Chapter 12: A New Conflict
Ruby was worried.
It's been four days since the attack on Tokyo Dome City, the zone still shut down to repair the damages sustained from their battle against the forces of Grimm. Shortly after the fight was over, with the last of the Grimm being cleared out by the Host Club and the help of the police, the teens were all rounded up to speak to the officers on sight about the events that just finished. Ruby decided to keep Hirofumi's involvement a secret, as not to let it slip about her connection to the attack. But it still tipped off Inspector Shiratori, who happened to be present for the questioning and quickly recognized Ruby despite the cartoonish mask covering her face.
Once again, the Ootori family pulled through after hours of negotiations and back and forth to get the teens out of serious trouble. Because of Ruby's foresight to wear the masks, the teens cannot be charged on their real identities, meaning that they didn't have to run the risk of this staining their records and possibly losing their place at Ouran Academy. In terms of the weaponry, all of the teens were licensed due to taking lessons from professionals and the weapons weren't on their person before the event according to security cameras at the entrance of the amusement park. Unfortunately for the police, the cameras were damaged after the explosions, making them unable to see proof of the Grimm other than through verbal retellings and shaky phone camera shootings. As such, they were labelled with seitōbōei as they were primarily focused on self-defense against the attacking creatures and helping civilians to safety. As a result, the teens were not charged with criminal charges or vigilantism and were released without further incident.
"You're turning into a more complicated case than I thought, Miss Rose," Inspector Shiratori stated as they began to leave. "I don't know how you knew about these monsters or how to take them down, but I know that you're connected to both this and the Teito Bank heist in some way, and I will find out how. I guarantee it."
No, Ruby was worried about something else entirely.
She watched from the back porch as the Host Club continued their training at the Souh mansion. Ever since the Battle of Tokyo Dome (as they were calling it), the teens have thrown themselves more into their training, even going as far as to wearing their masks to better learn how to fight with them. Everyone was advancing their skills ever so slightly, working hard to master the weapons they have also so lovingly named.
Kyoya was calmly swatting away his trainer's attacks with his umbrella, Serenity, while Haruhi engaged hers nearby, Logical Ruse seemingly becoming more comfortable in her hands. To switch things up a bit, a 2 v. 2 skirmish was being waged further out on the lawn: Hikaru and Honey facing off against Karou and Mori. Mori sliced his glaive (Paladin Bolt) through the air, knocking out several incoming kunai knifes (Rabbit's Foot). With Honey's projectiles rendered ineffective, Karou releases his own arrows from his crossbow (Sanguine Reign), now able to successfully shoot 3 arrows in 15 seconds. Hikaru knocked them aside and rushed forward with his sword (Discord) only to be met with his twin's weapon's sword form. The two siblings clashed as Honey swooped in from behind them to retrieve the fallen knives and rush forward to face down Mori.
And then, standing separated from the others, there was Tamaki.
The blond has been isolating himself during training for the last few days, only interacting with his trainer and engaging when necessary. While he hasn't been slacking in his Host Club duties, continuing to act the ever-charismatic gentleman, he has grown quieter and less energetic outside of the music room. Even the others have noted Tamaki's dimmed spirit, with all of them expressing their concerns in one way or another. Tamaki always tries to play off their worries, giving his usual smile, but even Ruby can tell that it was fake.
He's been like this ever since leaving Tokyo Dome on Sunday, Ruby thought, remembering the quiet ride back to the mansion that night. After they have arrived home, Tamaki immediately retired to his room, citing exhaustion as he left her standing alone in the main foyer.
A cry of frustration cut Ruby's musings short, turning her attention to the taller blond. His weapon (which he reluctantly called Rosebud after Hikaru kept bugging him for a name) was discarded on the grass next to his feet, which were tapping nervously. She was too far to see his face, but the way he was squeezing his hands made her get up from her spot and quickly make her way across the lawn towards him.
"You ok, Uncle Tamaki?"
Tamaki looked up at her, not letting go of his hands. He gave her a bright smile that would've fooled her if she hadn't been living with him for a month. "Quite fine, my flower. Just let my guard down a bit and had a little trouble with the recoil. Nothing too serious for you to worry your pretty little head over."
"Alright…" Ruby said, still skeptical about his response but leaving it at that. "Hey, I can help you with your aim, if you want."
