If you listen to music , listen to Money to be Made by The Hoosiers when you get to the third section.
Chapter 11
The End's Beginning
Akane strode after the tall, lanky stranger down the side streets of Paris, her insides boiling with anger. She blindly followed him, not caring his possible motive or reason. No one who could play the violin that well would care to go through all that trouble just to kidnap some girl. In her mind, Akane still saw visions of his perfect dancing fingers as they danced to play Caprice 24. Akane could scarcely look at that piece without passing out.
After about ten minutes of walking, Akane growing with impatience that only added to her disgruntlement. As she opened her mouth to complain, the man whipped around to face her, his crystal blue eyes glimmering in the afternoon sun. "We're here," He replied to her silent question, leading her out of the alley way and into the shining light of a back Paris street. The road was lined with massive brick buildings, most decomposing and covered in twisting ivy. Smudged glass windows hid their contents and not a soul stirred beneath them.
The man sauntered across the cobble stoned street, the uneven ground unfamiliar to Akane. He veered left towards the cleanest looking building, though emerald ivy wrapped its tentacles around the sharp red bricks. After shuffling in his pocket for a moment, the stranger produced a key and after minor struggling with the lock, opened the large wooden door. Akane followed him without hesitation, stepping into the dark wood foyer.
They entered a narrow hallway directly led to a flight of creaking stairs, their rotting surface not bothering either person for a moment. The stairs led to a near never ending hall of doors, each engraved with a golden calligraphic number. Long legs striding to the end of the hall, the man stopped in front of Number 12. Once again scrambling for the keys, the man forced the pair to wait. From the other side of the door, Akane heard the sweet melody of some Bach violin, most likely a recording from the spot on pitch. Finally throwing the door open, the man threw his windbreaker onto the coat rack.
"Paul! Je suis ̀a la maison!" The spindly man called out into the apartment, Akane taking notice of the decor. The apartment was simple and somewhat disconjoined, stray sheets of music and cups spread around the rooms. Deep beiges and slowly aging wallpaper lined the walls, though projected a warm aura throughout the area.
Emerging from an open doorway was a small boy, no older than nine or ten. He stood only to Akane's neck, chocolate shaggy curls matted to his head while deep hazel eyes lay magnified by a pair of large framed glasses. In his creamy hands was a stack of sheet music, long strings of sixteenth notes and slurs smattered across the paper.
"Paul, this is…What's your name again?" The man asked, seeming to have forgotten such an important thing as to ask a person's name who you dragged half way across Paris.
"Akane," She replied, any hint of anger gone from her voice. Akane stared intently at Paul, not believing how much his face reminded her of Tamaki.
"Yes, this is Akane. Paul, Akane was playing Paganini No. 4 today, not so well I may add. Would you like to help her?" He explained, smiling as the quiet boy trotted off to another room. Before Akane could even question, Paul had returned, two full size wood bows in his hands. Offering one to Akane, Paul smiled as he took one for himself and laid his stubby fingers in the correct bow holding position. He nodded for Akane to do the same, her already long fingers gracefully arching to fit the end of the bow.
"The number four caprice involves both fast fingers and slow vibrato, so let's see how good your fingers are compared to Paul's. Watch," The man insisted, motioning to the boy. Without refrain, Paul's finger's ran up like a spider to the top of the bow and back down again into their original position.
"Now you try, Akane," The older man egged, smugly crossing his arms.
"How hard can it be?" Akane scoffed, letting her fingers travel up the bow. Before she was even close to the tip, the wooden bow slipped out of her fingers and fell the carpet.
"Just warming up!" She covered, embarrassed as she picked up her bow from the ground. Beginning again, she let her crawl up the wood, only to have the stick clatter to the carpet. Furiously, she vainly attempted the feat repeatedly, only to find her fingers unable to move.
"Not so easy, is it?" The man commented, patting Akane on the shoulder.
"What are you people?" She asked, exasperated at her paralyzed fingers. At this the man laughed and led her into the kitchen, offering her a nice cup of Chai tea.
After situating everyone around the table, Paul whispered something to the older man, who nodded joyfully in reply. A bright smile lit up Paul's face as he scrambled out of the kitchen and to other ends of the apartment. Nearly instantly, the same Bach concerto filled the apartment, the sublime notes flowing together perfectly.
