Chapter 29:
Chapter 29, Something Traditional
Haruhi smiled softly as she packed her things back into her bag. She was confidant that she had passed the tests her last classes had given. Not only had Ayame gone over the material with her many times before hand, but also the fact that Asuda helped her with the material of the class as well. Asuda had lived for several centuries and since the biggest test was in her history class, who better to ask about some of the stuff than someone who had lived in that time frame? Her math test was also pretty easy since she had the constant help from Hunny. Once her things were packed up, she rose with the class and bowed to their teacher before beginning to file out. Since her desk was up front, Haruhi was able to make it out of the door relatively quickly and began heading towards the club room with little incident.
Today Hunny and Mori would be there as well as Satoshi and Yasuchika, which had her a little excited. She hadn't really paid much attention to what today's theme was going to be during the meeting but she knew that is was going to be tiresome to some extent. She arrived about ten minutes before she normally did and froze at the sight of Yuzuha still being at the school.
"I thought you took Hikaru home," she stated somewhat confused.
"Oh he is home," Yuzuha smiled. "I thought I would help with today's costumes. Kaoru had told me that today was going to be themed in Japanese Royalty. I went back to the house to grab a few designs that I had that I know would look fabulous on you. He also told me about the impending Union for you and don't worry, my boys are happy for you. I wish you heartfelt congratulations, Haruhi! You may be seeing me a bit more frequently as I will be helping Sayuki and Michiko with the kimono as well as the measurements for the dress."
"Dress? What dress?"
"Your wedding dress silly! I was told it had a very special meaning to you. It was, after all, the dress your mother wore when she married your father."
Haruhi's eyes went wide. She had seen the picture of her mother in that dress. It was a beautiful pale peach and it had fit her mother perfectly.
"I...I didn't know he still had it."
Yuzuha smiled softly and walked over to the shell-shocked girl. "It's okay, sweetheart. I will be doing the measurements to fit it to you without doing anything drastic to it. It is such a lovely dress and I doubt I will need to change much."
Haruhi nodded and smiled softly.
"Now then," Yuzuha beamed. "I have three kimono designs I need to see you in before the others do."
Before Haruhi could argue or even question what was going on, she had three clothing bags put into her arms and was being pushed into the changing rooms. "I will be out here to explain what goes where, how to fasten it and why and so you know for future reference."
Haruhi just nodded and followed the woman's careful instruction on how to wear the elaborate kimono sets. The first was a mix of greens and gold that, although was breath taking, both agreed that it didn't suit Haruhi at all. The second was a collection of light coral and pink with a splash of fuchsia. It was pretty but Yuzuha thought it a little too bland. The third made the acclaimed fashion designer go silent. The under kimono that could be seen was solid black, the one above that was a light midnight blue and the final outer layer was the same color as Mori's rose with some ruby red designs that looked like spider lilies and another sewn in the form of a silver and teal Chinese Dragon.
"Do you have your companion with you," she whispered, her voice unable to go any higher due to her awe.
"Yes," Haruhi answered.
"Can you change him into a kanzashi?"
"It is a type of traditional hair ornament," Qurdox explained. "I can do so but your hair is not long enough for it to be useful."
"My hair is too short for one but, yeah.
"I have a wig that matches your hair color perfectly so it won't be a bother. I'll go get it. You have him shift forms and I will be right back."
Haruhi nodded and gently pulled Qurdox from under the kimono layers and watched as he formed into a two pronged kanzashi. The end held him in dragon form coiled around a crescent moon. Yuzuha returned with a very long wig and smiled at the chosen form.
"Perfect," she stated. "Now hold still so that I can put the wig on and get it styled just right."
Haruhi nodded and let the giddy designer do her magic. Before Haruhi could look in the mirror to see, Yuzuha quickly added a light touch of makeup and handed her a small but ornate fan.
"Now, I want you to hide over there," Yuzuha smiled, pointing towards a curtained off area. "I don't want any of the boys to see you until it is time to start. Don't worry, I will tell them that you are here and ready. I want to see the reactions of everyone, the boys and the customers."
