I DO NOT OWN INUYASHA OR OURAN HIGHSCHOOL HOSTCLUB

Since I'm VERY pleased with the amount of reviews I got last chapter, here's a fast update and a pretty lengthy segment!

Enjoy~

Veni Vidi Amavi

Chapter 17

Of Bows and Arrows

The Ouran halls were ablazed with the fires of gossip and it took almost all of Kagome's not so great patience to not snap and potentially scar the sheltered students that teetered around in buttercup dresses. Word had somehow gotten out about a certain Taicho's interest in her and how he asked for her hand in hopes of joining together in holy matrimony. Now, the idea itself was ridiculous on its own but considering the difference of morals and protocols between the land of the rich and commoners, Kagome wasn't entirely surprised with the exaggerated rumours.

She just wants them to stop.

It's not hurting anyone yes, but she's not exactly in the right headspace to just ignore the judging looks and not so kind assessments from students she doesn't even know or heard of. If only Ginmaru didn't pull such a stunt in front of the host club no less, then everything would've been fine and normal.

'Ah, I don't know what I'm going to do with him…' The shrine maiden lamented to herself. The fair haired taicho had been nothing but kind and gentle with her and she finds it hard to say no to the guy. It also didn't help that his handsome features reminded her greatly of someone from the past and therefore, making her naturally gravitate to him much to her jealous friends' ire.

Sighing through her nose, Kagome pushed the doors open to the third music room and let out an exasperated groan.

"Is something the matter Kagome?" The familiar voice of the Ootori heir was oddly in tune with the repetitive clacking of his keyboards, eyes never leaving the monitor of his laptop despite the question aimed at her.

She walked towards him and took a seat at his table, leaning her face against a palm.

"It's the rumors. They're driving me crazy!" Sharp slate eyes momentarily flickered at her direction. "There were gossips about me too when I started joining the host club but they were never as bad as this." Probably because those were actually good rumours pertaining to her great rescue of the newest natural host but that's not the point.

"Do you want to do something about it?" Kyoya asked.

The girl hummed before smirking at him from beyond his laptop.

"Knowing you, you're probably going to land me in a debt or something."

"You wound me Kagome. Do you think I'm that manipulative?" The laugh that tinkled had Kyoya smiling and he raised a brow at his friend, demanding her answer.

"Do you really want me to answer that? You'll get your heart broken." Kagome cheekily leaned forward, pointer finger idly tapping at Kyoya's laptop and the cool host snorted in amusement. He rolled his eyes before going back to his work, now ignoring the blue eyed hostess as she began playing with a lock of hair.

Comfortable silence befell between the two raven heads, the rest of the club still absent and caught in their own agendas and Kagome found herself drinking in the rare, peaceful atmosphere that wrapped around the room.

It wasn't long before she finally confided.

"Nee, Kyoya-" she began and the way she tried to avoid his gaze had him suspicious. "-c-can I ask you something about Gin-kun?"

Kagome glanced shyly at the bespectacled host but simply saw the light glaring at his glasses, not noticing how suddenly stiff and taut his shoulders became after voicing out her innocent question.

"Ho?" There was… Something off in his voice but she was never able to think much of it. "-is our dear hostess perhaps interested in Mitokado-senpai?"

"It's not like that!" she protested, pouting as she continued to twirl her hair on a finger, looking like a typical maiden in love. Kyoya drummed his fingers against the table. "He… He looks like a friend I lost long ago… And I wanted to know if perhaps, he's related to him." The somber quality of her voice and expression was more than enough to kill the spark of negative emotions starting to pool at Kyoya's gut and he sighed before pushing at his glasses.

"What do you want to know exactly?"

"His family tree? Maybe?" She braced herself for his reaction but all he did was hum and then began typing at his laptop. A few moments later, he made a sound at the back of his throat and pulled his chair closer to her, bringing his laptop along.

"Based on my sources, his family is actually half Japanese and half Irish. His grandfather was born and raised in Ireland and decided to go here to start a life on their own in Japanese soil. Mitokado might be their family title over here but it seems that their true family name is in fact Sionnach." Well that explains the unique coloration of the taicho, no full blooded Japanese has that kind of genes after all.

