hello! thank you so much for the lovely comments! i really to appericate it! oh, just so you guys know, this is a crossover post - i am also posting it on my A03 account too.

enjoy!

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Chapter 3

Second Bloom

Manta trailed along behind the other.

Every foot step he made, had his heart screaming. His whole body trembled, and his eyes watered, his stomach clenching painfully.

Tao Ren.

Just hearing the name made him want to run away crying.

"Manta," a gentle voice spoke, "Hey, it's alright. You don't have to come if you don't want too."

Manta sniffled, "Um, no…I mean, I have to, um…"

"You're so thoughtful."

Yoh grinned friendly. He reached a calming hand up to touch Manta on the head, lightly petting him.

"But I don't want you to be uncomfortable."

Manta swallowed thickly, his face darkening, "Um, I-I…I w-want, um…"

"It's alright," Yoh grinned, "I know, you want to support me."

"I-I do…"

An Omega should always support their mate. Especially if their mate was a Shaman. Yoh wasn't just any Alpha, he was a part of the Asakura clan and to be the new head of it. The Asakura clan was the top of all Shaman clans, their descendent was one – if not the most powerful Shaman known to man.

It would be shameful if Manta did not come to support Yoh.

His family would stone him alive…

"You're so kind, Manta-san!" Amidamaru smiled.

The spirit came from nowhere, appearing through the sunny-rays of the sun above them. His body glowing from the sun.

Manta was still not used to the spirit.

"T-Thank you um…"

Yoh beamed.

The blonde lowered his head once again. He couldn't deal with that smile, with that look on Yoh's face. The brunette kept smiling at him. Manta didn't understand why, why Yoh was so kind, and always so comforting.

Manta pulled at his oversized sweater, it was plain but also the only sweater he had that brought strong comfort to him. His eyes franticly scattered back and forth, looking across the ground.

It was very hot.

Maybe wearing a sweater wasn't the best idea, in hindsight it certainly wasn't. It was too hot. But Manta was scared, was nervous. So very nervous. He had to support Yoh in his final battle, but Yoh was also going up against somebody…that made Manta's stomach coil.

Tao Ren.

Like the Asakura clan, the Tao clan was just as well known. Just as powerful, and just as 'wanted'. While it wasn't as high as the Asakura clan, the Tao clan was still a clan of Shamans to be reckoned with.

The Tao clan was very guarded on their family secrets, much like Asakura but yet more violent. From what Manta had read up online, for many years the Tao clan was raised using doctrine of Tao, and actually came from China, not Japan. Anybody marrying into the family would then be branded too, the clan's quest would be tattooed onto their back. Apparently, according to a recent interview with one of the heads, all family members had the quest tattooed onto them. It was a sign of honour, of respect.

Manta grimaced. His body twitching, they wouldn't be allowed to have any pain reliefers and had to deal with the needle wide awake. Had to sit back, quietly, as they're body was branded as a Tao.

…Manta sniffled, he didn't think he could handle that…

At least the Asakura clan wasn't like that. They did not feel the need to brand somebody, especially if they were being married into the clan.

'You are 100% entitled to leave, if you want too.'

Yoh had said that to him. Yoh had promised him.

The Tao clan probably wouldn't agree with that statement.

There was rumours that the Tao clan's specialty was to poison people. It was so scary, so horrifying. The Tao clan was 100% what Manta had feared the Asakura would have been. Manta had never been so relived before. So happy and relieved that Yoh had been the opposite of what he was terrified off…or at least what he had seen so far. Manta doubted Yoh would suddenly change, and begin to act with malicious intent.

"Manta?"

Jerking out of his thought, Manta snaped his head up. Suddenly, his vision was blurred. What? Why?

"Are you alright?" Yoh asked gently, reaching a hand up to brush something off his face, "You're tearing up."

Manta gasped, "I-I am?"

Yoh tilted his head, and inched closer to the smaller boy, "You're shaking too. I can walk you back to the Funbari Onsen?"

Manta paused. He sniffled, and used both of his hands to wipe his eyes. His lips twisted together, and his shoulders trembled a little. He breathed in sharply to calm himself.

"Um," he began, wincing at how sore his voice sounded, "No. I-I'm alright. I-I want to come."

"It's alright. It's okay, Manta, if you're that scared of Ren, you don't have to come. I understand, you know."

"I'm not scared of Ren-san," Manta said.

"Oh?"

"I mean…Yoh-sa-Yoh. I…my father, he wanted-wanted to…The Tao clan was the first family he offered me too."

Yoh's eyes widened, "Ah-"

"You've heard the rumours about them, r-right?"

The brunette nodded, "I understand, Manta. You don't have to talk about it, if you don't want too. My family…we're very, well…known in the Sharman world. We've been involved with the Tao clan for some time, I know how scary they are."

"You…You've met them?"

"No really," Yoh sheepishly said, "I mean, I met Ren recently. But I was never involved with the meetings between our families. I sort of know their traditions are very old fashion."

Yoh paused in thought. His face suddenly becoming serious, and wrapping his warm hands around Mantas much colder ones.

"What I really want to say, and I really want you to know, no matter what….no matter where we are, no matter who we're going to see, no matter who is my opponent, you never – never have to be worried or scared. I will never let anybody hurt you."

Manta's eyes widened further until they burned. His lips parted, and his nose flared, a royal red flush spread across his nose and cheeks.

"Y-Yoh…"

"I mean it. I will never, never let anybody touch you. I won't let anybody bring harm to you. Believe me, Manta, please. Put your trust in me, if not as your Fiancé, then as your friend. I'll protect you."

The blonde haired boy slowly nodded his head, his eyes beginning to mist up further. He sniffled. He wiggled a hand free from Yoh's hold, and reached up to rub his eyes, hoping to prevent himself from full out crying.

"I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't be so-"

Yoh wrapped both of his arms around him, and hugged him tightly.

The poor boy stiffened up, having never been hugged before. He gasped softly, his watery eyes widening before squeezing them shut. Manta immediately leant into Yoh's embrace, the Alpha's fresh rain scent twirling through his senses.

"I'm here for you, Manta. Always. We're a team now."

"A-A team?"

"That's right," Yoh beamed, leaning back, "We're a two-man team. We're on nobodies side, but our own."

A sudden whine came from above them. Both Yoh and Manta looked up at the spirit. Amidamaru sobbed his poor heart out. Manta stared with a concerned flame beginning to grow within him.

"Oh, Yoh-san. That was very beautiful!"

"Amidamaru," Yoh chuckled.

The spirit hiccupped deeply, "But, Yoh-san! You aren't just a two-man team! You're a three-man team! I'm here for you two, too! Manta-san, I will protect you with my undead life!"

Yoh laughed, "Thanks Amidamaru! You're the best!"

"T-Thank you, A-Amidarmu-san…" Manta said quietly, smiling sweetly.

"Manta-san!" the ghost chimed, brightening up within seconds, "Please don't call me so formally!"

Manta bowed his head, "O-Okay Amidarmu-san-Amidarmu. Um, y-you don't have to be so formal with me either."

"Of course Manta-san!"

