DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
Mori shifted his eye towards the other hosts searching for answers as to why Haruhi was kissing him.
Tamaki looked like he was going to melt away due to despair.
"We get beat up," Hikaru said weakly as Kaoru helped him stand.
"While Mori-Senpai gets a kiss?" Kaoru finished.
"I think she mentioned something about Mori-Senpai being her lover in the life she now claims to be living," Kyoya reminded them.
"Yeah, yeah," the twins muttered.
Once Haruhi ended the kiss, she hugged him tight.
"I can't believe you're alive!" she said happily. Then she looked at Mori in the face.
"How did you survive being shot though?" she asked as she managed to get out of Mori's arms and back down to the floor. "I thought for sure you were dead! I saw you fall! You weren't breathing! How is this possible! Tell me please!"
"I, uh, don't know?" Mori answered honestly.
"Was I mistaken when I saw you lying there?! Oh god! Oh God Takashi! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to make such a lapse of judgment! Can you ever forgive me?!"
"Yeah, of course," Mori said patting her head. Haruhi started to get teary eyed again before flinging her arms around his waist again.
"I'll never let you go again! Never!" she declared. She turned and looked at Tamaki who looked like a mess himself personally.
"Suoh?" she said.
"Yes, Haruhi?" Tamaki said softly.
"I do apologize for accusing you of murdering Takashi, though I am sure that was your intent!" Haruhi said, trying hard to remain calm.
"Oh, right, apology accepted!" Tamaki quickly said.
Haruhi hugged Mori again, "If you can find it in your heart Suoh, would you permit me to take Takashi home for a least one night so that I can at least have a night of peace with him?"
Tamaki moaned upset. Kyoya walked over and smacked him upside the head.
"Uh I mean, yes, of course, I swear by the observer here!" Tamaki quickly recovered.
"Thank you," Haruhi said, though she didn't exactly look like she believed him.
"What are we going to do about Haruhi though?" Hikaru asked.
"She thinks she lives with Mori-Senpai!" Kaoru pointed out.
"It might be a little hard for her to grasp the concept of living in an apartment than the last personality she had!" they said together.
"Well, we may have an advantage to that," Kyoya said, "with her father out of town, we can arrange to have Haruhi at least spend the night at Mori-Senpai's house to help ease the situation at hand."
"That's a good idea, I'm sure Takashi will agree," Hunny said, "And I'll spend the night too, just in case."
"Good idea," Kyoya agreed, "let's see if we can distract Haruhi long enough for you to explain the situation to Mori-Senpai. General Fujioka, a word?"
"Right now?" Haruhi asked looking at Mori longing.
"Go ahead, Haru-Chan, I want a word with Takashi if that's alright," Hunny said.
"Of course," Haruhi said as she walked back over to Kyoya.
"I realize a new development has just occurred for you, however, I would still like to ask some questions in regards to your war. May I ask that you return here tomorrow around the same time so that I may continue? Your comrade Haninozuka has already agreed to it."
"I suppose," Haruhi agree, "Now that Takashi is back, I suddenly feel a little more calmer and less eager to attack."
"Very good," Kyoya said, "please feel free to take Morinozuka home so that you may get caught up."
"Thank you," Haruhi said as she walked back over to Hunny and Mori.
"So do you think you understand?" Hunny whispered when he saw Haruhi coming back.
"Yeah," Mori agreed.
"Haninozuka, I too agree that we can return for the observer's questions tomorrow," she said, "in the meantime, let's make Takashi home."
"Very good!" Hunny agreed, "Takashi, take Haru-Chan out first, I'll be right down."
"Sure," Mori said as he took Haruhi's hand and led her out.
"Should we try and bring Haru-Chan to school tomorrow?" Hunny asked.
"No, in fact why don't you tell her we'll come to Mori-Senpai's home instead. Tamaki, can you help make arrangements for her and along with Hunny-Senpai and Mori-Senpai to miss a day?"
"Yes of course," Tamaki agreed, "are you going to be able to do more research on that scepter?"
"Yes and in the meantime, can we please avoid hitting Haruhi or anyone else with it until I've learned more?" Kyoya asked, eyeing the twins.
"Yes, we swear," the twins muttered.
