

### Sir Genkaku Host Club

### By

### KuroKoneko Kamen

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2011 KuroKoneko Kamen

Cover Design by TsukiKamiKat

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

### Chapter 1: The love of a maid for her master

Marie – maid of the Usui mansion estate – was in love. Usually being in love would be considered a 'good thing', but not when someone in her position was in love with their _Goshuujin-sama_ , Master. Marie unluckily enough happened to be suffering from an unrequited love with the Usui estate's _botchan_ (young master) Akito.

Akito was a popular, handsome, world-renown male model. His fans thought he was charming and sweet. What his fans didn't know was that the 'real' Akito – the one that existed away from the spotlight – was vain, egocentric, egotistic, selfish, stubborn, hotheaded, and immature. Marie was the only other person besides Akito's mother who knew what he was really like behind closed doors. And yet she still naively loved him...

Akito was _so_ narcissistic in fact that he had decorated the entire Usui mansion (which was a western-style mansion that was located in Central Tokyo, Japan) with paintings as well as marble statues made in his image. He had also hung large, ornate, gilded mirrors everywhere there had been spare wall space since Akito liked to gaze upon his appearance about every thirty minutes or so. It was unusual to find Akito without at least a small hand mirror on his person.

Other maids had quit since they couldn't put up with Akito's selfish ways but Marie had been able to put up with all of Akito's quirks because she was in love with him.

Marie would start her day as a maid at the Usui estate by cleaning all of the painting, sculptures and statues of Akito that were in the mansion. Marie didn't mind this task since she got to stare at Akito's angelic face all morning.

In fact, Marie was happily humming ' _Whistle while you work_ ' from Disney's _Snow White and the Seven Dwarves_ as she dusted one of the large oil paintings that had been painted in Akito's likeness, with her pink feather duster-

It seemed to be an odd song for a Japanese girl to be humming while she cleaned but this was because Marie was not Japanese – she was American. She had lived in New York City until the age of six when her parents died in a horrible car accident on Christmas Eve while they were hurrying home on a snowy highway to get to their daughter in time to spend Christmas morning with her. Marie had been taken to an orphanage and had stayed there for one year before one day she decided to run away...

It was during this time that Akito's mother the Lady Usui had been on a business trip to NY and by chance encountered the homeless girl Marie on the dirty city streets. On a whim the Lady Usui decided to take Marie back with her to Tokyo, Japan with the intention of making Marie her wayward son's personal maid and playmate since they happened to be the same age.

Marie's childhood back in America had been 'picture perfect'. Marie's mother Mrs. Robinson had raised Marie to believe in fairytales. Every night as Marie was growing up Mrs. Robinson would read Marie fairytales for her bedtime stories including – _The Little Mermaid_ , _Rumpelstiltskin_ , _Beauty and the Beast_ among others. Mrs. Robinson and Marie would also watch the classic Disney movies together like _Cinderella_ and _Snow White and the Seven Dwarves_. This had given Marie a fascination about princesses and princes so that her and her mother would often times dress up as Disney princesses and have grand tea parties as they pretended to be royalty. In this way, Mrs. Robinson made her daughter's fantasy world a reality, making her child's dreams come true.

It was because of these vibrant and precious childhood memories that Marie had of her mother that Marie stubbornly refused to 'grow up' and let go of her interest in fairytales and princesses. Even to the present day (Marie was now 22) she continued to have an interest in fairytales and Disney movies. It was her special hobby.

In the portrait that Marie was dusting Akito was dressed in a formal red _kimono_ that had black accents. Marie always thought Akito looked so exotic when he wore _kimono_. Akito was a very handsome young man at 22-years-old and knew it. He had chin-length, spiky, wild, blood-red hair, golden-bronze skin and coal-black eyes. He was tall, with a muscular physic and chiseled features.

Marie sighed with longing as she gazed up at the large portrait of her _Goshuujin-sama_. He was so beautiful, perfect, like a god among men. Marie thought. No wonder he had earned himself the nickname among his fans of: 'Sun Prince Akito' after the Greek God of light Apollo.

Marie made her way to the grand entrance hall of the mansion, which had two immense winding staircases on either side of the hall and which led to the second flood. There between the two staircases was a large statue that had been carved out of a pure white marble in Akito's image but that also resembled Michelangelo's well-known _David_ statue, but the head had been carved to resemble Akito's. Marie blushed as she gazed upon the naked image of her _Goshuujin-sama_.

It was just so embarrassing having to clean this particular statue! Before she could begin her task Marie tied a towel around Akito's waist for modesty's sake. _Whew! There, much better._ Marie wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. Now she could begin to clean the statue without passing out from a massive nosebleed. Marie got out a bucket of soapy water and a cleaning rag. She dunked the rag in the water, rung it out, and began to clean the statue.

However, Marie realized that in order to clean the statue's chest she'd need a ladder or perhaps a chair to stand on. Marie turned around and spotted a small stool. Deciding it would be perfect Marie went over and fetched the stool before bringing it back over to set it down in front of the statue of Akito.

Marie carefully stood up on the stool and began to clean the statue's chest while blushing furiously throughout the process. That's when she noticed that there was a smudge of dirt on the statue's nose. It was pretty far up but Marie was sure that she would be able to reach it if she stood on the stool on her tiptoes.

Marie stood up on her tiptoes and brought the cleaning rag closer to the statue's nose. However, as she did so the stool began to rock back and forth precariously and suddenly Marie could feel herself falling backward. She knew she had to grab onto something to stop her fall and so reached her hand out and was amazed when she managed to grab onto something, however, that 'something' broke with a loud _crack_ and Marie fell backwards and landed on the floor on her butt with a hard thud.

" _Itteeee._ Owwie!" Marie groaned as she rubbed her sore butt. She wondered what it was that she had managed to grab onto and that had unfortunately broken off...

Marie looked down at what she held in her hand to see that she was holding an odd, long, curved, piece of marble that strangely enough resembled a stone banana.

Marie quirked her head at the stone banana and blinked quizzically at it. What was it that she was holding onto exactly? It couldn't have been the statue's nose...Marie looked up at the statue and saw that the towel she had wrapped around the statue's waist had fallen off to reveal-

Marie's eyes widened in horror and she gasped, raising a hand to her mouth when she finally realized exactly _what_ she had broken off the statue:

Akito's manhood.

_Oh my God! I broke Akito's manhood off!_ Marie thought and blushed at her own thoughts.

And at that exact moment-

"Marie!" Came a loud stern voice. "Where in blazes are you?!"

Marie recognized her _Goshuujin-sama_ 's voice instantly. "Akito?! Epp!" Marie quickly scrambled to get up off the floor, dusted herself off and tried to make herself look presentable...and then realized she still had the stone dick in her hand! She had to get rid of it or hide it or something but-

Akito was already walking swiftly down one of the curved staircases and down into the main entrance hall. Marie looked around in a panic and did the only thing she could do; she stood back up on the stool and in front of the statue to block the sight of its missing dick from its owner. Marie quickly hid the stone dick behind her back just as Akito approached her and she tried not to look too guilty as his eyes met hers. She noticed that he was dressed only in his red silk robe.

"Good morning _Goshuujin-sama_ ," Marie greeted him brightly and tried to appear nonchalant.

Akito spotted Marie and stalked up to her. He raised an eyebrow at her suspicious posture; she seemed to be hiding something behind her back, but then shrugged. He could careless about what his clumsy, airhead maid was up to _this time_. She was always getting into mischief. He sighed and shook his head. More importantly – he needed Marie's help in getting dressed. He couldn't very well be expected to do the menial task of picking out his own clothes himself now could he?

"Marie! I need your assistance in getting properly dressed at once!" Akito declared, before he turned to head back up the stairs.

When Marie just stared after him, Akito turned back around to bark another order at her, "Well, hurry up _baka_ (silly) maid!"

" _H-h-hai_ (yes) _Goshuujin-sama!_ " Marie quickly responded but still remained in front of the statue until Akito was out of eyesight before taking off and running after him.

Akito spared Marie a backwards glance as he saw her skipping after him up the stairs. Akito sighed. Marie was such an unusual girl but perhaps it had to do with the fact that she was American. In a place like Japan Marie stuck out like a sore thumb with her golden blonde hair and wide, innocent-looking, sparkling, baby blue eyes. Akito thought Marie's eyes were easily her best feature. She was 22 and yet her eyes still seemed to be filled with child-like wonder.

Akito would admit that Marie was not unattractive. However, she was most definitely not his type. Marie was extremely tall (taller than him), flat-chested, and had rosy-pale skin. Akito preferred his women to be shorted than himself, curvier, and with darker skin.

Besides, he and Marie had grown up together. It was hard for him to see her as a 'woman'. He only saw her as his personal maid and as a source of endless amusement and personal entertainment. She was better than TV. He knew Marie was infatuated with him and had hours of endless fun teasing her because of it.

To him Marie was a strange, unusual, eccentric, weird, clumsy, airhead maid. She had the strangest tastes, hobbies and fetishes. That made her very un-sexy in Akito's book. Marie was the opposite of 'sexy'. She was however the personification of 'cute'. She was 22 and still wore her hair in pigtails for heaven's sake.

Akito didn't find 'cute' attractive however.

The Usui Family's official maid uniform consisted of a plain black dress and a plain white apron. However, Marie had altered her maid uniform so that now as Akito looked at it over his shoulder he noticed that it had somehow ended up being bubblegum pink. Akito's eye twitched as he noticed that wasn't the only change Marie had made to the once conservative maid outfit – she had added frills, lace, bows, sparkling sequins, and flowers until the outfit was barely recognizable as a maid outfit. It had become a cute and sparkly creation since Marie was all about pink, cute and sparkly things. The only way Akito could actually recognize that it was still a maid outfit was because of the maid cap, apron, and the pink feather duster. Whoa, back up, Akito looked down at the feather duster that was peaking out of a pocket in Marie's apron – it really was _pink_. Akito shivered. That girl was _so_ weird! He had decided to let the fact go that Marie had made a customized maid outfit...

***

Marie quickly made her way to Akito's bedroom and knocked on the door-

"Enter." Akito drawled.

Marie entered Akito's bedroom to see that Akito was lazily sprawled out on his bed eating pre-peeled grapes. "Marie hurry up and pick something out for me to wear. I'm getting bored..." Akito complained in a whiny tone.

" _Hai Goshuujin-sama_! Right away _Goshuujin-sama_!" Marie quickly responded as she made her way over to Akito's closet. She opened the door to his closet to reveal that it was a huge walk-in closet that was nearly half the size of his bedroom. She loved it when Akito was in one of his lazy moods and she'd get to dress him up like a Ken doll. Marie sifted through the clothes on the racks that were inside of the closet. He had hundreds of shirts and pants to chose from. Marie figured that it was this fact that probably made it hard for him to decide what to wear each morning in the first place. She pushed a few hangers aside and quickly picked out a red, long-sleeved sweater that would hang off of Akito's shoulders slightly, a thick black belt, and a pair of black leather pants, and a pair of combat boots. The outfit looked strange, Marie had strange fashion sense after all, however, when Akito put on the outfits that Marie chose and put together for him – it was like _magic_.

Somehow the unusual outfits would just _work_. And anytime Akito sported one of Marie's fashion experiments Akito would start a new trend in the fashion world over night!

Marie nodded to herself as she finished picking out the outfit for Akito and brought it over to him. Akito stood off the bed and undid the belt of his robe so that it fell open; he then shrugged carelessly out of his robe so that it fell to the floor-

To reveal Akito had a pair of red silk boxers on underneath the robe! Marie's heart had been hammering a mile a minute at Akito's teasing actions. And now the man she loved was standing half-naked in front of her. Marie didn't know if she wanted to start drooling or get a nosebleed.

Akito chuckled to himself. Oh how he liked to tease Marie. Her expressions, feelings, and reactions to the shameless stuff he did were priceless.

Marie was bright red and staring-

Akito snapped her out of it when he loudly cleared his throat. "Ahem. Are you just going to stand there and stare at me all day like an idiot or are you going to help me get dressed? Not that I can really blame you. My naked body is a sight to behold and worship..."

Marie blinked and snapped out of it. _Oops!_ Marie quickly began to help Akito to dress in the outfit, guiltily enjoying the sensation of her hands brushing up against his skin as she helped him to slip on his shirt and pants. Stolen touches. She could feel herself start to salivate.

Her fingertips felt warm and tingly. Marie was staring out into space and didn't notice how Akito had walked away from her to go and take a seat at the small round table he had in his room. He picked up the silver hand mirror that was on the table before gazing at his reflection. He turned his face this way and that and nodded to himself as he let out an appreciative sound. "Mmhmm." _I look perfect – as always. I'm too sexy for this hand mirror. Booyah!_ Akito began to get impatient for Marie to pay attention to him again and cleared his throat loudly and impatiently. She was always daydreaming! Though it was probably about him so Akito decided he'd let it slide. "Ahem!"

Marie snapped out of her daydreams and turned to see Akito seated at the table and drumming his fingers impatiently. "Is there anything else I can help you with _Goshuujin-sama?_ " Marie looked at Akito intently, like a loyal puppy dog with her tail wagging back and forth excitedly. There was an innocent and expectant look on her face.

Akito snorted as he held back a laugh. Akito then held his hand out to her, palm downwards and wiggled his fingers. "Yes, I need you to redo my manicure..." Even though Marie had done his nails just yesterday Akito had a chip in one of the nails and decided the entire manicure needed to be redone ASAP.

Marie's bright blue eyes lit up with delight. She just loved getting to do Akito's nails. " _Hai Goshuujin-sama_!"

Marie quickly went over to Akito and whipped out her portable manicure kit so that she could begin to take care of Akito's nails. She loved getting to do Akito's manicure because it was the closest she was able to get to him. During the manicure she would get to touch his smooth unmarred hands. They were callous free from little to no physical labor and yet surprisingly manly. After Marie had finished caring for Akito's nails – removing the old polish, cutting his cuticles, filing and then re-painting his nails with a clear polish, she was then allowed to massage his hands with lotion.

_Teehee._ Marie inwardly giggled. She knew she was the only one who got to touch Akito like this and knew deep down that had to count for something. Marie was special. She was sure of it. _Oooo!_ She felt just like Cinderella – one day Akito was sure to turn to her and say:

"Marie, I never noticed how incredibly cute and sparkly you are. Let's get married!"

And then Marie would respond: "Yes, _Goshuujin-sama_!"

And Akito would say, "Don't call me Master, Marie, call me Akito- _kun_." And then he would wink at her in that teasing manner of his that Marie loved.

_Kyahhh!_ Marie put her face in her two hands as she daydreamed about her and Akito. Their future together would be perfect! They'd get married in a beautiful church – one with large, colorful, stained glass windows with white doves sitting in the eaves. Marie would have a cute and sparkly pink wedding gown. (Pink was her favorite color). And Akito would be in an all-white tuxedo. Marie felt a trickle of drool go down her chin at the mental image of her Akito in a tux.

And then they'd move into a little cottage in the forest with a white picket fence. They'd have a cute dog named Pochi, several kids named: Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Eric, and Aladdin. They'd have their very own horse and carriage (which would be made out of a magic pumpkin of course) and her Fairy Godmother would show up and then Marie would have a real family again.

Her life with Akito would be perfect, a true fairytale ending. They would live happily ever after. Marie began to giggle to herself in a slightly creepy manner. " _Teeheeteeheeteeheeeee_."

Akito raised an eyebrow at his daydreaming maid as she had become lost in one of those daydreams of her. He sighed heavily and shook his head. His maid was _weird_. Marie really was such an odd girl. Though Akito thought it could be because she was a _gaijin_ (foreigner). _Crazy Americans_. Sometimes he wished he had a normal maid. But at the very least this one did provide him with some entertainment once in a while. How could someone as weird as Marie be boring?

"Marie!" He snapped. "Get your head out of the clouds and concentrate on my nails, _baka onna_ , stupid girl!"

Marie snapped out of her reverie of her kind and thoughtful Master. " _H-hai!_ " She furrowed her brow and concentrated on her task at hand but she couldn't seem to wipe the smile from her face.

Akito was feeling extremely lazy that day. Even more so than usual. And that was saying a lot. Cough. He needed to go shopping, however, and get a new outfit for an event he had to go to that night that was at a host club. Unfortunately, he had looked in his closet earlier and hadn't found a single thing that he had wanted to wear for the event. But he really didn't feel like going out shopping.

Akito had a dilemma.

Akito watched his loyal maid Marie filing his nails and a sudden idea came to him. Why didn't he just send Marie out to go shopping for him? The girl was weird certainly but oddly enough she had great fashion sense. He knew she would be able to pick out clothes for him to wear that he would actually want to wear – whereas if he chose some other servant to go and do this task for him it would be a complete disaster. Akito tapped his chin in thought.

However, the problem with sending Marie was that Akito had never let Marie outside of the mansion before. She therefore was a completely sheltered and naïve girl. Her whole world since she was seven-years-old had been the mansion and well, him.

This of course was exactly the way he had wanted it though. Akito wasn't just some handsome male model, he also happened to be a Mage, who possessed an unusually strong power of empathy, which meant he could feel people's emotions. Akito had discovered early on that when people admired him those feelings of praise, admiration, and adoration washing over him were _pure bliss_.

This was why Akito had decided to become a male model in the first place. That way he was in the spotlight of the world and girls would flock to him, praise, and worship him and he would simply soak it all in.

Akito had become very successful in the modeling industry too. The world's number one, top male model, nicknamed Sun Prince Akito.

However, his fame had been doomed not to last – as one week ago a newbie model came upon the modeling scene. Some guy named _Genkaku_ had quickly stolen his place in the sun and now he was forced to become a host, but that was the last thing Akito wanted to think about at the moment...

That fact of the matter was that Akito had kept Marie sheltered on purpose and she hadn't been outside of the mansion since she was seven-years-old. The Usui mansion had become her 'world'. This ended up with Marie being extremely innocent. Akito knew the young woman was still into fairytales and Disney movies. Marie was a daydreamer and always seemed to have her head in the clouds, which led to her breaking a lot of his statues when she tried to clean them.

Not that Akito really minded. Akito had even purchased Marie a whole bunch of Disney movies, fairytale books and stuffed animals, which she had decorated her room with. Marie's favorite gift of Akito was probably her _Bedazzler_.

Akito liked to keep Marie sheltered and naïve for one very selfish reason. In Marie's world he really was like some kind of _kami_ (god) – her life, well-being, food, clothes – everything was in his control. So Marie really did end up seeing him as some kind of _kami_ and had even fallen in love with him, which suited Akito just fine. He thought he _should_ be worshipped like a god, because Marie was right – he was like a god among men.

He knew that she loved him, praised him and worshiped him and though he found that totally weird and creepy – his _senses_ did not. The pure love and admiration that oozed off of Marie was delicious and untainted. Her feelings were so pure...so unlike the feelings of other girls that Akito couldn't help but want to keep it this way and so he had decided to shield Marie from the outside world entirely.

This of course had made Marie into a rather eccentric human being. Akito shrugged. _Whatever._ That wasn't really his problem.

Now the real question of the day was this – was Akito so lazy that he wouldn't go shopping himself that day and would instead risk Marie's innocent feelings and have her go out shopping for him instead?

The answer was – yes.

Akito pulled his hands back from Marie since she had already been massaging them with lotion for much longer than was really necessary. "Marie, I need some new clothes. You see I have this...interview. Yea, an interview that I need to go to later and I don't have anything suitable to wear. I need to make a very good impression tonight. So I want you to go shopping for me. Pick me out something spectacular! I know you can do it." He winked at her.

Marie's eyes widened at this unexpected and unusual request. "You want me to go shopping? You mean, like in the city...in the outside world?" Marie bit her lip as she was beginning to become nervous.

"That's what I said." Akito drawled and gave Marie an amused look.

" _Murides!_ Impossible!" Marie shook her head vigorously. "I...can't! I've never been outside of the mansion before. What if I get lost and can't find my way back to you!"

" _Che_ , silly girl. I already thought of that. That's why I made you a map." Akito reached into his pant's pocket and pulled out a rumpled piece of paper. Akito handed Marie a hand drawn map of downtown Tokyo. "I marked the stores you'll want to go to with big red Xs so you can't possibly miss them." Akito patted himself mentally on the back for his foresight. The map hadn't really been for Marie but for another of his servants but Marie didn't need to know that.

Marie looked down at the map, it was pretty straightforward. Maybe she really could do this. Maybe...? For Akito? "Alright then, _Goshuujin-sama_...." She swallowed thickly. If Master Akito needed her to go then she would go. After all, she would do anything for Akito and she wanted to be useful. The last thing she wanted was to cause Akito any trouble.

Akito smirked. "Good girl, here's my credit card." Akito handed her a small plastic gold card and a piece of paper. "Just give this to the people at the register when you're ready to pay for your purchases. They'll know what to do with it and here is a note giving you permission to use my credit card as a maid of the Usui estate. Also, don't hold back because of price. Just get whatever you see fit. I trust in your judgment. I want only the very best since that is what I deserve _neh?_ " Akito grinned and his teeth seemed to sparkle.

Marie nodded as she took the credit card and swallowed a lump of nervousness in her throat.

"I'll let Tanaka drive you to downtown Tokyo, it's close to Akihabara. From there you'll follow the map to where you'll need to go. Got it?" Akito questioned her.

" _Hai Goshuujin-sama!_ " She gave Akito a salute.

Akito ruffled Marie's hair, "That's my girl." He breathed in and enjoyed soaking in the nervous butterflies that were in Marie's stomach due to his touch.

Marie, credit card, note, and hand drawn map in hand, rode in the Usui family limo that was driven by the head butler Tanaka-san to downtown Tokyo.

In no time at all they had arrived at their destination. "We're here, Miss Marie."

Marie looked up in surprise; she had been so nervous that she hadn't even looked out the window the entire ride to downtown. She had missed the rare chance to see the outside world that she hadn't seen since she was seven. She gulped. "Oh...I see..." Her hands were trembling.

Tanaka, an elderly man with white hair and a kind, winkled face, gave Marie a worried look. Tanaka had been the Usui estate's family butler for over forty-five years. He knew all about how Akito had decided to keep his maid Marie sheltered from the outside world for his own selfish reasons and how now Akito had decided to let Marie go out shopping for him on what seemed like a whim. Tanaka knew the girl was a daydreamer, spacey, innocent, naïve – a girl without any street smarts. Chances were high she'd get eaten alive in the outside world or even kidnapped. _What could Master Akito be thinking?_ Answer – he wasn't thinking. Tanaka sighed heavily and put his head in his hand. _I think I just got another white hair because of Master Akito._

"Marie, would you like me to accompany you into town?" Tanaka knew these weren't Akito's exact orders but given the circumstances he couldn't help but be worried for Marie who he saw as a kind of daughter.

Marie looked over at Tanaka in surprise and gave him a warm smile. He was such a kind old man, but he had a bad leg, so there was no way Marie could let the poor old man come with her. It would only cause him trouble. Marie shook her head vigorously. "Oh no, I don't want you to trouble yourself with me, Tanaka- _san_. I'll be just fine. After all, Akito gave me a map that's so easy to read that there's no way even an airhead like myself could get lost! So I'll be just fine on my own. I promise. Please just wait for me here and I will be back shortly." Marie declared with a confidence she didn't feel. Marie was holding the map that Akito had given her like it was a lifeline. She was nervous and scared but she couldn't cause Tanaka trouble and so she was decided.

Tanaka didn't appear too convinced but conceded with a heavy sigh. "Alright if you insist, my dear, but keep to the stores on the map that Akito gave you and don't wander off the main road. Oh and don't talk to strangers. And most definitely do not let people know you're carrying a credit card that doesn't belong to you. Just pay for your purchases in a discreet way. Understand?"

" _Hai!_ Don't worry Tanaka- _san_ , I'll be just fine!" Marie gave Tanaka a salute before she got out of the limo.

Marie had been so nervous during the limo ride to downtown Tokyo that she hadn't been looking through the window and had instead been looking down at the map that Akito had given her. Since Akito had gone out of his way to hand draw the map for her – he must be worried about her safety. The thought made Marie smile.

Because of this Marie couldn't help the gasp of awe and surprise that slipped past her lips as she looked up and gazed upon the city before her-

Whoa.

Downtown Tokyo was an amazing sight to behold. There were several stores lining the main street and office buildings made of glass and steel that reached to the sky. And there were also so many people. Marie had never seen so many people in her entire life all in one place before and they all seemed to be so busy. They were going in and out of the stores and in and out of the office buildings rapidly. Then there were all of the cars speeding past on the road. Marie's head was spinning and she felt a bit dizzy.

And the smells! The smell of the city passed Marie by: a woman's expensive perfume, then a man's cologne, the scent of flowers from the nearby park, gasoline, the smell of hotdogs coming from a nearby street vendor's stall, and the smell of wet dog came from a nearby alleyway.

The stores were all very modern and futuristic looking to Marie. They were very different from the cottages or castles that Marie envisioned while reading her fairytale books. She thought back to her childhood memories of New York but even then the city still seemed strange and spectacular to her.

To Marie's innocent eyes Tokyo City looked like some kind of advanced alien civilization. The buildings were just so tall...Marie had to bend her head back just to see the tops and there were so many artificial lights on even though it was during the day. Lights and signs were flashing everywhere in order to get the attention of potential customers. Music could be heard playing from different stores and from speakers that existed on the streets themselves. Large television and LCD screens were hung on buildings that were playing advertisements, commercials and music videos of j-rock and j-pop artists.

Music was also wafting through the air from different stores and from speakers that were out on the streets themselves. Huge television screens had been attached to buildings and were playing different advertisements as well.

Marie took a deep breath and began to walk down the sidewalk. Luckily, she was on the proper street and could already recognize some of the names of stores that Akito had wanted her to visit: _Comme des Garcon_ , _Misake Design Studio_ , _Yohji_ , _N.Hoolywood_ , and _Satoru Tanaka_. In this classy area the people that were walking past Marie were mostly businessmen and businesswomen, who were dressed smartly in designer fashion. Marie couldn't help but 'Ooo' and 'Ahh' as these fashionable people walked past her.

Marie pulled out her map and looked down at it to see which stores exactly Akito wanted her to shop in. However, it was a really breezy day and a fierce wind whipped around Marie blowing up the skirt of her pink maid outfit. "Epp!" Marie pushed her skirt down and a few nearby men whistle in response causing Marie to blush in embarrasement. The wind then ripped Marie's map from her hand and took off with it down the street.

"Ah! My map!" Marie leapt into the air and tried to grab the map but a gust of wind took it even higher and out of her reach. "No! Give it back! Give back Akito's map!" The wind took the map and it went flying off through the air with Marie chasing after it down the street. "Oi! Hey! Wait!"

Marie chased the map, while not really paying any sort of attention to her surroundings, until-

The map floated down and landed on the sidewalk in front of her. Marie let out a breath of relief, and put a hand to her chest, "Phew. Oh thank God..." She started to reach her hand out towards the map. However-

A five-inch glass heel descended upon the map and there must have been gum on this person's shoe because the map stuck and as the person continued to walk the map ended up being taken along with it!

_Ack! My map!_ "Hey wait!" Marie called after the person and looked up. The person she was chasing was dressed in the strangest outfit Marie had ever seen. The young woman was wearing five-inch tall, black, and glass high-heeled shoes, a pair of fishnet stockings, a black strapless swimsuit, and a black chocker with a bowtie on it. And there was a pair of white bunny ears on the girl's head. The girl was also wearing a short, white haired wig.

A white rabbit! Marie thought remembering one of her favorite fairytales ' _Alice in Wonderland_ '.

Marie followed after the white rabbit but she was fast! They turned corner after corner until they arrived at an even busier street than the last one had been Marie had reached-

Akihabara.

Marie's eyes widened as she caught sight of this particular shopping district street, which was so different from the other one she had just been to.

There were also tall modern looking buildings and shops here but the shops were different than the ones on that other street. These stores seemed to be selling the latest in electronic devices, video games, _anime_ (Japanese animation) memorabilia (figurines, clocks etc.), _anime_ DVDs and _manga_ (Japanese comic books), _cosplay_ costume stores, Gothic Lolita clothing stores (Gothic Lolita is a fashion style that uses Victorian designs and girls end up looking like Victorian Dolls), Maid Cafés (Where girls dress up in cute maid costumes and serve men coffee and cake while calling them ' _Goshuujin-sama_ '), host clubs and _Visual Kei_ (the fashion based on indie j-rock bands) night clubs.

To Marie she could barely comprehend this strange new world...filled with colorful billboards of _anime_ characters pointing the way to the stores. Not only were the stores strange but so were the people. Marie felt like she'd just fallen down a rabbit hole and into a whole other world, a fairytale world. One where princes, princesses, elves, fairies, knights and evil witches were real.

Japanese teenagers roamed the busy Akihabara streets dressed in cosplay. (Cosplay – when _anime_ enthusiasts dress up as their favorite characters from _anime_ , _manga_ , or video games and role-play).

