Author Notes: Hello again everyone sorry for the short break. Well here is another HDY fic this one is very different from the last. It takes place in a completely different universe its more fantasy than anything. It has Japanese and western elements in it so its not in a specific area. There will be lots of action in it and this chapter is a little graphic but they all won't be very. Plz Plz let me know what you think. I am a major fantasy fan and this one will have some of those elements in it. The characters will be a little darker maybe but still true to the HDY universe I love them all. Anyway read on…
Disclaimer: NO I DON"T OWN Hana Yori Dango or any of its characters. I wish I did, but if wishes were real than I would also be rich, 5'7 and never have to work again in my life.
Strangers Fantasy: Prologue
The rain fell softly onto the hard cobblestone road. The sound of a horse carriage echoed throughout the small town as a cloaked figure carrying a basket moved swiftly in-between the shadows. The figure cautiously waited behind buildings for passerby's to move away from its lurking area, and than continue its tract. The figure looked into the basket ever so often until it came to its destination, an orphanage. A medium sized house with a warm glow seeping into the streets was a welcome sight to the figure. The figure moved quickly to the back of the house and knocked softly three times on the door.
"We're here little one, you'll be safe soon. One day you'll return to you're people and we won't have to worry about being hiding anymore. Grow strong and learn the way of these Humes and return to us when you're ready." The figure smiled at the young child inside the basket and placed a small necklace with a jewel that began to glow a bright blue when placed around the child's neck. The door opened and the figure went inside quickly.
"Good evening sir I trust your journey was a safe one." The matron of the home bowed deeply as the figured removed his hood revealing clear blue eyes and a long blond ponytail. His ears were a little to long and pointy to be human but the average size for an elvaan. His smile revealed white straight teeth. He had an aristocratic stance and was fairly tale and thin but muscles could be seen under his wet clothing. Even though he appeared relaxed it was obvious that he would be able to switch to battle mode at the blink of an eye.
"Good evening Yunni. I trust everything is prepared to in simulate the little one into the Hume world?"
"Sir why do you call me Yunni that is not my true name. Why no just call me Yuk-" She was cut off as the man quickly clapped a hand over her mouth the sound of rapid horse carriages could be heard in the street. He remained silent as they faded into the distance. The young woman gave him a puzzled look.
"Don't ever mention your real name around humes it's considered taboo among the elvaan and you never know who maybe listening. I don't particularly care if you say your name but we have to be careful." He looked around and sighed, than slowly backed off.
"But sir that's such an old superstition."
"Yes it is but it's a tradition and at the moment tradition is all we have. Our royal family is systematically being killed off by those who would rather we live as servants to the humes. I think that humes and elvaan can coexist but it'll take someone that's from both worlds to do it, this is why I'm leaving this little one as well as a few others in your care." He handed Yunni the basket careful not to tip it.
"Please take care of her, and teach both Hume and our traditions for this is why you were first raised here. You're job is so important but I trust you will do your best. And you must remember that, her necklace is a sign of her proper place in our kingdom until when she gets older and her physical sign becomes evident you must not lose it."
"Yes I'll try sir Jun- ah Thomas." Yunni took a small bow and looked at the child.
"Oh and Yunni the child won't take on her dominate elvaan characteristics until after she reaches about 18 years of age. Please ease her into this stage in life it will be hard on her at first. I shall return whenever I can to see her progress but always from the shadows."
He pulled his hood back over his head hiding his features once again and exited the house.
The rain had begun to pour harder as Thomas moved through the streets; a sudden feeling of dread had befallen him. His senses had awakened to the world around him as his elvaan blood pounded in his ear. Everything screamed danger as he headed to the edge of town and towards the deep forest. The sound of the raised voices of men could be heard getting closer to him. He began to run knowing that he had finally been discovered.
By the time he reached his horse at the border of the forest and the small town the men were almost upon him. He jumped onto the horse and took off at a frantic pace willing the horse to sense his urgency as they traveled through territory that he knew very well. It wouldn't take him very long to reach his people's lands but he couldn't let his guard down while his enemy was so close behind him.
