Me: Hey everyone! As you can see, I'm ElementalGuardianProtector, the authoress of this story, and I'll be your hostess! I am finally bringing to you the revised version of Shades of Solace, which has been long overdue! Woot woot! The revised version has a lot of differences from the original version and, in my opinion, is written much better so it is highly recommended that you read it or re-read it if you've read Shades of Solace in the past! :)
Kyouya: Hm... So it's true, then... She's finally made her way to Ouran High School Host Club...
Me: Yep! Just so that the readers can keep up with the flow of time, this story begins in mid-July; on July 17th, to be exact. The Japanese school year begins in mid-September and ends in mid-July, so the last day of school was the day prior to the day this story begins on - July 16th!
Kyouya: Because she's picky and knows that there are people out there like her, EGP has asked me to explain the ages of the Host Club members. Hitachiin Hikari and Kaoru are seventeen - their birthday falls on June 9th, so they turned seventeen about a month ago. Fujioka Haruhi is sixteen - her birthday falls on February 4th, so even though she and the twins are in the same grade, because of her date of birth, she's about eight months behind them in age. Suoh Tamaki is eighteen - his birthday is April 8th, which passed about three months ago. Haninozuka Mitsukuni and Morinozuka Takashi are nineteen; Hani-sempai's birthday is February 29th because he was born on a leap year so he has about seven months to go until he's twenty and Mori-sempai's birthday is on May 5th, so he has about nine months to go before he's twenty. And finally, I'm seventeen - my birthday's on November 22nd, so I'll be eighteen in about four months. Additionally; Haruhi and the twins are going to be second year high school students, Tamaki and I are going to be third year high school students, and Hani-sempai and Mori-sempai are going to be first year college students.
Me: -nod nod- Thanks, Kyouya-kun! Okay, well, here goes nothing! Chapter One, coming right up!
Kyouya: ElementalGuardianProtector owns nothing but this story and her characters.
Chapter One
It was a bright and sunny mid-July day. The warm yellow sun was high in the sky and the summer temperature was pleasant. Outside, the birds were chirping and the world seemed to be enjoying the peaceful bliss.
A teenage girl left the gorgeous balcony of the stately manison she resided in and forced herself away from the beautiful sight with a heavy sigh. She was sixteen years of age with soft glowing milk chocolate brown skin, long and straight solid black hair that curled fancily at the ends, and strange but gorgeous white eyes that brought out even more of her beauty against her skin and hair color. She wore a white shirt beneath a thin elbow-sleeved black mini-jacket, a black skirt that came down to her knees, black sandals with straps made of silver jewelry, a silver charm bracelet with a silver heart locket connected to it on each of her wrists, and silver hoop earrings.
The older teenager made her way back to her dresser and stared at her reflection thoughtfully.
Everything is so tranquil and serene. So... Perfect. A little too perfect...
She was a hybrid of several races, her elegant mother being half-African American, half-Japanese and her father being half-Dominican, half-German. There were also traces of Italian and French in her family. Given this advantage of unusual exposure to different languages, she, like her parents, was bilingual. She was able to speak English, Japanese, Chinese, German, Italian, French, Spanish, and Latin very fluently. She was always the top of her class in everything since her entrance into schooling - her school being a prestigious private academy - and received several awards for her excelling and outstanding academic accomplishments and clean, flawless scholastic record. Also, for her outstanding musical talent and ability on the flute, clarinet, violin, piano, and saxophone - a genius for mastering a variety of each instrument - and she had countless awards.
Yet, in spite all of this 'perfection'...
She still seemed to be unbearably sad and lonely...
...Is this... Me? This person staring back from the reflecting mirror... Is that who I am? Who are you... 'O Perfect One'?"
The girl gently placed a hand on the mirror, her reflection staring back at her.
