HOST CLUB x Sailor Moon ~ Serenity is sent to Ouran Academy while looking for crystals. While there she will meet some interesting individuals that will teach her that destiny isn't always set and maybe her cold heart will learn to love again.
Host Club and Sailor Moon belong to their respective creators and this is just for entertainment purposes. Mostly for my entertainment ^^ That being said, I own nothing but my imagination.
Chapter 11
Quiet chanting could be heard coming from a large chamber off of one the hallways. The chamber was lit by the light of candles in tiered holders and sconces along the wall. Dancing shadows played along the walls, drawing one's eye into the room; polished oaken floors giving way to walls of stone and silken tapestries. As one continued into the chamber, one could see at the one end a raised dais with a simple altar with flames dancing upon it. Just below the altar, a figure was kneeling on a soft woolen throw rug chanting before the flames. "O Great Fire! Tell me where Serenity is." the voice demanded to the dancing but quiet flame. "Tell ME!" the voice demanded loudly as the flame seem to mock the voice in its silence.
The flames began to dance more violently before whispering back to the figure "Unworthy..."
The startled figure looked up at the flame in fear as the word "Traitor" was heard from the flames. Shaking their head, they started to get up from the place of prayer. "Traitor" the flames called out louder, clearer.
"I am not a traitor," the female voice spoke. Her temper starting to take hold as she answered the flames, "I did what needed to be done."
"Unworthy of your power" she heard whispered back at her. "Unworthy of your station."
"No, I am worth-" she argued back only to be cut off when the flames died out taking with them all of the light in the room. Shaking, she attempted to re-light the flames with her chanting.
"That will not help you." a masculine voice was heard in the darkness.
"Who's there" she spoke out, trying to shake off a feeling of dread.
"Why Priestess," he said. "I am here to take back that which you have proven to be not worthy of." As soon as he finished speaking, the room was ablaze in flames and light. At the center of the flames was a tall man with jet black hair and in Romanesque armor - a knee length tunic of red and gold with a golden cuirass with a golden pteruges, blood red garnet studded along the strips of golden leather. Around his waist he wore a balteus containing both spatha and gladius. His lower legs were covered in golden greaves and caligae of golden leather. A blood red cloak fell from his shoulders clasped there by two fibula worked in red gold with the symbols of ravens.
He looked down at the dark haired priestess and sighed. "I had hopes for you, my daughter." he said at the priestess before him. "What happened, Daughter, to cause you to forsake your oaths, to betray the one you claimed as friend?" he asked.
"I swore no oaths to that brat, Father. I never claimed that ... that crybaby as my friend!" Rei answered back as she stood her ground towards the unwelcomed visitor. "I cannot believe you would have me be a guardian to such a weak, vapid, clumsy girl" she spat back at him. "There is nothing special about that whor-" she started to rant before he cut her off.
"I see." he answered as he watched Rei pace as she continued with her ranting. "Jealousy, jealousy of what a scheming Terran Prince? You were betrothed to another, instead of Endymion who only wanted her for her power." he commented as he slowly walked towards the priestess.
"He was meant to be mine, not hers." she said sullenly as she attempted to smooth out her sleeves.
He sighed heavily before saying "You,were meant to be with another Prince, not him. Nor was she meant to be with a Terran Prince. Instead, the red-headed witch conspired with a Dark Power to use Endymion and his ambitions to cloud your mind." Sighing once more, he closed his eyes as he made his decision, "Serenity was very much in love with another." He said as he slowly made his way towards the altar and Rei.
"What?" she asked in shock. "No! My... our memories are her and Endymion, MY Endymion, being lovers!" she cried out in anger. "She STOLE him from me, both in this lifetime and in the past!" she continued to rage.
"Memories?" he asked. "Memories can be altered, changed to fit a scheming Terran Prince and his red-headed witch. You don't even remember your fiancé. Do you recall the storming of the Palace that fateful night? Do you remember who led those armies? That treacherous Endymion led those armies. They massacred everyone inside the palace." he countered. He drew Rei close in a fatherly embrace as he softly said, "You, my daughter, were killed by him so you would not see through the illusion and raise the alarm. In the end, Endymion killed her to bind her to him for eternity. He would make sure if Endymion couldn't have her, then no one would."
He could feel the rage building in the girl as tears of anger and shame began to course down her face. "Rei, there are consequences for the actions you have done. What do you think will happen once he finds her and he decides he has no further use for you?"
"No" she sobbed, "He loves me Father. He... he wouldn't cast me aside."
As he pulled her close into his embrace, he merely whispered "Endymion loves no one but himself." Sighing once more he said softly "Come forth" and held Rei close as she screamed in pain at the loss of her Martian power. As the crystallized shard of power softly pulsated, he whispered again "Sleep Rei. Once the darkness has been lifted, and your beloved has been found, I will make sure the two of you are together as you were supposed to have been."
Carefully he tucked the gem into a pouch at his side. Gently he carried the now sleeping girl and with a flash of his flames teleported the two of them from the chamber to the Cherry Hill Temple where her grandfather was waiting.
"Lord Mars" the old man said he bowed respectfully as the two appeared in the courtyard.
"Elder" he replied with a respectful nod of his head.
"How is she?" Grandfather asked looking at the tear stains on Rei's cheeks.
"She sleeps for now." he answered. "When she awakens, she will not remember her time as a Senshi nor will she remember the Silver Millennium, at least not for this lifetime. She will remember the other two Senshi and they will be friends once more." he said as continued to carry Rei towards the temple.
"I see." he answered. "Will she remember Mamoru or is there something planned for him?" he asked hoping to spare Rei more heartbreak.
