Authoress' Notes: For anyone who wants a quick reference for this chapter, see Shaman King (2021) episode 9 or the Shaman King manga chapters 54+.

Yoh versus Ren — The Reason I Fight

Finally, the day had come.

As far as Ren was concerned, today was just another stepping stone to his path to victory.

Yoh was but another obstacle that he had to overcome to realize his ambitions.

As Ren placed down his cellphone on the sink, a group chat thread opened, revealing the photo that he had been eying from time to time since it was sent. It was the picture that Kagome had taken at her ceremony days ago. The pixels depicted Kagome looking sublime in Shinto priestess garbs and a silver coronet atop her head. The angle and upward slant of her arm told that she used one hand to hold her phone up for an aerial shot. Her other hand was in the form of a peace sign and sat atop Yoh's shoulder. Likewise, Yoh held a peace sign over her shoulder as the pair huddled close for the shot.

The Asakura's toothy grin, in the company of Kagome's smile, was almost mocking Ren.

Despite how irked he was by Yoh's invitation to Kagome's ceremony, Ren didn't cave to his first instinct to crop him out of the photo when he saved it to his phone. Yoh was his romantic rival. And despite all of his bluster and boasting about how he'd be merciless to win against Yoh, Ren had taken a liking to him. His thoughts and feelings about the lax shaman who he once loathed had evolved over time.

Hatred became disgust when Ren realized that he had fallen for Kagome—but even that sickening feeling was mere envy in disguise.

But later, that disgust became respect.

And now, that respect refined itself into something softer, more familiar and comfortable.

Ren wouldn't admit it but he realized that, in a way, he admired Yoh.

"Tsk," Ren scoffed at the picture and stepped into his walk-in shower. He turned the hot valve to the max and allowed the scalding water to pelt his skin. The steaming rivets washed over the scars and tattoo on his back alike. 'Yoh… I won't lose,' The Tao spoke inwardly. 'I can't lose it.'

Ren originally sought after the Great Spirit's power to take vengeance on his family for raising him the way that they did. He previously desired the power to destroy all the evil in the world, including his family and himself. But after he met Kagome, he realized that hearts could change without destruction and spilling blood.

And now, Ren had a new reason to fight.

He wanted to change himself and his family for the better.

But also, Ren wanted to change the world for her.

Kagome deserved to live in a beautiful world and nothing less.

That was why Ren couldn't lose.

To protect her smile and dreams—Ren had to defeat Yoh.

When he was satisfied with his cleansing, Ren turned off the water and stepped out into the steamy room. "Sister, I've finished my shower! Bring me a towel and some milk!" He called out.

A few moments later, there was a soft knock on the bathroom door. Sango's voice spoke from the other side, "Ren, did you forget? Jun went back to China."

"Tch," Ren's narrowed. "Oh yeah. But why would she bother going all the way back home?"

"I believe your father summoned her to report on your battles," Sango responded. "Would you like me to bring your towel and milk?"

Ren paused for a moment.

It had been months since Sango fulfilled one of his personal requests.

He had stopped asking them of her because he had been making an effort to treat her with more dignity.

But now, she was offering.

"...I'd appreciate it," Ren answered.

Meanwhile, across the sea, Jun stood before her behemoth of a father. He was stroking one of their pet pandas as he sat atop his throne of giants. "So you're telling me Ren's ambitions remain unchanged," He concluded after his daughter's report. "So there was no point in sending you to oversee his education."

Jun shook her head negatively, "It's not just that, Father. Ren…" She gripped her arm as her eyes softened. "It's true that Ren remains defiant of the family, but—he no longer desires to destroy us."

"Hooooooo?" Yúan's interest was piqued. "So what are his new intentions?"

Jun's head tilted up, lifting her eyes from the floor. "Ren wants the power to reform our family for the better!" She proclaimed. "Ren has someone who he loves and wants to protect…" Kagome's smiling face appeared in her mind. "And Ren knows that as it is, our family isn't worthy of her."

The statement that Jun feared would enrage her father sent him into a fit of hearty cackles. His wide shoulders bounced with the internal eruptions. Once his laughter died down, The Tao head gave his daughter a wide, amused grin. "You two truly are just children…" He stated. "How foolish of you two be bewitched by one girl."

"We aren't bewitched, Father," Jun responded with a scowl. "I understand how Ren feels completely. A family like ours would only be a stain on Kagome-chan."

"Where is your pride as a Tao?" Yúan questioned, the amusement in his tone became clear ire. "I've had my eye on that girl of yours. I admit, it's quite impressive for her to become a high priestess at her age, but that alone doesn't explain why you'd lose your faith in your own clan."

