((Author's Drabble)) Sorry for the major delay! But here's a chapter, hope you're still here! And not off reading another story…unless it's mine! Please review, and not just read it…REVIEW! Warning: OOC of Ren ahead. Whether it's minor or major…I'm not sure…just…R+R please! Updates may take a while since I'm managing my little brother's user too...and his stories...I'll let you know when they're up!

Emphasis
Sarcasm
"Talking"
'Thinking'
'Sounds'

Disclaimer: I don't own Shaman King but I do own Devilon, Wolves and Iik.

Welcome to the Asakura's Residence
Chapter 12:Recovering

(Wolves's POV)
I got home at 5:30 and headed straight for my room. I was thankful that everyone chose to leave me alone. I really didn't feel like talking right now.

Getting onto my bed, I lay down and covered myself with a thin blanket. I just can't seem to understand what I'm feeling. I checked my thoughts. Blank. For who knows how long, I just laid there, trying to think.

Suddenly, someone shook me, rather violently. When I removed the covers, it revealed my roommate, Ren.

"Anna told me to call you for dinner," he said, looking away. 'Great, now even Ren is avoiding me. Because I'm the freak who shouted at Faust for no reason then ran out on them'.

"It's 7:30 already?" I asked groggily, remember Anna and her strict rules. Ren gave a grunt, meaning yes. 'Gosh, time sure flies when you're having fun'. I laughed slightly at myself. I became really sarcastic since this morning.

After earning weird stares from Ren, I left the letter on my bed and followed Ren downstairs. When I sat down, everyone ate as if it was just any other day, which I'm really grateful for because I didn't want them to treat me any different. But Anna spoke up anyway.

"So, what plans do you have now?" she said before placing a slice of eggplant onto her tongue.

Confused, I asked, "What do you mean?" Everyone stared at me as if I was from mars and just declared that I will take over the Earth. Being not as slow as Horo, I got the clue. "Oh, you mean that. Well, I don't see what I can do," I said calmly before resume to eating, hoping they'd drop the topic. But life isn't that lucky.

"Damn," Horo suddenly said, "Just when I thought my luck was coming back to me."

Confused once again, I stared at him. "What do you mean?" Pulling out his wallet, I saw him pull outtwo $10 dollar bills and handed one to Ren and one to Anna. Soon, Tamao, Lyserg, Ryu and Yoh were doing the same thing.

"Another bet?" I guessed, eyeing them carefully. "Yea, they bet that you'd get an emotional break down. And you just won me $50," Ren said, waving the bills in the air.

A sudden urge was building up in my stomach but I tried to hold it down 'Imustn't...' But before Ren can put away his money, I let the urge out. Everyone stared at me like I was crazy as I burst into laughter. Holding my stomach, I used my freehand to prevent myself from rolling on the floor.

"I think she finally lost it," Horo whispered to Lyserg, who probably didn't hear him because he was staring at me as if I just did the stupidest thing imaginable.

After a while, I had my laughter under control. "Haha, you guys crack me up! I can't believe you'd do that…I mean, oh my gosh, you guys are crazy!" I commented before resuming to laughing.

It was Ryu's turn to gawk. "You mean, you're not mad?" he asked, as if using the wrong words can mean the end of his life.

Finally stopping my sudden outburst of laughter, I turned to Anna and Ren. "Mad, no. But if you two don't share that 50 bucks with me, you'll need even hell's blessings."

Ren turned to me and smirked. "Don't you worry, I'll even give you my 50 dollars, how's that?"

Eyeing him, I asked, "Whoa, why so generous? It's not like you, Ren." But my answer was soon given to me when everyone once again pulled out his or her wallets. Only this time, they pulled out a $20 bill, yes, even Anna, and handed it to Ren.

"As you can tell, I was the only one who bet that you wouldn't get mad after you find out about our little bet," Ren said, handing me the 50 dollars and waving his newly earned money in the air. "You should thank me. But then again, I should thank you, because I just earned $120 out of thin air."

