I'M SORRYYY! Didn't think I'd be busy during the summer, right now: summer school (to complete grad requirements), and college applications…ek.

In case if you've forgotten the storyline:

Complete names of the non-SK characters: Kaeda Kuragwa (K-chan), Sakino Kurata (Tamao's roommate), Jin Hirigami (guy with spiky green hair)

Summary: Tamao transfers to a new school, St. Henri's Academy. K-chan introduces Tamao to her roommate, Sakino, an athletic girl with a cold personality. Hao, class ambassador, is giving Tamao a tour of the school, and its functions.

Disclaimer: I don't own Shaman King. But I made up a few names/characters. Saint Henri's Academy is also fictional.

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The Cocky Rooster and the Sheepish Lamb

Chapter 5

By the time the tone sounded, most everyone was in class.

"So, what's your name?" He asked casually. The boy faced her, leaning his shoulder on the wall. His long hair went past his shoulders, he had a nice tan complexion. Tamao stared up at him, her eyes wide in surprise…if there was anything to be surprised about.

"Your name?" he arched an eyebrow.

"Tamao Tam-Tamamura," an unexpected stutter.

"Tamao Tamamura?" he waited for her to nod, "Welcome to Saint Henri's Academy. Do you have your class schedule?"

Tamao picked out a folded piece of paper out of the left breast pocket.

"Hey…" Hao stared at the piece of paper, "You're in the same class as me! Good job! Well, our class is right here, standing in front of you!" He motioned his right hand to the closed door behind him. "Well, are you interested in any clubs, hobbies, or athletics?"

"Um…" Tamao hesitated, she never attended any clubs at her old school.

"Maybe you'd be interested in the Arts-and-crafts Club? That tends to be popular among girls, and not as hard core in art as the Art Club. There's a Book Club, Chess Club, Film/Photography Club…" Hao trailed off in his list, "or maybe you'd like athletics?

"When does the Book Club meet?"

"They meet every Monday, after school in the library. Follow me." Hao walked at a moderately slow pace. "Not many people hang out at the library, unless if it is for using computers."

The library was exactly as Hao had described it: empty.

"Oh, Tamao, there is another club which I think you'd might be interested in. It's the Community Service Club, want to know more?" Hao paused for a moment.

Tamao nodded her head, and waited by him.

"The Community Service Club consists of about 10 people. Remember Jin, the guy with spiky green hair? He's in that club as well as myself. The Club goes outside of school boundaries to participate in any organized volunteer activity." Hao leaned against the window. "In order to join, you'll need a signature from a teacher to show that you're a trustworthy student."

Tamao bit her lower lip.

"Great, class time is almost up." he said in a saddened tone, "Tamao, are you living in the dorms?"

"Yes, actually."

"Okay, then I'll walk you to the girls' dorm." Hao strolled down the hall with Tamao following behind.

"Wait. Hao, you know where the girls' dorm is?"

"Oh?" he said, and halted at the vestibule. He reached into his trouser pockets, and pulled out a crumpled brochure. "A map. Honestly, I've never been to the girls' dorm before." He held the outer door open for her.

"Thanks." She smiled, much happier to be outside.

The two trotted along in silence for a few minutes.

"Hey, Tamao. I've been thinking…you should help out with the cleaning in your dorm."

"Huh?"

"To be in the Community Service Club you need a signature. Usually the dorm manager is a teacher, so all you have to do is volunteer to do a lot of chores this weekend. Then ask your dorm manager if she'll sign for you to join the club."

"Brilliant, I will do that."

"Good, I hope to see you there. I really think you'll like it."

Tamao glanced at Hao, but he just stared on forward, the girls' dorm was in sight. Tamao reached the stairwell going up to her room. "Thank you for walking me back."

"Sure, but just one question."

"Yes?"

"What brings you to St. Henri's? And why so late in the school year? About a semester has passed already."

Tamao paused, not knowing how to respond.

"Nothing in particular."

Hao smiled, "Alright. See you tomorrow." He started walking back to the school, and waved the back of his hand to her. She watched him for a moment, his lazy stroll, hands in his pockets. Tamao headed up the long flight of stairs. The tone sounded.

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