"Father, it's because I have faith in our clan that I beg of you to release Ren," Jun pleaded as she took a half-step forward. "Allow Ren to lead this clan the way that he wants! He has a beautiful heart that's been hurting for so long! And for the first time—!" She envisioned the small smiles that Ren would wear around Kagome. "He knows what true strength is!"

"True strength?" Her father was glowering down at her. "It seems that the priestess truly corrupted your minds." Jun' listened to Yúan's usual tirade, his explanation for the way he raised her and her brother. "We Taos once ruled over this continent with shamanism and sorcery. We brought an age of peace and prosperity, but those fools betrayed and humiliated us. We were driven away and banished to this remote land like inferior beasts."

Jun's heart dropped when her father's iron grip on the panda's head tightened until the creature's head popped like a grape. Its blood and brain matter gushed between his fingers. His eyes were cold as he looked down at her. "Looks like you'll have to be punished and re-educated."

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

"Harusame, check!" Yoh noted aloud as he swung the katana over his shoulder. "Oracle Bell, check!"

Manta wondered how his friend could be filled with so much excitement and vigor when they were about to depart for a fight that could mean life or death. "Yoh-kun, I know that Tao Ren has changed but that doesn't mean you won't be hurt or worse," He felt like he had to point that out. "Are you sure you should be grinning like you're about to go to a party?"

"Heeeeeh?" Yoh looked a little surprised. "But I'm about to see Ren for the first time in a while. I can't help but be excited."

Manta stiffened before barking and pointing, "Don't act like you two are about to go out for tea and ramen!" His finger was shaking as he added, "Even if you've grown to like Ren, it doesn't mean he'll go easy on you!"

Yoh's surprise softened into a smile, "But I don't expect him to. I'm sure both of us are going to put our all into this fight."

"If you know it's going to be down to the hairs, then shouldn't you be a bit more worried?!" Manta questioned while tugging at his hair. "It's not even my fight and I'm about to have a panic attack!"

"If you're that scared then you can just stay here," Yoh suggested nonchalantly.

"As if I'd ever miss your fight!" Manta rebuttal indignantly. He then sighed deeply, "I'm just…worried about you, Yoh-kun. You're always so loose so it feels like someone has to."

"I don't think I ever told you this," Yoh replied as he adjusted the wrapped shoulder on his back. "But I appreciate you caring about me, Manta. I owe so much to you." He then flashed a toothy grin that made Manta blush.

"Y-Yoh-kun…" The blond boy was almost stunned. "What's gotten into you…?"

Before Yoh could expound on the matter, Anna walked into the foyer. "Manta, give me a minute with Yoh," the itako commanded cooly. Manta gave a reluctant look to Yoh but silently nodded and obliged her by opening the front door and closing it behind him.

"What's up, Anna?" Yoh queried. "Wanna come with us after all?"

"Hmph, not even close," The girl responded while wrapping her arms around herself. "Yoh…I've been thinking…"

"..." Yoh opted to stay silent to allow Anna to speak unhindered.

"Many people don't know the true fate of the person chosen to be Shaman King," She stated then added, "But we do. I'm sure you haven't forgotten what happened to Hao after he became Shaman King back then."

Yoh nodded positively, "Yes, I know… The person who becomes Shaman King…" His smile became somewhat melancholic. "...dies."

"Exactly," Anna confirmed. "That's why… I'm allowing you to drop out."

"Anna…!" Yoh's eyes widened. "What are you talking about? You were fine with it before!" He exclaimed referring to the first lives that they lived.

"Years ago, you promised that you'd become Shaman King for me," The itako expounded. She broke their gaze to hide her dejected feelings, "But after all that's happened…after what I learned… I think it makes sense for you to just give up. Don't think that I don't believe in you, because that's not the case. Even now, I know that you can do it."

"...so…why…?" was all the shocked Yoh could manage.

"Higurashi Kagome is participating to save Asakura Hao, and no doubt, she's the favorite to win it" Anna's eyes found his once again. "So there's no point in putting your life on the line. Just allow Kagome to become Shaman King."

Anna saw gears click in Yoh's head as his eyes flashed with realization. His surprise melted into an expression torn between sentimental and affliction. "Anna… Thank you for bringing that to my attention, and thank you for caring about me," Yoh's smile was the smallest its ever been. "But now that I realize what's on the line…" His grip on his strap became tighter. "I definitely can't give up."

This time it was Anna's turn to listen to Yoh. "It would be a lot easier if I just stopped here and allowed Kagome or Hao to become Shaman King, wouldn't it?" Yoh stifled a bitter chuckle as he looked to the ceiling thoughtfully. "Kagome is the type who'd make sure we'd all live happily and comfortably after all. I bet that she'd work towards making all of our dreams come true. Sitting back while someone hands me the easy life would have tempted me if I were still a kid," he admitted. The Asakura shook his head as he imagined how excited he would have been as a child.

