Chapter 9:

Chapter 9, A Proper Look

After Mori had hung up on him after his quick but detailed explanation and request, Kyoya sent a new Void with the now full bat and a small cooler filled with blood packs to where his quiet friend was. Although he didn't have the blood on hand, he made sure that the Void had gone to get it before following the bat to its master. Glancing at his clock, Kyoya sighed. Another early morning, he thought. Seems like to it will become consistent with how Haruhi is developing. I'll need more details on what happened to Hunny-senpai though. Getting up from his desk, Kyoya went to his closet and instead of changing into his uniform, pulled on some casual clothes, grabbed his black book, school bag with his uniform inside, and a travel cup of coffee.

"Remain here to rest," Kyoya ordered the Void that was currently hovering in the darkest corner of his room. "Should anyone but myself enter this room, Fade and Observe."

The Void nodded and Kyoya walked out. Rather than call Tachibana and get asked a plethora of questions, Kyoya chose to move in the ways typical of a Dark Mage, Shadow teleportation.

Taking a deep breath, Kyoya focused on where his second Void was standing and spoke. "ጥላደረጃ ( t'ila dereja )."*

Once he felt the Shadows wrap around him, the breath he held was slowly released. When fully exhaled, Kyoya opened his eyes and met solid gold. Taking a few steps back in shock, he took a better look.

"I must admit you are indeed a sight to behold," Kyoya stated, trying to keep the surprise out of his voice.

Qurdox let out a sound that Kyoya placed as laughter since the dragon most assuredly heard his heart pick up a bit when he opened his eyes. Looking around, he saw Hunny running a hand through Haruhi's hair with a look of mixed awe and concern, who was laying against Mori's chest with Satoshi and Yasuchika near by.

"Hey Kyo-chan," Hunny asked softly. "Is it possible for a human to use Blood Magic when there is nothing wrong with them?"

"Explain, please," Kyoya asked, one brow raised.

"We don't have the time for a full explanation. Takashi and I need to get to the University. Satoshi and Yasuchika won't be able to tell you much since Haru-chan's dragon acted as a shield for them as well as her."

"Are the lessons for your classes this morning of great importance?"

Mori shook his head. "They can be done in the afternoon before practice or online. Mitsukuni's can be done online as well, if needed."

Kyoya knelt and touched Haruhi's forehead. Brushing back her bangs, he looked at her face to see is she had any of the Scars of a person falling to their magic. He let out a quiet sigh when he saw none on her face, neck or hands but there was still the rest of her body to look at. Standing and moving a bit away from the group, Kyoya pulled out his phone. After a few calls and some quick but curt words, he was able to get not only the high school but the University to excuse the late arrivals for everyone as well as tell them it was possible that there would be absences. Once his phone was back in his pocket, he looked back over the group.

"Hunny-senpai," he spoke softly. "Would it be better for this discussion to be done at the Haninozuka residence or at yours Mori-senpai?"

"There would be more room at ours," Satoshi stated. "Especially for this guy."

"However the Haninozuka Estate has a bit more privacy," Yasuchika countered.

"Which is closer?" Kyoya asked. "The less people outside our circles who see him, the better."

"Mine," Hunny said. "Takashi, take Haru-chan and our brothers back to the car. You are more than welcome to go with them Kyo-chan. I'll help him get to my home unseen."

Everyone nodded, well everyone but Haruhi since she was still out. Mori picked her up as gently as he could. She was so small in his arms and his mind flashed back momentarily to when the club had gone to water park. He paused to let Qurdox softly nuzzle her before heading back to the car. Satoshi gave a few pats to the large dragons neck as he passed and Yasuchika nodded his thanks for protecting him.

"My Void will follow and remain near," Kyoya told his small senpai, even though Hunny seemed to have grown a little height. "He will also act as a minute buffer between you and others."

Hunny nodded and Kyoya walked towards the waiting car. Glancing at the dragon, Hunny let his worry seep into his face. So much was changing for Haruhi and it worried him a great deal. To be able to summon a dragon as your first familiar, to be able to use magic almost instinctively as a defense without suffering too much draw back and finally, to use a magic that wasn't even within her own species; it was a lot to take in, and he had a feeling she hadn't even begun to scratch the surface of her full capabilities.