The blonde blinked in surprise.

Yoh sighed deeply, "He won't ever stop. He'll keep calling you like that."

"Oh…w-well that's okay. Amidarmu-san."

The spirit paused. A deep pout appearing across his face, while Yoh simple chuckled. Yoh then wrapped his large, warm hand back around Manta's hand and gently tugged him to follow him.

"W-Where are we going?" Manta asked, blinking a little, "We're going in t-the opposite direction now…?"

Yoh hummed happily, "To get the cure for sadness!"

"Cure for s-sadness?"

"Yes!" the other had a bounce in his step, "The French calls it, la crème glacée. The Spanish calls it, helado. The Dutch calls it, ijsje. I think the Latin calls it glacies crepito…"

Manta blinked slowly, "B-But what do the Japanese call it?"

"Ice cream!"

"I-Ice cream?" the blonde gasped, allowing Yoh to lead him up towards and ice cream stand, "I…I've never…"

Yoh paused, "You've never had it before?"

"S-Sorry…"

"No, it's alright!" Yoh gasped quickly, "It'll be alright, I mean, you will like it!"

Manta gulped. He hunched his shoulders, stumbling up to Yoh's side and peeking into the ice cream stand. He could see a range of different colourful products on view. The man standing behind the stand smiled at them.

"How can I help yah?"

Nervously, Manta turned his eyes away from the ice cream. He looked up at the Alpha nervously, "Um…"

"I'll take a Rocky Road, and a Mint Chip!"

The ice cream vendor nodded, "Alright! A Rocky Road and a Mint Chip, coming straight up!"

The man worked fast. Within seconds he took the yen, and soon had two cones whipped up. Yoh took them with a wide smile, and bowed his head in thanks. Manta stared down at the light green ice cream with chocolate chips lining it. He carefully held it with both hands, the chocolate flake stuck out of the side.

"Try it," Yoh smiled, beginning to lead Manta away from the vendor, "You'll like it. I know you will."

Glancing back at the brunette, and seeing Yoh happily attack his own ice cream – the Rocky Road. Manta inhaled sharply, and bravely took a little bit into his mouth. It was very sweet, but also very fresh? He didn't know how to describe it. It made his mouth feel like he had just brushed his teeth, but in a very satisfied way? Not in the gross, nose scrunching up why that tooth pasta does, no, it was good.

"Whoa."

Yoh beamed, "See, it's good, isn't it?"

"Um, t-thank you very m-much," Manta shyly said, a brilliant flush beginning to spread across his cheeks, "I-It's very good…"

"I'm glad you like it. By the end of the month, I will have made sure you've tried all my favourite flavours."

Manta's lips twitched a little, "All your favourite flavours?"

"Trust me, you wouldn't want to try the bubble-gum flavour or raspberry. Nasty."

"I like r-raspberry…"

Yoh gapped, looking horrified, "How can you like raspberry? They're so sour!"

"Sour?"

"Yeah! The betrayal!"

Manta giggled.

"You have a nice laugh. You should laugh more, Manta."

Gasping, the blonde's face turned an even brighter red. He quickly turned his head away, looking randomly across the quiet street.

"Why isn't there many people out?"

Yoh hummed, "Oh, it's because it's almost evening. Everyone is probably just getting home."

"Oh…were are we going exactly?"

"Western Tokyo's Greatest Cemetery Mata Park Cemetery."

Manta nervously finished the last of his cone, before looking ahead. He squinted his eyes, trying to see this park, "Cemetery? That's a long name for a park."

"It's a very famous park."

"And you're going to have your final battle there? Aren't you worried somebody might see you?"

Yoh smiled, "Nope. No worries. If somebody did happen to catch me, or another Shaman in the middle of a battle, they wouldn't see anything. Only Shamans would truly be able to see what's going on."

"Really?"

He wondered. What would it look to somebody who wasn't a Shaman? A human? What would they see?

"Yup," Yoh winked, "It would basically just look like two people screaming very loudly at one another!"

Manta smiled meekly, "Oh, I see."

That was a funny thought, he supposed. To people just screaming at one another. He almost giggled again, but fought it back down. His ears burned as he recalled Yoh's words just monsents before hand.

Yoh was certainly a character…completely different to who Manta had thought he would be like.

Shuffling onward, Manta nervously played with the ends of his sweater. It was becoming chilly again, the sky slowly beginning to dark. He relied on Yoh, following his Alpha in submission. That Samurai spirit humming happily above the two, however, as they became closer to an open gate – the guardian spirit became silent, more serious.

"Are you nervous?"

It took Manta a full minute to realize it was his voice. His face burned, but forced himself to stay calm as Yoh looked back at him.

"I mean…are you scared? If you lose this battle….that would the be the end, wouldn't it?"

A charming smile over took the brunette. His eyes twinkled, and he straightened himself, "Hehe, that's a given. You're right, it would be."

"…I don't understand, how can you be so…"

"Laid back?" Yoh chimed, "It's a talent of mine."

A talent?

Manta wouldn't call being chilled out all the time a talent. Would it really help, at all? Still, staring at Yoh, Manta's stomach couldn't help but churn worriedly. What would happen? Tao Ren was powerful. Manta had witnessed his strength, his furyoku…would Yoh be able to stand up to that?

His knees became weak just at the thought of it.

What kind of Omega would he be if he let his Alpha become so…hurt?

"You don't trust me that much?"

The blonde jerked in surprise, his eyes widening and he snapped his eyes up to the brown haired boy in shock. His mouth flung open, ready to protest when Yoh laughed.

"I mean, that's no surprise," Yoh hummed, "You haven't seen me really fight. You haven't witnessed my furyoku, not truly. It makes sense you would be worried. But I'm strong, very strong, and I have something precious."

Manta blinked, "Precious?"

"You'll understand soon."

Yoh stepped up to Manta, he raised a hand to gently pet the smaller boy on the head. His eyes glowing so warmly, that Manta had to look away, "That's why, just trust me, okay. You don't need to burden yourself with such negative thoughts. I'm not going to lay back like that, I know I'm a pretty chilled out guy, but even I have limits."

"….I don't know."

"That's alright, you will in time."

Manta sighed quietly. He bit down on his bottom lip, trying to make sense of his thoughts and worries. He hadn't really seen a real Shaman fight before, not really, he had seen a small glimpse of one before…but nothing like what he was about to witness. First hand and all.

"Just…"

"I'll be safe."

Twirling his head up, Manta back at Yoh.

The brunette grinned brightly, "I'll be careful too. Stop worrying, Manta."

"…I'll try but I can't make any promises."

"You're so cute."

"W-What?"

Yoh shrugged, "Nothing, nothing, nothing at all."

Before Manta could even begin to try and digest what the other had just said, a powerful gust of wind erupted through the area. The winds howled, pulling at his hair and even beginning to tug Manta off his feet – if he didn't hold onto the closest thing to him – which happened to be Yoh.

Manta curled his fingers tightly around Yoh's white-cotton covered shoulder and leant forward. His other hand held the side of his head, his eyes screwing shut as the wind attacked them.

The whole cemetery…it was shaking too. Almost as if it was growling, like the place was agitated.

