Chapter Five: Friends

The Host Club was busy enchanting the ladies as usual and everything seems so perfect. Every single member used their charm to give comfort and warmth to the ladies, after all, that was their job. They were dressed up in Disney's prince characters. "Good Morning Mori, I am happy to see you again." A girl said happily. She had long brown hair and blue eyes. Mori just let out a smile and pour her tea. "I hope you remember my name."

"Salina…" He said lowly. He was dressed up as the cursed prince from Beauty and the Beast. She blushed in front of him and let out a sigh of awe.

"That's right. I am happy that you remember." Salina said. Mori is so handsome. I am so happy I have him all to myself. He is usually with Honey but I requested only him. He is so cool. "So Mori, how was your morning so far?"

"It was okay…" Mori replied. Then Kitaru walked their way with a cart filled with pastries and delicious treats. She was dressed up as Prince Phillip from Sleeping Beauty. Mori took a glance at her and started to blush.

"Good day princess, do you want something sweet to eat?" Kitaru said.

"You must be the Kitaru." Salina said. This is new host everyone was talking about. I heard he is very close to Mori. She then turned to Mori and he was blushing. Mori is blushing?

"That's me…" Kitaru said, smiling. "So what would you like to eat my princess?"

"Nothing from you…" Salina replied, giving her a smirk. "I only eat what Mori picks…"

"Suit yourself…" Kitaru said, turning to Mori. "Mori, what would the young lady eat this morning?" Mori paused for a moment and took that time to stare into her eyes. "Well?"

"The strawberry shortcake…" Mori mumbled. She is so cute in her prince outfit. Kitaru gave them to slices. "Thank you Kita…"

"You're welcome." Kitaru said. Then a group of girls walked up to her.

"Kitaru, we are here. I hope you weren't waiting long." The first girl said.

"Not at all, it doesn't matter how long I wait." Kitaru said, smiling. "As long I see your beautiful faces, I am satisfied."

"Oh Kitaru, you are so dreamy." The second girl sighed.

"Can you play something for us today?" The third girl asked.

"Of course, anything for you my princesses…" Kitaru said. She then turned to Mori and Salina. "Well, I must be off. Have a nice day you two." She started walking away with her clients and Salina and Mori was alone once more.

"Mori, I am happy we can spend this time alone together." Salina said. He was still staring at Kitaru and let out a smile. "Mori, are you listening?"

"I am sorry." Mori said. "I am just worried about Kitaru. He has been working so hard lately. He even has more guest than all of us. I am worried that it is hard for him to handle."

"He is a commoner and commoners are used to hard labor." Salina replied. "We both know that." I can't believe he is more concern about him than me. Mori is mine. She turned to Kitaru and found her playing the violin to her guests. He needs to disappear. He is just taking all of Mori's attention. "How about we eat our cake and chat about something else?"

"Okay…" Mori said.

The other hosts were also working their best. Ladies hover around them with pinkish cheeks and admirable gazes. "Oh Tamaki, you are truly my prince charming." One girl said, cuddling next to him.

"I would always be yours." Tamaki said, lifting her chin up. He was dressed up as the prince in Cinderella. "We would finally have our happily ever after."

"Kyoya, you look so cool." A girl said. "That outfit suits you perfectly."

"Why thank you my princess…" Kyoya said. He was dressed up as Aladdin.

"Oh Haruhi, you look so handsome." Another girl said.

"Really? Well, I believe you are beautiful my princess especially when you smile." Haruhi said, smiling at her. She was dressed up as Prince Eric in the Little Mermaid.

"And Honey, you are so adorable."

"I think you are adorable too." Honey said, giving her a cute look. He was dressed up as Prince Charming from Snow White and the seven dwarfs.

"The Prince and the Pauper suits you two perfectly Hikaru and Kaoru."

"Hikaru, why do I have to be the commoner?" Kaoru said, leaking tears.

"Oh Kaoru, even as a prince I would always be your loving brother." Hikaru said, moving closer to his lips. "Also, you look so cute in that and I can't take my eyes off of you."