"I guess you're pretty weirded out at this point," The man laughed, sipping his steaming Chai tea only to instantly burn his tongue and fan it with his spindly hands in vain.
Akane chuckled in reply, standing up and grabbing an ice cube from the nearby freezer and handing it to the man. Though she didn't know who he was or his name, she liked his clumsy and quirky personality, another reminder of her gone brother. It was strange how even when he wasn't with her, she still found herself seeing him all the time within others.
"Yeah, I guess you could say that. So am I ever going to know your name?" Akane joked, watching as the man rubbed the ice cube across his tongue and sighing as the pain faded.
"Leonce Boudreaux, at your service," Leonce replied, his speech barely comprehensible with the ice cube still on his tongue. Offering a hand to her, Akane smiled and gladly accepted.
"Well Leo, or whatever you just said, tell me how both you and Paul are such great virtuosos and why you have made it your burden to shoulder me, such an unskilled violinist who 'lacks any technical skill'?" She inquired, slowly slipping her tea so not to burn herself.
Monsieur Boudreaux laughed in reply, again distorted by the nearly melted ice on his tongue. Swallowing the rest of the ice, he stopped his chortle and stared straight at the young girl.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, shall we? How about a deal? If you can beat Paul in bow race, than I shall tell you all you want to know. And, if I am impressed enough, I shall take you under my wing, for no charge I might add!" Leonce offered, a smug grin staining his visage.
"Deal, but what happens if I lose?" Akane questioned, sipping her warm tea.
"You may never return to this place and erase it from your memory forever," Leonce answered grimly, a stoic expression of complete seriousness masking him. Paul appeared at the doorway, striking the beginning of Beethoven's 5th on his violin (the one that goes "Da-da-daaa-DUN"). Akane gulped, not even fathoming what she had just gotten herself into.
The next day at school followed it predecessors, Akane falling into line with the normal routine. It was amazing how precise Kyouya's observations were; the descriptions dead on the more Akane hung out with love sick boys and jealous rich girls. Akane had long known of Kyouya's intelligence, but this struck the nail into the board. Her anxiety grew throughout the day, knowing she would face Kyouya and his one question soon.
Waiting on the hosts was the same, the twins finding delight on ordering new tea cups every five minutes. Akane and Haruhi smiled at each other with more understanding, since Tamaki and Kyouya (mostly Tamaki) had scolded her millions of times that revealing such a secret would be the death penalty. In order to keep all the deals she had, Akane was convinced she needed her head for such occasions.
With a relieving sigh, Akane plopped herself down onto the same seat she had sat in months ago when she had first spoken to the Shadow King. He sat behind her, meticulously typing away on his laptop. It was a strange occurrence that they suddenly were not complete mortal enemies just because of one deal, though Akane felt like she could do a lot more ranting if he would allow it. She hadn't really set a limit, so maybe he'd understand. Just to be nice, Akane considered dropping in the little bit about how Hiroshi-kun said he was moving to America, but really his family was losing money to his mother's gambling addiction and they were forced to sell all their stocks. Yep, Kyouya would like that one.
"If you've come to tip me off on the Hiroshi family's demise, I thank you for being so considerate," Kyouya spoke, interrupting her thoughts. His complacent smile ticked off Akane, frustrated about his mind reading abilities once again.
"If I admit that you're God, do I have to go heaven?" Akane retorted, pulling her silky straight blonde hair into a ponytail. Though her grandmother had ordered to always wear her hair down unless it was absolutely necessary, she felt that lashing out for a moment, even if it made no difference.
"We'll see," Kyouya answered, gently closing his computer screen shut. Adjusting his glasses with a lithe index finger, he smiled sweetly towards Akane, whose face contorted in surprise and deathly fear. "How would you like to go to Tokyo this Saturday?"
"Depends if I'll return alive or not," Akane managed to choke out, still gaping at Kyouya's viciously gentle smile. Composing her face, she examined the prospect. No major parties this Saturday, of course he already knew that. Grandmother would most definitely approve, though Tamaki would be freakishly worried and weirded out, but we could probably keep him out the loop. I don't want to confuse him anymore than I already do.
"I have already been approved by the chairwoman and Tamaki believes you're going shopping with some girls on Saturday," Kyouya answered nonchalantly, getting out his date book to pen something in.
"You should really become one of those pet psychics. You'd make a ton of money," Akane replied, attempting to keep her composure. How did this guy know freaking everything???