"I don't think we know everything about Haru-chan's family," he muttered, placing a hand on Qurdox's snout. "You may not like the method, but my mother can Read a person and their family through Blood."

Qurdox let out a warning growl and Hunny nodded in understanding. "It doesn't hurt and there is no risk of her being changed since mom doesn't need to actually bite her."

The dragon let out a huff and nudged the Loli-Shota to move. Hunny looked towards where the car was and saw that it was gone. Nodding, he began running towards his home with his heightened speed. Qurdox quickly took to the air and the Void moved through the shadows matching the small host's speed. In a matter of minutes, Hunny slid to a stop and looked around. The car had just pulled into the courtyard and he turned to see the confused look on his mothers face.

"It will be easier to explain inside," he stated sheepishly.

Hunny jumped slightly when he heard a large thud behind him and saw Qurdox land with the grace of a tiger in the body of a snake. He turned back to his mother but saw her gaze was firmly set on his cousin and the girl in his arms.

Michiko had originally stepped out of the main doors to go and see how the new plants in the courtyard were doing when she saw her eldest son zip through the open doors of the main gate. Knowing the time, she was confused as to why he would be back so soon. She had made sure that both of her children had everything. Just as she was about to voice her confusion, the car she sent her sons in pulled up. She heard her eldest child's shy comment and a loud thud. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw a large Chinese Lung in beautiful blue-green scales but her focus was instantly on the door to the car. Her eyes went wide as she saw her eldest nephew step out holding someone that was roughly the same height as her son Yasuchika.

Taking a small sniff of the air, the person in her nephew's arms was female but in a uniform similar to the males in the high school, just different colors. From that one scent, she could tell that the girl was only unconscious from exhaustion. Michiko looked at her eldest.

"Bring everyone inside and begin explaining," she stated calmly.

Hunny and Mori nodded. Michiko watched as her second nephew stepped out followed by her youngest son and had to pause when the youngest child of the Ootori family stepped out as well.

"Haninozuka-san," Kyoya bowed in greeting. "An honor to meet you."

Michiko nodded. "Mitsukuni has told me a fair bit about you, young Ootori. I am sure you being here is part of the explanation as to why none of my children or nephews are at school."

Kyoya nodded and Michiko motioned for him to go inside before facing her eldest. "Whom does this beautiful dragon belong to?"

"He is Haru-chan's," Hunny answered. "Since she is still napping, he can't revert to a smaller form."

"The child in Takashi's arms?"

Hunny nodded.

"Is she also the one you spoke of the day before?"

He nodded again.

"Head inside and I will get your father," Michiko sighed. "This will be an interesting discussion."

"What about him?" Hunny asked nodding towards Qurdox.

Looking at the large dragon, Michiko sighed. "I will guide everyone to one of the sitting rooms that opens to the gardens. You will guide him there."

Hunny nodded and placed a hand on the dragon. Qurdox bowed his head gently to the small woman before following the small blond through the courtyard towards an immaculate garden. There were several sakura trees, a couple large koi ponds and a few man-made waterfalls surrounded by bamboo. Qurdox looked around and felt peace, power and honor in this home. There was love for family and friend as well as strength. Hunny paused at a set of sliding doors and opened them so that Qurodx could look into the area. The floor was covered in tatami mats and cushions for sitting and a couple tables with some tea sets.

After a few moments, the door inside the room opened and Qurdox watched as many people walked in. He could tell the ones he didn't recognize were shocked to see him but he remained focused on the silent boy who held his charge. Hunny stepped onto the raised walkway and removed his shoes before going into the room. He could tell his father was shocked to see the dragon but kept his surprise hidden better than his uncle and aunt. He had to keep his own shock back when he saw her and his uncle.

Yorihisa took a long look at the large dragon before sitting. He could see the creature's depth of knowledge and power pulse through its golden eyes. His own flicked towards the small child in his elder nephew's arms. One so small, he thought with a small smile. Carrying so much power. In that sense she is no different than my sons and wife. But where ours is deeply rooted in our martial arts and species, hers is in her mind. He let his eyes look over his sons and nephews and could see the underlying worry. It was a bit harder to tell with his elder nephew since the boy had nearly perfected the art of keeping a still face but it was in his posture and his eyes.

