Mikau: Hello everybody! Been awhile. This story is coming out nicely, thinks I. What say you? Well it's wrapping up nicely. That's what counts.

Disclaimer: Shaman King is not mine, the ocs are Tippy's, I own Evell, and I think "Hubba-Bubba Bubble Tape" Cotton Candy flavored gum tastes like car parts. My brother, Jordan, (bless his heart), offered me some, and I took the whole container and stuffed it in my mouth. Only then did I notice how gross it tasted. Oh well, thankfully I do not own "Hubba-Bubba Bubble Tape".

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I Walk A Lonely Road

I woke up the next morning with sunbeams hitting my face. I glanced out the window, and noticed it was a beautiful day. I glared at the lovely weather. I loved it, but could not enjoy it because of the horrible deed I had to do that very night. 'I don't want to steal…' An image flashed in my head. "Mom…Cassidy…" I sighed.

"Is there something the matter?" a small, meek voice asked from a chair beside me.

I turned to look at Tomao. "Oh…no." I lied. "No, I'm fine. Just thinking."

"Oh…" She paused. I could tell she wanted to say more, but no words passed her lips.

"Tamao? Have you ever been forced to do something you don't want to do?" I questioned, trying to be as discrete about my problem as humanly possible.

"Yes…yes I have. Why do you ask?" She squinted at me, trying to see through me and into my problems.

"Oh, just wondering…what did you do about it?" I looked out the window, trying my hardest to not look at the pink-haired girl sitting beside me.

"Well, I did what was asked of me." She said.

"You just gave in? Oh…" I shrank further into myself, not talking, as I made myself more comfortable on the bed.

"You know you can talk to me if you have a problem…I'm here for you. We all are." She coaxed.

"She's right." Yoh raised his head to look at me. He'd been awake this whole time. "It's unhealthy for you to just hold in all of your problems and pain. You'll just end up hurting yourself more."

'You can't tell. You can't get them involved with your father. He's dangerous. Even if they are your friends, that's only more reason to protect them.' I put on a brave face and answered, "What are you guys talking about? I'm fine! See?" I grinned widely. "I'm gonna go for a walk. It's too beautiful a day for it to be spent inside."

I grabbed some day clothes, and walked out of the room. I changed in the bathroom, and walked down the stairs to get a quick breakfast.

I was about to grab a piece of toast, but Anna stopped me half way to the piece of bread. "Are you okay? You look pale."

"I'm fine Anna. Thank you." I reached for the toast again.

Again I was intercepted. "Are you sure? You're not sick are you?"

"No. Thank you. I'm fine." I repeated in a bit of a drone.

"If you say so, but I don't think I believe you. You just don't look right." She finally relented and handed me my sought after piece of toast.

"Thank you. I'm going out on a walk. I'll see you later." She nodded her approval, but scowled a bit when I turned my back and walked away.

They could all tell something was not right. I would never admit to it though, at least I thought I wouldn't, it was for their own safety. As I walked down the lonely road, leaves whirled and leapt in the wind. They were quite beautiful how they preformed for me as I walked the dirt road, trying to concentrate. Tree leaves rustled, and crying birds called. I was wearing a short sleeve shirt and shorts, and I had forgotten a jacket. I was cold.

"You know you'll freeze to death if you stay out here much longer without a jacket." A caring voice called from behind me.

I stopped as a poncho was placed around my shoulders. "Hao…why did you follow me?"

"Is there some reason I shouldn't have?" He cocked his head to the side in that endearing little way of his. "I mean, it's not like you're sneaking off to be with some guy—at least I hope not. Are you?" He looked frightened of my answer.

I giggled at his scared expression, "No, Hao. There's no one in my life." I sighed.

"Are you sure?" He asked innocently. "No one you like—even in the least bit? Maybe someone that you sort of just meet, but think is hott—or handsome—or cute—or just good looking even!" He rushed, constantly adding on to the list.

I thought about it for a second, 'Yes. I really like you Hao.' "No. No one." I replied. I didn't have enough courage to tell him the truth. Cassidy would have no trouble with something like this. I turned away from him and continued walking down the road.

"Oh…Okay." He stated emotionlessly. I didn't look back, so I didn't see the shattered look on his face.

"So why are you out here?" I changed subjects.

"I wanted to see if you were okay. You look troubled." He whispered.

"I'm fine." I stated flatly. "I don't know why anyone would think otherwise. However, that's all that's on everyone's mind this morning. I'm just a little tired. I'm fine!" I snapped. I instantly regretted being so short tempered with Hao.

"I'm sorry, I'll leave you alone." Hao trudged off, his eyes glassy, and his gaze cast downward.

"Hao wait!" I rushed over to him and tightly hugged him to me from behind. "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have taken it out on my friends, especially you." A few tears were allowed to fall down my pale cheeks. "I'm so sorry."

He turned around so that I was closely pressed up against his chest. His arms encircled me, and he laid his head lightly on top of mine. "It's okay. I could never be mad at you. I wish you would talk to me though. You can't be secretive about this problem you're having. Everyone has noticed it, and we want to help you. Will you please tell me?"