There was a boy with a yellow straw hat on his head wearing a red vest, jean shorts, and there was a fake scar under his left eye (Luffy – from the anime _One Piece_ ). A girl dressed in Gothic Lolita seemed like a real princess to Marie's eyes. There was a young man dressed in a black kimono, with dyed orange hair and a large fake sword strapped to his back (Ichigo – from the anime _Bleach_ ). A man with a long, silvery-haired wig, blue contact lenses and a white outfit was getting a lot of attention from nearby girls (Sephiroth from the movie _Final Fantasy_ ). There was a girl with pink hair, a red Chinese dress and ninja accessories (Sakura from the anime Naruto). And there was also a young girl with dark skin who was wearing a long white wig, red contact lenses, battle armor, and had pointed ears (Pirotess from the anime _Record of Lodoss_ ).

However, some men wearing black suddenly approached the girl, who was dressed up as an elf, and began to ask her what appeared to be a few heated questions. Marie curiously looked over at the men who were dressed in Asian-styled military uniforms. The jackets were high-necked and had a golden logo of a crescent moon with a star on its lower tip on them. The uniforms also consisted of black pants and combat boots. Marie quirked her head at them and wondered if they were some kind of police.

Little stars seemed to form in Marie's bright blue eyes and tiny hearts formed in the air around her. It was like being dropped into fairytale land! Marie clasped her hands before her in awe, spellbound. "Ooo! _Sugoi!_ Cool! Amazing! This is just like a dream...Oh I really must be dreaming!" Marie pinched her arm, hard. "Ow!" _I guess this isn't a dream but then...are fairytales real? Is this really what the outside world is like? Unreal. I love the outside world!! It's so colorful, beautiful, different and alive!_

Poor, innocent, naïve Marie thought that everything she was seeing was _real_. _Real_ princes, princesses, and even elves.

Marie then caught sight of the white rabbit again. "Ah! It's her – the white rabbit! Hey wait!" Marie called out to her and took off after the white rabbit once more, zigzagging through the crowd of people.

Marie unknowingly fit right in Akihabara dressed in her customized pink maid's outfit. It was the perfect maid cosplay. Which was _so_ 'IN'.

Marie pursued the white rabbit until they reached this huge crowd of teenaged cosplayers. The group was waiting outside of a convention center where an Anime Convention was about to take place. At an Anime Convention different booths for different _anime_ would be set up where fans of the _anime_ or _manga_ could buy the latest DVDs or _manga_ that were available on the market.

Marie lost sight of the white rabbit in the huge crowd and pouted. _Damn._

"Ooo! I'm so excited to get the next issue of the _Gothic Sunshine manga_! I'm _Gothic Sunshine_ 's biggest fan!" Declared a girl who was dressed in a purple and black ball gown, with her long curly golden hair (a wig) cascading down her back in waves. She had gold glitter sprinkled on her arms and on her face. And there was a small pair of butterfly wings on her back. She also had a microphone in her hand.

"I want to buy the next volume DVD of _Gothic Sunshine_ myself." Her friend declared. He was also dressed in _Gothic Sunshine_ cosplay like his girlfriend and was wearing a _Visual Kei_ styled, gothic outfit which consisted of a long black leather trench coat, a spiked collar, and combat boots. He had several piercings in his ears and he also had his tongue pierced. His face had been painted white and he had on black lipstick.

"Like no way, the _manga_ is much better than the _anime_!" The girl insisted.

" _Uso_ , no way, in the _anime_ you actually get to hear the music of the band and you get to hear Mitsuko's singing!" The boy argued. "It _so_ rocks!"

Marie was about to continue her search for the white rabbit when she caught sight of the two cosplayers and her eyes widened. Before Marie's eyes she saw a princess and a villainous knight.

The male cosplayer spotted Marie and looked her outfit over, "Nice maid cosplay." He whistled.

Marie quirked her head at the dark knight. "Maid cosplay?"

"Are you also here because of _Gothic Sunshine_ or do you like some other _anime_?" The female cosplayer questioned in a friendly manner. "Your outfit almost looks like something out of the _Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya_."

"Whaaat...?" Marie was at a complete lose as to what these people were talking about. Her head was beginning to hurt.

"Ooo! They're opening the doors! Come on. We don't want to be the last in line. We'd better hurry!" the female cosplayer declared as she started off.

The male cosplayer grabbed Marie's arms, "Hurry up slowpoke, or you'll be left behind."

" _Hai?_ " Marie questioned as she was pulled along.

The two _Gothic Sunshine_ cosplayers dragged Marie inside of the Anime Convention hall and there was a sudden stampede of teenagers to get inside. All of the _anime_ enthusiasts wanted the latest issue of the _Gothic Sunshine manga_ and the latest _Gothic Sunshine anime_ DVD both of which were to be released that day at the convention.

The Anime Convention center consisted of a immense cavernous room that had been set up with tables and booths representing different _anime_ and _mangas_. _Gothic Sunshine_ 's booth was impressive. Next to the booth were elaborate and realistic cardboard cutouts of the main characters that were featured in _Gothic Sunshine_.

_Gothic Sunshine_ was an _anime/manga_ about a gothic, Visual Kei, j-rock band that was so scary that they scared all of their fans away even though their playing and songs were actually quite good. Then the band's lead guitar player came across a homeless girl who was singing on the streets but who had an angelic voice. She became their singer and helped the band to appear to be less scary to their fans and so they managed to get even more fans, gained popularity, and were soon topping the charts.

The lead guitarist was a tall, handsome, dark-haired man, who had on a long, black leather trench coat, was wearing a spiked collar, had several piercings, combat boots, and whose face was painted white and he had on black lipstick. Marie blinked and noticed his resemblance to the male cosplayer she had run into and wondered if they were the same person. The singer was an angelic girl with long, curly, blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and who was wearing a blue and white ball gown that had medieval crosses on it, and there was a pair of small angel wings on her back. A young boy wearing a pair of sunglasses, a small Dick Traceyish hat, and all back was the synth player. An effeminate man with long blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail and who was wearing an all-white suit was the band's bass guitarist. And an extremely tall man dressed in a black suit, with a shaved head and a pair of sunglasses on his face was the band's drummer.

Poor Marie was dragged along with the wave of people – the mad rush for the new _Gothic Sunshine_ _manga_ and DVDs and somehow she ended up in line. Marie felt a trickle of sweat form on her brow since she didn't even know what she was in line to buy exactly. The line soon dwindled down and Marie was finally at the front of the booth. The booth attendant a woman, who was also dressed up in a ball gown, blonde wig and had small angel wings on her back, gave Marie a huge smile as she handed Marie a copy of the latest manga issue of _Gothic Sunshine_.

"Ooo! You're a lucky gal. This is the very last copy of the new issue of _Gothic Sunshine_!" The attendant exclaimed.

Marie took the manga novel book and blinked. "Uh thanks..." _I think._ However, Marie suddenly had the feeling she was being watched. She could feel someone's gaze burning a hole in her back and turned around to see that there was a strange looking boy directly behind Marie, who was dressed in a business suit and tie (looking every bit the miniature Tokyo business man), and who had black hair which was slicked back in a manner that revealed the boy's widow's peak. He also had an eye patch over his right eye.

But that wasn't all as Marie turned to stare at the strange boy she noticed that he had long pointed ears and there was also this glowing _kanji_ symbol on his neck. _Oh he's a cute little elf boy!_ Marie inwardly cooed.

As soon as the boy heard what the booth attendant had told Marie he immediately cried out in despair. "Nooo!" He had been so close; he was the person just after Marie after all. He had been _soo_ close to getting that _manga_! But no cigar. His life really must be cursed! The boy went off to a corner to wallow in self-pity.

Marie watched the boy curiously and watched as he sunk to his knees and placed his hands on the floor. He then bowed his head dejectedly and this dark, depressing aura seemed to be forming around him.

Marie instantly took pity on the boy and went over to him. "Here." She held the _manga_ volume out to the boy.

The boy looked up in surprise to see this cute maid handing him the very last copy of _Gothic Sunshine_! _Uso! Now way!_ He must be dreaming. The boy rubbed at his eye with his fist but when he opened it again there was Marie still smiling brightly at him. The boy frowned it was a little too bright for his taste. She reminded the boy of the image of the Virgin Mary for some reason since there seemed to be this golden halo of goodness shinning around her or maybe she was more like a female Buddha or something...the boy shrugged. _Whatever._

The boy didn't like _girls_ but he was grateful to this girl never the less. He took the _manga_ novel book, his brows furrowed in a mixture of surprise and confusion. "Thank you...but why?" After all, the boy had learned very early on in his life that no one did anything nice without an ulterior motive. This girl wanted something from him...but what?

Marie blinked back at the boy. "Why...what?"

The boy stood up and dusted himself off. "Why would you give _me_ the latest issue of Gothic Sunshine – the very last copy? You had been waiting in line all that time too." He logically pointed out to her.

"Hmm, but you looked so sad and I wanted to cheer you up!" Marie innocently explained.

The boy frowned. "Yea, but _why?_ Why would you care? I'm a complete stranger."

Marie looked confused. "You were a sad little boy. How could I _not_ care?"

"I'm NOT a little boy." The boy instantly corrected her though Marie guessed his age to be around ten. "And you know what? You're weird. This copy is worth a lot of money you know. You could have resold it on Ebay or something for a nice profit."

Marie shrugged. "I don't need money."

" _Everyone_ needs money!" The boy scoffed. "Anyways, _Gothic Sunshine_ is the best _manga_ out there right now. Though I don't get it...th-" The boy coughed. He didn't realize it would be this hard – thanking a girl. "Th-thank you." He grit out. _Man, that was painful!_

"Your welcome...?" She trailed off prompting the boy for his name.

The boy couldn't believe he was about to give this strange girl his name but oh what the hell. "Piper, and you are?" He stuck out his hand for Marie to shake.

"I'm Marie!" She informed him brightly.

"Charmed." Piper snorted.

"So um, what is _Gothic Sunshine_ anyways?" Marie asked him suddenly.

Piper gave Marie an incredulous look. "You mean you don't even know?"

Marie shook her head. "I was kind of...dragged here along with the crowd."

Piper face-faulted. "I see. Well, _Gothic Sunshine_ is..." Piper began to explain to Marie all about Gothic Sunshine's story line and showed the _manga_ to Marie to explain that to her as well. Marie didn't really get it but she decided that it was a little like a fairytale and since she liked fairytales she decided that she liked _manga_ stories too.

"Does it have a happy ending?"

"Huh?"

"You know, does the prince win the princess' heart? There's no point in reading a story unless there's a happy ending. Everyone has to live 'happily ever after' _neh?_ "

"Strange girl..." Piper shook his head at her. "I don't know yet. The _manga_ isn't finished. But the two main characters - the main guitarist Genji and the singer Mitsuko are currently in love in the _manga_..."

Marie smiled and nodded. "I'm sure those two will live happily ever after."

"Yea, whatever." Though Piper was surprised by just how sure the girl sounded. He was tempted to believe her though it would have been completely illogical. _It's not like that crazy girl can know what the end will really be. Happy ending she says. This world is filled with all kinds of ending and not all of them are happy._ Piper went to pay for his _manga_ and left Marie standing by herself so that she became lost in one of her daydreams.

Left alone, however, Marie began to attract a crowd of fellow cosplayers and _anime_ enthusiasts since she was so cute.

"Ooo! Hey, look at you. You're pretty cute aintcha?" One male cosplayer declared, a cat's paw smile on his face. "Mind if I take a photograph of you?" The boy whipped out his cell phone.

Marie was a bit unsure. "Well...I..." Why would someone want to take a picture of her after all? Photo taking was really Master Akito's thing.

"Oh look! A cute maid cosplayer! Take a picture of me with her!" Another boy declared as he strode up to Marie and wrapped his arm around Marie's shoulders while his friend snapped a picture.

Marie had frozen up in shock. _Epp!_

The male cosplayer decided that Marie was cute enough to risk stealing a kiss too. "How about a kiss, cutie?"

The other cosplayers immediately began to egg the boy on. "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"

Marie was still frozen in shock and by this time Piper had finished paying for the _manga_. He turned around to see the odd situation that Marie had gotten herself into and his eyes widened. " _Baka_..." He muttered under his breath as he pulled out his crossbow. He was tempted to use his real arrows but...killing people there at the convention would only draw unwanted attention to himself. Piper decided to load his crossbow with suction cup-tipped darts and fired.

Several darts hit the male cosplayer who was about to kiss Marie directly on his face. One dart was sticking directly in the center of his forehead and the other two darts were sticking to each of his cheeks.

The boy began to back away from Marie.

Piper approached, crossbow still in hand. "Get lost, loser."

The cosplayer turned his attention to Piper and his eyes traveled up and down the boy before he burst out laughing. Piper blushed. "Ahahaha! For a minute there I thought her scary boyfriend was coming to get me, my life just about flashed before my eyes, but...you're just a kid. Is this brat your little brother, cutie?" The cosplayer questioned Marie as he ruffled Piper's hair in an invasive manner, invading Piper's personal bubble.

Marie looked at Piper in surprise that he had decided to help her. She had almost lost her very first kiss to some unknown man! Her first kiss was for her Master Akito! "I wish!" Marie declared looking a bit starry eyed as she looked at Piper. "He's _way_ cool!"

Piper looked at Marie in disbelief. "Shut up, stupid girl! You saying that doesn't make me happy, no, not at all." But Piper was blushing and couldn't wipe the grin off his face, so it was pretty obvious that Marie's comment _had_ made Piper happy.

The cosplayer scoffed. "Keh, he's just a snot-nosed brat. What's so cool about him? He's probably still in diaper!" The young man grabbed Piper's arm in a harsh grip, pissed that he was getting more attention from Marie than he was.

Piper flinched and his eyes slightly teared up due to the pain.

Marie saw all this and snapped. " _Oi!_ " Marie shoved the cosplayer back with all of her strength, sending the young man flying back to land on his ass with an 'Oof!'.

"Don't touch him!" Marie declared angrily.

Piper looked back at Marie in surprise. She was stronger than she looked. But if so...why didn't she just shove the guy off of her in the first place?

The cosplayer was about to get up and Piper decided he didn't want to deal with that idiot just then and so grabbed Marie's hand. Ah, if Master Genkaku could see Piper now – holding hands with a _girl_ he would have passed out in shock. "Come on!" Piper pulled Marie through the huge convention crowd.

" _Hai!_ " Marie happily agreed as she let Piper pull her along. It was fun having a protective younger brother – even if it was only for a day.

They lost the cosplayer in the crowed and were panting for breath when they finally stopped – deciding that they had lost him.

"Hey, you're pretty strong for a girl. Why didn't you just do that in the first place though?" Piper couldn't help but ask.

"I...wasn't expecting him to do that. It caught me off guard. I didn't know people could just go up to you and hug you or try to kiss you like that for no reason..."

Piper put his hands out in a helpless gesture. "It's a messed up world we live in. That's for sure. There are a lot of weirdos like that guy out there. You need to learn not to be so trusting..."

"I..." Marie was saying but before Marie could explain to Piper how this was her first time since she was seven out in the outside world Piper had become distracted by another interesting looking _anime_ booth.

"Ooo, is that the _Gothic Sunshine_ _anime_ soundtrack?" Piper rushed off and Marie quickly followed behind him but ended up running right into someone, who had stepped in her path.

She looked up to see a tall, dark stranger with a surprised look on his face. That's when he looked down at Marie and noticed how cute the girl he had bumped into was and his expression turned calculating.

"I'm so sorry!" Marie apologized with a deep bow.

The man that Marie had bumped into was tall, had tanned skin, pointed elvish ears, short black hair and was wearing a slick business suit. A sly smirk formed on his face. "No worries, babe. Hey, are you here alone?" There was a mysterious glint in his eye.

"Yes but..." Marie was going to explain to him how she had made a new friend a.k.a Piper and that they were seeing the convention together.

"You know what? You're pretty cute." The man stroked his chin thoughtfully, "A cute girl like you shouldn't be going around this convention all on her own. How would you like it if I were to escort you around?" The man winked at her and gave her a super charming smile. His teeth literally seemed to sparkle.

Marie was instantly enamored. The man was incredibly handsome after all and for some reason he was giving _her_ the time of day. And not only that Marie thought to herself – _He's a real elf and he's also extremely handsome. Maybe he's some kind of dark elf prince._ "Alright but..." Marie agreed but she needed to tell Piper so that he wouldn't worry.

The dark elf took Marie's hand and began to drag her off towards the exit of the convention center. "There's a really interesting _anime_ booth, just this way, babe." _Thank you God for airheads._

"Oh...well, alright!" Marie agreed, her eyes turning into two large hearts, and a dreamy expression had formed on her face. _This is just like a prince escorting a princess! Kyahh!_ Marie got so distracted by the mysterious, mystery elf man that she quickly forgot all about Piper.

Piper had finished purchasing the _Gothic Sunshine_ soundtrack CD when he looked back for Marie and noticed that she was no longer where he had just left her. _Damn, where did that airhead go?_ Piper sighed. Apparently, he had lost track of that strange girl. _Oh well, like I really care..._

Piper looked down at his _Gothic Sunshine_ _manga_ and swore. Damn, he needed to find her. He suddenly caught sight of Marie going towards the exit and she was also arm in arm with some shady-looking, yakuza-wannabe guy! _Ack!_

This girl was either incredibly stupid or naïve or innocent or all of the above! Piper thought it was the latter. Trouble followed this girl like toilet paper stuck to your shoe...like a blood hound on a trail...like a stalker following a movie star...like one of Genkaku's stalkers...like...well, whatever. Piper mentally shrugged off his train of thought.

Piper hurried after Marie just as the odd couple was nearing the exit.

" _Oi!_ Stupid girl – where do you think you're going?!" Piper shouted after her.

Marie turned around to see Piper. "Oh, hey Piper. This is my new friend Morion – he asked me if he could take a couple of pictures of me for the magazine _Erdolliel_. The proceeds will go to help starving children in Africa. Isn't that nice? I never knew there were starving children in Africa but now I'll get to help them." Marie clasped her hands before her and her eyes sparkled with delight at the thought of helping and of being useful to someone.

Piper gawked at Marie in disbelief that she believed this guy's bullshit story. The guy must be an AV (adult video) scout or something...

" _Baka!_ " Piper walked up and pinched Marie's arm. "Hasn't anyone ever told you not to talk to strangers!?"

Marie's eyes widened as she seemed to remember something. _Oops. Sorry Tanaka-san!_ She inwardly apologized.

Elsewhere still in the Usui family limo Tanaka sneezed. He took out a handkerchief and rubbed his nose with it.

Back at the convention center. "But...he's a handsome dark elf prince!" Marie tried to explain, "So I just-"

Piper cut her off. "Did you say 'elf'?"

Morion had dropped Marie's hand and was giving the girl an incredulous look.

"Yea, he has pointed ears. See." Marie pointed directly at Morion's ears.

Piper, however, didn't see the pointed ears but he did notice that Morion was wearing a rather fancy earring in his right ear. _Hmm, an Elf Power Limiter perhaps?_ Piper wondered to himself.

Morion's expression had turned dark as he narrowed his eyes at Marie. "Girl...just who are you exactly? Are you from The Guild?"

"Oh I'm-" Marie began to helpfully inform him when Piper grabbed her hand.

"Time to go!" Piper said as he rushed off, pulling Marie along with him. "Run!"

### Chapter 2: The Birth of the Designer Noh-Name

"Hey, wait you brats!" Morion growled as he started after them.

Piper and Marie zigzagged through the crowd of _anime_ and _manga_ enthusiasts but Morion was persistent and was hot on their trail. Piper swore under his breath. _I have no choice_. _Forgive me Gothic Sunshine!_ Piper thought as he knocked over a pyramid display of _anime_ DVDs using his crossbow – he had shot a dart dead center causing the pyramid's collapse.

It fell right in front of Morion and managed to slow him down as the long-legged man was tripped up and fell splat on his face.

Marie and Piper successfully managed to escape the convention center but they continued to run down the street anyways. Finally, several blocks away, they stopped to get their breath.

Marie was very confused.

" _Mou_ , geez, you're a lot of trouble..." Piper complained as he panted.

Marie frowned. "Why did we run away anyways? I don't understand. Why did that elf-man get so angry all of a sudden? Did I say something wrong?"

Piper slammed a hand over Marie's mouth and looked around nervously. He caught sight of two men dressed in black and gold Asian-styled, military uniforms that had high collars and which had the logo of a golden crescent moon with a star on its lower tip. Piper pulled Marie down a deserted alleyway and out of sight of these men that appeared to be some kind of police. When Piper was sure that they were alone and unwatched he turned on Marie and gave her a glare with his one eye with his hands on his hips. "Look here, you stupid girl! You just can't go around calling people elves in this city!"

Marie blinked. "Why not?"

"Why not she says?!" Piper threw his arms up into the air. _Kami-sama_ help me! "Because of The Guild – that's why!"

"The Guild?" Marie quirked her head at Piper.

"You don't know about The Guild? They're like in charge of everything in Japan now. Where have you been living for the past fifteen years? Under a rock?" Piper sputtered.

"Today is my first day in the outside world since I was seven!" Marie informed Piper.

"Huh?" Piper's jaw dropped, "You can't be serious. What were you even doing at that convention center then?"

Marie recounted her entire adventure, which had begun with following a white rabbit. When she had finished, Piper shook his head in disbelief. "All this happened because you need to go shopping for your Master's clothes?"

"Hai! Yes sir!"

Piper put his face in his hand and moaned. "Alright, well, how about this. I help you to find the clothing stores you need and I'll also try and help you find this Tanaka person afterwards too." _I must be turning into a saint._ _Genkaku would be shocked if he could see me now._ A bemused smile formed on Piper's face at the thought.

Marie took both of Piper's hands in hers and gave him a grateful look. "You'll help me? Oh thank you so much! You're so young but you're like so smart and worldly compared to me! It's...amazing!" Her blue eyes sparkled.

Piper blushed, "Don't touch me, stupid girl. Yuck...now I probably have cooties or something. Eww. And your compliments don't make me happy, you got that? Stupid." Piper sneered but his mouth was twitching, the corners of it trying to curve up into a smile. "Keh, let's go – follow me."

Marie looked at Piper's pointed ears and mused about whether or not Piper was an elf like Morion too. She began to ask him. "Piper?"

"Yea?"

Marie looked at the cute young boy who had decided to help her and bit her bottom lip. She didn't want to ruin her friendship with this kind boy by asking invasive questions. "Never mind." Marie gave Piper a warm smile. It didn't matter. Marie may not have understood this strange city and whatever was apparently going on with elves and The Guild, but she did understand that Piper was a good person and really that's all that mattered – at least to her.

Piper led Marie confidently down the busy Tokyo streets – they were about to arrive at the street where Marie had started her little adventure.

However, that's when Marie noticed a very intriguing looking store. The front window's display had several high quality and imported materials displayed. Thick silk that was used for _kimono_ was draped artfully across the glass, colorful, thin, airy silks imported from India that could be used for summer shirts or skirts were folded in the bottom of the window, bolts of white cotton from Egypt sat on the bottom window sill, and there were also materials with art deco prints and flower patterns. The sign above the store read ' _Yuniiku_ Material Store'.

Marie instantly became starry-eyed upon seeing all the different kinds of materials. "Ooo!" Marie eyes all of the different beautiful materials like a kid looking through the window of a candy store. " _Subarashii!_ How wonderful!" Marie had her hands and nose pressed right up against the glass but decided that she couldn't just _look_ at the material – she had to touch it, and feel it in her hands!

And so Marie entered the store.

Piper turned around just in time to see Marie entering the material store _Yuniiku_. "Huh? Marie?!" _Just where is this stupid girl going now? Baka!_ Piper hurried after her and inside of the store that he realized was a material shop.

Meanwhile, Marie was going a little bit crazy inside of the store – she was flitting from displayed material to material and touching the various fabrics with her hands and apparently coming to certain conclusions about each fabric as she spoke out loud to herself. "This is a very high quality silk...and this one not so much...this one says it's 100% cotton but it's at least 5% polyester. Nice wool...but too hot for the current season. This is 20% polyester. 15% polyester. 100% cotton...cute print too. Another high quality silk... _Oooo_." Marie cooed as she touched a golden silk material which was soft and resembled liquid gold. "Akito would look great in a shirt made out of this..."

"You have a good eye Miss." A store clerk appeared at Marie's side. "Do you work in fashion?"

Marie looked up in surprise at the store clerk. He was an effeminate man who was wearing metallic purple eye shadow, fake eyelashes, a purple tank top and a pair of flashy white pants that were at least two sizes too small. Marie didn't know that there were men in the outside world who liked to wear make up too. How fascinating.

Marie gave the man a warm smile. "Oh, no, I don't but I do love fashion! My _Goshuujin-sama_ is a male model and so I get to chose all of his outfits for him. I get to read countless fashion magazines too when my _Goshuujin-sama_ isn't around."

The store clerk, chin in hand, gave Marie an interested look. "Hmm is that so? A male model you say. Perhaps I've heard of him then?"

" _Hai!_ He's the male model known as Akito."

The store attendant blinked. "Akito?! You mean, the world's #1 top model! Sun Prince Akito?" The man's eyes had gone starry.

Marie nodded.

"Lucky!" The store clerk crowed. "I happen to be a _huge_ fan of his!"

"Me too!" Marie gushed, "I'm like his #1 fan but I'm also his personal maid. Isn't that so cool?"

"No fair!" The man pouted with a finger to his lips as he moved his hips from side to side. "And so what brings Akito's personal maid to _Yuniiku_?"

"Well, I'm actually going clothes shopping for Akito but spotted your store and I guess I got distracted. That happens a lot." Marie put a hand behind her head in a bashful gesture.

"I see, did you want to make Akito an outfit?"

"Make...?"

" _Hai!_ I have tons of magazines you could get to give you ideas. I have everything you need – material, patterns, needles, thread and even a sewing machine if you wished to purchase one. Instead of just buying Akito something don't you think it would be more meaningful if you made him something by hand? Then it would be a true gift from the heart." The man winked at Marie conspiratorially.

Marie hesitated upon responding. Make Akito something? But...she had never done something like that before. What if she displeased her Master Akito? "I...wouldn't even know where to begin." _But a gift from the heart...that sounds so truly wonderful._

The store clerk looked at Marie's cute, pink maid's outfit. "But that maid outfit you're wearing is custom-made right?" He took in the extra frills, ribbons and lace.

"How did you know that?" Marie's voice was tinged with awe.

"Ah, so I was right." The clerk clapped his hands together excitedly. "You do know how to sew. Then this will be easy. You will definitely be able to make Akito something that he's sure to love. When you make something with your feelings your feelings will be sure to reach that person _neh?_ "

_My feelings...will reach Master Akito?_ "Alright, I'll do it!"

Piper stalked into the store, a scowl on his young face. "Marie! What are you doing in here? The clothing stores are just the next street over, come on!"

"Sorry Piper but I'm going to make Akito his new clothes instead!" Marie informed him brightly.

" _Hai?_ " Piper was looking at the crazy girl in shock.

Marie began to select different fashion magazines that would be helpful for ideas, chose a few easy patterns for shirts and pants, and then began choosing various materials, needles, thread and such and began to pile all of these items upon the store's checkout counter.

Piper looked at the price tag for one of the materials: it read 50,000 yen. _50,000 yen?!_ "Marie! Some of these materials are ridiculously expensive."

Marie waved a hand dismissively through the air. "Don't worry, _Goshuujin-sama_ gave me a magical card to buy all of this."

_Magical card? Does she mean a credit card?_ Piper wondered.

Marie whipped out Akito's gold card and the note and handed it to the store clerk who began to run it through his credit card machine.

Piper gawked at her. "You _Goshuujin-sama_ trusted _you_ of all people with his credit card?"

Marie gave Piper an innocent look. " _Hai._ "

Piper slapped a hand to his forehead in disbelief. "That _Goshuujin-sama_ of yours is either extremely careless or he's an idiot!" _Perhaps both._

Marie pouted. " _Goshuujin-sama_ is not an idiot. He's really smart compared to Marie!"

"Uh huh, sure, then he's just irresponsible. I almost feel like I should call Genkaku so that you can have an armed escort to this Tanaka guy..."

"You have a cell phone?"

"Yea..."

"Tanaka has one too. I know Tanaka's number so we can just call him up so that he can pick me up here after I've finished paying."

That was the most sensible thing this strange girl had said all day. Piper couldn't believe it. A trickle of sweat formed on Piper's brow. " _You_ know what a cell phone is?"

"Of course I do silly! _Goshuujin-sama_ makes me answer his cell phone all the time and makes me pretend to be him or pretend to be an answering machine telling people that he's unavailable. He has way too many fans!"

_Fans?_ Piper decided he really didn't want to know. Though he supposed his Master Genkaku could probably relate. "What you know and don't know is skewed. If you knew Tanaka's cell number we could have just called him from the start, _baka!_ "

Marie looked sheepish. "Oh...oops!"