"But…" Yoh's eyes closed as he envisioned the first Kagome that he met—the lonely priestess spirit who died long before her time.

[Yoh looked her up and down, rubbing his chin, looking thoughtfully, "Mmm… Are you sure there's nothing that I can do for you, Kagome?"

The priestess's eyes flickered before melting as her hand found its way to her belly. "...I'm sure."]

"Kagome has been suffering for so long…" Yoh proclaimed softly. "Time and time again, she's been searching for ways to save us and keep us happy. And all of this time, she's been neglecting what she truly wants. Because of that…" He smiled at Anna, hoping she'd understand the position that he was in. "I can't allow Kagome to sacrifice herself. I can't allow her to become Shaman King, if she does, she'll take care of everyone else at the price of her own happiness."

Kagome had thanked him before.

She thanked him for simply doing his job.

She thanked him for doing what anyone would do—who wouldn't befriend someone like her?

Kagome felt that she owed so much to him, but Yoh didn't feel worthy of all of that gratitude.

But he knew that she would insist that he was.

That was why Yoh had to do this for her.

Yoh had to become the person worthy of her feelings.

And this was the only way to do that.

Anna's spirits dropped as she whispered, "So this is your solution…to take her place."

Yoh nodded to the itako, "Yeah. Saving Kagome is the only ending that'll make all of this worth it."

Higurashi Kagome…a martyr who'd die for the sake of the rest of the world...

That was a fate that Yoh would not see through.

'Kagome… I'm sorry,' Yoh thought as he opened the front door and stepped out into the sunset. 'I know your priority is to save Hao, but as for me…'

'I'm going to become the Shaman King, so you don't have to.'

Long after Yoh and Manta departed for the designated battleground, Anna was sulking at the kotatsu as Tamao placed some tea and cookies before her. "A-Anna-sama, are you sure we shouldn't go with them…?"

"A good woman keeps quiet and protects the house," Anna responded flatly.

Tamao shifted nervously as she hugged her serving tray to her chest, "B-But, I've heard Kagome-sama is going to meet them there…"

"I said a good woman," The itako re-emphasized. "Tamao, don't mention that name in front of me right now."

"Yes, Anna-sama," Tamao agreed with a weak nod. 'I wonder why she's in such a bad mood…'

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

It was 6:00 PM and the area was empty when Yoh and Manta arrived at Mata Cemetery. "You feel that…?" Yoh noted as the air suddenly shifted but he remained seated on his bench. "Looks like he's here."

Manta's eyes widened, he looked left and right as Amidamaru answered, "Yes, Yoh-dono."

Suddenly, the stagnant air was broken by a loud crash as a grand white stallion leapt from the nearby trees and landed a couple of meters away from them. Standing atop of its back was none other than Ren, dressed in a black and golden fighting outfit with an extravagantly large black cloak around his shoulders. The Tao's arms crossed as his eyes calmly moved to Yoh, "Asakura Yoh, it's been a while."

Yoh responded with a silent snicker that made Ren falter. His eyes narrowed as he questioned, "Yoh, have you gone mad since we last met?"

The Asakura then rose from the bench and took a few steps closer, "Not at all. I was just thinking that making a big entrance is so like you, Ren."

"Tch," Ren scoffed through clenched teeth. "Even in front of you, I have an image to uphold." His golden eyes then glanced between Yoh, Manta, Amidamaru, and the empty bench.

Yoh caught onto the motion and smiled widely while waving his hand, "I bet part of you was hoping Kagome would be here to see how cool you looked." He then scratched behind his head as Ren froze and blushed. "Sorry, she hasn't made it yet. She's coming all the way from the shrine."

Ren finally jumped from the horse's back and stomped over to Yoh to shout, "Listen here, Yoh! You're looking too much into it! Not everything I do is for Kagome!"

Yoh then looked innocently surprised as he blinked, "Huh?" Ren didn't trust Yoh's sudden cheeky grin. "You don't have to be shy in front of me."

HoroHoro suddenly appeared next to them. His arms were crossed as his face was focused into seriousness, "Hmm… I wouldn't be too lax if I were either of you. Kagome-chan is going to see this match and internalize which one of you is the strongest." He opened his eyes and found that he caught both of their attention, "You never know, she might end up attracted to the winner more."

Ren then released Yoh and stuck his nose in the air, "Tsk, Kagome can handle herself. She isn't some weakling who clings to the strongest contender."

