Prince Meets Princess

Author's Babbling: We're almost done here folks. I decided not to start the sequel until I get Unconditional and School's Obsession done. I'd like to thank all my reviewers, especially all you who review every chapter and been with me since the beginning. I'd like to dedicate this fic to a very dear friend of mine who loves YohXAnna, Koneko-chan.

Chapter Twenty-Three: Welcome Back

A young blue haired princess sat in the vast gardens of the Asakura compound. This was one of her very favorite places, it was where she first met her future husband. She often came to the gardens to find peace and to sort out her thoughts. So much was happening in such a short amount of time. The Prince was going through intense training while his future wife was currently being held captive by his twin brother, who was trying to take over the whole kingdom. The young Princess' brother was falling all over himself and another young pink headed girl. And the thing that tore at her mind and heart the most; her fiancé, in China.

Although he was due to return within the next few days, but every minute he was gone it felt like a piece of the young princess' heart died. It was funny how their relationship began, he had stolen her first kiss. To her people a girl's first kiss was meant for her husband and him alone. And if their first kiss is stolen they'll have to marry the man that took it. Somehow Tao Ren knew this and used it to his advantage, and everyday Pirika thanks the great spirits that he had done so.

She smiled slightly as she gazed at the large white fluffy clouds, it was very rare that there was this much peace. Normally her brother was walking around with Tamao, trying yet again to confess his feelings. As amusing as this sight was, it only reminded Pirika of Ren.

The young princess needed some time to herself, although that's exactly how she had been spending her time ever since she arrived in Izumo. Her onii-chan had Tamao, Yoh had Anna...and Ren only came after the sun had set beneath the horizon. And, now Ren was in China, over one thousand miles away.

OOO

Tamao smiled as she gazed at the ice shaman out of the corner of her eye, he was enjoying another batch of her cookies. She really liked Horo, he was really nice to her. All the people at the Asakura compound had always been nice to her. But, there was something different about Horo, it seemed he cared more about her than anyone else. But, Tamao knew that was just in her head. No one could like her like that.

"These are really good, Tamao." Horo said after swallowing what he had been chewing on.

Tamao smiled, "You always say that, HoroHoro-kun." She pointed out.

"But they really are that good. All of your cookies and cakes are that good." Horo said, smiling fondly at the girl.

Tamao blushed a deep red, "You're just saying that." She whispered.

Horo grinned, "No I'm not." He said softly leaning over the counter, "I really mean it."

Tamao's blush deepened, if humanly possible, "HoroHoro-kun..." She said before she was cut off by Horo's lips on her own.

A short boy stood in the doorway, a small smirk on his face, "If you want to do that." He said with a pause, "I suggest you find a room."

Tamao jumped away from Horo, her face redder than the reddest cherry, "Tao-san!" She cried in a strangled voice, "You're back early."

Ren grinned, "And you look busy." He said glancing at Horo, "Where's your sister?"

Horo narrowed his eyes, "Why should I tell you?" He asked.

Ren glared, "Because if you don't I'll be forced to stick my kwan do up your..."

"REN!"

Ren's eyes widened, "Nee-san..." He said in an almost fearful tone causing Horo's face to break out in a wide smile, suggesting Christmas had came early.

A tall green haired woman stood in the doorway behind Ren, "That's not a very nice thing to do to your future brother in law." She scold.

Ren cringed, "I'd rather not be reminded that when I marry Pirika I'll be related to...that!"

The woman rolled her eyes, "Anyway. I'm Tao Jun." The woman said, throwing a glare at Ren.

Horo nodded, "I'm HoroHoro...and Pirika's around here somewhere." He said blinking.

Tamao sighed, "She went out into the garden."

Jun smiled, "You're Tamao aren't you?" She asked.

Tamao nodded, "Hai." She replied.

Jun's smiled widened, "You two make such a cute couple!" She said, sounding very much like a rabid fangirl.

Both Horo and Tamao blushed deeply as Ren rolled his eyes, "Well while you fawn over these two I'm going to find Pirika." He said as Jun nodded, still voicing how much she liked Horo and Tamao together.