"Oops? Oops! Is that really all you have to say for yourself? I think I got gray hairs today because of you!" Piper worriedly looked at his reflection in the nearby full length mirror and began to check his hair.

The store clerk ruffled Piper's slicked back hair and thoroughly messed it up. "You're much too young to get gray hair, boya." The man winked and gave Piper his business card. "Call me in about ten years kid – I'll show you a _very_ good time."

Piper batted the man's hand away. " _Mou!_ Why does everyone do that?" _Grrr...always treating me like a kid._

"It's because you're such a cute little thing." The store clerk cooed.

"Someone please just shoot me..." Piper groaned. _Where's Yin when you need him?_ And when the store clerk wasn't looking Piper threw his card into the nearby trashcan.

Marie giggled. The store clerk bagged and boxed all of Marie's purchases and after he was finished Piper called Tanaka and gave him directions to the material store in order to come and pick Marie up.

Tanaka was pulling the limo right up directly in front of the material store just as Marie and Piper were exiting the shop. The store clerk also gave Marie his card before she left and waved them off enthusiastically. "Be safe kids! Feel free to come again anytime Marie! You'll always have a special 10% discount here! Since we're both fans of your Master!"

Marie waved back. "Thanks! I'll be sure to do that!"

Piper looked slightly impressed by the limo and looked at Marie. He supposed this was goodbye. This was the first time he actually felt regret to see a girl go. "Well, I guess this is _sayonara_ (goodbye) then." Piper began formally.

Marie giggled "No silly...you don't say _sayonara_ you say _ja-ne_ (c-ya)!"

Piper gawked at Marie before he smiled a lopsided smile. "You stupid girl...it doesn't make me happy to hear you say that." Piper was trying really hard to frown but was grinning now. "Till next time."

Marie beamed back at Piper and nodded. "Mmhmm." She ruffled Piper's hair, "Till next time, kiddo."

"I'm not a kid!"

Marie hopped into the limo while Tanaka helped to put all of her purchases in the back seat along with Marie. Tanaka closed the door after her and then went back into the driver's seat. They then made their way back to the Usui estate.

Piper watched them go with a bemused expression on his face. The strange, naïve, spacey maid was returned back to her _secluded_ mansion. Piper could relate. He shivered as he remembered his own past in a secluded mansion, but for that girl it was probably best if she never left her mansion ever again. The world could be a cruel, dark, and evil place. Piper knew. He had firsthand experience. A nice girl like that would be eaten alive in the real world. Piper nodded to himself knowingly.

Piper shook his head ruefully. He never thought he'd think of a sentence in his mind that contained 'nice' and 'girl' together. _If all girls were like her then maybe girls wouldn't be so bad. I wonder if Genkaku met a girl like Marie if he'd also change his opinion about women...naw._

***

Back at the Usui mansion...

Marie brought all of the bolts of material, magazines, needles, thread etc back to her room. Her room happened to resemble a shrine to Akito. There were posters of Akito on her wall, blown up photos of the model that had appeared in popular fashions magazines like _GothLoli_ , _CUTiE_ and _FRUiTS_. There were framed photos that Marie had taken of Akito when he hadn't been looking, and there were photos Marie had Tanaka take where Marie was in the background of certain shots which also featured Akito. There was a small Akito figurine on her dressing table, a large _Akito TM_ blow up doll. Cough.

The rest of Marie's room was very cute and sparkly and very pink. The walls had been painted pink, her bed sheets and pillows were pink and frilly. And cute stuffed animals were everywhere – bears, unicorns, fairies, Barbies, stuffed dogs, a stuffed cat (Yes, Marie was 22 and still had stuffed animals in her room). And in Marie' bookcase there were several fairytale books – _Grimm's Fairy Tales_ , _Cinderella_ , _Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs_ , _Sleeping Beauty_ , _The Little Mermaid_ , and _Beauty and the Beast_.

Marie put all of the magazines down on the floor around her and began to look through them, getting ideas on what she should make Akito, checking what was 'IN' currently with certain cuts, designs, colors, and certain Eras.

'Pirates' seemed to be the 'IN' thing right now according to _GothLoli_ and so Marie decided to make Akito a Pirate inspired outfit. She chose a deep, almost black, red silk to make his shirt out of since she knew it would go great with Akito's fiery red hair and that it would also bring out his liquid night sky eyes. She chose a non-glossy black silk to make him some pants and she planned to alter some of Akito's knee-high leather boots that he already owned to complete the look.

Marie used a general shirt pattern to help her plan the design on the red material. She marked where she would have to cut the material with white chalk. She planned to give the shirt puffed sleeves and large, dramatic cuffs. She did the same with the material for the pants and then began to cut the material with a pair of clothing scissors.

Then Marie threaded a needle and began to sew. Sewing had always come naturally to Marie for some strange reason. She had steady hands and as she began to sew a tranquil state of being seemed to come over her until she was in her own little world where it was just here and the outfit she was trying to create. The outfit was completed faster than Marie had anticipated. _Cute and sparkly. Perfect._ Marie held up the shirt to inspect it.

Marie worked on altering Akito's boots next. She cut strips of leather and sewed them to Akito's boots to make a cuff at the very top of the boot. _There! Yosha! Done._ Now to see if Akito would like her outfit...

Suddenly Marie was nervous. What would Akito say? Would he like her outfit or would he hate it? Would he get angry with her that instead of following his instructions she had disobeyed him and had handmade his outfit instead?

Marie was suddenly filled with _doubt_. She bit her lip in thought and a sudden and brilliant idea came to her. She would just have to add a label to the outfit and Akito would think it was an outfit by a new designer. But...what name should she use? Marie smiled, she knew _just_ the name.

***

Marie took the clothes, folded them and with the boots in hand went to Akito's room. Marie knocked on his door.

"Come in." Came Akito's rich drawling voice.

Marie let herself into Akito's bedroom to see him walking out of the bathroom. By the looks of it he had just taken a shower. His red hair was damp and clinging to his face sensually. And he had only a small, white towel wrapped around his waist. Marie's jaw dropped and a blush rose to her cheeks as she took in his half-naked form.

His bronze-colored skin was glistening and dewy from the steam of the shower. Marie's blue eyes watched a water droplet traveled down Akito's corded neck...down his toned, muscled chest...over his six-pack abs...and down to the edge of his towel. She swallowed. A trickle of blood formed under her nose in response.

Akito smirked. He could feel Marie's reaction to the sight of his half-naked body. The admiration, the lust, desire, want – _yum_.

Marie's emotions were yummy indeed. And from the looks of things she had just gotten back from shopping without incident. Good girl. And her admiration of him hadn't changed at all. _Good._ Akito had been a bit worried...naw. What could _he_ have to worry about after all? There was no way there could be a man as captivating as him out there in the real world right? Except for maybe male model Genkaku but there was no way Marie would _ever_ meet Genkaku to begin with...!

" _Tadaimas_ (I'm home), _Goshujin-sama!_ "

"Marie... _okaeri_ (welcome back)." Akito greeted her fondly. He nodded in the direction of the clothes in her arms. "Are those the clothes you bought me for tonight?"

Marie nodded. "Yes, I hope you like them..."

"Help me dress." Akito declared as he let his towel drop-!

Marie gasped and covered her eyes with her hands. "Akito- _sama_!" She exclaimed but she was peeking through her fingers curiously as Akito went over to his wardrobe and got out a pair of red silky boxers. Akito's favorite color was red.

Akito _loved_ the tormented, conflicting feelings that were coming off of Marie in waves. He loved to tease her like this. It was one of his favorite pastimes after all.

To sometimes show an interest in her just to see how she would react and to feel how she was feeling in response. Though he had no real interest in her – she was just his maid, his personal servant, and a possession. Marie belonged to him and was his #1 favorite source of entertainment and a source for delicious emotions. She was also his #1 fan – an added benefit. _Booyah!_

"You can look now Marie." His voice held a teasing note to it.

Marie removed her hands and let out a breath of relief. _Whew._ " _Mou!_ Akito- _sama_! You forget you're in the presence of a lady! Do try to be a bit more discreet."

"Discreet? Are you saying my naked body offends you? Do you not find it beautiful? I'm hurt Marie..." Akito tried to look sad.

Marie blushed scarlet and fidgeted with her hands. "Well...I...um...you are very beautiful _Goshuujin-sama_."

Akito nodded approvingly, "That's what I thought. Now hurry up and help me dress. I don't have all day."

" _Hai!_ " She helped Akito to dress and even blow-dried and styled his hair (getting to run her hands through Akito's hair with moose was just the greatest!). Then Marie let Akito look at his reflection in the full-length mirror that was in his room. Akito gazed at his handsome visage.

"I really am too sexy for this shirt." He grinned.

Akito turned this way and that before the mirror to better admire the outfit that Marie had purchased for him. Apparently 'pirates' were 'in' again. Smirk. He looked good in such clothes. Akito decided. He was one hot scallywag. Sizzle.

The clothes were phenomenal. He ran his hands over the silk of the shirt and the pants – they were of the highest quality material. No polyester. Akito was allergic to polyester or so he claimed. Akito just _had_ to know what designer had created this masterpiece that seemed to have been made specially for him – whoever the designer was he/she was a genius!

Akito reached behind his neck and pulled out the tag. Using the mirror to read it, " _Noh_ -Name." Akito read aloud.

Marie sucked in a nervous breath.

Akito turned to Marie. The moment of truth had arrived. " _Noh_ -Name? I've never heard of him..."

Marie waved her hands frantically before her, "Ah, he's an up and coming designer who's still gaining recognition. He was even featured in _GothLoli_ magazine."

Akito stroked his chin, "I see...that's probably why I haven't heard of him. His designs are..."

Marie licked her lips and leaned in, anxious to hear his response.

"Amazing." Akito finished.

Marie let out a breath of relief and her cheeks were tinged with pink. Akito liked her designs...he was pleased with her and had praised her! _Teehee._

Marie clasped her hands in front of her as if she were giving thanks to God. "I'm so glad you're pleased, _Goshuujin-sama._ "

Akito turned his attention to Marie next, a sly smile forming on his lips. He walked towards Marie and stopped when he was standing directly in front of her. "Marie...you always manage to make me look my best. I would trust no other with the task of being my fashion consultant. You polish me and help me to shine. You have a keen sense of beauty and style. You have helped me from the very beginning to become a successful male model..." Akito reached out and cupped her cheek, stroking it fondly.

Marie's eyes widened and her face turned even pinker. " _Goshuujin-sama_...?"

"I owe so much of my success to you. What I'm trying to say is...you're a special part of my life. A necessary part. I don't know what I would do without you, Marie. I know a lot of girls but I want you to believe me when I say you're special. Promise me you'll never leave me, Marie. I need you..." _Oh, I'm good._ _They don't call me silver-tongued for nothing. I can see that Marie is just eating this all up – the gullible little fool. Special...ha! She's not that special...neh?_

" _Goshuujin-sama_...?" Marie was looking up at Akito in shock before her beautiful eyes softened and filled with an emotion Akito had been waiting for: _love._

Marie reached up and cupped Akito's cheek in return, "I will never leave you, _Goshuujin-sama_. I am yours. I belong to you – mind, body and soul. I..." _Love you._ "You are my everything. You are my world." _Ahhh!_ Marie moaned in her mind in despair. She had been _so_ close to confessing her love to her _Goshuujin-sama_ but had chickened out at the last moment.

Akito smirked triumphantly. _That's what I thought. Marie belongs to me._ Akito leaned over, their faces drawing nearer and acted as if he were about to kiss her.

Marie closed her eyes and tilted her head back expectantly. Akito raised an eyebrow at that. _Cheeky little girl. To think that I would kiss her so easily._ Akito instead placed a chaste kiss on Marie's cheek. He left his lips pressed against the side of her face for about five seconds before he pulled away. Marie could feel the slight stubble that was on his chin. She needed to give Akito another shave. It reminded Marie that Akito was acutely _male_...

Akito looked back at Marie curiously as she opened her eyes and looked back at him. He was surprised when she didn't look disappointed that she had only gotten a kiss on the cheek. Instead she looked incredibly happy...

_Akito is such a gentleman! He's old school._ Marie gushed inwardly. _He probably wants to wait until our wedding day for him to give me our first real kiss. When the priest says 'You may now kiss the bride' – that probably when he plans to kiss me! Kyahhh!_

" _Goshuujin-sama_..." Marie murmured and waves and waves of love – unconditional, pure, innocent love seemed to wash over Akito.

_Ah bliss!_ Akito sighed in contentment. _This feeling...it's so delicious! It's so strong and pure. Marie truly loves me. Her love is making me hot...Ah, I feel a tiny ache...uh oh..._

Akito stepped back from Marie, her emotions of 'love' were affecting him greatly and if he wasn't careful he would end up doing something to Marie that he would later regret. It was better if he just went to the bathroom and took care of his little problem by himself. And then he would head to the _Precious Gem Host Club_ where _SHE_ was expecting him.

"Excuse me...toilet..." Akito speed walked towards the bathroom.

And the naïve Marie just quirked her head at him curiously. _Guess when you gotta go, you gotta go._ Marie nodded to herself.

Akito took care of business and exited the bathroom with slightly glazed eyes and a sated expression on his face.

Marie had been waiting for him, seated innocently on the edge of his bed. _The temptress._ Akito shook his head at her, bemused. _Why is my mind suddenly in the gutter because of Marie? Are you trying to seduce me, Marie?_ Akito asked himself but then shook his head. Marie wasn't that kind of girl. She wasn't like _HER_...

Akito walked past her. "I have to go. I might be late so don't wait up for me, Marie."

Marie was still in a slight daze because of the kiss and so barely heard him. "Oh, yes, alright! Take care _Goshuujin-sama._ "

"I'm off!" He left.

Once Akito was gone from the bedroom Marie put a hand to her cheek. Her cheek still felt warm due to Akito's touch and was tingly. Akito had actually kissed her. It hadn't been a dream. He had told her that she was special, that he needed her, and had asked her to never leave him.

Marie's conclusion:

He had just confessed!

Akito really did love her! _Kyahhh!_ It was just as Marie had suspected all along. She loved Akito...and he loved her in return. Life was just perfect!

Marie decided she would wait for Akito to get back from his interview; she wanted to confess to Akito too and make it clear that she loved him in return. Then they would get married and get a dog and have several kids and they would live happily ever after.

Marie went to the parlor to wait, sitting in a dainty antique chair next to a round mahogany table, which was next to a window that overlooked the Usui estate's extensive flower garden. She waited for about ten minutes and then her foot began to tap impatiently upon the floor. And then her foot was bobbing up and down at a rapid pace.

" _Mou!_ " Marie stood up and threw her arms into the air. Marie didn't have a lot of patience. She decided to clean until Master Akito returned and so got out her pink feather duster and began to dust every inch of the house: sweep sweep, mop mop, dust dust. Marie loved to clean. And she was singing: _'whistle while you work'_ again in a lovely voice that was beginning to attract the mice that lived in the house. Though Marie was too scatterbrained to notice this strange phenomenon.

Marie decided to go out side to the garden in order to cut some fresh flowers. She then filled all of the Asian porcelain vases with flowers creating artistic and stylish flower arrangements using white, pink and red flowers.

By the time she had completed all of her chores, the entire mansion looked cute and sparkly. _Yosha! Perfect._

Marie sat down once more to take a break but then her foot began to tap again. _Mou!_ She got up and looked out the window, the sun was setting. How long was Akito's interview going to take anyways?!

Marie went to her room and opened one of her drawers. She decided to complete another outfit that she had started to make Akito. This outfit would consist of a gold shirt in a thin silk material that looked like molted gold. She had almost finished sewing the shirt and began to sew on shiny, black onyx buttons. Next, she began to put the finishing touches to a pair of black leather pants that she had sewn for Akito. She had decided to embroider the bottom half of the pant legs with coiled rattlesnakes in golden thread.

She had also woven him a cowboy hat by hand and around the brim of the hat she had sewn on a thick black ribbon. In the center of the brim she had sewn on a small bull skull charm.

This outfit had been inspired by the 'cowboy' look that was also 'IN' currently.

Marie wiped the sweat from her brow as she finished. Lastly, she sewed on the 'Noh-Name- label and the outfit was officially completed. _Yosh! Done!_ Marie knew that Akito was going to look incredibly handsome in the new outfit that she had just made for him.

Marie hugged the outfit to her chest. Ohhh she hoped Akito would like it. After all, this outfit was special. Marie had made it while thinking of all the love that she held for Akito within her heart. She hoped her feelings would reach him – just like the material store clerk had said.

Marie planned on giving the outfit to Akito as she made her love confession. She also planned to reveal that she was the _Noh_ -Name designer he seemed to like so much. She was sure that it would make him happy and proud of her.

But hours passed and Akito still hadn't arrived home yet. Marie turned to look at the ancient grandfather clock that read: 11:30. It was getting close to midnight.

_Where could Akito be...?_ Marie wondered sleepily as she stifled a yawn. _The interview should have been over by now._ What if something had happened to Akito?! Akito had a gazillion fans. What if he had been kidnapped?

The thought freaked Marie out and she stood up abruptly. Sleepiness forgotten. She had to find Akito! She had to save him...Akito could be in danger!

This was a job for Maid Kamen (The Masked Maid)! Marie decided. Marie dug through her dresser drawers until she found what she was looking for: a pink, sequined, and feathered domino mask. Marie loved dress up. Especially getting to dress up like a princess. The sheltered Marie was already 22 and yet still played with dolls, played dress up, and even liked to play house.

Marie put the beautiful mask on her face – it had been a birthday present from Akito – he knew all about how she liked cute, sparkly, and fairytale related items. He had purchased most of her belongings himself after all.

Marie put on the mask – it gave her the courage to leave the safety of the mansion once more and to travel out into the outside world. Marie snuck out of the mansion and got her bicycle out – another present from Akito, which she only ever used to bike around the extensive Usui estate grounds. She mounted the bike and took off down the graveled driveway that led to the front gates of the estate.

Marie had no idea where Akito had even gone but she did know one thing – the scent of the cologne Akito wore: _Playboy No. 9_. Marie happened to have an unusual ability – a highly sensitive nose. She could track Akito in this way.

Marie breathed in the scent of the night air until a very specific and familiar scent wafted to her nose on a breeze. _Playboy No. 9!_ _There! That's it! Yosha!_ Marie put the pedal to the metal and began to pursue the scent of Akito's cologne just like a puppy dog trying to locate its Master. "Maid _Kamen_ to the rescue! I'm coming Master Akito just hang on!" She looked dramatically towards the horizon where the sun was setting. _I'm coming my love!_ Marie declared in her mind as she put the petal to the metal and began to cycle her way down the busy Tokyo streets.

" _Teehee~_ Ren this is so romantic! I love guys who ride motorcycles – thank you for letting me ride with you!" A girl, who was riding behind a biker guy with her arms around his chest, exclaimed.

Ren chuckled. "No problem, anytime, babe." _I'm so badass._ The biker was thinking to himself as he suddenly caught sight of something in his rearview mirror - a fast approaching object – no, it was a person. _A biker? Huh?_ Ren blinked. "Shit...there's no way you'll pass me, punk! _Hooryah!_ Hang on tight, Nana!" Ren declared as he pressed down on the gas.

"Eeee!" Nana squealed, half from fear and half from excitement. "Don't lose to that guy Ren!"

"Hell no!" Ren exclaimed as he swerved through traffic.

But then Ren was suddenly passed. Ren turned his head – _but that's impossible!_ Ren and his girlfriend Nana watched as a girl with blonde pigtails, who was wearing a pink maid outfit while riding an ordinary bicycle cycled past them.

Huh?! Ren and Nana both felt trickles of sweat form on the sides of their head in disbelief. Ren stopped his motorcycle by pulling off to the side of the road. "Unreal..."

***

_Somewhere in Kabukicho, Tokyo, Japan_...

Marie's tires were smoking as she dismounted her bicycle and took in the sight of the establishment before her. It was some sort of club by the looks of it. The building had been painted valentine's day red and had been decorated with flashing golden lights and hanging lanterns. Above the giant door, which had been painted in shiny gold paint, hung a sign, which read in swirled golden letters: _Precious Gem Host Club_. The décor was rather gaudy and flamboyant in Marie's opinion. Marie quirked her head at name of Akito's kidnappers' evil lair. _That's not a very evil name._ _I could help these villains come up with something better..._

Marie had no idea what a 'host club' was since because of Akito she had lived a very sheltered life. It had been only recently that he had allowed her permission to leave the mansion to go shopping for his clothes. Of course, Marie hadn't gone to any malls or clothing stores but had instead stumbled across the material store _Yuniiku_ and had bought the needed material, thread, needles etc. in order to make Akito his many outfits herself.

So really this was Marie's first time in a place like _Kabukicho_ and truly out in the 'real world' so to speak.

Marie was feeling a bit nervous and a little afraid about all this, but she took a deep breath and steeled her nerves. _Yosha!_ She had to be brave and that's what the mask was for after all. She had to save Akito if he was truly in danger.

Marie stalked up to the door of the host club and hesitated before pushing the door open and stepping inside. Inside those doors was a world unlike any Marie had ever seen or read about in any of her fairytale stories.

It was breathtaking.

Marie became starry-eyed as she stepped inside of the club and took in the sight before her. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the large, golden chandelier, which hung in the very center of the establishment and which had hundreds of oval-shaped, multi-colored gems and crystals dangling from it. This crystal chandelier reflected the light through the gems like a prism casting an array of rainbow colors across the floor.

The establishment had several round tables, which had golden silk tablecloths upon them. And on the tables were the most beautiful Chinese vases Marie had ever seen. " _Ooo~!_ " Marie exclaimed as she rushed over and picked up one of the painted vases to inspect it. It was of very high quality porcelain from China and had raised reliefs of dragons and phoenixes on it. The vase had also been inlaid with large precious gemstones.

In fact, the entire establishment seemed to have a 'gem' motif. As if someone had taken a _Bedazzler_ (a home appliance used to fasten rhinestones to clothes, material and accessories) and Bedazzled the entire establishment by putting sparkling gems and crystals onto everything as long as it would stick. Even the champagne glasses, which the hosts were serving _Dom Perignon_ and wine in - were made of cut crystal.

"Er, can I help you miss? You know that vase that you're holding is extremely valuable so you'd better be careful with that..." A nervous male voice was saying.

Marie turned and looked up to see a handsome young man with sandy blonde hair and light hazel colored eyes. He was dressed in a regal, white suit that had gold accents and a long, blue cape. A golden crown sat upon his head, and there was a bejeweled sword strapped to his waist. Marie's eyes widened, could he be a real...!? "Prince- _sama_?!" Marie exclaimed excitedly as she dropped the vase in a careless manner.

The prince cringed in response as it crashed and shattered on the floor. " _Achatta_...now you've done it, Ryoko- _sama_ won't be too happy about that..."

"My Lord!" Marie was saying as she bowed low, "How may I serve thee?"

But before the so-called 'prince' could answer this strange 'lady' a sharp voice called out, "Marie!?"

Marie turned and was surprised to see none other than –

" _Goshuujin-sama!_ " Marie called out in an overly peppy manner, glad to see that he was all right. She started forward but then blinked in confusion at the sight before her. Akito was wearing a jeweled, golden crown and there was also a sparkling sword strapped to Akito's waist. He too was dressed up just like a fairytale prince/pirate. _Wha?_ But that wasn't all – Akito was not only all right but he wasn't even tied up to a chair. _Seriously, these kidnappers are being pretty lax aren't they?_ Marie thought. Akito was currently seated at one of the club's tables surrounded by several giggling female clients.

Marie's brow furrowed in confusion when she noticed how Akito had his arms casually draped around the shoulders of two girls who were seated on either side of him. Something churned unpleasantly in her gut from the sight. _Just...what's going on exactly? Did Akito make friends with his kidnappers and so they freed him? I just don't get it._ " _Goshuujin-sama?_ "

Akito immediately stood up from the table and stalked towards Marie angrily. "Marie! What the hell are you doing here?!"

Marie seemed too stunned to speak since Master Akito had never raised his voice at her like that before.

"Is she doing some kind of maid _cosplay_?" One of the female clients at the table drawled curiously while propping her chin in her hand and watching Marie intently.

"How do you think Akito knows that weird girl?" Another of the girls began loudly. "She's even wearing a mask. What's up with that? Did she get lost or something on her way to a masquerade ball? Or rather a _dojinshi_ (fanmade comics) convention." The girl laughed.

Akito noticed that Marie had become the center of attention and put his arm around Marie's shoulders protectively. He then gently steered her off to a secluded corner of the club room, so that they could speak with a bit more privacy. "Marie, what are you doing here? Did something happen?" Akito hissed but was beginning to look concerned.

Marie swallowed as she looked back at Akito, who seemed so far away from her at that moment for some reason even though he was standing directly in front of her. "I-I came to rescue you." She stuttered.

Akito blinked, "Rescue me?"

Marie began to look sheepish. "I...thought that maybe one of your stalkers or fans had kidnapped you since you were so late getting home." _And I really wanted to show you the new outfit I made for you and finally confess my feelings for you, so I couldn't wait to see you!_

Akito's eyes widened before he burst out laughing. "Kidnapped?! You really are a silly girl. You let that overactive imagination of yours run wild again, Marie. As you can see I'm perfectly fine. After the interview a few of the reporters invited me out for a drink. That's all. Now what did I tell you about leaving the mansion all by yourself? Especially at night. It's much too dangerous for a girl like you out here in the 'real world'. I want you to hurry home. Don't make _any_ extra stops. Got it?" He scolded her in a patronizing tone. _She shouldn't be leaving the mansion at all really..._

_So, that's what happened._ But Marie's heart was still full of doubt and questions. "But...what is this place?"

Akito blinked and ran a hand back through his silky red hair. "Why a host club of course."

"Host club..." _What's that?_ But Marie was tired of Akito calling her ' _baka_ ' or 'stupid' and so she kept silent. "But why are you dressed like a prince? Do you work here? But I thought-" Slowly the pieces of the puzzle were beginning to fall into place for the dense maid.

But Akito couldn't have that. "Ah!" Akito burst out, cutting Marie off. "It's getting late. You really should hurry home immediately. It won't do for a cute, young girl like yourself to be out alone at this hour. I would accompany you home but I promised the reporters they could ask me a few more questions, _neh?_ " He took Marie by her shoulders and began to steer her towards the door.

Marie hesitated. "But-"

Akito put a finger to her lips, "No 'buts'. Trust me, my angel." Akito leaned in to place a quick kiss on her cheek causing Marie to blush. "Thank you for coming to rescue me...really Marie what would I do without you?"

"I don't know..." Marie responded.

"You're such a _baka_." Akito sighed and gave her a fond look as he ruffled her hair. _She's like some sort of blindly loyal puppy that just won't stop following me.._ "All you need to do is trust me. Don't worry your pretty little head about anything else, got it?"

Marie frowned but finally nodded. "Alright _Goshuujin-sama_ I'll return home first."

"That's my angel," Akito smiled at her warmly, "Now get going before it gets any later. There are a lot of weirdos that come out in this city after midnight."

Feeling a bit weak in the knees Marie turned to leave but something, some lingering doubt, or perhaps simple curiosity made Marie turn back and hid behind one of the giant potted ferns that were in every corner of the host club to spy on Akito.

"Sorry for the wait, my beauties." Akito apologized as he approached the table with the girls and returned to his spot between the same two girls as before. "Did you miss me?" He again slung both of his arms casually around their shoulders while giving them a sly grin.

The girls all giggled in response. "Of course we missed you, Akito- _sama!_ "

"Prince- _sama_! He's returned to us!" " _Eee!_ Akito's back!" The girls began to gush.

"How could we not?" The girl on his right raised an eyebrow at him. "You are our prince after all."

"Wait why's Akito dressed up as a pirate? I thought tonight was prince cosplay?" "It _is_ prince cosplay night but Akito has obviously added his own special twist. I think it's great...he makes a great pirate prince, don't you think girls?" " _Hai!_ " The girls all agreed readily.

Akito's grin broadened as the girls praised him and adored him. Ah, this was it. This rush of _feeling_ was sublime. _Pure bliss._ Akito licked his lips with relish as he fed upon these young girls' emotions.

"So Akito who was that girl?" The girl on his right questioned curiously in a low voice.

"Oh her? Just my maid." Akito replied nonchalant.

"Your maid?" The girl's eyes widened. "You really must be a rich _Botchan_ huh?"

" _Teehee!_ " The girls around the table giggled at the comment.

"She seemed worried." Another girl began. "Was there some kind of problem at home?"

"No, she's just a silly girl with an overactive imagination. She can be really annoying at times actually..." Akito let out an exasperated sigh.

" _Hidoi_ , how cruel! She looked like she might be in love with you Akito- _sama_!" The girl chided.

A haughty expression crossed Akito's face. "She _is_ in love with me. But that's just as it should be – after all I'm me."

"But how do you feel about her?" The girl on his right asked, her deep brown eyes piercing his own. "Do you love her?"

