First, thank you so much for the great response for the first chapter! It motivated me even further and that's why I'm now making my fastest ever update to a chapter story ^^.
I don't own Ouran High School Host Club. I do own the kingdom, village and Emperor. They are children of my imagination.
This is fantasy and magic. I have no experience of parallel universe-travelling or the other slightly odd things going on in this story.
O-O-O-O-O
Hikaru was in shock. The young man in the door was the exact image of his twin. Well, if you overlooked the weird clothes and that he had his red hair in a long ponytail. All the others in the room watched intently as the twins stared at each other.
"Kaoru…"
Kaoru's eyes turned dark and menacing. He swiftly strode through the room, coming up next to Hikaru's bed. Sharp metal flashed and before Hikaru could blink he was pressed down roughly on the bed, with a long sword against his throat.
"Wha.. Hey!" He squeaked, gulping as he felt cold steel against his skin.
"Kaoru! Stop!" Haruhi protested, glaring angrily.
Kaoru didn't acknowledge her. Instead he leant down over Hikaru, looking him over with cold eyes.
"Who are you and why are you pretending to be Hikaru?"
"I'm not bloody pretending! I am Hikaru!" Hikaru growled, but quietened down when Kaoru pressed harder with the sword. "Please, I'm telling the truth." He begged. "I have no idea what's going on. I was by your grave when I got hit by lightning and then I woke up here. This is probably a really fucked up dream, but please Kaoru, please. I AM Hikaru, I promise." Hikaru was on his way to tears, there was just too many emotions at the same time.
"Let him go Kaoru." Tamaki had stepped up to the twins and put a hand on Kaoru's shoulder.
Kaoru snorted, but removed the weapon from Hikaru and pushed it back inside the scabbard. "Are you believing this deceiver Tono? You can't seriously think he's my twin."
"I don't know what I believe anymore. All this is terribly confusing." Tamaki looked disappointedly at Kaoru. "But I do know that it's terribly rude to threaten your guests like that."
Hikaru gaped as Tamaki and his twin argued back and forth. Kaoru was alive. Scary, mad and with a sword, but alive. This had to be a dream… But if it was, he really didn't want to wake up.
"Hika-chan? Is he really Hika-chan?"
"No he isn't!"
"Kaoru, I really think he is. No one could make a disguise that good."
The rest of the "Host Club" had joined the argumentation and they all stood gathered around Hikaru, chattering excitedly and giving the bedridden twin a headache. Only Kyouya was quiet. He was watching Hikaru with calm, calculating eyes. Hikaru noticed that he didn't have his glasses. Finally, Kyouya spoke.
"Quiet." Immediately everyone stopped talking and turned to Kyouya.
"This is Hikaru."
Never before had Hikaru been so glad to hear Kyouya speak, and he smiled towards the older boy, grateful.
"And how, if you don't mind me asking, is that possible?" Kaoru asked sharply, brushing long bangs out of his eyes with an irritated swipe.
"I guess you've all heard about parallel universes?" All, even Kaoru, nodded. "Well, this is Hikaru. From another universe."
Hikaru couldn't believe his ears, this was insane! He was just about to tell Kyouya to check in at a madhouse when he noticed that all the others seemed to take the shadow king's words seriously. Tamaki frowned and took a deep breath.
"So… This person comes from another world? How did he get here?"
Kyouya sighed and rubbed his temple. "There are some things I haven't told you about. After that disastrous fight, I started studying parallel universes and how to travel between them. I found out that it's possible to transport a strong elemental person using his power source. But it's very hard and dangerous magic, if it goes wrong the transported person can get stuck in between universes in a nothingness. Anyway, some weeks ago I tried a complicated, dark-power spell and apparently it worked."
Haruhi chuckled, obviously relieved. "Couldn't you have told us this at once senpai? You really should let us know when you experiment with dangerous magic…"
"Whoa wait just a minute…" Hikaru's head was spinning. "Elemental person? Power source? Magic?" He just couldn't control himself anymore. "HAHA! Oh hihi this must be the most haha mental thing I've ever heard!"
The "Host Club" watched the stranger cautiously, as he lay guffawing and crying, clasping his stomach tightly.
"Haru-chan, is he okay?" Honey asked, worry apparent in huge, childish eyes.
"Hehe I'm fine." Hikaru chuckled, desperately trying to calm down. "This doesn't make any sense. I'm dreaming. If I'm not, then I've must completely lost my mind…"
"This most certainly isn't a dream, and I don't believe you have gone mad, but I guess travelling between universes might be a bit confusing." Kyouya pondered, writing something down in a small, brown book.
"A bit confusing huh… More like brain-muddling." Hikaru shook his head.
Suddenly he had both Tamaki and Honey jumping up on the bed and hugging him enthusiastically.
"Hika-chan is back!"
"Oh thank you mighty heavens, for bringing my eldest son back!"
In the middle of hugging back, laughing and half-heartedly trying to push them off, Hikaru's gaze locked with Kaoru's again. His younger twin looked upset, almost on the verge of tears, but when Hikaru smiled happily towards him, his eyes went cold again. Without a word, Kaoru turned on his heels and stormed out.