Kyoya patiently waited as Kagome leaned closer to observe the family tree of her newest acquaintance, grey eyes unconsciously falling upon mildly parted lips. His own suddenly tingled and without knowing, his body unconsciously began leaning down until the spell was shattered with the priestess leaning back in place.

Kyoya snapped back into position, confused and more than a little bit alarmed.

What the hell was that?

"Thanks Kyoya." Kagome smiled in gratitude at the Ootori but her eyes were sad and disappointed. "I shouldn't have expected a connection anyways. I should really just let sleeping dogs lie." There must've been an inside joke of some sorts since the female laughed under her breath, albeit, a bit sardonic for Kyoya's taste.

"Does he really remind you of your late friend that much?" Perhaps being this blunt wasn't the way to go but subtlety isn't exactly Kyoya's strong point.

"Un. He does." She acknowledged. "He's got the same eyes and their jaws are certainly similar." A wistful smile spread on her lips and she stared at nothing in particular, eyes wistful and filled with longing.

The moon was up and bright, illuminating silken hair as the deadly beauty of the yokai seemed to pulse in sync with her heartbeat.

"Both had such long hair too. I wanted to touch it but I don't want to scare him away." A thought of Kagome and Ginmaru together with the latter's head on the girl's lap with slender fingers combing at the platinum strands was a very unwelcomed image and he coughed to hide a scoff.

"Is Mitokado-senpai your type?" It was supposed to be a teasing question but Kyoya didn't feel any amusement at her answer.

Kagome blushed and coughed daintily.

His fingers drummed once more.

"I don't have a type…" she mumbled and despite her endearing look that tugged at his heartstrings, Kyoya can do nothing but to simmer silently. "...I think…"

Without thinking of the consequences, he stood up and placed both of his hands against the armrests of Kagome's chair, looming over the wide eyed hostess who blinked hypnotic, vivid blue eyes up at him. He leaned down, face unreadable and eyes sharp with unknown emotion.

Confused, Kagome simply tilted her head up at him.

"Kyoya?" The bespectacled host simply ignored her wondrous call of his name and merely observed how composed she remained despite their intimate position. No signs of that lovely splash of color on her cheeks were visible and Kyoya cannot identify the way his stomach clenched at the lack of reaction.

She eyed him, reaching up a hand to settle against his cheek and gently said; "Are you okay? Is something troubling you?" Her voice was lovely and sweet with care.

Kyoya fought the urge to nuzzle against the soft palm cradling his face and simply retreated back, avoiding Kagome's worried eyes. Straightening his blazer, he smiled at Kagome and the miko frowned at being given the practiced, fake mask he usually uses to blindside outsiders.

"Nothing to worry about."

"But-" The doors opened and Tamaki came strutting in and immediately swept Kagome in a big embrace, a routine Kagome secretly adores despite her half-hearted protests. As the blonde began rubbing his cheeks against the hostess's, Kyoya observed how she acted.

Like a mother humoring her son.

It made him wonder.

"Eh? No club duties for the day?" Haruhi asked owlishly. It seems that the host club won't be operating since their two seniors were still in the middle of a rigorous training, with their clients simply going straight to the east wing to watch the two in their natural habitat. It's a logical decision and Haruhi decided to not press the issue.

"If that's the case then I'll go watch Mitsukuni and Takashi as well!" Kagome gleefully announced, excited at the idea of seeing such a familiar style of fighting after a long time. Already, she can feel her blood heating up and mourned the fact that she won't be able to join the spars. It's been a while since she last fought and while tolerable, the urge to engage in such activities was absolutely strong.

"Have fun Kagome~" The twins called out as the hostess exited the room with a flutter of skirt.

Tamaki prepared for a deserved nap as the twins fished out their consoles, Haruhi slowly preparing to do some homework to pass the time, when suddenly, Kyoya spoke up.

"Are you sure it's wise to leave her alone?"

The others turned to him in confusion.

"What do you mean Kyoya?" Tamaki asked with a tilt of his head. Kyoya shut his laptop closed and marveled at his friends' denseness.

"Where is the dojo located?"

"The east wing."

"What is exactly in the east wing?"

"The sporty clubs?"