I gave out a dry cough as leaned towards Ren, who was sitting next to me. "Actually, make that 80 dollars," I said, snatching away two of the $20 dollar bills.

Ren shrugged and added his 80 dollars to his wallet as I pulled out my wallet and secretly thanked Ren for having faith in me…and earning me $90 in a merely 15 minutes.

"Back to dinner, everyone?" I suggested cheerfully as I picked up my bowl and proceeded with my meal. Soon, it was just like yesterday, when none of us heard any bad news, and life was just fun.

After dinner, I quickly got back to my room while I could still have it to myself. Ren was outside training so I took this opportunity to read the letter Hao had left behind. In a neat, yet in a hurry-like writing, the piece of paper read:

Wolf,
Heard you caught something. I know something the bone yard sorcerer doesn't. Curiosity killed a cat, why not a wolf?Awaiting your arrival,
Hao Asakura

I read and reread it over a couple of times. No matter how I put the accents, it's still like he knows the cause of my illness. Awaiting your arrival? 'What makes him think I'll go to him? Buddy, if I'm going to die, I'm not going to cause any trouble for my friends. And god damn it, how many times do I have to remind him? It's plural: Wolves…not 'Wolf'.'

I sighed. 'I already promised Faust I'd go back tomorrow. I'll ask him then and if he doesn't tell me anything, then I'll consider going to Hao. I don't want to cause any trouble for Yoh. After all he done for me to stay here, he really doesn't need anymore trouble than he already has, training with Anna.' I let out another sigh before plunging onto my bed and turning up the radio.

(Ren's scene)

Sitting down for a rest, Ren placed his Kwan Dao next to him. As he took a sip from his the glass of milk, he heard music pouring out from his room. He let out a sigh. He hated feeling so helpless. But the truth is, there's nothing he can do. She was caught in the worst situation imaginable. Her dream of becoming the Shaman Queen was shattered.

'It's now or never, quite literally' Ren got up and picked up his Kwan Dao. Swinging it in the many techniques he developed, sweat formed and flowed freely down his bare back.

'Now or never…'

((Next Day)) (Normal POV)

The non-stop ringing of Wolves's alarm clock was more than enough to wake the light-sleeper on the other side of the room. Ren groggily grabbed his own clock and glared angrily at the glowing red numbers that read 6:28.

Just when he was going to shout at his roommate, an arm slapped the ringing clock. For a moment, the limb didn't move. When it did, it pulled away the dull blue blanket. A slouching figure rose from under the covers and dragged itself towards the closet.

After the figure slid into the bathroom to change, Ren rubbed his eyes woozily and gave a yawn. Before he can do anything, something shifted in Wolves's bed. A 'click' caught his attention, followed quickly by a blinding 'flash'.

After the blackish dot disappeared from his view, it was swiftly replaced by a blue shadow. Rubbing his eyes again, Ren quickly received another combo of 'click & flash'.

Once again blinded by the light, Ren got up and stumbled towards Wolves's bed, throwing random things at the cerulean smudge. "Horo, are you playing with Yoh's camera again? If that is you, I swear, you'll never live to see another day."

A burst of laughter came from the bathroom as the door swung open to reveal Wolves exiting with a stomachache due to laughing so hard. "I'd never thought you'd actually do it," she commented to Horo, who had hidden in her bed briefly before Ren woke up.

Hiding his blush, Ren slowly got up from under the covers and in slow motionreached for a certain rod…or pole to a certain weapon.

Anna sat down and carefully picked up her teacup. Bringing it up to her lips, she tilted it slightly to let the warm tea flow into her dry mouth. But before her desire for tea can be fulfilled, something made her drop her cup.