"Thank you," Kyoya said, "try to avoid telling Haruhi too much about this world. I'm not sure this personality she has right now could understand or handle everything."
"Don't worry, Takashi and I can handle it," Hunny promised as he hurried out to catch up with his friends.
"You really think Haruhi couldn't handle the things in our world?" Hikaru and Kaoru asked.
"It doesn't sound like her world has managed to become as modernized as ours has, so it's possible," Kyoya explained as he gathered up his things, including the scepter.
"If that's the case," Hikaru said.
"I wonder how our Haruhi would be doing in this Haruhi's world," Kaoru said.
Haruhi didn't get to see much as Benio dragged her along. Mostly just more soldiers running around.
She could still see balls of fire flying across the sky.
"What are those?" Haruhi asked out loud.
"Fire bombs of course. One of Suoh's evil contraptions!" Benio said, "even if we were able to mimic it."
"Right," Haruhi said, "can work on keeping things out of their paths at least?"
Benio suddenly stopped. "Soldier!" she shouted.
One stopped right in front of her.
"Ma'am!" she said with a salute.
"Get to work of getting the different areas clear of targets for Suoh's fireballs! By order of General Fujioka!" Benio ordered.
"Yes Ma'am!" the soldier said, again with a salute, "it's good to know General Fujioka is still able to lead despite her injury."
"You heard about that?" Haruhi asked.
"Try to keep that underwraps Soldier!" Benio ordered.
"Yes ma'am! Sorry ma'am!" the soldier said before she ran off, already telling people what Haruhi had asked.
"Sorry General! But you know how these things can get out," Benio said as she continued to drag her along.
"Right," Haruhi said. Soon they came under to what looked like a dirt pile. Benio signaled to a nearby guard who immediately started to brush away some of the dirt to reveal a door. He opened it and Benio pulled Haruhi inside. There Haruhi found an actual room, with a layout similar to her tent. Except there wasn't a table with a map and figurines. Instead there was a big map hung on the wall. There were at least five different oil lamps throughout the room, giving it light.
"We'll see what we can scavage from your tent and bring it here immediately if it's important," Benio promised, "and I'm sure General Haninozuka will be by to see you."
"Thank you," Haruhi said.
"You know the secret knock correct?" Benio asked before as she tried to leave.
"Uh," Haruhi sputtered.
Benio grumbled, "oh what a time for this!" She knocked on the door three time slow followed by two quick ones.
"Oh sure," Haruhi said.
"Be back soon," Benio said as she shut the door.
"Right," Haruhi muttered. She looked at the big map on the wall. She wasn't 100% sure, but it looked like it also showed the borders of her so called territory and Tamaki's.
She noticed a river that seemed to separate the two areas and it appeared it was shared by both sides.
"I almost wonder if we could give up the river area and push a little back, at least it put some more distance between us and Senpai," she said to herself as she studied the map some more. Some of the marks and notes didn't make too much sense to her personally, but she figured they would to this version of herself.
"I wonder why I even ended up here instead of back where I came from or why I didn't remained in the rich version of me." She sighed in frustration. "If only those idiot twins had waited Kyoya-Senpai to finish, I might be home right now instead in the middle of a war!"
Just then she heard the secret knock.
"Haruhi?" she heard Hunny ask from the other side.
'I actually prefer it when he called me Haru-Chan,' Haruhi said as she slowly opened the door.
"Good to see you're still doing alright and that Lieutenant Amakusa got you to the safe spot. How are you feeling?" Hunny asked as he came in.
Haruhi noticed he was carrying a few books under his arm.
"I uh, um, am still a little hazy?" Haruhi sputtered.
Hunny groaned mad. "I apologize Fujioka, it's just...,"
"A real bad timing for this to be happening," Haruhi finished.
"Yes," Hunny said as he put the books down on her desk, "although I guess you're not totally out of it, seeing as how you knew to order the evacuation the tents and move things out of the target zone."
"Yeah, sure," Haruhi said.
"Maybe we can get you out on the front lines tomorrow, if only just for show," Hunny suggested, "if only to help bost morale. That what you and Takashi always say. Keep morale up, and eveb in defeat the soldiers will hold their heads up high."