"I don't know everything, just the important information," Kyouya retorted, "Oh, and by the way, you're indebted to me for arranging our meeting."
"Excuse me? You agreed that our deal was even and fair. I owe you nothing more than what we agreed on, bub," Akane sneered, outraged that Ootori would request such a thing. If he had wanted more, he should've haggled for it when they were making a deal.
"You'll see soon enough," Kyouya answered, a tricksy glint catching Akane off guard. He definitely knew something she didn't and nothing could irk her more than that. Before she could interrogate him though, the afternoon chimes rang as 4:00 fell upon Ouran. "I will see you Saturday then, Akane-san," Ootori stated chivalrously, bowing slightly before packing up his laptop and nonchalantly exiting the club.
Throwing off her frilly work apron, she gave a cursory wave to Tamaki and followed on Kyouya's heels. Exiting the large doors, she found him swiftly turning the corner. With vicious steps, she raced after him, holding a graceful walk incase anyone else was watching. As she rounded the corner, a familiar figure stepped out from the side and smiled dreamily at Akane.
Aw shit, Akane thought, as she watched Kyouya escape down the hallway, throwing a careless wave in her direction.
"Akane, I was just looking for you!" Kenjiro greeted, waving gaily at her though he stood barely a foot away.
"Ah, Kenjiro-kun, didn't think I'd run into you here," Akane smiled, attempting to keep any disappointment out of her tone, though he probably wouldn't have noticed anyway. His stupid, moronic grin remained plastered on his face, just an eyesore for Akane to look at.
"I was actually wondering if you'd like to hang out this Saturday," Kenjiro suggested smoothly, leaning coolly against the wall, hands shoved into his pockets. He smiled eagerly, believing he had finally secured a date with Ouran's most sought after girl.
"Saturday? This Saturday?" She inquired, then suddenly gasped. Kyouya…
"Yes, is there something wrong with this Saturday?" Kenjiro inquired, sudden concern for his plans flooding through his thick skull.
"Sorry," Akane replied, forcing back the smile she was desperately scrambling to keep hidden. "I have plans this Saturday, and it's kind of an all day thing. Maybe some other time?"
"I'll hold you to that," He recovered smoothly, not one flinch in his pride. He was probably to dense to realize he had just been rejected.
"Yeah, well, see you later, Kenjiro-kun," Akane smiled, hustling off down the hall while feeling her classmate's eye burning into her back. Shaking off his lustful eyes as she rounded the corner, she decided she'd wait until Saturday thank (and by thank she meant get angry) at Kyouya for his expert planning. Releasing she still had a good twenty minutes before Tamaki would actually leave the Host Club, she stealth-fully scanned the hallway for any wandering students. Rounding another hallway, she came to her familiar door and with a quiet shut behind her, she leapt up the stairs to her haven.
"Merci, Gilbert-san," Akane smiled as one of her grandmother's servants opened the door for her. Even if she dreaded coming to this torture chamber every week, she refused to be in a horrible mood all the time. Besides, Gilbert knew a little bit of French, having come over from Belgium to work for her Sensei (why, she'd never know). He was a rather tall man, with warm brown eyes and a shaven head, and though it seldom appeared to human eyes, she enjoyed his hearty rare smile, even if half of his teeth were solid gold. With expert grace and poise, Akane strode into the salon where her grandmother sat contently sipping her tea. Akane practiced senses immediately recognized it as Jasmine, her grandmother's favorite as well as Akane's least.
"I would like to remind you that when you enter my house, you are to speak only Japanese," The chairwoman commented coldly, not bothering to give her student even a greeting. Akane was more than used to such abuse, almost enjoying her grandmother's nastiness towards her.
"Yes, Sensei," Akane replied, her tone perfectly even and respectable. Seating herself down, she forced herself to smooth out the wrinkles in her hideous yellow dress, breathing in the stifling silence that followed. Without even a clink of china, the chairwoman set down her cup and daintily wiped her mouth.
"Now, down to business," Sensei answered, motioning for her servant to bring something forward.
Gilbert swiftly placed an oversized binder forward, multi-colored tabs bursting from the side. "I would've liked you to have this earlier, but no matter. From now on, this is your greatest tool."