Yoh then nodded in agreement, "Yeah, I don't think winning this fight will sway her that way…"

Manta blanched as he spotted the slyness behind HoroHoro's sudden grin, "I don't know… I heard from San-tan that Kagome is going to let the winner take her out to dinner."

'Eh! What obvious BS!' Manta cried internally. 'There's no way they'd fall for—!' He stiffened and paled at the sudden fiery auras surrounding the opponents. 'They totally fell for it!'

Yoh and Ren were suddenly staring each other down with a frightening intensity.

"Yoh, forgive me but I won't be going easy on you," Ren stated.

Yoh's eyebrow stayed slanted as met Ren with a challenging grin, "I should be the one apologizing because I won't be losing this fight."

The Tao growled and became almost nose to nose with Yoh as he seethed, "Let's get this straight, Yoh. I'm the one most suited to take Kagome to dinner."

"Ah?" Yoh blinked while taking a step back. He then held a straightened hand next to Ren's head and then himself as if measuring something. "Have you gotten taller since I've last seen you?" He suddenly queried.

"Of course, I drink three glasses of milk every day!" Ren retorted.

"I see," Yoh grinned wider, "That takes a lot of dedication. I can see why Kagome likes you so much."

Ren's entire face went beet red as his jaw dropped, "A-Are you making fun of me?!" He questioned while gripping his weapon offensively.

"Of course not, I mean it," Yoh replied cordially before looking over his shoulder and smiling at the approaching priestess. "Speak of the angel." He turned around and raised a hand in greeting. "Yo, Kagome. You made it in time~"

"Don't 'yo Kagome' me," Kagome huffed as she looked between her friends' expressions: Yoh was as lax as usual, Manta looked anxious, and Ren looked very peeved. "Have you been riling up Ren before the fight?" She placed her hands on her hips. "Isn't that playing dirty?"

Yoh blushed while scratching his cheek and smiling guilty, "Maybe just a little…"

"So you were making fun of me!" Ren's eye twitched as he grabbed a handful of Yoh's shirt.

Yoh then grinned from ear to ear, "I was teasing you but I wasn't lying."

"Eh?" Ren's grip loosened as he looked surprised. "What are you trying to say…?"

Kagome sweatdropped as she looked to HoroHoro and Manta, "Okay, what did I miss here…?"

Manta deadpanned as HoroHoro scratched the back of his head and grinned, "Oh nothing! Just guy talk!"

On cue, the oracle bells chimed and signaled that the fight would soon begin. "Wah!" Manta almost jumped out of his skin from the sudden sound. "I-It's starting!" He looked at Kagome and suggested, "We should find a safe spot to watch from!"

"Well, come on," Kagome called from over her shoulder as she sprinted away from the scene. "Let's get out of their way!" Manta and HoroHoro started after her. But as she went, the priestess looked over her shoulder and waved, "Do your best!"

Yoh and Ren nodded and replied in unison, "Will do." They then paused and gave each other agitated looks. Yoh's broke first as he grinned, "I'm sure she was talking to both of us."

"Whatever," Ren muttered as he threw his cloak aside. "Let's get this over with."

The countdown began as the sun disappeared on the horizon, the warm-hued sky fading into deep blue with each passing second. Not even a second after the final countdown, Ren leaped into the air, obscuring the moon as he called, "Bason into Bason Blade!" He swung his glowing weapon down at Yoh, "Behold, my Golden Oversoul!" The mere force sent shockwaves and gusts across the area.

Manta was trembling with his mouth agape, "Y-Yoh-kun might be in trouble!" The dust cloud roused by Ren's attack obscured his view.

"Don't worry, Manta-kun," Kagome told him calmly. "You've seen it, right…? Yoh's new OverSoul."

Meanwhile, Yoh chuckled as he used his glowing shield to ward Ren off. "Eheh, you jumped right into it and startled me," The Asakura told him. "If it weren't for Amidamaru, I would be done for."

"Tch," Ren's eyes narrowed as he relented and broke the deadlock. He jumped back and stared Yoh down, "So that's your new OverSoul. Looks like you've become stronger after all."

"Ah, thanks," Yoh blushed and grinned. "It's flattering that you noticed."

"Asakura Yoh," the Tao growled as he rotated his weapon in his hand. "You really ought to take this fight more—" He dashed to Yoh and began an onslaught. Yoh raised his shield. "SERIOUSLY!"

Stab! Block. Stab! Block. Stab! Block. Stab! Block.

Ren was relentless as he lunged attack after attack.

Manta's eyes widened when the Tao suddenly disappeared and reappeared behind Yoh. "TAKE THIS!" Ren bellowed as he swung his blade at Yoh's back. His golden eyes widened when Yoh simply rotated his shield and blocked the attack. "How can you shield yourself from an attack that you can't see?!"