"No—I can't. There's nothing to tell." I fumbled a bit, but got it out.

"You're lying." He hummed close to my ear.

His voice sent shivers up my spine. I never got tired of it. "I-I'm not." I faltered again.

"I think you are," He smirked mischievously. "And men have ways of making women talk against their will." He ran a finger up the middle of my back, and I couldn't help but moan softly.

"W-what do y-you mean?" I tied to get out as he pushed a pressure point in the middle of my back, making me arch my back and press my body more closely against his. I gasped as he pushed harder. I clenched his poncho in my hand.

"I mean like this." He muttered dangerously as he pressed his mouth to my neck and started to nibble.

"STOP. PLEASE." I begged, but he only moved lower to my collarbone. "Oh GOD." I moaned. My heart rate increased to an almost unhealthy level, and I suddenly found myself gasping for breath. "Hao…" I whispered as I fainted.

I awoke not long after that in Hao's arms. "What happened?" I whispered, still really drowsy.

Hao smiled sheepishly at me, "You fainted. I'm sorry; I went too far. I just wanted to know what was wrong, and that technique has worked before to make girls brake. I guess it was a bit too intense for you with being sick and all. I'm really sorry I stepped way out of line there. I'll never do it again, I promise. I'll—"

"—Shhh." I interrupted, placing a finger over his mouth. "It's okay, really it is. I don't mind at all."

He stopped and starred at me with a blank look on his face. "Really?"

"Really." I confirmed. "I actually kind of liked it…" I admitted, a bright red blush coming upon my face. It looked like my cheeks were bleeding.

"Well then that's two of us. I did too…" He too blushed as he inched his face closer to mine. It was a moment I could only dream of before I met Hao.

'My first kiss, and with the man that I love.' I closed my eyes as we came closer and closer together. We were but scarce centimeters apart when we were awoken from our dream-like state by a ghostly call:

"Anlita! Where are you!"

I broke away from Hao as I recognized the voice of my father's messenger, the ghostly phantom raven, Evell. "Down here, Evell." I responded, my voice giving off a very cross tone.

"Oh…you're with someone! I'm so sorry if I interrupted anything…" The raven fluttered down from the tree branches above when she spotted Hao and me.

"What's done is done." I muttered, still in an annoyed voice. "What do you need?"

Evell ruffled her feathers a little impatiently (Even though she didn't appear to have any real reason to be impatient.), and she folded her wings, so they lay comfortably at her sides. "I must talk to you in private about tonight. So if you would please, Anlita, say goodbye to your handsome friend, and come along with me."

I nodded sullenly. "I'm sorry Hao. I have to go with Evell. It's important. I'll see you later, okay?" I started to walk off, but realized I still was wearing his poncho. "Oh, I'm sorry, here's your poncho back."

"Keep it." He smiled softly. "See ya later." He walked off in the direction back toward the house.

When he was out of earshot, I hissed, "You did that on purpose."

"You can't prove that. Besides, you shouldn't get involved with boys, says your father. My Master does not approve of him." The obnoxious bird chirped darkly.

"And what do you think of him? I always hear my father's opinions out of you, I never get your view on the matter." I pressured her to think for herself. I new she had an opinion about everything, but she was always spouting her Master's, and never her own.

The little bird suddenly sprung to life with excitement and glee. "I? What do I think? I like him immensely. I think you should run away with him this very instant, and have tons of children! Then I can come and live with you and help raise the little ones! I would so love that! Anything to get me away from that horrible father of yours! There. Happy? You got my opinion on things."

"Wow. Thanks. Oh, yeah, by the way, why did you need to talk to me?"

"It's about tonight. Meet me outside the Pelago Natural Arts Museum at 12:30. Our objective tonight is the Divine Crown. Also, this museum has Sinopa's Jar. It's going to be a rough night, be careful. Good home and rest. You'll need it, dear one." She didn't stay long enough for me to question her, for she was gone with the wind as soon as she uttered her warning.

I was left standing there as the wind picked up. There was nothing left to do, but go home.

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Mikau: So what'd ya think? Cute chapter, huh? I thought so. It's even a little longer than usual.

To Shamanbabe: I wish you luck in finding Hao (Not gonna happen. MY HAO!) Tell your sis I say hi!

To Asavako: Hello! Been so long. I'm trying to update more, but with final exams, it's really not happening.

To ohh kay: I'm American. Like Tippy. Hence the fic title.

To longbca: Super Hao! To the rescue! I think you'll like the next chapter (If it turns out the way I planned. Who knows; I get sidetracked pretty easily…)

To MaiValentinefan: Yes, I'm trying to make everything work out, and it's not too hard to tie up the loose ends. It is coming along pretty well.

To Danny: I really don't like Asuka's dad either. He's too cruel for my liking, but every story must have an antagonist, so Asuka's dad just drew the short straw. Oh, well. I sort of pity him for what I'm gonna do to him.

To Shale 101: Yes. I've always thought that Hao should have someone. I just always thought it should be me. Lol!

Mikau: Okay, thanks people! I'll see you all later!

PLEASE REVIEW!