"No, it's fine. I got it," Tamaki responded a little too quickly, waving his hands about to reject her offer. "I think the others could use some help though. I'll let you know if I need anything." Tamaki gave her another bright smile, picked up Rosebud, and returned to the firing line to speak with his trainer.
She watched the two interacting for several minutes, wanting to go over and ask Tamaki what was wrong. But now wasn't the time. Hopefully I can talk to him soon, Ruby thought, before turning away from her object of concern to help her fellow Hosts.
X
It was after practice had ended and everyone went home for the day when Ruby got her chance.
The two teens left at the Suoh estate were currently situated in the dining hall, enjoying a lavish feast to refuel from another gruelling day of training. Servers moved in and out, replacing plates and dishes with more filled with steaming food to enjoy. The only other person dining with them was the Chief of Staff, Miss Shima, as Tamaki's father was out on business.
They were about three courses in when Ruby decided it was time. "Uncle Tamaki?"
"Hmm?" Tamaki hummed, looking up from his meal to address her.
"Are you doing okay?"
Pausing from his food, Tamaki replied. "Sure I am. Why wouldn't I be?"
Bracing herself, Ruby jumped right into it. "It's just that, since Sunday at Tokyo Dome, you haven't really been yourself."
"I can assure you, I am quite fine. Probably just tired from the training, that's all," Tamaki dismissed, waving his hand nonchalantly.
"But that's just it," Ruby said. "Outside of Host Club duties, you haven't really been yourself. You seem to think smiling will cover up how you're truly feeling, but I can see it. The entire Host Club can see it. And we're all worried for you."
"There's nothing wrong, Ruby," Tamaki said, curling his hand into a ball.
"But there is," Ruby pushed. "Something happened at Tokyo Dome that started all of this, and I just want to help. But I can't if you don't tell me."
"Fine!" Tamaki explodes, slamming a fist on the table that rattled the silver wear that sent Ruby into a state of shock of the sudden emotion. "Ok. Yes, you're right. I am frustrated about what happened at Tokyo Dome. While my friends fought off those monsters, I was almost killed by one. The only reason I'm fine is because you had to step in and save me, resulting in Hirofumi getting away. I'm frustrated because while everyone else is moving forward and getting better, I feel like I'm not progressing at all. I know I have the worst aim out of everyone, and the worst swordsmanship, but I still want to help. And I can't, and it never feels like I ever will and I'll never be enough."
Blue eyes stared up at her, tears prickling at the edges. "What kind of gentleman am I if I can't step up and protect the people I care about?"
"Tamaki," Ruby began, trying to calm the blond down. "I know you're frustrated right now, but I can assure you, it will get better. It takes time before anyone can become good enough at something. Some people are just slower at it than others, and that's okay."
"Some people," Tamaki repeated, an edge to his tone that made Miss Shima raise a brow.
"I know you're behind everyone right now. And I will admit I did give you Rosebud because I felt that where you are right now isn't as far along as the others for a more complicated weapon. But that doesn't mean you aren't capable of getting there. It's just that where you are right now isn't up to Huntsman standards," Ruby said.
"Really? And suddenly everyone else in the club is more of a Huntsman than I am?" Tamaki spat, his eyes going sharp.
"No! Not at all," the reaper quickly backpedaled, thrown by the blond's tone. "I didn't mean it in a bad way, Tamaki. I just mean that you'll get there some day, but it will take some time."
"And how much time did it take for you to become a Huntress, Miss Rose?"
"Master Tamaki!" Miss Shima hissed, giving the boy a pointed look. "That's enough." Silence filled the room, no one seeming to be daring enough to make the first move.
"I'm sorry," Tamaki said, covering his face with his hand before running it through his hair. Several beats later, he apologized once more and dismissed himself from the table, stalking out of the dining hall. Ruby stared after him, her silver eyes watching him worriedly all the way until the double doors fell shut.
X
The bell tower chimed the 3 o'clock hour, signaling the start of another day for the Host Club.
Ruby sat at an ornate table amidst a candy paradise, the Music Room having been transformed into a Willy Wonka-themed wonderland for the theme that week. The room looked like something from a dream, with candy everywhere and a chocolate fountain as the centrepiece. Though she was dressed for the occasion in a lollipop-inspired Lolita dress and matching hairpiece, she opted out of participating in the activities for the day, content with watching everyone while munching on some sweets. She had a lot to chew over, both figuratively and metaphorically.
