Chapter 1

Haruhi walked down her street towards her school. It was spring, and she would be graduating her grade school soon. The sun was warm, but the wind was cool. Haruhi felt someone brush against her as they ran past, then fell to the concrete. She noticed the huge case on the girls back; it almost looked like a coffin. She hurried to help the girl up.

"Are you alright?" Haruhi asked in her blunt tone. Her eyes looked over at the package. "What is that?"

The girl straightened before picking up her messenger bag and then slinging the case back onto her back. "It's my cello," she said simply.

"Like the giant violin? Isn't that thing heavy?" Haruhi asked. Then she noticed the girl's strange appearance. The girl had flaming wavy red hair to her back, and expressive grey eyes. She wore the uniform of the public grade school, but the skirt went to below her knee.

The girl noticed Haruhi's study of her appearance. She said, "Sorry I bumped into you. My name is Rayne Akatsuki. I'm half Scottish, half Japanese. What's your name?"

Haruhi listened to her strange accent. It was oddly comforting and reminded her of the country, so far away from the city area she lived in. "My name is Haruhi Fujioka. I'm guessing your dad is Japanese from your last name? Are you in your last year of elementary?"

Rayne nodded. "Aye, I am. You are in your second last year are you not? I recognize you from the younger students."

Haruhi nodded. She wondered where she had seen this girl before; she didn't seem like an easy face to forget. "Where have I seen you before? I don't remember you from school."

Rayne laughed. "Probably on your way to the supermarket. Youy probably didn't see me at school because I always was in the music room. I play down the road from the market for some spare change sometimes. I play mostly strings, though I dabble in piano as well."

Haruhi said, "Well that's impressive. You should meet my dad. He'd love you.."

Rayne smiled. She usually didn't make friends these easily. "I'd love to! I'll meet you at the supermarket after school! Don't worry my dad won't mind!" After seeing Haruhi nod her head in consent the girl grinned.

Haruhi thought with her red hair and grin she almost resembled a fox. Shaking that thought, she said "Sounds good meet you then."

Rayne said "Aye, I best be off to school." then began running down the street again, jumping on bus benches and such to get through traffic.

Haruhi shook her head following her... What a strange girl.

(Haruhi's Summer Before Ouran)

"Hey Haruhi," Rayne said while kicking her feet back and forth. She turned around on the girl's bed to lie on her stomach. "This school you're thinking about going to. You think I could get in?"

Haruhi shook her head. "I doubt it. I'm getting in because I'm so studious, plus they gave away scholarships already. Plus with your ADHD and Tourettes, you wouldn't be able to keep up academically for a scholarship."

The girl bit her lip, used to Haruhi being so blunt. She started getting nervous, and her eyes began twitching. Then she said, "I know. But I can't help that. I'll think of something."

Haruhi began looking around her room, trying to think of a plan, before her eyes rested on Rayne's violin case. She smiled teasingly. Rayne noticed this and gave Haruhi a curious look, wondering why she was smiling.

Haruhi looked at Rayne, a glint in her eye. "I have an idea." She glanced at the violin. Rayne saw this and smirked.

"Excellent!" Rayne screamed. "See this is why you're going to some hoity toity rich snob school because you're so damn SMART!" She started crushing Haruhi with hugs.

Her red haired dad popped his head in. "Ooh group hug? I want in!" The he jumped in like the idiot cross dresser they knew and loved.

"Can't... Breathe... cru...shin..g...ME!" Haruhi burst out. The two instantly let go, ending with Haruhi slumping to the floor. Rayne nudged her with her toe.

"Haruhi?... Haruhi... HARUHI!... I think she's dead," Rayne said to the other redhead. Then she skipped into the kitchen to find some ramen.

(A Week Later)

"I must say, we've never really considered a... musical scholarship before. The idea sounds interesting enough. But as you know, we only accept the best. I've assembled some staff and others to review your performance," the chairman explained.

Rayne nodded, trying to keep her twitching under control. The chairman had noted her... condition, and she only hoped she impressed him more when she played. He opened the door of the office and began walking down the hallway. Rayne followed, as he explained the different classrooms, and led her towards the auditorium. Rayne was amazed by the pure luxury of it all, and was almost afraid to tough anything. The chairman noticed how many instruments Rayne was carrying, and offered to take one. Rayne handed him her guitar case while thanking him. She kept her heavy cello on her back and her violin was held across her shoulder. The violin case was covered in newspapers from America, depicting a familiar looking face and fiery red hair, playing the violin. The chairman studied these pictures as he walked, before they reached the auditorium.

Rayne gasped as she entered the auditorium, noting the wealthy looking men and women in the front row seats. The stage was huge, with a beautiful grand piano and a magnificent chandelier. All she could think was... Wow.

The chairman handed her guitar back to her and Rayne walked up the side stairs to the stage. She bowed to the audience before standing center stage. The chairman asked, "Which instrument would you like to play a full song on? You may play a little of each if you wish, and one full song on your favorite."

Rayne nodded. She picked up her guitar and said, "I will play my violin, cello, piano, and harp. My guitar is a more casual instrument and well... May not be most suited to your tastes." After she saw the chairman nod she set the guitar back down and picked up her cello. She put her pieces together and tuned it quickly before taking a comfortable standing stance. "I prefer to play standing."

As she began playing, jazzy sounds filled the auditorium, with wonderful music. It calmed her soul to make this sound. The chairman and audience noticed how immersed she became in her music, forgetting where she was and what was at stake. Her twitching had stopped, and her gaze became steady. The chairman found himself not only hearing beautiful music, but feeling it. Pulling himself together, he cleared his throat before saying, "That was... very well done. On to the next instrument please."

Rayne nodded. "That was a song I composed, and the harp and piano songs have probably never been heard by you." She sat down behind the harp, brushing her hair over one shoulder. She began playing a song she had always loved. While it may not be from anything the chairman would know, it was beautiful. Her plucking was quiet and delicate. She was playing Namine's Theme from Kingdom Hearts. After she finished she smiled softly to herself and thought "I'm such a nerd."

She moved to the piano, doing a small exercise to become used to it. Then she began playing Dearly Beloved. Halfway through, the chairman stood. She stopped playing giving him a worried look. But he was smiling. "There is no need for you to play any more. You play beautifully. I would love to have you at Ouran Academy."

Rayne smiled, so happy she could make a better life for herself, and join her friend.

Chairman Suoh smiled. "Welcome to Ouran Academy, Rayne Akatsuki, 2nd year student."