"Aurora... You will be faced with a life-changing decision. It will not be a decision that I can make for you. It will not be a decision that Rika can make for you. My dear, it will be a decision that only you can make - for better or for worse. For now, you are able to follow a single road in your life... But eventually you will come to a fork in that road. Once you choose which way to go, that decision will be permanent. You will be unable to undo what has been done and you will be forced to travel down that particular path for the rest of your life. It's a choice between what you must do and what you desire to do... It's a decision that only you can determine as right or wrong. A choice that you can only make once you fully and completely discover and understand who 'you' are. Despite everything that is at stake, Aurora... Search the depths of your heart for the true answer. Don't do what someone tells you is right... Do what you honestly believe is right."
The young female took a deep and shaky breath as she tried to shake off the nostalgic feeling that was washing over her. "That's right. It's a decision... That only I can make. But I... I'm still too weak to make such decisions on my own. All I can do for now is try to live up to the high expectations that so many have already set for me. Even if I hate it... Even though it's so scary... In Okaa-san's presence... In everyone's presence... I mustn't be anything less than perfect. I mustn't break this thin thread of perfection that I'm balancing on above the sea of insanity." She thought.
"I must also do much more than simply balance myself on this thin thread. I must walk it - carefully, flawlessly, and perfectly."
XxXxXxX
"Tachibana, how far away are we from the Takashima Mansion?" The seventeen year old son of Ootori Yoshio demanded to know without looking up from his laptop as he typed away on it arduously. "Not too far, sir. We'll be arriving shortly." Tachibana Shito answered before flickering his eyes to the rear view mirror, "School let out for you yesterday, didn't it, Kyouya-sama? What are you so busy doing back there? I can hear your typing louder than I can hear myself thinking..." "My apologies. Yes, yesterday was my last day of school for the year, but I'm still very busy - after all, businesses and clubs don't run themselves." Ootori Kyouya responded. "I see. Business men are probably the busiest people on the face of the planet... I could never be one." Tachibana muttered before going back to concentrating on his driving.
Kyouya went back to his business as well - continuing to research and do a background check on his new and first client:
Hasegawa Yumiko Aurora
"Kyouya. Do you recall the Hasegawa Family?" Yoshio asked his youngest son before he had even had the chance to fully enter his father's office. "Faintly, yes. Why do you ask, Otou-san?" Kyouya answered as he closed the door behind him and took a seat in front of his father.
"Hasegawa Zutaka and Takashima Rika have a young daughter named Hasegawa Yumiko Aurora - she goes by Aura. She's around your age. To spare you unnecessary details, I'll summarize things for you. Takashima-chan would like for Aurora to become a sophisticated young lady with proper etiquette, social mannerism, and coping skills so that she may become a legitimate candidate for the Hasegawa succession. Takashima-chan asked that you be Aurora's mentor/employer and she your student/client - she even went as far as giving you all rights and authority over Aurora and has already paid our family quite a hefty sum of money." Yoshio began to explain.
"Naturally, I suspect that she gets something out of this compromise... Exposing Aurora to suitable candidates for courting maybe be one of her motives, considering Aurora is less likely to gain the Hasegawa Council's approval without an influencial aristocrat courting her. Regardless, I feel that the Ootori Family will profit from this deal just as much as Takashima-chan should, if not more. That is why a contract has been written, legally binding the two of you together. Starting tomorrow and until the beginning of the new year, you and Aurora are sealed by a social contract. She will be living with you and Fuuyumi - she will follow your every instruction. And even though Takashima-chan has signed her over as one, try not to think of her as your servant. Try to think of her more along the lines of a female companion, if you will."
"I see... If you believe it to be beneficial to our family, then I will do it. Is there anything I should know about this girl before I do a personal research and background check of her on my own?" Kyouya inquired. "...Have you ever heard of Katabawa Academy, Kyouya?" Yoshio leaned back in his chair. Kyouya shook his head, "Iie, Otou-san. I have not."
"Katabawa Academy is a secret, special school for children ranging from kindergarten to grade twelve with special abilities. Aurora is one of those children and by far one of the most talented. Aurora is extrememly gifted with several different abilities. She's a genius and is capable of surpassing even her talented older brother."
"...Otou-san, this is all too hard to believe."