Kyoya nodded slowly ang gave his friends a chance to finally pick up on the signal he was trying to send. No such luck.

"What club is nearby the Aikido and Kendo club?"

"The Kyudo I think."

"And who is the Taicho of the Kyudo club?"

"..."

"..."

"..."

When comprehension finally came and slapped everyone in the face, Tamaki squeaked before falling flat on his face, his blanket bunching around his legs and tripping him down the floor. He didn't let that stop him however and he was up and out of the room in point zero seconds with the twins right at his heels, cursing up a storm as they followed after their blue eyes hostess.

Kyoya rolled his eyes and glanced at Haruhi who was glaring at him.

"You just had to do that did you?" She deadpanned at him.

He simply shrugged and decided to wait for the smaller student as she repacked her books and utensils. So much for having a free afternoon.

"Why do all of you care about Kagome potentially dating Mitokado-senpai anyways?" Haruhi asked the other host, walking at a normal pace unlike the three fumbling blurs by the distance.

Kyoya's tone was sharp and Haruhi can almost taste the denial in it.

"We really don't. Dating is just bad for business."

"Riiight." She drawled sarcastically and Kyoya raised his brow at her uncharacteristic nosiness.

"Why Haruhi, perhaps it's actually you who's worried that Kagome will get whisked away by Mitokado-senpai?"

"Don't be ridiculous-" she scoffed at him, eyes glancing at the side before flicking back up to meet his knowing gaze. "-besides, I don't think Kagome's really interested in dating right now."

"How so?"

Haruhi remained silent for a while, searching for the right words to throw back at the condescending host until she sighed and softly stated her reasons.

"She's busy trying to build up her life again. I doubt a boyfriend will help with things, especially with something as petty and needy as a host club nipping at her heels." She tucked a lock of brown hair behind her ear. "The club's already a handful, a boyfriend will just over complicate things up."

"You do know you are part of said host club right?"

The girl stopped a couple of steps in front of him and Kyoya watched as she turned her head to give him an indifferent side glance, brown eyes steady and firm.

"Exactly." And then she continued walking, leaving Kyoya behind who was quite taken aback at the blunt, not to mention unexpected answer.

"Well that certainly is an interesting development." He whispered to himself.

When he reached the more traditional part of the school, Kyoya silently made a beeline for the dojo and was not surprised at the amount of yellow buttercups flooding near the doorway. He spared the room next door and noted that it was being swarmed by flocking girls as well. However, they were obviously not a visitor of the host club and must be the kyudo's very own group of admirers.

"Kyoya over here!" He heard someone call out to him and saw Tamaki huddled with the twins and Haruhi, protectively scattered around a smiling Kagome and he almost smirked at how excited she looked.

A set of squeals erupted in the middle of his journey towards his friend and he almost winced at the volume.

"Go Mitsukuni!" He heard Kagome cheer as he finally plopped down beside Tamaki, idly shaking his left ear and lamenting the state of his ear drum.

The small Taicho sent them a cute thumbs up before bowing down to his opponent, a pile of bodies behind him and Kyoya almost snorted at how barely winded Honey looked despite the number of matches he apparently already finished.

"Keiotsuke.[1]" The two aikido members straightened and fell into their respective stances.

"Hajime![2]" The battle was already over before it even started.

"We almost forgot how scary Honey-senpai is." The twins commented with a wince, looking at the pancaked opponent of the shota in pity.

Haruhi laughed in her typical disturbed tone and recalled how the small senior fought back then, on Kyoya's private resort and mildly kicked herself for forgetting that the small cute shota was actually a deadly weapon in disguise.

"Yatta! Good job Honey-senpai!" Tamaki squealed with pom poms in hand. The twins looked at him and wondered where the hell did those come from.

"He IS warned to not go all out during competitions-" Kyoya supplied. "-if he does, the U.S of * will consider him as a secret weapon and then we'll all be in trouble."

"Amazing. Mitsukuni's so amazing." The breathy voice from Kagome had the hosts turning to look at the hostess. Her eyes were bright and sparkling, cheeks flushed with color as she watched how Honey fought, her body almost twitching with the need to join and exchange blows with a worthy opponent.

"Oh how badly I want to join."