"Once the darkness has been removed and Mamoru found, I don't see why they cannot find each other and be happy. Despite everything they have done to her, I know Serenity would wish for her friends to be at least happy in this lifetime." he said as they entered into the temple. As the Lord Mars entered the Great Fire in the main altar sprang to life as in greeting its Master.
As the two men continued towards Rei's chambers, her grandfather asked "What will you do now, My Lord?"
"For now, I will seek Serenity out. I will be taking Phobos and Deimos with me to help watch over Serenity." he said as he gently laid Rei down upon her bed. "I truly am sorry Rei, but in the end I think this will work out better for you." he said as he kissed her brow.
"Elder" Mars said quietly, turning away and walking out of the room.
"Yes My Lord?" he said. "What would you have of me?" he asked again as he followed the Lord Mars from the room and toward the courtyard.
"Watch over her. She will keep her holy powers and still retain her rank as Princess but she will no more be a Senshi nor I think will any come from her line. I have other children that will prove to be useful to Serenity." he commented once they were in the courtyard. Holding out his arm, he called out "Phobos! Deimos! Come!" Two large ravens swooped down from one of the cherry trees. "Come, let us find Serenity."
In a large bedroom of polished oaken floors, two of the walls painted in a dark blue. Cream coloured curtains are slightly drawn against the pale dawn making its way slowly and steadily into the room. A beam spills onto the large bed in colors of indigo and white, gently caressing the sleeping form at the center of the bed curled against a large pillow of indigo and white as the sleeper smiles as he dreams.
He had been watching Sere as he battled against Nephrite. Wincing at the beating he was taking. He could understand sparring but this seemed like Nephrite took it too far. Sere was going to end up seriously injured. He was going to head down to check on Sere. He had just finished throwing on a shirt when he heard Sere grumbling down the hallway. He knew he needed to check Sere over, make sure he was ok he dreamily reasoned. He reached out to grab Sere's arm so he could check over the bruises and scrapes from the training with Nephrite. He noted that Sere was somewhat shy of late when it was just the two of them. He loved hearing his name spill from those pale lips as well as making the young man blush. He would have let me kiss him if -
"Taka..."
His brow furrowed as he vaguely heard something trying to disturb his dream. As he ignored the sound, his dream changed. Young Prince. See what was taken from you. See what jealousy has done to you. said his dream guide. A pale hand reached out to take his and started to lead him. He looked up to examine his guide. Her silver lavender hair in a strange hairstyle, two buns atop her head with long streamers trailing down. He could see from the side of her face she was very beautiful. He noticed that she was wearing a long, silky, strapless dress of palest silver that gave impressions of faint fairy wings at her back. As they walked, they came upon a large palace surrounded by lush gardens of silver and deep blue. Where it all began, come she softly murmured.
As he followed his guide he noticed they were now in an audience chamber. He could see from their side view a small delegation being led by a young woman in an stylized uniform. Dark hair, glinting purple in the light, came down to her shoulders. He could see violet eyes peeping out from pale face. He noticed she was wearing a fuka of purple with white and maroon accents - a white body suit with a skirt and collar of dark purple. Her gloves were white with purple tops. Matching lace up knee high boots also in purple with maroon accents. What startled him was the large glaive she carried as weapon of her station. It appeared to be too heavy for her and yet she wielded it with ease. He could see the rest of the delegation that followed the girl. As they passed a mirror in the Great Hall, Mori was surprised to see his reflection of him wearing a knee length surcoat of indigo and silver. Underneath the surcoat, he could see a soft tunic of fine silk in indigo and black. A finely crafted mythril chain hauberk could be seen under the tunic as he moved with his delegation. Under the hauberk, a dark wine coloured nubby silk under tunic with intricate embroidery could be seen at his neck and sleeves. A sigil for a Royal House was emblazoned on his left side. I...I don't recognize that symbol but.. I should At his waist, a belt of pure white leather with a long sword tucked into a scabbard with sapphire inlay on his left hip and a matching dagger adorned his right hip. His legs covered by mythril cuisses over a pair of dark leather trousers that were tucked into greave covered boots. A cloak of dark indigo finished his outfit. He noticed his hair was much longer and kept in a low braid bound with a silver clasp. The dark tail trailed slightly over his shoulder and down his chest. He was accompanied by a blond young man dressed in gold and white armor. Mitsukuni? Mori thought as he continued to dream.
"Takashi..."
A beautiful woman sitting on a silver throne surrounded by four more young women dressed like the guardian in purple but their colors were different. There was one with black hair in red, a blonde in orange, a tall woman with chestnut hair in green and finally, another petite woman in ice blue. Is.. is that Minako? He thought. Turning his attention back to the two figures as the delegation continued forward. He could see a beautiful woman in white silks sitting on a throne, at her feet was a young woman in blue gown. She said something to the young woman, causing her to rise and greet the Guardian; he let his gaze take in her beauty. He noticed dainty feet in dark blue slippers, leading upward to a matching gown of dark blue with a silver underskirt. The dark blue gown was fitted through the chest and upper arms with sleeves that flared out in a bell shape from the elbows. They slightly covered the tops of her slender fingers. He could see as his gaze went upwards to pale peach colored skin peeking out at the top of her bodice and shoulders. A long, slender neck with a heart shaped face. Pale, soft lips lifted in a happy smile at the Guardian. What took his breath away were her eyes; the deep, dark blue eyes he adored. Sere?!
Watch... see the truth his guide softly said noticing his focus on the young woman in blue.
He watched as the warrior in orange stepped forward and with a nod, acknowledged an unheard command given and a return nod by the warrior in purple. As the young warrior turned once more, she gave a light tap to the floor with the butt end of her glaive and it disappeared in a burst of purple and black smoke. "Enjoy your visit Saturn," he heard the warrior in orange say.