Her conversation last night with Tamaki still resinated in her mind, and it bothered her more than it should've. She understood where Tamaki was coming from, she truly did. However, she couldn't deny the fact that, out of all of the other Hosts, he was the most inept and liable to hurt himself in combat. And it wasn't like he wasn't trying. He's been training just as hard, if not harder, than his fellow Hosts to improve himself. Still, it wasn't enough, and that's what's frustrating.
Sighing, the reaper stopped her musing and went back to people watching, soaking in the energetic atmosphere. Much like her, majority of the Hosts were wearing candy-themed outfits and entertaining their guests with fun childlike games.
Tamaki, back to his ever-charming self, was dressed for the occasion as the legendary fictional character himself: Willy Wonka. Despite the absurdity of the character's color scheme, from the purple tailcoat opened to expose a yellow vest and exaggerated red-and-white polka dot bowtie to the green dress pants and pointed black dress shoes, Tamaki pulled the outfit together nicely. Leaning against his ornate walking cane, he enthralled his audience with a tale of traveling the world to find the finest sweet delicacies, even telling the story of a palace completely constructed of chocolate in India.
"Hey Tamaki," one of the girls asked once the story was finished. "Could you perform for us?"
Tamaki laughed, adjusting his bowtie. "Why, my sweet. I don't know if I should. I have been told my voice it so sweet it could give you cavities."
"Please?!" the girls chorused, drawing the attention from the nearby tables. Soon, a small crowd gathered around the blond, encouraging him to sing for them. The other Hosts even joined in, eager to see their king in action.
"Well, then. If you insist," Tamaki chuckled, giving a slight bow and dipping his top hat. Curious, Ruby moved in closer to watch. Music suddenly poured in all around them, a soft chiming sound that made the air around them more magical.
"Come with me, and you'll be, in a world of pure imagination~," Tamaki began, his voice lifting into the air. Everyone was entranced, watching Tamaki slowly stroll to the side and, hooking his cane around a tree, swung himself around before giving his audience a smile. He carefully moved about, his footsteps light and bouncy to allow for quick movements. All eyes were locked onto the brightly-cladded blond as he danced and sang around them in the candy wonderland, interacting with his environment with his cane. Taking a break from singing, he gave a quick dance with his cane, twisting and spinning it around with the grace of a baton twirler. All the while, he smiled and interacted with his observers, causing a few girls to faint at the teen's grace.
As the song came to a close, Tamaki spun and jumped his way back to the group before pausing and, lifting his cane levelled with the girl who had requested the performance, pretended to fire at the girl with a smirk on his face. The lady practically swooned under the blond's gaze, and the group broke into applause as Tamaki took a bow, top hat and cane in hand.
Ruby stared on in amazement before suddenly being stricken with a realization. Pulling out her phone, she quickly shot off a question to Kyoya about their supplies and inquiring about one specific item in particular. She believed she saw something in the crates the first time she went through them when picking out the Hosts' weapons, but had discarded it with no intention of utilizing it. Now, however, she might want to reconsider.
Glancing up, she caught the ravenette's eyes watching her over the edge of his notepad. Giving her a slight nod, he moved to the side to find the answer for her. Until then, Ruby wandered from group to group, spending the rest of the club time no longer bothered about her previous worries.
It wasn't until later that day, long after cleaning up and heading home, that Ruby got a message from Kyoya confirming that she was correct. Giddy, Ruby settled in for the night, already ready for tomorrow.
X
Once again, the gang was gathered for another long training day in the backyard of the Suoh residence. Ruby could barely wait through the regular stretching warmup and Honey's and Mori's lessons, practically vibrating in excitement for what was to come.
When it was time to split up for weapon training, Ruby sprinted over to Tamaki so fast she unconsciously activated her Semblance, resulting in her crashing into the blond and sending both of them sprawling.
"Uncle Tamaki!" the smaller teen shouted, quickly helping the confused and slightly dazed blond to his feet. "I have something for you. Come with me."