The fizzy and happy feeling in his stomach disappeared and Hikaru suddenly felt cold and empty.
"Kaoru…"
The rest of the Host Club exchanged sad glances, and Tamaki and Honey got off of the bed.
"Don't mind him." Haruhi had grasped his shoulder and smiled warmly towards Hikaru. "This is hard for him. Four months ago our Hikaru was killed. Kaoru hasn't been himself since."
Hikaru stared at the petite girl. Four months ago… That was when his Kaoru died. What a coincidence.
Haruhi petted his hair gently. "Just give him some time, he'll get around. I'll bring you a glass of water, you must be thirsty." She got up and headed to the other side of the room. Hikaru gasped and stared at his friend. There was a round lump on Haruhi's stomach. He couldn't believe his eyes. Why didn't he see it earlier?
"Eh Haruhi? Are you pregnant?"
Haruhi dropped the glass and turned a bright red, Tamaki turned even redder, and Honey started to giggle. Mori walked over to Haruhi and started cleaning up the mess.
"Yes… I'm in the sixth month." She whispered, pouring up water in a second glass.
"No way! And Tono is the father?" Hikaru glared accusingly at Tamaki. "You pervert! She is only seventeen years old, what's wrong with you?"
Tamaki looked close to tears and went to hide behind Kyouya.
"Relax Hikaru, don't blame Tamaki." Haruhi's face had almost returned to it's normal colour and she gave Hikaru the glass of water. "We love each other. This is something we both wanted." Smiling happily she went to embrace the sulking king.
Hikaru frowned, but downed all the water in one giant gulp. "If, against all odds, this isn't a dream, all of this is going to take a hell of a time to get used to…"
He turned to Kyouya, sighing deeply. "Why did you bring me here? No wait, where is "here"?"
Mori had removed all of the broken glass and joined his friends at Hikaru's side. Honey brightened at Hikaru's question and hurried to explain.
"You are in our world! In a kingdom called Zenbi. Right now we're in the village Tairaka, at Haru-chan's father's house."
Hikaru chuckled and ran a hand through his hair. "Well that didn't make me much wiser. And why am I here?"
"We need your help to defeat the Emperor." Kyouya stopped writing in his book and met Hikaru's eyes.
"What? Which Emperor?" Hikaru asked, confused.
Haruhi's expression darkened. "The emperor Raikou. He is a cruel tyrant who kills and maims innocent people. He has turned Zenbi into a hell."
"Raikou is a very mean man, isn't he Takashi?"
"Mm." Mori grunted in agreement.
Hikaru groaned in frustration, starting to feel pretty distressed. "And what makes you think that I could bring down a guy like that?"
"Because you are the only one in the entire kingdom who can." For once, Tamaki was completely serious. It scared Hikaru. "Raikou is your and Kaoru's uncle, and you're the only one who can kill him. Four months ago our Hikaru fought the emperor. He failed and Raikou killed him."
"I have no idea how your Hikaru was, but I am no trained assassin! Why would I be able to kill him?" Hikaru was almost shouting now, glaring at the others.
Kyouya glared back, making the poor twin crumble. "Because you have the power of electricity. You can manipulate and create lightnings and thunder."
"I can not!"
"Yes you can, or at least you will be able to if you practise." Kyouya stated calmly.
"You see, all of us have special powers!" Tamaki explained, waving his hands enthusiastically. "We are the rebel group, and it's our mission to bring down the Emperor, terminate his evil soldiers and save the people!"
If the situation had looked different, Hikaru would have snickered at the similarity between this rebel Tamaki and his own Tamaki version at home. Now he only shook his head.
"So you're basically a crossover between Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Fantastic Four? Okay then, what are your powers?"
Tamaki looked confused. "Four turtles?"
"I'm not familiar with those mutants and turtles which you mentioned, but I have the ability to manipulate darkness and people's minds." Kyouya's words made Hikaru shiver in fright. Here he truly was the shadow king…
"I'm a healer. And well… I can create light too, but that's not very useful." Haruhi muttered, looking a bit disappointed with her power.
Tamaki embraced her and kissed her head. "Don't be silly love. Light is what makes it possible for us to live you know." He smiled at Hikaru. "My power is the power of the wind!"
Hikaru raised one eyebrow. "So you can fly then?"
Tamaki pondered the question. "Well no, more like float, and it's very hard and straining." Hikaru could see it clearly, Tamaki floating around in Ouran's corridors, throwing rose-petals over the unsuspecting students. He giggled.
"What about you Mori?"
"The earth."
"He can manipulate plants and such." Kyouya explained further.
"Yes." Mori nodded.
"Hika-chan! Guess what I can do?" Honey beamed
"Do you really need a superpower?" Hikaru mumbled. "Isn't it enough to be a martial arts champion and have the power to eat an unending amount of cake?"
Honey shook his head. "We all know martial arts Hika-chan. And I can control and create fire!"
"Wow… That's really great guys." Hikaru said dryly. "And I am some sort of thunder god, right?"
