The day was almost over and the coolness of the day was becoming a comfortable chill. Hao and Opacho made their way down the calm pathway hidden in the forests of Patch. Hao's long locks were piled high in a sleek ponytail. Opacho, now ten, was picking up flowers and other trinkets of the earth, like smooth pebbles, along the way. She was chatting amiably about several different topics at once. It would range from who was made the best cake to the deer spirit she had a nice conversation it. Hao listened to her childlike innocence with the only serene attention that he could give. The dusk was the most peaceful time where he could spend time with Opacho and enjoy the perfection of his world. It was soon disrupted by the thunder of approaching footsteps and a voice chased them down.

"Master Hao! Master Hao." Hao's bare feet halted in his gentle steps and he turned around toward the voice. A tall and green-haired shaman was running with urgency toward the two. His austere features were flushed and glistening with sweat in the fading sun. He was breathing heavily, taking short and shallow breathes.

"Yes," Hao addressed him

"I…I…found…I…outlaws"

"Take a deep breath, please," Hao instructed him gently. Opacho giggled, staring inquisitively at the shaman. She fiddled with her flowers and pebbles. He took a large breath, standing up straight before letting it out in one long gust. He repeated it this process a few times before the flush from his face and his breathing was normal. Hao smiled and waved his gloved hand for him to continue.

"The wanted shamans: Yoh Asakura, Anna Kyoyama, Ren Tao, Horokeu Usui…"

"What about them?" Hao interrupted quickly, knowing full well the names of the shamans he was looking for. His interest was peaked. A wicked smile broke across the shaman's pale face.

"I found them in the Karenna Mountains near the Silent Village. They settled in an abandoned house about six months ago. Sources say they are preparing for a celebration of some kind."

"A celebration?"

"Yes. They were seen in the village a few times gather stuff. That is how they were discovered."

"Thank you very much for your information. If you may not report this to anyone else. Word will travel fast and they will move before we can reach them." He spoke with a certain calmness and precision. His mouth twitched into a slight, triumphant smile

"Yes, master. There is another…concern that I stumbled upon at the Silent Village."

"What is it?"

"In the village…there are humans…"his voice trailed off for a moment, that statement said it all. Hao looked over at him calmly and nodded.

"Thank you again. You will be rewarded." The shaman nodded greedily smiling and scampered off. Hao watched him disappear back into the village before gazing down at Opacho. She stared at him with wide, dark eyes. Her intent gaze was searching his carefully before she smiled and gave him a flower. Hao twirled the blossom in his fingers and affectionately patted Opacho on her puffy head.

"What an interesting situation," he brought the flower to his nose and took in the fragrance. "Of course my brother would find comfort in a village with humans. His heart is weak to those creatures. It about time for a family reunion, don't you think Opacho? I wonder what they are so avidly preparing for."

"A wedding?" Opacho suggested. Hao froze for a moment in his motions. His gaze was absorbed in the swaying trees but he saw nothing. His fingers clenched the flower for a brief moment, enough to cause the stem to snap under the pressure. It quickly passed and Hao casually looked down at the compressed flower. Opacho stared at him curiously before taking the flower back and returning it to her bouquet silently.

"Come on, Opacho," Hao offered his hand to the little girl. "It is time for dinner."

"It is him! Yoh Asakura, twin brother and other half of Hao! They are in the Karenna Mountains," Mariana reported excitedly. The young, dark-haired girl was wearing a familiar crisp white uniform. Her long tawny hair fell around her waist in loose curls. The green-haired leader smiled, his head rested on his gloved hands. Next to him was a silvery blue-haired girl who looked like a princess in her white gown. Mariana continued to give him details to Yoh's and the gangs' location.

"So everything is set, Master Lyserg and Mistress Jeanne."

"Good job, Mariana," Lyserg praised his loyal follower with a kind smile. After the X-Laws were defeated and Hao became shaman king, Lyserg went on a mission with Jeanne. To find people against Hao and band together to over through his rule. While everyone turned their heads and allowed Hao to reign peacefully as shaman king, the Neo-Xs fought strong and hard against him. They had enough strength and will-power not to be subdued by the king's wicked wrath. They just needed more power in their forces and Yoh was the perfect candidate.

"Thank you so much. Soon we will be able to defeat King Hao and…"

"Will Yoh help us for a final attack," Jeanne interrupted, taking her Lyserg's hand in her own.

"I doubt it. He doesn't want anything to do with it…with fighting. Truthfully with no spirit, he is useless. Yet with the right companion and the right persuasion, Yoh is perfect," he told her, patting her hand tenderly. Mariana grinned, pleasantly and her eyes twinkled.

"Yes and our persuasion plan is set into motion."

"Even better. Hao will be brought out down soon. His reign is over. He should never have become shaman king!"