He was right on the boarder when he heard a loud sound and felt a blinding pain course through his back. He had been shot even though he was so close to his home. He had crossed the boarder before he passed out on top of his horse that continued to go deeper into his people's territory.
The men that had been chasing him cheered each other on congratulating the great aim of the young man that had killed his first elf. They returned back to the town for celebrating the young man's ascent to adulthood.
Yunni took the little girl out of the basket and headed to her room. As she was entering her room one of the younger children came out of their room rubbing his eyes. He was about 4 years old with deep rich curls and pudgy cheeks. He was a very cute and handsome child and his blueblood could not be hidden from by his plain clothing.
"Yummi, who is that?" He questioned pointing to the little girl as he walked up to her.
"This is going to be your new playmate. She's very special and like you she has elvaan blood, but it's a secret."
"A secret?" The little boy woke up more and gazed at the little girl, happy that he finally had another person like him to play with. All but a few of the other kids around him didn't like to play with him because of his violent temper. He was actually a good child but because boys that had elvaan blood displayed its races characteristics in males at an early age he was made fun of and shunned. This is one of the things that caused him to lose his temper often and made a lot of the children alienate him.
"What's her name Yummi?" The cute boy gazed at the young girl.
Yunni smiled at the inquisitive boy and took his hand making him break his eyes away from the sleeping girl.
"She's a very special girl and she has a very special name. Her real name is Tsukushi but you mustn't ever say her full name because among elvaan it's a superstition, that those who say a person's full name will have bad things happen to them or the other person will be controlled by the Hume's that know ones name. But of course that not real at all."
"Ohhh, its like a secret too right." They young boy grew excited that he had learned another secret. He was glad he actually woke up to use the potty this time instead of staying in bed. He couldn't wait to tell the other guys, thinking they would be so jealous of him.
"Can I call her Kushi than? That should ok, right Yummi?"
"Yes that should be fine." Yunni smiled even more at the handsome little boy. She didn't doubt that he would tell his three other friends.
"Hmmm Tsukasa remember you can't tell anyone else about this not even your best friends, this is very important."
"Not even Rui. Rui won't tell anyone he's too quiet for that."
"No you can't tell him either. No one, you are to keep it inside until the moment is right."
"When will that be?" He was starting to get impatient.
"You have to wait and see but for now you need to get to bed."
"Awww do I have to?" The handsome face sported a hurt frown.
This boy is going to be a lady killer when he gets older.
"Yes little one…" Yunni paused for a brief moment and took the necklace that was still glowing on the girl's neck and placed it onto Tsukasa's. The glow died as soon as it was removed from Tsukushi's neck.
"Why are you giving me her necklace?" He looked at the jewel and than up at Yunni again.
"Well if say you ever lost her you could find her again. You're going to be her guardian from now on Tsukasa what do you say to that."
"Wow I get to be a guardian that's so wonderful Yummi. I'm going to be like a knight."
"Yes and a handsome knight at that. Now go to bed."
Tsukasa looked back once again toward Tsukushi and smiled gently. He was going to be Tsukushi's Knight or Yojimbo. He skipped happily to his room and went to sleep holding the jewel in his hand protectively.
Yunni sighed deeply, relived that she was able to accomplish part of her job already, establishing a protector for the young princess at an early stage. This has always been the duty of ones chosen to forsake their elvaan heritage and take up dwelling in the Hume world. She was sure that because of the royal blood running through Tsukasa and some of the other children she over saw that Tsukushi will be comfortable living here. Well part of her job was done it was now time to sleep.
2 years later…
"Aww come on Kasa we want to be Kushi's knight's too."
"Well I don't know Jiro I'd have to be the captain and you guys can be my underlings."
Tsukasa stood with his hands arms crossed and his hands on his hips.
"Seeing as how Kushi is turning 4 today its up to her if she wants you guys as her guardians." Next to Tsukasa was a short dark haired girl who stood next to Tsukasa with her hands on her hips radiating almost the same arrogant pose as Tsukasa.
