Author's Note: I am on a roll~! I'm so excited about how this story is going so far, and I hope that everyone who's reading it is too~! Yay! So, let the next chapter begin!

Rating: T

Dedication: None right now since the prologue hasn't been posted as I write this.

Summary: Kyouya, always striving to become the heir despite having been born last, is finally within reach of his goal. The catch? He has to marry someone his family has chosen for him. Thankfully, his sister was the one who found her…wait…

Chapter 1: Beginning before the End

A young girl is pacing in her room, her delicate eyebrows furrowed in deep thought. Her reddish-brown locks sway behind her as hands wrestle each other, her oval, metal frames perched atop her nose, her hair hiding part of her face. Her hair, though long, was simple. She is the kind of girl who sits in the front of the class, doing her work and keeping to herself.

"How did this happen? I don't…"

She sighs deeply, her eyes closing in defeat before she than falls down to her knees. She examines her hands, lead smears running across them. She had been in the middle of sketching when her grandmother had called for her.

(Flashback)

The young lady is spinning around her room, her arms graceful, a wooden pencil in her mouth. Soft, upbeat music is playing throughout her room, giggles escaping her mouth as she drops her writing utensil. Quickly scooping it up, she returns to the forgotten sketchpad on her bed, drawing in a few lines when a knock comes from her door.

"Come in."

She puts down the objects in her hand, trying to make herself presentable for whomever was on the other side of her door. As the latch turns, she manages to brush a few stray strands out of her eyes, sighing relief at the sight of her trusted maid. She smiles warmly, her one dimple revealing itself.

"Oh, Vivi, hello. What can I help you with today?"

The timid maid bows her head, the woman's blonde hair brushing her shoulders with the action.

"Yes, ma'am, Lady Misao is calling for you. She says it's urgent."

The petite girl nods her own response before giving permission for Vivi to leave. Hurriedly fixing herself up slightly, she rushes toward her grandmother's study, her mind pondering on what she was needed for. It was when she acknowledged her presence in the room that the older woman spoke.

"Please, sit Tsukiko."

Tsukiko nods her head, gracefully pulling her skirt under her legs before crossing them at the ankle. Hands relaxing on her knees, Tsukiko gives her grandmother her full attention.

"Tsukiko, as you've heard from me and several of the counselors, you have a great talent in medicine and various other things. Your parents left you everything of their possessions, but there was one thing they had wanted you to do before inheriting everything."

Tsukiko tilts her head slightly to the side, never having heard of any of this before. She had assumed that her grandmother had inherited everything when her parents passed away.

"I must admit that I'm a bit shocked by all of this. I hadn't realized that everything had been left to me, but what is their condition and why is it being announced now?"

The older woman closes her eyes in thought, knowing that her granddaughter was going to ask this. She sighs before leaning back into her chair a bit.

"The condition was that you marry into another sturdy family and it has come up because of a recent acquaintance of mine."

Tsukiko's eyes widen at the condition her parents requested. She touches her chin unconsciously, her body a bit frozen from the news.

"Marriage? That was their request? How did this come up?"

"Yes, well, I actually ran into the daughter of the infamous Yoshio Ootori. You do know who that is, right?"

Of course she knew, having been informed of anything involving medicine, the Ootori name was one word that appeared on more than one occasion. Famous for owning several branches of renowned hospitals, they were also one of the wealthiest. They were making long strides in medicine and she always looked up to them in several ways."The Yoshio Ootori? But wait, you said daughter, so may I inquire what happened?"

Her grandmother only smirks before beginning to proceed with the details.

"Yes, well, Fuyumi mentioned to me on how she has a younger brother who is around your age. He's only a year older and excels in everything he does. Top of his class, does well in business, and I've heard that despite him being the 3rd son of Yoshio, he is the choice to inherit the Ootori line. After discussing with Fuyumi on her wishes for her brother to live happily, I informed her of your being and your name was one thing that caught her attention. I showed her a picture and complimented on your talents and after some discussion with Yoshio, we have agreed to arrange a marriage between you two."

