Okey dokey so this is it the last chapter of Sleeping Fire, i know it took a while to finish but its here. I edited a bit rushed so if i have too many mistakes im sorry and i know that some parts are a little OOC but bare with me. There are a few spoilers if you haven't read the new ending to Shaman King so be warned, although i do change a few things. I would like to thank my constant reviewers who have waited patiently for my lasy ass to get to work. Thank you, if it wasnt for you this story would of never been finished. ^-^

.Eyes.00
2009-10-16 . chapter 19

Is this really the end of the story? Is Star really dead?
The last sentence was really sad, poor Hao.
Please update soon.

GoddessPhoenix3173
2009-10-15 . chapter 19

Yay updates! What the hell?! Star?! She can't be dead! T.T Please update soon! Please don't let her actually be gone . Awesome chapter!

See ya later!^^

shadow-dog18
2009-10-15 . chapter 19

omg that was so sad it made me cry, but anyways awesome chapter just so sad, the ending to this chapter was so great to read.

Kannna
2009-10-14 . chapter 19

OH MY GOD! NO Star!

I do not own Shaman King only my own characters.... 3rd Person POV.

Chapter 20

The days passed each and every one of them holding the same shine as the one before. The sun had never been so bright, the sky had never been so clear. And the wind, the wind had never once blown the way it had before.

With each passing day things returned to normal as if Star, her brother and that man called father had never even existed. But to Yoh and his friends they had, Star was someone they would never forget and neither could Hao. The changes in Hao could not been seen by those who did not know of them, on the outside he appeared to be the same human hating shaman he always was. But to his followers and to Yoh and his friends the pain within his heart was clear.

Yoh tried to approach Hao, tired to talk to him about what had happened but Hao simply dismissed him. Stating that nothing was wrong. The next fight would come and then the next, time and time again Hao would waste no time in exterminating his opponents. Recalling the flames that had once burned his beloved Star, to do the same over and over again. Burning everything and everyone that got in his way.

It was almost the end, the last round of the tournament would be held tomorrow, everything would be finished he would become Shaman King and rid the world of these useless humans. But was that really what he wanted, for so long all he could ever think about was making humans suffer for what they had done. Now all he could think about was her, and the last words she spoke.

…..I'll wait for you….

Would she really wait for him? If she was willing to stay with him, why hadn't she? Why did her spirit not remain on earth with him? Why did she have to leave him alone? Sitting on the sand staring out to the ocean he couldn't help but think, why.

"You should get back to camp, you'll catch a cold out here."

"I don't need advice coming from you."

"No I suppose not…. You know you really shouldn't be talking to me."

"And why is that?"

"People might start to talk."

"I stopped caring what people thought a long time ago."

"I'm only telling you what will happen, if you let it bother you that's something else."

"Bother me, I doubt I would even think about it."

"I doubt that, you're thinking it now."

"Always so confusing."

"That's the way you're making things."

"Me, you keep making these pointless conversations based on nothing."

"I'm only stating what's already on your mind."

"If you're only stating what's on my mind, why can't you say something I would want to hear?"

"That wouldn't be real."

"And this is."

"No but it makes it seem if only for a second real. How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, I'm not the one who's….."

"Dead, I've already told you I knew what I was doing, and if I recall I asked you to kill me. You shouldn't feel responsible."

"That doesn't make the pain go away."

"Neither dose talking to someone that isn't real."

"……I'd rather talk to the real you…"

"I'm sure I'd love to as well."

"Then why can't I."

"Hao…. I don't have an answer for that."

"You said you would wait for me…"

"I'm sure I am somewhere."

"Why couldn't you wait for me here, on earth? Somewhere I could find you, why didn't you wait…."

"I can't answer that, I know as much as you know that is all. Nothing more, nothing less."

As Hao continued to argue on the sea shore, light footsteps could be heard coming closer and closer.

"Why are we doing this?"

"Yoh you've already tired talking to him, why do we have to get involved."

"Come on guys, this can't be easy for him."

"Of course it isn't easy but if he doesn't want to talk about it, we can't just force a little group therapy on him and hope he doesn't take it the wrong way."

"That would not be the wisest of plans, Hao will probably flambé us before we even get a single word out."

"I really don't see why we have to do anything."

"If someone I loved died I'd like to think I could count on someone to be there."

