Let's move on. What, surprised with the quick updates? I guess I'm just overflowing with ideas lately.

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Takeshi's POV

"We've been looking everywhere, Touya-sama!" Ryu exclaimed, obviously tired and exasperated. "And still no sign of the Black Oni's hideout!"

"Shh!" I smacked him on the back of the head with my left hand. "They might hear you!"

"You're just paranoid, Touya-sama," Ryu said. "And just admit it. We don't know where the Black Oni's HQ is. Let's just give up on this."

We were cruising slowly through the streets on Ryu's motorcycle, in search of some sort of suspicious-looking place (that could be classified as a cult's hideout) and some suspicious-looking people going into a suspicious-looking gathering.

So far, we found nothing like that. Unfortunately.

"Can't we just retire for the night?" Ryu asked hopefully. You wish, Ryu.

I shook my head. "No. There's no time for that. Let's just stop by a bar or something and rest for a bit. Then we'll go looking for the Black Oni after."

"But it's almost night-time!" Ryu complained.

"Don't be a baby, Ryu," I snapped at him. "And it's only five."

"It'll only be a few hours until the sun sets!"

"I don't even get why we're talking about this." I groaned, infuriated. "I don't care if it's getting late; I'm going to look for their HQ, or my name isn't Touya Kobayashi!"

"Takeshi Himura."

"Shut up! We don't want them to know that!"

***

Ryu quietly sipped his tea, looking bored. And exhausted. I know; drinking tea inside a bar isn't exactly very appropriate, but I didn't want us getting drunk, otherwise we'd lose focus of what we're supposed to be doing.

Ryu bought a large mug of beer, but I poured its contents on a nearby plant the moment the bartender handed it to him. The plant wilted. I knew that stuff's bad news.

Ryu was crying waterfalls. The idiot. He knows we're in the middle of an important mission and he wants to get drunk? *sigh*

I just got myself a small cup of tea. I wasn't really in the mood for some drinks, but I just wanted Ryu to rest and recuperate. I couldn't have my partner giving up on me. My shaman partner, rather.

I watched the people go about their bar activities pleasantly. Things looked pretty normal. Some were watching soccer on TV, while some were partying with their drink buddies, while some were just like us—forlorn and out of place.

However, one area of the bar caught my eye.

There was another door somewhere in the far back of the bar. There was a big, burly man standing in front of it, like a security guard. I watched as a curious-looking man stopped in front of the man and showed the guy something. I couldn't see what it was. Then the guard opened the door and let the guy in.

I frowned. Something about that struck me suspicious. What's in there?

I watched as more people went inside that mysterious room. They were a lot of them coming and going, but they did it discreetly. I had a feeling they didn't want other people to know they were going in.

Most of them were carrying long, black clothes on their arm as they entered that room. Some didn't, but they were still let in. I craned my neck to see more clearly.

One of the "guests" showed the guard his arm. I gasped silently.

It was the Black Oni symbol.

I observed. More came in and they all bore the same mark as the one on the others, the one on my attacker and the one on my arm. I even glimpsed one of them putting on the black cloth thingy as he went inside. It was a hooded cloak.

I hid a smirk. Objective met.

***

"I didn't even notice those marks," Ryu said, amazed at my "senses."

I smirked. "That's because you had your back to the door."

"Oh yeah."

I then pulled him off his stool and began pushing him out of the bar. "Stay outside. I'm going in to find out all I can about what they're planning."

"Why can't I go with you?"

"Stop whining, Ryu. You don't have the Black Oni symbol on your arm."

Ryu pulled out a black marker from his pocket. "I can draw it in!"

Use your common sense, Ryu. "We shouldn't try to fool them. They might see through us and if they do, we'll get thrown out or worse, attacked. And we won't get to know about their plans if that happens."

Ryu sighed. "Alright. I'll stay outside and keep watch then."

"Yeah. Once I get all info I need, I'll head out as fast as I can. If something goes wrong, I'll run out and you start the bike. It'll cause a hubbub, but we'd have no other choice. But still, that's just the worst case scenario."

Ryu nodded. "Got it." He turned and left, closing the door quietly behind him.

I turned to the entrance to the Black Oni's hideout. Who woulda thunk. I smirked. I slowly made my way to the door. Somebody just went inside with a cloak. I didn't have one, but maybe the "new guy" alibi could justify that.

The guard didn't ask for my name. He just pointed at my arm roughly and barked, "Your mark."