Akito hesitated, much to his own surprise.

Marie bit down on her lower lip and held her breath as she awaited Akito's response.

"Love? Her?" Akito chuckled. "How could I love a silly girl like her? You know, she still plays with dolls!" Akito informed them in a conspiratorial tone. "She lives in this fantasy world...of princes, princesses, unicorns, fairies and all that useless, stupid crap! Also, Marie is as flat as a board – it would be like going out with a boy! I prefer more mature women with much nicer assets. If you know what I mean." Akito smirked, and cupped the air before him suggestively with his hands. The girls all giggled in response, blushes rising to their faces.

"Oh? You mean like me?" Came a silky, purring voice.

The group's attention turned to Ryoko, the owner of the _Precious Gem Host Club_ , who was wearing a stunning, princess-style, ball gown in golden silk. The dress had a large, bell skirt, a bodice laced with red ribbons, and a low neckline that revealed her ample cleavage in a tantalizing manner. The dress was sleeveless and Ryoko was wearing a pair of red silk gloves, which reached up to her elbows. She was also wearing a gold tiara bejeweled with red rubies and long golden earrings decorated with more rubies. Her blood-red tresses had been gathered into an elaborate up do that was decorated with tiny glimmering crystals.

There was also a pair of glass slippers on her feet, which made Marie giddy at the mere sight of them. _It's Cinderella!_ Marie gaped at the woman's appearance. She was breathtakingly beautiful but not only that – she oddly resembled Akito's mother, only when she had been younger. Since Marie was in charge of cleaning Akito's entire mansion estate she had come across a large portrait of the Lady Usui when she was younger. She had been the true epitome of a princess. Was there some kind of relation between the two women? Marie wondered to herself. "A real princess...!" Marie murmured as her eyes landed on the woman's cleavage, which was revealed by Ryoko's low-cut ball gown. A blush spread across Marie's cheeks. _Whoa. This woman has crazy pheromones..._

"Ryoko, my love!" Akito stood to take her hand in his and leaned over to kiss it, "Who else could I mean?"

_My love_...? Marie's heart stopped and then started beating again. Akito couldn't really mean what he had just said could he?

Ryoko pulled Akito up from the table and he obediently followed her lead. Ryoko fondly stroked Akito's face. "I noticed your maid was here earlier...is there anything wrong?"

Akito shook his head. "No – she's unimportant. No one is more important to me that you, my princess." Akito declared as he suddenly leaned in to kiss her...

On the lips! Marie's eyes widened in shock.

The girls giggled and blushed as Akito and Ryoko kissed passionately. Akito cupped Ryoko's cheek – stroked her hair lovingly – all the things that Marie thought that Akito only did to _her_. Marie's heart shattered into a million pieces in that moment. She could no longer bear to watch the painful scene before her and so she fled.

A pair of curious light hazel eyes followed after her...

Marie ran from the mysterious host club and down the busy street of _Kabukicho_. It was after midnight now...Cinderella needed to get home. The only light was coming from the nearby buildings, stores, restaurants, _karaoke_ bars, host clubs and streetlights.

Marie ran...as tears blurred her vision...she ran...until her legs burned and she didn't know where she was running to anymore. She turned down a corner and continued to run until she finally ran out of breath. _I've been such a fool...how could I be so stupid to think that he loved me back? It's all been a game...he's been toying with me all this time. Akito was right...I really am a baka._

Marie wiped her eyes messily in frustration with the back of her hands. Where was she? She looked around to realize she was in a slightly deserted area. How far had she strayed from the main road, she wondered.

Just then, a group of men turned the corner and entered the alleyway where Marie was. They were all similarly dressed in matching black leather jackets, sunglasses, and they were all carrying helmets. Marie's brow furrowed since she had heard about this...they were...she looked them up and down taking in their 'rebel with out a cause' clothing and their sunglasses. _Yakuza! That's right they must be evil mafia people! Epp!_ Were these men the 'weirdos' Akito had been warning her about? Uh oh...

The men looked up and suddenly caught sight of Marie and took in her pink maid outfit along with her sparkly mask.

"Well, what do we have here?" One of the men began, sounding amused.

"Looks like a cute Maid- _sama_ to me." Another grinned, as he stroked his goatee thoughtfully.

" _Cosplay_?" One man quirked his head at Marie.

"Are you lost little girl? Which Maid Café do you work at hmmz?"

"Maid Café?" It was Marie's turn to quirk her head at them. It was like these people were speaking a different language. She didn't get any of this...of this 'real world' that was filled with host clubs, fake princes and Maid Cafés. Marie took a wary step back.

"Hey, what's wrong? We won't hurt you little girl..."

Marie suddenly felt afraid – and so she ran. More tears blurred her vision as she continued to run away from the group of 'evil men'.

"Ah, now you've done it. You scared her off, Yosho." One of the guys said as he ruffled his hair exasperatedly.

"Hey, it's not my fault my _face_ looks this way, Takashi." Yosho began defensively, with a frown on his rugged, scarred face.

"We had better go after her." Takashi sighed. "She could get in some kind of trouble since this is a really bad neighborhood."

"Yea but this is _his_ territory so I wouldn't be too worried."

" _Baka_!" Takashi whacked Yosho on the head with his fist. "That's a reason to be even more worried. Come on, let's go!"

The three young men ran after Marie. She could hear their heavy footfalls behind her. _Ahhh they're really chasing me! I'm going to die!_ "Why are you guys chasing me?! What do you want? Just leave me alone! Ahhh~!" Marie exclaimed.

"We're only chasing you because you're running away! Hey stop! We just want to help you, geez! There are dangerous people around here!" Takashi called after her.

"Dangerous people?" Marie scoffed, "Like you creeps you mean! You're going to kill me aren't you – harvest my organs and throw me into Tokyo Bay? Ah! I get it! You're _yakuza_! _Eyyyaaa!_ The _yakuza_ are after me! Someone please save me! Police! Police!"

The three biker gang members all felt trickles of sweat form on their brow. "We're NOT _yakuza_! Would you just listen to us? Crazy girl!"

" _Iyyeee!_ No!" Marie cried as she unknowingly rushed out into the middle of oncoming traffic.

"LOOK OUT!"

Marie turned around in fright and through her tears she caught sight of the bright yellow headlights of an oncoming car, but she was too scared and paralyzed to move.

_Epp!_ Marie shut both of her eyes and awaited the pain and oblivion that was sure to come. Inside her mind she screamed for her 'Sun Prince' to come to her rescue. _Akito-sama!_

The sound of a car skidding to a halt was heard. But Marie felt no pain. _Huh?_ Marie opened her eyes to find that she was being carried through the air bridal-style by a mysterious rescuer. Her eyes widened even more when she took in the sight of his outfit. The man was wearing a slick black tuxedo, and a flashy, matching silk cape that had a dark blue lining. He was wearing a black domino mask was on his face, and a top hat that had a dark blue ribbon around its brim sat on his head. When she looked up to see his face she saw that his mask shadowed most of it but she was able to see his deep sapphire-colored eyes through the eyeholes of the mask. She had never seen eyes that were such a deep blue before. His midnight black hair was slicked back but a few strands had come loose, which were framing his face in an attractive manner. Marie guessed that he was in his early thirties.

He was a...? "A superhero!" Marie declared, starry-eyed.

This sudden exclamation almost made Marie's rescuer lose his grip on her, and he stumbled a bit on his almost perfect landing from having leapt practically over the car. "Superhero...?" The man looked down at the pigtailed girl incredulously. This strange girl had made _him_ lose his cool for a split second, and that _never_ happened, no, not to _him,_ not to the infamous Sir Genkaku. He shook his head and decided there were more pressing matters to attend to. "Miss, that was extremely dangerous jumping into traffic like that. You really ought to be more careful-" Genkaku was reprimanding her.

"Ah!" Marie suddenly remembered about the men, who had been chasing her, and her eyes began filling up with tears as she met Genkaku's eyes through their masks. Bright sky blue clashed with dark blue eyes. "The _yakuza_! They're after me! They want to harvest my organs! You have to help me Mr. Superhero!"

"The _yakuza_?" Genkaku blinked down at this strange girl in surprise.

"Yes, they're right over there!" Marie pointed off in the direction of the biker gang thugs, who all seemed to simultaneously sweat-drop.

Genkaku followed Marie's finger and caught sight of the three guys. "You guys...?"

Genkaku stalked towards them, "Just what have you three idiots been up to? Scaring a weak, defenseless girl like this half to death?" He began in a low, dangerous voice.

"Ack! It's Genkaku- _sama_!" The guys exclaimed frantically as they all knelt before him.

_Genkaku-sama?_ Marie wondered and quirked her head, _Does that mean he's some kind of lord and NOT a superhero?_

"Please forgive us!" The three bikers all wailed pathetically.

"Explain. Now." There was a dangerous glint in Genkaku's eyes.

"We saw the girl on D Street – nasty neighborhood, so we offered to take her back to wherever it is that she works. No matter how you look at it – the girl must work in a Maid Café around here. We were just trying to help her, honest!"

"And then Yosho scared her with his ugly face!"

"Shut it, Takashi!"

"I see..." Genkaku stroked the slight stubble that was on his chin. He set Marie down gently on her feet before walking over to the three guys and quickly thwacking them on their heads.

" _Iteee!_ Owww!" The three men groaned in pain. "Have mercy, Genkaku- _sama_!"

Genkaku shook his head at them and returned his attention back to Marie...

Marie sniffled and tried to get her tears to stop flowing but to no avail. Akito had broken her innocent maiden's heart...

Genkaku raised an eyebrow at her, "Why are you crying, Miss?" He asked, not unkindly.

Marie sniffled, "My heart...has broken into a million pieces and-"

"That's good news." Genkaku interrupted.

" _Excuse me?_ " Marie looked up at him in confusion.

"Come with me, Miss." He grabbed her wrist and began to drag Marie off. "It is my duty as a host to return the lost smile to your face."

" _Hai?_ " Marie blinked back confusedly at her savoir as she hesitantly put her hand in his. He was a stranger and she probably shouldn't trust him but...her eyes had already become starry. _He's just so cool! He really is like a superhero! Teehee._ "Um, well, alright Mr. Superhero."

Genkaku chuckled softly in amusement. "I'm no superhero – I'm a host."

"A host?" Marie blinked.

"Ah, we have arrived at my club." Genkaku gestured before him and Marie turned to see-

"Eeeeh?" Marie's jaw dropped as she took in the sight of the medieval castle that was now before her. A castle so otherworldly that it would have fit perfectly in _Cinderella_ or _King Arthur_ was in the middle of Tokyo! It was a silvery stone gray and had blue, black, and silver stained glass windows that had designs of moons, stars and magical symbols. The castle had tall towers and turrets with streaming flags on the tops of the triangular pointed roofs. Menacing looking gargoyles were perched near window ledges. The gargoyles seemed to be glaring down at Marie angrily. She gulped. "G-g-gargoyles...!"

What kind of fairytale castle has gargoyles? I sure don't remember anything like that being in Cinderella. What kind of strange place have I ended up in now? The real world is scary!

Japanese word key:

_Maid-sama_ : miss maid or Lady Maid

_Waka-sama_ : young master

_Cosplay_ : Dressing up and role-playing as a person's favorite _anime_ (Japanese cartoons) or _manga_ (Japanese comics) characters.

_Baka_ : silly, fool, idiot.

_Hai_ : Yes.

_Wagasa_ : Japanese umbrella made from a frame constructed with bamboo and applied with paper dyed with indigo, decorated with designs, and then finished with a coat of lacquer to make it waterproof.

_Obi_ : Sash belt

_Bishojo_ : beautiful young girl

_Hikikomori_ : recluse

_Ja-ne_ : C-ya

_Yosha!_ : Alright!

_Kampeki_ : Perfect

_Maid Kamen_ : Masked Maid

_Dojinshi_ : Fan-made comics

_Neh or neh?_ : Alright or Right?

_Bocchan_ : Rich young master

_Hidoi_ : How cruel

### Chapter 3: The Illusionist Host

"Eeeeh?" Marie's jaw dropped as she took in the sight of the castle that was now before her. A castle so huge and extravagant that it would have fit perfectly in _Sleeping Beauty_ was in the middle of Tokyo! It was a beautiful stone gray and had stained glass windows. There were also tall towers that reached the sky and menacing looking gargoyles were perched upon the roofs. The gargoyles seemed to be glaring down at Marie. She gulped. "G-gargoyles...!"

What kind of strange place have I ended up in now? The real world is scary!

FACT: Marie was _not_ good with scary things.

A look of absolute horror crossed Marie's face, her eyes went wide, and a chill of fear traveled down her spine causing her to shiver. Marie had never been good at dealing with dark or scary things all her life.

Genkaku paused to see why Marie had stopped moving and noticed that her mouth was hanging open and her eyes were wide. Genkaku nodded to himself. The girl was probably extremely impressed with his 'castle club' – to the point of being frozen in awe of its magnificence. "I see that you are impressed by my castle host club – that's only natural. There's no reason to be intimidated though, you are quite welcome here, my lady. Shall we?" Genkaku held his hand out to her expectantly to help guide her inside.

Marie shook her head rapidly. "N-no! No way! That place is-! That place is-!"

Genkaku raised an eyebrow at Marie wondering what she was trying to say. "Impressive? Majestic? Intimidating? Glamorous?" Genkaku offered helpfully.

"Creepy!" Marie suddenly exclaimed quite loudly.

It was Genkaku's turn for his jaw to drop open in shock. A cute girl (potential client) had just called his grand establishment, which he was so proud of... _creepy_.

Genkaku's heart stopped and he forgot how to breath.

Watching the scene unfold before the host club were five figures hidden in the shadows:

"Uh oh, she's really done it now..."

"Shit. She just had to go and say the 'forbidden word' didn't she? Stupid girl. Should we get her the hell out of here? Genkaku might just snap and kill her. Piper?"

"Right. Let's clean up this mess before this can get any worse. Get Genkaku- _sama_ and the girl inside the club five seconds ago! Before one of our clients sees Genkaku- _sama_ 's current state. We can't have any of our clients seeing him looking _like that_! Quickly!" The figure in shadows directed the others.

"Like _what_ exactly?"

The five figures all turned their attention back to the sidewalk and to where Genkaku and the girl were still standing.

... _creepy_...the word rang horribly in Genkaku's mind. His confident, charming, gentleman, 'Dark Knight' persona had been shattered and Genkaku could feel himself sinking into the depths of despair and was beginning to wallow in self-hatred. A dark depressing aura seemed to be forming around Genkaku as he began to mumble to himself incoherently.

"Creepy...she called me creepy...I'm creepy...Ehehehe..." Genkaku began to let out a slightly hysterical laugh and a strange crazed look was in his eyes.

"Uh oh, he's losing it, Piper!"

Marie finally managed to pull her attention away from the frightening host club and back to Genkaku. She blinked in surprise at the man who was now standing next to her. _Huh? This can't possibly be the same man?_ Marie thought to herself as she saw the wilting man before her who seemed to be turning into a puddle of goo. _Where's the charming gentleman who exuded such confidence before and who also had an intimidating aura around him? Who is this shell of a man who's next to me now?_ Marie looked over what he was wearing and saw that it was the same tuxedo from earlier, which meant this had to be the same man. "Mr. Superhero? Is that really you?" _What happened? What did I say? What have I done?_ Marie furrowed her brow in worry and confusion as she tentatively reached her hand out to him.

"Don't you dare touch him." Warned a low voice.

And then before Marie could touch Genkaku's arm five shadowy figures had emerged from the host club and grabbed Marie and Genkaku. Marie opened her mouth to scream and a man quickly put his hand over her mouth to stop her.

Marie looked up to see who had a hold of her and saw a pair of gleaming silver eyes and a man who was at least seven feet tall. That was enough to do it. " _Nooo!_ " Marie screamed, muffled against the hand before she promptly passed out.

"Good going, Hirgon." Came a heavy sigh. "That's yet another girl you can add to the list of girls who you've made pass out this week in fright."

"Sorry." Hirgon responded gruffly.

...When Marie came to she could hear a bustling commotion going on all around her. She had been laid down on a couch and she sat up to see what was going on:

She was inside of the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ that much was obvious as she took in the surroundings of the interior of the castle. The layout was surprisingly similar to the _Precious Gem Host Club_. The main host club room was quite large and had several round tables situated throughout the room that had black table clothes upon them. Large windows were covered up with dark drapes and Marie found herself wondering if she yanked those drapes off if glorious sunlight would be let into this dark and dreary club. Instead of being lit by chandeliers the entire club was lit by _floating_ candles. Marie blinked as she saw these candles hovering in dark corners and saw candles glowing in small round globes that were sitting on each of the tables. Marie shivered. This club, in her opinion, was anything _but_ inviting...

Marie also noticed that some of the chairs and couches had been _charmed_ to float above the ground. " _Magic_..." Marie breathed.

"Alright, ladies, the club is temporarily closed! Please come back tomorrow! Hirgon, Fiore, Yin, Yang – please help to escort our guests to the door." A stern, youthful and surprisingly familiar sounding voice was issuing orders, but since everyone seemed to be following those orders it seemed this person had no lack of respect due to his young age.

Marie turned her attention towards the owner of this voice and caught sight of-

_Piper?!_ Marie's eyes widened in surprise as she recognized Piper. _What's he doing here?_ Piper the 10-year-old elf boy whom Marie had befriended at the _anime_ convention was now dressed in a miniature tuxedo. He was wearing a cape with a bright orange lining, his hair was slicked back and he was still wearing that strange eye patch. Marie realized that because of her mask Piper hadn't recognized her. Marie opened her mouth to call out to Piper and explain who she was but her attention was drawn to the seven-foot-tall man who was currently helping to escort the female clientele from the club.

The man was huge and so he was hard to miss. Marie couldn't help thinking to herself: _A giant! He must be a real life giant!_ The giant was also dressed in a tuxedo but instead of this having a handsome effect the man just looked even more intimidating. If anything he looked like some kind of _yakuza_ thug with his shaved head, dark sunglasses and Marie wondered if anyone else noticed the pointy ears. _Is he also an elf like Piper? Just who are these guys?_ Marie realized that it was probably this man who had ushered her unceremoniously into the club. She also noticed that he was trying to block something from view using his towering body. This drew Marie's curiosity so that she leaned forward to look behind the giant. Just as she caught a glimpse of Genkaku another young man stepped into her line of sight blocking him from view.

Marie's eyes widened at the sight of this young man who was also helping to escort the girls out but in a rather pushy, and uncouth manner:

"Alright already, show's over! Get the hell out of here!" The young man groused as he literally shoved one girl out the door.

"Epp! How rude!" The girl exclaimed as she stumbled out the door.

Marie put a hand over her mouth and stifled a giggle. The last thing she wanted was to draw the attention of this particular man whom she couldn't help thinking resembled a: _He looks just like an evil demon lord!_ Was what Marie's fairytale infected brain had managed to come up with. The young man had gelled and spiked up black hair that if Marie had ever read the Marvel comic X-men she would have thought resembled Wolverine's hair-style. He had dull, gray eyes and would have been handsome if not for the deep scowl on his face or the way he was furrowing his brows together giving him an angry and mean look. He was also wearing a tuxedo with a silver lining.

Marie leaned forward again to try and look behind the Demon Lord and catch a glimpse of Mr. Superhero again. She managed to see him being assisted through the club room by another young man. Marie blinked and she did a doubletake. This young man looked very similar to the man she had dubbed Demon Lord. But he was more like his reverse mirror image. Yes, he's the Demon Lord's doppleganger from the Mirror World. Marie decided to herself. The young man had shaggy, snow-white hair and onyx eyes. He was also wearing a tuxedo but his was white and he was also wearing a long white cape that had a black lining. _Or they could just be brothers._ Marie admitted to herself with a shrug.

"Please come again," the Demon Lord was saying through gritted teeth as if it pained him to be 'nice' though Marie couldn't fathom why he was going through the trouble to do so if it pained him so much.

The giant simply raised his hand in a silent goodbye.

Marie shivered... _scary!_ Marie decided. This host club was the complete opposite to the _Precious Gem Host Club_! _This place is more like a 'haunted house' or something_ , Marie nodded to herself knowingly.

"Sit Genkaku- _sama_ down over here, Yang." Piper directed the Demon Lord's doppelganger.

Yang gently set Genkaku down upon an elaborate settee that had dark blue cushions.

From out of nowhere another young man seemed to appear at Genkaku's side. "He looks pale..." The man put his hand to Genkaku's forehead with a worried expression on his face. "I'll go make him some tea and cookies. That should warm his soul."

Marie's eyes sparkled. _And he's gotta be a...Fairy Prince!_ Marie thought to herself as she took in the appearance of this new man. He seemed to have this golden glow about him. The young man had long golden hair that reached the middle of his back and eyes the color of new spring grass. He was also wearing a tuxedo and a cape with a deep emerald green lining but he was wearing an apron over the tuxedo which pretty much canceled out the 'handsome' factor of the man's outfit. Though Marie didn't mind, she just smiled to herself goofily. _A Fairy Prince...who's also a chef! How cool is that?_ Then Marie noticed that he also had slightly pointed ears. _Another elf?_ She frowned. I suppose that would make him an Elf Chef and not a Fairy Prince then. The Elf Chef quickly headed off in the direction of the kitchen.

Yang knelt at Genkaku's feet and took his hand in both of his own, "Genkaku- _sama_ are you alright?"

"Creepy...she said I was creepy..." Genkaku murmured. His eyes seemed a bit glazed over, as if he wasn't seeing anything in front of him.

Marie's eyes widened. Had this entire fiasco somehow been _her_ fault. _Oops..._

"Actually Genkaku- _sama_ the girl said this host club was _creepy_. She wasn't referring to _you_ exactly." Piper explained helpfully. Marie noted that Piper seemed to be the voice of reason in this place despite his young age. Marie smirked, she was impressed.

"Piper?" Genkaku questioned upon hearing Piper's voice. Then Genkaku's shaking seemed to stop. "She did...?" There was a hopeful note to his voice.

Piper nodded agreeably. "Yes, so there's no reason for you to be falling apart now, Genkaku- _sama_. Your clients almost caught you in such an un-charming state..."

Genkaku brows furrowed. "Un-charming state? I can't have that..."

The Elf Chef returned a moment later with a tray of goodies in his hands. The tray was silver and upon it sat a dark blue, porcelain teapot, with a matching teacup, and saucer. Also on the tray was a delectable looking piece of chocolate cake. "Would you like some tea Genkaku- _sama_? Or perhaps some cake?"

"Fiore...?" Genkaku looked up and blinked at Fiore and then his attention turned to the tray. He eyed the piece of chocolate cake, which had been brought for him: the plate that the piece of cake was sitting on had been decorated with artistic swirls of chocolate syrup and raspberry syrup. The piece of chocolate cake had also been toped with whipped cream and fresh raspberries. Genkaku's eye twitched.

As Marie eyed the pretty pattern Fiore had made on the plate, however, her reaction was quite different. She couldn't stop herself from saying under her breath: "Cute and sparkly. It's...perfect."

Genkaku gave the cake a disgusted look. "Why do you always bring me tea and cake, Fiore? When you know I don't like sweets." Genkaku let out a heavy sigh. "What I wouldn't give for some _sake_ (rice wine)..."

Marie's eyes had been starry as she eyed the delicious and glamorous looking cake. "Ooo~!" Marie gushed as she came over to admire the cake more closely. "What beautiful presentation! You really must be a Master Chef!" Her bright blue eyes were shimmering with admiration directed at Fiore.

Fiore beamed, "Why thank you, lady." A slight blush had crept upon his cheeks and he tapped the tips of his index fingers together nervoulsy. Girls tended to make him act this way. "It's one of my own special recipes: raspberry chocolate mouse cake."

Marie was nodding understandingly while smiling back at Fiore until-

Yang pointed a trembling finger at her. "AH! It's that _awful_ girl!"

_Awful girl..._ Marie frowned in a pout. _How rude. Shouldn't he be saying something like 'Ah it's that cute girl!' Hmph!_

The Demon Lord began to crack his knuckles as he eyed Marie with eyes full of loathing. "I should beat the crap out of this stupid girl. How dare she insult Genkaku-sama like that?" He started forward towards Marie-

" _Epp!_ " Marie squeaked and took a step back.

Yang grabbed the Demon Lord by his arms from behind, restraining him. "Yin! What are you crazy? You can't beat up a client!"

"Technically she's not a client." Piper began, "She's only a _potential_ client. What she really is though is a trouble maker." Piper also turned a harsh stare upon Marie. "We even had to close the club early because of her..."

Marie swallowed. Piper hated her for some reason. She thought Piper was her friend – her very first friend in the outside world. There was no way she could tell Piper the truth about who she really was now. Somehow she had ruined everything. These guys _hated_ her for some reason. Marie had this sinking feeling in her stomach. She had never been hated before. And she couldn't really understand why. _What did I do wrong?_ Marie's eyes began to fill with tears and she sniffled. _Somehow I've caused these people trouble haven't I...?_

Fiore put up his hands before him in a placating gesture. "Now, now, a gentleman should never lose his temper in front of a lady." Fiore gave Yin a piercing look. "It's not really her fault since she didn't know."

"Yea, she's just an outsider." Yang agreed swiftly, trying to defuse the situation before things got out of hand. "How could she know that saying that word around Genkaku- _sama_ is forbidden-"

"Shut up you fool!" Yin whacked his brother hard over the head with his fist, "Do you _want_ to tell that _baka onna_ (stupid woman) all of this club's secrets? If you'll tell her anymore I'll have to kill her!"

_Epp! These creepy guys are going to kill me! I'm too young and cute to die! Someone save me! Akito!_ Marie whimpered. A single tear traveled down her cheek-

A single tear which was brushed away by someone's thumb. Marie looked up in surprise to see that Genkaku was standing before her, a warm expression on his face as he gazed down at her...

_Ah, he's back._ Marie thought to herself as she blinked back up at Genkaku. There standing before her once more was the man who exuded confidence and charm. The Dark Knight.

"Why are you crying, my lady?" Genkaku asked her in a husky voice.

Marie sniffled and met his eyes – deep, sapphire blue with streaks of gray. "Because...I don't want to die..."

"Die?" Genkaku raised an eyebrow and shot Yin a dark look. "What would make you say something like that? No one is going to hurt you here. I promise. That idiot over there is just very good at putting his foot in his mouth – especially when it comes to girls, so please don't mind him."

"But...I found out about your secret..." Marie hung her head in shame. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm so sorry." Marie could no longer hold back her tears and they streamed down her flushed face.

Genkaku gave her a surprised look before he put one finger under Marie's chin to raise her face to look at him-

"Please don't cry, my lady. I'm not mad at you. And I would never let any of these idiots hurt you. After all, that would be going against the duty of a host." There was a sudden twinkle in Genkaku's eye.

"The duty of a host?" Marie questioned, becoming curious.

"Yes, that duty is to bring a smile to a girl's face. A host is never supposed to let a young girl cry for starters. It's against the rules." Genkaku assured her.

"To bring a smile to a girl's face..." Marie murmured. "I'm so confused..." She looked up at Genkaku and gave him a searching look. "Please Mr. Superhero will you tell me what a host is exactly? And what a host club is for that matter?"

"EHHH?" Yin exclaimed loudly, "This stupid girl doesn't even know what a host or host club is? What is she an alien or something? Where has that girl been living? Under a rock?"

Yang quickly covered his brother's mouth with his hand to stop him from continuing.

Marie blushed in embarrassment. Akito was right she really was a _baka_...

Genkaku gave Marie a curious look. How could this girl not know what a host club was? Genkaku stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Well, let me see. How shall I explain it? A host club is merely an establishment which has the power to make a woman's dream come true and the hosts here have the power to grant her wish." Genkaku smirked to himself at his sappy explanation of something as simple as a host club-

HOST CLUB: A club where women go to be served ridiculously overpriced drinks (usually champagne like Dom Perignon) by incredibly handsome young men who not only treat the woman like a princess – they can also pretend to be the woman's boyfriend/lover for the duration of their stay at the host club.

It's about creating an illusion or fantasy. The woman gets to escape from reality and enjoy the illusion of having a handsome, loving boyfriend...

Host clubs also had a dark side, however, due to what the girls were trying to escape from. This varied from female client to female client however – some of the women were just spoiled rich women with too much money and too much time on their hands, the bored _oujo-sama_ – the ideal client.

Then there were girls who worked in the sex industry – prostitutes and AV actresses who used their bodies in their job, and were being paid to have tons of sex so the last thing they wanted was more sex at the end of the day. Although their dilemma was that they still got lonely. However, they didn't have the time to get an actual boyfriend and so they'd get a host instead.

Then there was the category of rich, middle-aged widows who had tons of cash but were too wrinkly to get a date.

At host clubs the hosts weren't male prostitutes however – the Americans were always getting this point wrong. The hosts didn't normally sleep with clients. It was more about the _illusion of being loved by a handsome man_ than anything else – that's what the women were paying for. To believe if only for a moment that they were a princess and the most beautiful woman in the world – at least according to the handsome man in front of her.