"That's because Yoh-dono can see through my eyes!" Amidamaru declared.

Yoh smirked as he spoke without turning, "This is how I use my OverSoul." When he felt Ren's weight disappear, Yoh countered with a swing of Harusame, "Amidaryu Shinku Buddhagiri!"

HoroHoro's jaw dropped as a shockwave of energy collided with Ren and exploded, "Yoh's training truly has been paying off…" He then looked at Kagome and noticed her cupped hands. "So, who do you want to win, Kagome-chan?"

"Eh?" The priestess blinked. "Well…" She looked uncertain. "Honestly… I can't say there's one who I want to win and one who I want to lose. Both of them are my dear friends and I want us all to attend the opening ceremony together."

"I see…" HoroHoro responded before running his hand through his hair. "To tell you the truth, I wanted to make sure the match was super entertaining since I came all the way out here to see it in person." His toothy grin was a bit sheepish as he admitted, "So I told them that you'd let the winner take you to dinner."

Kagome's aura was flaming as she glared him down, HoroHoro shrunk beneath his gaze, "HoroHoro-kun, why would you tell them that?!"

"Well, uh—"

Before he could respond, the priestess suddenly simmered down. She crossed her arms and huffed, "I'm telling Sango-chan."

"W-What?!" HoroHoro panicked, his arms flailing about. "Kagome-chan, no! She'll get mad at me!"

Meanwhile, Ren stood proud and unscathed. His golden aura flared and burned brighter. Yoh took notice, "Amidamaru, looks like he's getting serious."

Ren's mace was twice its size and inflated with his Furyoku. He charged Yoh and swung, only to bludgeon his shield again. Yoh propelled himself into the air. But Ren was on his tail, racing after him with another swing that was blocked.

The Tao smirked as his weapon and Yoh's shield were deadlocked again. "Do you think this is all I'm capable of?" The image of colossal-sized Bason appeared behind Ren. The warrior wound back his arm. "Bason Golden Punch!" His fist smashed Yoh and sent him flying. "Yoh, you'd be better off surrendering!" Bason cupped his hands together and hammered Yoh's airborne body, barreling him into the ground below.

"R-Ren might really be trying to kill him!" Manta exclaimed.

Kagome, despite her worried face, shook her head, "There's no way. Ren would never do that."

Manta then turned to her and pointed at the scene, "How can you watch Ren hit Yoh with an attack like that and say he's not trying to kill him?! Have you gone insane?!"

"I haven't, okay?!" Kagome retorted before scowling, "I just know that Ren isn't that type of person." She closed her eyes and remembered the tests before the preliminaries…

[ It was late, hours after they had dinner. Kagome opened the doors into the training room and blinked, "Huh? She was surprised to find the area empty. There was never a time when Ren wasn't training and exercising after a meal. 'I wanted his opinion on my new attack. Where could he be?'

Ten minutes later, Kagome was at his room door. She had never gone inside before. She knocked and called out, "Hey, Tao-kun! Are you here?"

There was no response or sound of movement from inside.

'I guess, he went out…?' The priestess surmised before heading back toward the common area. It was there that she heard the distinct click of the front door mechanism locking. Kagome was swift in crossing the hall and living room to find Ren slumped against the entrance. "T-Tao-kun!" Her eyes widened as she ran to his side, "Are you alright…?!"

Her heart was pounding heavily in her chest.

Ren was a horrific sight.

He was leaning against the door.

His head bowed so his bang hung over his face.

His body and clothes were covered in blood splatter.

"...it isn't mine…" Ren whispered. His back slid down the door as he sunk to the floor. "Don't bother worrying for nothing."

Kagome squatted in front of him, her brows sunken with worry, "Even if it isn't your blood. How can I not worry about you when you look like this?!"

His eyes stayed down. He was too low—too ashamed to look her in the eye. "Shouldn't someone like you be scared of me? Shouldn't you be running away?"

"I don't know what you take me for," The priestess replied with a scowl. "But there's no way that I'm going to run away, or leave you alone." He jerked his arm away when she reached for his shoulder.

"Don't try to coddle me!" Ren barked as he finally looked up to glare at Kagome. "I'm not Sango. I don't have an excuse like her."

"You're right," Kagome told him softly. "You and Sango-chan were brought up differently…" Her hand still found his shoulder. "But that doesn't mean that you don't need help, or that you can't be redeemed. I'm not going to pretend to understand why you did it, but…"

Ren's eyes widened when Kagome tried to offer him a smile—a small comfort that he didn't deserve.