'BANG'
"GET BACK HERE HORO!"
"It's a joke! Chill it, will you?"
'High pitch scream'
'Wild laughter'
'BANG'
'SHATTER'
'…Complete silence…'

Anna rolled her eyes. Did they have to start the day off like that every day? It's bad enough that they broke 3 of her favourite vases in one week. Calmly, the itako got to her feet and speechlessly strolled towards the stairs, only to be stopped by a quivering Horo. "Uh…you can't go up Anna," he stumbled.

"And why not?" Anna said, rolling her eyes. Horo was actually trying to stop her If only she had a camera.

"Uh…Ren's…er…running around naked," he blurted, then realizing what he just said, covered his mouth. Rolling her eyes, Anna pushed him aside and marched up the stairs. But she was soon stopped by her cousin, who was less nervous but still nervous enough to be noticeable. "Not you too," the itako said irritatingly.

Wolves's eyes shifted from left to right, as if finding someone to save her. "It was an accident Anna, it wasn't suppose to happen, no one was supposed to get hurt," she said panicky.

"What is it this time? Another vase? An antique? A CD?" she said, not letting any emotion other that calmness escape her façade.

"Uh…maybe it'd be best if you saw it yourself," Ren calmly said, stepping aside so the blond can get through. As the itako stepped forward, smashed pieces of glass was everywhere. Confused, she turned around. "What did you…guys…break?" she trailed off, seeing nothing but clouds of dust behind her. 'This must be really serious,' she thought as she searched her memory for what would be missing from this scene.

Then it hit her, the pesky brats broke the glass shelf. Not just anyglass shelf, the forbidden glass shelf. Anna felt her breathing hasten as she held her hands in a fist. 'They are in for it now.' She took a deep breath, relaxed, and took her time as she found her way back to the living room, where she turned on the TV and jotted down stuff on a notebook.

Poking her head from the edge of her room, Wolves signaled for Ren and Horo. "Anna's gone," she hissed, but didn't leave the circumference of her doorframe. Two other heads poked out and glanced around nervously.

"Whew," Horo said, wiping away an imaginary sweat drop on his forehead, "I was certain she'd kill us."

"This is a wonder to us all…" Ren's voice came from behind. "She was supposed to kill us. It's not like her not to." Deep in thought, Ren didn't sense to mischievous auras in the air, plotting their next move.

Walking down the busy streets, Wolves stared at the gray pavement with blank thoughts. Step by step, she passed by countless buildings and numerous shops. Children were happily playing on the streets while couples strolled by hand in hand. She sighed, causing Ren to turn around, glaring at her with slight worry in his eyes. But he quickly shrugged it off and continued down the busy streets.

They were a block away from Faust's clinic. Wolves's answers will be solved in matter of minutes. Yet she couldn't help but feel hopeless. Trying to make the feeling go away, Wolves shook her head forcefully, only to receive dizziness. "Ah," she groaned, holding her head with one hand while the other signaled for Ren to stop.

Ren rolled his eyes. 'Unbelievable.' Extending an arm, Ren softened his gaze unintentionally. "You okay?" he asked, allowing the girl to cling onto his arm.

"Thanks," she said, gratefully taking his arm. Shutting her eyes, Wolves and Ren made their way towards Faust's office.

As the big white building came into their view, Wolves could finally clear her head. The thought of Hao's letter haunted her as Ren opened the glass doors for her. What if Faust doesn't know any cure? What if he does but isn't willing to tell her? Will she really go to Hao?

"Have a seat," Faust's deep voice said gently as he sat down on his chair in front of them. Turning away from his computer, he placed his hands on the table separating them. Sitting down on the dull blue chair, Wolves forced a smile. "Well, I'm here for more information, like I promised."

Ren, who sat next to her, had nothing to say. This was a very awkward moment. Seriously, if Anna hadn't asked him to come, in a threatening way…that would've cause later violence if Ren hadn't agreed.

"Well, you know pretty much of it," Faust said blankly with a warm smile, "The over all thing is that you're going to die."

