Thank you for all of your reviews again. I slowly make progress on updating.


"Tamao," Anna nudged the unconscious girl. Not only Amidamaru, in spirit ball form, but also Bason were beside her as she struggled to wake her up. She was electrified. Ever inch of her was racing with adrenaline and her head ached with confusion. It felt as if something was trying to break through. Anna shook Tamao roughly, gripping her slender shoulders. Tamao lashes flickered as she groaned, slowly coming back to reality. Her large eyes looked up at Anna then her mouth opened.

"Amidamaru," she whispered, shaking. Anna relaxed on the floor, her hand place delicately over her pounding heart. Tamao sat up, her eyes gazing at the two spirits then at Anna. "I…I...they…the chest…"

"I know," Anna replied, bluntly looking at the spirits. "We have a situation on ours hands now."

"But…I…it does not make any sense!"

"Of course it does not. Nothing does. Nothing has for the past few days. Now you realize how I been feeling." Anna coldly informed Tamao, a stern and chiding expression flashing across her features.

"I…I…still do not get it. My head hurts."

"You did just faint. You probably hit your head.

"Miss Tamao…Miss Anna," Bason cut in, he was calm and sincere. "I do not mean to interrupt but…"

"You look different," Amidamaru muttered suddenly. He had been staring at them with confused stare.

"Of course. We are both nineteen." Amidamaru and Bason's reaction was nothing more than chaotic. They both were a bundle of voices, causing Tamao and Anna to jolt in surprise. They began to talk at once, voice mingling together.

"Shut up, vapor brains," Anna hissed. "Someone will hear you."

"Yes…" Tamao agreed, soft and shaking. "Please lower your voices."

"And one at a time."

"Mistress Anna," Amidamaru said. "Why are you and Miss Tamao so alarmed?"

"You can not be discovered, okay? We are already in hot water and this is going to add more steam. Whether you realize this or not, a lot of shit has happened."

"Discovered. By who?" Anna stared at them, suspiciously and unblinking.

"We been locked in that trunk for five years," Bason explained. "We do not know what has happened."

"Hao is shaman king," Tamao said, quickly.

"No he is not."

"Yes he is," Anna replied, icy and bitter. Amidamaru was looking at her, searching her with his dark eyes. Then he shook his head, his face was a portrait of sorrow and regret.

"No, Mistress Anna. That is not Hao."

"What do you mean?"

"Yoh died, Amidamaru," Tamao told him, her voice was airy, brimming with sorrow and tears. "Hao…"

"Shut up, Tamao," Anna snapped at the pink-haired girl. Tamao mouth opened but the harshness in Anna's voice stopped her. She looked ashamed of herself, guilt and remorse filled her wet eyes liked tears. "What do you mean that is not Hao. He sure has hell acts a lot like him."

"It might be him more mentally but physically that is Yoh and even in some small part, still Yoh."

Anna stared at him, her brain was moving fast, pieces of the puzzle falling securely into place though the picture was warped. Hao did not kill Yoh's friend, that was the first curious problem. If had been truly Hao, Anna would have been alone or maybe even dead with them. Secondly, with evidence of Amidamaru and Bason, he could not rid himself of his spirit. Yet what about Manta?

He had been Yoh's first human friend, Anna thought, her mind moving quickly, conjoining random thoughts. He would never… but Hao would. When I heard Yoh's voice earlier, I heard it clearer then before when I was with Kino-sensei. I am near. It made sense. Yet it was blurry. Something did not hold properly. Silence filled Anna's ears; everyone around her was staring at her. She sighed.

"Explain."

"After defeating Hao, we searched for him before returning to Patch Village. He was dead, a ghost, just looking at the Great Spirit." Anna's mind was working the image. The Great Spirit, the towering blue beam of souls and she could see Hao, his long hair unaffected by the wind. It was a vaguer memory mixed with her ideas of the event.

"He began to mutter something…Yoh went to his side to hear while the rest stayed back. We did not know what to do next. After that battle, we were all tired and just thankful for it to be over. It did not matter who the Shaman King was at that point. As Yoh and Hao talked, everyone was on edge. What were they talking about? After a few minutes, Yoh came up to you. He said, 'Anna. Will you do something for me?'"

"'What,' was your reply. To all of our shock, Yoh answered, smiling, 'can you perform a merger of Hao and me?'" Anna snorted and Amidamaru smiled. "There was more of a reaction than that. You were furious and everyone else had there own objections. However stood his grounds. He tried explained that it was for the better."

"How could that be for the better," Tamao asked.

"It obviously was not," Anna said.