"Oh Hikaru…"

"THEY ARE ALL SO HANDSOME!" All the girls screamed.

"Haruhi, your idea of Disney's prince cosplay is brilliant." Kyoya said. "All the girls seem to enjoy themselves."

"It struck me when I was Beauty and the Beast with Kitaru last night." Haruhi said. "It is one of her favorite movies."

"Next time we should make you and Kitaru dress up as the princesses." Hikaru teased.

"You two are going to look so cute." Kaoru added.

"I can't wait…" Haruhi said sarcastically.

A few hours as passed and Kitaru finished entertaining all of her guest. Finally I have some time to study. I am so tired. So far I hosted ten girls not including ten of new ones. I can't wait to go home and take a long nap. I have a huge exam coming up and I want to do well. She was reading her literature textbook but stop when Salina joined her. "Oh it's you. It is nice to see you again." Kitaru said, closing her book. It is the girl that Mori was hosting. I wonder why she is here with me considering that she hates me. "Do you want some tea or coffee?"

"I want you to stay away from Mori." Salina said. Kitaru paused and placed the pot down. "He is putting all his attention towards you. Don't think he cares; he is only doing that because you are part of the Host Club. You are just a commoner. It is a shame that the Host Club picked up another stray dog. I can tolerate Haruhi but I can't stand you."

"I see…" Kitaru said. "You are jealous of me." Salina's eyes widened with anger and slapped her on the face. Everyone paused and turned their gaze at them.

"HOW DARE YOU SAY SUCH THING TO ME?!" Salina screamed. "DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?" Kitaru just turned to her. "Mori is from a high-class family and you can never attain his love. Stay away from him."

"I may not know you milady but I do know that you don't have any right to tell me what to do and what not to do." Kitaru said. "Yes I am a commoner and most of the Host Club members are from high-class families but it doesn't change the fact that we are all humans, that we are the same being." She then let out a smile. "They already accepted me as their friend so I am happy. So I won't stay away from Mori because he is my friend." Salina was so furious with her answer that she was about to slap her once more. But Mori caught her hand. "Mori…"

"That's enough." Mori said. Tamaki walked towards them followed by the others.

"Tamaki, do something? Cast this stray dog away." Salina pleaded. Tamaki lifted her chin up.

"You are a beautiful girl Salina but Kitaru is right. We are the same even with our ranks in society." Tamaki said. "With the help of Haruhi and Kitaru, we learned how to respect commoners and treat them as our own. It is something we thrive to teach here in the Host Club."

"I don't understand…" Salina snapped, pointing at Kitaru. "He doesn't deserve to be here."

"Kitaru has every right to be here." Haruhi said. "Why do you judge us like that? We may not have the rich life you have but at least we don't complain about it. I love where I am at and I don't care if I stay this way. People should accept each other from the inside."

"Haruhi…" Kitaru said.

"Mori, I know you are on my side." Salina said, hugging him. "Please tell them that they are dead wrong." Mori pulled her back. "Mori…"

"Jealousy is a poison. It reveals a person's true nature." Mori said.

"Damn you Mori…" Salina snapped. "You idiot…" She raced away in tears.

"I am sorry about that." Kitaru said.

"Kitaru, are you okay?" Haruhi said, checking her cheek. "Does it hurt?"

"I am fine…" Kitaru said. "I can handle a slap." Mori then grabbed her chin and checked it also. "Mori, I am okay."

"You look tired. You should take a nap." Mori said.

"No, I can handle it." Kitaru said. "I need to study. I have exams tomorrow and I didn't even touch my textbooks yet."

"Big Sister, you have a rough day. You should take a nap." Honey said. "There is no guest right now so you can take a quick nap. We would wake you up when you have a guest to host."

"You have been working hard in the past weeks." Kyoya added. "We need our angel type in top shape so a little nap wouldn't hurt."

"Kitaru, you look so pale. You should get some rest." Haruhi said. "You have to focus on your health."