Haruhi smiled mischievously and nodded, causing a similar smile to sprout on Yuzuha's face too and heard Qurdox chuckle through their bond. Once she was safely hidden behind the curtain, Yuzuha walked towards the changing room doors and opened them to see Kyoya walking in.
"Ah, Ootori-kun," she smiled. "Haruhi is here and dressed but it is going to be a surprise for everyone."
Kyoya quirked a brow and smirked. "I look forward to seeing how you have dressed her. As well as what you have planed for all of us."
"Oh it will be delightful!"
Kyoya nodded and accepted the clothing bag the female red-head offered with a polite bow. Yuzuha pointed towards the curtains that Haruhi was behind and he moved towards the one furthest from her. He was tempted to have the Shadows tell him her appearance but thought better of it. He was in the mood for a surprise and had a feeling that it would be a wonderful sight to see. He stepped out to see Kaoru hug his mother and take the bag she gave before entering the changing room he had just left.
"I am going to put a cloaked door over where Haruhi is," Kyoya said softly to the elder woman. "It will prevent the others from accidentally going into the one she is in. I have already told my Shadows that I do not wish to know how she looks until she is revealed."
"Good idea," Kaoru said as he came out. He was dressed in a long pale orange outer haori with pale blue hakama. "Tono has a tendency to walk in on Haruhi at the worst of times."
Yuzuha nodded and Kyoya went over to the curtained area. He could see Haruhi's outline but that was it.
"Haruhi," he called softly. "I am putting a shield door around you so that no one will ruin the surprise of how you look."
"Okay Kyoya-senpai," she replied.
"የመከላከያ በር ( yemekelakeya beri )," * he muttered softly.
A dull shimmer surrounded the curtained area before it seemed to fade and vanish all together making it seem like nothing was there. Kyoya smiled and turned to Kaoru and his mother. Both nodded and the younger twin followed the Shadow King out into the main room as the others began arriving. Yuzuha made sure to steer the others from where Haruhi was hiding, mostly by standing directly in front of the area. Even if they couldn't see what was there, they could feel the hum of magic surrounding it. She had to explain to Tamaki how to put on the kimono set properly through the curtains a couple times before he got it right. She wasn't very surprised that she didn't have to explain such to the Morinozuka and Haninozuka brothers. They lived in traditional dress nearly even day, only being out of it for school and the few occasions where the whole group was together.
They were slightly awed and humbled that she had incorporated their house symbols into their clothes as well as the traditional kanji of their names as well as a small bit of their own personalities it the design patterns. Each thanked her with a bow and a smile, even from Yasuchika.
"Now go get into position," she gently urged the boys, gently taking a hold of Mori's arm. "Haruhi will be presented in a moment."
Hunny tilted his head to the side slightly confused but shrugged it off and went to stand with the others, Satoshi dragging and grumbling Yasuchika with him. Mori lingered back since Yuzuha still had a hold of his arm. He rose a brow in silent question and was answered with a mischievous smile.
"Ootori-kun," she said softly enough that the Void would hear. "You can open the door now. Morinozuka-kun will escort her out as is proper."
Both felt the subtle shift of magic drop and Mori felt his breath freeze in his lungs as Haruhi stepped out from behind the curtains. She was breathtaking. He slowly walked over towards her and gently raised his hand to trail his fingers gently across her cheek. He smiled softly as a faint blush covered her cheeks as the small action.
"Beautiful," he whispered before leaning over to rest his forehead against hers.
"I wish I had my camera," Yuzuha smiled. "But I hear the doors opening and your traditional greeting."
Mori stood his full height and gently held his arm out to Haruhi. She smiled softly and gently placed her hand on his arm before taking a deep breath. Both heard Kyoya explain the theme of Japanese Royalty and Nobility towards the guests but there was a slight change to their normal roles for the day.