Being fawned over by a handsome host was a temporary cure for their loneliness.

_What is a host club? The naïve girls asks. A host club is just a club that feeds stupid lonely women lies and robs them of their money. That's the truth._ Genkaku thought to himself. _Let's see if this air-headed girl believes the sentimental crap that I just fed her. Women are so stupid._

"A woman's wish...?" Marie questioned. _They grant wishes and make dreams come true in this place?_

Genkaku nodded and put out his hands. "Is love, of course. Most of the women who go to a host club are just lonely girls looking for true love. It's a host's duty to make these girls feel loved and to bring a smile to their lips – for the duration of their time at the club," He muttered the last part and then continued. "It's a host's duty to make her dream become a reality. I hope that makes sense, my lady." _She can't really be buying this load of crap...can she?_

_Dreams become reality in a host club._ They grant women the dream of being truly loved. Marie's blue eyes began to sparkle with delight. "That is so...wonderful!" Marie explained, her hands clasped before her.

Genkaku nearly face-faulted and he had to stop his jaw from dropping open at this silly girl. Her reactions were priceless. She was even more stupid and naïve than Genkaku had first though. Ha! I can't believe this airhead actually believed that. She's dumber than I thought. I'd be great if she's some kind of sheltered rich oujo-sama. She'd be the ideal sap to scam all of her money away from to help with my 'cause'.

But then Marie's eyes focused on Genkaku and her gaze became filled with what Genkaku hoped was just admiration. "And you're a host...and this place is a host club right?" Marie was beginning to sound excited. "So that means you're in charge of making dreams come true? And granting wishes! That's...amazing!" Marie gushed. "You're just like...a magician! I bet you're a sorcerer right?"

Bingo.

Genkaku's eye twitched. The airhead was a bit more astute than he thought. "Er, yes, I suppose you could say that. Though I like to consider myself more of an _illusionist_. I have the power to make a girl's fantasy or dream become a reality after all...but only for a short while."

"Oh? For how long?"

"As long as they are my client, of course. Time is money after all."

"I see..." Marie nodded thoughtfully but then frowned. "But if a host's duty is to make a girl smile I wonder why _he_ stole mine...?"

"What?" Genkaku questioned when Marie grew oddly silent.

Marie looked up at Genkaku, "I know a host who stole a girl's smile because...it was my smile that he stole." Her voice trailed off sadly as she remembered what had happened between her and Akito.

Genkaku's eyes widened and he nodded before offering Marie his hand. "Come, why don't you tell me all about it? That's what this club is for after all. Let's see if I can't help you dream if only for a little while." He gave her a charming smile.

Marie hesitated before she put her hand in Genkaku's. He led her over to one of the tables. He moved the chair out for Marie and helped her to get seated before he took the seat directly across from her. Genkaku took the dark blue handkerchief out of the front pocket in his tuxedo before giving it to Marie so that she could dab her eyes with it. Genkaku nodded and smiled to himself as Marie seemed to be calming down. "Fiore, bring the lady some tea and cake. Yin, Yang, provide us with some music. Piper...continue going over the books. And Hirgon...just try not to break anything." Genkaku clapped his hands together and immediately the hosts went out their assigned tasks.

_Wow, he really commands a lot of loyalty out of these guys._ Marie thought as she watched them fulfilling his orders. _He must be a really nice guy..._

Fiore bowed with a flourish. "Right away, Genkaku- _sama_."

"You want me to play for that stupid bi-" Yin was saying when Yang cut him off by grabbing his brother's ear and dragging him off to the stage that was towards the back of the main club room.

"Yin! Genkaku- _sama_ is already super pissed at you for making a girl cry inside of his host club! Don't push your luck – you know how he gets when he's _angry_!" Yang warned and shivered at the thought.

Yin shoved his brother roughly off of him, and looked over towards Genkaku, who gave him a friendly smile in return - a smile, which Yin knew was completely fake. _Scary...!_ Yin swallowed and nodded. "Right...um, let's go get our violins! I can't believe I'm doing this..." _Genkaku is so freaky when he smiles like that! It gives me the chills._

Yin and Yang hopped up on stage and took out their violins. They then began to play the haunting melody of _Toccata and Fugue._

Marie shivered, "That song is...spooky." She made an effort not to say 'creepy'. "Can't they play something...I dunno, more upbeat?" Marie suggested tentatively and gave Genkaku a hopeful smile.

Genkaku's eyebrow arched, "Upbeat? Err – of course. Yin! Yang! This isn't a funeral march – play something more... _happy_." Genkaku seemed to have a bit of difficulty getting to word 'happy' to come out of his mouth.

"Happy?!" Yin blurted out incredulously, "But you said you _hated_ -"

"Just do it!" Genkaku growled and turned to give Marie a sheepish look. "It's so hard to find good help these days." He shrugged.

Marie nodded in understanding. Akito was always saying the same thing oddly enough...

Genkaku tucked a errant strand of his midnight hair behind his ear and Marie followed the movement her attention once again being drawn to his face and noticing just how incredibly handsome Genkaku really was. If only he wasn't wearing that domino mask Marie could get an even closer look at his features. _He really is handsome. Though it's a shame about that horrible burn scar_...Marie thought to herself wistfully. _Without the scar he would be perfect._ Marie continued to observe him closely and her attention went to his ears. _They aren't pointed which means that Genkaku must be human._ Marie's attention went to Yin and Yang and noticed that their ears were also normal. _And Yin and Yang are also human. Humans and Elves living together at a host club. I wonder if that's normal...?_

"Now where were we?" Genkaku turned his attention fully to Marie. "You were about to tell me about the host who stole your smile?" Genkaku propped his chin in his hand to stare at Marie intently. Women loved it when they had a man's full undivided attention.

Marie's lower lip trembled and her blue eyes began to shimmer with unshed tears as she began to brokenly recount what had happened to her. Unfortunately, Genkaku didn't understand a single word of what she was trying to say since it all sounded like drunken gibberish to him. It was most difficult for Genkaku to keep a straight face while listening to this strange girl's even stranger tale. _She can't be for real can she?_ Genkaku thought to himself in disbelief. Genkaku could feel a headache coming on and had to resist the urge to rub his temples in front of the girl as he instead tried to pay more attention to her story-

"Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess who was in love with the Sun Prince. The prince was in love with the princess and so she was happy. But it all turned out to be an evil lie...an illusion. The prince wasn't really in love with the princess at all. He had been fooling her all along for his own amusement. The princess discovered that the prince was in fact a playboy host, who claimed to love all of the women in the world. One day, an evil sorceress kidnapped the handsome prince and the princess went to the Sparkling Gem Palace to save him, but when she got there she saw that the prince was completely bewitched by the evil sorceress and that she had lost his love. The prince appeared to be completely infatuated with the sorceress making it obvious that she must have placed a curse on the prince. I never even got to tell him how I really feel... _waahh!_ " Marie suddenly burst into tears. "But...there must be a way that I can save my prince...and free him from the evil sorceress' enchantment right?!"

Genkaku raised an eyebrow at the overdramatic girl before him. "So let me get this straight – you were in love with a guy who pretended to love you in return. But you discovered he was a playboy and not only that he was in love with someone else. That's when you realized he'd been lying to you all this time?"

Marie nodded vigorously and blew her nose loudly into her borrowed handkerchief loudly.

Genkaku cringed. _Ew._ He decided he would let the girl keep the handkerchief. He didn't want to be infected by her dumb germs afterall.

She looked down at it and realized it was expensive linen. Oops. There was also an elaborate 'G' embroidered in silver thread on the handkerchief. 'G' for _Genkaku_ , _Illusion_.

"Ooo." Yin and Yang were both applauding Genkaku for his ability to understand Marie's girl-speak.

Genkaku fists clenched on the tabletop until his knuckles turned white, "I hate liars..." A dark look crossed Genkaku's face.

Yin and Yang both exchanged worried looks.

But luckily Fiore had arrived with the tray of tea for two on it along with two pieces of his special chocolate cake for Genkaku and Marie. Yin and Yang both let out sighs of relief. Phew. Saved by the cake.

Marie looked down at her piece of cake and her eyes immediately both turned into two large hearts. She immediately began to dig in. " _Itadakimasu!_ Thanks for the food!" Her distraught demeanor doing a quick one hundred and eighty degree turn.

Genkaku stared at her in surprise. _This girl can sure change her mood awfully fast._

Fiore nodded knowingly to himself. "Ah _,_ the power of cake. Cake makes the world go round and keeps married couples from getting divorced."

Genkaku didn't touch his cake but instead picked up his steaming cup of tea to take a sophisticated sip.

Marie moved to pick up her cup of tea to take a sip as well but as she peered into the cup she noticed the dark color of the black tea, which reminded her of the liquid black color of Akito's eyes. " _Waaah!_ " She burst out crying _again_.

"What's wrong?" Genkaku asked her, alarmed, and wondering what it could be this time.

"Just now I remembered...his beautiful eyes! Oh how can I go on living without his love? But there's no way I could compete with that evil sorceress...she's _so_ his type. _Waah!_ If only I had the right type of pheromones!"

Genkaku took Marie's hands in his, "Please, look at me, _just me_."

Marie looked up and sniffled.

"Just forget about that jerk. A liar like him is unworthy of your love. There are plenty of other guys out there..." He gave her a meaningful look. "I'm sure a girl as cute as you will have no trouble finding a new boyfriend. A _better_ boyfriend."

"Honey, it's time to upgrade." Fiore agreed, nodding.

Marie's eyes widened in shock. Those words...that look...it was making her heart beat wildly in her chest! _This can only be a...declaration of love!_ Marie thought to herself. The execution and presentation of the love confession had been flawless. The overall act was perfect and with someone as handsome as Genkaku saying these things what girl could resist?

Answer: None.

_That's it!_ Marie thought suddenly. A plan was beginning to form in her mind.

Problem: Akito was under a spell put on him by the evil sorceress. This enchantment had changed Akito into a #1 playboy host who thought he was in love and loved by the evil sorceress.

Solution: Break the spell. Marie had to somehow convince Genkaku to make the evil sorceress fall in love with him thereby breaking the illusion that the sorceress was in love with Akito. Then Akito would be freed from the curse and free to love Marie.

Marie's cheeks turned pink as she looked back at Genkaku with eyes full of love, err, admiration for her soon-to-be savior! If anyone had the right pheromones for the job it was surely Genkaku. He would get the attention of that evil sorceress so that she would abandon Akito and Marie's Sun Prince could then return to her side. The evil sorceress was sure to fall for Genkaku. Yes, if anyone could help her with her plight it was the host Genkaku. Marie's blue eyes were filled with hearts and stars as she looked back at him. He was her hero. He would save her heart. She had never been so moved by an acting performance before. He was the perfect...Illusionist Host.

"Er, is there something on my face?" Genkaku questioned with a frown.

Marie ignored Genkaku, however, already lost in her daydreams of plans and plots for Akito. The biggest problem was in getting Genkaku to help her. Marie tapped her chin in thought and looked down at her piece of cake. The saying 'have your cake and eat it too' seemed to pop up in her mind. Her eyes lit up. _That's it! I'll have my cake and eat it too._ "I got it! I know what I have to do!" She turned and beamed at Genkaku. "Thank you so much!" Marie declared standing up from her place at the table and heading for the exit. _I'll be back, Genkaku-sensei._

Genkaku stared after the strange girl confusedly. "I'm glad to have been of help, my lady." Genkaku's words trailed helplessly after her. _Now that was one strange girl..._

"Miss wait!" Piper called out after her and then shook his head despairingly. "She didn't pay for that tea or cake..." Piper took out his calculator and began to punch in some numbers. "We're completely in the red now Genkaku- _sama_. That's the twentieth client this week that we've managed to scare off before they can pay."

Genkaku hung his head dejectedly and put his face in his hands. "Sorry about that Piper." Maybe trying to become _Kabukicho_ 's #1 host was a bit more challenging than Genkaku had originally anticipated. When it was just modeling he had somehow managed it. But this...was completely different. When Genkaku was a model he didn't have to do anything but let the girls flock to him based on his good looks, but being a host was completely different. It was much more complex. He had to attract the girls not just with his outer appearance but with his personality as well. And just when he thought he had women figured out he meet the enigma that was the pig-tailed girl. "What are we doing wrong, Piper? I'll ever become the #1 host of _Kabukicho_ at this rate...dammit..." Genkaku hit the tabletop with his fist out of frustration. "Fiore – _sake_." He commanded.

Fiore bowed. "Yes, Genkaku- _sama_." Fiore ran off to get Genkaku a bottle of plum _sake_ from the kitchen and returned in seconds with a white porcelain bottle of heated _sake_ and a small _sake_ cup. He poured Genkaku a cup of the _sake_ and set it before him. " _Dozo_. Here you go, Genkaku- _sama_."

Genkaku ignored the small white _sake_ cup and instead reached out to grab the bottle, which he then brought to his lips and began to chug.

" _Ah..._ " Fiore reached his hands out to try and stop Genkaku, but it was already too late. "Genkaku- _sama_ , you really shouldn't drink so much..." Fiore said fretfully before letting out a resigned sigh.

"Ah!" Genkaku declared contentedly when he was done with the bottle and wiped his lips with the back of his hand. "I feel _much_ better!"

Fiore looked about ready to cry. "Why won't you ever eat my cake...?"

"That was quite the performance you gave that girl back there though. I have to say, I'm impressed Genkaku- _sama_." Yang praised Genkaku.

"Yes, quite the ' _performance_ '." Piper agreed as he gave Genkaku a speculative stare. _It was good alright, almost too good. Maybe Genkaku wasn't as irritated by that particular girl as he usually is with other girls? Also, there was something oddly familiar about that girl. Do I know her from somewhere? Naw._

"Huh? Oh, yea, right..." Genkaku nodded in agreement.

"Taking into consideration the fact that you hate women those fake lines that you spouted to that girl just then and which made her look at you like some sort of love-sick fan girl almost sounded real. And you almost looked disappointed when she left – that was a nice touch." Piper continued letting his last point sound like a question.

Genkaku considered Piper's statement and shook his head. Yes, he hated women. But there had been something unexpectedly different about that strange girl...he hadn't felt the usual dark _hatred_ that he did for other women as he spouted those fake lines to her. Mostly mild irritation from her scatterbrained behavior. Fake lines...were they really just that? Genkaku shrugged. Not that it mattered. She was just a kid anyways. He had no interest in children – she must have been fourteen? Fifteen? She probably still thought babies were delivered by storks! But perhaps her _innocence_ was what had made her different from all those other women he encountered on a day-to-day basis to begin with. He hadn't even had the urge to use his hand wipes. _Yes, that must be it_. Genkaku nodded to himself. _A girl really isn't a woman now is she?_

"Well, I'd say our ' _tuxedo cosplay_ ' idea was a success for the most part. At least until that girl had to show up and ruin things." Piper began to inform them as he took out a notebook and flipped through its pages absentmindedly. "It definitely seemed to attract more female clients and seemed to make us all appear to be less cree- err, scary to our clients. There was definitely less running and screaming compared to yesterday." Piper finished thoughtfully as he looked at the data he had gathered from their last host club event and began to write down his findings during this latest event.

Genkaku stroked his chin thoughtfully, "Indeed. Using costumes to create our illusions was a nice touch. I think we should incorporate _cosplay_ and costumes into our usual routine as hosts more often. Piper, I expect you to take care of the needed arrangements." Genkaku waved a hand dismissively at him.

"You can count on me, Genkaku- _sama_." Piper nodded, but then frowned thoughtfully. "Costumes are expensive though. It would be nice if we could hire a private seamstress...or personal designer. I'll have to do some more research though considering how pitiful our current budget is. It doesn't look like we'll be able to hire one anytime soon." Piper put out his hands in a surrendering gesture.

Genkaku nodded once. "I leave finding us a seamstress in your capable hands, Piper."

"At least Genkaku- _sama_ is back to normal." Yang was saying in a hushed voice to his brother.

"No thanks to that strange girl." Yin snorted and turned towards Genkaku. " _Oi_ Genkaku- _sama_ , you sure you don't want me to kill her? She knows your secret...if it gets out you could lose even more of your clients." Yin informed him darkly, an evil glint in his eyes.

"That girl..." Genkaku murmured thoughtfully, "She was a weird one wasn't she? I don't suppose she'll ever come back here since it was pretty obvious she didn't like 'scary' things."

Piper began to clean wax out of his ears. He must have been hearing things since Genkaku's voice had almost sounded regretful.

"I've been telling you all along that the décor of this establishment should be changed to suit the tastes of our clients – and _not_ your tastes Genkaku- _sama_." Piper stated in a matter-of-fact tone.

"What did you think of her, Hirgon?" Yang asked the tall, stoic man curiously.

"I think..." Hirgon began in a low voice, and the hosts all leaned in, curious to hear what the usually silent man had to say. "She smelled nice."

The hosts all promptly fell over.

"Smelled like what?" Yang couldn't help but ask.

"Bubblegun." Hirgon informed him.

"What the girl smelled like is _not_ the issue here! If we continue to scare away all our female clients...we'll have none left!" Piper began to run his hands back and forth through his slicked back hair messing up his hair do. "Ah, I'm surrounded by idiots!"

"Well, we still have a few of our regulars left..." Genkaku muttered offhandedly as he waved a hand vaguely off in one direction of the club room. Genkaku reached into his tuxedo for his pack of cigarettes. He took a cigarette out, lit it, and took a long draw from it. " _Ah,_ that's good _._ "

"Regulars?" Piper questioned as he caught sight of movement out of the corner of his eye. _Huh?_ He turned to see the shadowy figure of a woman slink back into the shadows. "Ah, you mean like your stalker?"

"Don't forget the _hikikomori_ girl who keeps locking herself up in my pantry like she's some kind of _yure_ or ghost!" Fiore complained, wringing his hands together worriedly. "It's quite frightful to see her face first thing in the morning. You know how I get around girls Genkaku- _sama_! Can't we do something about that one?"

" _Keh_ , if we're going to get rid of one of our regulars why don't we start with _her_?" Yin jerked his thumb towards one of the tables where a girl was currently seated and using a laptop computer to play a MMORPG (massive multiplayer online role playing game). The girl had messy, short brown hair, thick, square-framed glasses on her face and tomboyish clothes which consisted of a purple t-shirt and a pair of faded jeans. "I didn't even know this castle had WiFi..." Yin felt a trickle of sweat form on his brow.

"Die! Die! Die! LadySephira is going to slay your ass, demon! Oh, hey there Knight, what's your name? Oh, AngelZealot why not come and join my party? I see we have similar interests." The girl turned her head suddenly to give Yin an adoring look. "Did you say something Count Daemon?"

Yin's eyes twitched at the 'nickname' the girl had given him for some reason. "Delusional is what she is. She's such a weird nerdy, unattractive girl. Remind me why we put up with her again?"

"Ranka's a super rich _oujo-sama_ remember?" Piper said as he flipped open his notebook to where the girl's profile was. "Her mother is the famous fashion designer known as _HANA_. Ranka also makes a lot of money selling items she gets inside of the game for real money online. It's just tough luck that you happen to look like one of the 2-D characters in the game that she has a thing for since she's only into 2-D men..."

"Maybe _SHE_ was right about me..." Genkaku was saying to himself morosely, as he took a long draw from his cig and blew the smoke out into the air, "I'm just a creepy loser. I'll never be able to attract normal clients least of all _HER_..." _What am I even doing any more? I've strayed pretty far off my original plan for revenge..._

"Genkaku- _sama_! Don't say that. You're _not_ creepy – you're really cool!" Yang was saying as he placed a hand on Genkaku' shoulder. "We're the ones who keep screwing everything up. The women all love _you_ , Genkaku- _sama_!"

"You really think so?" Genkaku questioned, his eyes brightening a bit. "They do seem to love me don't they?" He smirked to himself. "Thanks, Yang, you don't suck."

"Er, you don't suck either, Genkaku- _sama_." Yang awkwardly patted Genkaku on the back. He knew that was as close as a man like Genkaku would get to being affectionate. "Besides, Yin is the one who keeps scaring all the girls away with that evil glare of his! Not to mention when he pulls out his gun and aims it at them."

" _Oi!_ Hey! It's not my fault most of those girls are pansies! Besides, if Hirgon wouldn't stop shattering glasses in front of them with his bare hands-" Yin argued.

Hirgon hung his head in shame.

"Leave Hirgon out of it." Piper snapped. "At least he doesn't do stupid things like tell a girl you're going to beat her up or kill her just because you lose your temper!"

"What was that, _gaki_ , brat?" Yin growled, cracking his knuckles. "You want a piece of me?"

"Who you calling _gaki_ , you stupid, sadistic hothead!" Piper stalked forward until the two were standing in front of each other and lighting flashed between their eyes.

Yang quickly moved between the two young men and placed his hands on their chests to keep them farther apart. "Hey!" He looked back and forth worriedly between the two young men. "Stop fighting! This isn't helping to solve anything."

"You stay out of it!" Piper and Yin simultaneously yelled at Yang.

Yang's eyes filled up with tears and he ran for Genkaku. " _Wahh!_ Genkaku- _sama_ they yelled at me again!"

Piper and Yin were about to launch themselves at each other when Hirgon stepped between them and lowered his gunglasses to give them both a reproachful look, his silver eyes gleaming. Both young men gulped. Hirgon could be really scary when he wanted to be.

"Look, this isn't getting us anywhere. We're losing sight of the main issue here, guys." Fiore began to remind them.

"Which is?" Yin raised an eyebrow at the pastry chef.

Fiore motioned towards Genkaku who was patting Yang on the head consolingly. "We all promised we'd help Genkaku- _sama_ become the #1 host in _Kabukicho_ so that he could get his revenge on _that woman_."

The hosts all fell silent as they looked at their Master's dour expression.

"We all owe him. We can't let him down now..." Fiore trailed off.

The hosts all nodded in agreement.

Piper tapped his chin thoughtfully, "There just has to be a way to make the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ a success..."

"It would take some kind of miracle." Yang shrugged.

***

Marie hailed a cab and directed it to the Usui mansion estate. "Akito- _sama_!?" Marie called out into the dark and quiet mansion as she stepped through the door, and let out a heavy sigh when no one responded. Apparently, _Romeo_ wasn't back from his tryst with _Juliet_ yet." Marie stuck her tongue out at the thought.

But that no longer mattered. Marie had an idea on how to get Akito back. She wouldn't give up on her one true love so easily!

Once she was back inside of her bedroom Marie took off her sequined mask and tossed it on her bed before going over to the bathroom. She flipped the bathroom light on as she entered and looked at her reflection curiously in the large mirror that hung directly over her sink. She turned her head this way and that thoughtfully. It was time for the makeover of a lifetime!

Marie picked up a pair of cutting sheers and opened and closed them. Marie then held onto on of her long pigtails and cut through the entire section of hair. She did the same thing to her other pigtail. Now layers of thick blonde hair hung limply around her face down to her chin. Marie wasn't worried, however, since this was another thing she was surprisingly good at: cutting hair.

Marie had an extraordinary sense of design, fashion, and style and as long as she had her 'final vision' in mind then she was able to make her vision become a reality.

Her cutting sheers moved swiftly through the air, pieces of blonde hair flying through the air. Finally, she turned her head this way and that once she had finished. She smiled. " _Kampeki._ Perfect." Her final haircut had turned out to be cute, hip, and stylish. She nodded, pleased with the outcome. The cut had layers, which framed her face and sections that flipped up in the back. _It looks totally cute!_

But then Marie caught herself in her thoughts. "Ah! No! Not good! It's _not_ supposed to be 'cute' but...hip and handsome...yea... _neh?_ " Marie opened her bathroom cabinet and rummaged around until he found some hair gel. She squeezed a large glob of the clear gel into her hand before rubbing her two hands together. She then ran her hands through her short cut and proceeded to mess up her hairstyle so that her blonde hair was now spiked up in a punky manner. _There!_ Marie turned her head this way and that to inspect her spiky, shorthaired look. _Perfect._ She giggled and once again caught herself, slamming her hands over her mouth. She shook her head, boys _did not_ giggle. She pouted to herself, this may end up being _way_ harder than she thought...

Step #2 of Marie's makeover of a lifetime: Marie got out her sewing kit and began to flip through one of Akito's fashion magazines, which she had 'borrowed', until her eyes landed on a suitable outfit for her to copy its design. Marie nodded to herself once she had selected the perfect outfit that she wanted to try and make in order to complete her new look. She then began taking out rolls of fabric and buttons and quickly set to work.

In very little time Marie had completed her new outfit. Marie stripped out of her pink maid outfit and grabbed a long white bandage to bind her breasts with. Marie was pretty flat but men were as flat as boards so Marie couldn't take any chance. She wrapped the bandage around her breasts until she could barely breath. She then put on her new outfit.

Marie peered at her reflection in the full-length mirror that was in her bathroom: it was no longer that of a cute Maid- _sama_ but that of a young boy. She was wearing a baseball cap on her head, backwards, a pair of designer, oval-shaped framed, silver sunglasses that had blue flames on the sides (borrowed from Akito), a dark-blue, zip-up, polar fleece jacket, a pair of light blue jeans, which had been strategically ripped and torn in places, a pair of old sneakers (also borrowed from Akito) and to complete her look she had borrowed a chain wallet and matching silver chain necklace.

Marie practiced trying to do a 'hip hop pose': "What's up, dude? How's it hanging bro?" Marie used a low voice. "Not bad!" Marie began to giggle to herself but caught herself. "Ah! No...more like..." Marie chuckled softly. _Perfect!_ "I'm such a cute boy! I would _so_ date myself!"

This was all part of the plan that had started to form in Marie's mind. The way she would 'have her cake and eat it too' would be to get revenge on Akito for breaking her pure maiden's heart, but also save him from the clutches of that evil sorceresses and gain another chance to win his love.

In order to get revenge on Akito she planned to become a #1 host and beat him at his own game. Completely humiliate him that a _girl_ had become a more popular host than he was. To do this she had to somehow convince Genkaku to make her his apprentice. She recognized Genkaku's skill and knew that he was the only one who could turn her into a #1 host. She believed in his abilities after having witnesses them firsthand. Genkaku was an actor. She had watched the mask slide on and off his face, putting on different personas and changing so differently from a depressed man to a charming gentleman on the flip of a dime.

She also had an idea about how to convince Genkaku to let her become his apprentice. She was certain that she could be of some use to the _Sir Genkaku Host Club,_ which obviously needed some help. She would help the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ to be less scary to girls somehow.

The last phase of her plan was gaining Genkaku's trust in order to convince him to make Ryoko fall in love with him. Once Genkaku did that the spell on Akito would be broken and Marie could try and win Akito's heart. She was sure that Genkaku and herself would become fast friends. She already admired him and was sure that after he got to know her a little that he'd like her too.

_It's the absolute perfect plan._ Marie smiled and nodded to herself. _I really must be a genius. I'll become a #1 host and Genkaku will use his pheromones to make Ryoko fall in love with him. Then once Akito realizes what a cool person for managing to do something as impossible as a girl becoming a #1 host I am sure he'll fall in love with me and we'll live happily ever after. Perfect._

In short, Marie had decided to forsake her womanhood and become a male host and work at the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_!

Marie looked around her room. She decided she had better hurry and get packing since she had decided to run away from the Usui mansion never to return. Or at least, not until her _mission_ had been accomplished. Until then there was no place for her there or in Akito's heart.

Marie carefully packed her suitcase while making sure to include her sewing kit and a few outfits that she had created spur of the moment for herself since she needed some more male clothing. She closed the suitcase and looked around her room wondering if she had forgotten anything and caught sight of the outfit she had made for Akito laying on her bed. She went over to the bundle of clothes and picked it up. It would be the last _Noh_ -Name outfit Akito would be getting from her. She set it down and went over to her desk to write Akito a goodbye note:

Akito

You've stolen my smile and broken my pure maiden's heart. I won't ever forgive you for that. But I won't give up on you either. I know all about how you're merely under an enchantment placed on you by that evil sorceress. I'll find a way to free you from her curse and then I'll tell you what I never got to tell you. Until then this is farewell Goushuujin-sama. Don't worry I will find a way to break the curse and return to your side. Wish me luck. I'll do my best!

Yours truly,

Marie

Marie put on some bright red lipstick and then pressed her lips to the end of her farewell letter. Marie took her suitcase and left the mansion without looking back. This was the end of Marie the Maid- _sama's_ story and the beginning of Mizuki the host's story.

Marie found that she wasn't sad but was instead feeling rather hopeful since – _tomorrow is another day! I won't lose to that evil sorceress – not now that I have my own secret weapon: Genkaku's pheromones!_

***

A few hours later...

1:30 am...

Akito had finally returned to the Usui mansion estate. " _Honey,_ I'm home!" Akito called loudly as he shut the door behind him.

He expected to hear Marie's quick reply of: "Welcome home, Goshuujin- _sama_."