Without a word, I raised my arm and pulled the sleeve back. The mark of the Black Oni stared back at the man. I hoped there wasn't really a difference between the death mark I had on my arm and the ones on the cult's living members.

There wasn't.

The guard let go of my arm and nodded. "Membership verified." He gave me an emotionless stare. "Your cloak?"

I swallowed. "Um…I don't have one, sorry."

"Don't have one?" I didn't know if the guy was suspicious, but I had to take my chances.

"Yes…I'm new; I just joined the group recently," I lied. I hoped he wouldn't notice.

He didn't. The dimwit. Why are all Black Oni members a couple of brainless morons? Doesn't their master know which to pick?

"Get in," the guard said gruffly. I felt myself being forcefully shoved inside and I staggered forward. I winced. My gunshot wounds tightened. Oh well.

The room inside was huge. It was all black, with dozens of brightly lit chandeliers hanging around the walls. It looked like I was suddenly plunged six centuries into the past. The speakers near the stage were probably the only living proof that this was the 21st century.

There were also symbols of the Black Oni scattered around. That's expected.

Most people were wearing hooded cloaks. Some didn't, like me, but nobody really took notice or made a huge fuss about it. Thank goodness.

People were gathering to the center of the room, in front of the stage. It seemed there was a meeting about to take place. I quickly squeezed into the crowd. Nobody seemed to condemn all the pushing and shoving I did (which I didn't mean to do anyway) so good for me.

A man, also in a hooded cloak went up the stage and took the mic. I frowned; this guy looked familiar. Horribly familiar.

The man pulled his hood off his head and I felt my stomach sink.

It was my attacker. The one with orange hair and with scars on his face.

"Welcome, my friends!" he said in a booming voice.

Everybody else began to drop to their knees and bow before this guy. I quickly scrambled to my feet and followed what they did. I sure as hell didn't want to just keep on standing while everybody was down on the ground, otherwise my former attacker would get suspicious. I'd finish with my mission before I even started.

Everybody began to murmur, "Master… Master…" in slow whispers.

I followed, though it irked me to have to do the same. So this dimbulb is the human head honcho of the Black Oni group. I should've known.

"I have splendid news for all!" he declared. He smiled toothily. "Takeshi Himura is finally dead!"

People began to clap. I fought to keep my mouth from dropping dumbly. All these people wanted me dead?! Why?

I found myself clapping with them. I didn't want to look out of place, even if I knew I was actually clapping for my own death. The death I faked just hours ago.

"All hail Makoto-sama!" people began to chant. "All hail Makoto-sama!"

I raised a brow. Makoto-sama? I looked up at the guy standing onstage. I'd hazard a guess that the Black Oni chief's name was Makoto. The truth was practically screaming into my face.

"My friends! That day is coming to a close!"

People murmured in agreement. What is coming to a close?

"Sunday. The day of destiny. The day fate makes itself known."

I swallowed. Something is definitely in the works here. Sunday…what's happening on Sunday? Today's Friday…ack! It's only the day after tomorrow!

"Let us not forget that day. That day when Anna Asakura had betrayed our Master's kind--the Oh-Oni she created! Our Master's 'mother' has failed him--she even had that meddling oaf, Yoh Asakura interfere--she let him destroy the Oh-Oni!" Makoto paused before screaming, "Soon they will suffer, too...they will die... the Master will take his revenge! All hail the Black Oni!"

People began to cheer. I felt my sweat go cold. Holy crap. So this is what they're planning. The Black Oni will be taking his revenge Anna and Yoh for what they did to the Oh-Oni in Anna's body years ago. And the Black Oni actually came from Anna...I had no idea. So he must've separated with Anna's body when he was sent to Hell. But now he's back.

"The singular threat to our plan, Takeshi Himura, has been wiped out. We have thwarted the vision. Takeshi Himura will no longer be a bane to our goals!"

People cheered even louder. Vision? What vision?

"The death of Anna and Yoh Asakura is imminent and inevitable. And for that, let us rejoice!" People cheered and Makoto raised his arms high into the air triumphantly.

I felt my breathing growing constricted with anxiety. I have to warn Yoh…and Anna…

People began to separate in the crowd. Makoto began to walk away from the stage.

I also turned and began to walk off. Quickly.

I wanted out of here.

Trying hard not to go into hysterics, I haphazardly pushed the door to the bar open, almost knocking the guard over.

The guard eyed me, surprised. "Aren't you going to stay for the feast?"

I shook my head, refusing to make eye contact. "Uh, no. I still have to…um…feed my dog."

