Disclaimer: I do not own Shaman King... I also don't get paid because of what I am doing... but I'm still okay with it. I also would like to remind you that this fanfic is based on the Shaman King manga...

Now here we go...

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Chapter 12: Finding Jeanne

Surprisingly, Jeanne was just in the country. It would only take her a two-hour train ride and a short taxi ride to get to the hotel where the Iron Maiden was currently at.

The address was written on a piece of paper. It was Hao himself who wrote it. Pirika had always thought that Hao was evil but because of what he did she can see him at a new light. She was even considering that it was right for him to be the Shaman King. No wonder Opacho loves him very much. There was a hidden kindness inside of him... the one he rarely shows.

She was already in front of the hotel indicated in the piece of paper. She knew that she was in the right place. She looked at the hotel then back at the paper. It was now or never.

She went towards the hotel. She went in without a problem, the automatic glass doors sliding to open up for her. She marched directly to the counter and talked to the nearest lady who was not busy.

'Now or never Pirika... now or never...'

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Pirika went out of the hotel disappointedly. Jeanne was not there. She had already checked out.

She was too late.

Pirika looked at the piece of paper once more. Hao might be the Shaman King but he never predicted this part. Pirika sighed. It seems that she must go back to the onsen in shame.

Pirika was about to go back to where she came from when she noticed a certain orange cat. The cat was not that outstanding. It was just a normal-looking cat for her... but somehow she cannot take her eyes away from it.

The cat then started to walk. Pirika started to follow.

Pirika doesn't know why she was following a cat. She doesn't even know where it was headed. All she knew was that there was something inside of her telling her to follow the small orange cat.

The cat then stopped. It seemed that they cannot cross the street yet.

'Well... for one he's smart.' Pirika thought as she finally caught up with the cat.

As soon as the light turned green the cat moved again easily sliding in between the legs of the walking people. Pirika followed at once not even letting the cat get away from her sight.

The trip finally ended when the cat suddenly coming to a full stop. Pirika stopped as well. The cat then stretched. Pirika finally started to look around.

The cat had brought her to another hotel.

This hotel was unlike the first one she went into. For one it was smaller than the first and also it looked simpler.

Pirika then looked at the cat beside her but she noticed it started moving once more. Pirika instantly followed.

The cat went towards the door and as usual the door slid opened for the cat. Pirika followed soon after not even letting the door slide back to close.

Pirika was going to the receptionist when she noticed the cat going towards the elevator. Pirika forgot about the receptionist and just followed the cat. Her instincts were forcing her to do so.

The cat went in the elevator. Pirika also got in as well even before the elevator closed its door. The cat looked seriously at the numbers flashing on top of the elevator's door. Pirika followed the cat's eyes. She doesn't know where to go though. She looked back at the cat.

Good thing there were people inside the elevator before Pirika got in and so she doesn't have to push any button. She was clueless as to where she was going.

Pirika sighed. She was getting crazy. She knew it. 'Why in the world am I following a cat!' She scolded herself.

The number 21 then lighted up. The elevator door slid open. Pirika noticed a woman walking out of the elevator. The cat slid past her and walked out of the elevator as well. Pirika saw this at once and instantly followed the cat.

The woman went right the cat went left. Pirika went left too.

The cat seemed to know where it was going but then again it could just be her imagination. The cat walked straight without even looking at anything aside from the path in front of it.

When the cat turned to a corner and Pirika followed, when it went straight she also walked forward. It was getting crazier every passing second.

Finally the cat stopped and faced a door giving Pirika the chance to catch up once more.

Pirika noticed the door. It was room number 2134.

The door was slightly opened. The cat entered it with breeze. Pirika was surprised to see the cat entering.

"Oi! Oi!" She said as she tried to stop the cat.

However all she had managed to do was to push the door slightly completely opening it.

The door swung wide open.

It revealed the person inside it.

"You're here?" The person inside muttered in surprise.