"…It's shivering from something…" Manta realized quietly, "An overwhelming spiritual power?"

"Hmmm."

Yoh tilted his body, "It seems they've arrived."

"Without a doubt, it him," Amidamaru agreed seriously.

Slowly, Manta peeked out from underneath his hair. The powerful, brutal wipes of wind still assaulted him but what truly took his breath away was the horse. Leaping through the air, clouds of purple steams dancing around the beautiful black stag – the horse landed with a strong – shaking thud. A figure stood on the horses back, a long red cloak flaring out around their thin body. The dark, raven hair was styled in a perfect point, framing golden cat like eyes that looked way to…menacing in that monsent.

Manta's body trembled as those golden, cat like eyes turned to stare him down. His knees buckled a little, and weirdly Yoh stepped in front of him – shielding him from the stare.

"Hmph," Ren clocked his head indifferently, "I see even you can't hide your anxiety in front of me, huh? Asakura Yoh."

"Well, it's reasonable. When you see my O.S glowing bright gold. That day, I'll never forget that embarrassing day I lost. For me, who'll become the greatest Sharman King, to have lost to you."

Manta jerked. His eyes growing wide in disbelief, he glanced from Yoh's blank face to Ren's somewhat smug face? He couldn't be sure, he didn't know what type of expression was on the other Shaman's face. But…Yoh had defeated Ren? Ren had lost to Yoh?

'Amazing…Yoh is really that strong?'

Suddenly a powerful bomb of pure Alpha smell erupted through the air. It made Manta's head throb, and he shuffled backward, a hand raising to cover his nose – his eyes were beginning to water. The Alpha scent was unlike anything else, it was pure raw strength with something bitter mixed in. Manta hadn't smelt such a thing before, and was already beginning to feel sick from it.

"You have a power that I can't dismiss. You'll one day become my obstacle…that's why I'll destroy you and become the true Shaman King! I'll kill you if I have too!"

Kill?

Manta's eyes widened further, his stomach twisting painfully. His shoulders becoming hunched, as the smell grow even more thick with every passing second. It was almost like venom, burning through everything in its way – draining the life out of all things pure and sweet.

"You haven't changed."

Ren's face twitched, and his eyes narrowed further, "What's so funny? Have you gone crazy from fright?"

"Hehe, It was just…I had to laugh, it was so like you," Yoh suddenly beamed, his brown eyes glowing brightly as he straightened himself, "Before we battle, I'd like to request something?"

The other Shaman's face was pure thunder. His golden eyes like acid, and he twisted his lips into a thin scrawl.

"And what would that be?"

Yoh hummed, "Could you withdraw your dominance smell?"

"My what!"

The brunette clocked his head with a calm smile. His eyes becoming soft and tender-somewhat, he raised a hand and gently laid it down on top of Manta's head. The poor blonde immediately stiffened up upon suddenly being the centre of attention. The acid-bitter scent was growing even thicker in the air, making his throat burn.

"Your dominance smell. The scent an obnoxious Alpha releases when they feel threatened."

Ren's face scrunched up, "Threatened? I am not threatened! Especially by you, of all people!"

But…he just made a long speech about being threatened…

"Be that is may, I'd still would prefer it if you reel it in," Yoh interrupted smoothly, "Manta, here, isn't used to other Alphas. Especially their scents, it can overwhelm him."

Ren looked like he was about to chew the brunette out, when he paused. His eyebrows knitted together, a strange expression overtaking his pointed face. Finally, he looked sternly at Manta, a ferocious glimmer appearing in them – it only lasted a few seconds as Ren inhaled sharply and soon realization appeared on his face.

"You brought an Omega with you?"

Yoh hummed with a smile, "He was worried."

Eyes twitching, Ren crossed his arms tightly with his scrawl deepening. He stared Manta down, this time looking much more heated then before. Poor Manta was terrified, the Alpha was scary and he found himself inching closer to Yoh.

Finally, Ren scuffed and withdrawn the sickly smell.

"Whatever. I don't know what you're talking about."

Yoh chuckled with a wide smile, "You're such a nice guy, Ren."

"Shut up!"

Still grinning, Yoh turned to Manta. He returned to petting the smaller blonde on the head, his fingers threading through his hair.

"There, there, everything's alright now," he said soothingly, releasing the smell of a fresh rain fall, "Just wait over here. Not being able to lose, is the same for me now. I'm sorry, Ren, but this battle I have to win, no matter what."

Ren's face was blank for a good five minutes, "Did…did you just say you'll beat me?"

"Hehe, yeah."

"You!" a sudden burst of purple light came from next to Ren, a small floating head appeared with a golden helmet on top of it, "I've been listening to everything, and I can no longer take any more of this silliness! How dare you fool with my young master!"

The head glowed brighter and brighter with every word he made before finally, it erupted with deep purple flames. A large body formed above Ren, towering above them all. The man was covered in golden and red armour with a red cloak tied around his shoulders.

"Asakura Yoh! I will make you regret those words!"

Manta stumbled backward, the strong waves of furyoku began crash into him. He must be the guardian spirit of Tao Ren. The spirit was huge, with so much strength and power. Manta's body trembled, his hands closing around the base of his sweater.

"Y-Yoh!"

The brunette didn't even move, he stood still with calmness and laziness oozing out of his thin body. Howling wind wiped across him, just as the large spirit slammed his staff at Yoh – Amidamaru appeared just as the staff was about to strike Yoh.

"You've come out, my spirit enemy! Amidamaru!"

Amidamaru twisted his sword, forcing the other backward, "Back off, Bason. I've sworn allegiance to Yoh. I, Amidamaru, will not forgive you for attacking my young master."

"You spoke well. In loyalty, I will not lose. I've served the Tao clan for 1800 years. I'm different in history than you. Therefore, I can't just leave my chame from the prior battle. Today, I will for sure defeat you and your master."

Manta sighed in relief upon seeing Yoh unharmed.

"I told you, don't worry."

He jerked, finding Yoh smiling at him, "Um…"

"The oracle bell hasn't rung yet, the real battle hasn't begun yet. Amidamaru, calm down. Don't waste your energy yet, we'll need it for the true fight."

The samurai spirit suddenly bowed his head, "How shameful. I got worked up for nothing, my apologizes master Yoh-san."

"Hehe, it's alright. You tried to protect me, after all. Thanks Amidamaru, you're the best."

"And you, master Manta-san, I apologize for scary you too."

Manta blinked with wide eyes, "O-Oh, um, i-it's okay Amidamaru…"

It wasn't even the real fight, and Manta was already anxious. Worried that Yoh could really get hurt. He had thought Yoh was about to be hurt…Manta had never felt so-so…anxious before. His stomach was hurting, and he was on the edge of sickness from the concern.

"How dare you laugh in front of me, again!"

"Before I felt you were somehow different. But it seems it was my mistake. You are just a lazy, carefree guy. You don't deserve to be a Shaman, you don't deserve to be in the Shaman tournament. A guy like you! Will never be able to see my full power!" Ren bellowed, pointing his long staff at Yoh with a hiss, "I'm strong! This guy is not even a fist's worth! Who'll lose to this kind of crap?"

