"You may not always be able to feel a deeper heart feeling right away, but stay focused in the heart. The sincerity of your effort can reconnect you to your heart current and start the juices flowing. To plug in, think of someone you love or remember what feels good, maybe a fulfilling experience. Feelings help you remember." -Sara Paddison, The Hidden Power of the Heart

"I've seen your world with these very eyes

Don't come any closer, don't even try

I've felt all the pain and heard all the lies

But in my world there's no compromise"

-I Stand Alone-Bryan White

Keiko smiled as she pulled the fabric out of the bag Yoh gave her.

'This is perfect' she thought. It was a bit early, but she wanted to get started right away.

"What do you need all that for anyway Keiko?" Mikihisa asked his wife.

"Oh, just a small project to keep me busy." she said. "Why are you up so early? Usually your not up for another hour or so." she teased. Where do you think her son got his sleeping habits from?

"I heard that Melin was coming back today." Keiko turned around, her smile gone.

"That was quick. I thought she was visiting her parents for two months; it's only been one." Keiko paused then added, "You should tell her about the princess, before something happens."

"I know," Mikihisa sighed. "Why else do you think up right now?"

"Hey Tamao!" The pink haired girl looked up from her breakfast to see Pirika come into the dining hall. Beside her was a girl she'd never seen before. She had long black hair that was in two pigtails with her bangs died purple and bight blue eyes. (A/N: Sound familiar?)

"oh, great, she's back," HoroHoro muttered under his breath.

"Who is she?" Tamao asked.

"Her names Liu Melin," Chocolove answered. "Her brother was one of the Knights. She's been in China for the last month visiting family, that's why you haven't met her yet."

"Wish she stayed there," HoroHoro muttered under his breath.

"Hey guys, look whose back!" Pirika said excitedly.

"Hey Melin."

"Yeah, hi."

"You must be Tamao," Melin looked at her.

"Y-Yes, it's nice to meet you," Tamao stood and bowed politely.

"Pirika tells me you're a Seer, is that true?" she gave Tamao a look of mocking curiosity. It made her uncomfortable.

"Well?" Melin pressed when Tamao didn't say anything.

"Y-Yes, I-I am a Seer," Tamao said quietly.

"Well then," Melin grabbed a chair and sat across from Tamao. She put her elbow on the table and leaned into her hand. "Can you tell me my future?"

"Melin…" HoroHoro growled warningly. She always did this. She would try to make people feel intimidated by her by acting like she was better then them. He hated it and hated how his sister was best friends with her.

"What? I just want to know," Melin said innocently. She turned back to Tamao. "Go head. Tell me, what does my future hold."

"I-I-"

"It might help if you say please first." Ren's voice said from behind them.

Anna and Ren had entered the dining hall and over heard most of what happened. As soon as she saw her a look of relief came to Tamao's face.

"Anna-San!"

'That girl really needs to get more confidence in herself' Anna thought.

"Anna?" Melin repeated quietly. 'That's the name of that Itako Pirika mentioned. So that's her' Melin's hands curved into fists. 'She's the one spending so much time with my Yoh'

Anna, who heard these thoughts, felt a jolt of irritation.

"What are you doing back? Shouldn't you be back to your cave?" Ren said coldly.

"Shut up Tao," Melin snapped. "For your information, I came back early because I heard my brother got attacked by an Itako. Also, I couldn't stay away from my Yoh-Kun any longer."

At that last part, everyone in the room, besides Anna and Tamao, groaned.

"How many times do we have to tell you, Yoh doesn't like you," Chocolove shook his head.

"Yes he does, he just pretends he doesn't so our relationship won't interfere with his job," Melin said, her head held high.

"You love to delude yourself, don't you?" Anna spoke.

Pirika's eyes widened. It was the first time she ever heard her speak. Sure, she'd seen the Itako around the grounds, either with Ren or Yoh, sometimes both. But never heard her voice. It was quiet, cold.

"What did you say?" Melin hissed.

Anna didn't reply. She knew this type of person. Indifference annoyed people like her 9.5/10 times.

Sure enough, Melin's eyes narrowed and she took a step forward towards her. At the same time Ren stood in front of Anna, blocking her view.

"You know the rules Liu, you can't harm her." Ren reminded her.

"I don't care, she needs to learn to respect a noble like me."

"Melin," Everyone turned to see Mikihisa at the doorway.