'We say that?' Haruhi thought. She could see maybe Mori-Senpai doing that, but her? She didn't see herself exactly as the best motivator.
"I made sure to secure your journals and notes personally to bring them to you," Hunny mentioned tapping the pile of books.
"Thank you," Haruhi said as she walked over to the desk herself. "Wait, what about that scepter? Was the scepter still there!"
"The scepter? You mean that thing that struck you?" Hunny asked.
"Yes," Haruhi said, as she tried to come up with something to say on the matter. "I think it might be a new kind of weapon, we might be able to use. I, wanted to, study it?"
"Really?" Hunny asked.
"Well look what it's done to me?" Haruhi tried to point out.
"True," Hunny said as he stroke his chin. He walked back to the door and opened it, "Have someone check General Fujioka's tent for a scepter looking device. But be careful, it might be dangerous!"
"Yes sir!" Haruhi heard a voice say.
"Thank you," Haruhi said, "um, did they save Mori-Senpai's armor as well?"
"Oh Haruhi, you can still call him Takashi even though he's gone. Don't try acting tough even if you're hurt," Hunny insisted.
"Right, but did they save it?" Haruhi asked.
"Yes, it's safe," Hunny assured her.
"That's good," Haruhi said, "so I take it the battle is over for the day?"
"More or less," Hunny explained, "Kasanoda was able to land a hit against one of Suoh's launchers, destroying it. Suoh called for a retreat after that."
"Well that's good, I guess," Haruhi said, "uh I suppose we owe Kasanoda a debt of gratitude for that?"
"You know he wouldn't accept. He stll feel indebted to you and your mother," Hunny said calmly.
"My mother?" Haruhi asked.
"You don't remember that either?" Hunny asked, "boy that might make him feel bad. Your mother found Ritsu when he got separate from his clan as a baby. She took care of him alongside you, her daughter. You and Ritsu were like a brother and sister. Then later when your father found the Kasanoda clan and returned Ritsu home, the Kasanoda clan swore allegiance to the Fujiokas in thanks for taking care of Ritsu when he was alone."
"Oh wow," Haruhi said. "Just out of curiosity, is there a connection between me and Benio?"
"Well she's a member of the Zuka clan, the same clan your mother came from," Hunny explained.
"The Zuka clan? My mother's from that?!" Haruhi said out loud.
"Yes, they more or less joined forces with Fujioka clan aftet she and your father came together. Right now most of them are protecting the East border in case Suoh or the Hitachiins try a sneak attack from there," Hunny said pointing to the border far away from where they were finding.
"It's just a few like Lieutenant Amakusa insisted on staying here to help protect you. Her mother and your mother were really close, like sisters."
"Oh," Haruhi said.
'I'm allies with Benio Amakusa and enemy with Tamaki, along Hikaru and Kaoru. What is world?' she thought.
She heard Hunny's sighs of frustration grow.
"Look, Haruhi, maybe you should just lie down and get some rest and then maybe you'll be in better shape tomorrow," he suggested.
"Is it safe?" Haruhi asked.
"Don't worry, we have the whole camp well guarded and Suoh has no idea where the safe spot is. You should be alright. Besides, I'd love to see Suoh go up against Amakusa."
"Right, Sure," Haruhi said as she sat down on her bed.
"Do you mind if in the meantime I go over some of your war journals and notes with Amakusa and Kasanoda to see if we can figure out a new strategy for our upcoming fights?" Hunny asked.
"Oh, yes of course!" Haruhi allowed immediately. If it helped them, it was the least she could offer them.
She wondered what this version of herself she was supposed to be may have come up to combat Tamaki and the twins.
"What is this?" Haruhi asked as she and Mori came upon his waiting limo.
"A new type of carriage," Mori told her. Haruhi circled it, studying it.
"Is it safe?" she asked, "it doesn't even have handles to lift or a horse to pull it."
"It is, trust me," Mori insisted.
Haruhi looked at him.
"Well alright," she reluctantly agreed, "where did you ever get this anyway?"
"Among my travels to return to you," Mori said.
That earned Haruhi a smirk.
"You can be such a sap sometimes," she said.
"Hi, sorry for keeping you waiting, Hunny said as he hurried out to him.
"Mitskuni, look at this new carriage Takashi acquired," Haruhi said as she kept trying to study it.