Pirika looked and finally saw her. All traces of the cat gone.

She grew older but it just made her beauty increase. Her silver hair was tied in a bun. Her crimson eyes were more mature. She was wearing a simple white satin dress hugging her curves perfectly. She still had pale skin like the way Pirika remembered it.

She looked beautiful... so beautiful even Pirika was mesmerized.

"Iron Maiden... Jeanne..."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

"So coffee, tea or milk?" Jeanne offered.

Pirika was sitting on a large sofa. It was so soft. She wondered why her apartment does not have soft sofas such as these. She would really buy one the moment she goes back there.

"Thank you... anything would be alright." Pirika said while blushing.

Jeanne smiled.

"Milk then." Jeanne said, "Ren-san loves milk."

Pirika was about to say something when Jeanne was already starting to walk towards the kitchen. She then just shut her mouth and waited for her to return.

Pirika noticed the way she said Ren's name. It was careful... as if she was not used to saying it. It was also formal. It was as if... as if...

'As if you didn't have a child with him...' Pirika thought.

From the door of the kitchen Pirika could see Jeanne preparing the drink. She was humming. She made it seem that Pirika was just another friend visiting her.

' But what was the point of telling her that Ren loves milk? ' Pirika mused, 'Does she knows my intention already?'

Jeanne came back with a tray on her hand. Pirika instantly stood up and gestured as if to assist her.

"You're my guest... it's only normal for me to serve you. Now sit." Jeanne said with a smile.

Pirika walked back to where she was sitting and sat there once more. Jeanne placed the tray on top of the coffee table before the sofa. Pirika looked at the tray. It had two cups. One was milk and the other one was tea. There was also a plate full of biscuits. It was as if Jeanne was expecting guests.

Jeanne sat beside Pirika. Pirika turned to her the moment she felt the silver-haired girl sitting beside her.

"I was expecting you... now drink. I hope you like the biscuits." Jeanne said gently.

Pirika took the cup and placed it on her lips. The milk tasted fresh. She then took a biscuit and bit it. It was delicious.

"Delicious... where did you buy this stuff?" Pirika said looking amazed.

Jeanne just giggled.

"I made that myself. I am happy you like it... the milk though was just from the convenient store down the road." Jeanne said.

Pirika doesn't know where to start and so she took another biscuit to eat. She was thinking about the words she needs to say while eating but it seems the right words were not coming inside her head.

"I was expecting you Pirika." Jeanne suddenly spoke up knowing that Pirika might be getting shy.

"Me?" Pirika almost jumped in surprise.

Jeanne nodded.

"Hao told me you'd come." Jeanne said rolling her eyes towards the floor, "last night... he asked me the permission if I could give my whereabouts to you."

"But you changed your hotel... why?" Pirika had to ask. If it weren't for that cat then her trip might have been in vain.

Jeanne looked depressed and embarrassed. A tinge of pink colored her cheeks.

"I guess… I became scared the last minute." Jeanne said shyly. "I am sorry."

"No!" Pirika protested, "If you want me to go then I'll go… I am sorry to disturb you."

Jeanne stopped Pirika before she could even lift herself off the sofa. Jeanne looked determined.

"You're here now. Why go?" Jeanne said, "besides there's so many things I needed to tell you."

Pirika's eyes widened. Jeanne looked like pleading before her and she was not expecting that. She was so embarrassed for even showing up here but seeing Jeanne like that was even worse. She was the one who needed her… not the other way around. Jeanne could kick her out anytime but she was insisting for her to stay.

But in a midst of being shy and being embarrassed… Pirika was grateful. She also wanted to know… and she was grateful that Jeanne was willing to tell.

"Ren had been searching for me for a while… I even know that he once asked Lyserg to find me." Jeanne suddenly started saying.

'Hey…even I asked Lyserg-san too…' Pirika thought with a smile.

"But they would not find me… I made sure of that. I also change my location every now and then… just so no one could track me down." Jeanne the giggled a bit, "I think only the Shaman King could track down a person who doesn't want to be found."