"Gentlemen, if you'll follow me?" The silver haired princess asked as she indicated for the party to follow her to the right of the chamber. As they left to follow the beauty in blue, his guide smiled and softly whispered And so it begins. You must find her in this time and wake her memories.
He watched as his dream self and the taller, older Mitsukuni follow after Sere and the Guardian Saturn. He could see a slight blush on Serenity's cheeks. That's Sere it... it has to be. But Sere is...is male?
Did you really think things are always as they appear? The woman lightly chuckled. It seems our time is drawing short. It is time for you to awaken and remember. She finished before brushing a light kiss on his forehead.
No, wait... I.. What's going on? How do I find her and awaken her?
"TAKASHI!" the insistent voice finally got through his dreams. The dreamer finally startled awake and as he blinked trying to find his focus he could hear his brother say "Finally, you're awake. Poppa says you should spar with Mitsu-kun before getting ready for school."
Takashi sleepily grunted at his brother Satoshi before trying to go back to sleep and to the strange dream. He found that the wisps of dreams were hard to reclaim. He heard Satoshi laughingly say "I don't know what girl finally crawled under your skin, but maybe you should just ask her out. I know I want to meet her if she makes you this distracted."
As Mori lobbed a pillow at his brother, he could still hear Sato laughing as he left the bedroom. It isn't a girl, it's a guy... what did she mean... things aren't as they appear? He thought before rolling onto his back. I need... to get ready he continued to think about what Sato said. Sighing once more he made his way to his bathroom to prepare for the rest of his day.
Elsewhere, in a large mansion ~
"What do you mean she's gone?" a loud voice was heard in the darken hallway of a lavish mansion. "How could she be gone?" the masculine voice demanded following the sounds of glass being shattered against a wall.
"I... I'm sorry My Lord" a meek voice stammered out. "The Priestess is nowhere to be found in the temple or on the grounds." the voice quaked as he groveled a little more.
Through the open doorway into a lavish room decorated in muted blues and gold, one could see a large fireplace at one end of the room. The fireplace was laid with wood and ready to be lit. Above the mantle of the fireplace, a large mirror with a map of the ancient world etched into it. The map in the mirror matched the mosaic on the floor of ancient city states and powerful kingdoms inlayed with precious, semi-precious stones and rare woods. Various marks of silver and onyx dotting the map showed where various lunar portals were marked in ancient script. Further into the room, along one wall were various forms of armor and weaponry from ancient times. The rest of the floor was in ancient oak setting off the mosaic. Along the wall opposite of the armor and weapons, floor to ceiling windows slightly tinted to protect the floor. Heavy dark green velvet drapes were open and framed the windows, catching some of the evening rays of sunset. Here and there were set up intimate areas of chairs and small tables for conversation. At the far end, an enraged dark haired man was clenching his fist as another blonde male cowered on his knees at the feet of the dark haired man.
"My Lord" he tried again. "She would have been seen at the gate had she left of her own volition."
"Find her" the dark haired man ground out. "NOW!"
As the blond man scampered out of the room to compile with his lord's wishes, the dark lord turned to a portrait of a beautiful young woman in silver and dark blue, framed by light of the full moon. Silver hair cascading down in curls with sapphire hair pins scattered throughout the mass of hair. A simple diadem of platinum and sapphires graced her brow and shimmering necklace of matching sapphires and diamonds adorned her neck, with a sole sapphire rest barely above the modest neckline of her gown. Her gown made of cloth of silver with dark blue accents along the square neckline. Dark blue sleeves tight at the wrist and partially covering her hands appear under the oversized silver sleeves. A matching dark blue underskirt with silver embroidery was visible as she held part of the skirt of her gown. Dark blue eyes in a heart shaped face, pale pink lips curved in a half smile as if she's amused by a private joke. Her head is slightly turned from the viewer as she considered her thoughts.
"Serenity, I will find you and you will be mine" he promised the portrait. "I lost you once but-"
"As if she'll have you, not after all that you've done, Endymion" interrupted another male voice.
"You will be quiet and do not mock me" Endymion growled as he turned towards a full sized mirror of burnished ebony and silver a few feet away from the portrait.
"Or you'll what? Smash my mirror?" the image laughed at the young man on the other side of the mirror. "You can't break it, remember what happened last time?" he asked mockingly.
"Enough Mamoru, I will make your half life more miserable than it already is." Endymion threatened. Mocking laughter from the mirror caused him to grit his teeth in rage.
"Let me tell you something," Mamoru said as he quieted his laughter. "Assuming you can find Serenity, she will never willingly be yours. You messed that up in the past and you royally screwed that in this lifetime by sleeping with two of her Senshi" he said as he continued to bait Endymion.
"You enjoyed those encounters with Rei." countered Endymion as his thoughts turned back to nights with Rei and the encounters he had with Ami. "Ami believed you loved her and that Serena was too cold of a person for you."
"I had no interest in Ami. You drugged her and brought her here for your own pleasure." Mamoru said. "What you did to Rei and tried to do to Serena is unforgivable. You lied to Rei, seducing her in my place. Serena caught you and could not trust you in this lifetime. I can only imagine what you did to piss Serenity off in the past."
"You will not say such things!" Endymion ranted at the mirror.
"Please, what are you going to do to me?" Mamoru taunted. "I'm stuck in a damn mirror world, remember? You and Beryl shoved me in here." he finished bitterly.
"I may not be able to do anything to you but I can and will find Rei. I will take her over and over again in this room so you can watch your love enjoy the touch of another. Listen to her cries of passion as I bring her to completion. I will use her in every way possible and when I find Serenity, I will slit Rei's throat in front of you as I take her again." Endymion said cruelly to the image in the mirror.