"We need to speak to you about something,"

"But-"

"Melin."

Sending Anna one last glare, Melin left.

There was an awkward silence.

"A-Anna-San, h-how do you feel?" Tamao finally asked.

"Same as usual," Anna said before going to sit at the table next to hers, but on the end away from them.

"She's scary," Pirika whispered to her brother, sitting down beside him.

"Yeah, wonder how Yoh can stand being around her."

Tamao frowned. "Anna-San isn't a bad person, the only reason she acts like that is-"

"Tamao!" Anna's sharp voice cut Tamao. The pink haired girl jumped.

"Gomen…"she murmured, looking down. She glanced at the Itako to see her glaring at her before looking away.

Anna sighed, resting her head on her hand. 'She also needs to learn when to talk and when to shut up' she thought.

"Here," Ren put a bowl of plain rice in front of her. "The Knights will come in to eat before they leave, if you don't want a headache eat up."

Anna didn't say anything. She started eating, her mind wondering. She thought of that Melin girl. Her thoughts were dark, darker then most of the people here even the Knights. 'I'll have to be careful around her. Something tells me she has the most influence on the Knights besides the Asakura's'

"Well, I'm going to go wait for Melin at the front, see you guys," Pirika said, standing.

"Yeah, you don't want to miss the first broom to the city," Ren rolled his eyes. Pirika ignored him and left.

Just then, four Knights came in. They had desolate expressions as they sat down at a far table without bothering to get something to eat. Anna tried her best to ignore them but when she saw what was in their minds she dropped her chopsticks.

'We couldn't save her'

'Poor thing, even an Itako didn't deserve that'

'All that blood…no one in that village will be able to forget it, I won't be able to forget it…'

'I don't think I can do this anymore…'

Images of a little girl, about ten years old, laying spread out on the floor. Blood seeped through the wound in her throat, a hole in her chest above her heart. Blood stained the ground around her. An orphan, family dead from disease, shunned by most villagers they found out…shy, but always had a smile…

She felt like she was going to be sick.

"Anna? Anna, can you hear me?" Yoh, who she hadn't even notice come in, shook her shoulder gently. She blinked, her eyes becoming focused again.

"Ow," She put her hand to her now pounding head.

"Should we take her to Faust?" Ren asked.

"I'm fine," Anna said crossly. She stood, ignoring everyone's looks. "I just need some air." before he could say anything she turned to Yoh, and added without looking at him "And no, I don't need nor want you to come with me."

With that, she left, not even bothering to look at his look of hurt and confusion.

"WHY IS SHE HERE! KILL HER!"

"Liu-San, please calm down."

"NOT UNTIL YOU GET RID OF HER!"

Mikihisa sighed, frustrated.

"Liu-San, you know main reasons why we take in Itako's, right?" he said.

"Yeah, to either execute them or send them to the X-Prisons to get killed," Melin crossed her arms, leaning back in her chair.

"No, actually. It's to protect them from execution. The ones that are really dangerous, the ones that want to kill for no reason, are the ones we kill and-"

"Oh please," Melin rolled her eyes. "Itako's are horrible. They are all killers who summon spirits to help them kill. Everyone knows that."

"None the less, you are to stay away from the princess."

"Why?"

"Because with your history, I'm sure even Yoh wouldn't forgive you."

Anna POV

The breeze that came felt nice against my flushed skin. I closed my eyes, leaning back against the tree, listening to the water. I liked it, it helped calm me somehow. Then again nature always did.

"You seem troubled by something Anna-San," I turned to see that Matamune beside me. . "Could it be your Reishi bothering you again?" my eyes narrowed. He was starting to get on my nerves with following me and knowing things he shouldn't.

"Mind your own business," I muttered, looking at the water. So much for finding a calm place.

"I'm sure Yoh-San is worried right now."

"I want nothing to do with Asakura," I snapped.

"Oh? And I was under the impression that you two were getting along, despite your backgrounds."

I didn't say anything.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were avoiding him, Anna-San." Was this cat trying to annoy me on purpose?

"Bite your tongue Nekomata or I'll destroy that Over Soul of yours," I said coldly. I looked back at the water. He was right though. I didn't want to be near Yoh so I've been spending the last few days with Ren as my Escort instead of the both of them, or just Yoh. Since that night I haven't been able to be near him. Why? Because I was afraid. Afraid that if I spend anymore time near him I'll end up opening my heart and I can't do that…

"Stop glaring at the ground Anna," I looked up at the old woman in front of me.