"……"

Yoh and the guys finally made their way towards the shore from the distance they could see Hao sitting on the sand looking out onto the ocean. As the waves came in and out, just like they had on that day. While they got closer and closer they could hear Hao's voice, it seemed as if he was having a conversation with someone. But he was alone could there really be someone there without them seeing anything.

"Who the hell is he talking to?"

"Maybe we do need to have a therapy session."

"Shhh…. Don't interrupt Master Hao."

"Opacho!"

"Shh…."

Opacho lead the group towards a few trees that would conceal them from Hao's view. Once they reached the trees they could see all of Hao's followers behind the trees as well. It appeared that they were all watching him from a distance.

"What the hell are you guys doing?"

"Shh….."

"This can't be normal."

"You can't interrupt Master Hao right now."

"Huh, why not?"

"He's talking with her right now."

"Her, who's her?"

"Don't be an idiot, that girl."

"Star??"

"Yeah, her."

"But she's dead, is he talking with her spirit."

"No."

"I don't get it."

"He thinks he's talking with her, he must be going insane."

"Don't talk about Master Hao like that, he's not crazy."

"He's talking to himself, and he thinks he's talking to a dead girl. What would you call that?"

"Love."

"He can't let go can he, he's willing to talk to some figment of his imagination as long as he can see her."

"Yup he's crazy."

"He knows it's not real, right?"

"He knows."

"Well that's good."

"No that's the problem."

"I'm confused."

"It's not real, to him this is worse than not begin able to talk to her."

"If it's all in his head can't he just stop talking to it?"

"I don't think he can. Even if he were to stop talking to it that image, that ghost of hers will continue to appear before him."

"Why doesn't he just stop thinking about her?"

"I don't think he can. For so long all he's ever thought about was becoming shaman king but even after meeting her, spending such little time with her….."

"He's change was obvious, all he could ever think about was her."

"When Star was gone, when she was stolen away by that man Master Hao did the same thing. He would pretend to talk to her."

"He would simply share a few thoughts he was having and that would be all."

"A few thoughts, he thinks he's talking to a dead girl even before now that's not normal."

"Now it's worse that before."

"Worse what do you mean?"

"Before he would simple say things like Good Moring, Good Night, Well see each other soon. But now he's having whole conversations talking as if she's really there."

"We have to do something."

"We ,what can we do?"

"We can tell him to snap out of it."

"I don't think that will work."

As Yoh and the guys were planning on what to do with Hao's problem, Hao was pretending he couldn't hear them, as they all stood only a few miles away. If they had been a little more concerned about keeping quiet, Hao wouldn't have noticed them in the first 5 seconds.

"Do they really think that will work?"

"There only trying to help."

"It's insulting."

"I told you to stop talking to me."

"I don't care what they think."

"Then why do you look so relived…….. No I guess it's just my imagination or yours."

"I've had enough for today."

"Alright, good luck tomorrow."

"I don't need luck."

"I know. Good night Hao.."

"……"

As the image of Star vanished before him, he lifted himself off the ground and started making his way back to camp. Hao didn't bother telling his followers he was leaving they would eventually figure that out on their own. Walking past them Hao could hear their ridiculous plans to prevent his conversations with Star. He found it rather funny that they would be working together to help him. He didn't waste his time thinking of that any longer only continued his slow and steady pace to their temporary "home". When Yoh and company hand finally devised a plan they looked over to where Hao had been sitting to discover that he was already gone.

"Dam it!"

"This was a complete waste of time."

"Master Hao's gone."

"He probably went home."

"I think that's a great idea, let's go."

Having been left in the dust they all made it back to their own respectful homes, to gather some much needed rest for the battle ahead tomorrow. Yoh laid awake that night thinking of what they could have done, what they didn't do and what Hao was feeling at that moment. Hao wasn't a fool he probably knew what they were planning before they did. Leaving before they could act was his way of saying he wasn't interested. Yoh turned his head to stare out the window but when he did he discovered an unexpected guest.

"Hao…"

"Good evening Yoh."

"….. what are you doing here?"

"Nothing really."

"Ohh.."

"You should get some rest."

"We both should."

"I'm fine."

"I know you are."

Time went on neither saying a word simple waiting for a conversation that Hao would rather avoid. But he knew by coming here it would be inevitable. Yoh knew that Hao would rather avoid this conversation as much as possible but with Hao being right there, there was no better opportunity.

"How did you and Star meet?"