Akira and Sayuki barely managed to keep their shock in check at what the were seeing, although Akira fared better than his wife. His thoughts where much the same as his friend's along with what he and his wife had been told shortly after they had arrived for morning training for their sons. He carries her with care, Akira noticed glancing at his elder son, before his gaze fell back on the dragon. And you, great dragon are ever watchful of all around her. He took a seat on one of the cushions facing the dragon and helped his wife sit to his left.

Sayuki and Michiko looked at each other. In a form of unspoken communication, they both nodded and sat next to their husbands to hear the results of this impromptu meeting.

"Begin," Yorihisa stated.

Hunny took a breath and began the events that led up to the current moment. The ride towards school which was filled with the usual bickering between him and Yasuchika, him spotting Haruhi walking towards school despite her not needing to be there for an hour and a half, him offering to take her to school, and the attack. As he spoke, he left out no detail and he could see Kyoya writing down every word in his black book. Satoshi and Yasuchika took over for a short time explaining their perspective and what the dragon had done once Haruhi had spoken in a language they couldn't understand. Much to their relief, Kyoya translated the words she spoke and explained what the spell pertained to and allowed. Hunny then continued with his assessment of events finally coming to the reason Haruhi was unconscious.

"I am not sure how," he stated quietly. "But she closed her eyes, held out her hands and next thing I know is the feeling of her Magic surrounding everything in the alley. The blood I had lost began forming into a ball in front of her and soon there was stuff dripping out of the sphere of made up of my blood. When there was nothing dripping out of it anymore, it slowly started to seep back into me, healing all of the internal damage the dagger had caused, and mending the hole in such a way that there isn't even a scar."

Hunny looked up to see the faces of his parents and relatives and had to fight the urge to laugh as he showed them where the dagger had gone in showing nothing but clean, unmarred skin. Michiko and Sayuki had open expressions of pure shock, curiosity and worry while his father and uncle looked thoughtful. Glancing at his brother, cousins and friend, Hunny could tell that they were just as worried.

"If I may ask, Haninozuka-sama," Kyoya spoke up. "I would request that one of your female staff take a look at the rest of Haruhi's body to make sure she doesn't have the Scarring of a Blood Mage. Humans have little aptitude for Blood Magic when they have no ties to your race and even though the Scarring is not present on her face, neck or hands, there are other places for it to form."

Yorihisa nodded. "Indeed. However, my wife will be present to see as well. It will allow her to see for certain and ensure the child's safety."

Everyone nodded and Michiko stood, and went to the door. Calling a female servant, she went to get the young girl from her nephew. She could see that he didn't want to let her out of his sight.

"Takashi," she spoke softly. "I need to see her. Please let me make sure she is well. If it will soothe your mind, you may stay near while I make sure."

Mori hesitated at first but relented at the permission allowing him to remain near. Michiko gave a small smile and stood with her stoic nephew and began the trek to another room. Once they arrived, Mori placed Haruhi on the bed in the room and softly trailed his knuckles along her cheek. Pulling back, he stepped out of the room and let his aunt and the maid look her over in privacy.

Michiko watched him with a quiet smile before entering. When he was outside the door, she and the maid began opening Haruhi's uniform to get a look at the rest of her body for the Scars. Much to Michiko's relief, the little one had no traces of the Blood Scarring common to humans who practiced Blood Magic without having any Vampiric blood in them or ties to any of the Covens. However this now raised the question of how this child could use it without Scarring and with such a level of control that would shame even the Elder Council. Redressing the girl, she tapped on the door letting Mori know he could get his small love. It was clear to her that he was smitten with her, even before what happened the other day. He just needed a push to get things moving before he lost his chance. Maybe I can get Mitsukuni and Sayuki to help me, she thought with an internal giggle. The heavens know he will need more than a subtle push and, if what my son said is right, she will too. Perhaps we can enlist the help of her father...