"You clearly regret it. That's how I know that I don't have to be afraid." ]

Kagome had almost forgotten about the night that Ren earned his right to participate in the Shaman Fights. Even now, the memory of Ren covered in someone else's blood was terrifying. It put the horrendous way he was raised into perspective. Even now, Kagome was sure that Ren thought back to his sin. She was sure that every day that he woke up, he would sit a crown of thorns upon his head.

And it tore her apart, not knowing what she could do for him—not knowing how she could help him find a way to forgive himself. All that Kagome knew how to do was believe in him. "Ren is…the type of person who uses his blade to protect," Kagome whispered.

During her remembrance, Kagome didn't see the heated exchange between the opponents. Ren continued to attack Yoh full throttle, pouring more Furyoku into each strike. Yoh had been forced into the defensive and to recreate his broken OverSoul. "Yoh, if you don't take me seriously, you're going to end up losing!" Ren told him.

Amidamaru readily agreed, "He's right, Yoh-dono! If we don't go on the offensive, we'll never be able to keep up! Pour more Furyoku into our next attack!"

Yoh merely shook his head while parrying Ren's strike with his shield, "I really don't wanna." He address his partner's panic calmly, "That's exactly how I lost to Faust. I lost sight of myself in my rage and used up all of my Furyoku." The Asakura's speech was as steady as stream as he effortlessly thwarted strike after strike, "In that cavern, I learned how important but difficult it is to be yourself. I was only able to live by being myself."

Yoh shot another shockwave at Ren, who grunted as he dodged it. "So I'm not going to do something that isn't me." As Ren landed a few meters away, Yoh spoke up, "Ren, tell me something. What do you intend to do if you win this fight?"

Ren scoffed at the inquiry, "Isn't it obvious? I'm going to fight on until I become the Shaman King!"

"So you'll be able to take down any opponent?" Yoh questioned. "...even Kagome?"

The Tao stiffened and narrowed his eyes, "...what are you getting at…?"

"Kagome has already advanced to the second phase," Yoh stated. "If you win, you'll eventually have to fight her to become Shaman King." The Asakura noted the flash of dread in the Tao's eyes. "Will you be able to take Kagome down to take the win?"

"Shut the hell up!" Ren roared as he shot towards Yoh. "Where do you get off putting me on the spot when you're in the same position?!" He growled as Yoh's shield staved him off. He grunted as he poured more Furyoku into his attack and pushed against Yoh. "What about you?! Are you willing to fight Kagome to become Shaman King?!"

The Tao gasped when Yoh answered without missing a beat, "I am." He smiled, "It's because I don't want Kagome to become Shaman King that I'm willing to defeat her."

"What nonsense are you spouting?!" Ren shouted as Bason materialized behind him. Yoh dodged Bason's fist with a great leap. "I can't believe you call her your friend!"

Yoh wasn't phased. He landed gracefully, "I'm sorry, Ren. I'm not saying that I want to fight Kagome." He positioned Harusame. "But I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make her dream come true."

Ren sliced through Yoh's blast of energy. "Tch, and what do you know of her dreams that I don't?!"

"Kagome really is cute." Yoh smiled gently as Ren bristled. "She wants to grow up and have a fairy tale ending—a Happy Ending." He closed his eyes and chuckled a bit, "Did you know that she wants to get married and have a family?"

The Tao blushed lightly and scowled, "So what?! Plenty of people want things like that!"

"That's true…" Yoh agreed as he opened his eyes. "You don't understand it yet. But I have to win because I'm the one who is going to protect her dream."

That struck a chord within Ren.

"I've had it with your smug talk!" Ren bellowed as his aura ignited into a golden inferno. "Don't act like you've got everything figured out!" He jumped backward and landed on his horse's back. "Black Peach!" His hand reached towards the sky. On command, golden energy gathered within his hand.

The Tao slammed the orb into his horse, "Into White Phoenix!"

HoroHoro's jaw dropped at the OverSoul formed with Ren's horse. "What?! That bastard is using two Earth spirits in this match?!" He looked at Kagome. "I didn't know that Renny was capable of cheating!"

Sesshomaru and Shippo appeared at either of the priestess' sides. "No, the Shaman Fight is the measurement of one's control over Furyoku," the demon lord stated. "There is no rule limiting how many spirits one may utilize."

'This is it! The deciding move!' Kagome thought as Ren unleashed his ultimate attack on Yoh from above. Golden energy blared like lightning. A fissure of energy illuminated the darkness, engulfing Yoh and the surrounding area.

"Yoh!/Yoh-kun!" His friends chorused after the light faded away. Kagome led the charge over to the scene. They arrived just in time to find the opponents standing several meters apart; their backs faced each other.