"Today someone else is going to be our leader," Kyoya explained, sending a quick glare towards Tamaki keeping him silent when he was about to protest. "As you see with us, Yasuchika Haninozuka and Satoshi Morinozuka are dressed in traditional Samurai armor. They will be the guards towards our leading pair for the day. As is also noticed by all of you, we are one twin short as the other had developed a slight fever. Do not worry ladies, he will recover with some rest. Kaoru is dressed in the garb typical of a standing Noble of our Royal court. Hunny-senpai and Tamaki are also dressed as standing members of the Royal court. I am, as always, the court adviser. Now let me introduce our leading pair, Mori-senpai and Haruhi."
Everyone was shocked silent as Mori and Haruhi walked into the room. Their kimono's complimented each other perfectly, as if they were a married couple of power in ancient Japan. On both of their heads here small yet elaborate crowns made of gold with rubies, sapphires and other precious stones, given to them just before they walked out by Yuzuha. Their dark kimonos making them both look regal and the jade dragon kanzashi in Haruhi's hair matched it all perfectly.
Kyoya managed to cover his shock relatively quickly and gently bowed his head. He had to admit, he was glad that his made sure the Shadows didn't tell him. She was absolutely stunning, and looked completely comfortable where she was.
Kaoru's jaw dropped and shook it off before bowing as the script indicated. He had wondered where the sketch he and Hikaru had done of Trekiva's crest went. Looks like his mother found it and made a copy for personal use. I'll have to ask mom for that back, he thought with a smile. We haven't finished making the symbol ourselves unless mom did so for us.
Hunny smiled brightly before bowing as was proper. In this skit, he was only a Lord while Mori and Haruhi were technically Emperor and Empress. That meant a full bow at the waist and he didn't at all mind giving it. He glanced to each side of him and saw that Yasuchika and Satoshi were down on one knee with their heads bowed, as tradition and script dictated. He couldn't keep the smile off of his face if he tried.
Satoshi also had a large smile on his face. His brother pulled of regal perfectly with the stoic air he always gave off and Haruhi look amazing. He wished that he had his phone on him so he could take a picture to show their parents but it was in the backroom in his backpack. He really hoped to get one before they got out of the clothes. Hell, he hoped that Haruhi could keep that kimono! She looked amazing! He managed to get over his shock and joy to kneel as was proper of a Samurai to their Lord.
Yasuchika was in shock at how everything was set up. Normally the brainless moron would throw something together last minute but it looked like Kyoya-senpai once again proved why he was called the Shadow King. This setup had Kyoya written all over it and he had to admit, it was very well done. Especially Haruhi's costume. She looked exactly like how an Empress from Feudal Japan would be dressed, acted like one too but he attributed that to the etiquette lessons that Trekiva had given her during one of his visits to the Vortex. She was, after all, essentially the granddaughter of an Emperor. He knelt as was the custom of a Samurai like Satoshi did and smirked as he heard the blond moron try to argue that he was the King and therefore should be the leading role. That was however silenced rather quickly by Kyoya shoving him into a proper bow with more force than was probably necessary.
Tamaki was stunned. Haruhi looked magnificent but the fact he wasn't playing the Emperor wasn't fair! He was the King! Before he could get far into his little monologue, Kyoya silence him with a glare and forced his head down, whispering to stay on script or the punishment Haruhi gave during the Pirate cosplay would be innocent compared to what he would do. Tamaki whimpered but agreed to keep his mouth shut.
*~*0o0o0o0o0*~*
Hours continued like any other day but with the change of roles, many of the customers were too excited to stick with their normal Hosts. Haruhi got several compliments that the traditional clothes suited her very well. As tradition dictated, all she would do was bow her head softly in thanks or glance towards Mori for confirmation that she could talk to them in return. After all, in Feudal Japan, women of any standing could only do as much as their husband or male relatives dictated. In most cases the wife would only be able to speak freely with other females that the males permitted and a guard of some sort would have to be near should a man wish to talk to her. A detail that Trekiva had told her with much disgust. He knew why a chaperone was given when the woman was in the company of other males but he loathed that many beings of the past saw women as nothing more than objects, a sentiment that Haruhi fully agreed with. He had even lived in that frame of history and hated it just as much even then.