But the only thing that met his ears was the sound of thunder echoing in the distance. A storm was approaching. And the entire mansion was pitch-black. Akito shivered. Was it just him or was the mansion unusually cold? "Mother!" He called. No response. Not that he had really expected one – his mother was probably out as usual.

Akito quickly went around the mansion turning on all the lights as he went before going up to his room. He flipped his room's lights on as he entered and then noticed the bundle on his bed. "Ah, from Marie? More clothes probably...a note?" Akito picked up the folded piece of paper wondering what Marie could possibly feel the need to tell him in a written note and something that she just couldn't just tell him directly. _Ah, I know what this is – it must be a Love Letter._ Akito smirked to himself. _This ought to be good..._ Akito opened it, read and then re-read the letter. His hands were beginning to shake. This was no 'love letter' this was a farewell letter!

The note fell from Akito's limp fingers as he stood frozen in total shock. Marie had left him – but why? "What the hell? Evil sorceress! Enchantment? What crazy notion has she gotten into her head this time? _Mou!_ " Akito gripped and pulled at his hair. "Unbelievable! I leave her alone for a little while and she gets all these strange ideas. No wait...could she possibly mean Ryoko- _san_? Shit! Marie must have seen me and Ryoko together at the club! That stupid girl totally jumped to conclusions. _Keh!_ Good riddens to a stupid maid!" Akito kicked his nearby dressing table, hard. "OW!" Akito whined as he began to hop around on one foot around his room. _I'm so not good with pain!_

Once the pain had subsided Akito stood frozen in the center of his room again. He sighed heavily and looked at the floor. "Stupid girl...that was _so_ her fault. How could she leave me? The world's #1 top male model? Sun Prince Akito?" Akito walked over and slumped down on his bed, putting his face in his hands. "Shit..." _Did she really run away? There's no way a naïve and sheltered girl like Marie will be able to survive out there on her own. There are too many weirdos out there! She'll be eaten alive! She doesn't know the first thing about living in the real world...though I suppose that's all my fault. But...I wanted Marie to remain 'pure'. I wanted her to remain the only pure light in this dark and corrupt world._ Akito snorted at his own sappy thoughts. This was so not like him. Ah screw it! There's no way she could have left me. That simply wouldn't make any sense. Therefore, I can reach only one conclusion: Marie has been kidnapped.

Thunder boomed ominously in the distance.

_Yes! That must be it! Marie's been kidnapped and the kidnappers fabricated that strange note so I wouldn't suspect._ Akito patted himself on the back for his great deduction skills. _I'm so smart._ Then his expression fell as he realized: Marie's been kidnapped?! _Fuck me..._

### Chapter 4: Oh where, oh where has my little dog gone?

Akito was in denial.

He was certain that his maid Marie must have been kidnapped the night he sent her home alone from the _Precious Gem Host Club_ and that that note had been fabricated by her kidnappers. It was the only thing that made any sense to him.

He didn't really care about what happened to Marie – but he was determined to find her and so he had told the police, The Guild, he had hired mercenaries, SP, he had put Marie's picture on milk cartons, and there had been a special news report about her disappearance. Akito had spent millions of _yen_ to try and find Marie. Not because he cared but because to him, who was a millionaire, money was no object.

And yet the days passed and zilch, nadda, nothing. There was no sign, no trace, no hint of Marie. It was like Marie had just disappeared off the face of the earth. What the hell was the police doing? What the hell were they spending his money on? Bunch of useless idiots.

Akito didn't care but he was in a very pissy mood ever since Marie had disappeared. He made strange demands of the servants who wouldn't fulfill his odd requests and Akito had no choice but to fire their worthless hides until only Tanaka was left. Akito turned his attention to Tanaka next and started making odd requests of the loyal butler until finally Tanaka had no choice but to declare he was taking a vacation until Akito calmed down.

What Akito didn't know is that Tanaka had decided to go and look for Marie on his own.

Akito had a daily schedule to keep to but without his maid Marie around he was finding it difficult to merely get through the day in what he would have considered a normal way. _Ah, I can remember the good old days when Marie was around..._ Akito caught himself thinking and frowned as he remembered.

10 days earlier...

_Akito's Daily Schedule_ :

7:00 Wake up, shower, wash and care for face, brush teeth, comb hair etc.

7:30 Stare at reflection.

8:00 Throw darts at poster of Genkaku.

8:30 Marie arrives to assist in dressing.

9:00 Marie makes breakfast.

9:30 Stare at reflection in hand mirror.

10:00 Marie does manicure, pedicure, blow dries hair and sometimes gives a back massage.

12:00 Go to any scheduled interviews, shopping for new clothes, photo shoots and if there's spare time read fashion magazines. Watch soap operas and variety shows.

6:00 Go to the gym.

6:30 Stare at reflection in gym mirror as lift weights.

7:00 Shower and get ready to go home.

8:00 Arrive home and have dinner which was prepared by Marie.

9:00 Dress and get ready to leave to the Precious Gem Host Club to fulfill duties as a host until 1:00 am.

10:00 Arrive at the Precious Gem Host Club.

Akito would usually start his day by going to the bathroom. He'd take a shower and then begin washing his face using expensive, brand name cleanser, next he'd use a cotton ball to apply toner to his face and lastly he would apply lotion. He would then brush his teeth with baking soda until they were sparkling white. The first thing that greeted him in the morning was his own handsome visage in the bathroom mirror. His wild, chin-length, blood-red colored hair, his dark and mysterious coal-black eyes, his bronze-colored skin. He was truly a god among men. He knew he was as close to perfect as a man could get. It really made his day.

Akito had always known he was handsome, but until he became a model he had not known to what _extent_. When his maid Marie had been put in charge of his wardrobe and in charge of helping him get dressed properly things changed. Marie had squealed in delight when the Lady Usui had told Marie that having her son properly dressed was one of her many new responsibilities. Marie had declared that Akito would be as fashionable as a Ken doll. _Whatever that is._ Akito shrugged at the memory. _Probably another strange American thing..._

Due to Marie's surprisingly good fashion and style sense she had dressed Akito to her tastes with interesting results.

When next Akito went out in public – he became the instant center of attention. The girls flocked to him and began to praise him. It was pure and unexpected bliss to Akito since Akito was an Empath.

At the time he hadn't really known nor understand why he was really feeling that way. His mother was a powerful Mage but Akito himself had very little magic (according to her) – just his empathy. But it was strong. So strong he could feel the emotions of the young girls quite easily.

Akito was so sensitive to the girls' feelings, however, that he ended up getting drunk and intoxicated by them. He became addicted to feeling the waves of admiration pour over him and wanted more, and more until his entire life became driven by it. Like a drug addict.

Luckily, it wasn't long before a model scout caught sight of Akito and recognized the charisma and potential he had, and offered him a job in modeling. Thus began the legacy of Akito the male model, nicknamed 'Sun Prince Akito', and who would become the world's #1 top international male model.

Akito's life at that point in time was perfect. He wouldn't have changed a thing. That was until a new face appeared in the modeling world.

Akito walked out of his bathroom, a red towel around his waist that had a large swirly A embroidered into the towel in black thread. In his room taped to the far wall was a poster of none other than the male model Genkaku.

A handsome older man in his early thirties, who had rugged facial features, chin-length, silky blue-black hair, narrow, deep, sapphire-colored eyes. Skin as pale as porcelain. In the poster the man was wearing a long, black leather jacket that had several straps and buckles that had been wrapped around Genkaku's chest tightly. He had on a pair of black leather pants, and a pair of clunky combat boots. His overall outfit had a bit of a _Visual Kei_ feel to it, Akito decided. Genkaku also had several piercings in his ears. There was this dangerous 'Bad Boy' look about him. He wore an expression as if to say: 'Do you dare?' Genkaku also had a medieval sword slung across his shoulder blades in a careless manner. The sword was quite long and menacing, its blade pitch black...

Because of this advertising campaign for _Knight-Flow_ er cologne Genkaku had been given the nickname: 'Dark Knight Genkaku' and his fan girls had even begun to call him 'Sir Genkaku'. Akito glared at the dark blue letters that hung above Genkaku's image and which read: _Knight-Flower cologne...let his smell whisk you away to another place...another time..._

Akito didn't know why but he had been given the nickname "Dark Knight Genkaku" and the girls even called Genkaku "Sir Genkaku". In dark blue letters the name "Sir Genkaku" had been placed in text art above his image.

Akito frowned at Genkaku's confident expression and took out his darts. This was his favorite morning exercise. He stood back several feet from the poster and began to fling darts at Genkaku's visage.

All of the darts ended up hitting Genkaku's handsome face expertly. Akito had a lot of practice doing this every morning after all.

Akito threw a couple more darts. His life had been perfect until Genkaku stormed the modeling world. He was now the #1 ranked male model in the world. That bastard had stolen Akito's rank! His place in the sun. He hated Genkaku with a passion. Genkaku was Akito's #1 enemy.

_Speaking of which_. Akito thought to himself. _Genkaku's latest modeling photo will be coming out today in the latest issue of GothLoli._ _I have to get my hands on that magazine and see what the 'competition' has managed to come up with this time._ Akito knew it was always a good idea to try and stay one step ahead of the competition.

There was a knock upon Akito's bedroom door. " _Goshuujin-sama_?" It was his maid Marie. She certainly was punctual. Akito looked at his watch, it read: 8:30 on the dot.

"Just a moment Marie. I'm indecent." Akito took out a fancy, high-tech remote control device and pressed the big red button on it. Instantly a portrait of himself moved to hide Genkaku's poster from sight.

"Alright, you can come in now." Akito called.

Marie entered, "It's time for us to redo your manicure _Goshuujin-sama_."

"Very well." Akito agreed in a snarky manner and took a seat in front of a small round antique table that was in his room. He put his hands out on the table for Marie to handle.

Marie sat on the other side of the table and took one of his hands in hers and began to file his nails with an enraptured look on her face. And then the waves of emotion of love and admiration began to pour off of her in waves directed towards Akito.

_Mmm. Delicious._ Akito sighed in contentment. Marie truly had the best emotions to feed off of.

Akito used his thumbs to stroke the top of Marie's hand teasingly.

Marie immediately reacted to his touch with a pretty blush and a feeling of nervousness and naïve desire washed over Akito next.

Akito chuckled. He liked the feeling of the butterflies in Marie's stomach. She was just _so_ much fun to tease. And her emotions became even stronger, more interesting and more delectable the more intense his teasing of her was. She was his #1 source of amusement and of delicious emotions.

One of the servants had hinted to him that he was in love with Marie. Akito had fired the servant the very next day. He didn't like to be misunderstood. To him Marie was just some orphaned, American girl, who his mother had brought back with her from a business trip to New York City on a whim. Marie had been seven-years-old when she came to the Usui estate. Akito had been seven-years-old at the time too and Marie had become his personal maid and playmate. In Akito's mind though she was just his personal servant or slave even. His young mind had put her into the 'underling' category straight away. It was nice having an underling. Especially one as loyal and naive as Marie was.

No, Akito didn't love Marie. He loved _all_ women. And he especially _hated_ other men.

To him Marie was his pet, his toy, his belonging, and nothing more. Or so he told himself day after day.

***

Akito left the mansion later that day intent on buying the latest issue of _Goth Loli_ magazine to see what Genkaku's latest photo would be like. Usually, if he was running errands in Tokyo he would have let his butler Tanaka drive him but today he wanted to keep his special errand a secret from the others and so he took his Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - gullwing doors, gold exterior, red leather interior - and left secretly instead.

Akito didn't intend to keep the magazine in his house because of Marie. He didn't want Marie to see Genkaku's photo and...think he was a fan. Yea, that was it.

Akito hated things like disguises, they were troublesome, and so he didn't brother with them. And so as Akito parked directly in front of a very popular book store and exited his gullwing Mercedes—

Immediately all eyes were on him:

" _Kyahhh!_ Is that male model Akito?!"

Fangirls began to spot him and cry out, pointing and the paparazzi began to pop out of nowhere trying to steal a shot of Akito. Not that he minded, he looked hot in the outfit that Marie had selected for him to wear that day: a black, long-sleeved, silk shirt, a pair of fitted black silk pants, a bloodred tie, and a pair of shiny black _Ferragamos_.

Akito entered through the sliding glass door of the bookstore and made his way over to the magazine stand. He could feel the eyes in the store following him and smirked. He spotted the latest issue of _Goth Loli_ and snatched it up. He quickly flipped through the pages until he found the picture that he was looking for:

_Found it!_ The photograph was of Genkaku sprawled out languidly on an antique settee with dark blue silk cushions like a dangerous panther. He was wearing an exquisite male _kimono_ in a thick, dark blue, silk material - the pattern of wafting smoke had been embroidered into the _kimono_ in a silver thread. There was a pair of _zori_ sandals on his feet. The _kimono_ was slightly open in front revealing a scandalous amount of Genkaku's pale chest along with one of his pink nipples.

_Disgusting._ Akito inwardly sneered. Genkaku's body was much too feminine for his tastes. No one would ever accuse Akito of having a feminine body – that was for sure. His nipples were a respectable _brown_ color. And his body was much more muscular than the lithe Genkaku.

Genkaku's hair had grown slightly from the last time a photograph had been taken of him and so blue-black strands of his hair were framing in face in a slightly messy wind-blown manner. Genkaku's sapphire eyes were hooded and slightly glazed, probably because Genkaku was supposed to look slightly intoxicated in the photograph since in one of Genkaku's hands he was holding a glass of red wine. A single drop of red wine trickled down from the corner of Genkaku's mouth. It looked like a drop of blood.

Akito frowned and his brows furrowed together. _Nani? What?_ _Does Genkaku want to look like some kind of vampire? Ha! Pathetic._ Though 'vampires' were 'IN' with the chicks – it was a pathetic example of Genkaku trying to ride the coattails of the latest pathetic fad. _Loser. Hack._

The look that was on Genkaku's face said: 'Come here...if you dare.' There was also this dangerous glint in his eyes. 'I'll devour you, kitten.'

Akito shuddered. _Ew._ He'd pass on that one and he was sure that the girls would too.

Akito set the magazine back down on the rack with a sigh of relief. _Whew. That's the best Genkaku can come up with? Nanda, nanda, nanda, that's it?! Pathetic hack! I have nothing to worry about. I won't lose to you yet Genkaku-teme (bastard) especially if that's the best you can come up with!_

A large grin formed on Akito's face and then he burst out laughing. "What have I been worrying about these past few days? Ha! The girls will never go for that overdone tripe. Vampires are _so_ overdone!"

Akito exited the bookstore and found himself to be surrounded by paparazzi and screaming fangirls.

" _Kyahhh!_ It's Akito!" "Akito I love you!" "Akito marry me and have my babies!" "Akito sign my chest!"

The paparazzi cameras were flashing. _Ah, this is it – pure bliss._ Akito breathed in deep and let the emotions of his fangirls and paparazzi wash over him – their love, praise, adoration, desire, lust, want, greed. He wanted it all.

Akito put his arms out to his sides, lost in the moment, and just allowed himself to bask for a moment in their emotions. _Praise me! Adore me! Worship me like a god! Oh how I love this!_

Akito knew that most celebrities or people in the public eye would have probably felt suffocated by the kind of attention these people were giving him but for Akito it was just the exact opposite. He loved this. He _lived_ for this. He was totally addicted to it. To be worshiped like a god. _No...I am a god._

Akito would get high on their praise and adoration. He was so hopelessly addicted however that he now _needed_ this. He couldn't live without it. And that's why Genkaku's existence not only posed a threat to his modeling career but also to his very life. Without the praise and adoration he craved he would wilt and whither away like a flower deprived of sunlight and waste away.

However-

"Ah! Look over there!" "Is that...?" "It is him!" "It's Sir Genkaku!" " _Kyahhhh!_ " "Genkaku- _sama_!"

Fame was a fickle friend. Akito learned this the hard way.

The girls shouted and pointed and screamed like the rabid fan girls that they were and then the fan girls and paparazzi left Akito just standing there with his arms out to his sides like an idiot and this hungry, empty feeling in his chest...

Genkaku had arrived just down the block, parking his black Harley Davidson, and dismounting the bike, intent on getting the latest copy of _Goth Loli_ as well in order to see how his photograph had turned out.

Genkaku was dressed all in black in a short leather jacket, turtleneck, jeans, and combat boots. He also had a pair of black sunglasses that had blue flames on the sides of them on his face. Genkaku's favorite color was: black. On his motorcycle helmet there was the image of a skull.

As Genkaku dismounted from his bike he removed his helmet and sunglasses. The paparazzi and fangirls instantly surrounded him. Like moths to a flame. Genkaku blinked at them all in surprise as if he wouldn't quite comprehend his own fame. Akito scoffed – then Akito noticed or thought he saw a look of discontent pass over Genkaku's features before it was gone.

Akito rubbed at his eyes. He must have been seeing things since how could Genkaku possibly be discontent when being surrounded by a group of beautiful young fan girls asking him to sign various parts of their bodies? _So not fair._

Genkaku now had this charming smile plastered to his face and was graciously accepting to sign a few of the _Goth Loli_ magazines there were being passed his way. Apparently the girls wanted Genkaku to sign his name on the picture of him looking like some kind of perverted vampire...!

_What is this world coming to?_ Akito wondered.

" _Kyahhh!_ You can suck my blood, Genkaku- _sama_!" "No suck mine!" "Bite my neck!" "Bite my #$%@!"

Akito smacked a hand to his forehead. _Vampires...again?! When will those silly girls have enough of that? Vampires are dead...dead! What's sexy about being kissed by a cold undead corpse!_

Akito quickly made his way to his gullwing Mercedes and took off – tires screetching and burning on the pavement. It would be a lot worse if Genkaku spotted him and decided to walk over and gloat face to face. _Bastard...you may have won this round but I'm not giving up yet. There has to be a way that I can regain what I've lost because of you...if not...I'm done for._

***

Akito couldn't tell Marie that the world's #1 top model had lost in his battle against the Dark Knight. Akito's mansion, which had once been his refuge, became a stifling prison. Akito couldn't show his currently depressed state to Marie and so decided to walk down the streets of _Kabukicho_ aimlessly that night instead of returning home. And that was when he met _HER_.

It had been raining on the night that he met _HER_. Akito had somehow walked past _Kabukicho_ and stumbled across a small park for children. It was here that Akito sat down on one of the swings as the cold, merciless rain began to pour down on him. Akito ignored the rain and gripped the cold steel chain that held the swing above the muddy ground. _This rotten weather mirrors my rotten mood quite nicely._ Akito had thought to himself.

Akito sat there like a wilted flower, a shadow of his former dazzling self. And then the rain suddenly stopped falling on his head causing him to look up. He blinked – a woman was standing before him holding a red _wagasa_ , or paper umbrella, over his head. Akito looked down and noticed that she was wearing gold, silk slippers that were adorned with tiny, sparkling gems. His eyes traveled upwards to see that she was wearing a flowing, white _kimono_ , which was slightly damp revealing that she wasn't wearing a bra underneath. Her pink nipples were just barely visible beneath the somewhat transparent fabric causing Akito to blush. There was a brilliant red _obi_ (sash belt) tied about her waist and as Akito trailed his eyes upwards to her face-

There was a sudden flash of lightning that seemed to illuminate her eyes. He blinked. He was staring into familiar emerald green eyes. And there in the center of her forehead was a sparking golden topaz stone. "Mother...?" Akito murmured as he stared at her long, wavy, blood-red hair, which cascaded all the way down to her golden silk slippers. But no...that was impossible. This woman, who was before him now, simply _looked_ like his mother when she was younger. Akito shook his head. "Who are you?" He licked his lips and swallowed.

The beautiful woman's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Just a fan." She tossed her hair over her shoulder in a careless gesture. "I've been watching you, Akito- _kun_. You're a gem, a precious jewel among men. And I wish to collect you..." She purred as she reached out her hand and cupped his cheek fondly and in a motherly manner.

Akito blinked up at her confusedly, suddenly finding himself in a vulnerable state of mind. "What?" His voice was tinged with disbelief.

Ryoko looked down at him with a warm expression on her face. "Poor boy, you're completely soaked...why don't you come back with me to my place? Let me take care of you, Akito- _kun_. I'll be sure to warm you right up." She gave him a teasing wink.

Akito nodded mutely as she reached out her hand to him and he placed his hand in hers, slightly dazed. This woman was so beautiful and kind...and he felt so pitiful and unloved just then. This woman who so resembled the mother who had never shown Akito love...suddenly showing him such kindness...Akito was lost. This woman had to be his salvation, right?

The woman pulled Akito up and then into a comforting embrace. She stroked Akito's hair lovingly as Akito rested his head against her ample chest. "No more tears on the inside, Akito- _kun_. I'm here to save you. No more worries. I'll protect you. You just leave everything to me. You were once such a beautiful flower but you've become wilted. This is because you've been deprived of your nourishment – those words of praise and admiration. But don't worry, love, I will bring all that back to you because you are to be my most precious gem. My name is Ryoko."

Akito allowed himself to succumb to Ryoko's embrace and that night he accompanied Ryoko back to her home. Ryoko took Akito to a place that could only be called a tower. It was a cylindrical stone structure with a domed glass roof that was perfect for stargazing. This strange, medieval structure that would have been perfect in the story of _Rapunzel_ seemed odd and out of place in the middle of Tokyo since it was located between two office buildings, but ever since The Guild had taken over Japan Mages had revealed themselves to the non-magic populous and things like this had become commonplace.

That's when Akito realized Ryoko must be a Mage. His mother...his heart clenched painfully in his chest as he thought of her...was also a Mage, which was why she had little time to waste on the likes of him. His beautiful mother had always ignored him and instead concentrated on her own hobbies and on magic. There had been a time when his mother had paid attention to him. That had been when his mother had been curious to see if Akito had inherited any of her power or not. However, when it became evident that Akito possessed no great magical power his Mother had tossed him aside and concentrated on improving her own power instead.

"You're a Mage...aren't you?" Akito asked as he stopped directly in front of the threshold to the land where Ryoko's tower stood, a cold feeling washing over him.

Ryoko turned to him, her expression unreadable. "Yes...and you are a Mage."

Akito blinked back at her in confusion and shook his head. "No, you're wrong, my mother is a powerful Mage and she said I possess no magic."

"Well, she's wrong." Ryoko waved her hand dismissively through the air. "You have empathy...you can feel what other people are feeling, which is why you were so greatly affected by the women's praise and adoration of you. You sucked it all in like a drug and became addicted to it like a drug. Right now you're suffering from withdrawal effects, you see. Your empathy is just _that_ powerful."

"I'm...an empath?" Akito's head was spinning. He possessed magic? _Impossible...!_

"You can see my tower can't you? I actually put shielding spells on it since I don't like unexpected visitors." Ryoko persisted, "To a normal human my tower looks just like a barren piece of land, nothing more. Now come." Ryoko reached her hand out to Akito and he placed his hand in hers once again allowing himself to be led forward.

There at the very top of Ryoko's tower the Mage made love to him, underneath the stormy sky, which was visible through the glass-domed roof. How could he have resisted a woman who was _so_ his type, after all? Akito _loved_ big-breasted older women.

After their lovemaking Akito cuddled up to Ryoko's side, laying his head on her chest and enjoyed listening to the sound of her heartbeat. He had been afraid that a woman as beautiful as Ryoko hadn't been real but perhaps a dream or figment of his imagination. The sound of her heartbeat reassured Akito that she was indeed real. "How will you return the love of my fan girls to me, Ryoko- _san_?"

Ryoko smiled contentedly and stroked his hair, "I will open a host club and you will be the club's Number One host. There the girls will flock back to you and praise and adore you once more and you will shine even more brilliantly than before..."

This was how Akito had become a host at the _Precious Gem Host Club_ and how he had quit being a model.

Whatever happened Akito knew that he couldn't let Marie know of his defeat and that he had been forced to become a host. Marie was his number one fan and a valuable source of delicious emotions. He couldn't risk losing that and so decided to keep his being a host a secret from Marie. It was for her own good.

***

Back to the Present day...

Akito was trying to get through his normal schedule without Marie around. He had no choice but to try and do things on his own and things were ending up being a disaster. He also found himself calling Marie's name throughout the day at random moments as if expecting her to magically appear.

Akito woke up and went to the bathroom, showered, he washed his face with his expensive brand name cleanser, used his toner, then his face lotion, brushed his teeth with baking soda, and combed his wet hair. He gazed at his handsome reflection in his bathroom mirror and smirked.

He left the bathroom with a towel around his waist and picked up his special universal remote control. He pressed the big red button on it so that his portrait rose up and revealed the poster of Genkaku. Akito entertained himself for a few minutes by throwing darts at Genkaku's nose before he sighed and got bored. Without Marie around it just wasn't as fun hiding what he was doing.

He decided it was about time that he got dressed. "Marie?! Where are you? You need to help me get dressed!" Akito called loudly – his loud voice echoing through the large empty mansion.

There was no response.

Akito's eyes widened when he realized there would be no response because Marie was _still_ missing. " _Keh!_ Useless maid! Never around when I need her! When she gets back I'm going to limit the number of stuffed animals I buy her! I don't need her anyways. How hard can it be to pick out some clothes to wear?" Akito stomped over and threw the door to his gigantic walk in closet open. He stepped inside and flipped on the light switch – to reveal racks and racks of expensive designer clothes.

Akito went over to the clothes racks and began to sift through the various articles of clothing – shirts, pants...a kilt? _What's this doing in here?_ Akito does not wear skirts. Akito tossed it over his shoulder and into the trash bin. _It should be easy to pick something out..._

Thirty minutes later...

_Argh!_ Akito pulled at his red hair in frustration. Thirty minutes had already passed and he still couldn't decide what to wear. He owned too many clothes. There were just too many choices! Akito held his head in pain getting brain freeze as he contemplated on just how many outfit combinations probably existed in his wardrobe alone!

Akito threw his hands into the air. "I give up!" Akito fumed and threw his towel to the floor. At least he could decide on one thing to wear – he opened his dresser drawer and pulled out a pair of red silk boxers and slipped them on. Ah, the feeling of silk on his skin was pure bliss.

Akito looked at his reflection in his full-length mirror. He looked hot...in fact, Akito didn't see why he had to wear _clothes_ in the first place. Akito suddenly arrived at an epiphany – he didn't _need_ clothes! He would just go out and have a 'normal day' dressed in his boxers. Pure genius. _I feel much more liberated this way anyways...!_

Akito had to bite his lip to stop himself from calling out to Marie to help him with his manicure or to dry his hair. He had started to do his manicure by himself but had only managed to cut his cuticles too deeply. "Ahhh! Owww!" Akito stuck his bleeding finger in his mouth and sucked on it and pouted. He didn't do well with pain. He was a lover not a fighter. _So much for redoing my manicure..._

Akito wondered if he should try and blow dry his hair and decided against it – it could just dry naturally...

Akito didn't know how to cook and Marie usually made him breakfast...he went to the kitchen and opened up all the cupboards, drawers, and the pantry while searching for food. He discovered a box of what appeared to be 'energy bars'. He'd never noticed them before and assumed they must be Tanaka- _san_ 's. Akito grinned – But Tanaka wasn't there so he wouldn't miss them.

Akito shrugged, an energy bar would have to do. Akito grabbed the energy bar, and on an afterthought stuffed a few extras into his boxer pockets. He pulled a bottle of water out of the fridge and made his way out the door of the Usui mansion. He got into his gold gullwing Mercedes and drove off towards the _Asahi_ production studio where the famous talk show host Tetsuko Kuroyanagi was scheduled to do a live interview of the famous male model Sun Prince Akito.

Akito pulled up to the front of the production studio in his gullwing Mercedes and stepped out – fangirls and paparazzi went wild when they caught sight of Akito in only his red boxers. The crowd was in total shock. At first they didn't quite know how to react and merely dumbly stared after Akito as he entered the production building...

Akito entered the building and received a similar response inside. The security guards' jaws dropped and they were speechless and unsure if they should stop Akito from continuing his way past security or not. Akito smirked as he waltzed past them and made his way to the elevator.

He got inside the elevator and rode his way up to the proper floor where he would soon be having his interview with Tetsuko. He entered the studio and saw that Tetsuko was already on stage and awaiting Akito's arrival. A live audience filled the seats in the studio.

"Today we have a special treat as I will be interviewing the world's #2 top model Akito also known as 'Sun Prince Akito'!" Tetsuko enthusiastically informed the crowd.

The audience, which consisted of mainly females, all cheered enthusiastically in response.

Akito's eye twitched when he caught what Tetsuko had said about him being the world's #2 model and not the #1. He had still failed to come to grips with the reality that Genkaku had actually managed to receive the rank of being the #1 male model in the world. Akito walked down the center aisle and towards the stage.

The girls in the audience turned to watch Akito make his way to the stage and their jaws dropped at the sight of him in nothing but his boxers. A hush seemed to form over the crowd of girls.

Akito hopped up on stage and made his way carelessly towards Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. He looked her over. She was an attractive woman with a round face, short brown hair and distinctive, fluffy, thick bangs that gave her face a child-like look to it. Her favorite color was pink and so she was dressed in a tasteful pink business suit. Akito frowned. Marie's favorite color was also pink.