"Believe what you will. It isn't necessary that you know this - I just figured that you would find this information on your own, so I might as well save you a little bit of trouble. Hasegawa-san, Takashima-chan, Suoh-san and I were all colleagues at Ouran University. Hasegawa-san is the closest thing I have to a true and trust worthy friend and, to this very day, we are still close with a strong sense of reliance on one another. I believe he would be thrilled if you and Aurora were to become friends just as we had, as well."
"If you insist..."
"You and Aurora will be able to learn a lot from one another - especially you, Kyouya. This is my personal order to you: Help that little girl become truly happy."
"As an Ouran Host-bu Member, it is my sworn duty to make all girls of all ages happy."
"Do not assume this will be an easy and trivial task for you and your friends, my son. Helping Aurora give a real smile out of pure joy... Helping her become truly happy... Helping her discover who she is and determine aspects of life for herself... These things will be very difficult and arduous tasks, indeed."
"Wakatta yo, Otou-san. Is there anything else?"
"Only one. Takashima-chan is having Aurora's belongings gradually moved into Fuuyumi's mansion - see to it that Aurora is comfortable once she gets there. Takashima-chan is paying a lot of money, so I want you to take extremely good care of her daughter. That will be all. You may be excused."
"Kyouya-sama, we're here."
Kyouya looked up, realizing that the stretch limousine had come to a stop in front of a magnificent and stately mansion. "Hm... Looks like it's time to find out what exactly it is that I'm dealing with here." The Ootori heir closed his laptop before pushing up his glasses professionally.
"I believe it's time I meet this Hasegawa Aura."
XxXxXxX
"A social contract?"
"That is correct. Ootori-san and I agreed to bind you and his youngest son, Ootori Kyouya, into a social contract. It has already been signed the everything has already been finalized. I have already had the maids begin to pack your things because, starting tomorrow, you will be living with Ootori-kun and his older sister. When school comes back into session, you and Ootori-kun will both be attending Ouran Koukou, the high school your father, Ootori-san, Yuzuru-kun and I all attended - you as a second year student and Ootori-kun as a third year student. For the duration of this contract, which is about five and a half months, you will legally be similar to a servant to Ootori-kun, though Ootori-san would prefer for the two of you to think of each other as companions. Ootori-kun will teach you everything you need to know and put into use in order to become your father's successor." Rika fully explained to her daughter, who slowly nodded in response.
"I see..."
"You do understand why I have to do this... Don't you, Aura? I'm doing this because it's in your best interest - this is for you. In your current condition, you stand no chance of surpassing Ichiru-san. No matter how many cute outfits I put you in, no matter how you do your hair, no matter how big your vocabulary becomes, no matter how perfect you seem, it always shows. You're nothing but an empty shell of failing perfection with no social or coping skills. A useless girl who is barely qualified for the Hasegawa succession. Even Melody is more qualified to be the Hasegawa successor than you."
"I... Gomen nasai..."
"I longed for a magnificient son like Ichiru-san... But instead, I got a dull daughter whose smile is either bittersweet or sad, has no self esteem, and can't bring a smile to the faces of men like she should be able to despite all of her physical beauty." Rika sighed.
"Things would have been so much easier had you been born a boy instead of a broken, insignificant girl who never ceases to disappoint me. Even so, you are my daughter and you do have Hasegawa blood running through your veins. With Ootori-kun's assistance, you will be more than capable. You simply must be superb! Because Ichiru-san is the first born and also male, he has the upper hand. So in order to surpass him, you have to be perfect, with every step you take. To be flawless... To be careful and without mistake... That is the only way."
"'I must be perfect'... That was a decision you had made for me long ago. A decision made by you... That I have been trying my hardest to execute efficiently." Aura murmured to herself as she stared out into the scenery of the beautiful summer day once she had made her way back out to her balcony.
"Okaa-san, I realize how worthless I am to you. I'm aware that you despise me and I acknowledge the fact that you can't stand to even look at me. I know that you wanted a son and not a good-for-nothing daughter who hardly looks a thing like you. I know... That you have yet to forgive me for what I've done to you. I know that you hate the way I turned out, but... The only reason I turned out this way was because I thought this was what you wanted. But now I know - this isn't good enough for you. I'll... Never be good enough for you. That's why... If it's something you want... I'll do anything– without complaint or hesitation. After all... That may be the only way I can make up for what happened so long ago..."