*~*0o0o0o0o0*~*

While his cousin and mother were gone, Hunny looked at his father, aunt and uncle. His aunt had moved over to Qurdox, who was laying in the sunlight just outside the room, and was gently stroking the scales on his neck and humming softly. To the untrained eye, Qurdox looked like he was enjoying the attention and was completely relaxed, but the martial artist could tell that the dragon's focus was on everything in the estate. As long as Haruhi was inside where he could not see, Qurdox would never fully relax, he probably wouldn't even if she was in his sight. This was new territory to him and many people he did not know.

Yorihisa and Akira gave silent acknowledgement of the dragon's awareness. It may not have shown in its body but it was ever present in the bright golden eyes that would open every now and then at the slightest sound.

"Kyo-chan," Hunny asked. "What was that stuff that dripped from the Blood Sphere?"

"Given what you stated," he replied. "And what my Void relayed, the black ooze was the dirt, grim and trash particles that are common on the ground in such places. The blue-gold however was more than likely what remained of the Holy Magic that had seeped into your blood from the dagger. Although Qurdox had destroyed the weapon itself, not all of the Magic had left your blood. Haruhi managed to separate it from you before healing you."

"That would take a great deal of focus," Akira stated. "No wonder the child is sill asleep. Such concentration taxes the mind and body."

"As well as the fact she is still fairly new to her magic," Yorihisa added.

"From my research," Kyoya mentioned. "Before the death of her mother, Haruhi might have had a basic understanding of what she could do as well as a slight understanding of what she was just from watching her mother. When her mother died, she had no one to show her how to use the skills or have someone that would understand and, as a result, she slowly began to disuse her Magic. She has always had it but, until recently, she has had no need to use it and had forgotten she could use it."

"Is it possible that if Haru-chan had remembered, or always knew that she could use magic that the vase wouldn't have broken?" Hunny asked.

Pausing in thought, Kyoya replayed the events that led to Haruhi joining the Host club. As the events played out in his mind, with the slight alteration of Haruhi actively knowing the limits of her magic, Kyoya smiled.

"It is possible that she would have never broken the vase," he stated. "However she may have still been invited to join the club or Nekozawa-senpai's to allow her magic to continue to grow. As you are aware, the Host Club and the Black Magic Club are the only ones with actual knowledge of Magic or, as Nekozawa-senpai calls it, Arcana."

"The school may have also figured out she was female a lot sooner," Yasuchika stated.

"The student body perhaps but the staff had known Haruhi's gender from the beginning. It was never really an issue on what uniform she wore, as long as it was one of the school uniforms. She had gone to the chairman to request her personalized uniform shortly after the events of the fair to show that she was still herself but female as well."

"Haru-chan did say she thought the male uniform was more comfortable," Hunny giggled.

Everyone looked to the door the moment it opened. Mori walked back in with Haruhi in his arms and went straight towards Qurdox. Sayuki moved aside so her son could show the dragon the child he chose to protect. Qurdox looked his young charge and let out a quiet growl. Mori situated Haruhi in such a way that he was still holding her to him with one arm and placed his free hand on Qurdox's snout. Steel gray with faint lines of crimson met brilliant gold with silver flakes in silent communication.

"I am happy to say she doesn't have any Scarring," Michiko stated as she sat next to her husband. "However it now begs the question of how she can use our Magic. I did not take anything from her to Read as I thought it best to do so in the presence of her Guardian."

"I have done my own research on her family ties," Kyoya informed, flipping through a few pages in his back book. "Although I can place most of the names in her family tree, I cannot place them all. Some of my research took me through several written archives not only in the Realm of Darkness but also in the Cathedrals of Catholic faith and a few other religions. Not a pleasant experience to say the least."

"Even though you are part human?" Sayuki asked, joining the rest of the group with Mori following.

"I may be part human but I am still a Dark Mage. My own Magic is considered "Evil" and therefore is attacked by the Radiant defenses of such locations. It is only because of my humanity that they could do nothing more to me than make things uncomfortable."

"What all did you find?" Satoshi asked.