If I could get out of here, Mamoru thought, I'd put his Royal Ass in here where he belongs after breaking his arms. He sighed as he started to think of Rei. I am sorry my sweet, I am stuck in here because my older twin couldn't be satisfied with Beryl and their ambitions were too great. He wanted you because you were mine. He wanted Serenity because he thought she would be docile and would further his ambitions. Turns out she wasn't as compliant as he thought. He slowly paced in his mirror room as walked over to one of the chairs to sit and wait for Endymion to get over his temper tantrum. Rei I hope you're safe where ever you are.
Inside the family dojo of cedar and white, Mori was going through his morning workout. He winced as he felt off this morning just like the last several mornings since their return from the weekend with Minako and Sere. I need to focus instead of letting my mind wander thinking of Sere and what his kisses might taste like. Sighing he straightened his form and continued with his routine. Or how soft he is against me He shook his head again to clear the thoughts so he could focus. I need to tell him how I feel and see if he feels the same way. Yes. Next time I will tell him or at least kiss him. Mori decided as he worked through his katas.
At a small table set up on a side dais, an older version of the young dark haired man was sitting and observing. He was soon joined by a young bubbly blond teen. As the teen bounced towards the older man, he gave a quick glance to his cousin. Mitsukuni gave a fleeing look of concern at Takashi as he noticed his cousin was struggling to find his center. Maybe I should tell him about Sere-chan
"Good morning Uncle Akira" Mitsukuni said as he inclined his head in respect to his uncle. "May I pour you some tea?" he offered as he held out the teapot.
"Please Mitsu-kun" Akira replied as he waited for the teen to serve him. Once Mitsukuni had poured the tea and sat down next to his uncle, Akira leaned over and in a low voice asked "Mitsu-kun, what is wrong with Takashi?"
Startled slightly, Mitsukuni quickly looked at his cousin before softly answering back "What do you mean, Uncle?"
Giving the teen an amused glance, he said in a low rumble "Mitsukuni, I have eyes. I can tell something is bothering him. He is not sleeping well nor eating like normal. His form in the dojo is off. He stares off into the distance, as if he's seeing something the rest of us cannot. It is like he's trying to work through something but when I ask him what is on his mind; he tells me he is fine." Pausing to take a small sip of his tea, Akira continued "If this has something to do with that club you two are in, perhaps it is time to stop. I don't believe it's affecting his grades yet, but I am concerned."
Sighing softly again before answering in a serious tone, "Uncle, is there somewhere more private than here to talk? I would not embarrass Takashi with this discussion. It truly has nothing to do with the club. It's... it's complicated."
"Very well, we will go to my private garden and have this discussion. I doubt Takashi has noticed we are here or if we leave." he said in his low rumble. "However, I will know what is causing my son to act this way."
The two left the dojo unobserved by Takashi as he continued to practice. As they walked along the pathway towards a quiet private garden Akira pondered just was wrong with his oldest son. He could see Mitsukuni had a very serious look to his eye. That usually meant either he was ready for battle or something was seriously wrong. Akira motioned for Mitsukuni to have a seat at one of the benches overlooking a small pond. The pond was fed by a small stream that babbled over aesthetically placed rocks. On either side there were various plants and flowers, with several flowering trees to provide shade and privacy. Koi would surface before lazily swimming away, some following the outgoing stream down to another pond further along the way. The burbling of stream provided a way to have a conversation without being overheard.
"First Uncle, what I have to say needs to be kept between us." Mitsukuni started in a serious tone as he held out a picture towards his uncle. "Take a look at this and tell me what you see."
Akira took the photo and examined it. In it, he saw two beautiful teen girls. One with long blonde hair bound with a ribbon, wearing a simple sundress of topaz and cream. The other with silver hair in a loose braid, wearing a long sleeve shirt over a t-shirt and dark pants tucked into a pair of knee high boots. "I don't understand, I see two very beautiful girls. Is he in love with both of them?"
Mitsukuni gave a small laugh as he started to explain, "No. The blonde girl is named Minako. I hope she will be my girlfriend." He looked back at the picture with a smile, "No I am afraid the issue is with her cousin, Sere-chan."
"She doesn't like Takashi?" Akira asked slightly confused as he held the picture in his hand. "She is beautiful and judging by the way she carries herself in the picture, I would say a strong warrior. That alone would make her a credit to any man able to win her to his side."
"No Uncle, that isn't the issue." he answered trying to find the right words. Ah well start from the beginning I guess he thought. "Uncle, when Sere-chan started at Ouran she was wearing the boys' uniform. Her Guardians were trying to pass her off as a boy at the school. For the most part, it has worked. To the rest of our classmates, Sere-chan is a devastatingly handsome but cold male with no interest in the ladies who go to the Host Club. I figured it out when we went to the beach house with Kyo-chan. Mi-chan confirmed it the weekend at their chateau." he paused. "The issue is Takashi hasn't looked past the surface and figured out that Sere-chan is a girl. He thinks he is in love with a boy." he explained.
"Is that all?" Akira asked nonplussed at Mitsukuni's explanation. "I would assume there is a reason as to why her Guardians have this Sere-chan dressing as a boy?"
"Yes, they train her harder than what we do here. They are training her at this place called the Lunar Court, with different styles and -"
"Wait, did you say Lunar Court? Is one of her Guardians a blond man named Jadeite?" interrupted Akira.
"Uhm, yes?" asked a puzzled Mitsukuni. "Do you know him?"