"Brute force can't crush wind and water…" Ren muttered before speaking up, "Yoh, congratulations. It seems that I couldn't best you after all." He turned around.

Yoh followed suit looking panicked, "A-Actually, I ran out of Furyoku too!"

"Hah?" Ren's brow raised as his mouth gaped. He stomped past Kagome, HoroHoro, and Manta and pointed at Yoh, "Dumbass, how do we know who won then?!"

Yoh's eye twitched as Ren got into his face. Once again, they were almost nose to nose as they glared each other down. "What do you mean?! You should have been paying attention instead of trying to look cool in front of Kagome, you honcho ass!"

"What did you call me, you little—?!"

Silva then approached them chuckling, "You two are bickering like old friends." He smiled at the surprised teens, "I was monitoring the fight from the beginning. The two of you ran out of Furyoku at the exact same time."

Kagome's eyes widened when an elderly woman surrounded by feather-masked people suddenly landed behind them.

"Goldva-sama, what does the Great Spirit say…?" Silva queried.

Goldva nodded and gave the pair an approving smile, "The Great Spirit has spoken. The both of you are permitted to advance to the next phase because of your great potential."

Yoh exchanged smiles with her friends then nodded, "Uwah! The Great Spirit is the best!" He then looked at Ren and added, "I guess your cool guy act really paid off~"

Ren's eye twitched but before he could rebuttal Kagome stepped forward. She cupped her hands behind her back and beamed at them, "For the record, I think you both were pretty cool~"

Yoh and Ren blushed simultaneously. But Ren responded with crossed arms and a faux arrogance, "O-Of course you did." While Yoh rubbed the back of his neck and beamed back, "Aww, shucks. It was nothing."

Goldva then raised her arms in grand motion and proclaimed, "Follow me! We shall commence the Opening Ceremony!"

Ren and Yoh, still entranced by Kagome's compliment, lingered as the others followed behind Golva and the other Patch officials. The Asakura then looked at the Tao, "So Ren, do you think Kagome is pretty?"

"What?" The other shaman finally snapped from his stupor with a couple of blinks. "Of course she is," he scoffed, "Kagome is beautiful, stupidly beautiful."

Yoh chuckled at the answer, "I figured you'd say something like that." He gave Ren's shoulder a chummy pat, "You better hurry and catch up to her." With that, the brunette jogged to catch up to the group.

Ren's brow twitched as he bellowed as he sprinted behind Yoh, "Are you making fun of me again?!" Once joined with the group, he listened as Yoh chatted with Silva.

"Hey, I've been wondering," Yoh began casually. "How well did Kagome perform on her entry test?"

"As much as I like you, Yoh," Silva closed his eyes and smiled in an almost pleased way, "I'm not at liberty to discuss that with you."

Silver Wing then appeared and cackled, "Silva is just sparing your feelings! Kagome passed in a tenth of the time it took you!"

"Heeeeeh?" Yoh looked surprised, "I wish I could have seen that!"

Kagome paused in her torment of HoroHoro, who was still begging her not to tattle to Sango, and smiled at Yoh from over her shoulder, "No worries, Yoh. We're all advancing so you'll have plenty of opportunities to see me in action~"

A half-hour later, Kagome and her friends were lined up within a stadium that hosted a hoard of shamans from around the world. Yoh looked around, amazed to see so many shamans of varying ethnicities and backgrounds gathered in one place. He looked at an ominous-looking coffin next to him and shivered, 'C-Creepy! But I feel like I've seen this somewhere before.' He was snapped from his thoughts by a familiar voice calling from their left.

"Finally, I found you guys!" Bankotsu called out with a salute-like wave. His attention squared to the priestess and he grinned, "Kagome, long time no see."

"Ban-kun, it does feel like it's been forever!" Kagome greeted while squeezing past Ren and HoroHoro.

"How's my favorite girl?" Bankotsu asked. "I heard about your promotion. Congrats."

Yoh and Ren gave the pair deadpanned glares as Kagome and Bankotsu gave off a blinding, glowing aura with their pleasant chat.

Meanwhile, Jakotsu huffed and pouted as he looked between the envious Yoh and Ren and HoroHoro and Ryu who were arguing over Sango. The Tao sighed and facepalmed. "Why do all of the beautiful boys only pay attention to these icky girls?" His lower lip protruded more but before he could interject Goldva spoke about the chatter.

"Congratulations to all gathered here!" The elder called to her vast audience. "Out of the thousands of shamans who gathered from around the world, you are the select few who passed and advanced to the next round of the Shaman Fights!" All were silent as she continued speaking, "The next round will begin in one year from now. From here on, you should tie up all loose ends, which may mean training to become stronger or spending time with your loved ones. Once the next phase begins, you'll never be able to return to lives you've once lived."

