"Tales of the Stars"

Book 1: Homecoming

Chapter 19

Motoki looked up from a text book he was reading as Staria walked in the arcade.

"Well hello there stranger." He smiled. "Finally decided to drop by again?"

"Yep." she grinned back. "I needed a day away from high society. Though I'll be neck deep in tomorrow night."

"Oh? Care to share?" He put his book away, clearing off the counter as she leaned against it.

"I'm going to a fancy pants party with a classmate. It's been in the papers actually. The Diamond kingdom's showing off some old rock they've had in their family forever."

"Is this classmate a boy?" Motoki picked, knowing that her only friends at Ouran were currently male.

"Naturally. I'm apparently not capable of making female friends. Do I give off a weird vibe or something?" She asked, cocking her head to the side a bit. Motoki smiled, thinking she looked cute and wondered if the pose was intentional or not.

"Not that I can tell. You really haven't made any girl friends?"

"It's a little complicated." She pulled out her sketch book, and removed a few recent photos of herself and the guys. She laid them out on the counter. "These are my current friends. They have a little club at school where they entertain the girls. A high school host club."

Motoki couldn't help but snicker a bit at the concept, but it was obvious that Staria had herself a nice little pool of good looks around her.

"So most of the girls don't like me since I get to hang out with them out side of the club, or they just want to use me to get closer to the guys. Either way it's a loosing situation."

"A lot of girls would probably trade places with you in a heart beat." Motoki smiled, "But it's probably hard on you too. Mamoru has mentioned you wanting to try and make some female friends here."

"Maybe. I don't know. I mean it'd be nice to have some normal friends. The world of the rich can be exhausting. They just don't get certain things cause they've never had to deal with them. I will say though these guys are great. They really do watch out for me and do their best to keep me in good spirits." she smiled as she made her point.

"That's good then. So who's the lucky guy taking you out tomorrow?"

Staria blushed but pointed him out any ways, "Kyoya is."

"Are you two going out seriously or is this just a date?" Motoki couldn't help by pry. He loved to gossip when he got the chance to, and Mamoru was no fun in that area.

"It's just a date…." Staria trailed off.

"But you want it to be more? Or he wants it to be more and you don't?"

"No….I mean well…. It's complicated. I really like him, and he's pretty much told me he likes me too, but I don't know. Their world just makes my head hurt. So this is kind of a trial run to see if I can stomach high society. If I can we might date. If not we're just gonna drop the whole idea." she laid her head on the counter. "It's stupid isn't it…."

"I wouldn't know. Rekka, my girlfriend, likes high class stuff but she's from a regular class family. My family's working class too so I can't really relate. At least you're giving it a chance and he's not pressuring you. But I will say you shouldn't just group them all together with their world. If you like someone then you should go for it."

"That's what my heart keeps telling me too, but my brain is being stubborn."

Motoki smiled, "You're actually quite a bit like your brother."

"What make you say that?"

"He thinks too much about that kind of stuff too. I'm pretty sure there's a girl he likes but he won't talk about it and denies everything I suggest as a possibility."

Staria wondered if it was his search for this princess bleeding through, or if he really was starting to like just a regular girl. "Who do you think he likes?" she asked out of curiosity.

"Well there's a girl he's been dating off and on, but I'm pretty sure that's one sided. She's more into him than he is her by far. Which is sad cause she's really cute even if she's younger. But he fights with one of my regulars like an elementary kid picking on his crush. It's quite amusing to watch those two rip into one another. I'd bet money that he really actually likes her, but doesn't want to admit it since she's in middle school."

"Really? Mamoru's a cradle robber?" She couldn't help but laugh at the thought.

"Oh don't think that way. She's a third year. Only four years younger, I'm pretty sure. She's adorable too. Very bubbly and usually care free. Though she's been a little moodier lately. Probably just teenage girl issues."

"Yeah we get those from time to time." Staria smiled. "You'll have to point her out to me if she comes in so I can pick on Mamoru too."

"Now that's a deal." He looked up to greet a customer and stopped for a second, "Looks like your ride's here."

Staria turned around to see Tamaki coming into the arcade. "Over here Tamaki!" she called.