"Yes, he was accompanied by a small group of female warriors. There was one, what was her name" he mused out loud. "Ah yes.. Haruka Tenoh I believe was her name. An exquisite warrior in her own right, she took down my senior students with ease as they underestimated her. She was dressed as a male and a very ferocious warrior. She would have taken on Takashi and more than likely defeated him but he was with you at Nationals. Instead I watched her put Jadeite down hard in the dojo. There was no mercy on either side. How did they put it? Ah yes, terms were knock out or surrender." Akira thought long and hard over this information. "If Tenoh-san wanted her to be trained by Jadeite and to pose as a boy, then this girl has some serious enemies looking for her. Will you help to keep her safe? I know Takashi would as well but it sounds like he needs to figure this out on his own."
Mitsukuni stared at his Uncle and nodded in agreement. "I agree, I promised Mi-chan that I would not tell Takashi that Sere-chan is a girl and to let him figure it out on his own. I think... no, I know Takashi is happiest when he's around Sere-chan. When the two are together, he smiles more when he thinks no one is looking. He would protect Sere-chan, he... well he loves her."
Akira thought a little more and then with a twinkle in his grey eyes, he said "I have an idea. I think we need to invite these lovely ladies for a weekend here at the house."
Mitsukuni slightly blushed at the thought of Mi-chan being at the house. "Why?" he asked. He blushed a little more at his uncle's low laugh.
"Simple my dear boy," he answered. "It is the very least we can do since the two of you spent the weekend at their chateau. I assume there were chaperones present?" he finished. He contained his chuckle as Mitsukuni nodded his head quickly.
"Yes, Jadeite plus two others were there to help with the laser tag game and with the overnight camping. Mi-chan played a trick on the others from the club. I think Hika-chan ended up in Tama-chan's tent and Kao-chan was put into Kyo-chan's tent. It was funny until their screaming woke Sere-chan up." he said with a laugh until he remembered the snarling. His eyes widened before saying in a hushed whisper, "Sere-chan's scarier than I am when her sleep is interrupted."
"Very well, we will host them I think on a weekend that is acceptable to the young ladies. Not a word to my son regarding the invite." he said with a twinkle. "I think we can help him out and keep them safe." Akira paused and then as an afterthought he said, "However, you can tell him that you two will be protecting both Sere and Minako from this point on."
"As you will Uncle" Mitsukuni gave a slight bow before heading back to the inside to spar with his cousin. How to get Takashi see Sere-chan as a girl? I should talk with Mi-chan.
At the Host Club later that afternoon ~
"Explain to me again, Mina. Why are we dressing up for their cosplay? Sere asked in annoyance as she offered her arm to her cousin as she escorted Mina down the hallway towards the Music Room.
"It's very simple, Sere." Mina explained as she placed her hand on Sere's proffered arm. "We are helping out Haruhi and her debt. You know the one that Kyoya adds to when you don't play along."
"But didn't you give him some artwork for the auction?" Sere asked. "Really, Haruhi should just let me pay for it and that would free her from this nonsense." she continued to grumble.
"You look perfect for today's theme of Courtly Love" Mina teased as she adjusted her long sleeves. Mina was dressed in a long gown of pale gold with golden laces up along the sides from underarm to hip. Along the bottom of the gown, the gold fabric heavily embroidered with topaz threads to give the illusion of shimmering waves of light. The sleeves were bound at her biceps with a large band of embroidered ribbon of matching topaz before flaring at the elbow to a square shape showing off the sleeves of her pale ivory chemise. Around her hips, a girdle made up of golden square plates that trailed down to her knees. At the center of each of the golden squares sat a large topaz shimmering in the sunlight. Her golden hair in a loose braid with a golden ribbon threaded through, trailed down her shoulder and down her front.
"I suppose." she sighed. Sere did indeed look the part of a dashing knight. Today she was dressed in a knee length silk surcoat of silver and blue. A silver crescent with blue roses was embroidered in the blue panel. Under this she wore a tunic of fine wool in dark blue, silver chain mail could be seen under the edge of the tunic and at her sleeves. Under the armor she wore a a shirt of slubbed silk of pale ivory. Her leather trousers were tucked into knee high leather boots. Silver cuisses and greaves with roses engraved in the metal were attached on her lower legs. A white belt was wrapped around her slim hips with a small dagger tucked into it. Her long silver hair was caught mid-back in a low braid.
"Besides" Mina teased, "Your fan club will go into overtime with this look for you. It's a pity we couldn't have put Elven ears on you like in Lord of The Rings." Mina smothered a giggle as Sere gave her a low growl.
As the two walked towards the Music Room, they noticed a group of girls at the doorway. "Isn't that Haruhi?" asked Mina as they walked towards the group of girls.
"Yep, sure is. I wonder if she needs any help" pondered Sere as they moved closer. They could hear in the background Tamaki squawking about the girls from Lobelia and for them to leave Haruhi alone. Interesting thought Sere. "Haruhi, do you need any help?" Sere asked as she looked down on the three strange girls - one called Benio, holding Haruhi and the other two, Chizuru and Hinako rubbing their faces against one of Haruhi's exposed leg and arm.
At Haruhi's look, Mina intervened and rescued Haruhi from the girls of Lobelia. "There we go", Mina said as she helped Haruhi out of the arms of the strange trio and to regain her balance. Both Mina and Sere proceeded to ignore the conversation between Benio and Tamaki as Benio continued to bait and belittle both Tamaki and the Host Club.
"Sere-chan, Mi-chan!" cried Honey happily as he raced over to give Mina a hug. "Mi-chan, you look beautiful" he said with adoration in his eyes before hugging her close to his armored covered chest, letting his cheek rest against her cheek.
Is he getting taller? Sere thought to herself as she watched Mina blush at Honey's compliment. She looked over the members who were watching the verbal sparring between the club members from Lobelia and Tamaki before going over to stand next to Mori.