Of all the things to ask why would he choose something so simple, so mundane, something that seemed like so long ago? Hao hadn't thought about the day he meet Star in so long. It really had been years. Hao could only give out a slight chuckle at his brother's question. Yoh couldn't take his eyes off the ceiling but when he heard Hao chuckling he couldn't help but turn his head towards him.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing, I first meet Star many years ago. I doubt she even remembers meeting me then but I remember her."

"What happened?"

"Her mother and she had just been attacked by the people in the village. They thought Star was a demon and they wanted to drive them away. Star's mother died while protecting her. Star was running away while a group tried to chase her, before they could reach her I intervened. After that I found her asleep on the ground. We shared a fire for the night. I remember giving her my pancho, I can't believe she kept it all these years."

Hao couldn't help but laugh at the memory of their second meeting. Having run into her the same exact way. Star haven fallen asleep under a tree only brought a smile to his face.

"How do you know she kept it?"

"It was only a coincidence that I meet Star again. Opacho had misplaced my pancho and found Star's. When Opacho told me where she found it I knew it was her. Finding it next to a sleeping girl was exactly how we meet our first time."

"That is lucky."

"Not much from the looks of it."

"How did you know?"

"Know what?"

"That she was it. She was the one you wanted to be with."

"Having second thoughts on your choice?"

"He he….. If Anna heard that, I don't even want to think about what she would do."

"Hmm…. I not know. I don't remember when it happened all I know is it did. I can remember the expression on her face when she saw that poncho. The same one she kept for so long. I could see the smile it brought to her face when she remembered that moment. It wasn't just one thing that I fell in love with it was everything about her.

In a way she was everything I wasn't. She didn't judge others the way they judged her. She showed them mercy, kindness even if she would receive nothing in exchange. She learned to accept the things she could not change."

"Wasn't that a good thing?"

"She didn't need to accept it and neither do I. I will eliminate all the obstacles that get in my way. This world is being ruined by humans and I will correct those errors."

"Is that really something Star would have wanted?"

"The last time I followed what Star wanted I killed her."

"….." …you don't have to blame yourself…..

"Good night Yoh."

"Good night Hao."

Hao left as swiftly as he had arrived. Yoh couldn't help but feel that his talk with Hao did nothing but make things worse. All Hao would be thinking of now would be revenge against the entire world or was it just against himself. He was the one who followed Star's wishes, he killed her there was no denying that fact.

Yoh turned his head to stare at the ceiling one more time. Allowing the thoughts of today to wash over him. Tomorrow would be another day, tomorrow would be the end of everything.

After the others had forfeited the tournament, Hao was declared Shaman King. Hao was lead to the king's sanctuary to unite with the king of spirits. Yoh and his friends knew that they had to reach the sanctuary before Hao awakened, although that was easier said than done. There were so many obstacles that got in the way. Fighting each and every step of the way Yoh and the guys finally made their way in however not everything went as planned.

Yoh watched as each and every single one of his friends went down. Hao was just too powerful for them to overcome. As the flames reached Yoh everything went dark, it was the end of that battle. When Yoh opened his eyes again he realized he was no longer alive that he was within the Great Spirit. As Hao appeared before Yoh they started to talk about what he would do next.

"So what do you want to do first?"

"I want to kill all those worthless humans of course."

"Looks like you didn't change your mind."

"Won't you try to stop me?"

"You know I don't like humans that much either."

As they continued to discuss the future Yoh and Hao would never see eye to eye in that matter. Hao dismissed Yoh informing him that he should leave but to Hao's surprise he didn't. Not only that but he had gathered some new uninvited guest. Yoh and his friends had gained the shaman king's power. The fighting started soon after neither side holding back. The five friends were left stunned by the Shaman Kings great over soul, it was something they had never imagined. The sheer size of it was incredible.

Once Hao had showed them his power they did not hesitate they only fought with everything they had. One blow after another each side showing no signs of giving up. As Hao unleashed a black hole it appeared to hold no power against their will.

"No Yoh's right"

"The real value of shaman's is the power of their minds."

"Attack us as much as want, but you won't beat us."

"As long as we keep believing well get stronger."

"Everything will work out!!"

Throughout all the chaos all the fighting, a train appeared before them with a familiar face holding out his hand. Manta had arrived to save the day, a one in a million chance to be sure. Holding out his hand Yoh reached for Manta's, as each of them connected to each other. As the train continued on they soon realized that Manta was not the only familiar face.