Yoh stared blankly, before he let out cheerful laugh, "Hey! You've grown taller, Ren! Good for you!"

"Of! I drink three bottles of milk every day!"

"Everyday? Ohhhhhh."

Ren blinked, "Damn it! Stop treating me like a fool! Is the Shaman fight still far off, Bason!"

Before anybody could reply, the orange oracle bell on Ren's arm suddenly chimed. The same sound came from Yoh's oracle bell.

The final battle for entry of the tournament has begun.

Manta took another step back, anxiously looking between the two powerful Alpha Shamans. Powerful levels furyoku began to erupt from their thin forms. The wind grow heavier, whipping around his body.

"Haha," Yoh straightened his slouched form, holding his sword carefully, "Seems something have finally started."

Ren's face darkened, and a wide smirk ripped across his lips, "Hmp. Don't be stupid, it's the countdown to your death."

"Yoh!"

Manta gasped, shielding his face was from sudden burst of wind, smoke and dust. His short blonde hair whipped somewhat painfully, he almost felt like his body was about to be swiped off it's feet from the shear strength of it. Ren was incredibly fast! Leaping towards the brunette in monsents, his staff high above his head! Purple flames bleeding from his body, his free hand stretching out and summoning his guardian spirit into the palm of his hand.

"Hyaaat! Bason Fusion Bason Method!"

The spirit form of Bason sunk into the staff, forming a much larger and deadly looking weapon. It glowed with purple and golden, towering over Yoh's much smaller body. Manta felt his heart skip a beat in fear, if Yoh was hit by that…

That….was that Ren's oversoul? It must be!

"Ha!" Ren sneered, holding the large weapon even higher, "Is it you can't move cuz you're too scared! Ha! You are no King, Asakura Yoh!"

"Golden Chinese Style Attack!"

The ground shook, wailing high pitched. It became upturned as Ren slammed the massive weapon into it, dirt and dust flow through the air. Manta had to hold onto one of the stone-tombs to prevent himself from flying off along with everything else. He whined, clenching his eyes shut and pressing himself even tighter towards it.

Finally, when the wind faded away – Manta peeked through his hair, looking at the two Shaman's anxiously. Was Yoh alright? Ren didn't hurt him, did he?

"You're definitely good, I was scared for a second there Ren."

Yoh held Amidamaru's oversoul in front of him. The familiar swirling blue and white light danced up and down his arm. Manta let out a sigh of relief, he was alright.

Was…Was Ren really aiming to kill Yoh?

That shouldn't be allowed, it shouldn't be allowed at all! There should be something to prevent the battle from getting to that point! To the point of death! Manta didn't want to think of all the poor Shaman's that might have lost their lives in a Shaman fight!

That was fair!

What if Ren really does hit Yoh? And…and kills him?

No!

"Hehe, hmm, thought a little unsteady…to have survived my golden Chinese style attack…it certainly seems you've upgraded a bit. Ha, is that your new oversoul? How pathetic!"

Yoh chuckled, grinning widely, "Hehe, thanks for noticing!"

"Hmph!" Ren sneered, "Hearing retarded answers is starting to raise my blood pressure. However, no matter how clam you are, your confidence is as fleeting as lighting."

Yoh pouted, putting a hand onto his hip, "Fleeting, how mean of you Ren."

Ren tilted his head, he twisted his legs and suddenly shot forward once more. He straightened both arms, pointing the sharp point at Yoh.

"In other words, I'm saying this is the end of your laughing!"

Manta jumped in shock. Ren really was, really-really trying to kill Yoh! Why wasn't there anything put into place to stop that? To prevent Shaman's from killing each other? Ren's eyes, they were white with hatred and anger!

Was Ren exploding his oversoul? The large weapon was erupting with golden steam, shooting him closer and closer to Yoh.

"Ha! This is how you use an oversoul!"

Yoh grunted softly, using his oversoul to block the attack. It fizzled with golden, and blue. Burning Manta's eyes, and making tears leak from his long eyelashes.

"How is it!" Ren screamed, leaping higher into the air, "Should I shock you even more! And make you sob for mercy! By the time of sunrise, you will be nothing but dust!"

"Remember, that your carefree attitude doesn't stand a chance against the Shaman King! Hehe!" Ren dived through the dust, swinging his massive staff-weapon, "Look at you! Were has all your confidence gone?"

Manta gasped, seeing Yoh barely being able to avoid the live-ending strike. Ren's eyes, there was blood thirsty.

"Yoh! Yoh!"

"You're going to die cuz you underestimated me! Just cuz your spiritual power went up a bit! Now die!"

Manta cried out. He spun around, and crouched back against the tomb stone. The most powerful blast of power slammed against the park, sending to much debris around – a massive crater was left in its wake.

The blonde bites back a sob, his chest tightening up in pure pain as he stared through the roaring streams of dirt and dust. His eyes scattering back and forth, trying to spot the brunette.

No…no, Ren…Ren couldn't have…

Where was he? Where was Yoh?

Ren couldn't have seriously killed him?

Manta body burned, his legs ached as he forced himself up. His body itching forward, sending a throbbing ring through his ears. He couldn't see Yoh at all. Had Ren did it? Had Ren really striked Yoh down?

Was Yoh dead?

Tears began to swell, dribbling down his cheeks. His fingers twitched, clenching at his oversized sweater and as if his feet had a mind of it's own, he found himself moving forward. No, no, he couldn't be…Yoh couldn't be dead? Ren couldn't have…have killed him?

But…but where was he?

Where was Yoh?

Abruptly, the smoke around him grow darker, and thicker – making it much harder for Manta to see. However, a form was vastly approaching from the front. A swirl of hope filled his chest, he knew Yoh wasn't dead, he couldn't be dead! Manta sniffled, lips parting into a teary smile that only lasted a second as the purple and golden sharp point shot through the smoke – reading to impel his chest!

Manta's eyes widened, his mouth opening but nothing came out. Fear twitched through him, and he barely registered the arm wrapped around his waist. Blue and white erupted in front him, blocking the attack.

It took a few minutes before the dust settled down. Manta squinted his wet eyes and found himself wedged between swirling blue and purple furyoku. His heart skipped a beat, sending horrible spikes of pain through him.

"You…what?" Ren hissed through clenched teeth, glaring at the small blonde.

Yoh shifted, pulling Manta backward protectively. He was panting, with sweat dripping down his skin.

"M-Manta-"

Manta cut him off by turning in the arm. He throw both arms around Yoh's neck, hugging him tightly with a quiet whimper.

Yoh was alive!

Ren hadn't killed him! But Ren had been trying too!

How was that even allowed? Manta understood if the battle was furious, and dangerous, to the point of forever wounds but…but-but-but it should never-never result in death!

"I-I thought…."

Yoh made a soft sound, lightly patting Manta on the back, "Oh, I'm okay. I'm okay, no worries. I'm strong enough to block such a attack like that."

"What!" Ren growled.

"Hm, I was about to reflect it!"

