The New Year is approaching and I hope everyone is enjoying their respective holidays. This might be the last chapter of 2014 for this story, though I might try and get one more in soon if I have the time.

Disclaimer: I don't own Ouran Host Club or any of its characters!

It Begins

Hikaru sat next to Kaoru at the usual table in the third music room; their usual clients sat before them sipping tea. Nothing was out of the ordinary.

"I had this horrible dream, my Kaoru."

Hikaru's fingertips barely tickled Kaoru's chin as he let them float around his twin's beautiful face. The girls gulped their tea with audible noise in synch to the scene playing out before them.

"Hikaru, tell me. What could've kept you up all night? And so far away from me." His tone meek and almost feminine to imitate the role of the "uke" that their guests had become to know so well.

"You were gone, kidnapped by thieves. I was afraid I would never see you again, never to feel your touch again."

"Hikaru…"

The girls screamed to themselves, enjoying the performance. For Hikaru, it was much less a performance, after all a nightmare like that could shake a person to their spine. Haruhi walked by with a teapot she was taking to her guests.

"It wasn't a nightmare you know." She spoke.

The members of the twins' table glanced to the disguised host with a look of confusion.

"Wasn't it though?" Hikaru asked.

"Wouldn't I remember it then?" Kaoru added.

The room felt quiet for a moment, as everyone fell silent. Something was wrong. Screams were let out as dark figures crashed through the window, one snagging the younger twin in the process.

"Hikaru!"

"No!" Hikaru interjected.

The older twin bolted after the figure, only to slip on a banana peel and fall into a pit of emptiness. Was this what it was like to be missing your twin— your other half? Nothing in all directions, just black and misery.

Hikaru awoke feeling exhausted, with darkness still beyond the tent. He hadn't slept long. His legs were heavy like cement as he flung them over the side of the cot. That's right, he was in a tent, out in the forest in some far-off land that certainly wasn't Japan. Haruhi snoozed on her cot, fast asleep. She looked pure and cute that way, something she always managed to pull off in any scenario. At first, Hikaru wondered if it was love, that he had found someone to care for beyond his brother. The more time he spent with her, the more he realized it was love, but not the kind he initially suspected. She was like a sister, sometimes a little sister and other times a big sister. Now she was stuck in this world because of him.

Hmm… world… That word played on Hikaru's brain for a while. Was that really where they were? A different world? Was that possible? He didn't want to believe such a thing, but the evidence was piling against him. Much was depressing about the idea: the fact that he had no idea how to return, that he dragged poor Haruhi with him and the fact that his brother was taken, likely in grave danger as well.

What was it about the middle of this night that made all these thoughts and emotions crash on the red-haired host so intensely that he broke down into a sob against the pillow he clutched in his lap? Was it that the gravity of the situation finally settled now that the adrenaline had passed? Perhaps… Hikaru felt differently though. This was the first night he spent without his twin in his bed. It wasn't right; actually, it was downright cruel. They had always been told their dependance on one another wasn't healthy. Neither cared. There was an void in the palm of Hikaru's hand… the hand of Kaoru.

He slipped into the worn pauper shoes from the play and walked out into the chilly night of the circus camp. He wondered what time it was, midnight? Later? It was hard to judge, though the torches around camp were all gone bar a few with some people still awake. He suspected there were some on watch for crazy bugs and other animals like the insect that nearly killed Haruhi and him.

He walked around, staring at the stars. Maybe if he took astronomy classes, he would be able to get more information from the sky, though that idea was tossed away without much thought. Honestly, he doubted the stars in whatever this place was would be the same as the ones from back home. World… that word again popped in his mind. Hikaru held his shivering shoulders and took a stroll around the vacant camp, passing the extinguished bonfire from last night's festivities and taking a glimpse at the tents all around him. Most were red; he remembered the name of the circus being the Circus of Red. It made sense to say the least.

Hikaru felt more alone than ever; he continued to let out sporadic sobs as he walked, not fully containing his emotions. His mind wondered… Kaoru, where are you? You're West right? That's what Isa said… you were taken towards the setting sun. He bit his lip. Maybe he was desperate, but he really did want to leave now. Every second that passed was another that he mind not find his brother, or worse he might find him dead. Isa mentioned a city… Vanta— Vatsby— whatever its name, where did she say it was? You're in the forest South of— City. He remembered; that's what she said, or something like it at least. If I go North, then I should find that City. Maybe I can find a boat or someone willing to take me across the ocean.

