Chapter Two

Apparitions

It was cold. And dark. And empty. Only thing left was a burning picture of a fatal blow stuck in Hao's mind. Still tearing his insides even though he no longer had a body. He knew that from the fact he was now watching it from the outside, from behind.

As he leant forward, the strong smell of blood hit his nose. He wanted to grab the shoulder which used to be his own, he wanted to hang on, and not let go. But the darkness was inevitably pulling him away, far from where he couldn't see anything at all.

He glanced at his hands shaking from the anger that was about to replace the pain in him. It was changing form, his skin was burning away, leaving behind a pure spirit form that was engulfed in slow, red flames. Now he looked powerful, which he was, and demonic. Which he was as well.

He clenched his hands into fists, and punched hard into the black ground. There was nothing to hit yet it hurt. His angry shout was swallowed by the emptiness.

He buried his face in his hand and fell onto his side.

'How much time had passed…' he thought as if beaten by the darkness where there was no space and no time. 'What if it's too late?'

He shook his head and rose to his feet. Hell no, he might get stalled but not defeated. His spirit from elevated as he gather the remainder of his strength. He stepped forth on the nonexistent ground and leapt to focus all his power into a single, devastating blow.

The surroundings shook and trembled, as the darkness was ripping apart right in front of him. Hao dashed through the narrow crack before it closed in a split-second, and was blinded by the light. He was falling, fast.

The impact shocked his entire being. He climbed out of the rather impressive crater he created and found himself surrounded by headstones. No ghosts around though.

Hao knew exactly where to go, it was after all, the other half of his soul calling for him. He dashed through the trees, the crowded nightlife streets, the silent suburbs, only to arrive at a familiar gate which said: 'Funbari Onsen'. Hao disappeared with a grinning echo.

The following morning started way too early for Yoh's liking. He focused as much as he could to fall back asleep, surprisingly, to no avail. It took him extra effort to get to his morning routine still.

"Amidamaru." he called, arriving at the kitchen. The spirit did not answer, which made him worry a little more than he would, on this unusual morning.

"Amidamaru?"

"Why are you up at this hour? Are you sick, Yoh?" he heard Anna reply instead of the samurai. Yoh turned around to face her.

"Ahm… I thought to… suprise you. Uehehe." Anna reacted with a raised eyebrow.

"You did." She nodded before sitting down to the table for breakfast. Yoh watched her for a few lost minutes, trying to articulate his thoughts but failed to. He sighed and settled in front of her with his own bowl of food. It was Anna's turn to stare.

"So, darling. I've been thinking." She broke the silence that lasted uncomfortably long.

"Hm?"

"Now that the Shaman Fight is suspended, it'd be wise to use the time to our advantage." She put down her spoon and intertwined her fingers. "And continue your training."

"What?" Yoh almost spit out. "But- but I beat Hao!"

Anna smiled sarcastically.

"Barely. I want to make sure this time." She stood up to continue the lecture looking down at him. "And it's not like they'd just lend you the crown automatically. There's still much battle to be fought, and many strong opponents like Hao."

"I don't think there's anyone quite like him…" He sighed with his head hanging.

"Don't take me lightly. I watched you die there…" Her voice seemed to shake, even though she tried hard to hide it. "If it hadn't been for the rest of the shamans…"

"You're right. I'm sorry." Said Yoh and stood up himself. He took a few steps, to get close enough to reach her shoulder. Anna was hesitant, but leaned into him eventually.

"But there's a little problem." Yoh rolled his eyes.

"What problem?" Anna immediately pushed away.

"Amidamaru seems to be missing. I had a terrible feeling when I woke up." He was still rolling his eyes, and scratching the back of his head. "Like there's something watching me. Constantly."

Anna's eyes narrowed. Yes, she had the same odd feeling as well.