Looking back at his black book, Kyoya began explaining every bit of information he managed to collect. He started with Haruhi's mother's family and worked back as that side of her family he did have proper knowledge of. The Haninozuka and Morinozuka patriarchs added their own knowledge on the family line of the Katayama which gave Kyoya a better insight as to more acute reasons for Haruhi's mass of power and near perfect manifestation of her Will. Taking a deep breath he began with what he could trace of Ranka's family but couldn't go farther than her great-grandfather.

"Why so short?" Akira asked.

"Unfortunately," Kyoya sighed. "That is all I could find. I have searched through every archive I can get access to but still there is no more to the Fujioka family. I have even gone so far as to look through the Witness Protection Program's files and still came up with nothing."

"There is only so much technology can help with," Michiko said softly. "You have done remarkably well up to this point and we thank you for the insight."

Kyoya bowed in thanks for the compliment. "I am glad to have been able to shed some light."

Michiko looked at the dragon who had his head resting on the covered walk way and stood. Slowly making her way over, she knelt in front of him and bowed in greeting.

"Great dragon," she asked softly. "May I be granted your grace to See through your Ward's blood? I give my word that little to no pain will befall her. My fang will not touch her skin."

Qurdox watched the small woman for a moment and could see where her sons got their features. The elder son looked quite similar to her in facial expression and personality but still had his fathers disposition and details. The younger had some features from his mother but a majority sat in similarity to his father. Both children were powerful in their own rights but for different reasons. Mitsukuni, as he found was the child's actual name, used his strength in defense of people he loved and to be allowed to do as was natural to him. Yasuchika used his strength to fight part of who he truly was and the rest was in betterment of himself to best his brother to level out the differences. He could openly see that both matriarch and patriarch were proud of their children but had the underlying worry that neither of them would end their rivalry. His eyes flicked over to the others of the room.

It was clear to see that Takashi and Satoshi got the majority of their appearance from their father but only Takashi had gained Akira's demeanor. Satoshi carried more of his mother's open personality. The younger child, at first glance, seemed a little too easy to read but if closely observed, one would actually see that his carefree disposition was a ploy. Underneath that "happy-go-lucky" shell was a tactical mind that was always aware of everything around. Satoshi never missed much but what he did miss was only due to his inexperience. He was still a young child, after all. Takashi on the other hand, gave the presence of one who felt nothing or endless calm, thus giving no edge to either enemy or ally. His mind was always working to piece things together and could see things from more angles that just his own. Both children were equally as powerful as their cousins just in different fashions, and both had a full understanding of who they were.

Turning his eyes back to the woman in front of him, he gave a soft nod to her request. Although he fully knew the family trees of his Ward's family, the only one who could explain that to them was resting in the arms of the one her heart seemed to ache for. There were only small, subtle actions between the two but he could see the longing both had for the other.

Michiko smiled and rose to join the others. She sat next to her quiet nephew and gently took one of the girl's hands. As carefully and as quickly as she could so that there would be no pain, Michiko used one of her nails to make a small cut on one of Haruhi's fingers. She let the blood pool around the open cut and, in keeping with her word to Qurdox, slide her finger along the cut to gather the blood. Unknown to her, both Hunny and Mori had to bite back a laugh. It was not lost on either that the finger in which Michiko had drawn from was the very same one that was cut the day before.

Mori glanced at his father and uncle. Seeing the question in his son's eyes, Akira glanced at Yorihisa. The Haninozuka patriarch gave a subtle nod and Mori bowed his head softly. Michiko and Sayuki watched calmly as Mori brought the bleeding appendage to his lips. He had to suppress the urge to shudder in delight as Haruhi's blood touched his tongue again. Sayuki's eyes widened slightly as a faint glow appeared around her eldest son's eyes. That glow would only form with a Bonded Pair and from what she and her husband were told before the children had come back, this was the second time that Takashi had her blood. Her eyes flashed towards her husband's, who gave a soft nod in understanding. They would speak of this later.

Michiko smiled softly at her nephew and placed her finger with the child's blood in her mouth. Shivering slightly at the bitter taste of another female's blood, she began to delve deep into the child's memories, dreams, and heritage. Due to what the youngest Ootori son had shared, she was able to flit through everything pertaining to her mother's blood with ease before focusing on her father's bloodline. What she found froze her to her very core and Michiko began to shake but not out of fear.

