A/N: Oops! Sorry for the grammar mistakes. I didn't really read it over when I uploaded that chapter. I WILL remember to proofread it next time. Don't worry, I'll write it on my hand so I won't forget. Haha Now it's time for the chappy!

Disclaimer: Ahaha, IF I created Shaman King, no one would read it because my ugly drawings.

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Chapter 3: Mending a Heart

Ren had just finished drinking the last bottle of milk and was preparing to go out and buy some more, when his intuition saved him. He unknowingly took a step backwards as he heard the frantic running outside. Had he have been any closer to the door, he would've gotten a broken nose. It took him a moment to realize who it was that came crashing onto him at full speed, and yet another moment to snap out of confusion.

"Pirika?!" Ren gripped her shoulders as she struggled to flee. "Pirika! Pirika! What happened? Pirika calm down."

Pirika continued to squirm under Ren's grip as if she hadn't heard a word. Ren was getting increasingly worried as he frantically tried to think of what to do. What happened to her? Pirika calm down! I've never seen you like this...it's...scary. Stupid brain! What a great time to stop working. I really don't know what to do. Should I call Horo Horo? No, wait. He's not home yet. Damn you Horo Horo! What a great time for you to be away.

His thoughts ceased when he realized Pirika had stopped struggling. "Pirika what happened? Are you ok?" You moron! What a stupid question. Of course she's not ok. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Dazed, Pirika looked up and through her tears, saw Ren. She didn't want him to see her in this state. In fact, she didn't want anyone to see her like this at all. "Ren, I...I..." She wasn't able to finish her sentence as another flood of tears streamed down her face. "I've got...I..." She tried again, "I've got...to go somewhere."

"Go where? Pirika just tell me what's wrong." Ren asked again.

"I need to...need to...groceries!" She finally managed to put together a few words. "The groceries at the park..." Pirika turned to leave, but once again, Ren grasped her arm.

"Pirika, please tell me what's wrong." Ren pleaded. "Here. Let me—" His sentence was left unfinished because Pirika pulled away and ran out the door; hair flying wildly behind her.

Ren, dumbfolded stared at his hand blankly. It took him a while, but he finally realized why it looked so different. It was speckled with tear drops. Pirika...

He sprinted after her.

( o )

He found her on the park bench, clutching the bag of groceries. Judging from her teary-eyed expression, she seemed to be oblivious of the coming and goings of the people around her. Watching her, Ren was suddenly overwhelmed with the wanting to hug her. It was the first time he had ever felt so useless. He forcefully brushed away that feeling and sat down beside her.

"Pirika? Pirika?" Ren gently nudged her. "What's wrong? Come on, I promise I won't laugh. But if it's because of something stupid, then you're overreacting." Pirika sat there showing no reaction to his comment. "Is it...is it because of him?"

Ren's guess was confirmed when he saw a trickle of water slide down her cheek. "That no good bastard. Don't worry Pirika, me and Horo Horo will take care of him."

Ren's fury was diminished when Pirika whispered a hoarse, "No."

"No?"

"I just...please don't...I don't want anything bad to happen." Pirika whispered. "I'll be fine. Let me cry it all out and I'll be fine."

"Horo Horo should know..."

Pirika shook her head. "Please Ren..." She lowered her eyes as she found herself meeting Ren's gaze.

"There, there. I promise ok? Please don't cry anymore Pirika." Ren said while giving her an awkward hug.

By the time they went back to the Asakura manor, everyone was deep in their dreams. Before they separated to go to their own rooms, Pirika lightly tapped Ren on the shoulder and murmured, "Thank you."

( o )

The next morning, Horo Horo was giving Ren a lecture about doors. "Ren, do you know why doors were invented? So they can be closed. So why didn't you close the door yesterday?"

"Boro Boro I'm not in the mood. Go bother someone else."

Everyone was stunned. No one thought it possible for Ren to ever turn down an opportunity to offend Ren. But apparently, it was possible.

At school, more people joined the shockwave when they heard the news of Pirika and Tamako's breakup. They were even more surprised at how lighthearted Pirika seemed to be.

"Pirika we heard what happened!" Sheila shrilled. "What a jerk. You're too good for him Pirika."

"I know."

"You don't seem a bit upset." Lily commented.

"Well of course not! Have you seen the lineup of guys preparing to confess to her?!"

"Yeah, that's true. But, seriously Pirika, how come you're not upset?"

Pirika gave a small smile. "Let's say I have a very comforting friend."

"Does that friend happen to be a guy?" Sheila inquired suggestively.

"That's for me to know. I have to go now. See you!"

When Sheila was sure Pirika was out of earshot, she turned to Lily and said, "I bet you anything that boys will be confessing to her tomorrow."

Lily chuckled, "More like in a few hours."

"Yeah, you're probably right." After a moment's hesitation, "So do YOU think it was a guy?"

"Maybe."

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A/N: Yep, this is a short chapter. I would've finished this chapter sooner, but for some unknown reason, my computer mouse stopped working. Two more weeks until first term ends! I'm so nervous about my grades...

Well, I'll update ASAP.I should really to go to sleep...it's tres tres late.