"I am not going to argue." Kitaru said. "A nap sounds really good now." Honey grabbed her hand and pulled her to a bed. She lay down and Honey tucked her in with Yuki.

"Takashi, you should sing her something. She is not going to sleep if you don't." Honey said, smiling. Mori grabbed Kitaru's guitar and sat beside her. He started to play and Kitaru just smiled.

Close your eyes until the new day

Let the magic of dreams wish you away

In the stars in the heavens where dreams will come true

Good-night Kita, I am watching over you.

He repeated the lyrics until she drifted to sleep. Honey kissed her on the cheek. "Sweet dreams, big sister…" He said. She smiled her in sleep and cuddled Yuki tightly. "She is so cute when she sleeps."

"Yeah…" Mori said. I am your friend… Is that how she sees me? Does she see me more than a friend?

An hour later…

"I am Kitaru's guest." A girl said, walking up to Tamaki and Kyoya. "Do you know where I can find him? He was supposed to teach me how to play the guitar."

"I am afraid that Kitaru would be on leave. He is resting right now." Kyoya explained, pointing at Kitaru. "He has been restless from all his studies so we gave him time to rest and replenish his strength."

"I can take his place if you like my princess." Tamaki said. The girl ignored him and walked straight to Kitaru. Tamaki then sulk in the corner. "She ignored me…"

"He is so cute. May I just stare at him sleep?" The girl asked. "He is just too adorable."

"Of course but please don't wake him up." Kyoya said.

"I wouldn't dream of it. I can watch him sleep all day." The girl said.

"It has seems that Kitaru still has a way with the ladies even when she sleeps." Kyoya teased. "I am so proud of her."

"I don't like her at all." Tamaki said. Then three armed men burst in the room. "What in the world?" They pointed their guns towards everyone in the room. The ladies were terrified while the hosts stare at them.

"We didn't come here for trouble. We are only here for one girl and her name is Kitalena Regal." One man said. "If you hand her over to us, we would leave without hurting any of you."

"Boss, do you know what girl they are talking about?" Hikaru asked.

"No, I don't…" Tamaki said. "I never came across a maiden that goes by that name."

"Same here…" Kaoru said. "How about you Haruhi, do you know her?"

"No…" Haruhi said.

"It has seemed that name is not familiar to us." Kyoya said. "I think you got the wrong place."

"Don't fool us… Our resources told us that Kitalena Regal is a student in Ouran Academy." The bandit snapped. "So where is she?" Then a girl stood up from her seat. She had long red hair and her bangs covered her face as she turned to them.

"My name is Kitalena Regal…" She said, walking towards them. "Please don't hurt these people. If it is me you want, please spare the others."

"We were looking everywhere for you." The guy said, grabbing her arm. "Your bodyguard was tough to get rid of but we show her now."

"Not quite…" She said, pulling out a dagger from her uniform and swung it. All of the guns were cut into pieces. She took off her uniform and it was Ashley in a black bodysuit. She pulled out her glasses from her pocket and put it on."Hello boys, welcome to your end."

"Oh look its Aunty." Haruhi said.

"She was here the whole time." Tamaki said. "I didn't even notice that."

"It is her job to watch over us." Kyoya said. "I am not surprise that she is here every single day."

"Kitaru's mom is so cool." The twins said.

"Oh no, it's the Angel of Death…" They all said, shivering in fear. "Let's make a run for it…" They were racing towards the door until she appeared in front of it. "HOW DID SHE GET THERE?!"

"You are not going anywhere." Ashley said, pushing her glasses up. "I am not done with you guys yet." She gave a demonic look and froze in fear. "I want to have a little talk." Then a group of police officers walked in behind her.

"Lady Ashley, we got your call and rushed here in time. Is there any civilians hurt?" The captain asked.

"Not at all, I made sure these maggots don't lay a hand on anyone. That's my job after all." Ashley said.

"It is an honor to work alongside you." The captain said. "You are a symbol of greatness milady and we are happy to be at your service."

"Oh boys, you are too kind." Ashley said. "I would let you guys handle things from here. I am counting on all of you."