"Taking a midnight stroll?"

Hikaru expected Isa, but it wasn't her. Though she was different, the girl standing behind him looked familiar. He remembered her face at the bonfire, though he didn't recall her doing any sort of act. She was short, but likely in her twenties with caramel colored hair that rested down her left shoulder. She wore a red silk shawl asymmetrically with fabric pushed to her right, and puffy, vanilla-colored pants.

"W-Who are you?" Hikaru spoke with a shiver.

She smiled gently and gestured towards a warm-toned violet tent, one of the few that wasn't red. "Let's step inside where it's warmer, I"ll make you some tea."

The was something oddly compelling about her tone. Needless to say, she was a mysterious woman. Inside her tent was a large curtain separating her space into "rooms" in a sort. The one before Hikaru was a large table with a gold and red tablecloth. Various knick-knacks and decorations filled the room; flowers, jewerly, gemstones and even a guitar made up the room. The woman returned from the other side of the tent with a tray of tea cups; she had taken a brief moment to pour the tea for her and her guest.

"I had a feeling I would have a guest, so I started the pot just before I checked outside. Sorry I forgot to properly introduce myself, they call me Madame Mitzi here."

"Hitachiin, Hikaru," he shared, "and you're a fortune-teller I presume?"

"Observant of you" she giggled, "We've added quite a bit of junk to help me set the stage. The others said it would be more entertaining this way."

"It's a little cliché if you ask me." Hikaru bluntly pouted.

"Yes it can be, though it's what people expect when they come."

"Makes sense." Hikaru took a sip of the tea. It was still hot, and cozy with a flavor like cinnamon but different. "This is nice."

"It's a personal blend. You'll have to excuse me though, I don't have a strainer for the leaves; be careful not drink those as well." She giggled again.

Hikaru hid a wince. The tea wasn't exactly high class, but it was calming; he could feel some of the tension release. Madame Mitzi took a moment to light incense around the room, letting the open tent vent the smoke.

"Why don't I do some readings for your?"

"No offense, but I don't exactly believe in this kind of stuff."

"No harm in trying then, right?" she smiled.

Hikaru didn't have time to respond as she took his and examined his palm, her focus, unbreakable. The twin didn't believe in any of this; nevertheless, it made him slightly uncomfortable.

"I see a lot of success in your future, financially. Actually it seems like that's never been an issue for you. What fascinates me, though, is this long line. There is someone of great importance to you, traveling next to your line from the top to the bottom. They are a dear friend, a part of your family; you love them dearly."

Hikaru brushed off her predictions with another gulp of tea, finishing his cup.

"How was your tea?" she asked, while releasing his palm.

"I liked it." he spoke quietly, handing her the cup.

"I must admit, there is another reason I don't filter the tea leaves." She added, looking into the mug. "I can learn more from this, you see?" she paused for a moment, "I see the same person from the line in your palm, your past seems to be nothing but the two of you. Only recently has your tree of relationships branched out. There is much connecting you both, even through a thicket of struggles you are both destined to face, you will stay close at heart. Your path's are so intertwined that not only have you spent your history together, but you will also maintain that inseparability throughout your future; I also see that you two will die together."

"That's enough, I think." Hikaru stood. "I should probably try and get some sleep." He headed for the exit, "Thank you again for the tea."

Mitzi giggled coyly, "Sleep well then."

Hikaru rushed out of the tent. He wanted to brush off her fortunes, but they struck a nerve. With a bit of memory and possibly luck, he returned to the medical tent where Haruhi was still sound asleep; Hikaru laid himself on the cot once again, and struggled to fall asleep. After another hour of tossing and turning, his body finally gave in.

"Hikaru!"

The red-head groaned, still feeling exhausted. His eyes opened and his vision focused on Haruhi shaking him awake. There was a minimal amount of light, likely still dark outside.

"What time is it?"

Isa's voice spoke, "Dawn will approach soon, no one's awake yet. We should hurry."

"Hurry?"