Satoshi, Yasuchika and Hunny played their parts very well. So well that it was kind of shocking. If Haruhi was talking with some of the female customers that she still had, they would be off to the side letting them talk but close enough that they could assist with anything if needed. When she was with some of her male customers, which was still relatively uncomfortable for her, Satoshi or Hunny would be near her while Yasuchika would be walking around at enough of a distance that they wouldn't suspect him of watching over her but to a trained observer, Chika's eyes would always glance towards Haruhi periodically. All three would be a great deal more relaxed when Mori was with her, but if he was away, they were back to their prior places. The only time this pattern changed was if Tamaki was too close to her, especially when he had one of his customers near him. They weren't sure what it was about the girl that unnerved them but each felt a strong need to be near Haruhi when Tamaki was near her with one particular girl with him.
Saichi was an average girl, dark hair and wide chocolate eyes. She was in the same class group as Chika and Satoshi were, but there was always something that rubbed both of the younger martial artists the wrong way about the girl. She always seemed to show up and mix words around. It would sound innocent or accidental but it wouldn't fool a True Born. Both were going to keep an eye on her while she was near Haruhi, especially since when the girl got close, Chika faintly say his soon to be cousin tense up.
When Haruhi saw Saichi walk up with Tamaki, she tried to hide her reaction to the immediate pulse of magic around her. She could faintly see a dull shimmer around the younger girl which meant she was using a shield of some sort but Haruhi couldn't tell what kind it was or why she was using one. She relaxed slightly when she saw Satoshi walk over with a tray of fresh tea and sit next to her. Hunny was with Mori talking with some of their old customers and Yasuchika was making a slow but steady walk back around to her, making it seem like he was just wandering around checking on some of the guests.
"Haruhi," Tamaki smiled. "How are you doing?"
"I am doing fine Tamaki-senpai," she replied when Satoshi gave a soft nod that the blond didn't catch. "I see you have a new customer today."
"Yes. This is Princess Saichi. She's a first year student."
"Hello Saichi-san," Haruhi said cordially with a gently bow of her head.
"Hello Fujioka-senpai," Saichi greeted in return, her voice soft but Haruhi caught the slight edge to it.
"The little one knows who you are," Qurdox rumbled. "And it is not due to your standing here at the Academy. Worry not, she cannot feel my pulse. My magic is far older than hers and moves far more subtlety."
Haruhi hummed softly. "Would you like to join us?"
Saichi blinked rapidly in shock. She honestly had not expected the manners or calm air she was seeing. When Akito had told her about this long-lost member of the family, she had expected someone who knew nothing of the upper class. However, she might have been able to learn such manners in being part of the Host club. Saichi was told that Haruhi was a quick learner and had managed to do the whole process of entering Ouran Academy on her own without her father's help, not that he would have been much help to begin with.
"Thank you," she said softly as she bowed softly and sat across from Haruhi.
Satoshi hid a smirk at the bug-eyed look Saichi had given at Haruhi's easy invitation to join them. He quickly pulled Haruhi behind him as Tamaki tried to lunge at her and give her a "hug" at such a genuine action. Fortunately they were sitting on tatami mats and not the couches. It would have been harder to get Haruhi away from the exuberant moron if they were.
Yasuchika chuckled as Tamaki skid face-first on the mats. "Serves you right, Suoh. You should know better than try such an attack against her while we are near."
"But I was just going to give my daughter a hug," Tamaki whined, though it was a little nasally.
"Your not my dad," Haruhi sighed. "How many times am I going to have to repeat that until it sticks?"
"Probably forever," Satoshi and Yasuchika commented simultaneously.
She tried, she really did, but she couldn't help the bubble of laughter that left her mouth from behind her hand at the faces Satoshi and Chika made when they realized what just happened. After a few moments of stunned silence, everyone in the small area was laughing.
She is nothing like Akito told me, Saichi thought as she laughed with them. He said that she was an arrogant and ignorant commoner that knew nothing of the elite even though she was part of this club. I can't even get through the shield she has on her to detect the magic that I know she has it. She may have gotten some training if the others here have learned what she is capable of though.