Mori watched in amusement at the slight blush on Mina's face from Mitsukuni's compliment. I hope he can happy with her he thought before turning his attention to Sere. That suits him though... as his mind cast back to his dream. Things aren't always as they appear?
"Takashi," Sere said softly. "Does Honey care for Mina?" she asked, "or is he Hosting her? I don't want her to be hurt if he's playing with her feelings."
Mori looked down with startled grey eyes and said "Mitsukuni does care for her. He intends to ask her to be his girlfriend." He thought for a moment before continuing, "Mitsukuni hasn't always been able to act how he wants to because of his position within the family. With the help of Tamaki and the club, that has changed and he is able to act as he wishes." He paused for another moment before asking, "Does Minako care for him? I would see Mitsukuni happy with someone who would love him for himself and not his position."
"She does care for him" she answered. "We should make sure they are together." she said with a sparkle of mischief in her eyes. "The two of them do complement each other."
Mori thought it over for a moment before nodding in agreement to help. His heart fluttered at the genuine smile Sere gave him before the silver haired male turned his attention back to the discussion at hand. He looks so noble.. I should tell him he thought as he looked at Sere's features a little closer. Though at this angle his face looks... like... a girl?
"Now wait a moment. That's not nice to call Tamaki a halfer." Haruhi said coming to Tamaki's defense.
"But Haru-chan" Honey said. "It's true. Tama-chan is half Japanese and half French."
Tamaki blushed slightly and gave a slight bow. "Je m'appelle René" he said glancing up softly at Haruhi.
'Well ok." Haruhi continued with a slight blush. "But saying the Host Club isn't as illustrious or as important as the Zuka Club isn't nice either." she countered.
"Uhm well about that." said Hikaru. "The club has only been in existence for about two years."
"Boss started to recruit people while he was in middle school" explained Kaoru.
"Oh" said Haruhi with a puzzled look. "I'm pretty sure they aren't charging -"
"Haruhi, did you really think we did this for free?" asked an amused Kyoya. "This is very much a business. The Club is based off of a point system that the guests can purchase points for through the online auction and store. The items that are up for sale help fund the cosplay and the events for the club." he explained while bringing up a website on his laptop. "Here, you can see your pencil brought in $30,000 at auction." Kyoya said as he continued to scroll through the club auction. "Ah Mina, thank you again for the painting. There appears to be a bidding war on the piece between three interested parties. We'll see what happens in the next few minutes." he commented.
"There's a bidding war?" Mina asked as in the background she could hear Haruhi taking the twins and Tamaki to task for selling her mechanical pencil. Mina peered over his shoulder at the image on the laptop. "It was a rush job and I didn't think it would do that well" she commented. "What is it currently at?" she asked him.
"Currently the painting is sitting at $300,000 and looks like five more minutes until the end of the auction." he commented on the auction. A painting of Sere, standing in a rose garden in full bloom under a crescent moon. Sere dressed in an open shirt and dark pants tucked into his knee high boots holding a rose as he turned halfway to look at the viewer with eyes filled with night promises, he thought, I don't know who KuroTenshi or DemonicAngel is but that painting will be mine. A few moments more and the auction finished. Damnnit, KuroTenshi won the painting. Kyoya frowned not noticing the slight smile Mori held as he put his cell away.
"I can't believe you would sell my pencil without saying something to me first." Haruhi ground out to the twins and Tamaki.
"You can have mine" Tamaki offered holding out his mechanical pencil with a teddy bear sitting atop the eraser cap.
"No thank you." Haruhi said curtly as Benio gently wrapped her arms around her shoulders.
"Come to Lobelia, Maiden." Benio softly cooed into Haruhi's ear. "There you would be treated with care and respect as all young women should be treated. Our classes are exceptional and the learning environment is free of male distractions." she continued to tempt Haruhi as she stood facing the group. Haruhi's eyes were shaded by the fringe of her bangs as she appeared to give it some serious thought. Benio looked at Mina and Sere with a sly look; she said "Won't you Maidens join us at Lobelia as well." She moved towards Sere and grasped her hand. "You would be a wondrous addition to our school, Silver Maiden."
Sere gave a small snarl before twisting her hand out of Benio's grip and bent the young woman's hand back forcing her to her knees. "How dare you touch me?" Sere snarled before Mori intervened and got Sere to release Benio's hand. He carefully drew Sere away from the girls from Lobelia before anything else happened.
"I think not." said Mina. "No boys on the campus sounds pretty boring." she said to Benio before turning back to Sere, who was ignoring the Silver Maiden comment, "Were you going back to the Court?"
"Yes, a little more practice and I should be able to beat Nephrite." Sere answered while keeping an eye on Haruhi and the group from Lobelia from the safety of Mori's side. "Are you coming with me or are you staying here for awhile longer
"I'll stay here for a little while. Try not to overdo it." Mina answered."Though, if you do over do it," she teased with a quick look at Mori, "I could send over a dark knight to make sure you rest." Mina hid a small smile as she saw Mori blush at her comment. Unfortunately, Sere didn't catch the comment as she left, so didn't see the implied look or the blush. Mina was brought back to the conversation at hand by the sound of Tamaki's wailing.
"I apparently have a lot to think about" Haruhi said evenly. "I am heading home" she said with a stony face and then left. The gleeful cackling of the three Lobelia girls followed them out the door as they danced and twirled their way down the hall.
"Kyoya" Mina said, "I know Sere didn't say anything, but make sure at least half of the profit of the sale goes towards Haruhi's debt." She turned to the concerned looking members, "You do realize what will happen if Haruhi decides to go to Lobelia, right?" she asked.
"What?!" shrieked Tamaki. "NO! My little girl can't go there!" he continued before sulking off in his corner.
Kyoya pushed up his glasses as he thought over the question. "If she decides to go to Lobelia, I'm sure they would be able to pay off her debt."