Tsukiko was a bit heart stricken by this, not really wanting to get married at her age, but…She knew that if she wanted to please her grandmother and her parents in heaven, that she would have to go through this. After taking in a deep breath, she forces a smile onto her face, her eyes a bit distant.

"That sounds pleasant grandmother. I'm sure that Yoshio's son is a fine, handsome gentleman. I'm pleased on your choice and would be honored to marry into the Ootori name."

'…Why is this happening..?'

Tsukiko is currently in her room, her frail body curled up into a ball, her mind trying to find a positive side to this ordeal that was her life. Looking up at her most recent sketch, her eyes water. The image was of a couple, clothed in wedding garments, the two carelessly kissing in a fountain of water. She didn't know why she had drawn that, but at the time, and even now, it seemed a beautiful idea. She reaches her hand to the paper, her fingers outlining the woman's elegant curls, the veil long forgotten on the ground along with the couple's shoes. Sighing she stands up, her eyes searching outside.

Finding no answer to her predicament, her silver eyes then shift to the uniform hanging from her closet door, the dress causing her to cringe slightly. She was to start attending Ouran High, the school of her soon-to-be husband. Apparently she was to get to know him somewhat during the week before their wedding, the answer to her statement that she was marrying a total stranger.

"Tomorrow is going to a be a new day…"

"You're what?!"

Kyouya continued to write in numbers in the Host club's revenue book, having already expected that reaction out of his comrades. He adjusts his frames before eyeing each of them, his stance calm.

"Like I said, I'm getting married this weekend. You're all invited of course."

Kyouya only sighs as each of his friends start to bombard him with questions. He was glad that he had done this before classes started, having wanted to get the curiosities out of the way so that their performance during today's theme was not hindered in any way.

"I can't believe it, Kyo-chan is getting married!"

"Ah."

Kyouya's eyes land on the elder two of the bunch, one fitting the image quite nicely with his cool, calm attitude, the other fitting the portrait of an elementary student. The smaller one having blonde hair and wide eyes didn't help the situation any more with his kid-like attitude and his love for sweets. He knew that the two were cousins and that despite appearances, they were very loyal to each other and that they could kick anyone's ass if need be.

"Wow, so the goblin king will soon have a queen."

"I wonder if she's as cold as her soon-to-be husband."

Kyouya ignored the words of the Hitachiin twins, knowing that they were mostly saying what they were because of the fact that their lives consisted of messing with others. The two were inseparable as far as he knew, though he had noticed recently that their views on things were seeming to widen. It was his next friend that threw him off balance…literally. Luckily, Kyouya managed to straighten the two of them before falling out of the chair.

"Kyo-chan! You're cheating on father!! How could you?! What about our daughter and sons?! They will grow up to be rebellious and then they will begin to favor you more as I become depressed and lonely!!"

Kyouya only patted the man's back as Tamaki Suoh continued his long list of consequences from his "leaving" him. After a few moments, Tamaki pulls away, his expression now a bit serious…well, as serious as Tamaki gets in situations such as this.

"But seriously Kyouya, why are you getting married? I must say that I have not heard of any of this."

"Well, you see…It's been decided that I will be the successor to the Ootori Medical line."

All of his friends gasp their surprise, some in shock, others in happiness, knowing that that was one of Kyouya's main goals in life, if not the only.

"Father saw it best that I marry someone with a nice background and recently, Fuyumi ran into the grandmother of Chiharu Saki. Miss. Saki was one of the most renowned surgeons of her time. Along with her husband Tadase, they made huge strides in medicine, mainly in cardio. After hearing that Chiharu and Tadase Saki had left behind a daughter, Fuyumi took it upon herself to find out about the girl, and then after discussing it with father, saw it best that she become my wife."

Tamaki is only quiet for a second, his mouth opening to ask a question when the twins slyly cut him off.

"Wait, you said left behind?"

"Are her parents deceased?"

Kyouya calmly nods his head, his hands neatly placed in his lap.