Saichi thought over what her uncle had told her. Glancing at the girl across from her, she couldn't understand why he was so angry. In honesty, she had a great deal of respect for Haruhi. It had to have taken a lot of hard work to get a full paid scholarship to this school and, other than a few minor bumps in the road, she had made excellent grades. The bumps were mostly due to a slight lack of comprehension of material and even that was taken care of with the friends she made here since they had arranged it so that she got the help from an upper classmate that had agreed to tutor her. Since then, Haruhi's grades were on the fast track to being Valedictorian of her year.
As they spoke about minor things here and there, she felt a small bit of guilt forming in her gut. Her uncle wanted her to use Haruhi's friends against her but from what she could see, they were more like a dysfunctional extended family. Each person had their own quirks that fit perfectly with the others around them but she was fairly certain that the titles and roles needed to be switched around.
Tamaki was most definitely not the "daddy", as he insisted although she could see it as such since he was the club's creator. If anyone could claim that spot better, it would either be Ootori-senpai or Morinozuka-sensei as they always seemed to know exactly what was going on. On second thought, she giggled. I think that Morinozuka-sensei is the "dad". He just has the air of "calm father-figure" about him. Ootori-senpai would be more like the uncle, brother or cousin that wants nothing to do with anyone in the family but helps them when they need it most.
She thought that the Hitachiin twins were most definitely be the annoying brothers, Hunny would be the uncle that wants to spoil everyone with sweets and cute things, and Satoshi and Yasuchika would most likely be the overprotective younger brothers or cousins. Tamaki would be the ever insistent child demanding everyone's attention at every turn.
Which would make her the mom, Saichi smiled as she watched Haruhi lean over and prepare some tea for their group. She watched as Haruhi preformed every step of a tradition tea ceremony without one mistake.
"Wow," Saichi whispered. "I can't even get it done so fluidly. You must have had lots of practice."
"It's not the first time I have done this," Haruhi smiled softly. "I made quite a few mistakes when they were teaching me the first time we did something traditional. It took me a week to get it so that I didn't make any mistakes. Since then I have practiced at home."
Haruhi handed out the cups in the proper order of person: Satoshi, Yasuchika, who had just sat down to join them, Tamaki, Saichi and then herself. She waited calmly for Satoshi to take the first drink before sipping hers. They began to talk about minor things here and there until it was time to switch customers. It was obvious to Haruhi, Satoshi and Yasuchika that Saichi seemed a little nervous as she went towards Kyoya who was talking with Mori rather than going to leave or go to one of the other hosts.
"Excuse me, Ootori-senpai," she said softly. "May I have a word with you in private, please?"
Kyoya looked at her with a calm expression after giving a gentle nod to Mori. "Of course. This way."
Saichi followed Kyoya towards a small table in the back where his laptop was. Which he opened and began to type a few things into before looking back at her.
"What is it you wish to speak about, Princess?" he asked calmly.
"We both know that you know who I am," she stated calmly, her gaze steady. "I know that doesn't make me a friend in your eyes but you need to know what is going to happen."
Kyoya's eyes narrowed. "Continue."
"Akito Katayama is my uncle, so Fujioka-senpai is my cousin. I know that I have literally just met her but I can tell that what my family wants me to do to her and everyone around her is wrong. I want to help her but I can't. Not without horrible consequences."
"What will they do to you should you not cooperate?"
"It's not me he will do anything to," Saichi sighed softly.
"Someone close to you?" Kyoya asked.
"My half-brother. The child born between my mother and uncle Akito."
"Most in our circle wouldn't frown on that."
"It wasn't willing."
Saichi flinched slightly at the sound of wood cracking under pressure.
"Just another reason to keep him away from Haruhi," Kyoya stated calmly, despite the crackling in his dark aura. "I have done enough research into your family to know every dirty secret it has."
Saichi's eyes went wide. "You have a spy in the house?"