Manta hiccupped, "No, no…that's not right. He was trying to kill you, and-and that's not…no, he shouldn't be allowed to do that!"

"Manta…"

"No!" he whimpered, trying to fight the urge to truly bawl, "No! Nothing is worth dying for! To become the Shaman King means you could be killed by another participation, isn't worth it! It should never be worth it! It should never allowed in the tournament!"

"Becoming Shaman King is about protecting everyone, helping everyone, guiding everyone, how can you be the Shaman King if you've killed other Shaman's to get there? You will never be the Shaman King that way! Not the true Shaman King!"

Ren's mouth opened and shut, his golden eyes blazing with something between anger and confusion. His shoulders became tense, and he tightened his hands around his blazing purple and gold over souled staff.

"Enough of this-"

"I couldn't have said it better myself!"

Sniffling, Manta turned his head in the direction of the new voice. A much older and wiser voice at cut through the air, and as Manta turned around, he found something surfing through the winds. It was getting closer and closer, Manta squinted his red-rimmed eyes and stumbled forward – arms raising to catch it.

"W-What?" he murmured, looking down at the item.

Yoh clocked his head, looking at it, "A white oracle bell?"

Manta hiccupped, he used the sleeve of his sweater to wipe his water eyes – he then looked down at the oracle bell clearly. It was pure white, with only two spikes sitting on the top and bottom, the straps wasn't as wide as the orange oracle bell. It was clearly meant to sit on the arm of the user.

The screen was light up with one question on display.

'Give strike?'

Manta's eyebrows knitted together in confusion. He carefully and delicately tilted his hands, pressing his fingers against the screen. A yellow circle appeared on the screen.

Before anybody could speak, another chime came from one of the orange oracle bells. Both Yoh and Manta looked down at Yoh's oracle bell, but upon seeing nothing, they turned to look at Ren.

Ren's face was shielded by his hair, sending dark shadows across his face. He held his arm up, staring at the oracle bell.

"Ren?" Yoh cheerfully called, clocking his head in curiosity, "What yah' oracle bell say?"

The spike-haired Alpha growled, "One strike was delivered to Tao Ren."

Manta blinked in confusion, looking back down at the white oracle bell in his hands. Now that he was looking at it, he could see a basic lay out of the park with four blinking balls on it. Each had a different colour, one was purple, another was orange, and the last two was white.

It took Manta a monsent before he realized the purple ball was representing Ren while the orange one was Yoh. The white balls must be himself and…

"Oh, Silva!"

A man stood above them, hovering high in a tree. His face was mostly hidden behind layers of fabric. His long hair slowly swaying in the breeze. However, what truly amazed Manta was five animal-guardian spirits around him.

"…"

Who was he?

"Silva is a Patch Priest. He overlooks master Yoh's battles, to make sure they are following the rules!"

Manta blinked, "…You're supposed to prevent massive death?"

"That's correct," the man said, "What you said monsents beforehand is absolutely correct. The great spirit will never accept a Shaman covered in blood, no like this at least. With so much hatred, and anger…the Shaman would need to have a great deal of potential for the great spirit to accept him."

Swallowing Manta glanced down at the white oracle bells, "W-What's this then? A-And why did it…"

"Give Tao Ren a strike? There are many new things involved in this tournament, things my clan have not been expecting. My clan has devalued among the years, and with all these new troublesome…aspects, we're unable to catch everything. Our solution to this, is our white oracle bells. They are a direct line to our elder, and in some ways, the great one."

A direct line?

Manta nervously bites his bottom lip. What did that mean?

"Our elder decided that certain Shaman's with flares of light will be given a white oracle bell. This will allow them to hand out strikes to certain Shamans that break the rules, more commonly trying to kill another participation during the tournament."

Ren glared, "What does the strike mean?"

"It's simple, Tao Ren. If you gain five strikes, you will be disqualified from the tournament."

Five strikes, and you're out?

Manta's whole body twitched, heat flaring through him. His eyes grow wide with disbelief, and he stared down at the white oracle bell between his hands. The screen was glowing, shining up at him. He nervously trembled, glancing towards Ren and finding the boy looking murderous.

"There are other rules to follow, Manta-san. You can find them all listed inside the oracle bell. If you have any questions, or wish to speak with somebody, you find all the information in side that oracle bell."

The blonde nodded once, clenching the white oracle bell tightly – so tightly that his knuckles flushed pure white. He felt almost dizzy, almost.

He could stop battles? How? He frowned, not understanding all the information patched onto such a small screen. The white oracle bell was primary meant to help the Patch Priests stay on top of all the Shamans, to make sure nobody died…well that was relief…

"Now that is cleared, the battle may continue."

Manta jumped. His eyes widened, and he quickly nodded. Manta spared Yoh one last look before he ran out of the battle field, not wanting to be caught in the cross fire…

As Manta stumbled out of the fight-grounds, he almost tripped over – his legs becoming jelly like. He glanced up at Silva nervously, nibbling his bottom lip, the powerful Shaman Patch Priest was staring sternly down at Yoh and Ren. Manta sighed quietly, twirling his eyes back to the white oracle bell in thought.

Why was he given it?

Why was he chosen to be…whatever he was supposed to be now? A white oracle beller? Or something?

Pressing a finger down onto the purple and orange balls on the screen, Manta gasped as two boxes appeared. Both was titled their respective Shaman's name, Tao Ren and Asakura Yoh.

"Ren's furyoku…is a lower level…"

How?

Ren was so powerful. How is his furyoku lower then Yohs? It sent a bang of relief through him upon realizing Yoh was stronger…but…still, after witnessing Ren's furyoku…it was so very scary.

"That boy is strong," Silva's voice suddenly cut through Manta's thoughts, "He hasn't even used 10% of his true power."

Manta's eyes widened in shock. Not even 10% of his power?

"Hmm," Ren suddenly moved, glaring at Yoh, "I'm a little surprised that your power has improved this much. Oh well, nevermind this pathetic strike. I understand now, somethings I am not allowed to cross."

A chill ran through his spine, Manta looked away – Ren sent him the nastiest look ever.

"No more messing around!" Ren bellowed, leaping forward, "I would not lose to a laidback guy like you! I will not kill you, but I will beat you the point of being unable to move!"

Glancing back down at the white oracle bell, Manta gasped, "Ren's furyoku level, it's raising…so this keep track of the furyoku levels in front of me?"

Yoh's lips pulled into a calm smile, "Yeah, it would seem Ren's really serious this time, huh Amidamaru?"

"Be careful master Yoh-san!"

Yoh…

~#~#~#~

"Surely…It was I who lost? I knew long before that this would be the outcome. Since that day…since the first I saw you, I knew I wouldn't be able to beat you. If I attack you with force, you will not move to avoid it. You'll just move like the wind or the water, and cut through that force. All I'm capable of doing…is to use all my brutal strength to defeat my opponent. Until now, I had always told myself that was the right thing to do, but now…I have come to a realization…"

"That force, can't destroy the wind or the water."

"Thought I know how useless the power is, I still feel happy about it. How unbelievable. Asakura Yoh, it bitters me, but the fact is, you've won."