"Yeah, it looks amazing!" Let's try it out!" Hunny said as he got in.
"Haruhi," Mori said nodding to the open door. Haruhi raised an eyebrow but still crawled in.
She stared in awe around the vast room with the many different seats.
"How does it fit all this in it?" She asked.
"Special new design technique," Hunny said.
"Wonder if we can learn how to use that with some of our hiddes safe palaces," Haruhi said. She gasped and gripped the seat as the limo began to move.
"It's moving! How is it moving?!" She looked over and saw the driver going. "Who's that?!"
"The new carriage driver," Hunny quickly said.
"Is he trustworthy?" Haruhi asked.
"Yeah," Mori assured her.
"Okay," Haruhi said.
"You're not suspecting he's a spy for the enemy or something are you?" Hunny asked.
"Well, given Suoh's track record," Haruhi said.
Mori put his hand on her shoulder.
"Well okay," Haruhi seemed to agree. She looked out the window at the big city around them as they drove past.
"Um, where are we exactly? This almost seems like a foreign land," she asked.
"Well, this is kind of the land the observer comes from," Hunny tried to explain.
"Why are we here? I thought he was trying to observe our war," Haruhi asked.
"He invited us here to talk to us about it, get himself a better idea of what's going on," Hunny said.
"I suppose," Haruhi said reluctantly, "I don't understand why we're doing so much for this strange man. I hope he's worth it."
Mori and Hunny looked at each other before Mori spoke up again.
"He saved me. I owe him at least a chance to observe and learn about our world in a safe spot."
"He saved you?!" Haruhi said in shock.
"He has medical experience," Mori said.
"This observe almost doesn't sound human," Haruhi said in confusion, "but if he did in fact save you, we owe him a debt to be sure. I will oblige for now and do as the observer requests."
"Thank you," Mori said.
"I do admit, I like the peaceful atmosphere of the observer's land. This was what I was hoping to accomplish when we joined forces. Remember our plans and drams for our new united clans Takashi?" Haruhi asked, "how'd we help improve medical care for the people, better schools and education for the young ones, help make the farm lands better? To think so much we could be doing now if we weren't at war with Suoh." She gave a heavy sigh. "So much chaos and most of it pointless."
"Well maybe this observe can help us come up with an idea to end the war, Haru-Chan," Hunny said eagerly.
"Is he capable of such a thing?" Haruhi asked.
"Sure, that's why he's an observer, he observes things that he can try and help with, Haru-Chan," Hunny said happily.
"Why do you keep calling me that?" Haruhi asked.
"Haru-Chan?" Hunny asked, "I kind of picked it up."
"Makes you sound a little childish," Haruhi mentioned.
"Oh, I kind of like it," Hunny said.
"Well if you insist," Haruhi allowed, "but do you think the observer be of any help?"
"Sure, I mean he saved Takashi and brought him back right?" Hunny said.
"I suppose," Haruhi said, "why is it that I don't have any memories of all this though? The last memory I have is being at the wall and seeing that jewel on a stick falling down towards me. Did it do something to my memory?"
"I think so, it was heavy after all," Hunny said.
"I bet it was planted there by Suoh as some sort of weapon. That's also probably why Hikaru attacked me with that other one," Haruhi muttered, "and at least the first one did its job, given how hazy my mind is."
"Well hopefully it'll come back," Hunny encouraged.
"I should hope so," Haruhi said. She suddenly gripped the seat again, "Why are we slowing down? Is something wrong?"
"No, we've just reached out destination," Hunny said.
"We have?" Haruhi asked as she looked out the window. "Wow, what a grand house! The observer sure is generous with providing us with accommodations. It almost looks as grand as our palace."
"Lucky for us, your home looks like a house from olden times, huh?" Hunny whispered to his cousin.
Mori nodded as he moved to open the door himself. He got out and offered Haruhi his hand. Haruhi took it and slowly came out herself, looking around the vast estate of the Morinozuka family.
"You could fit a whole village of people in this courtyard alone!" Haruhi observed, "I wonder if we can work on expanding our home like this." She looked up with a slight glint of lust in her eyes, " so much space to ourselves, to do anything we wish, wherever we wish." She tugged on Mori's arm, pulling his face towards hers, "maybe work on getting you an heir?" She looked like she was going to kiss him again, only to get interrupted by a loud shout.