Wolves quirked her eyebrow yet, couldn't help but give a light laugh. "Yes Faust, I know that, and that only," she said ambiguously, leaning back on her chair.

Faust gave a quiet chuckle, then reached into his desk. "I thought you'd say that, so I organized a report about your condition for you." Pulling out an inch-thick stack of paper held together by a single paperclip.

Widening her eyes, Wolves stared at the…composition Faust had…composed for her. "Thanks," she said, more uncertain than ever. Maybe this was Faust's way of giving bad news: for the patient to read it for themselves. Slowly getting up, she tugged on Ren's arm, gesturing for him to get up too.

"Candy?" Faust said from behind them, as they were about to leave. On his desk was a bowl of candy, the various colors sure brightened up the room. "Sure," Wolves said with a smile, reaching forward for a piece.

"Are you really okay?" Ren asked as they once again walked down the busy streets of Tokyo. Wolves had been awfully quiet during the walk back home.

"Depends…"she said quietly, with her head facing down. Ren turned to her suspiciously. "Depends? On what?" he said doubtfully.

"Well," Wolves said slowly, as if stalling. Lingering her pace, she played around with her finger, still not looking up from her puma shoes. "It would make me feel better if I had some…"

"Some…?" Ren urged, his impatient side getting the better him. He would do anything just to see her smile again. And it has to be a real smile, not some fake one she would put up just to get him off her case.

Stopping completely, Wolves turned around. "CANDY!" Wolves blurted, pointed enthusiastically at the candy shop nearby. "Oh, can we please go in?" she begged. Ren merely sweat-dropped, staring the over optimistic girl. "…Sure…"

Hissing a 'yes', Wolves dragged Ren into the colourful candy shop. Her eyes widened as she scanned the area for her favourites. Instead of following her, dashing here and there, Ren stood by the counter, waiting for her to finish. To tell the truth, he couldn't tell what attracted him to the weird girl. She's over hyper and too optimistic all the time. Her eyes are seriously too big…maybe it's just the candy. But she was a strong shaman, being able to have survived when her family died, being able wield a sword and a sickle. Ren couldn't help but sigh. She would've been a worthy opponent if not for the disease.

"Done," Wolves's voice brought Ren back to reality. In his face was a big bag of candy, filling up to the very top. Widening his eyes, Ren stared at the girl. "Are you seriously going to eat all this by yourself?" he questioned.

The girl looked back at him like he was crazy. "No silly!" she said, then added quickly, "You're going to help me." When Ren gawked at her like she was some rare specie of animal, she seized his arm and spun him around so he was facing the cashier. "Chill, I'll eat most of it."

Smiling, Ren sighed. Oh well, he thought as he paid for the sweets. Wolves is smiling, isn't she? "Ren! Come'on! I want to stop by the park," Wolves waved from the door, urging him to hurry up.

By 7 o'clock, Ren and Wolves got home, tired from the 'games' they played at the park. Laughing and joking, they stopped immediately when they stepped into the room seeing a homicidal Lyserg. This could only mean one thing… the two of them thought as they carefully approached the group. "What happened?" Ren asked, only to receive scary looks from the British boy.

"See for yourselves," he said, pointing to the table. On the table was an opened envelop and lots of pieces of paper, some burnt and some brand-new.

Wolves took a seat on the sofa and leaned forward to examine the parchments. Picking one partially burnt paper up, she read aloud, "A sacrifice must be made, wolf was the only choice…" she trailed off due to the fact that the rest was burnt. Turning to Lyserg frantically, she semi-screamed, "Who sent this!"

When no one gave a response, Wolves reached for an envelop and turned it over…

CLIFFY…and trust me, it's not what you think…unless you're like me…some weirdo from outer space…then it might be what you think…and even if you do know, please don't post it on a review…'cause other people might see it…and ya…still, you gotta review! Please & thx!

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