Kyoya turned solid black eyes towards the young girl. "I am a Void."
Saichi gulped and lowered her head. That changed everything. A Void was not something to mess with, even she knew that. Hell, everyone that encountered any part of the Dark Magic knew not to mess with that. A Shade or Shadow was one thing but a Void?! That was suicide.
"My uncle wants me to try and turn you all against her," she whispered. "If I don't then my half-brother will die in the hospital."
"I am guessing that Akito Katayama put him there to ensure your cooperation," Kyoya said calmly. "Which hospital?"
"White Lilly."
Kyoya smiled. "I know who owns it. Your brother won't get hurt without me knowing."
"But..."
"Your brother is safe. Now then, will you be returning?"
"Yes. Uncle Akito wants to know everything that goes on and what can be used to make Haruhi come to the family willingly."
"You have no intention of doing that, do you?" Kyoya asked knowingly.
"I will use the time to learn about the cousin I never knew I had," Saichi answered. "I am good a twisting words to match what someone wants to hear but such a talent is useless against a Void."
"Or a collection of Vampires, a Fae and a pair of demons."
Saichi's eyes went wide again at the statement. "Vampires, Fae, and demons?"
"The Haninozuka and Morinozuka brothers are True Born Vampires and all four of them consider Haruhi a very good friend, if not family. Hunny-senpai nearly broke several of my family's private police because they intended to hurt her. On two occasions. Tamaki is a Fae with Elven and Kitsune descent and the Hitachiin twins are Cuubi."
Although she was a few shades paler than she was before, Saichi nodded in understanding.
"Also," Kyoya said softly. "If your arrangements and marriage to Tamaki is to hurt Haruhi, you will find yourself with some very formidable enemies."
"If that is my family's intent," Saichi stated. "I will do all I can to walk away from it. I want to be in a marriage like my mother had with my father before Akito hurt her and broke her mind. Although my father loves mother deeply and has accepted Jin as his, he wants as little to do with his brother and the rest of the family anymore. He hates what they have become in the last several years."
"The only reason he stays is because he is married to the eldest and in charge of the company, correct?"
Saichi nodded. "He doesn't want Akito getting the company because Akito will only run it into the ground and destroy it."
"We will see you tomorrow then, Princess," Kyoya gave his host smile as Tamaki approached.
Confused at the sudden change of topic, Saichi was about to ask until she was stopped by Tamaki's voice coming closer.
"Kyoya," he said. "Are you scaring the princess? She looked rather nervous talking to you by herself. So I decided to come over and help."
"Actually," Kyoya intoned bored. "I was helping her come up with a schedule so that she could become a regular customer. It seems as Princess Saichi has taken a liking to both you and Haruhi but was unable to come up with a schedule that would accommodate both of you evenly. I have helped her create such."
"Wonderful!" Tamaki cheered. "I can host with my little girl!"
"Actually Suoh-senpai," Saichi corrected. "I am sorry to say that I will be with the two of you individually. That way I can spend equal time to appreciate you both. If I am with both of you at the same time, I cannot enjoy either of your company or unique personalities."
Tamaki blinked a couple times before smiling softly. "Of course, Princess. It would not be fair to either of us if we had to compete for your attention."
Kyoya kept his face blank but inside he was face palming. There were many times in which he wished he knew why he was still friends with Tamaki. Saichi simply smiled and nodded, not knowing that she was having the same internal reaction Kyoya was currently having. With a slight flourish, Tamaki offered to take her to the stairs as it was near time for hours to end and Saichi left with a soft smile. She knew that she would have to tell her uncle what she had observed today but knew that she could alter it slightly to protect her cousin.
Akito had a good deal of power but none of it was enough to over match what her father had taught her in Illusion Magic as well as his insistence on Acting Lessons. She did want to be an actress after all and Akito had no solid focus in his discipline of Arcana. Today would be a test of all of her skills in both Magic and Acting. She just hoped she could pull it off without him finding out.
A/N: Spell Translation
የመከላከያ በር = Protective Door ( yemekelakeya beri )