"No no no absolutely not!" Tamaki firmly objected and Kagome narrowed her eyes at him.

"And why not?"

"You can't! My precious, delicate flower should not engage in such manly things!" Haruhi rolled her eyes at the blonde and subtly inched away from him just in case her female friend decides to show Tamaki how delicate she really is.

"You know Tono, between you and Kagome-" Hikaru grinned as he leaned against Kaoru. His brother pushed back and smiled as well before finishing the older Hitachiin's statement. "-you're the flower."

"She can probably beat you to a pulp with a hand tied behind her back!"

"You darn bet I can."

With Tamaki falling into his pit of self pity, the rest of the hosts continued to observe how Honey laid waste on his team and eagerly watched as Mori did the same to his.

Kagome's energy was soon buzzing to the point that her friends detected her need to join the sparrings, and inwardly felt bad for the girl who's obviously used to such rough and vigorous activities. Ouran's sexist ways must've been a unique, personal hell for the priestess in more ways than one.

Soon enough, Honey and Mori took pity on their members and decided to send them off for the day and the two seniors finally approached the rest of the hosts with their fans congratulating them for a job well done.

"Mitsukuni, Takashi, you're both amazing!" Kagome was the first to greet them and proceeded to gush over the two.

"Ah, I missed fighting. I really do." she said with a yearning sigh. "It's been a while since I sparred with someone who can keep up and I'm sure you'd be a wonderful partner Mitsukuni."

She then turned to Mori and regarded him with the same type of awe she did with Honey and the tall senior can't help but to smile at her enthusiasm.

"You're great too Takashi! If I can, I'll probably fight you too! I'm quite good with the sword as well you know!" Probably not up to his level but she's sure she can make him turn to defensive at least.

"I'm sure you'll do great Go-chan! But we can't fight here. We'll get in trouble if you get caught sparring with us." Honey apologetically said, pouting when he saw Kagome deflate in disappointment.

"I believe I can help with that." A familiar voice the host club was starting to hate suddenly spoke up.

"Ah, it's Mitokado-taicho-senpai-san." said Taicho simply smiled at the twin's title and ignored the sudden whispers his presence had caused.

"What do you want you kidnapper?!" Tamaki proclaimed, standing in front of Kagome with his arms wide and protective. Haruhi sighed behind him as well and felt a headache starting to creep in.

Ginmaru chuckled and the sound coming out of him was once more doing funny things to Kagome, quite unnerved at the easy expression on a face that usually indicates death or suffering.

"I bear no harm Suoh-san. I would simply like to ask for Kagome-chan's permission to ask for a favor." Seeing Tamaki rear up for another rant, Kagome stepped out of his 'protection' and smiled at the Kyudo taicho.

His lips widened a tiniest bit as copper eyes brightened from behind his glasses.

A collective 'tch' can be heard from the host club.

"What is it Gin-kun?"

"Is it okay if I can see you shoot? My members clearly said to me that you were amazing. I'm disappointed I wasn't able to see such a thing myself and since you're here, I was wondering if you could?"

"Damn it." The twins whispered harshly. "I kinda want to see it too." Hikaru mumbled and Kaoru nodded beside him. Tamaki choked at the offer and was obviously at crossroads, wanting to see Kagome in such beautiful activity but at the same time not wanting Ginmaru to win.

"I guess it'll be an interesting spectacle." Kyoya nonchalantly stated.

"Can we see you shoot Go-chan? Pretty please?" Kagome looked at Honey and then at her friends, seeing the curiosity in their gazes. Shrugging, she accepted Ginmaru's offer and decided that it's better to channel her bottled up energy into archery than let it simmer inside.

"I'd love to Gin-kun." The taicho smiled, obviously pleased and he turned around to guide the host club towards the kyudojo.

"A-ano.." One of their regular customers hesitantly began. Ginmaru turned to the girl and gave her a kind smile. She blushed. "Can we watch Kagome-chan too?" The others murmured in agreement and Kagome felt touched at their dedication.

"Absolutely no problem. There is enough space for everyone after all."

"Tsk. What a goody two shoes." Hikaru spitefully glared at the back of Ginmaru's head, willing the silken hair to blaze up in flames.

Considering the fact that the kyudojo was just next door, the transfer was brief and instant.