"Mother?" two voices called in worry. "Are you okay?"

Michiko nodded with a smile. "I'm fine. Just a bit giddy."

Yorihisa quirked a brow at the statement of his wife being giddy. The last time she had used that phrase was when she learned of the potential relationship between Mitsukuni and the young gypsy Reiko.

"If I may inquire," Kyoya asked. "What did you see?"

"Your information on her mother and the Katayama family is correct and complete," Michiko informed. "As for her father's, there is a fair bit more detail that only a very select few can touch."

"Please elaborate."

"There are two kinds of people that use Blood Magic, the Vampire and Scarred humans. A human gets Scarred in only two ways, they are either changed by a Vampire but the change is incomplete or the human takes in a vampires blood against their will or without their knowledge. The second only happens during blood transfusions now but in the old days, a Vampire would either willingly create a Scarred human or the blood was taken without the Vampire knowing until it was too late. Vampires who willingly created Scarred humans were exiled and stripped of their titles, clans, and wealth. In some cases, they themselves were executed for their treachery. If the Scarred human was created without knowledge, then the human was given the choice to be guided into a complete change or be given a quick and painless death. It usually took a great deal of digging to prove whether or not a Scarred was created out of spite for our race or without actual knowledge. Most were created out of spite but the very few that weren't more often than not chose death."

"How does this pertain to Haruhi?"

Michiko smiled as she spoke. "Because her great-great-grandfather was originally a Scarred human who chose to live with what he was forced to become and Changed."

Everyone looked at her in shock.

"What I pulled only goes to her great-grandfather," Kyoya reiterated. "Why?"

"Because when her great-great-grandfather was human," Michiko explained. "Birth records did not exist in a written form. The birth of her great-grandfather was shortly around the time when humans first started logging the births and deaths of family members."

"So Haru-chan has Vampire blood in her?" Hunny asked.

"She does but it is asleep. It can be woken if she wants it to, same with her father, but until then, it will sleep and only help her if she desperately needs it."

"Such as healing Mitsukuni," Mori spoke for the first time.

The Haninozuka matriarch nodded.

"Whose blood was used to Scar her great-great-grandfather and change him?" Kyoya asked.

"The blood used to Scar him was from an elder clan in Europe," she explained. "He was originally a Donor to another but the dear man had no idea that the ones he thought loved him and helped were plotting against him as his time dwindled to a close. While his true children were trying to secure alliances, saboteurs were killing off his Donors with the blood of other Vampires. The one who gave him the choice to either pass in peace or accept the change was a noble from the area between Russia, China and Mongolia. I do believe he is still around."

"Who?"

"Treikiva Tora."

"Tora?" Kyoya pondered aloud. "As in the Tiger-Leaf Medical Corporation president?"

"Yes. You know of him?" Michiko asked.

"They are one of the newer backers and suppliers to my father's company."

"Don't you mean your company, Kyo-chan?" Hunny asked with a small smirk.

Kyoya nodded. "There are times I forget that minor detail. Yes, I meant my company. Although my father doesn't know that yet. He is only aware of the companies I purchased to prevent the Grand Tonnerre Group from buying the Ootori Zaibatsu out from under him. Since then, I have bought several others without his knowledge, a few of which Tiger-Leaf Medical is currently partnered with."

"Doesn't most of the medical equipment your family hospitals get come from them and Scorpion Industries?" Hunny asked again.

"They do," Kyoya replied. "I am aware of who runs the company and also what she is."

"We are off topic," Akira stated.

"Apologies," Kyoya bowed.

"So Haru-chan could become like us if she chose to," Hunny muttered. "That would explain how her magic seems to be done near instinctively in her defense."

"And how she seems to be somewhat more aware of her surroundings and able to read people better than most," Satoshi added.

"So what now?" Yasuchika asked.

"That is for the little one to decide," Yorihisa explained. "The choice is hers but it is agreed that she needs to know the ties she carries. Mitsukuni has already told me of events leading to this moment, young Ootori. Know that she is safe here with us if needed."

"She is also welcome with us," Akira added.