"Hello again." Tamaki greeted Motoki with a smile. "Have fun Star?"

"Motoki was nice enough to keep me entertained. How'd the club go today?"

"It was the usual. Someone was a little grumpy though since you weren't there." The host king hinted that Kyoya missed her. Staria waved him off not wanting to get into it at the moment.

"Thanks for listening to me today Motoki. Next time help me make some friends ok?"

"We'll see what we can do." Motoki smiled as they left.

"He's a really nice guy. Kyoya doesn't have a rival now, does he?"

"No. Motoki's Mamoru's best friend. Yes he's really sweet, but he's not really my type and he has a girlfriend he adores. Kyoya's still the one I like and you know it so stop making me say it."

"You're so cute!" He hugged her as she turned red. "You sure you don't want to surprise him with a new dress for tomorrow? We still have time to shop."

"No what I have is fine. I don't need a whole arsenal of ball gowns. It's not like I go to this stuff a lot." she thought to her self 'Not in this life any ways….'

Tamaki pouted a bit, "Alright. Don't let me pamper you. I can take a hint."

"You're not going to guilt me into it Tamaki."

"Can I charm you into it?" He pulled her close to him and playfully tilted her chin up so she was gazing at him.

"No." She smiled knowing he was playing. "But I do appreciate the offer. Really I do, but it's not necessary. Now let me go you're causing a scene." Tamaki noted a few people in the street gawking at them. He just flashed them a bright smile and helped Staria into the waiting car.

"Tachibana don't for get to pick up that item I ordered for tonight." Kyoya reminded his aid on the drive to school the next day.

"A yes, the gift for Miss Chiba. It will be waiting for you after school Master Kyoya. Should I pick some flowers up as well?" The older man asked.

"No they won't suite the event. She'll be surprised with the gift as it is."

Kyoya had ordered a mask, to go with Staria's dress, for the ball that night. He was still trying to decide what he wanted to do. He liked the idea of Staria being his girlfriend, but if she was just going to change schools on them was there even a point. If she really wanted to run from the world she was technically born into, she wouldn't want to be dating a member of it. It wouldn't serve him any good either.

He'd been somewhat surprised in himself on that one. Normally if he'd choose someone to date it would be to benefit him in one way or another. In her case, it was merely because he wanted to be near her. It still frustrated him. It didn't help that she seemed to be avoiding extra contact with him since that weekend. She'd even skipped going to the club the day before, so he'd missed his 'payment' for the week. Yes he'd get to spend that night with her, but he'd also be networking and showing face for the family, so personal indulgence would have to be kept in check.

When he walked in the classroom Staria was sitting on his desk talking to Tamaki. She looked up and gave him a bright smile as he joined them.

"Good morning." she beamed.

"Good morning. You seem to be in high spirits today." he set his things down.

"Just kinda excited about tonight. What time should I be ready by?" she swung her legs, absentmindedly as she asked.

"About seven. That should give us plenty of time." he answered, glad that she was enthusiastic about it. Perhaps the night would go well after all.

"It seems the Earth has come quite a way, hasn't it Seiki?" A new comer to the country mused. He was just shy of six feet tall, with a slim muscular build. He was good looking, just this side of pretty for a guy, but his strong jaw and just slightly larger nose read nothing but masculinity. He was dressed in conservative business causal. Black slacks and a pale blue dress shirt with the top two buttons left open, matching black shoes and an open jacket completed his look. The only thing that didn't really seem to fit was his hair. The cut was relatively normal, clean and sleek hanging just below his chin, fringe framing his cheeks. The fact that it was bright violet made it stand out more.

"It's still an eye sore if you ask me." Seiki looked more like an gangster compared to his comrade. He had almost harsh angular features, with his long white hair pulled back in a tight pony tail sitting at the base of his neck. A few loose strands tried to hang in his eyes but fell just short. His six foot six stature was dressed in white slacks and black turtle neck, that could have looked relatively conservative, but he'd added a bright red leather vest and matching belt. A set of six small silver hoop earrings lined the length of his left ear. His dark sunglasses just added to his imposing look.