"It seems now but at the point Yoh was positive that it was something he had to do. One of his arguments was that he would be shaman king, as a combination of him and Hao. No matter them, way we viewed it, Hao was shaman king. At least he could do less damage if Yoh had some control over him and this was the best way."

"That makes too much sense though," Anna interrupted. She did not mean to sound harsh to Yoh but it was true.

"Whatever Yoh felt, he was strong about it. I think there was more to it but he just could not explain to all of us….so…"

"I merged them…" Anna finished a bit hollowly. Amidamaru nodded. Anna scowled to herself. Why would she do something like that? It sounded so risky and stupid and…pointless. Hao had died, he could not reincarnate again, and it seemed to be better. Why would they merge? Wait! If she had merged them…why did not anyone else remember. If Hao had taken over Yoh during that time, then they would know. Why was everyone hit with amnesia?

"So that is Yoh?" Tamao looked between Amidamaru and Anna. Amidamaru nodded, but Anna shook her head. A confused look etched across Tamao's features.

"Miss Anna…" Amidamaru began.

"So what if it is physically Yoh…mentally he is Hao. That does not change anything. But my question is why everyone does not remember, they believe…"

"Some one is coming," Bason said, suddenly.

"What," the two girls said in unison.

"I can sense something. Can you not Amidamaru?" Amidamaru was still then nodded, casually. Tamao and Anna looked at each other. Oh no…they were going to be discovered. Then quickly the girls were on there feet, alert and cautious. That dirty spirit must have told Hao, Anna hissed mentally. Damnit.

"Tamao. Is there another way out of my room," Anna asked, intently. Tamao was near tears, her eyes were wide and quivering.

"Yes…the servant…we are going to be is big trouble…Master Hao… I mean Yoh…I mean…"

"Tamao. Shut it! Take Amidamaru and Bason. Hid them somewhere, anywhere…Take them to Kino and Keiko. You know where that is. Tell them…just tell them anything but be careful. Do you know where Kino and Keiko are?" Tamao just nodded, sniffling.

"Miss Anna. We cannot leave you alone…and what about Hao and Yoh. Where is everyone?"

"No time to explain. In addition, you will not be able to get anything out of Tamao, Kino, or Keiko. They been brainwashed or something. Just…they believe Yoh is dead and Hao is shaman king."

"No. It is Yoh…he…Hao…"

"No time, vapor brain. If Hao walks for that door…and yes it is Hao no matter what you believe and discovers us then…we are in for it. Yoh may be buried deep down but right now Hao is in control. Just go and I will find you later, okay. Get out of here."

Her heart was pounding and her ears were ready to hear the door open as she stood with the two gawking spirits and Tamao on the nervous breakdown. She hated this feeling of complete fear. She did not fear but instilled fear in others. Amidamaru was about to say anything but Anna looked murderous and wild. He shut his mouth and with Bason followed Tamao into the servant's entrance. As soon as they left, Anna was left in silence, her heart pounding in her ears. She realized she had been breathing hard.

Anna rubbed her head, surprisingly calm externally though her body and mind were racing. Everything was happening too quickly. She casually crawled into the bed, automatically and curled under the covers. It did not even occur to her about how natural it seemed as her mind was somewhere else, thinking and mulling over her new knowledge. Hao is Yoh…or Yoh is Hao. Despite her earlier logic, the very thought made her giddy and her head to ache as she tried to make sense of it.

She had helped Yoh and Hao merge. Hao was in Yoh's body and obviously over power him. Did they not notice? Why did everyone believe how was dead? Was that everyone covering up what they did not want to believe or just did not understand? No because Hao obviously knew what was going on. He kept people from discovering the truth, he made sure that she would not remember. Did he brainwash everyone? Anna scowled, groaning in frustration.. It had not cleared anything up…it added more questions.

Who was she really married too? The thought hit here, odd and random with very little importance. Yet it seemed important. It had to be for her to think about it. Was she married to Hao or Yoh? Physically it was Yoh and mentally it was Hao. Yet Hao and Yoh were identical twins. Did it matter what body the soul resided in if they were identical. Of course, they had not been identical, Yoh had short hair, and Hao had long. However, that could easily change and as for their movements and characteristics, it could change with whoever soul was in the soul But Yoh was still in his body, just buried.

"Anna. Are you okay?" Anna jumped in utter surprise and pulled the covers away from her heard. Her husband, who was how she saw him now, was gazing at her with brown eyes. He had no Name at this point because the name changes each perspective. She had been too deep in thought, she had not realized he had come in and was now sitting on the edge of the bed next to her. His long hair spilled over his shoulders, he had his shirt off exposing his lean chest, and his eyes were liquid as they search her emotionless features. They both were examining each other, trying to figure out something that they did not understand.