"Well we know Hao could do virtually anything now…" Pirika added lightheartedly.

"Of course…" Jeanne then looked at the locked door of the apartment, "I also believe it was he who sent you here."

"Wow… I couldn't believe that Hao would help us to see each other."

"He can be a very nice guy… or at least he's trying."

"I guess I see him in a different light now."

Both of them then giggled. Never in their life had they imagined talking like this especially talking about Hao. It was one topic that no one dared discussed back in the Shaman Fight.

"But let us stop talking about Hao… I know why you are here." Jeanne said.

Pirika blushed. Of course she would know… she was expecting her.

"Hai." Pirika muttered, "Men needs a mother… even though Ren would suffice. It would still be different with a complete family."

"I know… but I am just happy to know that Men is alright. I know that Ren-san would take care of him with all his heart. He promised me." Jeanne said with a smile.

"But Men still needs you. I know I have no right to say these… and I am very sorry since I know that talking about him would cause you painful memories since Ren left you and all."

Jeanne suddenly looked surprised.

"Wait. What did you say?" Jeanne asked.

"Men needs a mother?" Pirika said recalling her words.

"No about Ren…" Jeanne muttered, "about Ren leaving me?"

"That's what happened right? Ren left you…" Pirika said slowly as if being confused.

Jeanne laughed gently. She then stopped and held Pirika's hands lovingly.

"My dear… Ren is a gentleman… a true gentleman."

"Huh?" Pirika replied.

"He never left me." Jeanne then caressed Pirika's hand and looked directly at her azure eyes, "I left him."

Pirika blinked. Good thing she was not carrying anything or it might have slipped her grip. Good thing she was not eating or drinking anything or she might have blew it in Jeanne's face.

She was shocked. She definitely did not see that one coming.

"WHAT!"

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.Jeanne's POV-.-.-.-.

I was walking that morning. Somehow I felt two souls being submerged into the pit of despair last night. Even Shamasu was disturbed.

Tomorrow we would be going back to our homelands. The Shaman Fight had ended and we would live peaceful lives once more.

I still don't know what I am going to do with mine… Marco is with Luchist… somehow both of them were revived. She was having second thoughts of coming with them. She had no interest in cars whatsoever and she is basically useless if ever she would join them in their business.

I was walking that morning when I passed by a certain room. I smiled. I know whose room this was. I was about to knock when I realized it was open. I pushed the door silently.

He was sleeping on the floor. He looked miserable. I pitied him. I cannot believe that I would somehow see him in that stature. He was Ren Tao… that face was not fit for someone like him.

"Ren…" I said barely a whisper.

"What are you doing here?" He suddenly uttered. His eyes were red. It was obvious that he was crying all night.

"I thought you were asleep…" I could only answer.

Ren turned his head the opposite way.

"I thought you had manners…" He said. His voice was still hoarse.

I swallowed. I was embarrassed it was true that it was rude to just enter his room but somehow I didn't know what came over me to go here. It must've been because I felt his depression… but that was not enough reason why I would intrude.

"Hey… I would like to ask you for a favor…" Ren suddenly asked.

I almost jumped. I wanted something to do for him in return for my sudden intrusion.

"Anything." I said with a smile. I still smiled even though I know he was not looking.

"Could you… love me… or even at least pretend to do so…?"

He was facing the other way. His voice was hoarse. I cannot even see his expression. I didn't know what was inside his head that time. I didn't know what to say.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.end of POV-. -. -. -. -. -. -. -.

"So what did you say?" Pirika asked looking very interested in the story.

Jeanne had paused for a while. It was one memory she wanted to linger on to.

"I said yes." Jeanne answered.

"Really! Why?"

Jeanne then smiled. She looked directly at Pirika once more.