"Really now my dear cousin, we're not here to pass judgment."

"I know, you just want to see if the oracle was right. Though I still think you're a fool. I'm only here to make sure you don't do something stupid because of your obsession."

"Cousin or not do not speak to me with that tone. We may not be on our home world but I am still your king and you will still follow my will." The violet haired monarch scolded his kin.

"My apologies, your highness, but I still think you're blinded by the past. That woman died a millennium ago. Even if she has been reborn here she won't know who you are."

"I don't care. Our world has been frozen in time since then. If the oracle is correct she needs to return to end our curse."

Seiki put an arm around his king's shoulder, "Lusion quit lying to me and yourself. You could break the curse if you wanted to, you have more than enough power. This isn't about that at all."

"Enough…" Lusion brushed Seiki off. "We need to go get ready for the ball tonight. I will see for myself if she's really been reborn."

"Well don't you look dashing tonight." Tamaki grinned at Kyoya in his tuxedo with coat tails. "And it's rare to see you in contact lenses. I still don't get why you won't get lasic surgery. You're family's in the medical business after all."

"Do you have a problem with my glasses?" Kyoya acted offended, but was just playing. Truth was he just liked the glasses. Yes it would be nice to see without them, but the idea of wearing fake ones just for looks wasn't appealing to him. With the ball being a masquerade, he'd opted for some contact lenses for the evening. He usually couldn't stand to where them for very long, but glasses with a mask over them was a bigger hassle.

"No they're very you." Tamaki dropped the subject as Staria came down the stairs.

"Sorry I had to have Miyuki help me with my make up. I just haven't gotten the whole cosmetics thing down yet." Staria apologized for taking longer than planned, then did a double take when she saw Kyoya. It took a second to register it was him since his trademark glasses were absent.

"It's alright we still have plenty of time to get there." Kyoya reassured her with a smile.

"You don't have your glasses." She said a little dumbfounded.

"Good observation. Well you two have fun." Tamaki ushered them off to the door. He wanted to tag along, but knew that playing third wheel wouldn't help the other two in their ventures. He'd just have to wait and here the details later.

Once they were in the car and on their way Kyoya handed Staria a small box.

"What's this?" She asked still trying to get use to his look.

"A little gift for tonight. Go ahead, open it."

She gave him a curious smile and untied the bow holding the box shut. Inside was a small molded mask shaped like a butterfly. It was painted gold with green accents and tied in the back with green ribbon. Small green gem stones dotted the outer edges of the wings. A slightly larger gem sat in the center brow of the mask and three matching ones trailed a line midway down the nose, each getting smaller as they went. If it was a larger mask it would have almost been gaudy but it's size was just enough to hug the face, compliment the cheek bones and rest just half way down the bridge of one's nose. It was light weight and delicate but sturdy.

"Oh wow. Where did you find this?" Staria asked as she picked it up and held it up to her face.

"I came across an artist who makes them, when I was researching the party. I though you'd like something to match your dress rather than just the basic items that will be provided for guests."

"It's beautiful. What do you think?" She modeled it for him. "Does it suite me?"

Kyoya smiled. "Would I have gotten it for you other wise?" He was pleased that she'd also worn the earrings he'd given her last time.

"No, you're more practical than that." she put the gift back in it's box, and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you. I really like it."

"I'm glad. I got a similar one for myself." He pulled out another small box and showed her the contents. His had a shape very reminiscent of 'The Phantom of the Opera' and was mostly an iridescent pearl white. The edges had decorative color in matching greens and gold to her own. It was very simple and elegant, but still masculine.

"So that's why no glasses."

"Do you miss them?" He leaned a little closer to her.

"Maybe…" her eyes met his, the masks forgotten in their hands.

"They can't get in the way right now…" he cupped her cheek in his hand and closed the short distance between them. Staria leaned into his kiss, closing her eyes. It was a good start to the night.

Mamoru had found a lucky break. The adviser of the music club, at his school, noticed him reading an article on the event during lunch and asked him if he was interested in going. Naturally he said yes, but didn't really give a reason as to why. It turned out that the teacher was old friends with one of the musical performers who would be helping with the entertainment that night. She offered to get him in if he would help out her friend, who's assistant was on leave for medical reasons. He'd have to juggle his time a little better but he wouldn't have to sneak in.