She motioned for Akane to pick it up and the girl gently settled in on her lap. Easily opening the cover, pictures of young men stared gaily at her, nearly causing her to scream in surprise. She gazed back at the pictures, one of the boys she recognized as the boy who never talked in her biology class. Flipping the page, more smiling visages burst out at her, some recognizable, some she had never even seen. Next to every picture was a name, date of birth, hobbies and interests, blood types, and just about every other personal amount of information known to man.
"This book contains every heir at Ouran and the surrounding vicinity that you may encounter. One of these men will be your future husband, even if circumstances change. Please pay attention, as I will only say things once," Sensei stated, her frail, vein-covered hands resting placidly in her lap. Akane nodded, urging her to continue. "They are organized by the size of the business they will inherit. The top notch corporations are in the very back."
Without second though Akane flipped to the back page, looking nervously to the very last picture, only to find a pair of familiar clueless eyes stared fervently back at her. Inwardly groaning, she knew it was no surprise that once again, Kenjiro Nonaka refused to leave her alone. She glanced back a page, finding pictures of some of the host, Kyouya's face situated the closest to the back. Of course… She groaned, glancing again to Kenjiro's picture. Noticing something slightly peculiar, she raised her voice to question.
"Sensei, may I inquire as to why there is a green check next to Kenjiro-san's profile?" Akane asked, glancing curiously around at the other pictures to find a similar mark.
"You should be grateful, for now you no longer have to choose from the book," The chairwoman replied, an unseen grin dancing around her eyes.
"What do you mean?" Akane questioned, not fathoming at the moment what she had said.
"As of yesterday, you are now engaged to Kenjiro Nonaka, heir to the Nonaka Corporation. You should be quite pleased with yourself, I couldn't have picked a better match," Her grandmother replied monotone, not allowing the happy emotions inside of her to be audible or visible.
Akane rocketed up to stand, the binder clattering to the finely polished floor. Her grandmother merely glanced up, no sign of intimidation on her face.
"You c-can't," Akane replied, her voice quaking in uncertainty.
"Of course I can. You agreed to it the day I flew you over,"
"I ref-"
"I would twice about those words Akane. Do you want to go to jail? Would you enjoy watching as the company that supports both your brother and mother collapse and throw them onto the streets where they belong? Would you be so selfish to let your family suffer to satisfy your own childish needs? Really, Akane, but what could I expect from such a dirty child," The chairwoman stated, as if every question was absolute and undeniable truth.
Akane stood frozen, without will to reply or cry out in defiance. Snatching up her coat, Akane bowed hastily and bolted to the door, hiding her face where the dark mascara began to stain her cheeks.
"Oh and Akane," Her grandmother demanded as the girl place her hand on the door knob, "You are no longer allowed to accompany Ootori-san on Saturday, or any other day for that matter. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Sensei," Akane forced out, throwing open the door and racing out, unable to stop the burning tears that tore into her cheeks.
"Gilbert, shut the door if you please. There is an unpleasant draft coming in," The chairwoman commanded, sipping lightly on her Jasmine tea.
The sky was slipping into an elegant darkness as Akane's limo pulled up to the 2nd mansion, Tamaki running hurriedly down the stairs as he heard the engine killed. In vain attempts he had tried to contact Akane all night, but every time found her phone shut off. Throwing open the mansion door, he gazed as his sister stepped out of the car, not even waiting for the chauffer to open it for her. Her golden hair veiled her face, while she tossed in each step as she slowly ascended the stairs.
"Akane! What's wrong, are you okay?" Tamaki questioned hurriedly, running to her.
A frigid breeze peeled wet hair from her face, her eyes red and bleeding with mascara. Tamaki gaped as her lip quiver as she attempted to fight back pain, but her walls had already been shot down and she collapsed into his arms, both siblings falling to their knees out side the door.
This one is shorter than the last one 8O!! Anyway, sorry I haven't updated in awhile. And because I know you all care so much about my personal life *snort* let's just say I'm a lazy kid and school is requiring me to actually study.
Oh well, anyway, for those of you who actually called what was going to happen in this chapter, I curse you and your amazing plot reading skills...BUT I almost threw in the surprise that comes in the next chapter, WHICH by the way, is even CRAZIER than this one (I 3 capslock). Anyway, you can guess if you want, but you know the only way you'll actually find out is if you review....or story alert... or for those of you who are overachivers and have already done both.... review...AGAIN!
:D Thanks for all the wonderful motivation guys!