…

"Wait, please…just a second…" Yoh suddenly spoke, "Um, my power too, faded away long ago…"

Ren's jerked forward, "Your power faded away as well? But how can that be? We still don't know who's the winner!"

"And why did you not see it? That's because you had your back towards me the whole time. You honcho ass!" Yoh shot back, suddenly becoming more active after such a battle.

"You asshole!" Ren bellowed out, their heads suddenly slamming together in their bitter-annoyance-argument, "How dare you call me that!"

"Stop spitting your saliva in my face!"

Manta's legs trembled, he panted softly. His shaking hands reaching up to wipe his face. The fight between them had been…something. He had never seen such a thing. Raw strength clashing together, trying to outdo one another – Yoh holding back and not wanting to force his strength had pissed Ren off to the heavens…but still, at the end, Yoh stopped holding back.

"S-Stop bickering!" he whined, hands curling up together, "If anything, i-it was draw!"

"A draw!"

Silva suddenly let out a laugh from above them, "That's correct. It would seem both of you used up your power at the same time, therefore this fight has ended in a draw."

"A draw…" the blonde repeated quietly, "Amazing."

Yoh blinked, "Manta, you said it was a draw before Silva."

"I did?" Manta mumbled quietly, picking at a loose hair, "…I guess it would make sense? I mean, if Yoh has one win, and one loss…and one draw…if Ren has the same…and this is the last battle of the round, it would be a draw – wouldn't it?"

"Correct!" Silva smiled, "Yoh has won one fight, lost another, and had a draw – Ren has the same results. This is, in fact the final battle before the real tournament begins, since this is the case, we can only assume it was a draw."

Manta peeked up at the man, "B-But does that mean…they both made it through the preliminary round?"

"We can only let the great spirit decide on this."

'Yes I have received the reply. The two of you have made it through the preliminary round of the Shaman fight!'

Manta sighed in relief. He nervously peered around the park, why did it feel like there was way more eyes on them? He couldn't see anybody else. Frowning, Manta shook his head and looked down at the white oracle bell.

What was expected of him now?

When he looked back up, his face reddened when he found Yoh staring at him. Upon making eye-contact, Yoh beamed and gave him a bright – dazzling thumbs up.

Manta could only shyly smile in return.

What was going to happen now?

~#~#~#~

'The first round of the Shaman King fight will begin in a month from now. The time, the venue, the techniques, etc…will be, as before, given to you via your oracle bell. The cruelty in this round is far greater than that of the preliminary round, and to help with that, we have handed out a total of five white oracle bells. These people will be known as Seers for us. They will be able to withhold our rules, if no Patch Priest is available, a Seer will be there to watch in our place. No harm is to be brought to these Seers, or you will be most definitely disqualified – as it is willed by the Great Spirit.'

'We hope everyone will prepare themselves by spending the last month with their family, friends and love ones. Because all of you will no longer be able to return to the life you used to have ever again. Our new Shaman King is among us.'

Manta sighed quietly. He sat on his knees in the room he was gifted at Funbari Onsen, his shoulders trembled a little. His fingers kept playing the flowers in front of him.

Yoh didn't really have to go out of his way and buy all of this…

Once again, the blonde sighed. There was way to many flowers here, and some he didn't know any thing about. It was strange, the next day, Yoh had said he was popping out on errands – only to return with at least ten different flowers. Manta didn't understand it, why the boy…his…his fiancé would waste so much money…

Climbing to his feet, Manta carefully placed the flower vase onto the desk. The window above it was open, letting in a warm summer breeze.

The Tsubaki was pretty in his room. The small delicate, red and pink flowers bloomed beautifully. Manta admitted it was probably his favourite plant out of the ten of them. He carefully turned it, making sure it was in the sunlight.

"Now, where should I put the Kikyou?" Manta wondered, lifting the light purple blossoms thoughtfully, "Maybe outside, in the hallway? In front of the large window would probably be good?"

Glancing at the bed, Manta debated on taking the white oracle bell with him or not. He was supposedly a Seeker now, was supposed to help the Patch clan…he could give strikes to the Shamans that tries to kill another…

He had given Tao Ren a strike for trying to kill Yoh.

Manta nervously sighed, he anxiously shuffled his feet. Everything was such a mess right now, so confusing and nothing really made any sense. He ran a hand through his hair, and turned away from the oracle bell, he took a few steps towards the door before pausing and returning for it. He pushed it into his the light blue dungaree-pocket of his, before he finally made pushed the door open – he pocked his head out, looking down the empty hallway of Funbari Onsen.

Manta couldn't see anybody…

Inching through the doorway, the thin white unzipped hoodie of his fluttered around his small body as he went. His eyes swept side to side worriedly, worried for…what exactly he didn't know…he was just worried for no reason.

He wondered where Yoh had gone? The boy had vanished after giving Manta all those flowers.

Delicately, Manta placed the Kikyou onto the hallway counter – right in front of the Onsen's wide window. He paused in front of said window to just stare outside at the Onsen's garden. It had been a week since he was sold to the Asakura's and had moved into the Funbari Onsen with Yoh.

He had witnessed Yoh's first battle, and saw how strong he was. Yoh's furyoku was incredible.

What would he father say if he knew that Manta was a 'Seer' now?

What would his family say…

Manta bites down on his bottom lip again, and ripped his attention from the window. Instead, he trailed along the empty corridor, briefly seeing a spirit go through the wall up ahead. Manta hummed quietly, as approached the front of the Inn, his ears began to pick up sound.

Sound coming from the kitchen.

Slowing down, the small blonde didn't mean to sneak up but…he did. Manta inched closer to the door, hunching his thin body and peeking into the kitchen.

It was that man – Yoh's dear friend who lives at the Onsen also.

"I wouldn't eat that crap."

"Well, it's a good thing it isn't for you, isn't it?"

"I bet you'll give everyone food poisoning!"

"Oh shut up! Behave you!"

"Haha! Somethin' burning!"

"What! Oh buzz off! Can't yah' see I'm busy!"

"Touché~"

Manta's lips twitched, a small giggle escaping his lips. Ryu and his guardian spirit, Tokageroh, were inside the kitchen.

Ryu made a soft sound, turning around and seeing Manta, "Oh! Hello!"

"Um, h-hi."

Tokageroh peered down at Manta with slit-red eyes, "Ah, it's little omega-weirdo~"

"Tokageroh!"

"What!"

Manta hummed, finally stepping fully into the kitchen. He straightened himself, his fingers reaching up to play with the ends of Manta's white hoodie.

"Um," he looked down, "I-It's okay. I mean, I am weird and I am an omega, after all."

Ryu frowned, "I'm sorry, Manta-san. Tokageroh is so rude."

"Hey!"

"Shut it!"

Manta simply shook his head, deciding to ignore that and approach Ryu. His eyes ran up and down the older Alpha's body, noticing the pink-frilly apron.

"You cook?"

Ryu blinked, turning back to the small Omega, "Oh! You must be hungry! My little friend, do not fear, I have something big cooking!"