Tetsuko looked up and caught sight of Akito and noticed that he was only in his boxers and blinked. But she didn't react, instead she greeted Akito normally as if he were wearing a normal outfit and invited Akito to take a seat on the couch next to her desk so that they could begin the interview. Tetsuko had been waiting anxiously for the chance to interview the famous male model especially now that he had dropped to the #2 rank. That was interview gold in the making. So she couldn't let herself screw this chance up. She would make Akito spill all of his darkest secrets on national TV - she was sure of it.

Tetsuko was a pro. She wouldn't let a little thing like Akito showing up in just his boxer shorts phase her, no sir.

If Marie had been present and noticed the way everyone seemed to be ignoring the fact that Akito was dressed only in his boxers she would have thought that the whole crazy affair reminded her of the story of the _Emperor's New Clothes_.

Tetsuko began the interview asking Akito questions about his modeling career, recent commercials and about the _Precious Gem Host Club_ where he worked and how he liked working there as a host versus how he liked working as a model. She asked him easy questions, questions that would get Akito to open up and become comfortable around her and get him to lower his guard. When she thought he was ready she sprung her first real question on him-

"It seems like Genkaku is following in your footsteps by also becoming a host. The name of his host club is the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_. How do you feel about this?" Tetsuko steepled her fingers together on the top of her desk and gave Akito an expectant look.

Akito had been caught by surprise by the question. "That hack! He keeps copying me! Grrrr!" Akito growled and then caught himself in his immature outburst. _Crap!_ Akito coughed nervously into his hand. _That was so uncool._ "What I mean is...it's only natural for Genkaku to follow in my footsteps. He must admire me..." _Yea right...he just wants to make my life miserable! He hates me, I know it._

"Hmmmz," A cat's paw smile formed on Tetsuko's face. _Gotcha._ "So you're rivals?"

"Rivals...with that bastard!" Akito burst out and then took a deep breath to calm himself. "I mean, I don't think anyone really 'rivals' my talent in modeling or being a host enough to call them a rival."

"So it doesn't anger you that Genkaku is now ranked #1 and you're #2 in the modeling industry?" Tetsuko prodded.

Akito grit his teeth. "No, not at all. Those rankings are obviously flawed. I have many more fans than him." Akito crossed his arms over his chest and pouted childishly.

Tetsuko's eyes were sparkling. This was turning out even better than she thought it would. Now for the gold. "Has there been any news in regards to your missing maid Marie?"

Akito blinked. He hadn't expected Tetsuko to want to talk about Marie. "No..." He began cautiously.

"This must make you very sad." Tetsuko gave him a sympathetic look.

"Not really," Akito put his legs up on the coffee table in front of him and tried to act casual. "She was just my personal maid. Nothing more. I'm doing just fine on my own as you all can see. I don't need her..." There was a tinge of bitterness in his voice that had crept in there unawares to Akito.

Tetsuko raised an eyebrow at Akito. "Riiight, but you've spent so much money trying to find her, you must care for her a least a little bit?"

"I'm merely spending a lot of money to find her because I _can_ spend a lot of money to find her. I'm a millionaire you know." Akito smirked.

"I see, but then why did you recently fire all your servants except for your butler Tanaka- _san_?"

Akito's eyes widened. He was surprised they knew about that. Akito had fired all of the servants not because he couldn't afford them but because they were all incompetent compared to Marie when it came to fashion. They couldn't pick out a good enough outfit for him to wear and they refused to help him with things like his manicures and pedicures. _Lazy bums!_ "Er..." Akito shrugged. "What can I say? It's so hard to find good help these days. Tanaka is sufficient all on his own. Besides, I've become very independent recently. I don't think I even need servants." _Nice save._ Akito mentally patted himself on the back.

"I see, did you ever stop to wonder that perhaps your maid Marie wasn't kidnapped? That perhaps she ran away?"

"What?!" Akito leapt out of the couch and glared daggers at Tetsuko. "Who the hell told you that? Ran away...ha! Why would she run away from me? That doesn't make any sense. I'm Sun Prince Akito dammit!"

"Yes...but maybe your maid developed feelings of love for you and decided it was too painful to be around you knowing that she didn't have a chance to win your love...that as you always say in interviews when asked if you currently love someone you reply: 'I'm in love with all women'." Testuko said calmly.

Akito's mouth opened and closed like a fish. "What? Painful?" His brows furrowed in confusion and shock.

"Or maybe she heard about the rumor of you and Ryoko." Tetsuko mercilessly went in for the kill.

"What rumor?!" Akito demanded, slamming his hands down on Tetsuko's desk.

"Well, word on the street is that you and Ryoko, your boss at the _Precious Gem Host Club_ for those that don't know who she is, have become lovers. Is this true?" Tetsuko licked her lips and leaned forward, eager to hear the response. The tabloids had been speculating about this rumor for weeks.

Akito paled. They knew about his relationship with Ryoko?! Sure, they were lovers but it was just about sex. It's not like he was in love with Ryoko, right? "I...err...we...no comment!"

Tetsuko sat back in her chair and smirked. His response was like practically admitting to the affair. _Perfect_. "I see..."

"Grrrr!" Akito growled. "What do you think you see huh? It really pisses me off when you say that, you know? Dammit...this interview is over!" Akito declared as he turned around and stalked off the stage.

_Jackpot._ Tetsuko smiled to herself. This interview would be all over the front pages of the tabloids by tomorrow. She's also make sure to give everyone her two cents about why Akito had shown up in nothing but his boxers. Apparently, without his maid to help him Akito was as helpless as a child. The tabloids were going to love this. As much as they liked to build someone up they loved it even more when they got to rip someone apart.

***

Akito ran through the center aisle and burst his way out of the studio. He took the elevator down to the production studio's lobby and made his way out the front door-

A camera flash blinded him almost immediately. _Ack!_ Akito raised his hand to shield his eyes but the flashes kept coming, more and more camera flashes and Akito couldn't see a damn thing! _What the hell is going on?!_

Akito risked peering through his fingers and saw that the crowd of paparazzi and fangirls had increased from around twenty to over one hundred – during the time it took for Akito's live TV interview to finish. The word must have spread that Akito had arrived at the production studio in nothing but his boxers-

And now that the paparazzi and fangirls had gotten over their initial shock they were out for blood so to speak.

Akito didn't know this tidbit but a picture of Sun Prince Akito in his boxers had an estimated value of 50,000,000 _yen_!

Akito did the only thing he could do – and something, which he never thought that he would do in his life – he ran away from the paparazzi and his fangirls, for his life!

However, the paparazzi and the fangirls wouldn't let Akito escape them so easily and pursued him. Akito ran and turned a corner only to find that he had accidentally turned into an alleyway – a dead end.

Shit.

The paparazzi and fangirls all crowded in the entrance to the alleyway blocking Akito's only escape route. The camera flashes began again and Akito shielded his eyes – at this rate he would die of a seizure!

"Woof!"

And now a stray dog was barking at him angrily for some reason...

Akito looked down and realized his foot was on top of a dog bone. Akito looked at the small, white dog that was yipping at him and noted that the dog was incredibly fluffy, it had a head like a cotton ball, and its bark was incredibly high-pitched and extremely annoying.

The dog's obnoxious yipping was giving him headache! "Grrr...gah! Will you shut up you stupid dog?!" Akito smashed his bare foot down upon the dog bone smashing it to bits.

An evil glint formed in the cotton-ball dog's eyes and he attacked Akito. He leapt up and latched onto Akito's ass-

"Yeeoww!" Akito screamed and reached down to grab a hold of the small dog from hell. "Stupid dog! Let go of my beautiful ass!" Akito yanked on the dog and sure enough the sound of ripping fabric was heard. Uh oh. The dog had ripped the entire backside of Akito's boxers off. _This is so not good._

The paparazzi went wild and so did the camera flashes. Akito had to escape before even more damage was done to his reputation, but how? He did the only thing he could think to do and which he would beat himself up for later. "Hey! Who's that over there? Is that male model Genkaku in a Speedo?!" Akito declared and pointed behind the paparazzi and rabid fangirls:

The effect was immediate – the paparazzi and fangirls went wild and turned their attention behind them. "Oh! Where? Where's Genkaku?" " _Kyahhh!_ "

_Chance!_ Akito took the crowd's moment of distraction to run past them and ran down the sidewalk and in the direction of where he parked his car-!

Huffing and puffing Akito was amazed that he had made it alive to his gullwing Mercedes. Akito took out his keys and was about to unlock his car when he felt a hand on his shoulder causing him to jump and turn around. He expected to see someone from the paparazzi or a fangirl but instead he saw someone much worse. A cop.

"Son I'm afraid I'm going to have to arrest you for indecent expose." The cop informed Akito in a monotone voice. The cop appeared bored with what he was having to do and picked at his ear and flicked off some earwax into the air.

Akito gaped at the cop in disbelief. "HUH? What? Arrest _me_? Do you have any idea who _I_ am? I'm the #1 male model in the world! Sun Prince Akito dammit! _Me_ being accused of 'indecent exposure' is crazy! The world should be honored to catch a glimpse of my ass!" Akito insisted.

The cop yawned, the kid was talking too much and he was getting sleepy. He needed to go buy a cup of coffee after taking this punk back to the station. The cop raised an eyebrow at Akito statement and didn't appear to be too convinced. "A famous model huh? Well, then you should have no trouble making bail." The cop moved forward and had Akito in cuffs before he could even blink.

Akito looked down at the cuffs in shock. "Bail? But my butler's on vacation..." Akito murmured, his voice beginning to tremble in fear.

The cop could really give a shit. Everyone and their dog had a sob story when they were caught breaking the law. He'd heard it all before. "Then he'll have to bail you out once he gets back."

Akito's expression turned horrified. "I can't stay in jail for a week! I'm high maintenance! I have a special skin regime that must be done daily, I have special work out routines that I have to go to the gym for to keep up my body shape, and I have special dietary needs that must be met!"

"Yea, yea...this isn't America. We won't let you out just because you can't eat meat..." The cop shook his head as he remembered that news report he had remembered hearing about some chick in America who had been sent to the slammer but then was let out because she had some special diet or something. _Crazy Americans_...

Akito moaned in despair as the cop began to drag the oblivious Akito this cop car. "Come on boy I don't have all day."

"Nooo." Akito moaned pitifully. "Someone please tell me this is a dream! Things like this shouldn't happen to me. I'm famous!"

"Famous people get arrested all the time, kid. I should know – I'm usually the one arresting them." The cop let a small smirk form on his face.

Akito put his head in his hands. "I'm doomed."

And so, Sun Prince Akito #1 top – err - #2 male model in the world, was thrown unceremoniously into a jail cell for his indecent exposure. The world was a cruel and unfair place indeed. Akito thought to himself. _This_ was why Akito _hated_ men. His charms didn't seem to work on them _at all!_ In fact, other men always seemed to be out to get Akito for some reason. He had never had a male friend and never planned on making one either.

Akito turned to look at his cell and caught sight of a man who was unfortunately going to be his cellmate. Akito gulped. The man was a least twice his size, had a shaved head, several tattoos of creepy things like skulls and snakes, was wearing a white tank, leather jacket, and a pair of ripped jeans. He had 'street thug' written all over him. The man growled in Akito's direction and flexed his pecs.

_Mommy!_ Akito grasped the bars of his cell. Had he mentioned he was a lover not a fighter? Yes, his bulging muscles were completely for show! His lower lip quivered, how was he expected to survive in a place like this anyways?

"Hey cutie...as much as I like the view. Don't be a stranger. Why don't you come over here and sit by me so we can get better acquainted." The man leered.

Akito's eyes widened when he realized that the entire back of his boxers had been ripped off. He quickly blocked his ass from view with his hands and turned to glare at the man heatedly. "Only women should gaze upon my perfect ass!"

The thug raised an eyebrow at Akito. "Is that so?" The man began to carelessly crack his knuckles. "If I'm not mistaken what you just said could almost be taken as an insult right?"

Akito swallowed. "An insult...oh no...you misunderstood me. I'm just shy." Akito laughed nervously as he made his way to sit across the cell as far away from the thug as possible. "Don't mind me...I'm just going to sit here in this corner and pretend I don't exist..."

The thug chuckled. "Yea, you do that prissy boy. Let's see how long you can stay awake. Because when you fall asleep that's when the real fun begins."

_I'm not falling asleep, ever!_ Akito decided adamantly to himself! His gorgeous ass was in serious danger here. _Tanaka-san where are you!_ Akito mentally moaned.

Later when the prison guards tried to give Akito dinner he looked at the gray pudding-like mixture and decided he would rather starve than eat that...whatever it was supposed to be. He fished around in the pocket of his boxer shorts and was both surprised and relieved to find that he had several of those energy bars with him. _Saved!_ At least he wouldn't die of starvation in this place...

Seven days later...

Tanaka arrived back at the Usui mansion. "Akito- _sama_! I'm back!" He stepped on a letter as he entered the mansion. He leaned over to pick it up and saw that it was from the Tokyo Police Department. A frown crossed Tanaka's face. He quickly opened the envelope and scanned its contents. His eyes widened. Apparently, Master Akito had been arrested for indecent exposure!

Tanaka tried to keep a straight face – snorted – and then burst out laughing. Poor Akito! He'd actually been stuck in a prison cell for seven days! Tanaka decided to hurry and go bail Akito out-

Tanaka went to the Tokyo Police Station, paid for Akito's bail, and let a cop escort him to Akito's cell.

Akito was sitting on a bench on the far side of the cell, he had his legs up so that he could wrap his arms around them in a protective manner, and his head was between his knees. He wanted to stay as far away from his smelly, scary cellmate as possible.

"Akito- _sama_?" Tanaka called out.

Akito looked up and when he caught sight of Tanaka his expression turned both relieved and hopeful. "Tanaka- _san_! Are you here to save me?!" _And my gorgeous ass..._

Tanaka coughed. "I already paid your bail. We're going home, Akito- _sama_."

Tears filled Akito's eyes with relief and he leapt off the bench and ran towards the bars – as he drew closer Tanaka caught sight of the zits on Akito's face, the dark circles around his eyes as if he hadn't slept for seven days straight and strangely enough Akito was also sporting a jutting gut. Tanaka blinked in surprise that Akito had actually managed to gain weight in prison and that it had all gone directly to his stomach for some reason canceling out Akito's usual six-pack abs. He was also still wearing his torn boxers. All in all, Akito looked awful.

Tanaka noticed the wrapper in Akito's hand and was filled with foreboding. "Er, Akito- _sama_ what's that in your hand?"

"Oh? This? An energy bar...they've been keeping me alive. I couldn't possibly eat the food they serve here Tanaka- _san_! It's hardly suitable for _human_ consumption." Akito looked over at the thug who was watching Akito's reunion with his butler intently.

The thug was currently shoveling the gray pudding that was served in the prison into his mouth at a rapid rate. Gray slop dribbled down the man's chin unattractively and Akito shuddered. He was so disgusting!

_Energy bar?_ Tanaka took the wrapper through the bars, a sinking feeling in his gut as he recognized the label. It wasn't an energy bar at all but some special 'weight gaining bars' that Tanaka himself had purchased. No wonder Akito put some weight on. Tanaka crossed his fingers behind his back. Though perhaps his Master wouldn't notice.

Tanaka held out a bag with clothes that he had brought for Akito and passed them through the cell bars. "I brought you some clothes, Akito- _sama_."

"Thank you, Tanaka- _san_!" Akito gushed as he quickly put on a pair of jeans first. He was sick and tired of that thug leering at his ass all day long! He put on a t-shirt and sneakers next. Tanaka was certainly no _fashionista_. Akito shook his head at that. But he was happy enough just to finally be getting out of prison and leaving Mr. Smelly behind! He had barely survived the ordeal. He was sure he'd end up sleeping for a straight week.

Akito couldn't wipe the grin off his face as he was let out of the cell. As the cell door was being closed behind him Akito stuck his tongue out at his cellmate that had caused him so many sleepless nights. "So long loser! I'm going back to my mansion where I'm going to stuff my face with caviar and drink a whole bottle of Dom Perignon!"

The cellmate got up and pushed the cell door hard so that it flew into Akito's face with a sickening crack.

"Ack! Ow!" Akito cried out. "I think he broke my nose!" Akito moaned in despair as he put his hands to his nose, blood was rushing down his face.

"Get back in there you!" The cop took out his baton and waved it at the thug.

The thug put his hands up in a surrendering gesture and backed up back into the cell, with a smirk on his face. "See you later, bitch. I'll be sure to by your next magazine. It will make for some very interesting _reading_." The thug chuckled and blew a kiss at Akito.

Akito shivered in revulsion and disgust. He was so glad to be out of that cell and still intact!

Tanaka pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to Akito. "Here take this Master...press it to your nose."

Akito gratefully took the handkerchief. "Thanks Tanaka..."

Tanaka helped Akito to the limo and into the back. He then drove his Master home. Akito went to his bedroom first thing and took an hour long, steaming hot shower. He wrapped a towel around his waist and walked out into his bedroom. He needed to inspect the damage prison had done to his visage. Akito stood in front of his full-length mirror and checked his appearance-

"AHHHHH!" Akito screamed in horror as he caught sight of his reflection. His nose was black and blue, his eyes had dark circles around them, his face had zits from not being able to properly wash it daily, and he had a gut. He had pudge?! Akito grabbed his love handles in shock. "What _is_ this? How the hell did this happen? TANAKA!" Akito yelled – sure this was somehow all Tanaka's fault. He was in dire need of a manicure and pedicure too. "MARIE!" Akito yelled next.

And his heart stopped in his chest. Oh yea, that's right. Marie was gone. But he didn't need her...

Akito sunk to his knees in despair and hung his head. "I don't need that stupid maid...no...not at all...oh where oh where has my little dog gone...oh where oh where can she be..." Akito began to sing but it came out sounding more like a sob.

### Chapter 5: The art of selling big lies for big bucks

Genkaku was reclining on his settee with the dark blue silk cushions while surrounded by giggling female clients. He was dressed in a _kimono_ , which Piper had purchased for him. The _kimono_ was made of a dark blue silk and had the pattern of stormy gray clouds embroidered into the thick material with a shimmering silver thread. Also embroidered into the silk was a full moon pattern though the moon was partially concealed by the clouds in the design. There was a silver _obi_ sash belt tied around his waist, and he had a pair of _zori_ sandals on his feet. His blue-black hair was hanging loose around his face in sensual layers, and his sapphire-colored eyes appeared hooded from the slight high he was getting from the cigarette he was currently smoking. The front of his _kimono_ was open just enough to reveal a tantalizing amount of Genkaku's pale chest and part of one of his pale pink nipples in a teasing manner that was driving the female clients wild. "Kyahhhhh!" – If their exclamations were anything to go by.

The young ladies were all seated on oversized black silk cushions imported from India, which were decorated with silver tassels while sipping the green tea that Fiore had prepared for them after having performed the Tea Ceremony in front of the clients – much to their extreme delight. Fiore's movements had been elegant and refined – that of a young Japanese lord to a T. And he had done the Tea Ceremony well enough to even gain Genkaku's approval.

Clients could request a host's individual attention by appointment, but it was much more costly than one of the 'group sessions' such as the one Genkaku was currently having.

Genkaku merely smiled charmingly at the women who surrounded him and talked to them about inane things – people, pop idols, movie stars, the latest iphone model, the weather. These women were superficial and vapid – let's just say there wasn't much going on upstairs. Genkaku felt like sticking his tongue out at the thought but bit it instead.

According to Genkaku there were three categories of conversation. Category Number 1: "People". Most clients tended to talk or want to talk about other people: friends, crushes, boyfriends, neighbors, ex-lovers, idols. Category Number 2: "Things". Other clients would wish to speak about 'things' such as: their new model cell phones, the latest computers or TVs or MMORPGs that were out on the market, the latest trends in fashion or the newest cosmetic lines available. And lastly Category Number 3: "Ideas". Only a minority of his clients ever wanted to talk about ideas such as: religion, philosophy, spiritism, magic, science, poetry, literature, or human psychology.

Genkaku sighed heavily and took a long drag from the cigarette he was smoking – how he longed for the day when he would have clients of a 'higher caliber' and that he would be able to engage in sophisticated conversation with them. Granted his host club was relatively new and not very well-known...but there was another problem: Genkaku and his fellow hosts had the propensity to be dark, gloomy, and even scary people. Because of this the first few high-class clients whom Genkaku and the others had received at the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ had been accidentally scared away by the hosts' antics. Oops!

And now they were left with this pathetic group of trash and riffraff. Genkaku was forced to mask a look of utter disgust. The _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ attracted a variety of female clientele from middle-aged hags to spoiled rich _oujo-samas_ – the problem was that lately the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ seemed to be attracting only one kind of female clientele:

Girls who worked in the Sex Industry.

In Genkaku's not too humble opinion prostitutes were just lazy and stupid. He felt that if the girls just put even a minimal effort in their lives they could be doing something much more interesting than laying on their back all day. But maybe the problem was they were too stupid to figure this out. Either that or they were just lazy. Genkaku had no respect for lazy people. If someone wanted to change his/her life they simply had to do something about it. He hated how these girls would moan and groan about their lives but do nothing to change it. Their complaints were the opposite of stimulating conversation.

The only thing 'good' about the girls who worked in the Sex Industry was that they were paid very well. This gave a bunch of stupid, lonely girls suddenly more money than they really knew what to do with and since they didn't really have the time for a real boyfriend they seemed to congregate to host clubs. Genkaku was well aware that a lot of them felt at the end of the day that 'sex' was the farthest thing from their minds. No, they were seeking something else...

They might not have known what – but Genkaku did. They were seeking a plutonic connection. The attention of a man with no strings attached. The illusion of having a boyfriend, and of being loved but without all the problems that come with being in a _real_ relationship. These girls like any other girls would go to the host club and enjoy getting treated like a princess by a man who looked like a prince.

The _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ was one such place – the perfect place in fact to create this kind of illusion for those misguided girls. Genkaku didn't enjoy it but he was good at what he did: creating illusions. And if an illusion was what these tainted souls wanted then that's what he was prepared to give them.

For a price.

Genkaku looked around at the host club's 'regulars' and his eyes landed on one girl in particular, who was seated at a table across from Hirgon. The girl was covered in long, white bandages, which were wrapped around her arms, legs and there was even one bandage that had been partially wrapped around her head covering her left eye. Genkaku shook his head. The girl was probably some kind of sick, masochistic prostitute who was into S and M play. _The freak show should probably be committed to an insane asylum because anyone who thinks they actually receive pleasure from pain is nuts. This world is fucked up since shit like this is now considered 'normal'._

The girl seemed to feel Genkaku's eyes upon her and looked up to meet his gaze. Genkaku merely gave her a charming smile and nod in return. The girl blushed slightly before she averted her gaze and then returned her attention back to Hirgon. Genkaku sighed and shook his head. _Pathetic._

The girl whose name was Mei, if Genkaku remembered correctly, wasn't ugly but in fact rather pretty with long, light brown hair and hazel colored eyes. She was conversing with Hirgon shyly and Hirgon was giving her an unsure look back as a slight blush rose to his cheeks. Genkaku once again had to hide a look of pure disgust. _Don't be fooled by that girl's innocent smile Hirgon – she's a twisted, masochistic prostitute! She probably chose you because you look violent. Poor Hirgon...he's always misunderstood since he's such a giant. But little does that girl know that Hirgon wouldn't hurt a fly. That girl is sick...she probably thinks Hirgon might try and attack her or something and likes the idea. Sick. Twisted. Like this sad, sad world._

Fiore had come over to their table and set down a freshly brewed pot of tea along with two new cups. Fiore also set down two pieces of strawberry short cake down before them with a smile.

Mei took a bite of her cake daintily and smiled slightly.

"Good?" Hirgon asked her in his gruff, low voice.

"O-hh! Yes!" Mei exclaimed acting startled, "I l-love strawberries." She shyly admitted.

Hirgon slowly used his fork to move the strawberries from his cake to Mei's without saying a single word.

Mei blushed in response and smiled back, bowing her head so that her silky hair fell in front of her face and hid her timid expression. "Thank you."

Genkaku almost choked on the smoke of his cigarette as he watched this...exchange. _Don't be fooled by her pretty face Hirgon. That girl is trouble. Women are nothing but deceitful creatures that will smile at a man outwardly when they really hate their guts. They're always driven by some ulterior motive. Especially if money is involved._ Genkaku shook his head, now was not the time for a trip down memory lane. _At any rate that girl wants Hirgon to tie her up and torture her – sexually. Dear god..._

Genkaku shuddered and abruptly stood up from his settee, prepared to go over and 'save' Hirgon from that deceitful girl but then he held himself back. Genkaku sighed heavily and ran a hand back through his hair as he took his seat back on the settee. No, he couldn't go over there and 'save' Hirgon. Mei was a paying client after all and Hirgon was only doing his job as a host, flawlessly to boot. To get involved would be wrong. Genkaku bit down on his lower lip unconsciously drawing blood and had to turn his gaze away since he couldn't stand to watch that deceptive woman's act any longer. _You may have fooled Hirgon, but you haven't fooled me._ Genkaku thought darkly to himself.

Genkaku then turned his attention to another of their return clients who was currently seated with Yin – Ranka. Yin had a pained expression on his face as he tried not to fidget in his seat across from Ranka. Funny thing was that Ranka seemed to be completely ignoring Yin at the moment while she was playing a MMORPG she was currently into called ' _CELESTIAL WARS_ '. She had her laptop out before her as usual and also had a USB headset (a device consisting of a headphone and microphone) on so that she could communicate with other online players.

Ranka had little interest in reality as could be easily deduced by her lack of care to her outer appearance. She had short, oily, unwashed, messy, brown hair, a pair of thick, square-rimmed glasses were on her face, and she was wearing the same clothes as usual which consisted of a faded t-shirt which read: ' _Reality Bites_ ' and a pair of baggy, formless jeans and sneakers.

Yin cringed when he looked at her. She was such a slob. He had to resist the urge to just grab the girl, take her to the bathroom, wash and dry her hair for her like a dog. Yin grit his teeth and resisted this strange urge. _It's just because I see her as a filthy dog...nothing more._ Yin convinced himself. _A girl shouldn't just let themselves go like this..._ Yin happened to be a bit of a neat-freak and was obsessive compulsive when it came to cleanliness. So to Yin someone like Ranka was like a walking, talking _germ_.

Ranka had only ever been interested in 2-D men...but one day she had literally run into Yin on the street and it so happened that Yin looked just like one of the 2-D characters from the game _CELESTIAL WARS_ and whom Ranka was currently in love with. After that Ranka had simply followed Yin back to the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ and had been coming there ever since.

The character that Ranka thought that Yin resembled was a demon count named, Daemon. Which was why Ranka only ever called Yin by the name 'Count Daemon'.

_That poor deluded girl has immersed herself so far into virtual reality she can't even tell the difference between reality and fantasy anymore. She really thinks that Yin is Count Daemon. She can't even bear to be away from that damned laptop of hers for more than five minutes (bathroom break) either. Truly pathetic._ Genkaku shook his head at her. _She's become completely addicted to the internet...internet addiction, hmm, I think they even have medication for that now..._

The premise of the game was that God assigned every Guardian Angel in heaven with a human to look after. The Guardian Angels would follow humans around in their normal daily lives and try to prevent them from coming into contact with a Demon. Demons could cross over from hell and onto the Earthly Plane to seek out humans who had a wish. Demons would offer to grant these humans their wish in return for their soul. Guardian Angels would try to protect their human from Demons at all costs. If the Guardian Angel failed to protect their human the Demon would take the human soul to hell. The Guardian Angel could decide to pursue the demon and human soul hostage to hell and the soul could be saved if the Guardian Angel managed to get to the human soul, and defeat the Demon before it reached its master...a Demon who called himself 'Count Daemon'. Count Daemon was a sexy, Incubus demon, who had a liking for human souls.

In the game players would control their own Guardian Angel Avatar and have a human 'pet' which they would follow through different lands and protect from Demons. The Guardian Angels could also travel around killing other Demons that were still on the Earthly Plane and which had captive souls with them. By killing these Demons and freeing human souls the player would gain special weapons and skills for their Guardian Angel Avatar.

However, if the Guardian Angel Avatar was killed by a Demon the Demon would kidnap their human soul and go to hell with it. The player would then have to travel to hell, and battle various Demon Bosses while trying to reach its human soul before it reached Count Daemon and was eaten by the Demon.

Ranka was currently on a quest to hell to retrieve her kidnapped human soul with several other online players.

Yin's temple had begun to throb in ire - this so-called regular client of his was completely ignoring him. The nerve of this woman! He'd beaten up people for far less insult in the past! " _Oi!_ Aren't you going to at least order something?"

"What?" Ranka asked distractedly, "Hang on a second guys, my Darling Count Daemon is asking me something. LadySephira AFK (away from computer)! What did you just ask, my Darling Count?"