"I said I didn't want to come." I said darkly.

"Nonsense," the old woman replied, though she understood. It was hard for the child to be in crowds.

"If you understand why make me come?" I snapped. "Sensei," i added as to not sound too disrespectful though it was hard.

"You need to learn to open your heart," my teacher replied. "It's the only way to help cure your power."

"Look, it's Akuma," a voice whispered.

"Witch, go back to where you came from!"

"No, witches are at least human, she's a Demon!"

"Get lost you damn Itako or we'll kill you here and now."

I looked down so my hair covered my eyes. So I didn't have to see the hateful stares. "Open my heart?" I whispered. "To these humans? They want to see me dead with my head cut off and you want me to open up to them?"

I shook my head, trying to shake the memory from my mind. I knew the pain of betrayal after my first teacher betrayed me, that's why I didn't show emotions. I knew the pain of trusting someone only to be thrown aside that's why I didn't talk much. I knew the sadness of someone I care about dieing that's why I didn't want to get close to anyone.

But I couldn't help but wonder, would there be all that with Yoh? He wanted to be my friend, he wanted me to trust him. But I couldn't.

"Anna?" I stiffened.

'The Great Spirits are playing with fire' I thought.

Normal POV

"Yoh-San," Matamune bowed.

"Hey Matamune," Yoh grinned.

He sat down beside her, a worried look on his face.

"Are you feeling ok? You're a bit pale," he said.

"Go away," Anna whispered.

Yoh sighed, leaning back on his hands.

"You know, even though you try pushing me away I'm not going anywhere," he said.

"I said go away." Anna snapped.

"No thanks," Anna gave him an annoyed look.

"Your really getting on my nerves Asakura," she said. Yoh laughed.

"That's exactly what Ren said to me when he first came to stay with us," He said, trying to calm down. "He said I was going to be the death of him because I was so care free that it'd give him headaches."

'I believe it' Anna thought.

"But he's still one of my best friends," Yoh sighed. He looked at Anna, a smile on his face. "If I can get him to trust me I'm positive I can get you to."

She rolled her eyes but Yoh noticed that her lips twitched.

The stayed there by the water, both lost in their thoughts. Anna's someplace Yoh couldn't guess, Yoh's someplace Anna ignored.

'She told me about her Reishi, and she let me stay with' he thought. 'It's a good start'

"There we go," Keiko sighed, a small smile on her face as she place the glass vase on the desk. It was light orange at the top and faded to a darker shade of orange to red at the bottom. In the vase was a small bouquet of red Spider Lilies. She was in Anna's room.

"Keiko? What are you doing in here?"

Keiko turned to see her father standing in the door way. He had a look of disapproval on his face.

"I was cutting some flowers in the garden and I thought I'd bring some up to the Princess's and Tamao-Chan's room," she said. She gave the young girl pink roses and lilies.

Yohmei's look, if possible, darkened more.

"You shouldn't get too attached to that girl Keiko," he said. "You should remember that she won't be staying here permanently like Tamao. Depending on her actions she might sent back to the X-Prisons or to one of the Itako villages we have set up. Both you and your son should remember that."

"I know that," Keiko frowned. "But that doesn't mean I'll treat her like a bomb about to go off like you do. I think that girl's been through enough as an Itako. I treat her as I would any child that comes into my home."

I love Keiko in this story! I know you haven't seen much of her but I can tell you that in future chapters you will too!

So, to the people who have read 'Love Comes In Different Forms', what did you think about Melin? I know you all loved her in that story so I decided to bring her back, haha!

Anyway, so sorry that I haven't updated in for awhile, final exams started Friday and are the rest of the week and I had to study like hell for the last two weeks for my math final so I didn't have enough time to work on Choices! Thanks to those who reviewed!

NelFayt: I'm glad you love my stories! I worry sometimes that their not that great but reviews like yours cheer me up! Thank you!

Cat-so-curious: I know what you mean, Hao's awesome. Hmm, not gonna give anything away just yet but you are on the right track about those two.

koorinosekai: Thanks for your review, I'm glad you like it so much.

midori nO himE: haha, glad it made you so happy! Your reviews are the best. As for Sakumari Natsuki, she was mentioned back in chap 9. P.S, I also love your stories their so good and keep me waiting for more!