Ok, so it's been one hell of a long time since i updated. Sorry. Well hope you enjoy. this is the penultimate chapter.

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"I'm that this will work," stated Yoh "Anna won't accept an ultimatum!"

"Sure she will," said Horo encouragingly "Look, she's back now. Go and try!"

Anna and Tamao were walking towards the house, talking quietly. Horo pushed Yoh slightly to get him moving towards them. Yoh started to walk hesitantly towards them. Tamao noticed this and told Anna, who stopped. Tamao said goodbye to Anna and continued into the house. Everyone else seemed to have disappeared.

"Are you packed?" Anna asked as Yoh approached.

"Um, no. I need to talk to you," Yoh mumbled, stopping in front of Anna.

"Fine. Talk. But you will do extra training for not following instructions." Anna stated in an off hand tone.

"Really? Um, ok. If I have to, I guess," Yoh started to shift nervously, trying to put off what he had to say.

"Well, spit it out then. I don't have all day." Anna said with a bored expression.

"I'm not going with you. I want to stay here. With Ren." Yoh said this quietly, so quietly he practically whispered the last words. He stood looking at the ground, not willing to look at Anna.

"I see. May I remind you that you are promised to me," Anna's voice was strangely calm "You will come with me tomorrow, and we will be married."

"But Anna, I don't love you. I think I love Ren though." Yoh's head shot up as he made this statement, he stared into Anna's eyes with a pleading expression. Anna was just looking at him, no expression on her face. Then without warning, Yoh found himself sprawled on the ground. He raised a hand to his face and touched a stinging cheek. Anna had slapped him. He looked up at her, tears threatening at his eyes. She was glaring at him. Hands on hips, she loomed threateningly over him.

"How dare you Yoh Asakura!" She hissed, eyes narrowing to slits "After all I've done for you. This is how you repay me. You made a promise to me, now you intend to break it?"

"I never wanted to hurt you Anna. I care about you. But like a sister." Yoh pleaded with his eyes for understanding. "Please Anna. Try to understand, I don't want to loose your friendship, but I can't marry you." With the last statement Yoh dropped his eyes from Anna's. He stayed where he was on the ground, waiting for Anna's reaction.

The next thing Yoh heard were Anna's footsteps, moving away from him. He looked up in time to see Anna's back retreating into the house. He scrambled up from the ground and was just dusting himself off when Ren, Horo and Manta arrived. He turned to see their expectant faces.

"So, what happened then? Did you give her the ultimatum? What did she say?" Horo blurted out in a rush.

"No, I didn't give her the ultimatum. It wouldn't have worked," said Yoh with a sigh.

"You didn't?" Said Horo looking confused. "So what happened then?"

"I talked to her. To try and make her understand. I told her I didn't love her and couldn't marry her," Once again Yoh dropped his eyes to the ground.

"Is that why she slapped you Yoh?" Asked Manta who had been looking at Yoh's red and swollen cheek.

"Yeah, she didn't take it too well," Yoh replied with a slight grin that instantly faded.

"So what happens now," Queried Ren, who had been silent up to that point.

"I don't know," answered Yoh, looking at Ren before throwing himself into his arms. Ren looked startled at first, unsure of what to do. Then started to put his arms around Yoh, slightly hesitant at first, but gaining in confidence slowly.

Horo and Manta looked at each other then at the couple. They were about to leave the two alone when Tamao came running up.

"Yoh!" She panted out as she stopped next to the group. "Anna wants to talk to you now!"

Yoh pulled away from Ren, looking slightly worried.

"Ok, I'll go now then," Yoh looked at Ren and smiled, before pulling away completely and heading towards the house. Leaving the others looking after him.

So let me know what you think. I have the last chapter written and will update soon. Promise!

Luv satin