"Isa's going to help us find Kaoru." Haruhi explained.

He turned his head to see Isa smiling at him, with clothes over her arm. Upon further inspection, Haruhi's outfit was new. She wore boots, black pants and a pink jacket, unbuttoned with a white shirt underneath; part of a flower could be seen on the shirt. What really caught Hikaru's attention was a leather belt around her waist that had a pocket on one side and knife on the other.

"Where did you get the clothes and the knife?" he spoke, swinging his legs over the edge of the cot.

"They're some of mine," Isa shared, "I was able to find you some clothes also. Believe we we have plenty of extra clothes from various performances."

"Why are we leaving now?"

"I'm taking you to find your brother, which means we'll be chasing the Phantoms. If the other's knew, there'd be no way they would take you there, let alone let me join you. We're leaving now so they don't try and stop us."

"Wont they be worried?"

"Probably, but I left a note for Talon. They can take care of themselves, and they will understand eventually. Besides, I do intend to return."

Hikaru chuckled, "I suppose you don't have a shower for me?"

Isa pointed to the changing screen and a bucket of soapy water, "I've got you covered.

Hikaru grimaced. Showering with a bucket? Nevertheless, he stripped down behind the screen and ran the water over his head. It wasn't ice cold but it definitely wasn't pleasant or hot. Isa threw a towel over the screen and he quickly dried off and changed into the outfit she picked for him. The clothes were strikingly similar to Hikaru's personal style, he had to admit. The boots were comfortable resting just above his ankles, waterproof to keep his socks dry; his orange pants ended at his calves and a blue sleeveless shirt with a hood.

"I got you this also." Isa held some armor looking thing.

She gestured for him to extend his arm, and she snapped the armor around with small clips. It wasn't uncomfortable but felt odd to have the material run up his arm to near his shoulder. Isa also provided him with some fingerless gloves.

"What is this for?" he questioned.

"The gloves will help you use that sword without rubbing the skin on your hands raw, and the arm guard is the best I could find around camp for some kind of defense."

Both Hikaru and Haruhi looked at Isa nervously.

"Why would he need defense?"

"There are some dangerous creatures in the forest, as well as in many places around the world. Besides the areas around large cities, nature's is difficult to traverse and harder to cultivate. Technology is progressing slowly, but it has yet to successfully connect large cities with safe roads and transportation."

"What other kinds of monsters are out there?" Hikaru asked.

"More things than you might be familiar with. Small things like serpents and dragons, and larger threats like spirits, elementals and possibly even bigger dangers." She had a serious tone, meaning none of what she said was a joke. "This may be a lot to take in. But we should leave soon, there will be plenty of time to talk on the way."

Isa walked over to the sword Hikaru and found at the shrine as well as a bag she had brought in with her. She handed them both to the twin with a look of confidence.

"I hate to break it to you, but I'm not exactly a trained swordsman."

"But you've used it already and survived. Don't worry I can help you get better, but I might need your help someday and I'll need you to have this."

"And the bag?"

"Supplies. I think all of us should carry some." She pointed to the bag resting at her side from around her shoulder, and the backpack Haruhi already wore.

Hikaru nodded in agreement; he gripped the handle to the blade and slipped the straps of the bag around his shoulders. The thought of such extreme dangers sent a chill up the red head's spin; however, he knew nothing would stop him from finding Kaoru. He needed to be strong, he couldn't show his tears or his fears in front of anyone. Hikaru was the strong brother, the dominant one, if he couldn't do it, who could? Isa motioned for the to make their way out of camp. Hikaru was ready to begin the search for his twin.

They ran quickly through the darkness of the early morning, following Isa's lead though neither were certain of her destination. The escape was simple and seamless as the three disappeared into the trees North of camp.

"So Isa," Haruhi began, "Where exactly are we going?"

"We're going North," she gave a cheeky grin, "to Vatnsberi City to get a ship."

With the break of dawn, their journey had just begun.

Originally I planned for this chapter to be a lot longer and include the walk to the City but I decided to end here and take a breather. The Holidays have been busy for me so I've been writing bit by bit for this. Not much happens though, I suppose, I did want to play around more with Hikaru's personality in front of others vs alone though.

Let me know what you think.