"Taka! Welcome home!"
"Satoshi's here?!" Haruhi said in surprised as she saw Mori's little brother coming out towarss them.
"Oh hey, what's Haru doing here?" Satoshi asked kindly.
"What are you doing here, Satoshi?" Haruhi asked back.
"What do you mean?" Satoshi asked.
"I would assume you'd be at least back at the palace guarding it and helping Yasuchika tend to the people," Haruhi said, "you didn't leave Yasuchika all there alone did you?!"
"Huh?" Satoshi asked.
"Oh don't worry, Sato-Chan knows what he's doing," Hunny said as he started to push Haruhi towards the main house, "I think the observer took Takashi to Satoshi first when he found him and tended to him since he didn't know or think it was a good idea to return to him to us on the battlefield."
"But still, Satoshi should have stayed with Yasuchika! Yasuchika's never been much of a fighter. He's more of a pacifist! That's why we left him in charge of governing the people while we fought," Haruhi tried to recall.
"Did she say Chika's a pacifist?" Satoshi asked in confusion.
"It's a little complicated," Mori said, "just try and go along with what she says for now. Mitskuni and I will tend to her for most of the night."
"Well alright," Satoshi said, still a little confused.
Haruhi looked around at the inside of the Morinozuka home. It had many acient artifacts and art, but also plenty of modern items as well.
"Are all these from the observer's travels or something?" She asked.
"Yeah," Hunny said.
"A lot of it seems familiar to our cultures," Haruhi mentioned.
"Pretty cool huh?" Hunny asked.
"I guess some of them are cold," said Haruhi touching a random object. They passed by a random room and Haruhi froze.
"What is that odd black box on the wall there?" she asked.
"Huh?" Hunny asked looking in, "oh that's a tv."
"TV?" Haruhi said, "what's it do?"
"We'll worry about that later," Mori suddenly said as he came up behind the two and took over leading Haruhi. He took her to his room and slid open the door. Inside it was laid out like a room of olden times, with a few modernized items such as his own laptop and TV.
"Now this looks more recognizable," Haruhi said as she walked in. "Even with the few strange objects, I feel more relaxed already."
"Good," Mori said.
"So," Haruhi said as she stretched her arms, "anyone feeling up for some sparring?"
"You want to spar?" Hunny asked.
"Or at least practice a little," Haruhi said, "once I change of course. Do we have more suitable cloths to wear for fighting and practice?"
"Be right back," Mori said. He soon returned with an old femal yukata that belonged to his mother.
"Oh this is lovely," Haruhi said. She immediately started to change out od her uniform.
"Haru-Chan! What are you doing!" Hunny asked in alarm.
"Changing, why?" Haruhi said casually.
"But," Hunny started to say. Mori merely picked him up and carried him to the door.
"Where are you guys going?" Haruhi asked.
"To give you aome privacy to change," said Mori.
"Privacy? You never worried about that before as Mori shut the door.
"I've changed in front of them before, and it never bothered them," Haruhi said to herself as she finished putting on the yukata.
Soon she came out if the room, looking around for Hunny and Mori. She wondered down the long hallway until she came to a new door and opened it.
"What's this? A training room of sorts?" Haruhi asked as she walked in to the vast room filled with equipment and mirrors.
"Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try practicing a little," Haruhi decided as she started to spar against the mirror.
"I can't believe Haru-Chan was going to change in front of us," Hunny said in slight shock as he and Mori went to collect Haruhi.
Mori shrugged his shoulders, scratching his cheek.
"I guess she'd probably be used to doing such a thing from where she comes from," Hunny concluded, "especially you, given you and her are apparently lovers."
"Yeah," Mori said, scratching his cheek a little more.
"You weren't going to take advantage of Haru-Chan while she's like this are you?" Hunny asked, with a hint of an evil in his voice.
"Hmm?!" Mori said shocked.
"Because you know, she may feel the need to in order to keep up with moral and all," Hunny kept teasing.
He could see Mori's eyes widen with the idea.
Both were suddenly distracted by grunt sounds coming from one of the practice rooms.
