Welcome to the Graveyard.

Disclaimer: I do not own Shaman King, so don't sue me XX

Summary: Hana and Vlad get to know each other a little better, and with each conflict they seem to have, the worse is seems to get. Yet with each dark tunnel, a glimmer of hope is at the end.

Author's notes: I hope you all enjoy my work. Shlump Anywho, I need some one to play Faust for me…see my profile for details. And that I'm putting my ideas in the stories in ( ) because I can. Nods, Nods

Vlad was quiet aware that Hana was tailing him, so with a smirk, he lit up a joint and headed to the Old Cemetery. What was his deal anyway? Vlad shrugged the thought off, kicking open the rusted gate, causing the 'keep out' sign to fall on the ground.

The day was so nice, far too nice to be in school. A gloom overcastted the ground, a feel of rain was thick in the fall air. Vlad looked over what remained of the proud place; years of weather and abuse by humans had gotten it into this state, and what a sad state it was….

"Vlad, where are- Oh that's nice." He picked up the forgotten sign off the ground, dusting it off, and placed it back on the gate. Setting his face, Hana called out for Vlad, disturbing the more peaceful residents of the graveyard.

"Keep it down." Vlad snapped, as Hana turned the corner. The small boy had seated himself on top a gravestone, putting out his smoke. (Me: 00…I was going to call it joy tube but decided against it.) The tree above shed some leaves slowly; the leaves themselves were caught up by the cool wind and blow gently away. Vlad sighed, it was so peaceful here.

"…Hey, um, Vlad ", Hana began carefully, not to invoke the Goth's wrath upon himself, "What you been up to?"

"What kind of question is that?" Vlad retorted, stretching his arms. Then he stretched, snapped and did other things that are so uncomfortable to watch, yet feel so good. (Nothing prevented people XD)

"You know what I think; I think you just wanted an excuse to skip class."

"Nu-uh!" Hana cried indignantly, "I wasn't the one that went all rebellious and ran out of the building!"

"You got a point, Asakura? Make it and get out of my face." He replied to the blonde snootily, rummaging though his pockets for his lighter.

"No, I don't, I was just worried that's all." Hana said in a matter-of-fact tone. He took a spot next to the gravestone, folding his legs underneath him. Hana looked at Vlad intensely, which I'm not going to lie, made Vlad really uncomfortable. In fact, it brought out that insecurity that Vlad kept under his skin since he was a little boy…much littler. Vlad remember the day he promised himself that he wouldn't care what anyone cared…

------------------------------------------------------------Flash-Back--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jichuwa Preparatory- Fourth Grade

(Makes assorted flash back noises) A smiling blue haired boy pulled out red heart with frilly lace around it from his wooden desk. Today was Valentines Day, and though not many people celebrated it here, he had a reason to. Today, he was going to ask out the most beautiful girl in class. She was a foreign student from China and though the school wasn't far from China being accepted here was a big deal. Unfortunately, because every one at the school was either snobby and rich or from a good family and snobby, it was hard to make friends here. So when Vlad entered fourth grade, all the friends he made the year before were in a different class and all he had left were his memories.

Vlad kept to himself most of the time, but there was on person who could force a smile out of him. And her name was TenTen, just like her name, she was most heavenly in every way. She was the only one who would ever give him the time of day, or a friendly smile. He loved her, ever if it was just a puppy love, love is still a love.

Vlad walked up to the ravishing TenTen, who was surrounded by her usual groupies, like moths that flock to the fire light. Swallowing his fear, he walked straight up to the girl that held his heart, and taking a deep breath, asked her to be his valentine… That was the most embarrassing thing he had ever done. The look that he got from her was utter disgust, like a cockroach had just crawled on her shoe.

Vlad ran away from the staring poise and TenTen…he didn't need to stay there, he already knew the answer…

'I know it sounds petty, but from that day forward I never gave damn what others thought about me…curse you Hana…for making me remember that.'

"Wanna come to my house at least?" Hana asked, breaking Vlad's thoughts and the silence that had settled snuggly between the two boys in the graveyard.

"Oh…um, that's a bad idea, never mind, I forgot my Mom would be cleaning the house." At that Hana laughed, which made Vlad scowl deeply.

"How about my house then?" Vlad asked, not sure whether he wanted Hana to say yes or not. He was so…annoying and yet so friendly, it was hard not to at least try and be nice to him, if it was only for a little while. Hana grinned brightly at the small boy, and nodded rapidly.

Vlad sighed, sliding off the tombstone, "Come on then," he said, putting his hands in his pocket. Hana got up from the ground and followed him out of the cemetery.

--------------------------------------------------A few Moments Later----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(I wanna make the doom noise! DOoooooooooOM! Hyoooooooo!) The tombstone Vlad's butt had rested upon had came to life, sort to speak, as spirit flame ignited around it.

"Well, well, well, looks like I found some Shaman. Heh, now I can get my revenge! A-Ahahahahahaha!" The ghost said, as his spirit took form. Soon, a samurai with a ghostly tail took form, he tried to float away but the tombstone's force pulled him back.

"Damn it, curse the luck that had fallen upon me." The samurai watched helplessly as his target walked out of sight….