"I say I want them as my guardians." She took a stick and pretended to knight the three boys kneeling before her. The kids began to laugh as they all stood up and walked around with their chest poked out. Which ended up with they arguing as to who would be second in command and later into a wrestling match Tsukushi included biting and kicking with the rest of them.
"Humph she' such a tomboy I don't know why Kasa always has to play with her she' not that special. She' not even cute with her ugly brown hair, now mine is beautiful with these curls and such." The little girl swung her head around so that the curls bounced around her. The little girl than went back to eating her candy as her little group nodded and looked at each other nervously.
"Maybe it's because you're too fat Sakurako." All the other girls gasped at what Shigeru said all wondering what Sakurako would do. Shigeru was also a tomboy and if the two ever got into a fight they knew who would win easily.
"Whatever its just baby fat just you wait when I get older I'm going to be a beautiful princess. Because I'm part elvaan and everyone knows that elvaan women are some of the most beautiful." She swung her head around again to let the curls bounce and went back to eating her candy.
"A poor orphan like you wouldn't understand."
"Humph whatever you're an orphan too you know."
"This is all only temporary one day my prince is going to come and find me when I'm all grown beautiful and sophisticated. And he's going to take me away from all of this just you wait. Isn't that right Shika?"
A beautiful young girl with long blond hair, who was now taking care of one of the "knight's" a few years older than the rest nodded her head not really listening. She was taking care of Ri the quiet one of the four young boys.
"See I told you, Shika knows all about elvaan tradition and stuff. All elvaan royalty send their kids secretly to a place to be raised by Hume so that they grow up knowing both worlds."
"If that's the case than why are we all taught elvaan etiquette we could all be royalty."
"Because it's a secret, stupid, we all need to be taught so that the real princess is also taught among decoys. But I know I'm the real princess want to know how I know?" The young girl grinned slyly.
"I overheard mistress Yunni one night talking to a secret visitor. You all know that one day we're going to get taken to separate homes and I think that secret visitor was looking to have a very pretty young lady as their daughter. And I heard her mention my name and 'princess'."
All the other girls looked around and began to get excited, thinking how great it was that one of their friends was so important and that they were around her. They called her princess and treated her like royalty with the exception of Shigeru who just rolled her eyes and began playing with the others.
Later that night…
Yunni ran into each of the children's rooms waking them up.
"Get up everyone we have to leave from here now there has been a raid on the town. We must escape."
Tsukushi who had snuck into the boy's room to sleep with Tsukasa shook him hard to wake him up. It seemed as if no one else could wake him but her when he was deep in sleep.
"What wuz goin on?" Tsukasa rubbed his eyes as he saw the panic in Tsukushi face.
"We gotta go Kasa something bad is happening."
Tsukasa jumped out of bed and held onto Tsukushi's hand as he joined the other kids.
"Now everyone remember what I taught you. Get you're cloaks and follow each other whatever you do don't let go of your partners hands. You all need to stay together no matter the cause."
Tuskasa looked down at Tsukushi and smiled shakily trying not to show the fear that he felt.
"Don't worry Kushi I'll be here and protect you always k."
Tsukushi nodded her head and smiled up at Tsukasa. She secretly said to herself that she was the one that would protect Tsukasa.
As the children headed out the house there was pure chaos in the streets. Stores and homes were on fire men were fighting in the streets.
The screams and cries surrounded the children.
"Children we must remain calm if we are to make it to safety. This raid is something unexpected and we must do our best to make it through."
They made their way through back allies and side streets but the journey had taken its victims from the group of children. Among the chaos many had been separated lost some killed by horse. There were only a few left by the time they reached the back of an inn close to the outside of the town.
The inn keeper greeted the troop and led them to the basement which revealed a tunnel. A cloaked figure appeared to greet them at the entrance. His face was masked by the darkness of his hood and he began to divide the children up selecting a few to continue on with another figure that lead a line with a torch deeper into the tunnel.