"Aura? Are you ready? We mustn't keep Ootori-kun waiting - the Ootoris are very busy people."
The sound of the familiar voice reeled Aura back into reality and shook her free of the memory of the discussion she had held with her mother yesterday. The sixteen year old daughter of Hasegawa Zutaka once again left the balcony and entered the empty room that used to belong to her, walking in to find a beautiful young woman with smooth skin that was of a caramel complexion, long and straight brown hair that was pulled back into a ponytail, and eyes that were of a dark chocolate brown color. She appeared to be twenty five years old.
"I'm here to make sure you didn't forget anything before Ootori-kun arrives to pick you up. Are you sure everything has been packed and taken to the Shidou Mansion?" Rika asked. Aura nodded without saying a single word. "Hm... Well, that's good." Rika leaned back against the wall thoughtfully. Minutes of silence passed before Rika finally decided to speak up, "...Another advantage that would help you in winning succession rights from your father... Would be courting Suoh Tamaki."
Aura's body visibly cringed, but the gesture fell onto blind eyes. "I have decided that once you've fulfilled your contract with Ootori-kun, you should court Suoh Tamaki. Considering how close Yuzuru-kun and your father are and how influencial the Suoh Family is, we could definitely use Suoh-kun to our advantage. Yuzuru-kun and I have already spoken about this and you have his approval. Once we finish discussing the terms, we will present this proposition to his mother, Shizue-san, because she is the head of the Suoh Family. Though your father is the head, nine of the most respected members of his family form the Hasegawa Council - they are the ones who must approve of every decision. If we can get both the Hasegawa Council and Shizue-san to agree to certain conditions, courtship between you and Suoh-kun will be official and the position your father's successor will be almost guaranteed to you." Rika informed her daughter.
"...Hai, Okaa-san. I'll do anything asked of me. If... That's what you believe is best." Aura murmured submissively to her mother. "It's good that you're willing to be obedient because it isn't as though you have an actual say in the matter, either way. You'll do as I say - always." Rika retorted.
At that moment, the door bell rung and echoed throughout the mansion.
"The maids are busy. Go answer the door for me. I will be downstairs in a few minutes." Rika ordered, turning her back on the Hasegawa heiress before another word could be said. Aura left the room and descended down a few flights of stairs so that she could answer the front door. "Hello? Who is-" Aura began as she opened the door, but stopped. On the other side of said door was a person whom she had never seen before - a tall, handsome, cool-looking young man with flawless and smooth pale white skin, short and silky black hair, and intelligent greyish-silver eyes with thin glasses.
Ootori Kyouya.
"Hajimemashite. Is Takashima-san home?" Kyouya asked. "Hai..." Aura turned her head away, avoiding eye contact with the stranger.
"That's good. May I come in? Boku wa Ootori Kyouya... Surely Takashima-san is expecting me?"
"Yes, she is... Okaa-san is upstairs taking care of a few last things. She'll be down soon."
Aura stepped aside, allowing the Ootori heir to enter her mother's home. "Arigatou. You must be the famous Hasegawa Aura that I've heard so much about. It's an absolute pleasure to be in the presence of such a beautiful young lady." Kyouya took Aura's hand and kissed it lightly. The Hasegawa heiress shifted uncomfortably and pulled away from Kyouya with a slight jerk. Kyouya frowned, "I'm sorry... Did I do something to offend you?" "Ah... No... Ano... G-gomen." She apologized as she took a few small steps back, distancing herself with her hands held in front of her and her eyes focused on the ground.
"Are you afraid of me, Hasegawa-chan? You're trying so hard to distance yourself and haven't looked up from the ground once since you answered the door."
"Ah... That's because..."
"I'm sure you aren't ignorant of the position we're both in. My father and your mother have signed us into a five and a half month long social contract... All legal authorities over you have also been granted to me. By legal terms, you are as good as my servant, though Otou-san would rather me treat you as a companion. I'm telling you this so that you don't worry about how you will be treated - I have absolutely no interest in mistreating you. I will handle you with gentleness, but all I ask is that you remember one thing..." Kyouya gently held Aura's chin with his fingertips before forcing her to look him directly in his eyes.