"She's smart enough that I'm sure the entrance exams would be a piece of cake for her" continued Mina as she walked towards the window. Looking out of the window, Mina could see Sere as she walked towards the arena. She's going to kill me Mina thought. "Something to think about though, if Haruhi decides to go to Lobelia, then there's no reason for Sere to be here helping her." she said slightly turning her head over her shoulder towards the stunned Hosts as she made her way to leave the room.
"Mi-chan! Wait a moment!" Honey said as he raced after her. He looked back at the group before escorting her out of the room and towards the hallway. He said softly to Mina, "Mi-chan, my Uncle Akira would like to have you and Sere-chan come visit for a weekend." He looked at her hopefully, "Please come visit and we can work on getting her and Takashi together."
"Let me find a suitable weekend for us." she said. "I may have to bring Zoi or Jade along, if that's ok?" she asked him.
"That would be fine." he said smiling at her. He gave her a soft peck on the cheek before racing back into the room and the chaos that was beginning to unfold.
"NO!" exclaimed Tamaki in horror. "We have to show Haruhi that she belongs here. Gather up Men, I have an idea." he said as he posed with his finger pointed up above his head.
As Mori calmly listened to Tamaki's plan, his mind was racing in a panic. If Haruhi leaves, Sere would… No he... he wouldn't leave? I... No he has to stay.
Later that night as Mori slept fitfully about the possible loss of Sere from the club, his dream guide reappeared. She gently soothed his mind as she lightly stroked his hair. She took him by the hand to show him another scene that showed him walking down a corridor heading towards a garden. As he walked closer to the garden, he realized that his guide was gone and that he was now seeing things in the first person. As he turned the corner, something or someone crashed into him. Mori wrapped his arms around the other body in an attempt to save them both from damage. He could feel someone warm and soft laying on top of him. He could smell warm vanilla. He opened his eyes and saw the dark blue eyes he loved.
"I'm so sorry, are you alright?" the soft voice above him asked.
Looking up into those eyes, "Yes, I'm fine" he answered. He noticed that the silver haired princess was dressed like a boy in a silken tunic of silver and blue with the sigil of the Lunar family on the chest. He could see she wore a dark blue shirt underneath with sleeves tucked into plain leather vambraces. Simple embroidered roses adorned the neck of the shirt, her hair in a loose braid. He carefully moved his hands from her back to rest against the sides of her hips. He watched as she slightly blushed at his touch. She moved slightly so that she was able to sit up, straddling his hips. He could feel a heat starting to pool low in his stomach as she sat up.
"I'm so sorry, I was running late to meet with Haruka and I.." she continued to babble, blushing furiously at the young man under her. "Here let me" she started as she began to scramble off of his lap. "I'm really sorry" she continued to apologize as she was helped up to her feet only to crash against his chest again as they stood.
Mori started to chuckle as he held the flustered girl against him. "It's ok. I'm fine. The question is, are you ok?" he asked politely, enjoying the feel of the lookalike Sere against him. Warm and very soft it has to be Sere he thought.
"I'm fine. I shouldn't have been running." she continued as her blush darkened as she stayed against his chest. "I... I really should get going."
"You could give me a tour if that wouldn't be too much trouble" he suggested as he continued to hold her in his arms. "Princess Serenity correct?" he asked the blushing girl before him. He smiled gently as she peered up at him and offered him a shy smile.
"I ... I could do that. You're Hotaru's brother right?" she asked him. "And please, just Serenity" she said to him as she stepped back from his embrace.
"Yes." he answered. So beautiful he thought.
Serenity seemed to be thinking something over before gracing him with a warm smile, "If it is your wish for a tour, Your Highness, then it is my humble duty to be your guide while you are here." she said with a small bow and holding out her hand towards him.
He smiled down at her and said "Only if you call me Takashi." He reached out to take her hand marveling at how soft but strong her grip was. He noticed she kept a hold of his hand. He smiled softly at the beautiful sight before him. He reveled in the warm scent of vanilla from her closeness as they started to walk along the corridor towards the gardens.
"If you don't mind my asking, but why are you visiting the Moon?" she asked. "I thought Hotaru was heading home next month to visit."
"I am here as companion to our cousin Mitsukuni." he answered. "He is meeting with his intended, Princess Minako, to see if they're compatible."
"Mina?" she asked. "What happens if Mina and Mitsukuni don't like each other?" she asked as they continued to walk around one of the gardens.
"The betrothal contract was written in a way that if they aren't compatible or don't like each other, then the contract is considered void and they are free to look for someone else." he said. "I hope though, that they do like each other. I would like to see Mitsukuni happy with someone who cares for him."
"That sounds nice." she said wistfully. "I wish I could have that luxury. I'm afraid my mother is looking for the best match for the Alliance. I would like to think she would take my feelings into consideration." she said sadly. "At present, Mother is entertaining a match with a Terran Prince. I don't like him. He's far too grabby and full of himself. Rei likes him and I think she would make a better match for him." she continued speaking as her eyes looked downcast.
"Wouldn't one of the other planets be a better match then the Terrans?" he asked. No, She... she should be happy and loved not left on some savage planet he thought.
"So far, Prince Endymion has been discouraging the others from meeting with me. He's been forcing the other suitors to fight him for my hand." She said before her eyes hardened in resolve, "I asked Haruka to teach me how to fight so I can beat him and make my own choice."
"I can teach you as well if you would like," he offered. Any time to spend with her he thought as he softly inhaled the vanilla scent.
She turned startled eyes up at him and asked "You would do that?"
Nodding, he said "I would. You should at least have the chance to make your own choice to wed someone you care for or perhaps love." His heart felt like it had stopped beating when she gave him a hug before taking his hand again.