When he reached Tsukasa and Tsukushi he tried to separate their hands.
"Let go of her." The cloaked figure said harshly.
"No I'm not supposed to separate, where she goes I go." He held onto her hand tighter.
"Let go emp or I'll cut your hand off." The man pulled a dagger from out of his cloak brandishing a serpent hilt and a small spider tattoo on his hand in-between his thumb and pointer.
Tsukasa stared at the man not flinching from the threat. Tsukushi began to cry and cling to Tsukasa.
The cloaked man motioned his head toward Yunni. She walked over to the two and bent down.
"Tsukasa you have to let go we will meet you on the other side see Shigeru, Shika, Ri, Jiro, and Ara are all over there and Kushi and I will meet you ok?" She smiled at Tsukasa who was still reluctant, but released Tsukushi's hand.
"No Kasa I don't want you to leave me I want to stay with you." Tsukushi pleaded
"Let go him Kushi you have to so we can escape without being found we have to split the group up."
"No I don't want to leave. Kasa don't leave me here with him. He's a bad man he is I know it. Why can't we go together?" She was crying louder.
"Kushi you're being unreasonable and holding us up. Let go of him." The man yanked her off of Tsukasa and pushed him into the tunnel closing the door swiftly. Tsukasa ran to the door regretting letting go of her hand and began to bang on the door.
The other cloaked man dragged Tsukasa down the tunnel trying to quiet him and they soon reached the others that had been taken earlier.
"Hey Kasa this place is great they're feeding us and we're told we're going to live with our own people. We're going back to the elvaan kingdom we will finally be accepted. Isn't that great? Hey where's Kushi?"
"Ara shes not with me she' coming a different way than us."
Back at the inn…
"Ok children stay calm." Yunni had her back toward the cloak man who brandished the same dagger. The cries of the children were too late as Yunni turned around to have the dagger plunged into her small body. She fell to the floor as her soul flowed out of her body into a pool of sticky red liquid.
Her cry of run was cut short as the cloaked man launched himself at the children swinging his dagger recklessly. Some of them made it to the outside. The man's hood flew back revealing dark small eyes and a wicked grin.
"Filthy Hume scum got to get rid of both the snake and its children. I don't know why that fool kept both Hume and Elvaan children, but I'll be sure to separate the better race."
The man laughed as the children scattered back into the city lost cold and confused.
The children ran through the streets, smoke and fire danced igniting the sky. The screaming of people filled the air. Tsukushi was dazed and confused as she ran with the other children who had managed to escape that mad man.
They ran around to the back of a building and huddled together crying and nervous.
"I don't understand why they didn't take me I'm an elvaan princess. Why did they do this to me?" A miserable Sakurako cried. Her trail of tears left a clean line on her soot be darkened face.
"It'll be ok Koko. Somone will come and save us and…" Tsukushi tired to comfort the girl.
"Shut up what do you know? You saw what happened to Yunni there is no one for us we're alone." Sakurako's voice started to pick up and pitch becoming a shrill sound. The other children began to cry as well.
"Oh what do we have here?" The voice of a man could be heard getting closer to the children.
"Looks like servants to me. Orasha go get the carriage these will fetch a very good price in one of the larger houses."
"No we won't go with you." Tsukushi jumped up and held her hands out in front of the group of children.
"Out of the way brat." The man slapped Tsukushi out of the way causing her to fly into wall knocking her out.
As she lost consciousness the screams of the other children echoed as well as the scream of the one she called Koko.
"Wait stop I'm an elvaan princess…"
Ok was that too out there? This story is going to be very different from my other story. I really want you guys to enjoy it. Please let me know what you think. Depending on feedback I get depends on if I will continue this fic. I have big plans for this one so plz tell me what u think what would be interesting to see in it. Oh and expect a lot of action in it. This story maybe somewhat dark but I hope to make it interesting. If anyone is interesting in editing for me plz let me know I hate editing and it drives me crazy having to do it I'm kinda lazy. .