"Ah, I'm not hungry…" Manta sheepishly said, "I want too…"

What did he want? Wasn't cooking supposed to be his thing? He was supposed to cook for Yoh, wasn't he? What was he supposed to do if somebody else took his job? Would he be kicked out? Oh! He doesn't want that to happen!

"Hmm?"

"I-I mean, I should be the one, I mean-"

Ryu clocked his head, his warm eyes glowing, "I do not understand, little fellow."

"I mean! Teach me!" Manta finally cried, "I wanna cook too!"

How childish…why couldn't he just speak normally?

The Alpha stared and stared – Manta becoming redder and redder. The two just stared at one another in silence, before finally, Ryu cracked in to an amused cackle. He burst into a high pitch laugh.

"Oh! My little friend!" he beamed, "Is that all? No worries at all! Come join me, I will show you the ropes!"

Manta blinked shyly, "R-Really? I can?"

"Of course! Come, let me just tie this onto you!"

"O-Okay…"

The apron was similar to the pink one Ryu was wearing, only Manta's was a bright sunshine yellow. It was very frilly with bows lining the top. It was very…girlish, but Manta liked the colour. It was his favourite colour after all.

"Um, um, um," Manta shuffled his feet and twisted his hands together, "What-what are we making?"

Ryu stepped up to the counter, hands on his hips and back straight, "Ah, well! Let's see! I have Temaki Sushi rolls, Oden, Baked Tonkatsu, Honey Soy Sauce Chicken, Korokee, Spring Rolls and I have a chicken curry cooking in the pot!"

The blonde gasped softly, "Let's a lot of food, Ryu-san. Are you sure we need that much?"

It was only the three of them, right? Yoh, Ryu and himself. Unless spirits could eat? Something Manta didn't know about?

"Oh, no worries young Manta-san! Doesn't matter if we have too much!"

Manta frowned softly, peeking across the food again, "Um, so what can I do? It looks like you've already done everything…"

"Hmmm," Ryu put a hand to his chin, "Ah-ah-ah, I have shrimp! We can make Shrimp Tempura!"

"S-Shrimp Tempura?"

"It'll be super fun, Manta-san!"

Manta nodded shyly, rolling his sleeves up to his elbows. He tied the white fabric into his hair, to keep it from falling into his face – his cheeks darkening as he began to make the batter for the tempura.

"Like this?"

"Yes! Perfect! Now we fry them!"

"O-Okay."

He inched onto his tiptoes, staring down into the bowl of freshly fried Shrimp. Shrimp Tempura! It was all perfectly fried, all a golden brown colour and smelled heavenly. His mouth was beginning water, but Manta willed himself to stay calm.

It was pretty amazing he was able to do it without messing up.

"Ryu-san!" Manta gasped, twirling his head up to the Alpha, "How about Gyoza? Can we make Gyoza?"

The taller man grinned widely, his eyes shining, "Of course! Why type? Chicken, pork, shrimp? Ohhhh, fried or steamed? How about all of them!"

"All of them?"

"Yeah!"

Manta giggled.

A few hours later, Manta was amazed at the new tray of different Gyoza. How can somebody with pudgy fingers like Ryu's be able to make such pretty food? Manta smiled sweetly, he really enjoyed cooking with the man.

"Hey, something smells really good!"

A chill ran through Manta's form. He turned around, and shyly smiled as the familiar brunette stepped into the kitchen.

"Oh! Hello young Yoh!" Ryu greeted happily, "Little Manta and I have been cooking!"

Yoh smiled that dazzling smile of his, his warm chocolate eyes glowing as they took in the two of them. He approached them, coming to stop next to Manta.

"What did you make?"

Jolting a little, Manta's stomach did a bubbly-heated flip – especially from the way Yoh leant in his direction. Nervously, he stepped back, and held the tray of Gyoza's out.

"W-We made Gyoza."

Make a sound from the back of his throat, Yoh looked down at all the different dumplings in amazement.

"Manta made the Gyozas," Ryu corrected cheerfully, "He's very good at making them!"

"You're so talented."

Manta's face burned brightly at the comment, the flush running up to his ears. He sheepishly looked off to the side, a tremble running through him – he wished Yoh wouldn't make comments like that…it was too embarrassing.

The brunette plucked a Gyoza from the tray and plopped it into mouth. He hummed happily, loudly as he chewed and swallowed – Manta's eyes immediately returned, staring at his soon-to-be-Alpha anxiously.

"I-Is it good?" Manta asked softly, "Was it that bad?"

Yoh laughed, petted Manta on the head, "It was good Manta. Really good. You've very talented, I'm amazed."

"Oh, um, I'm glad you liked it…?"

"You don't need to be so nervous," Yoh winked, "I'll like anything you make."

Manta meekly nodded, looking down at his feet. How embarrassing…

"Thought, I think this is way more then we need for everyone?"

"Really? I thought we'd need more! With the way Horohoro eats! We also have other quests joining us! I think Tamao and Anna are coming too."

Ryu whined, "Not lady Anna!"

"Ah, I'm sorry Ryu. I know she runs you rag."

Manta blinked once, then twice…his stomach coiling anxiously.

"Um," he began softly, quietly, "W-What's going on?"

Yoh runs his fingers through Manta's soft blonde hair, "Oh, sorry Manta. I must have forgot to tell you. Since I, and my friends, all made it through the preliminary rounds, we wanted to celebrate by having a massive feast."

"…A-A feast?"

"I won't force you to attend, if you're uncomfortable but they're all very nice people. Nobody will hurt you, or be rude, I'm sure they all will take to you very well."

New people? People Manta hadn't ever met before…Yoh's friends…

He's only ever met Tamao.

"They're all Shamans, young Manta," Ryu added with a kind grin, "They're all going to tournament, and I'm sure they're all very curious about you!"

Manta glanced up at him, "T-They are?"

"Well duh," Tokageroh snorted, "The little guy's supposed to be Yoh's future mate, they're supposed to marry and shit. Of course they're gonna be curious."

"I meant as the Seer! Little Manta has the white oracle bell!"

"Well you should have been more clear!"

Manta nervously looked down because Tokageroh was right. Yoh's friends would be curious about him. He was to marry Yoh, was to mate with him…they would want to ask him questions. Want to interrogate him, to-to-to make sure he was the right match? And-and make he wouldn't bring shame to Yoh.

Yoh's the heir to Asakura and a powerful, Alpha Shaman…and what's Manta?

A lowly, furyokuless Omega…he was worthless. Useless.

Suddenly a hand returned to his head. He was being gently petted again, and the familiar scent of fresh rain water filled his nose. Manta blinked, his body relaxing and unclenching within seconds – he raised his head to look at the boy next to him.

Yoh grinned, "Stop thinking so negatively. My friends will adore you."

"W-What?"

"Trust me! I know them, they'll like you. No matter what."

"I-I…I'm…"

Clocking his head, Yoh winked, "Trust me okay? Manta, please put your faith me. I haven't let you down so far, have I?"

"No, you haven't…"

What type of friends does Yoh have?

Manta couldn't help but feel worried…

~#~#~#~

"Yahoo! Hahaha! Oh yeah! I'm so hyped! Everyone has successfully made it through!"