I immediately turned and walked away. I felt the man's confused eyes boring through me. I fleetingly looked back. The man just shrugged as if saying, "Must be a rabid dog lover."

Good thing the man was an airhead. Otherwise I wouldn't have gotten out of this hellhole alive. I quickly pushed the door open, not wanting to look back.

What I saw before me almost made me fall down in total shock.

Ryu was nowhere to be seen. So were the people walking around just minutes ago. And so were all the buildings.

All I saw was white and nothingness. The floor was white, the ceiling and the walls were white—heck, I wasn't even sure if there really were walls or ceilings there. Everything stretched out to infinity.

"Shocking, isn't it?'

I swallowed. I recognized that voice. And it's not one that I particularly liked.

"Hey, I'm here to help you, you know."

"Help me? You've never wanted to help me with anything, so why would you do it now?"

Hao Asakura emerged from the opposite side, smiling widely. He looked kinda friendly, and I would've believed that, if he didn't try to kill me seven years ago.

"Aw, come on. I haven't seen you in seven years. A little smile or wave would be very nice."

I glared at him. "What do you want?"

I already have my hands full, I can't afford to have this lunatic barge in, too.

Hao shook his head in mock unhappiness. "Is that any way to talk to someone who's trying to help you?"

"Answer the question. What do you want?"

"I told you already; I want to help you."

"With what?"

Hao laughed. I bit my lip, miffed. He was laughing at me!

"Why you arrogant—!"

"Chill, hotshot. I'm on your side," Hao said, grinning knowingly.

I crossed my arms, still glowering at him. "Explain."

Hao walked closer to me, smirking. "Gladly." He stopped just a few meters away from me and to my surprise, he sighed. I frowned. What a mood shift. What's wrong with him?

"Shocking, isn't it?"

He repeated the same thing he first said. But this time, it didn't sound so cocky. It sounded quite sad, to say the least.

"What is?"

"Don't act dumb, Takeshi. You saw it for yourself. The Black Oni is going to kill my brother and sister-in-law."

"Yoh and Anna?"

"Who else?" Hao sighed again, more deeply this time. "You saw it all. The terrifying Black Oni is going to take his revenge on Anna for letting Yoh kill the Oh-Oni that was once in her body, and on Yoh for complying. And it's all going to happen on Sunday."

So he knew. "I already know about that. Tell me something I don't already know." I paused. "Like how do you add to this equation?"

Hao's smirk returned to his face. "Well, first off, I called you here to help stop that from happening."

I almost doubled back in shock. Hao?! Seriously?! "You're the one who sent me here?!"

"Duh, yeah. But of course you'd never have known." He threw me a crooked smile. "Unfortunately, the Black Oni saw you coming and transmitted the message over to Makoto, the cult's leader, and they tried to kill you, to stop you from meddling with their plans."

"I almost died," I said flatly.

"I know, and I'm sorry about that," Hao said. He did look sorry, to be honest. "I tried to intervene, but I wasn't allowed to. I'm still not allowed to interfere. Honestly, I don't understand why. You're just lucky Anna was there to revive you."

"You're the Shaman King," I said bluntly. "Why are you not allowed to interfere? Taking care of wayward spirits is supposed to be your job."

Hao nodded, smirking. "I know that. But this time, I can't."

I fell silent. If the Shaman King himself couldn't take care of this, what chances do I have of doing it myself?

"You're not useless, Takeshi," Hao said, smiling at me. "If you were, then I wouldn't have made the conscious effort to send you here. It costs a lot of mana to do that, and do you think I would've wasted my energy for something that won't help me?"

Makes sense. "I wouldn't think so." I paused, thinking. There was still something here that I couldn't understand. "But why me?"

"You have great spiritual power and you're reliable," Hao answered as-a-matter-of-factly.

Great spiritual power?! Was he mad? Sure, I may be reliable, as he said, but spiritual power? And great? None of this is making any sense.

"Are you confused?" Hao asked, amused.

"The hell I am!"

"Did you know that the Black Oni was already defeated once?"

Okaaay…thanks for the trivia, Hao, but how is that going to help me?

"So?" I said, uninterested.

"Did you know that the Black Oni is about as powerful as the Spirit of Fire?"

I rolled my eyes. I heard about this already. "Yeah, and let me guess. It was you who beat him."

"No, it wasn't me," Hao said, smirking. He looked like he wanted to laugh. "It was somebody much more powerful."

"Yoh?"

"Another guess?"

"Anna?"

"Oooh…close. But no."