"Thank you!" she exclaimed. "When would be a good time to start?" she asked.
Takashi pondered as he let his thumb gently rub her hand. "How about an hour before you would normally meet with the others?"
"That would be perfect" she said with a smile. "Anything I need to know about before hand?" she asked.
"Just come dressed like this." he answered as they continued to enter into the gardens. As his dream self continued to lightly rub his thumb against Serenity's hand, his last thought was of her smiling at him once more before the alarm clock woke him out of his dream. Groaning at the clock, he grumbled as he thought more about his dream as he rolled onto his back. That had to be Sere. It's not a coincidence they have the same vanilla scent and those beautiful eyes. Rubbing his face with his hand, I need to talk with Minako. At least I don't have to dress like the others today for club. Smiling softly from his dream, Mori headed into the bath to get ready for the day.
Later in the afternoon at the Host Club ~
The ladies from Lobelia met up with Haruhi at the door to the Host Club. "Greetings Maiden, ready to come join us at Lobe-" Benito said before being interrupted by the door opening and a flood of rose petals flying out of the room.
From the darkened room, a range of voices sang out "Our-ran!" At each following Ouran that was sang out, a spotlight highlighted each singer, starting with Honey in a lovely gown, heavy makeup and a wig of golden curls. He was followed by the twins in matching gowns and wigs of curled red pigtails. As each host came out they were presented as a Sister with the exception of Mori. He was in dark blue jacket with long tails and gold embellishments, a white sash went from his shoulder to his belt and wearing white pants, looking quite handsome.
It was all Haruhi could do, as she watched in horrified fascination, unable to look away and yet fascinated with the cross-dressing Hosts. As Tamaki pranced out in an extremely frilly gown and started to speak, she couldn't help the giggles starting. At one point she had to cover her mouth to muffle the unladylike snorts that were starting to come out as Tamaki kept talking about the club bringing out their feminine side. Benio slowly got over her initial shock and tried to drown him out with her verbal attack. She wasn't getting very far as Haruhi was laughing far too hard while being chased by the twins and Honey as they demanded her to call them older sister.
Mina knocked at the door when it didn't open as usual when the Hosts were open for business. After letting herself into the room, she saw what was keeping them occupied. She barely stifled a giggle at the chaos of Haruhi being chased by the twins and Honey, before she cleared her throat to gain the group's attention. The room came to a standstill as all eyes focused on Mina and it was noticed that she was dressed like a boy in a simple tabard of silver and blue with an embroidered silver crescent moon with the sigil for Venus inside the curve of the moon. A golden silk tunic peeked out from under the tabard. Under the tunic, a white shirt embroidered with doves and roses along the neck. The sleeves were tucked into golden leather vambraces. Simple leather pants tucked into knee high boots finished her outfit. Her hair was in a simple braid with a golden ribbon instead of her usual red ribbon.
Mori's eyes widened as he caught sight of Sere standing next to Mina. Sere was dressed in an exquisite gown made in cloth of silver with sapphire blue and indigo embroidery. The gown had a square neckline with hints of a fine dark blue chemise. The sleeves of the gown flared at his elbows and set off the dark blue sleeves that covered Sere's hands. The sliver skirt had dark blue and indigo roses embroidered at the hemline. Dainty slippers of matching silver and blue finished the outfit. Mina had managed to take Sere's hair and put it into a half up half down hair style with curls. Scattered in Sere's hair were sapphire pins to highlight his silver hair. The overall effect of the two caused the room to still as the cousins entered into the room.
"I can't believe you talked me into this Mina." Sere groused as she walked in with Mina.
"Oh be a good sport. Besides, this is what they planned to help keep Haruhi here. Haruhi is good for this group." explained Mina in a low voice as she took Sere's arm as they walked towards the group. "And the look on Mori's face will be well worth it." Mina said under her breath.
Beautiful, he looks like the girl from my dream. Simply beautiful thought Mori as he felt a blush starting to form. He watched as Mitsukuni stopped chasing Haruhi and gave a graceful curtsy to Mina. He gave a rare smile as he watched Minako and Mitsukuni softly talk and when Minako gave Mitsukuni a kiss on the cheek Mori knew he would be in good hands.
"They are cute together aren't they?" Sere asked him softly, startling Mori from his thoughts.
"You look beautiful" Mori said softly as Sere stood next to him watching the twins continue chasing after Haruhi. Haruhi was crying and laughing as she continued to run from the twins. "Yes they do and I think Mitsukuni has a girlfriend now." he observed the two blondes sharing a soft smile with each other.
Mina whispered to Honey, "He's fallen hard for Sere hasn't he?" as she watched Mori and Sere from the corner of her eyes.
"Takashi will never let her go." Honey said. "I think I understand Uncle's request for you both to come spend a weekend at our home. I think with it just being us it would be safer for Sere-chan to be a girl for Takashi there."
Haruhi was finally able to get the twins to stop chasing her, she walked over to where the ladies from Lobelia were standing. "As interesting as your school sounds, I have a dream I am going to attain. In order to do that I need to finish what I have started here at Ouran. So thank you no, I will be staying here." she said.
As the trio from Lobelia realized they had lost this round, they vowed to try again and to crush the Host Club. As they twirled and cackled down the hallway, they managed to slip on a few misplaced banana peels.
Back in the Music Room, Tamaki had pulled Haruhi into a close hug. "I knew you wouldn't leave us." he said as he rubbed his made up face against her cheek. He was then joined by Hikaru and Kaoru in a group hug. Haruhi tried to wiggle free but wasn't having much success. She finally gave up with a heavy sigh and let them hug her.
Welp there you go. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. May the New Year bring you blessings and love.