"Yes, they passed away many years ago during a horrible fire of one of the hospitals. They had rushed in to help the patients escape but, unfortunately, never escaped themselves."

"So, does you father only want you to marry the girl because of her family name?"

"No, I've also heard that it has to do with the fact that she's a pretty sensible young lady. Her grandmother has pushed her into many things, all which she excels at. On the top of that list is medicine itself. She's slowly been following in her parents' footsteps."

All are quiet, the information sinking in, when a small, slight feminine voice cuts in.

"Ah, so they find that she would be good for you, money and health-wise."

All heads turn to their cross-dressing friend, the young female clad in the Ouran High's male uniform. Kyouya stares for a only a few seconds, his mind going over on how she had come to join their little club. The poor girl had broken an expensive vase, the worth of the piece alone having gone into the thousands. He must admit that despite the girl's bluntness when it came to words, she was actually quite popular at their club.

"Yes, it would seem so."

"So, do you get to meet her before the wedding?"

Kyouya only smirks as he returns his attention to the revenue book once more.

"Yes, I've been told that she will start attending Ouran as of today. Unfortunately, I have yet to see or know what she looks like but I was informed that she is in your grade."

Haruhi's eyes widen as the twins gasp in awe.

"Oh, so she'll be spending time with us?"

"This should be fun. A new toy to play with."

Kyouya begins to tune them out, his hand scribbling down costs of various items. Though he didn't want to admit it, he was quite curious on to what his fiancée was going to look like. He had only been informed of her name and age, and assured profusely that she was quite charming. He knew that could only mean several things, but decided for once to put his trust in his onee-san.

"So, what is her name, Kyouya?"

Kyouya turns his attention to the wiser of the duo, a gleam in his eye that none could attach an emotion to.

"Tsukiko…Tsukiko Saki."

At this, the Hitachiin twins eye each other before smiling widely, a knowing sense in their exchanged smirk. They each place a hand on Kyouya's shoulder, their expression as if they were waiting for his gratitude.

"Oh, Kyouya, you're in for such a treat. We won't let you down."

"Yes, definitely. Wouldn't want to feel the wrath of the shadow king after all."

The others eye the twins suspiciously, a few eyebrows raised by their suspicious behavior as they leave the music room.

"What was that all about?"

"Ah."

"I agree."

Tsukiko was currently pacing in the room she had been told to wait in, simple street clothes adorning her body. Her grandmother had taken it upon herself to hire professionals to prepare her for when she met Kyouya, whose name she had learned this morning.

"Welcome to Ouran High School."

"Where everyone's dreams come true."

Tsukiko raises her head, a bit surprised by the sudden shout. Her silver eyes land on two identical men, their bodies slim yet toned, their hair messy yet stylish. Tilting her head cutely to the side, she speaks her thoughts.

"Are you of the Hitachiin family?"

Both nod their head as they make their way over to the confused girl, their eyes taking in her appearance.

"Yes, I'm Kaoru."

"And I'm Hikaru. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Tsukiko smiles warmly, a small giggle escaping her mouth.

"I'm Tsukiko. The pleasure is all mine."

The twins are quiet, their breath taken away by the girl's cute nature. Hikaru begins to circle the girl, his eyes taking in every detail of her frame. Kaoru takes her hand, placing a soft kiss to it.

"Such a beautiful young lady. It's too bad that you are engaged to another."

Tsukiko's cheeks heat up at Kaoru's words, a shocked expression on her face. Hikaru, whom has his attention on the two, pouts, a pained look on his features.

"You prefer her over me, Kaoru? How could you?"

The flustered girl starts glancing between the two, unsure of what is going on. Releasing her hand, Kaoru straightens himself before pulling his brother into an intimate embrace, his hands cradling his brother's face.

"Of course not. You are the only one for me."

Tsukiko begins to back up, her hands desperately trying to cover the dark hue on her face. It's when a blatant voice fills the room that everyone redirects their attention to the door. Haruhi, arms crossed, begins to cross over to them, a disapproving look on her face.

"You two stop. You're obviously driving the girl crazy with your brotherly-love."