"YES MA'AM!" They all said. SHE IS SO HOT! Ashley walked towards the hosts and let out a smile.

"So are you guys okay?" Ashley asked.

"Yes thanks to you…" Tamaki replied.

"Wow Ash-chan, you are amazing." Honey said. "You are so fast and brave."

"Thank you Mitsukuni." She replied. "Where is my Kitty?"

"I am afraid she is still sleeping." Kyoya said. "She has been napping for a while now."

"I can't believe she slept through all that." The twins said.

"Well, at least she is safe." Ashley said, walking towards her daughter and sitting beside her. It has been a long time I have watched her sleep. I should take a break and spend time with her once and a while. She ran her fingers through her white hair. Kitaru just smiled and continued on sleeping peacefully.

"Aunty, who is Kitalena Regal?" Haruhi asked. Ashley kept silent for a while. "Is she important?"

"She is… She is the future heir of Kenova, A Kingdom east from here." Ashley answered. "Kenova and every business in Japan such as the Ootori Company are business partners. Having a King as a partner gives a company a high standard and also boosts them up in society."

"I have heard about the King of Kenova. My father mentioned a few times about business with him but it is usually about medicine." Kyoya said. "I didn't know that his daughter goes to this school."

"Actually, it's his granddaughter." Ashley corrected.

"Does she really attend this school?" The twins asked.

"Of course she does. You guys know her all too well." Ashley said. "Kitalena Regal is actually my daughter, Kitaru."

"WHAT!"

Wait, Kitaru is a princess… A real princess… Mori thought.

"Big Sister is a princess…" Honey said. "Does that mean I am a prince?"

"Only when you are blood related to her." Mori replied.

"How is that possible?" Tamaki asked. "She came here as an honored student."

"My cousin can't be a princess. Our fathers were born and raised in the same household. We were commoners." Haruhi said. "Unless…Her mother…"

"Her late mother, Akira Regal, is the oldest daughter of King Genoa. King Genoa had two children, one daughter and one son." Ashley explained. "However, Princess Akira fell in love with a commoner and wanted to marry him. The King didn't approve of their union and told her to choose, her line in the throne or him. She chose love over riches and royalty. As a result, she was banished to Kenova and was disowned in the Regal Family."

"But how about the King's son, surely he is next to the throne?" Haruhi asked.

"The King's son, Akechi Regal, died during a sea voyage. He left a sonbehind but he is second in line for the throne and Kitaru is the first." Ashley said. "Nothing can change this unless something happens to Kitaru."

"That is why those bad guys came here, to kill off the future heir." Honey said. "That is so mean."

"Those goons are only the beginning. There are many people after her." Ashley said. "Even the Ronin Signet wants her."

"Ronin Signet?" Haruhi said.

"It is an organization filled with rogue ninjas." Honey explained. "They used to target me and Takashi but we handle that long time ago."

"Does Kitaru even know who she really is?" Mori asked.

"No, she doesn't. Your mother kept it hidden so she won't get hurt." Ashley answered. "She doesn't even know that she is being targeted. I kept this a secret from her so she won't worry but someday I would tell her. So please keep this a secret my dears. If you don't, you would pay the consequences."

"Yes ma'am." They all said.

"Hey mom, when did you get here?" Kitaru said, rubbing her eyes. "Did I miss anything?"

"Oh no Kitty, I came to check up on you. I heard that you had girl trouble so I came to see what is going on. Tamaki and your friends already explain everything to me and I am so proud of you honey that you are faithful to your friends." Ashley said, smiling. She then cupped her daughter's face. "Oh my, you look so cute in your prince outfit."

"Thanks mom…" Kitaru said. She then turned to her friends. "Hey guys… what's wrong? You guys look shocked."

She is a princess… We were working with a princess this whole time. They all thought.

"Guys…" Kitaru said.

"Hey Kitaru, do you want some cake?" Hikaru said.

"Do you want some water too?" Kaoru added.

"What is going on here?" Kitaru said.