"Big brighter!" the young girl squealed, "Don't get drunk in the middle of the day! You'll bring trouble for everyone!"

"Also! You're way to young to be drinking!"

"Hey! Give that back! I'm not that young!"

"What would Mother say…" the girl muttered with a shake of the head.

The boy gasped, "You'd betray me, Pirica?"

"Don't be so overdramatic."

Manta struggled to stay calm. His body kept trembling, as he twisted his arms closer to himself. Manta sat with his legs folded underneath his body, arms stretched out in front of himself – pressing against his knees. He chewed his bottom lip, and kept his face directed downward, not brave enough to look up into the faces around him.

A sudden, gentle hand touched him on the lower back. The action made Manta jump, his head springing up to look at the person next to him.

Yoh smiled comforting – trying to comfort him with a simple smile.

The blonde swallowed dryly, and tried to smile in return. He was just so very…scared. Manta was surrendered by so many people. Mostly Alphas. Powerful Shamans, who were all so loud, and most of all…his age. Manta had never been around that many people outside of his family.

He was thankful that Yoh sat next to him, rather on the other side of the large spread. Amidamaru was hovering above the pair, his arms crossed and head down – a somewhat serious expression upon his face.

"Because we're comrades!"

A feminine snort came from somewhere in the room, "You mean you get to save money because they're to kind? Offering the likes of you free snacks and drinks. Maybe you should pay for them."

"I think the bigger question should be…why are you here?"

Manta tilted his head, peeking to the boy sitting across from him and Yoh. His body was straight with his arms crossed tightly, he wore a simple blazer, shorts and a tie.

"Stupid face bullied me into coming."

"Aww, don't be so stubborn. I bet you're also relieved to know you can save money by hanging out here."

"I have a home. Don't compare me with people like you."

"What did you say!"

"I said you were stupid."

"Why you!"

Manta shrunk back when the boy suddenly leaped at the other. His eyes growing wide in surprise, mouth opening and shut, before shuffling further into the other next to him. Worried a battle might break out between the two.

"Aw, don't worry," Yoh said softly, "Ren and Horohoro are friends. They don't mean it."

"T-They are?" Manta mumbled quietly.

Both boys snapped towards Yoh with a heated glare, "We're not friends!"

"Hehe, see? They're amazing friends."

"We're not!"

Manta's lips twitched. His eyes glancing between the two, Ren looked just as he was the other day only looking a bit…more calmer. More relaxed, more mellowed? His raven hair was in a perfect point, with golden eyes and looks so indifferent compared to everyone.

The other boy, Horohoro was the complete opposite. While Ren was very prime and proper, Horohoro was more careless and relaxed. His clothes were slightly messy, and was primarily dressed in comfortable clothes. A pair of slacks and a hoodie, but was really amazing was the blue headband he wore – it had a strange symbol on it. Lilypad? Maybe?

Horohoro's hair was the most attention demanding. Bright blue curls in perfect spikes.

This is the first time I have seen young master so happy! Bason is so touched."

Amidamaru gapped, "You mean he looks happy?"

"Hmmm, you'll never understand young master's smile. Until now, young master has never been around anybody his age, never had the opportunity to talk to other people, to have fun. But now, he has comrades who are like him. It's good for him," Bason explained happily, "Good to have friends."

"Yes it is."

Manta gazed at Ren. He was alone, like him? Unable to talk to other people, unable to make…friends?

He was amazed at the realization.

Maybe…Alphas and Omegas weren't so different after all…but there was still many differences.

Finally, with bravely, Manta scanned his eyes around the spread. Gazing at the other people sitting around the spread, there was three people. The girl, Pirica with her long blue hair and dressed in pink, was sitting with a hand to her face as Horohoro continued to yell at Ren. Tamao was sitting across Pirica, playing with her pens and notebook. She had a warm, but nervous smile on her lips, her body slightly jittery.

However…it was the girl sitting next to Tamao that truly worried Manta. Her face, the expression was terrifying. Her blue eyes were half lidded, and staring daggers at him, short dirty-blonde hair framed her pointed face. She had a long red bandana tied around her head with a range of many blue beads hanging around her neck.

Manta had to immediately rip his eyes away, not liking the way she was observing him – like a bug under a microscope. It was too much. The fact that Yoh was so close to him, releasing a gentle calming scent, was the only thing preventing Manta from running away with his tail between his legs – oh he really wanted too.

At least nobody was jumping on him yet…

It was interesting.

~#~#~#~

It was early morning.

Yoh Asakura hummed lazily, leaning back on the porch of the Funbari Onsen. A breezy smile on his lips.

"Hehe. Ren, you're gonna leave too?"

Ren made a deep sound, mounting his trusty horse.

"Such a party popper," Yoh yawned, "You should at least stay another night."

The other Sharman sent him a dry a look, "How long are you going to keep playing nice with me? I only came last night out of respect. I don't have as much free time to waste as you."

"I see," Yoh sighed, "You're gonna return to china, huh? Just as I thought, you're taking into consideration those words by Goldva."

Yoh climbed to his feet, stretching his body out with a hand pressing to his hip, "What did he say? Oh, no longer able to return to normal life or something like that. I guess I'm lucky."

"Lucky, huh?" Ren muttered, looking up at the morning sky, "You mean your Omega, don't you? Since he's required to join the journey as a Seer."

The brunette lazily shrugged, his lips forming a calming smile.

"What was his name again? Ah, yes, Manta…was his second name again? Oyamada?"

Yoh's eyes narrowed, "What about Manta?"

"Hmm, I remember now. The Oyamada clan offered a young Omega to my father. They hoped I would mate with an Omega."

"But you didn't."

Ren snorted, "I was too busy to worry myself with an Omega. I never meet the boy, I didn't want to meet him either."

"I don't understand what you're getting at…?"

Golden eyes flared, peering down at the brunette, "I'm just saying…maybe you should keep your little Omega close. Who knows who might be looking for a way to swipe him away."

"Ren, are you challenging me?"

"Of course not," Ren snickered darkly, turning his head away, "I wouldn't dream of challenging a fellow Alpha Shaman…"

Yoh doesn't reply to that. However, his hands did tighten at his sides.

"There's still one more period of testing for us. No matter what it is, an unclear attitude towards it will get you nowhere. Therefore, I best bid farewell to my own clan. To confirm the goal I lost when I battled you, and to find out what I should really be doing."

Yoh frowned, squinting his eyes, "…Ren."

"You don't need to worry about me. At least I still have one goal in mind. Yoh, you're the only person who has ever beaten me. So, one day I will defeat you. Using a power much stronger than yours."

Ren turned to the brown haired boy. A easy, true smile appearing across his pale lips, "We shall meet again battle, until then, take care."

"You too!" Yoh grinned, "But Ren, just to let you know…I'm not going to let you take Manta away."

The Tao heir smirked widely.

"We'll see about that."

"We will."

~#~#~#~

do you think Manta was good? please remember i have made him a little taller - he is just underneath Yoh's shoulder. so he is still the shortest of the group, but still tall enough!

if you want me to update, then please leave a review! so i know people would be interested in reading more!