OOO

The young Chinese shaman walked quietly down the stone path towards the garden taking in the peaceful atmosphere. He wanted to surprise his future bride with his return. He knew exactly were she was, she was at the place where they first met. She always went there.

He could hear the gentle humming of his soon to be wife. Apparently she had picked this habit up from her mother, who used to hum to her when she'd go to sleep.

He stopped short of the young blue haired princess. Her back was to him, which was perfect for Ren's surprise.

He slowly walked up to her, taking in her sweet humming. She didn't notice she had company, even when he sat on the bench.

Slowly Ren reached out and grabbed her hand...bad idea.

A fist connected with his face.

Pirika glared then her mouth dropped upon realizing who it actually was, "Oh my god! I'm so sorry Ren-kun!" She cried, kneeling next to the boy, who was clutching his angry red cheek. "I thought you might have been a nasty perverted person."

Ren glared, "That's a nice thing to come back to." He said dryly as Pirika helped him up.

Pirika blushed lightly, "That's what you get when you sneak up on a girl." She said, a small smile on her face.

Ren rolled his eyes, "So much for a welcome back kiss." He muttered.

Pirika grinned before lightly pressing her lips against Ren's and pulling away a bit too quickly for Ren's liking, "There. Better?" She asked in an innocent voice.

Ren blinked, before snorting and pulling the girl into a deep heated kiss.

Unknown to the young couple they were being watched by three girls. Then Hana-Gumi.

Kanna rolled her eyes, "Is that all they ever do?" She said looking away from the kissing couple.

Macchi snickered, "More than you do, at least." She said glancing at her blue haired friend.

Kanna glared, before she could say anything Mari whooped them both over the head with her doll, "If bakas don't shut up they'll hear us!" She hissed, glaring at the two girls, who rolled their eyes.

"Hao-sama said we could kill them this time." Macchi said, clutching her broom, "Right?"

Kanna nodded, "Right. Hao-sama said he doesn't want any more distractions in Yoh's way."

Macchi blinked, "Well...what are we waiting for? I'd rather be fighting them then staring at them." She pointed out throwing her broom over her shoulder.

Kanna grinned wickedly, "You ready Mari?" She asked glancing over her shoulder.

Mari nodded, "Mari ready."

Kanna's grin widened, "Let's go get'em girls."

The Hana-Gumi jumped out...but Ren, being Ren was not easily fooled. He could after all sense they were their. He grabbed Pirika and jumped out of thee way of an on coming attack. "Pathetic." He sneered.

Pirika's eyes widened as she stared at the three girls, "Ren-kun...?" She said softly.

Ren glanced behind him, "Go back to the palace. I'll be there in a minute." He said pulling out his kwan do.

Mari glared, stepping in front of Pirika, "No one leaves alive, Hao-sama's orders."

Pirika's eyes widened, she wasn't a shaman, she was easy pray for the blonde headed girl. So she resorted to the only thing she could do...scream.

Mari's eyes widened and her hands flew to her ears, "Baka girl! Stop screaming!" She barked before Ren's attack hit her.

Pirika panted, looking at Ren, "Would you go now!" Ren snapped. Pirika quickly nodded and took off towards the palace.

She met her brother half way, "What's going on?" He asked as Pirika flew into his arms.

"Ren and I...were attacked." She panted.

Jun's eyes widened, "Where's Ren?" She asked.

Pirika breathed deeply, "Still fighting...he needs help."

Horo nodded, "You and Tamao go back into the palace." He said pushing Pirika to Tamao as the pink headed girl nodded quickly.

Jun had already set off towards the fight, Horo blinked, "Where are you going?" He asked running after the girl.

Jun glanced behind her, "To help my brother."

Horo looked at her oddly, "You don't have a ghost."

Jun grinned, pulling out talismans, "Daoshi don't need ghost. Pailong!" A corpse looking thing walked up beside her, "Yes Miss.Jun."

Jun grinned at Horo's shocked expression, "Let's go help my brother." She said.

Horo shook his head before following the Daoshi and her corpse.