I threw my arms in the air, frustrated. "Enough! Stop playing games with me!"

"I'm not playing games, Takeshi," Hao said innocently. He looked like he was telling the truth…for once. "This is part of the help I'm giving you."

"I fail to see the significance of a couple of stupid trivia questions."

"Well, you will in a while," Hao said, still grinning knowingly. He paused to think. "Let's see… Did you know that Anna is incredibly adept at catching ghosts and killing onis?"

"And she also lived with them," I stated, bored.

"True."

I glared at Hao. "This is getting tiring. I fail to see the point you're trying to prove."

"In a minute, Takeshi, don't get so impatient," Hao said, chuckling. "Hmm… Did you know that, though Anna is adept at killing onis, she can't actually kill the Black Oni?"

"You already told me that." I'm really starting to lose my temper.

"Do you want to know who single-handedly sent the Black Oni to Hell years ago?"

I sighed, deciding to humor him. "Do I want to know?"

"Oh, trust me. You'd want to know about this one." I looked up. Hao had a curious glint in his eyes. It made me nervous.

"Whatever," I said, shrugging my apprehensions away. "Fire away."

"Once upon a time, two children were born to a shaman father and a human mother," Hao began to narrate. I groaned. What is this; a bedtime story? "The two children were fraternal twins, one male, one female. The shaman father wasn't very powerful and was killed by this horrible Black Oni who came to destroy their family while they were on a picnic in Mt. Osore. At this time, the twins were only a few weeks old but both possessed incredible spiritual and shamanic power. Both had a lot of mana, unlike their father."

He paused to smile before continuing. "In that sudden onslaught, the mother was also murdered by the Black Oni. Since the twins were now virtually unprotected, the Black Oni advanced on them both. The female of the two began to cry. The male of the twins suddenly began to cry as well, and when he did, he released an enormous amount of spiritual energy that opened a chasm between the mortal and spiritual plane. The opening sucked the Black Oni in and locked him up in Hell. Because of the excess energy, another rip was formed. But this time, it wasn't between the spiritual and mortal world. It was a rip between two alternate and parallel realities. The boy was sucked in and was never to be seen or heard from again…until now."

"Until now?" I repeated, still bored.

"Yes," Hao said, smiling broadly. "He came back for some time, but he didn't know who he truly was. His sister didn't know a thing either. The boy left, but years later, he came back again. I told him to come back."

"How interesting," I said ironically.

"You still don't get it, do you?" Hao said, smirking. "Alright—ask me about what happened to the female twin."

"Uh…what happened to the female twin?" Ugh. This was getting old.

"She was adopted by an Asakura," Hao replied cheerfully. "Everybody thought she was an only child, and the girl thought so herself, too."

I suddenly felt a heavy feeling down my chest. And it wasn't from my gunshot wounds.

"What are you trying to pull?" I said slowly.

"You're starting to get it! Kind of,' Hao said, looking like he was literally about to jump for joy. "Now, ask me—what's the name of the twins?"

"Tell me." Something told me I didn't want to know, but something also told me it was time for me to know. I swallowed.

"The girl's name is Anna," Hao answered, smiling. "Anna Kyoyama."

"And the boy?"

"The boy has great spiritual power, he's reliable…"

I held my breath. Did I even want to know about this?

A second later, I realized I had no choice.

"…and his name is Takeshi."

---

You must be all, "HOLY CRAP! TAKESHI AND ANNA ARE SIBLINGS?!"

I know, it's pretty shocking. That's probably the biggest plot twist I was talking about. I totally manipulated Anna's history to make way for this.

And I love family-centric stories. They make me feel nice. Don't you feel the same way?

Moreover, I absolutely loved Hao in this chapter. I love this chapter. xD This is my way of fixing everything, so it'll all work out in the end. Do you like it? Let me know what you think.

Anyhow, I don't think I have to tell you guys to review. I know you've already pressed the review button anyway. I'm sure you've got a lot of stuff to say.

Until then.

Short Update:

I dunno if you guys noticed--I kept changing one part of this chapter repeatedly--the one about the Black Oni's revenge plan on Yoh and Anna. Sorry. I just suddenly thought it didn't make any sense, but then, I realized it actually did, so I changed it back. Sorry. I hope it didn't cause confusion on your part.

Also, you must've noticed that I changed the genre to this fic, for the second time. Family/Friendship. I'm sure the "friendship" part makes sense, but the "family" part must've confused you guys at first. But after finishing up with this chapter, maybe you understand now why I put "family" in.