"Oi, oi what's up with this atmosphere?" Similar to Honey and Mori's dojo, the room was nearly packed with female fans, girls from different levels scattered haphazardly all over the spacious kyudojo. The host club noticed an obvious difference however, the vibe the females were giving off weren't exactly welcoming and they almost bristled when they caught some glares thrown at their hostess's way.

"I don't like this." Haruhi commented, uncomfortable. The tension in the air felt awfully familiar when she was being grilled by Ayanokoji from back then, cold and ruthless.

"How about you guys settle down here and I'll get you some gear to use?" Ginmaru offered.

"Oh that's not necessary Gin-kun-" whispers practically blew up at the way Kagome addressed the taicho and the host club stiffened. "-you don't have to bother. Im completely fine shooting without any gear." If Kagome and Ginmaru observed the status of the dojo, they would've seen the populace divided in two, the kyudo's wary, and jealous girls against the host club and their faithful clients.

Ginmaru looked uncertain at her words but decided not to push it. He trusts her enough to know what she's doing.

"If so, then shall we proceed?" He escorted her to the bow racks and Kagome swiftly recognized the yonsun-nobi she had used from way back and picked up the lengthy weapon.

Similar to then, sneers and snickers erupted from the girls watching and the host club regulars hissed at their spiteful counterparts.

"Interesting choice of bow Kagome-chan." Ginmaru said as he handed her a quiver of arrows.

"This was the kind of bow I used way back during my-" Kagome cleared her throat and inwardly slapped herself for her near blunder. "-archery days in middle school."

Ginmaru didn't even blink and simply gestured to the shooting area with a smile.

"I'm sure you'll do wonderful." The way he looked at her was damn near smoldering and Kagome managed to walk away without making a fool of herself.

'It's so odd seeing such gentle expressions on a face so… deadly.' Flares of silk and polished armor briefly flashed in her memory and she shook her head to chase away the ghosts of silver dogs and their lethal beauty.

She simply took a deep breath and closed her eyes to center herself, focusing on the weight of the bow and the feel of the fletching against her fingers. The kyudojo melted away and the people watching slid out from her attention and when she opened her eyes, all she could see was the target.

For her, time had stopped. The wind was still blowing however, carrying the sounds of tinkling bells and rustling leaves. Voices whispered in her ears and childish laughter echoed around the phantom memories of her past. Breathing, she felt weightless, limbs falling into familiar motions as her body fluidly fell into a stance that she had countlessly used to save her life and take others.

Something changed in her and the people watching collectively held their breath as the student from earlier seemingly transformed right before their very eyes. The way she moved was hypnotic and they were all graced with the sheer beauty of her stance.

"Aa…" Ginmaru let out a breath and watched with slowly sparkling eyes as a legend appeared right before his very sight. "What a beautiful draw."

Beautiful doesn't even cut the way how the dying sun illuminated the slowly fluttering cloth of Kagome's uniform, the pale yellow color glowing almost ethereally and turning her into something unworldly, long, silky hair swaying like a glorious mane from the steadily gusting wind.

She looked timeless.

The arrow whistled away from her fingers the moment she drew the fletching back and she watched as it sailed through the air, fast and accurate as the very space of its travel split right in the middle.

It landed solidly in the heart of the target.

Her form as the bow snapped back from her firing was almost too perfect, too beguiling to ignore in turn of the arrow's path and even the malevolent girls that had expected her to blunder was caught in a daze of her bewitching grace.

'Another one-' She knocked back another arrow and sent it flying almost right after. Such hasty aim normally warrants a stray shot but despite the lack of aiming, the bolt of bamboo dug itself beside her first shot.

The host club can't take their eyes off of their friend, her form, her grace, her everything was enough to knock the air out of their very lungs.

They'd always find her alluring but right now, in her element, she was absolutely radiant.

Another arrow was knocked, and was sent flying as well, equally as fast as her first two shots. The feel of the string whizzing past her as she released was hypnotizing, the familiar whistle as it flew off in the opposite direction numbing her brain enough that even in autopilot, her movements were fluid and accurate.

'Im back.' She pulled, she released, she reached, she loaded, repeat.