As if her words knocked them out of their trance, they back away, their attention returning to the girl from previous, both noting the deep blush on her face. A devious smirk forms on their faces, a thought popping into both of their heads.

'We're going to have fun with this one…'

Ideas begin to form in the duo's minds as Haruhi raises her hand to greet the baffled girl, a genuine smile on her face.

"You must be Tsukiko. I'm Haruhi, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"It's a pleasure."

Haruhi smiles warmly as the twins begin to move about, one gathering things such as scissors and a comb, the other beginning to pull out curling iron and accessories.

"So, you're going to marry Kyouya. Are you nervous?"

Tsukiko laughs nervously, not wanting to discuss the subject too much.

"Yes, a bit. This is a huge step forward."

Haruhi had caught the lack of comfort from the girl's action, a nagging feeling tugging at her to ask if she wanted to marry in general. Before she can voice her question, the twins push Haruhi back a bit, quickly sitting Tsukiko down. As they begin to snip at the girl's amber brown locks, Haruhi decides to not venture into that area considering that she did not know the girl too well.

"So, you hired them?"

"Grandmother did. She wanted to make me presentable for Kyouya so she asked for professionals from the famous Hitachiin family. She says they're best known for their fashion sense and designs."

Haruhi nods her head, knowing that that was all too true. She had on more than one occasion noticed their sense of style, especially when they decided to mess with hers.

"So, have you guys figured out what you're going to do?"

"Well, we were thinking of having her dress up as a boy and surprise Kyouya at the host club meeting today."

Both girl's stiffen at hearing this, but Hikaru's next words comfort them both.

"But we decided that she actually is more suited to look like a girl. So, we're just going to change her hairstyle, change her frame design, and add to her already natural beauty. Nothing too big."

Tsukiko releases the breath she was holding, relieved at hearing their decision. Her hands begin wringing with the fabric of her skirt, grateful that she had been told not to put on her uniform yet because of the simple fact that she would most likely get her hair cut.

"So, tell me a bit about yourself Tsukiko."

"Um, well…I love to draw…It's my hobby. I'm also good at ballet, figure skating, and gymnastics. I love to read poetry too, it calms me."

Haruhi couldn't help but smile at the girl's love of things. Though seeming to be a bit timid, she also acted as if she was used to people asking her questions like the one she had asked before. It was obvious from the way she sat and held herself that she was brought up in a regal home, but her timid and passionate side seemed to leak out as well.

"Alright, we're done."

"The shadow king should be pleased."

Tsukiko looks up at the twins, a question in her delicate, silver eyes. Hikaru reaches for a mirror, holding it up to the girl so that she could see their work. Tsukiko couldn't help but reach out to her reflection, a bit in awe that it was her own. Having kept most of her length, the twins had only mainly cut in the front, adding side bangs to her head and layers to the rest. They had slightly curled the ends and the tapered strands in front, the wavy strands only helping to accent her face. They had pulled the top layer of her hair back, clipping it nicely before then beginning to wave out that as well. She was wearing no makeup except for shiny, pink lip gloss on her lips.

The twins suddenly remove the glasses on her face before snapping them in half and holding out a new pair to her. She takes them hesitantly before slipping them onto her face.

"We thought about switching you to contacts but then decided against it. Glasses just seem to add well with you, besides, you are Kyouya's soon-to-be wife."

"Exactly. They suit you even more so because of that."

Not understanding the hidden meaning behind their words, Tsukiko had to admit that she was enjoying the new frames. They were square-rimmed, black emo glasses, the shape only adding class and actually bringing out her silver eyes more. Helping her to her feet, the twins speak in unison, a teasing tone to their words.

"Ready, Mrs. Kyouya?"

Author's Note: Yay! It's done. I must admit that this one took awhile. I kind of wanted to get in what she looks like fully before she meets Kyouya, that way you have a sense of what she looks like. And she has a name!! That did take me awhile, I went through several websites of name meanings before picking the right one because of her eye color. Mystical…Review please. :D