"I am fine," Anna finally answered, her voice was cautious and flat. His face twisted in an expression she could not describe. He did not believe her, which was obvious. He leaned in, brushing a few loose strands away from her face. Anna did not know what to do. As the Queen, she could simply back away and he would still believe she was mad at him yet then what. As Anna, she wanted to just punch him, seriously punch him to vent out her frustration. That was not a good idea either.

"Do not lie to me," Hao, it was Hao because that was who was talking to her, sighed. His fingers traced the side of her face, looking at her intensely.

"I do not feel like being truthful," Anna stated. Actually, she could not but of course, he did not need to do this. "I am still mad at you."

Hao snatched her into arms…just swift and suddenly that it caught her off guard. He surprised her even more when he lifted effortlessly off the bed and carried her to the bathroom. He placed her in front of the mirror and stood behind her, holding her forearms. What the hell, Anna wondered. Her honey-blonde locks were messy around her shoulders and her black were narrowed, suspicious, and just tired. A slight red mark adorned her neck, which was fading. Hao looked authortive and strong behind her, his own hair was sleek and kept. His dark eyes were thoughtful but concerned and deep in thought.

"Look at us, Anna."

"I am. All I see is our reflections."

"I am not saying literally…what you see with your eyes."

"You are not making any sense…I am going to bed." Anna tried to leave but his grip was hard and kept her in her place. Anna pursed her lips together and her eyes clearing were flaring with anger.

"See, Anna," Hao whispered, close to her ear. "You get angry easily, you have been moody, reclusive, nosy, irritable and…a bit overbearing."

"What does that have to do with us, Hao…" her voice rose when she said his name.

"We had our trouble, I will not deny it. However, look what the past few days have done. The last time we stood together in front of this mirror, we were strong and confident…do you remember." Very vaguely, she thought to herself. She could remember standing in front, discussing something somewhat similar but it was positive and at a time when she was the brainwashed Queen. Yet, deep down in the Queen's heart had it been positive or had she just succumb to his idea of them.

"How do you know that this was not our true nature," Anna asked.

"What do you mean?"

"I just had a thought. How do we know that was not a lie and this is the truth? You stand the same, collected and together while I am falling apart. Before it was masked by something but now it is not. Nothing is happening to us, this is the way it is in reality and you cannot handle that."

Where did that come from? Hao let go of her, and in the mirror, he did not look happy. She wanted to add that he had to get rid of his mask but that would be a bad idea. Just as she saw something like wild fire cross his features, she realized so had the Queen's epiphany speech. Also, what mask was he wearing except his…or was it Yoh's?

"Hao…" Anna began.

"What should I do with you Anna? What am I going to do with such a fowl woman?"

"Fowl," now she was pissed. "I am nothing compared to what you are, Hao Asakura!"

"What do believe I am, Anna?" he tone was deadly calm. Anna had turned to scream at him and a shiver ran down as he stared at her. He was calm, casual with his arms over the chest. He waited patiently for her to reply. She was digging herself a hole but she could not stop.

"You are frightful! You are violent and twisted. You SCARE me," Anna winced at being so open. Yet this was not her, this was the Queen. "I have to live with you just in UTTER fear if I act differently or how I really am that I will be killed. It is apparent that you have your own insecurities about me since you tried to strangle me. I am a bitch, a cold-hearted bitch but if I am what I am…then I am just a DEAD bitch. I DO HATE YOU, Hao Asakura but how could I even begin to even like you if all I get from you imitation and repression. This rage had been boiling in me for a long while and you confirm my greatest fear that I am a dead woman if I even try to oppose you."

There was silence. Anna was breathing hard, her heart was pounding. Honestly, the Queen and Hao had real issues. Alternatively, she did and it annoyed her. How could she allow herself to become like this? It was pathetic but in a small way, she felt sympathy for herself, the Queen to live like this for so long. It also annoyed her that as she yelled at Hao about what had been boiling for years that a part of her was thinking about him as Yoh.

"Come to bed, Anna." That was all he said and retreated back into the bedroom. Anna collapsed to the floor feeling week but she smiled to herself. She felt much better.


I hope you enjoyed that chapter. I just started and I just typed until I got six pages! It really dramatic and all…I just got into it. If it seems it keep jumping topics, I write in chunks, so when I write one day I may feel one way and then differently on another.


What will happen to Anna now that the Queen's truth is out? Will it be for the best or for the worst? Will Anna ever find out what happened to Yoh and why now one to remember? All coming up in Chapter 10.