"...Our relationship is nothing more than a business deal. All I am to you is an employer... All you are to me is a client. Nothing more and nothing less."
With those words, Silver clashed with White for the very first time.
SWOOSH!
Before Aura's hand could make connect with flesh, the young man caught her wrist. "...That is perfectly fine with me, Kyouya-san. Our relationship... Is purely for the sake of business. I understand that. I have no desire to be anything more than that... With a person like you...!" Aura glared up at her employer.
Those eyes, so silver and hard...
Those eyes, so beautiful, hide everything away from me...
Everything except their true intentions.
"Aura! How dare you raise your hand to Ootori-kun?"
The two teenagers turned to see Rika walking towards them. "Please excuse my daughter's behavior. She's never displayed any signs of aggression before and I guarantee you... That was her last." She looked hard and pointedly at Aura. "It's quite alright. It's my fault, really. She's being shy, so perhaps I came onto her too forcefully. Besides, she didn't hit me." Kyouya insisted with a kind and handsome smile that Rika gladly returned. "Aura! Bow your head! This is Ootori Kyouya. Starting today, you will do everything and anything he asks of you, no matter what it may be. Do you understand?" She said to the younger female. "Takashima-san, while you were busy, I was attempting to socialize with Hasegawa-chan... And you're right - I can tell she lacks social skills." Kyouya fixed his glasses.
"Unlike her older brother."
Aura swallowed hard that mentioning of her brother. "I... I'm sure that you are not nearly as good once compared to your older siblings either, Kyouya-san." "Aura!" Rika glared darkly at her daughter, but Kyouya continued, completely unfazed. "Hm... I suppose you do have a point, Hasegawa-chan. Are you ready to go? My limo is waiting outside. I'll give you a quick tour of the Shidou Mansion once we get there." He gestured for the Hasegawa heiress to take his hand.
"...Your eyes. They hide so much from me but, at the very least, I can see your true nature. Kyouya-san, you're not even looking at me - not at all. You're looking straight through me. Calculating, juding, forming opinions, and setting expections without knowing a single thing about me... Just like everyone else." Aura walked straight past the cool type, rejecting his offering.
I can't see into the depths of those mysterious eyes, but I can see the self-interested motives they have taken no effort in hiding. That is all I need to see... To be sure of one thing: You're no different than the rest, Ootori Kyouya.
"...My eyes... Hm." Kyouya whispered thoughtfully as Aura left the mansion. Seeing Rika begin to go after Aura, he stopped her, "Takashima-san, did you hear an engine start up? I suspect that Hasegawa-chan has already directed one of your chauffeurs to take her elsewhere. You shouldn't worry about her for now - I'll find her later. She needs time to take this all in... She doesn't seem to want to be separated from you. Even more than that, she'll need time to adjust and warm up to me."
"If you insist, Ootori-kun... I will leave Aura up to you. I will also ask that you drop all formalities with her and simply address her by name. There is no need for them - you won't be strangers for long, considering the fact that you will be living together and this social contract makes her more than simply an acquaintance to you. I'll let you decide on how you would like for her to address you, whether it be formally or informally." Rika told the cool-type.
"Hai, Takashima-san. In case it slipped your mind, Otou-san is hosting a formal ball at the Ootori Estate tonight. He would be more than honored if you attended, I'm sure."
"I'm flattered. I fully intend to attend what might be considered the ball of the century. Yuzuru-kun will more than likely be my date."
"It's nice to know that Suoh-san will be attending as well. I hope that the both of you enjoy yourselves and that the ball meets your high expectations. Otou-san highly respects your opinion."