So many others had come a long way to help out. Face after face there was no doubts in their hearts, they were here on a mission and nothing was going to turn them away not even the Shaman King. Even after becoming shaman king Hao was not content with how things had turned out and having uninvited guest just made things worse.

Friend after friend one after another the endless train wouldn't stop so many had come a long way to help the new shaman king. In the mist of such commotion Hao was forced to dissolve his over soul and after so many years Hao was face to face with a long lost friend.

"Ohachiyo?!.... Where have you been up 'til now? I couldn't find you no matter how hard I tried."

"I was with your mother. The women you've been trying to find for the last 1000 years."

As they kept talking about his mother, Hao couldn't believe what they were saying. Was his mother really there, right next to him this whole time without realizing it? Having Anna confirm that he could no longer read minds was another shocking blow. Although it wasn't just a shock for him, the other were just as surprised.

It was over and he knew it, he had lost this fight not against their will but against their hearts. Hao still couldn't believe what had just accord after so many years of bearing such anger such hatred it was gone. So why did he still feel a slight pain in his heart.

"Master Hao….."

"It's been a long time. You want to see her, don't you?"

"Mother….."

Was it really her? After so many years it was hard to tell. Was this really his mother, but no he would never forget her….never. Even after having lost all his anger and hatred he still couldn't get those fitly images out of his head. The thoughts of the last time he saw her.

"You don't need to think of such things now."

Hao couldn't hear her all he could hear were the memories of the past tormenting him. Over and over again the screams of this mothers last moments were all he could hear all he could see.

"Dam it, after all this work is he really going to let those memories ruin everything."

Hao had his eyes closed trying desperately to drive such thoughts away. That was the past here in this moment his mother was right beside him. So why would the pain in his heart not disappear.

As those thoughts continued to engulf him a small wind started to stir in the distance. As everyone turned to see what it was, they were shocked to see a bird a rather large bird flying their direction. As the wind approached the wind stirred as it made its way to Hao. Flapping its enormous wings the wind seemed to blow away all of Hao's thoughts, all of those horrible memories were gone in an instant. Opening his eyes he saw before him two sights he thought he would never see again. His mother, she was there as lovely as she had always been and that bird. That now small bird he would recognize anywhere.

"Hey isn't that bird…."

"Yeah it is, that's Star's guardian ghost."

"Star…oh I had almost forgotten. She had asked me to tell you she would be a little late."

"What?"

"Star, she's a lovely girl. She will be a wonderful daughter in law."

"Daughter-in –law??"

"Star… you saw her? How?"

"She was with me, she was keeping me company while we waited for you."

"She was waiting for me?"

"Of course she did make a promise didn't she."

"So Star's here right."

"She just needed some time."

"Time for what?"

"To say good bye."

"Good bye?? To who?"

"Her brother, not truly a good bye just a small farewell…… Now, as the king the first thing you should do is love your people."

That moment was worth more to Hao than anything in the world, being able to hold his mother again was something he had only dreamed about. There was just one thing missing.

"I think she's here."

The small bird that had been beside Hao was now traveling in a new direction. It appeared as if nothing was there but then suddenly a hand could be seen. The small bird landing on the hand, while another petted it on the head. As he looked onward the figure started to become visible to the rest. It was her Star.

As beautiful as the day they first meet, here long flowing black hair behind her with her dark violet orbs concentrating on the small bird in her hand. She wore the same outfit Hao had given her so long ago, a beautiful white kimono with a light purple obi. The bird chirped at her touch it was only the second time in his life that Hao was without words.

"Even something so small can be beautiful. I think it's called love."

"Star!!"

"Sorry I'm late."

Hao didn't say a word only continued to stare at her, his eyes never leaving her. Looking at her now was as if nothing had happened, it seemed to be a wonderful dream that he wished would never end.

"Are you alright?"

"Hao…"

He didn't answer all he could do was come closer to where she was. With each and every step the light in his eyes intensified. That pain, the very same one he felt in his heart was disappearing with every single step.

Suddenly Star was gone from his sight, his eyes widened in shock. The thought of having lost her started to form in his head. When suddenly he felt himself being embarrassed in a hold that would never brake. He looked down to see her, Star was the one holding him this time. After a moment of shock he realized what he needed to do, lifting his own arms to surround her and this time he would not let go.

