren stopped. He instantly turned red.

"I don't have to date anyone..." Ren said.

Pirika laughed.

"What's so funny!" Ren asked.

Pirika then stopped laughing. If she would go overboard then Ren might leave her and she doesn't want that.

"It's quite obvious really..." Pirika muttered.

"What!" Ren almost shouted.

Pirika then embraced Ren's arm and laid her head on his shoulder. Ren instantly blushed but Pirika didn't even notice it.

"You seem to be an expert at this." Ren noticed.

Pirika bowed down.

"I know..." Pirika said.

"Why do you do that? Playing around... are you not serious at all?" Ren asked.

"Maybe I'm not... somehow. I always thought that I like them... but then again... I don't."

"And you don't tell Horohoro anything."

Pirika pouted.

"Why would I tell him anything? He would pester me again. I have my life and he has his... we should start living our own lives instead of looking at each other's life."

Ren understood. It was the same with his sister Jun. Somehow he could understand Horohoro's protective ways... but then again Pirika had a point.

Pirika on the other hand was thinking. Eating outside was just too common for the Tao... She should take Ren in a special place. Ren is special... and this might be a once-in-a-lifetime event... she doesn't want to waste it. This was her only chance on making good memories with him... and for him to remember her especially after they live their separate lives as well.

"I know where we should go." Pirika exclaimed surprising Ren a bit.

Ren didn't have to ask. Pirika went on speaking.

"There's a newly opened theme park around here... we could go there." Pirika answered excitingly.

"So people go to theme park during dates?" Ren asked.

Pirika shook her head.

"It doesn't have to be a theme park... just somewhere special."

Ren understood. Pirika then continued to drag him.

'As long as I am with you... anywhere... is special.'

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There were many rides on that park. As soon as the two entered Pirika looked excited. She had been to amusements and theme parks before but this one was different... for one she was with Ren.

Pirika dragged Ren and they started to ride the rollercoaster. Ren seemed bored the whole time. Even with the ride going around and around it was still nothing for the Tao.

After two to three more rides the two then decided to eat lunch.

Ren ordered while Pirika stayed on the table. Ren was still on the line patiently waiting for his turn. All the while Pirika was just staring at him.

Pirika smiled.

This was the only time she had a good look at Ren. He changed a lot... he had grown quite tall. His long hair was also perfect. From the way he stand up alone, you could tell that he was not an ordinary guy. Even if he was just quietly standing there with casual clothes on, one could tell that Ren came from a very wealthy family. He had that aura of confidence and authority around him. It can literally scare people.

But Pirika liked it that way. She always knew of his arrogance... she had been observing him when they were younger... though she doesn't watch any of his brother's matches she knew that Ren was taking care of his brother. They were teammates but most of all they were friends.

"Thank you Ren." Pirika said softly.

It hurts but she could handle it. Her happiness is stronger than her sadness now. She knew that as soon as this date would end she might not see Ren or Men ever again... it hurts... but again... no form of depression could suppress the happiness Ren brought to her just by being with her today like this.

Pirika became sad once more. These thoughts were just ruining her date. She shook her head and smiled. She should just be happy since Ren is beside her.

Even for now... even for a while...

Ren finally came back. He bought Chinese food. Pirika rolled her eyes... her brother had told her something about this once. Being in the Ren team had taught Horohoro to eat Chinese food.

Pirika started to eat the dumplings with her chopsticks. Ren started eating quietly as well.

They were quiet most of the time that they were eating. Ren finished eating first. Pirika continued eating. Ren didn't mind waiting though.

Ren then remembered something. He suddenly pulled out his cell phone and dialled a number. Pirika just continued eating.

"Yoh... yeah it's me." Ren said on the phone. It seemed that he called the onsen.

"It's Men's lunchtime." Ren said. He then paused. "Yeah. She's here."

Ren then paused. Pirika could vaguely hear a voice from the other line. Pirika continued minding her own business. It was rude to listen to other people's conversations.

"Of course I'm taking care of her..." Ren said, blushing a bit. He then glanced at Pirika. The girl doesn't seem to be listening.

Pirika noticed Ren looking at her. She turned to him.

"We will back before it gets dark. So please take care of Men for me. Thank you." Ren said formally.

Pirika smiled. She was still staring at Ren.

"What?" Ren asked.

"You really love your son... right?"

Ren looked away.

"Of course he is the only one I have now." Ren answered.

Pirika looked down. Somehow she doesn't like the idea... Ren seemed lonely no matter how she looked at it.

All the while, Ren's eyes then noticed a giant Ferris wheel. It would be nice to ride one of those.

"We haven't ridden on that one yet..." Ren said.

Pirika followed his eyes. Her eyes sparkled upon looking at it.

"Yeah... I want to go on that one!" Pirika said with excitement.

Ren sighed. Pirika's being a child again.

"Are you sure it's okay even after eating?" Ren asked.

Pirika stood up. Ren looked at her plate. She seemed to have finished eating. Ren then looked at the girl. She looked happy.

"What do you think of me? I can handle it." Pirika said proudly.

Ren then stood up. He then offered his right arm towards the girl.

"Let us go then." Ren said quite gently.

Pirika embraced his arm. She then laid her head on his shoulder once more. Pirika smiled. Even after dating a number of men... Ren was still the best date she could ever have.

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Thank you for reading! I hope you liked it!

Author's Note: One difference of the manga from the anime is the fact that Pirika doesn't like watching Horohoro during a match. My only reference for this though is "chapter 227: Nipopo Gauntlets" from the Shaman King manga... Pirika said there that she gets scared easily so she doesn't like to watch him... Pirika and Horohoro had a better relationship in the anime *sigh* oh well... I know you're getting bored already... I'm sorry for yapping too much.

Once more THANK YOU VERY MUCH for reading! I hope you leave a review for me... Please~~