"Because I know that at the moment… that was the only thing I can do for his suffering heart. I felt it." She then touched her chest and closed her eyes, "even until now… I could still remember how it felt like. He was so sad… he looked so pitiful." She then opened her eyes, "It was just wrong."

Pirika bit her lip. She knew it was that night when she rejected Ren. She cannot believe that was his reaction to that.

"If only he said it like that to me… then probably…" Pirika muttered to herself while bowing down a bit.

Jeanne tilted her head to see Pirika's face.

"But that was only the beginning…" Jeanne continued getting Pirika's attention.

Pirika looked up and saw Jeanne looking intently at Pirika.

"You could sleep here tonight if you want to. I have a spare room." Jeanne said with a smile.

Pirika blushed. This was also embarrassing to ask of her.

"I think I would get a room in this hotel as well." Pirika said.

"Oh but I insist. Please…" Jeanne said gently.

Pirika can't resist besides she insisted.

"I still have more to tell you." Jeanne said, "Besides I have not even got to the part where Ren asked me to be Men's mother."

Pirika's eyes grew wider. Jeanne giggled with her reaction.

"Don't worry… I'll tell you the part where he asked me… not the part where… you know… when we did it."

Pirika blushed. She was surprised.

"Oh no! I didn't really…" Pirika continued to stammer.

Jeanne just laughed.

Pirika cannot even handle the situation as is… she cannot imagine what her heart's reaction would be if Jeanne would actually tell her that part.

Pirika cannot really hate Jeanne. She was so easy to talk with. She looked so gentle and calm. But no matter how Jeanne tried to make everything sound so casual and simple Pirika could still feel her heart tightening… hurting.

What she did to Ren was just bad. It was only now that she had realized how cruel she was back then. She rejected Ren… she was the one who drove him away.

'But still… it was his fault… saying it like that…' Pirika thought.

Now she knew the truth about that time… she was curious now more than ever to know the rest of this story. Furthermore, she also wanted to know why Jeanne left Ren. It was just confusing. She cannot understand why. Jeanne was a very nice woman. She would never leave Ren out of whim or spite. Ren might have done something that bad to Jeanne… but what? Ren might be rude or arrogant but he was a gentleman. He knows how to treat women nicely.

It was all confusing… that was why Pirika decided to stay. She wanted to know everything.

She might get hurt by listening to her story but she would take it. She would be strong. The truth could hurt most of the time but it would be better than to be in the dark. She doesn't want to guess. She doesn't want to assume. She wanted to know.

This was for her heart. She would be brave. She would be strong…

There was no turning back.

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What more will Jeanne tell?

What made her leave Ren?

Please find out in the chapters to come... please continue reading and also review this fic!

Author's Notes: (seriously, you can skip this part) Matamune was here in this chapter! Yey! I was writing the first part of this chapter before I wrote chapter 11. Okay a little clarification... Chapter 10 was not my MOST favourite chapter (although it is my favourite)... My favourite is this chapter and the few chapters yet to come. I love the chapters where Pirika and Jeanne were talking... so I really hope you would like it as well. Please read the next chapter... and don't forget your reviews!

Oh yeah I also noticed that in that extra chapter (Snake's Legs) The Hanagumi were already there... they were spotted in the panel where Ryu was showing some chopped fish... rawr! I made a mistake on that part... I'm sorry... but I will still stand to my original plot... that Kanna, Marion and Matilda still have not arrived in Funbari onsen yet... (Hindi ko talaga sila napansin nung una... asar...)

Ren's family is still alive. Since it was not really specified let's assume that they're still alive. No... I'm not killing En Tao ^_^ Anyway since Ren is living independently and have his own family, he is alone in the sense that the only member of his family aside from him was Men... (atsaka Emo lang si Ren) It's a part of I-have-my-own-family-so-I-don't-really-live-with-my-parents-anymore kind of thing.

End of Author's notes... you can stop skipping here...

Whew that's a lot of notes... sorry about that I know you're not here to read all that.

But I still hope that you would continue your support... Thank you very much!