Disclaimer: I do not own Shaman King or any of its characters, but that'll always be the dream. This is a yaoi fic, which means m/m relationships. If this offends you then I suggest you turn back now.

" " - speaking ' '- thoughts

This is my first fic so any kind of feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Best Place

Chapter 1

He left, just like that, without looking back even once. To join the X- Laws, he left behind his friends and the one who loves him most.

"Lyserg!!"

* * *

Bokutou no Ryu was startled awake in the middle of the night. The terrible events that occurred today wouldn't stop haunting him, when he was awake or even when he slept. He just couldn't stop thinking about it and now he was stuck wide-awake.

"Lyserg, why?" He asks the empty room, not expecting an answer.

Tokageroh appears after over hearing. "How come you're getting so upset over that little brat? We're probably better off without him any way."

"You wouldn't understand." Ryu replies with a sigh.

"I wonder if I'll ever understand you. Having friends is much too over rated, they're more trouble than they're worth." With that, he disappears again.

In a way he was glad, now he could be alone. He began reflecting about all he's been through until now. The former gang leader has come a long way from where he began, on becoming shaman and ultimately on his quest to find the best place.

'The best place, can such a place actually exist?' It seemed quite doubtful now.

'Even if it does, I doubt I could truly be happy there without him'

'It's hopeless, what good is the best place when I can't even be with the best person?'

That's when he knew what he had to do. The best place was only secondary now, he had to get Lyserg back! He leaped out of bed with newfound energy, threw his clothes on, fixed up his magnificent hair, and grabbed his bokutou within seconds.

"Tokageroh, we're leaving!" He called excitedly.

It was best that he left while it was still dark. He didn't think he could face Yoh after all that he had done for him, he wouldn't even be here now if it weren't for him. Deep down he knew Yoh would understand, besides, it's not like he was leaving forever.

After he carefully snuck out of the small inn they were staying in, he strode up to the side of the road with his bokutou held out.

"Over soul, big thumb!"

Only minutes after the wooden sword had transformed into a large glowing purple object that resembled a thumb, Ryu could see headlights approaching from a short distance down the road.

A blue truck drove up and stopped beside him with its window rolled down.

"Ryu!" Greeted a familiar voice.

"Billy!" Ryu cheerfully greeted back.

"Need a lift?"

- - End of Chapter 1 - -