"Kyouya, I don't think he believes us…" Tamaki whined and wrapped his arms around the dark-haired boy.
Honey jumped up in Hikaru's lap and extended his hand. "Look here!"
The small boy's palm started to glow a soft red. Mesmerized, Hikaru stared as a small flame emerged from Honey's hand. The flame danced merrily and Hikaru could feel the heat on his cheeks.
The rebel group looked on as their new Hikaru stared at the fire, pinched himself hard, stared some more and then abruptly lost consciousness. Honey gasped and the fire disappeared at once.
"Ah Hika-chan! I'm sorry, please wake up!" He sobbed. Mori picked up the smaller boy and tried to comfort him.
Tamaki was as upset as Honey. "My son! Please, don't take my son from me, again!"
"Everybody calm down." Haruhi held a hand against Hikaru's forehead. "He's alright. Just fainted that's all." She smiled tenderly and covered the exhausted boy with a blanket. "And can we blame him? He probably doesn't have magic at all in his world."
She turned to the other boys and started to shoo them out. "Hikaru needs a good night's sleep, and so does you. It's late."
After she had succeeded in getting all the boys out, Haruhi sat down next to Hikaru and watched over him.
It's good if he can get some sleep… Tomorrow will be a long day.
O-O-O-O-O
The village Tairaka was asleep. It was a quiet night, the only noise coming from a pair of owls, far up in a tall tree. Darkness lay thick over the cottages, but from one small hut at the far end of the village, light still streamed out from the windows. All was still. Then, a shadow emerged from the forest and made it's way swiftly but soundlessly towards the lit cottage. It sneaked up to the opened window and peered inside.
Kyouya sat in front of the fire, reading from the thick spell-book. Without taking his eyes from the book he raised his hand and waved.
"I know you're there Kaoru. Come in."
"I'm already in."
Kyouya turned around and smiled. Kaoru stood leaning against the wall, arms crossed.
"You're getting good at that."
Kaoru smirked. "Well yeah, I'm not an assassin for nothing you know."
Kyouya returned to the book. "Where have you been?"
"Just in the neighbour village. The Emperor's soldiers are there, plundering the farmers storages."
"Mm I know. How many did you get rid off?"
Kaoru snorted. "Only five. The rest were too observant."
"Pity."
Silence. The fire crackled contently and painted dancing patterns on the walls.
"Why did you bring him here?" Kaoru's voice was quiet, sad.
"Because he is Hikaru, whether you like it or not, and he will be able to master the power of your Hikaru. He is our only hope Kaoru." Kyouya turned and met tired, amber eyes.
"Hikaru mastered that power. He was so strong. Unbeatable. Still Raikou killed him." Fists clenched and voice filled with venom, Kaoru took a step towards Kyouya. "So what makes you think that that worthless, fake, brat will succeed?"
"It's the only alternative we have!" Kyouya snarled, getting up from his chair.
"Let me kill Raikou." Kaoru said, longing evident in his gaze.
Kyouya sighed deeply. "You can't and you know it. He'd fry you on spot. Remember, he hates you as much as you hates him. You killed his twin after all."
The redhead lowered his eyes. "I wish he would've killed me too." He turned and headed back towards the window, long hair swishing on his back.
"Kaoru, I think that having him here might help you regain your powers. You haven't been able to use them since Hikaru died and we're going to need them to fight down the Emperor and his servants. Also, feel free to use the door."
Kaoru said nothing, but climbed through the window and disappeared as quickly as he'd arrived.
O-O-O-O-O
Still confused? I'll explain things more further on ^^
Some facts:
Zenbi = Perfection
Tairaka = Peaceful
Raikou = Lightning
Kaoru's ponytail is property of my dear friend El Linjo, who insisted on him having hair to his waist when we talked about this story.
Answer to KuroPika X: I'm very sorry about my other stories :/, but they'll be continued later on! And I'm very happy you liked this ^^. I wrote al long chapter, didn't I? :D Do I get a cookie now? Thank you dear! Hugs Custard
Answer to lotlot: Haha I understand you're confused, I almost am too XD. But I hope this chapter made it a bit more clear! Actually I'm not that big fan of fantasy in general, but I love LOTR and also like Harry Potter. I really love adventure and wars and fighters and stuff XD. Thank you so much for reviewing lottie! Not tired of me yet? ^^ Hugs Custard
Answer to YagamiNeko: Thank you! Yeah it's kind of different, isn't it? Hope you enjoyed this chapter as well! Hugs Custard
Answer to Merry: It's good you kept positive, me myself sat crying like a baby ^^. Oh you like the laughing? Great! I was a bit unsure on that part really… Hihi I'm so happy you liked it! Or did you? :s Haha, I can pretend at least. They are not in Rivendell when Frodo wakes up after the quest, aren't they in Ithilien? But I'm happy you got such a nice feeling. Hope you found this chapter bearable ^^. Do you want hugs? Maybe a real one instead ^^
Thank you for reading! Please let me know what you think!
/Midnight Custard