The actions were automatic and as time finally played back on it's normal pace, she reached once more only to freeze when nothing brushed against her fingers.

It was only then that she snapped awake from the daze she had fallen in.

And voices came along with it.

The booming sound of her watchers' praises was deafening and Kagome stepped back only to trip on her own two feet. Bracing for impact, she closed her eyes only to open them when someone caught her mid-fall.

"Gin-kun?" She called out the moment she recognized the black uwagi she was gripping and she looked up just in time to catch the awestruck expression on his handsome face.

"You're amazing." she gasped softly at his soft whisper and the priestess hastily pushed away from the taicho. Blinking, she pressed her lids tight and tried to shake out the sensation of deadly lines kissing at her face.

Clawed fingers gently traced the slope of her cheeks, golden eyes warm and filled with the praise he refused to spill from his lips.

The hostess jerked away from the vision and forced herself to avoid gazing at Ginmaru's direction.

'Sometimes, looking at you hurts.'

"You're so good Go-chan!" Honey screamed before tackling the blue eyed hostess by the waist, making her tip over once more until the kyudo taicho pushed a hand against the middle of her back to prevent her from falling for the second time.

"That was beautiful." Haruhi came next and Kagome giggled at her friend's wide eyed look, ignoring the sensation of warmth on her back. It's always rewarding to gain the brunette's attention considering how oddly impassive she is most of the time.

Following silently were the rest of the host club, led by a red faced Tamaki who looked absolutely disoriented, purple eyes dazed and dilated. It feels as if his heart will jump straight out of his chest and he literally has to force himself to breathe.

'So beautiful. Our little bird was magnificent!' He can only shout inwardly, throat still constricting and he can already feel the countless nights of Kagome-filled dreams.

"Nee, Kagome-" Hikaru and Kaoru shuffled with comical looks on their faces, trying to remain deadpan despite the pleased flush on their pale cheeks. They puffed their faces and said; "Why didn't you let us see you shoot sooner?" The visual she made was addicting, and they want more.

"It just never came up." She said.

Kyoya spoke up then, eyes hidden behind the glare of his glasses.

"Truly you should do it more often. Our clients seemed to love it." He had a camera ready and aimed, determined to get some materials for an exclusive Kagome magazine but alas, his fingers had grown numb and wasn't able to take the necessary photos needed for a collection. He too was unwillingly enslaved by the spell she had cast over everyone after all.

"Ah-Takashi stop!" Kagome let out a breathy laugh as the senior ruffled her hair, his serious face bearing comical pink lines that displayed his similar state like the rest of the host club. Mori's weaknesses were small, cute things and his love for anything traditional is unparalleled-, Kagome just struck all of those boxes like how she did those targets. He didn't stand a chance.

The hostess was then bombarded by the small group of host regulars and she laughed at how they gushed over her shooting, some even had comical tears which she wiped with a charming grin.

Simmering and more than a little peeved, the other group of females simply stood back and glared at the intruder who took their precious Mitokado-senpai away. A pair of murky green eyes heatedly pierced through the form of the glowing priestess and a feeling of sheer envy and hate flared from within.

Unnoticed, and more than a little perceptive, Haruhi pressed her lips together and began memorizing the faces of the girls who were obviously spiteful of their presence, particularly focusing on a short haired one whose eyes reminded her of a rancid viper. She turned away after finishing her appraisal and tilted her head in a manner befitting for a passive aggressive person.

Soundless, she plots.

"I must say so myself-" A new voice suddenly said coupled with the sound of elegant clapping. "-your talent is truly splendid! It would be an honor to let you carry the Ouran name in this year's tournament."

Tamaki's surprised shout ofpère was left unnoticed as Suoh Yuzuru stepped out from one of the shoji doors.

"Suoh-sama." Kagome greeted, setting Honey down and bowing low to the headmaster who chuckled deeply at her manners.

"No need for that dear." He smiled charmingly. "I am but a humble headmaster asking for a favor."

The Suoh patriarch then respectfully turned to the girls watching and asked politely if he can talk with the hostess in private, smiling when some of the girls cheerily bid the blue eyed student goodbye and failing to notice the dark whispers from the rest.

Ginmaru wisely kept silent and simply took a step back allowing Yuzuru to face the female archer fully.

