If I Smile And Don't Believe, Hoshiko

Summary: After a mental breakdown following Hao's untimely death, Anna seems to have lost all of her memories except of her beloved Hao…one night, when she attempts to escape from the En Inn where Manta has been watching over her, she is stopped by none other than Eliza, who stops her tears and begins to act as a mother for her. But as she grows more and more dependent on this new, "mother," Anna's mind drifts farther and farther away..and all Yoh can do is watch. Will Faust be able to help he and Eliza give Anna up as the daughter they never had, their "Hoshiko?" …or will they play onto the illusion and let Anna die?

Disclaimer: The tortured, vertically-challenged, exhausted authoress does not own Shaman King so please don't hurt her. That would be rude and insulting to Faust and Eliza and Frankensteiny. You don't want to upset the poor dears.

A/N: I love this plot! I wanted to have a main character, but it frequently switches between many characters like Anna, Yoh, Eliza, and Faust…Yay for Faust and Eliza on their way to stardom!

FaustEliza: Damn straight!

Neko-Neko Faust VIII: My god, Faust you are a sexy beast!

Eliza: Second to that!

Faust: I am what I is!

All: big cheesy smile Have fun with this story! 'Tis dramatic and angsty but the Author Notes shall brighten your gloomy day! And please convince Neko-Neko Faust VIII to cease doing her author notes in script! 

Chapter Two: To Escape the Reality Of It All- Anna POV-

I wish I could escape all of this, it isn't fair…

Hao, you are unforgettable.

And you, Yoh, are unforgettable.

Why is it that nobody sees that they truly love someone until it is too late? I hate it. I want to die.

As I thought, Faust walked into my room with a concerned frown…I guessed I had been talking to myself again. I can't tell when I'm talking and when I'm thinking anymore. I can't even tell if I am alive or dreaming so what's the use?

"Anna-san? Anna-san?" he said with increasing persistence as getting me to answer.

He rumpled my hair, and I slapped his hand viciously, like an animal caught in a trap, my face was gray with anger.

"Bastard!"

Faust looked at me with a disturbed expression, trying his best to smile at me and make me feel better, but could not, and before he even finished his check-up, he fled the room.

Sometimes I think I might know how Faust feels…how he feels because he lost Eliza.

But he's the lucky one.

Hao can't be my guardian ghost! And Faust got to keep Eliza! That is why I hate him, too.

And he's insane…I lost my love, and I'm not insane, am I?

I didn't think so….

And now I was wondering who I'm talking to….an angel? a devil? Myself?

…even Hao?

The darkness crept over me and I felt the blood all go to my head as I lost consciousness again…

I hate everything and I must escape, I thought, my mind slipping again into the blackness….

Yoh…

Hao…

I've got to escape so I can see you clearly again.

To escape the horrible reality of it all.

And never ever come back.

A/N: Get ready for Eliza/Mommy's introduction everyone! "Danke schon!" to all my dear reviewers and a memo!

Memo: I now despise the word "dearest…."

2ND Memo: The word, "dear," is fine but the other one nearly kills me for it is part of the title of a story which I absolutely hate working on right now…both of these are becoming a bitch to write! But I shall continue! After this commercial break!

(corny music plays)

Lyserg: Corn?

Marco: (hugs Lyserg) I like Korn!

Venstar: Porn?

Meene: Mourn?

Denbat: Shorn?

Jeanne: Corn is good.

All: (agree and bow down to Jeanne.)