Her words struck chords and resonated within much of the audience, Kagome was no exception.

'One year to tie up loose ends…' Kagome thought with pursed lips.

'One year…' were Yoh's thoughts as he peeked at Kagome from the corner of her eye. '...to make sure I have no regrets.'

The ceremony adjourned soon afterward. The chosen shamans began filing out of the doors. Kagome groaned as a large, wide man stepped in front of her and separated her from her friends. 'How rude!' She scowled but remained patient. She then tried to step forward, only for another shaman to cut off her path. 'You've gotta be kidding me!' She steamed inwardly as a procession of people formed a new line at her side and began filing out of the stadium.

The priestess sighed and slapped her palm against her face. 'This is what I get for not reacting quicker!' Suddenly, there was a firm grasp on her facepalm hand. She slipped through the crowd as the hand pulled her forward.

Kagome gasped when she met Hao's smiling face. "Looks like I had to rescue you again~"

"Uh, yeah…" Kagome blinked as he released her. "Looks like you did. Thanks," she thanked him a bit bashfully.

It was then the small child on Hao's shoulders spoke, "Kagome-sama, Opacho is glad to finally meet you!"

Hao was delighted when Kagome's entire face lit up. "Oh my God!" The priestess squealed as she reached up and scooped Opacho into her arms. "You are just precious!" She cooed while rubbing her cheek against the small girl's.

Opacho blushed and basked in the affection. "Hao-sama, Kagome-sama is pleased to meet Opacho too~"

"That's right~!" Kagome was glowing as she cooed. "I really am pleased to meet you, Opachan!"

"Kagome," Ren's admonishing tone brought her from her paradise. She looked across the way and saw her friends staring at her. Ryu's jaw was on the ground. Ren looked displeased. Bankotsu was on edge. Yoh appeared to be in a good mood. Sango seemed neutral while hearts and stars were exploding in Jakotsu's eyes as he beheld Hao.

"Hmph," Hao smirked before explaining nonchalantly. "What's the problem, Ren? Opacho is an innocent child. She's been wanting to meet my little canary for quite some time~"

Ren bristled and seethed beneath his breath, "Your… little…what…?!"

"My little canary," Hao repeated. He looked at Kagome as she gingerly placed Opacho down on her feet. "We have that kind of relationship, right?"

"Ehhhhhh?!" Many voices chorused as Kagome retorted, "Of course, we don't!"

HoroHoro growled and stepped forward. He pointed at Kagome and declared, "Kagome-chan here has enough love trouble so you better get in line, buddy!"

"But HoroHoro, I'm first in line," Hao replied with a laidback smile.

"Says who?!" Ren questioned as he gripped his weapon.

Hao sighed and shook his head, "I don't have time to argue with children." He caught Ren's eyes directly and added, "You can't even admit your feelings out loud, can you?"

Yoh grabbed Ren's shoulder and steadied him from charging Hao. The younger Asakura smiled and told him, "Ren, you shouldn't lose your head. Save it for the next round."

Ren growled and looked from Yoh's face to Kagome's concerned one. "Tsk," he averted his eyes and lowered his weapon.

"So even you fall in line like a good little soldier," Hao smirked before replacing Opacho on her perch that was his shoulders. "Come. Let's go have some dinner," he told her and she responded with a fist pump into the air as he disappeared into the crowd.

Yoh was quick to turn to Kagome, "Dinner!" He asked, "It was a draw so who gets to take you to dinner?!"

Ren was instantly heated and joined Yoh near Kagome.

HoroHoro watched the exchange and noted, 'That Yoh… He's scarily good at diverting Ren's attention.'

Authoress' Notes: A special thanks to for encouraging me! I appreciate it! Sometimes, as an adult fanfiction writer with other responsibilities, it becomes difficult to know if I should press on when I write and there's hardly a response. Seeing a bunch of views but low reviews feels like performing on stage in front of an entire auditorium but only one or two people clap/cheer for you, lol. But honestly, that did it for me and I was fueled to post this one. So thank you!

Also, to all readers: if you read the corresponding manga chapters, Ren is stated to be 14 already, and canonically, Ren is younger than the rest of the main crew (he was born the following year). So technically, Kagome and Yoh should be 14 in my fanfic already. But the canon timeline of Shaman King is so difficult to keep up with so keep in mind that I'm creating a different one for this fanfic. Instead of Chapters 1-54 taking place in one year, I'm essentially squishing it into a half year. But to keep with this, I'm pushing the next phase off to be a year later, rather than one month like in the anime and manga.

With that aside, the next chapter begins our Tao Family Arc! Cheers!