RIIIIING
"...Sumimasen, I must take this call, Takashima-san." Kyouya apologized as he answered his cell phone. "Hello? Tamaki? What do you want? I'm late for the meeting? I scheduled one for today...? Sorry, it must have slipped my mind... Listen, Tamaki. I'm busy today. I won't be able to attend. Surely you guys can manage without me, right? That's good. Okay. Alright. Yes, yes. Uh-huh. Tamaki... Tamaki... Tamaki, I get it. Okay. I'll see you later. Goodbye."
"I assume that was Yuzuru-kun's son? Suoh Tamaki?" Rika inquired. "Hm? Oh, yes. He was telling me that I was late for a meeting I was supposed to attend with him, Hitachiin Kaoru and Hikaru, Haninozuka Mitsukuni, Morinozuka Takashi, and Fujioka Haruhi." Kyouya explained.
"The seven of you are close friends, then?"
"Well, yes. Because we're all in the Host Club together. But anyway, I suppose I should catch up with Aura before she gets too far. I'll see you and all of your extravagant beauty tonight, madamé." Kyouya kissed Rika's hand. "I'll see you tonight as well, Ootori-kun." Rika nodded, exchanging farewells with the Ootori heir.
"...Are you ready to go, sir?" Shito asked the young master once he entered the stretch limousine. "Yes, Tachibana. My business here is done. I would like for you to drive me to the commoner side of Bunkyo - I get the feeling that is where I am most likely to find Aura." Kyouya instructed. "Yes, sir." Shito nodded, starting up the vehicle's engine. Kyouya opened his laptop and went back to take a few last looks at his client's background.
"Otou-san mentioned many things about Aura... But he failed to say anything about her unique beauty, that indescribable aura that surrounds her... Or those strange eyes of hers. At that first moment of locking eyes, it felt as though those white orbs were attempting to pierce into the very depths of my soul." He thought.
"Perhaps there is more to this girl than I had originally thought... Nevertheless, this is all for the mere sake of the contract that binds us. Nothing more... And nothing less."
Bunkyo: One of the twenty three special wards in Tokyo, Japan and located in the region of Kanto. It is also where OHSHC is set. There are about twenty neighborhoods in Bunkyo. For the purposes of this story, let's say half of them belong to commoners and the other half belong to aristocrats and that in the center of each of the two groups of neighborhoods, there is a town - one commoner town and one aristocratic town. So Tokyo is a city/metropolis in Japan, Bunkyo is a ward in Tokyo, there are twenty neighborhoods in Bunkyo. For the purposes of this story, ten neighborhoods and a town (Sakamoto) belong to the commoners and ten neighborhoods and a town (Ousaki) belong to the aristocrats.
Boku wa Ootori Kyouya: "I am Kyouya Ootori"
Okaa-san: Mother
Otou-san: Father
-kun: The suffix added at the end of a male name to signify endearment; it may also be used when an older female is talking about a younger male. Although -kun is most commonly used for male names, it can be used at the end of female name. Example: If a female has a male name, such as Tohru, she may be called Tohru-chan or Tohru-kun because Tohru is most commonly a boy's name. -kun is usually used only for male names but can be used for females with a masculine name.
-chan: The suffix added at the end of a female name to signify endearment; may also be used when an older male is talking about a younger female. Although -chan is most commonly used for female names, it can also be used at the end of a male name. Example: if a male has a female name, such as Sakura, he may be called Sakura-kun or Sakura-chan because Sakura is most commonly a female name. -chan is usually used only for female names but can be used for males with a feminine name.
-san: The suffix added to the end of someone's name to act to the same effect of "Mr., Mrs., Miss.", et cetera.
-sama: A title of respect; it is similar to "master".
Hai: Yes
Iie: No; Iiya also means no
Wakatta yo: I understand
Sumimasen: Excuse me
Ano: Um
Hajimemashite: Along the lines of "hello, it's nice to meet you". You would say this to someone when you meet them for the first time.
Koukou: A way to say "high school"; I decided to use Koukou since it is the term the manga uses.
Gomen: Sorry
Gomen nasai: I'm very sorry
Arigatou: Thank you
Me: And that's it for Capitulo Uno!
Kyouya: Hmmm...
Me: Hmmm what?
Kyouya: ...Nothing. Just thinking.
Me: ...Right. Well, read and review please!