So Mamoru found himself out side a large house playing driver and assistant to a famous pianist, Misa Hamai. He fixed his tuxedo jacket and rang on the intercom at the front gate.

"I'm Mamoru Chiba, Ms. Hamai's assistant for the evening." he introduced himself.

"The mistress is almost ready, she said you may come in a wait for her." A butler responded to him and electronically opened the gate. Mamoru looked around as he walked up to the house and entered as the man he assumed spoke to him opened the door.

The foyer was marble flooring and well lit, but rather bare as far as decorations. It felt more like a hotel lobby than a home. Before he could analyze too much a mature beauty walked into the room. She was a little shorter than him and slim built. Her pale blue hair was cropped short and almost styled like a boy's. Her gown was a simple but elegant white halter, that hugged her body. The floor length dress only exposed her back, and the long scarf that trailed behind her only allowed teases of that as well. A tasteful silver and sapphire necklace gave her look a touch of color and brought out her eyes.

"You must be Mamoru." Misa smiled at him.

"Yes Ma'am. I am at your service tonight." He bowed to her.

"Thank you again. This is a great help to me." As she spoke a boy about Staria's age came in the front door with a violin case in hand. He paused and looked at the group then continued into the other room. "Len…" his mother called out to him, "Are you sure you won't join me tonight at the ball?"

"I have no interest in such things mother." the boy's cold tone rubbed Mamoru the wrong way. He looked a lot like his mother, but was lacking the warmth he'd already seen in her. "Good luck with your performance."

Misa watched her son retreat to his room before turning back to Mamoru. "I'm sorry you had to see that. That was my son Len, he's very talented in music as well, but hasn't seemed to grasp that it's something to enjoy and make part of your own soul. I had hoped he'd come along tonight and see the light it can bring to people's hearts."

"We can be pretty stubborn as teenagers." Mamoru offered, knowing he wasn't much older himself.

"True, well we should be off."

"Yes Ma'am." Mamoru helped her out to his car and held the door for her as a true gentleman should.

"You're still in high school yourself aren't you Mamoru?" She asked after they were on their way.

"I graduate this spring, but yes."

"Were you that head strong as a first year student?" she asked.

"Maybe. I don't really know. My sister is though. She's a first year too."

"Oh, does she attend your school as well?"

"No, she's on a scholarship at Ouran Academy." he laughed a little, "She'll actually be there tonight on a date."

"Ouran, that's a sister school to where my Len attends, Seiso Academy."

"True. Seiso focuses it's students in music right?" he asked.

"Only if they wish to join that department. They have a very good general studies course as well."

"Don't take this wrong, but are the students all from upper class families or is there a good blend of back grounds?"

"It's blended. As long as the student has the grades they can enter. Why do you ask?" Misa was bit curious by his line of questions.

"My sister's getting a bit overwhelmed by her classmates' stature and is considering changing schools. I've been trying to make her a list of good options if she decides to transfer. If Seiso and Ouran are connected though it might be an easier process."

"Does she have an interest in music?"

"Not that I know of. She'd probably just join the general studies course. I might have her look into it."

"If there's time you should introduce her to me. I'd offer to have Len give her a tour of the school before she decides. Though he'd probably turn her off from the whole thing with his personality alone." Misa smiled but it didn't reach her eyes. The fact that her own son was the cause of that woman's sadness made a bit Mamoru sick.

Nephrite leaned against a wall as he drank his glass of wine. The humans at the event were all so frivolous, but if the stone truly was the imperial silver crystal of the moon kingdom, he need to get it for his queen. She was getting impatient as it was, despite the fact that he had been providing energy as she requested.

He'd been watching one little gem of energy for a while. The girl, Naru Osaka, always seemed to be running into him and was obviously in love with him. Love was such a ridiculous concept, but the energy those humans put into it was immense. The energy he'd taken from her the last time saved his ass after failing to kill Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask. He thought since she just happened to be there, that he could use her to help him get the crystal. He just needed to get his plan figured out.