"I must apologize for the biased way this academy handles it's students and I can only blame myself for letting the board do whatever they please. It's time for Ouran to start letting you students grow and walk the paths you desire." Yuzuru took out a vibrant red rose and everyone sweatdropped at the familiar action. "And how about we start with you, oh dear flower?"

'Like father like son-'

Kagome let out an unsure chuckle but took the blossom nonetheless.

"I'm afraid I'd have to decline Suoh-sama. The Gardening club and the Host club needs my utmost attention and I'm afraid joining the Kyudo club will hinder me from doing so."

Yuzuru made a noise and simply waved her concerns off.

"Darling, I only ask for you to participate in the Grand tournament, your skills will definitely make Ouran rise to the top and it's a shame to keep such talents hidden." He added as an afterthought; "You need not join the Kyudo club as an official member but Im sure Ginmaru here will be pleased to train with you until the Hokkaido festivities are over."

Ginmaru didn't even blink. "Indeed."

Kagome chewed her lip at the offer and sought out the Host club's support. They are, after all, will be indirectly affected by her decision and to be honest, she prioritizes them more than whatever urges that plagues her system.

Tamaki held his breath at the questioning gaze sent his way and his eyes flicked back and forth between Kagome and Ginmaru.

Oh how badly he wants to say no, to say Kagome is not allowed to spend more time with the Taicho but the image she made from earlier, the serene, content smile she had as she released the string was so beautiful, and it aches him to think that they're holding her back from doing something she's obviously very attached with.

'Don't worry little bird, we'll let you soar.'

"The host club will support whatever you want and I promise we'll stay by your side through all of this." The way she beamed at him was almost worth the stabs of his friends' glare but Tamaki simply smiled, pleased that he made the right decision of letting Kagome do what she wants.

"I accept Suoh-sama." Yuzuru clapped once more and gave his son a proud, loving look.

"Should I notify your father about this?" The warm atmosphere dropped in an instant at the headmaster's words and everyone saw how Kagome's relaxed form stiffened like the bowstring she had pulled earlier.

The host club can only watch, confused and startled at the revelation.

Her father is still alive? Then anger replaced bewilderment. Where was he after all this time?!

The smile Kagome gave Yuzuru was cold and cruel, her blue eyes frosted over with simmering anger and with a clipped tone, she answered; "That won't be necessary Suoh-sama. And please, he is not my father."

The people watching felt a collective shiver run down their spines and Ginmaru settled a supporting hand against Kagome's back, copper eyes gentle and worried.

"Apologies for upsetting you my dear." Yuzuru bowed his head in apology and tried to salvage what was left of the conversation. "Then I'll simply have the necessary documents sent over to you so you can acquaint yourself with the rules and regulations of the tournament."

He turned to Ginmaru.

"Make sure she receives the best quality equipment and do whatever you must to accommodate her needs. Should she be excused from her classes, tell me and I'll handle it." The taicho nodded in gratitude. "And Ginmaru, my boy, congratulations on your latest win. Please send Shirogane-san my regards."

"Will do, Yuzuru-sama."

With a final smile and apologetic pat on the head, Yuzuru exited the dojo.

"So-" Almost everyone visibly jumped at the sound and they all turned to the hostess who was giving Ginmaru a knowing smirk. Seeing the opportunity to chase away the chill that had befallen a mere second ago, the hosts readily latched unto the conversation.

"You wouldn't have to do something with the fact that the Headmaster was present during my shooting hm?" The kyudo Taicho merely closed his eyes and pushed his glasses with a slender finger.

"I don't know what you're talking about Kagome-chan." The familiar words had the hosts turning to their residential Shadow Lord and Kyoya almost felt offended by the looks.

"Do you have something to say?"

The glasses aren't the only thing they have in common!

"Which reminds me, would it be okay to invite you over our family estate? We have our own shooting range and I believe you'll be more comfortable without the prying eyes of the kyudo's supporters."

"Oi oi oi aren't you worried about risking Kagome's honor, Mitokado-senpai-taicho-san?" the twins were quick to react and glared at Ginmaru with narrowed eyes.

"Correct! How dare you even try to taint my daughter with your evil plans?!"