Still confused, Tamaki followed behind the reaper, moving over to the firing range where a small ornate box laid in wait for them. Ruby had specifically asked for the item to be wrapped in a certain way in order to not give away the surprise.
"Well?" Ruby asked, noticing the teen hadn't made a move. "Open it!"
She stood there bouncing on the balls of her feet as he slowly unwrapped the box. Once the lid of removed, his jaw dropped and his blue eyes widened in shock, hands hovering above the item inside.
"First off, I want to apologize," Ruby began. "When I was assigning everyone's weapons, I took into consideration their skills and, noticing that you were having a harder time than everyone else, I wasn't exactly being fair. You've been so determined to succeed and what you've been handling so far hasn't made the best use of what skills you do have. What I noticed is that it's not that you're bad at handling weapons, but that you're bad at handling weapons. You still see them as dangerous and, thus, have been apprehensive in your approach. So, if you were given something not necessarily a weapon, then maybe you'll be more comfortable and begin seeing more progress."
As Tamaki pulled out the item, Ruby continued, keeping a close eye on his reaction. "The hallmark of a Huntsman is that their weapon is an extension of oneself. And I believe this suits you much more."
In his hands was a cane, but not just any cane. It was an almost exact replica of Roman Torchwick's weapon of choice, from the sleek black body to the thick red base devoid of his symbol. The white hooked top still had the firing mechanisms that correlate with the reticle at the base for aiming and a sliding segment a little further down for Dust loading. When she had first seen it in the crates, she had dismissed it as a villain's weapon, probably created to be a replacement or an upgrade for the man's current model. She made sure to point that out to the blond so he was aware, but made sure not to discourage him.
"It's not the weapon that makes the man, but the hands of the one wielding it that determines whether it is an instrument for helping or harming others. We can repaint and adjust it to allow for more customization, but that's entirely up to you."
Tamaki nodded, looking over the weapon as Ruby went over the different pieces and how to use them. She was just getting ready to move on when he quickly swung the cane up, popped up the reticle and, with a quick moment to line it up, fire off a shot. He still yelped slightly at the recoil, but didn't drop it this time. The projectile flew forward and slammed into one of the set-up targets, engulfing it in a quick explosion. This caught the attention of the others on the lawn, everyone pausing to watch the two. Once the dust settled, Ruby could see that while, although not dead center, the shot still was on target. Progress, if only a little, but progress nonetheless.
Resetting the safety switch and lowering the cane, Tamaki slowly turned back to face Ruby. She was worried he might be scared at first, but was suddenly caught off when he set his cane back on the table and crashed into her, tackling her in a hug.
"Thank you, Ruby," he whispered, genuine happiness filling his words. They helped each other up and returned their attention to the cane on the table.
"Amaterasu."
"What was that?"
Tamaki turned towards her, cane in hand. "Amaterasu. The Goddess of the sun and the universe. As the sun rises on new horizons, it allows for new beginnings. That's the name of my cane."
Ruby nodded. "It's a wonderful name," she commented. "We'll make sure to paint it accordingly."
"Ruby, I…" Tamaki started, shuffling in place and nervously wringing his hands together. "Ruby, I am so sorry about how I spoke to you the other night. I had no right to speak to you in such a way, and will strive to communicate my concerns in a healthier, more appropriate manner. Could you ever forgive me?"
"I forgive you," Ruby said, a small smile on her face. She stepped forward and took his hand, pulling him down so they were crouched, silver eyes staring into blue. "You don't have to be perfect, Tamaki. There's no such thing. And you don't have to be a true Huntsman yet. You have time to improve. Grow. Become the type of person you want to become. We're all walking the same path you are, and we'll all get there one day. So, let's keep moving forward and try our best. We'll get there one day, and we'll be by your side the entire way."
Tamaki nodded, giving her a quick hug before walking over to the others, no longer isolating himself in fear and frustration. He's ready to move on and work with others, to become a Huntsman in his own rights.
Smiling, Ruby pulls out Crescent Rose and heads over to join the Host Club, ready to spend more time with her new team to become the best Huntsmen and Huntresses they can be.
X
And that's a wrap! A special thank you to my friend (will get handle later) for beta-ing for me this chapter. Thank you to all who have favorited and followed the story so far, and I want to give a special shout out to ranjira1988 for the comments since the last chapter. See you next time! :)