"Haru-Chan?" Hunny said as he poked his head to see Haruhi practicing.
"Oh Hello Haninozuka," Haruhi said as she stopped her kicks and punches. "And Takashi."
Mori nodded at her from the doorway.
"Did you know the observer had a room so well equipped for trainin?" Haruhi said a she looked around the practice room. "Do you think he's a fighter too?"
"Maybe?" Hunny said.
"We should look into creating rooms like these for our warriors to train in. Who knew reflective glass could be so effective when practicing," Haruhi said.
"Yeah, sure," Hunny agreed with a smile.
"So how long will the observer need us here until we are allowed to return to thr battle field?" Haruhi asked.
"Not too much longer," Mori assured her.
"Are you going to be in okay shape to return to battle when we do return?" Haruhi asked.
"Yes," Mori insisted.
Haruhi sighed softly. "Good, that's good," she muttered.
"Are you okay Haru-Chan?" Hunny asked.
Haruhi looked between him and Mori for a second.
"Might I have a word with Takashi alone for a moment Haninozuka?" she asked.
"Sure," Hunny allowed, "don't do anything unethical now Takashi," he said as he slowly slid the door shut.
"Mmm," Mori muttered as he looked at Haruhi.
"Can I be honest with you, Takashi?" Haruhi immediately asked.
"Of course," Mori said as he sat on the matts, and patted the spot next to him.
Haruhi sat down next to him. "I don't like the idea of your returning to battle for some reason. I, when I thought I lost you, I was devastated. I didn't know what else I'd have to live for." She suddenly jumped up and hugged him. "I don't want to go through that again! I don't want to risk going through that again! It actually frightens me! I hope that doesn't make me sound weak or pathetic."
"No, no it doesn't," Mori said patting her head.
"And it's got me to thinking, about how to maybe bring an end to the war. It's actually been an idea I've had for a while, but I've been hesitant to reveal it," Haruhi confessed.
"What is it?" Mori asked.
Haruhi sighed as she stood up and pulled at her hair in frustration. "You know the Shizukeisha river that borders mine and Suoh's territory?"
"Yeah, sure," Mori said going along with it.
"Well, I was thinking, we should give up the river entirely, and some of the land on my side. That way both our territories a little more even. Plus, they'd have more control with having the river all to themselves. Does that make sense?"
"Yeah," Mori agreed. It sounded like Haruhi new what she was talking about.
"It's just, my father never had to resort to doing such a thing when he led the clan. I couldn't help but feel that I'd be seen as weak or an unfit ruler if I'd gave in to the enemy. Plus given Suoh and the Hitachiins' less than honourable actions, it makes me wonder if they even deserve it."
She felt Mori pull on her arm to him.
"I don't think you'd be seen as a weak leader for this," he said. "I think we should give it a shot. We'll show this plan to Mitskuni and then to the observer along with Suoh and the Hitachiins tomorrow."
"You really support me on this?" Haruhi asked in shock.
Mori nodded with a smile, patting her head some more.
Haruhi looked excited about his acceptance.
"Thank you!" She said as she suddenly kissed him.
Mori groaned, hoping Hunny didn't chose now to come back in and see him and Haruhi like this.
Haruhi wasn't sure how long she had been on the secret hiding place as she flipped through some of the books her counter-slef had written. Some of them.were diaries talking about her childhood days, including her interacting with Kasanoda as a child. And her interacting with the Benio too and other members of the Zuko clan.
There was also some entries about when she first met Mori. Those got a little interesting.
'Man this me really is obsessive of Mori-Senpai,' she thought as she read some more, making her eyes open wider.
Just then, she heard someone doing the secret knock.
"Come in," Haruhi allowed.
The door opened and Hunny, Kasanoda and Benio all quickly ran in.
"Fujioka?!" Hunny said holding up one of her other books, "why didn't bring up this strategy before?!"
"What strategy?" Haruhi asked confused.
"The strategy to trun over the River Shizukeisha river and it's borbers over to Suoh?!" Hunny asked.
"Uh," Haruhi sputtered, trying to to figure out what to say.
"Because this might be a good idea to help end the fighting!" Hunny added.
"Oh," Haruhi said, not sure how to take that info in.