As he held her in his arms Hao started to hear her voice, a small whisper but as she continued on her voices resonated through the crowd.

"Is this the whole picture
Or is it just the start?
Is this the way you love me?
You're capturing my heart

I used to try and walk alone
But I've begun to grow
And when You tell me just to rest
I'm finally letting go, I let go

And I'm here to stay
Nothing can separate us
And I know I'm okay
You cradle me gently
Wrapped in Your arms I'm home

I'm seeing so much clearer
Looking through Your eyes
I could never find a safer place
Even if I tried

All the times I've needed You
You've never left my side
I'm clinging to Your every word
Don't ever let me go, don't let go

And I'm here to stay
Nothing can separate us
And I know I'm okay
You cradle me gently
Wrapped in Your arms I'm home, I'm home
I'm wrapped in Your arms

And I'm here to stay
Nothing can separate us
And I know I'm okay
You cradle me gently
Wrapped in Your arms

And I'm here to stay
Nothing can separate us
And I know I'm okay
You cradle me gently
Wrapped in Your arms I'm home, I'm home"

"Yay that was beautiful Star."

"I'm so happy for you Ni-chan"

"Ni-…"

"Victory is ours."

"Don't get carried away."

Hao turned to look at the spectators that had gathered around them. Star lifted her head to look at the crowd, with warm loving eyes. There was no better moment that this, she had never been happier. Even with Hao's words she knew now that he wouldn't do it, in this moment he was happy and he wouldn't risk that. All the sadness the hatred they had experienced where nothing compared with the joy and love that they shared.

Star couldn't help but reach up and kiss Hao as he spoke of awaiting days. He would be busy enough with his queen that destroying all of humanity would pale in comparison. The sight of Star giving Hao a kiss was the last thing their friends saw as they disappeared.

"We'll see each other again soon, Promise."

Epilogue…….

"What do you think you're doing with my child?"

"Nothing in particular."

Star was squeezing the life out of Hana as Anna was gave her a cold stare. Old friends had gathered to do nothing in particular, just hanging out like old times. Hao and Star had stopped by Yoh and Anna's place at the same time the rest of their friends had. It had been some years since they had all been together.

"Isn't it about time you had your own child? Instead of taking mine."

"I'm not quite ready for that."

"You'd make a great mom Star."

"Thank you put it's not that."

"Then what."

"I'm not ready to share."

"Share??"

"I'd like to have Hao all to myself for a bit longer."

"That might prove to be a problem."

"Huh?? And whys that."

Star leaned her head back to look at Hao who was sitting right behind her. As she leaned her body closer to his, Hao wrapped his arms around Star. Letting one of his hands rest on her stomach. With that action Star understood what Hao was trying to tell her.

"That's unexpected."

"What??"

"What's unexpected?"

"She's pregnant"

"She is!!"

"Is it a girl or a boy?"

"She just found out, I don't think she known's the sex yet."

"Well, actually…"

"You know."

"Of course, I 'm the Shaman King along with being the father."

"I guess having to share won't be that bad, if it's just the three of us."

"Four."

"What?"

"The four of us."

"Their twins?!"

"Awesome do you think it will be boys like Yoh and Hao or maybe girls?"

"Both."

"Both??"

"A boy and a girl."

"I guess I need to start thinking of names."

Hao tightened his grip around Star resting his head on her shoulder, as his lips were so close to her ear she could almost feel them.

"All my love belongs to you and to you alone."

"I guess I won't be the only one who needs to learn how to share."

"I guess not"

"I love you, Hao."

"I love you, Star."

As the rest of the group continued to think up names for the two newest additions to the family. Hao and Star paid no attention to them as they shared one of their routine kisses. Hao couldn't help the smile that appeared on his face as he kissed her. For all the lives his lived all the years he's experienced, these had to be the most treasured ones. The years to come along with Star and his new family would be the best years of his life and nothing could take that away.

The End

That's all folks the end of Sleeping Fire i hoped you enjoyed the story and i look forward to any comments you might have. If you like my writing and would like to continued reading more. I am currently working on two stories Fallen (Kuroshitsuji/SebastainxOC) and Hunters(Vampire Knight/ZeroxOC). Thanks for sticking with it for so long, i know it was a long journey but its over now. If you would like to discuss anything send me a note here or on my livejournal.

Thank You ^-^