"I am sure she would appreciate that," Kyoya mentioned then looked at a clock on the wall. "It seems as though we have spent quite a while talking. It is nearly time for lunch and Haruhi is still asleep. Should we wake her?"

Michiko shook her head. "Let her rest. I am sure she passed out when she first used her Arcana after so long correct?"

Kyoya, Hunny and Mori nodded.

"This is much the same," Michiko clarified. "Her body is not used to the strain of the new magic and therefore needs time to recover. I am fairly certain that until today, none of her family after her great-grandfather used Blood Magic. If others had, her scent would be closer to what ours is but she smells completely human."

"Mitsukuni, Takashi," Yorihisa spoke. "Complete your lessons from the estate today. Satoshi and Yasuchika, you will remain here as well."

"I will make the calls for everyone then and try to get a hold of Ranka," Kyoya offered. "He would benefit from this knowledge as well. He knows a great deal about his late wife's family but rarely speaks of his own. It is possible he doesn't know the full details."

Both sets of parents nodded in agreement. While Kyoya made the calls to the schools, Michiko and Sayuki had Mori take Haruhi into another room so they could dress her in something more comfortable to rest in. Yasuchika and Satoshi went to their respective rooms and changed into something more relaxed as well before heading to the dojo with their brothers for some additional training. Michiko and Sayuki had made it so that Haruhi was in a room near the gardens so that Qurdox could be near her and Kyoya had one of his Void remain near the door that lead into the main house itself.

"I have called Ranka," he stated to the parents. "He will be here in an hour with a bag of clothes for Haruhi. I have sent my own car to go and get him."

"Mitsukuni has told us a little about her father," Sayuki stated. "I look forward to actually meeting him."

"Ranka is a...unique person."

"Why a Void near her?" Yorihisa asked.

"It is not to disrespect you Haninozuka-sama," Kyoya clarified. "I know you will do nothing as well as Haninozuka-san, Morinozuka-sama, and Morinozuka-san; it is more of the fact that I have no personal knowledge of any of your staff and would rather know there is something to be a buffer inside the room as well as outside it."

"Understandable given what has been happening to her as of late," Michiko acknowledged. "I am certain you have more details than what little Haruhi has in memory."

"I do and I will have to tell it to Ranka while Haruhi sleeps. Hopefully he won't go off the wall though."

"Would you blame him?"

Kyoya shook his head. "No. The fact he hasn't as yet shows that he either doesn't know what is going on or is doing his best to help keep Haruhi's worry as low as possible."

The parents nodded. They could tell that the young girl had a lot to worry about as it was and didn't need any added stress on top of her situation. The more stress she had, the higher likelihood that she would fall ill or snap. Both options were not a good thing at the given moment. The small group dispersed to give Haruhi some quiet so she could continue to rest but Kyoya remained close enough to feel the Shadows around her and keep track of who went in and out of her room. He knew he was going to have a major headache in the future, whether it be later that day or tomorrow but he knew it was coming. Tamaki would flip if he and Haruhi didn't show up and the twins would be just as annoying if they didn't see her. He had a feeling that Haruhi wouldn't be awake until tomorrow so that meant everyone would not be at club today. As a side thought, Kyoya picked up his cell phone again and gave a call to Nekozawa about what had transpired. The Black Arts practitioner gave understanding about Haruhi not being able to attend lessons and offered to come over with his parents and sister to help see if they could do anything to help her recover and to learn what had caused her collapse, as well as possibly give further elaboration on some of the abilities she had already begun to use.

"I will have to ask Haninozuka-sama about your arrival," Kyoya stated over the phone. "But it may be best to just let her rest and see how she is tomorrow. I will have a file with the new information ready by then."

"Very well," Nekozawa replied. "Having the grace of the Haninozuka parents would be preferential but if it is not given, I will not push and I doubt my parents will either. Give my regards to them and to Haruhi when she wakes."

"I will. Thank you for your understanding."

"Not at all. May the Darkness guide you."

"You as well," Kyoya replied and hung up. "I will ask them later. For now, I need to type up the additions to the file I have."

A/N: Spell translations.

ጥላደረጃ = Shadow Step ( t'ila dereja )