Kagome face palmed.

"If you want, everyone can join as well of course." Ginmaru's offer automatically stopped the three hosts from ranting and they gaped at the easy smile on his face.

"You're annoying." Hikaru squinted. "Are you purposely trying to make us look like the bad guys?" Kaoru finished.

"I assure you that's not my intent. I don't intend to keep Kagome-chan away from her friends of course. I might be interested in her but I respect her need to keep you all close." The host club almost closed their eyes at the shining smile from Ginmaru and they hissed like cats on water.

Faced with a pure hearted rival, the Host Club found themselves powerless-

Much to Kagome's dismay, the day after was even worse compared to yesterday. The rumors had all but blown up and she already heard ten variations of the happenings from the day prior and it nearly had her screaming.

'Seduced Gin-kun?! Made him teach me how to shoot?! Blackmailed him?! Where the hell are they getting these ideas from?!'

But still, she remained calm and continued with her day, thankful for the fact that her own classmates seemed to be indifferent to the rumors and continued to treat her normally unlike the rest of the whole damn school. She did find something alarming however, like the amount of thumbtacks stuffed in her locker and that time when she was locked from inside a bathroom stall(in which she simply kicked open with an apology to the maintenance team). It was with a sense of deja vu that clicked things together for her and Kagome rolled her eyes.

Ginmaru's fangirls are out for her blood.

'Great. Just what I need.' she thought as she took a sip of her medicinal tea. Her table was empty and she was waiting for the next batch of customers to arrive, silently plotting about picking the best ways to nip the festering girls right in the bud just to save her the trouble.

She'd rather take on legions of yokai than spoiled, simperring girls who'd cry because of a broken nail.

"Higurashi Kagome?" A soft voice suddenly spoke up and the hostess set her tea down and smiled at the new customer.

"Yes, is this your first visit?" The girl was beautiful and doll-like, beautiful brown hair in a bob cut and shining green eyes framed with thick lashes. Dropping into a curtsy, the tiny girl smiled at the priestess.

"I'm Ijiwaruna Hana, a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

As the girl took a seat in front of her, Kagome daintily served her a cup of tea from the teapot she had on her station, gracefully pushing the saucer towards her latest client and preparing to slice a piece of lemon tart when the female spoke.

"I heard a lot of things about you Higurashi." The lack of suffix didn't bother Kagome and she simply chuckled.

"With the way how I'm suddenly the center of attention lately, I assume none of those were good things." she took a sip from her cup. "But I would like to believe you have enough sensibility in you to not get swayed by mere gossip. Nee. Ijiwaruna-san?"

The delicate looking girl giggled at her words.

"How adorable of you to think I'd be interested in news about the lower folks."

Kagome hummed and crossed her legs from underneath the table, shifting just so she could place a curled finger below her chin.

"Like how adorable it is that you purposely try and seek out said lower folk?" The vicious tilt of her lips widened and she glowered beneath her soothy lashes. "Wasting your precious time, oh you're so cute I could just eat you up."

Delicate fingers tightened and green eyes mildly showed brief surprise, replaced almost immediately with narrowed anger.

The mask of a pretty doll shattered.

"I advise you don't get any closer than you already are. Your wings will get burned and you'll find yourself falling against the ground you're supposed to stay on." Hana smiled, the ugly spark of spite on her lips clashing with the delicate face of a porcelain doll.

"Big words for someone who feels so small." Kagome shot back. "An heiress, threatened enough to go out of her way to stake her claim-" blue eyes crinkled up and the condescending giggle she gave had the petite girl flushing with anger.

"How quaint." Kagome should've really held into account that human girls are innately more explosive than the yokai concubines she had butted heads with from way back-

Then she might've seen and avoided the cup of tea(piping hot and all) Hana had flung at her from across the table.

[1] Attention

[2] Start

(Unbeta-ed and unchecked)

We all know we all love some good 'ol cat fights and Kagome's more than equipped to cut some claws off, and more.

Also dropping some heavy hints now so *wink* *wink*

Ps: I drew some scenes for this chapter so please go check it out on my deviantart; I-am-Anonymous-Trash and Twitter at Anon_Rianne

R&R~

「And thus I wither」