Yin's eye twitched. "I asked if you're going to at least order something-" He began again through gritted teeth.

"Oh, sure – order me a cappuccino, two sugars, and a Brownie A La Mode." Ranka replied off-handedly and averted her eyes back to her computer screen again. "LadySephira is back...where are we headed next guys? _Ooo~_ the Dungeon of Hell? Sounds fun! I just _love_ scary stuff~!" She gushed.

_And that's what she's going to order? No wonder she has zits. She pays no attention at all to what she eats. She's lucky she's not two hundred pounds! Gah, this girl really irritates me._ " _Oi! Oi! Oi!_ " Yin began in a frustrated manner, "Are you really going to play that frigin game the whole time I'm sitting next to you? Why don't we at least um – talk?" Yin's face turned red in horror at his own bizarre request. _Uwha! What's wrong with me? What was I thinking? I can't believe I just said that...brain freeze..._ Yin gripped his head in pain.

Ranka gave Yin a look before frowning. "One more sec guys, LadySephira AFK." Ranka took off her USB headset. "Look Count Daemon – I'm not paying you for your intelligent conversation."

Yin slammed both of his hands down on the table and stood up abruptly. "Then what the hell are you paying me for, woman?! And by the way, my name is _NOT_ Count Daemon."

Ranka shook her head, giving Yin a pitying look. "You're completely ruining the 'mood'." She waved her hands around her vaguely. "The 'romantic atmosphere' and my fantasy, you _baka_! What I'm paying you for is to just sit there and keep your mouth shut and _look hot_. You're simply eye-candy and nothing more. Eye-candy doesn't need to talk...in fact it's better when eye-candy doesn't speak at all. When you open that big mouth of yours all you do is completely turn me off...sigh...if only you'd try harder to be like the _real_ Count Daemon...you look just like him. It's so disappointing..." Ranka let out heavy sigh. _Real men always disappoint me. They can be so good looking but as soon as they open their mouths...ugh!_

" _Woman_..." Yin growled, clenching his fists. "I already told you I'm _NOT_ this 'Count Daemon' you're so in love with. My name is Yin. Yin! Come on, say it with me! _Baka onna!_ "

"And as long as I'm paying for the 'pleasure of your company' I say you're Count Daemon, got it?" Ranka gave Yin a challenging glare.

Yin's mouth opened and closed in disbelief. This girl was totally messed up. She was completely living in a 2-D fantasy world...one where she really thought she was Lady Sephira some kind of Guardian Angel from the Heavenly Plane and that Count Daemon - the game's arch nemesis, was her 'forbidden lover'. _Ha!_ _As if that would ever happen...!_ Yin shook his head. _Who would ever want to date a disgusting slob like her? She has poor hygiene and doesn't even wear make-up to cover those zits of hers. I wonder if she even shaves her armpits._ Yin shuddered in disgust at the thought. _Ugh!_ He wished he could just kill her...put his hands around her neck and just watch her suffocate to death. He couldn't help the evil smirk that had formed on his face at the thought. _Yesss, that would be excellent._ Why was he putting up with this girl again? Huh? Yin took out his gun and aimed it at Ranka's head...

The oblivious girl had put her headset back on, and had resumed playing her MMORPG. "LadySephira, back. Let's go and kick some demon ass peeps!"

Yin's hand was trembling as his finger pressed down on the trigger until he suddenly felt this overwhelming stare upon him. _Who? What?_ Yin turned to see that Genkaku's eyes were upon him. A dark, menacing aura had formed around Genkaku in his anger at Yin's slipup...

Yin gulped and before he knew what was happening his gun had been knocked out of his hand and went zooming in Genkaku's direction. Genkaku caught the gun and quickly hid it inside of his _kimono_ without a single of his clients noticing.

_Phew~_ Fiore, who had been observing the scene, began applauding Genkaku's magical stunt.

Piper, who had been watching the scene unfold, just shook his head at Yin's antics and was glad that _he_ wasn't the one who had to step in and take care of 'damage control' again, for once.

_Yin!_ Genkaku decided to use his telepathy to speak with Yin using his mind-voice. _What did I tell you about trying to kill our clients?_

_That I shouldn't do it..._ Yin replied sullenly, pouting.

_That goes without saying._ Genkaku coughed. _The Lady Ranka may be an Internet addicted, 2-D guy loving, feminist slob but she also happens to come from a rich family. And she's willing to pay a lot for her one on one sessions with you so...just suck it up and be a man! Are you an Illusionist Host or not? Our goal is to make a woman's dreams or fantasies become a reality. So if the Lady Ranka says you're Count Daemon then you are Count Daemon got it?_

_Keh!_ Yin frowned turning his head away, but then nodded, his bangs shadowing his tortured expression. _Yes, Genkaku-sama._ No one understood him...Yin took a deep breath and gathered his courage. He had to be tough – a real man. A true Illusionist Host. When he looked up his expression had changed from angry and irritated to composed. "I'm sorry, Lady Ranka, you're absolutely right. When you're here with me I am none other than your darling Count Daemon." Yin gave her a gallant nod.

Ranka looked up and smiled, a pleased expression now on her face. "I'm glad you understand, Darling. Now shut up – my party's arrived at the final boss monster in the dungeon. I'm going to need all my concentration to defeat this mob." Ranka dismissed Yin with a wave of her hand. "Alright squad! Let's give this demon lord hell, _hooryah!_ " Ranka exclaimed over her mike.

Yin's eye twitched in annoyance. "That _onna_...!" He growled but quickly composed himself. "D-d-do your best...d-darling." Yin managed to get out. Yes, it was painful, very painful.

Yin failed to notice the blush that had come upon Ranka's cheeks in response.

Genkaku shook his head. Yin was learning how to be a proper host albeit slowly...but Yin had come a long way from when Yin and Yang had first come to the _Sir Genkaku Host Club,_ that was for sure. Yin only scared about two out of three of his clients now. Heh.

And then there was Yin's brother - Yang. They may have looked alike but their personalities were total opposites. Whereas Yin was hateful, angry, loud – Yang was forgiving, upbeat, quiet. Yin was always nervous, awkward, hotheaded, or impatient around women. And his brother Yang was patient, hesitant, and shy around women. Yin always spoke his mind whereas his brother Yang seemed to have trouble speaking up for himself. Yin tended to be incredibly stubborn about things whereas Yang was extremely easy going.

_Speaking of Yang where is he?_ Genkaku scanned the host club for any sign of Yang and saw him seated at the table by himself. _Where's his client?_ Genkaku wondered. Yang was currently looking extremely uncomfortable - his face was flushed, he was fidgeting nervously, and he was gripping the edge of the table in front of him, hard. Genkaku met his eyes and Yang looked away with an embarrassed look on his face. _Huh?_ Genkaku raised an eyebrow at Yang's strange behavior and decided to speak to him telepathically.

_Yang where's your client?_ Genkaku asked curiously.

She's....Ah!...She's under the table...!

Genkaku's eyes widened and then narrowed at Yang angrily. _Yang! What did I tell you about the image of this host club? We're not the trashy kind of club that allows its clients to sleep with or engage in sexual acts with its hosts! That's disgusting. Besides...the girls who work in the Sex Industry want an escape from all that in the first place...they don't want sex...they want the illusion of love...of being a heroine...of being the only one..._ Genkaku reminded Yang sternly.

_I know Genkaku-sama but...she just...went under the table and started to...ah! What was I supposed to do? She's a girl...I couldn't just push her away...it would have been rude._ Tears had sprung up in Yang's large dark eyes.

Genkaku shook his head, his anger relenting a little as Yang gave him his best puppy-dog stare. Genkaku sighed and ran a hand through his dark hair. _And_ _I think it's rude to take advantage of a kind boy like you, Yang. That damned sexual harassing woman! It's her again isn't it...that girl...what's her name, ah Suzu! That conniving bitch! I think it's about time for her to come up now..._ With a wave of his hand Genkaku caused one of the chairs at the table to scoot in and knock into Suzu. She was knocked back and onto her butt with an: "Eek!"

Seconds later Suzu came up from underneath the table looking a bit disheveled. Suzu wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and tried to make herself look presentable as she adjusted her clothing.

Suzu - she was one of Yang's regular clients as well as a troublemaking, sexual harasser. Genkaku grit his teeth at the thought and had to control himself from throwing a blast of telekinetic energy her way. The woman had absolutely no shame. According to Piper's intell Suzu worked in the AV (adult video) industry and was a rather well-known AV Idol or Porn Star. After a stressful filming session Suzu would always come to the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ to recharge, relax, and torture and tease poor Yang. _That woman...one would think considering her line of work that the last thing she would want would be to engage in more 'sexual acts' but that woman is completely addicted to sex._ Genkaku shook his head in disgust.

Most women who worked in the Sex Industry went to host clubs to escape all the sex and try and find a more pure, plutonic expression of 'love'. _But this girl...as soon as she lays eyes on Yang she pounces him and gropes him and harasses him! I can't stand it._

Suzu was quite beautiful, however, with a curvy, womanly figure and heart-shaped face. She had coppery-brown, shoulder-length hair, which flipped and curled up playfully at the ends. And her light brown eyes sparkled with mischief. She would always wear heavy makeup though, which Genkaku personally thought she could do without. Currently she was wearing a heavy foundation, shimmering blue eye shadow and bright red lipstick.

_Tacky!_ _And what the hell is she wearing?_ Genkaku's eyebrow arched as he took in her latest outfit. This time she was wearing a slutty nurse's outfit consisting of a short, white dress, a nurse's hat with a red cross on it, and a pair of red high-heeled shoes that were at least 5-inches high. Genkaku shook his head...if the heels didn't give away her profession he figured her nails would: Suzu's nails were two inches long, fake and had decorations on them consisting of small rhinestones, painted flowers, and hearts.

Genkaku repressed a shiver of revulsion. And some women thought _he_ was scary.

Unlike Ranka Suzu seemed to pay a little too much attention to her outer appearance applying too much make-up and spending too much time on her nails. If Ranka spent even 5% of the time Suzu did on her nails on her own appearance the nerdy girl would probably look normal.

Suzu had way too much fun torturing and teasing the girl-shy Yang by putting her boobs in his face...feeling him up...dragging him off to the bathroom every once in a while to do God knows what. Cough. _Shameless flirt. The only reason I put up with her is because she's a famous Porn Star and so has lots of money._ Genkaku nodded to himself knowingly, having already condemned her in his mind.

_Women are the enemy of men_ – one of the motto's Genkaku lived by.

Genkaku scanned the host club next to see what the boy-genius Piper was up to. Genkaku noticed he was standing in one dark corner of the club while writing something down into that notebook of his again. Genkaku wondered if the boy would ever take a client. He was cute and girls requested Piper from time to time but Piper would always refuse them saying he was too busy with more important things. Piper had taken it upon himself to be in charge of the 'books' and finances of the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_. Piper also had it in his mind that he was Genkaku's conscience. A bemused expression came upon Genkaku's face at the thought. Though it was laughable...a few women were still alive till this day thanks to Piper.

And then there was Fiore – he was another of the host club's oddballs. Fiore preferred to stay inside of the kitchen and come up with new desserts for the female clients instead of directly interacting with him. Fiore couldn't handle being around women very well and claimed he was 'allergic' to women. Fiore literally broke out into hives if a girl got too close to him and actually touched him. He was happy to merely serve the clients their tea, coffee or cake and then run back to his sanctuary as soon as possible.

_Ah,_ Genkaku realized he was forgetting about one of their other regular clients: the _hikikomori_ girl who liked to stay cooped up in Fiore's pantry. _Poor Fiore._ And there was also... _My own personal stalker..._ Genkaku caught movement out of the corner of his eye but then it was gone. Genkaku let out another sigh. _I'm completely surrounded by weirdos and lunatics. I'll never become the number one host of Kabukicho at this rate or get my revenge on HER!_

The female clients, whom Genkaku was currently entertaining, were dressed in an assortment of outlandish costumes today in the following themes: bunny, cat, maid, angel, devil and Chinese girl.

Genkaku hung his head and let his bangs shield his clouded expression. The club was going to go back into the 'red' if they couldn't find a way to attract some higher end clientele versus the current riffraff. And there had to be some way to get Piper and Fiore to take on clients as well instead of avoiding them. Sigh. _This is awful...pitiful...pathetic!_ Genkaku gripped his head. _Is this the best I can do? I somehow managed to surpass Akito and became an even more renowned model than he, but then I heard he switched to being a Host. I went to investigate and saw how popular Akito was with the ladies at that Host Club. I would never admit this to anyone but Akito is my idol, even a role model of sorts. He's like the sun – he's dazzling and blinding. It hurts my eyes to look at him for too long...his smile is bright, open and truly refreshing. His manner is friendly and easily approachable. He's the complete opposite of me. I realized that as soon as I first laid eyes upon him. When I saw Akito interacting with the female clients at that host club I knew I had to give it my all to emulate him so that I could carry out the second part of my revenge on HER._

I've already managed to accomplish the first step: creating an outward appearance that makes girls go wild. The second step is to create a personality or persona that women would be able to fall in love with 'in person'.

I had to emulate Akito to start with but in such a way that my copying of him wouldn't be too recognizable. I had to create my own tone of voice, my own manner of expression. I ended up creating this 'gentle, charming gentleman' persona for the ladies. I decided to use my age to my advantage – to appear more mature to these women since I'm so much older than Akito. I thought dressing in a tuxedo would be a good idea since girls seemed to be into super spies but for some reason they seem to stay even farther away from me. I decided to try kimono cosplay today but something's missing with the image I'm trying to create...

I had to somehow hide my true personality: dark, gloomy, dour, pessimistic, hard to approach, closed off, or as SHE called me – creepy.

With me the glass has always been half empty. To me the world has always seemed to be a messed up place with out hope or love. To me 'love' is nothing but an illusion, a lie. An 'illusion' I'm now willing to create in order to get my revenge. I am now an Illusionist Host. I make the dreams and fantasies of pathetic, lonely women come true – for a price.

Women...are cowardly creatures who don't have enough guts to face their own realities or feelings. They simply run away rather than face the truth. Women would much rather live in a Dream World, or Fantasy World. Which is alright by me since I sell Dreams.

This host club that I have created with my fellow hosts...is like a shoppe of sorts. A shoppe that can sell Dreams and Fantasies. I weave an illusion, a web, a trap and ensnare the women who come here and every single one of them has fallen for my masks. Because women are foolish creatures...they only SEE what they want to see, HEAR what they want to hear.

None of them have been able to discover – the 'real me'.

The real me which I must keep hidden at all costs if I am to become Kabukicho's #1 host and get my revenge on HER!

Yes, revenge is my real motivation for making these women's dreams come true. Certainly, I'm not doing it out of the goodness of my heart. Ha!

_Revenge upon a woman who once said this to me:_ **"I hate ugly, creepy guys like you! I would never marry you. You should do the world a favor and go off and die somewhere!"**

Those harsh words broke my heart. After that there was no longer any love left in my heart only a dark void, an emptiness, but hate and anger soon filled that void along with a thirst for revenge.

I decided I would prove her wrong. That I wasn't just some ugly, creepy guy. I would become a beautiful man – one that she would one day desire - a beautiful gem, a sparkling sapphire surrounded by diamonds – which she would want to collect. And when she does collect me and falls in love with me then I will get my revenge by breaking her heart just as she has broken mine – by telling her how ugly she is.

This is the story of my quest for revenge.

"Uh...Genkaku- _san_ are you alright?" One of his female clients questioned tentatively.

Genkaku looked at her and realized that sometime during his internal monologue he had stood up from his settee and had begun to walk back and forth in front of the settee in a dramatic manner. Whoops! Genkaku coughed into his hand and took his seat back down on the settee as if this 'lapse' had never occured. He then looked up and gave all the girls a charming smile. "Sorry about that. I became lost in my thoughts. I can assure you, however, that I am perfectly alright. Thank you for worrying about me, my lady."

The girls all swooned simultaneously.

***

Marie crawled out of the large cardboard box she had been sleeping in. She stretched her arms over her head and smiled up at the sun, shielding her eyes as it shone down upon her in a blinding manner. Mizuki was glad that the rain storm that had begun last night and which had driven her to seek shelter in an alleyway and in a cardboard box had finally ceased.

"Woof!" Came a bark and Marie looked down to see a small, white stray dog.

Marie grinned, "Thanks for letting me stay at your house, Pochi! _Yosha!_ Alright! It's a brand new day and there's a sunny blue sky! I have the feeling that today will be my lucky day!" Marie hid her suitcase behind the cardboard box and made her way out of the alleyway, which as it so happened was directly beside the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_.

It was probably around 3:00 pm in the afternoon, which meant that the host club was currently serving tea – at least that's what the chalkboard billboard that was set directly next to the entrance of the club read. This would be the perfect time to observe the Host Club in action Marie decided as she prepared to sneak in.

Marie waited until a group of girls entered the club before joining their group and crouching down behind them to enter the club unnoticed. Once inside Marie darted over to one of the nearby tables and picked up a menu using it to hide her face. She then began to spy on the host club...

Author's note: Before the Reader continues reading the following scene in Mizuki's point of view the Reader must understand that Marie saw life and people very differently from our host, Genkaku. Whereas Genkaku views life in a pessimistic manner and people in a negative light – Marie only sees the best in people, and views life optimistically. So Marie's view of the host club may appear to be a bit skewed from the reality of what Genkaku has already revealed to us. Do not worry. This is perfectly normal – you haven't gone crazy. Let us continue, shall we?

_Start of Marie vision_ :

First, Marie caught sight of Hirgon (he was kinda hard to miss) and his client – a girl who was wrapped in bandages. _Hmmz._ Marie tapped her chin in thought and then bopped the open palm of her left hand with her balled up right fist. _Ah! I get it – she must be a Martial Artist. Maybe she does Judo or something – that's a really rough sport. Akito took it once and when he got home he was just covered in bruises! Poor girl...it must be rough since deep down every girl wants to be 'girlie' – get to dress themselves up in cute clothes and wear make-up. But instead she's probably always at the dojo training!_

Marie sighed wistfully as she thought about all the cute clothes and outfits she had to give up wearing now that she was about to begin her new life as a male host. _They make a cute couple._ Marie thought to herself as in 'Marie Vision' small hearts and flowers began to form in the air around Hirgon and Mei.

Next, Marie caught sight of Yin and his client Ranka. Marie took in Ranka's unkempt appearance, and the laptop computer that was before her along with the headset that she was wearing. Ranka had a very serious expression on her face and seemed to be concentrating very hard on something. Marie quirked her head at the girl and then a light bulb seemed to go off above Marie's head. _Ah, she must be a lawyer. And she must be on a very important conference call. I wish I was that intelligent – to be able to help people using my brain, wow that would be so cool._ Marie pouted to herself before she caught herself at her very un-manly behavior.

Marie turned her head at the sound of a young man's surprised cry. Marie swiftly turned to see Yang. There was a very pretty girl seated next to him wearing a nurse's outfit. She was drawing circles on Yang's chest playfully as she was leaning forward until her large breasts were pressing up against Yang's own chest as he tried to back away from her politely. "Ack!" Yang exclaimed when he accidentally tipped his chair too far back while trying to get away from Suzu to put some distance between them and ended up falling over. _Ow._ Marie flinched, _that had to hurt_.

Marie tapped her chin as she watched as Suzu immediately got up from her chair and rushed to Yang's side, a concerned expression on her face. "Yang- _kun_!" She exclaimed cutely, and in an overly high-pitched voice. "Do you need me to _assist_ you with your injuries?" She threw Yang a wink.

Yang just let himself collapse on the floor and remain motionless. "Why me...?" He moaned. Maybe just maybe if he remained still enough Suzu might think he had died and then she would leave him alone...

_Well, that client's job is obvious. She must be a nurse! This club really attracts a high-class group of ladies!_ Marie beamed contentedly from behind her menu. _This club is the best! I wonder kind of client Piper has?_

Marie scanned the host club until she spotted Piper slightly hidden in a dark corner of the club taking notes in a leather-bound notebook. Marie blinked and then clapped her hands together in delight. "Piper must be a novelist!" She quickly covered her mouth, looking around and hoping that no one had noticed her outburst. _Phew~_ It seemed that no one had. _He must be writing down his latest ideas for a new story! That is sooo neat. A boy as young as him and he already knows what he wants to be! I don't even have an idea of what I want to be when I grow up..._ Marie thought, stifling a pout.

Author's Note: Marie was already quite grown up. Cough.

Marie noticed that Fiore was also without a client and seemed to be concentrating on serving the clients their orders of tea, coffee (flavored coffee drinks like caramel machiattos), ice coffee drinks, cakes and pastries of all kinds. Marie's eyes became a bit starry as she watched the trays of sweets and pastries passing her by. A bit of drool began trickle down the corner of her mouth before Marie noticed. _Ack!_ She inwardly exclaimed as she wiped the drool from her chin conspicuously. _That is so not good. Anytime I see those cute~ desserts of his I can't help but get all sparkly. But they're just so cute and perfect..._ Marie inwardly moaned. _Ah! Not good! I can't be caught eating girlie sweets...that would totally be un-manly._ Marie shook her head vigorously from side to side, a fierce glint forming in her eyes as she held up a fist adamantly before her. _I will not give in to my sweet tooth. Yosha!_

She then realized that she had yet to see the most important host of the establishment - the _tenchou_ or owner, Genkaku. Marie quickly scanned the room and spotted a group of girls surrounding a settee. The girls were blocking Marie's view and so she got up and snuck over to have a closer look...

Genkaku was languidly reclining on the settee in a rather sensual pose as he smoked a cigarette. Marie frowned at the cigarette. _A pipe would have looked cooler._ Marie decided to herself.

As for Genkaku himself... _Mabushi!_ Marie had to shield her eyes from Genkaku's brilliance as he smiled at the girls around him in a charming fashion. Now that Genkaku wasn't wearing the domino mask Marie finally had the chance to really look at his face and features. His blue-black hair was hanging around his face in teasing layers, his sapphire eyes were hooded from the high he was getting from smoking, and he appeared to be incredibly relaxed. His lashes, Marie noticed, were extremely full and long, his skin was very pale...much paler than Akito's bronze skin...She unconsciously trailed her gaze down from Genkaku's face to his neck and then down to his chest, which was slightly exposed due to his open _kimono_. The _kimono_ itself was a real work of art. Marie's eyes sparkled unconsciously as she finally concentrated her full attention on it.

The _kimono_ was a stunning, dark blue, silk material and a pattern of gray storm clouds had been embroidered in the thick material with a shimmering silver thread. The moon had also been depicted in places on the silk with white thread. A silver _obi_ was tied about his slender waist. The under _kimono_ was white and there was a pair of _zori_ sandals on Genkaku's feet. _Art...that kimono is a piece of art!_ Marie thought to herself.

There was also this mysterious, magical air about Genkaku that made the hair on Marie's arms stand on end as if he was surrounded by static electricity or something. His cool demeanor was intimidating, but he just seemed so confident as he interacted with the girls that Marie was very impressed. He was so gentle and polite towards the girls that he had them eating out of the palm of his hand. He was the perfect Dark Prince...or rather Dark Knight. Marie couldn't stop herself from inwardly gushing. _Brilliant! Magnificent! Oh my Dark Knight~!_

Genkaku was currently acting so different from how Marie remembered him after she had carelessly called him 'creepy'. At that particular moment, he had suddenly become all... _gloomy_ and depressed. Was that gloomy guy the _real_ Genkaku? She wondered.

Or was the magnificent man before her now the real Genkaku? Marie shrugged – either way it was quite the performance. _Who cares which one is the real Genkaku anyways. The fact that he can act like two totally different people is amazing! And the pheromones that he's releasing – they're even making me blush just by proximity!_

He's such an artist! I so totally admire him – I want to be just like him...I want to be able to act the part of a host and make a girl smile. I want to make 'dreams' and 'fantasies' come true just like Genkaku can. It's already like he's transformed this place into another world...

Marie began to notice the interesting assortment of clients who were surrounding Genkaku. The girls who were dressed in the bunny suits, angel costumes, devil horns, cat ears, maid costumes, Gothic Lolita ensembles, and high school uniforms...

Author's note: Surely, even the dense Marie would realize that something about this host club was amiss right?

Marie became starry-eyed once more. _He's even managed to attract the eye of the local alien population! I remember Akito telling me about how the local aliens are metamorphs \- meaning they're part human and part animal. Akito told me ALL about them but I never thought I'd be coming face to face with them. This is just so neat!_

Author's Note: Then again...maybe not. Cough.

Marie continued to observe the host club with rapt attention. They were all doing great...Genkaku was looking HOT...and the other hosts were looking equally handsome in their own _kimono_. Though Yin and Yang were wearing high-necked, Chinese-style clothing. Marie chewed on the end of her table napkin fretfully and began to wonder if the host club may not really need her help after all...

_Everything is going so smoothly...hey wait! That's not good...maybe this means that they don't need someone like me to join up with them? They apparently have everything perfectly under control. Damn..._ Marie was bemoaning to herself when-

The crashing sound of something breaking was heard and Marie and the clients all turned their attention towards the sound. Apparently, Hirgon had somehow managed to knock the teapot off the table causing it to shatter.

"Sorry." Hirgon apologized gruffly as he quickly stood up – knocking Mei's teacup into her lap in the process.

"Ah, s-sorry!" Hirgon exclaimed in his low voice as he moved to give Mei a napkin clumsily. "Are you alright?"

Mei took the napkin from his fumbling hands. "Don't worry, I'm just fine, _really_." Mei gave Hirgon a warm smile.

Hirgon bowed. "I'm truly sorry." Hirgon then awkwardly moved to clean up the mess of the broken teapot. He reached out one of his hands towards the broken porcelain-

But Mei suddenly stopped him. "Oh! Don't! You'll get hurt!" Mei had quickly stood up from her chair and rushed to Hirgon's side to stop him from touching the broken porcelain shards. She had reached out and quickly grabbed onto his wrist.

Hirgon became startled by her unexpected touch and pushed Mei back out of instinct. Mei fell back with a startled cry. Hirgon looked horrified by what he had just done, albeit accidentally. "I'm sorry!" Hirgon murmured as he moved to bow again in apology-

However-

As he bent over his sunglasses fell off revealing his startling silver eyes and angry looking expression...

Hirgon wasn't angry at Mei, however, he was angry at himself. But to the girls who were watching the scene it looked like Hirgon had suddenly gotten pissed off at Mei for having touched him and was about to attack her!

Mei locked eyes with Hirgon.

Hirgon waited for Mei to scream: "AHHHH!!!"

But it wasn't Mei, who screamed - it was some of the girls who had been nearby. They were suddenly giving Hirgon frightened looks, their faces had turned pale, and some had hands covering their open mouths, many appeared ready to try and bolt for the exit-

Hirgon's eyes widened in surprise as he continued to look back at the unfazed Mei. _She's not afraid of me...?_

Piper quickly stepped up to the plate, intent on doing some 'damage control' – his specialty. "Just what is going on here?" Piper questioned in an authoritative manner.

_Is that...blood?!_ Marie wondered to herself in shock as she eyed the red stream that was dribbling down Piper's chin.

All the girls had turned their gaze to Piper at this point only to see the exact same thing that Marie did:

" _AHHHH~!_ Vampire boy! _"_

Marie made a mental note: it was probably unwise for a 10-year-old boy to be wearing a business suit and _Ferragamos_ in the first place.

"Huh?" Piper looked bewildered as the girls screamed at his appearance. "What the?" Piper suddenly looked down at the juice box in his hand – tomato juice. "Oh crap!" Piper tossed the box aside and put up his hands in a supplicating gesture as he tried to approach the ladies. "This is all just a BIG misunderstanding..." Piper began to say.

"Argh! It's so frickin noisy!" Yin had stood up from his table and taken out his gun, which he had pointed towards the female clientele. "Will you all please just shut the hell up? You're giving me a frickin headache!"

A tense silence seemed to have descended upon the host club.

Piper slapped a hand to his forehead and moaned. "Aw shit. He just had to go and do something incredibly stupid again, that dumbass. Someone, please, just shoot me..."

"Heh, I'd be happy to, you smartass brat." Yin offered as he turned and pointed his gun at Piper instead, while grinning maniacally.

"Count Daemon, calm down this instant. You're completely overreacting." Ranka looked up from her laptop computer and leveled a fierce glare towards Yin.

Yin turned and pointed his gun at Ranka next, "Overreacting?! These bitches are the ones who are going crazy for absolutely no reason! Women are crazy!"

Ranka just frowned at Yin, not appearing to be afraid in the least by having a gun pointed at her. "That's it. No tip for you. Hmph."

"Wha?" Yin's mouth dropped open as he gave Ranka a look of disbelief. And after he had put up with her for so many hours... _No tip! That bitch!_ "You bitch...I've been looking forward to this!" Yin's finger pressed down on the trigger.

"Crap!" Yang quickly stood up and managed to pull away from Suzu – he was currently covered in red, lipstick, kiss marks that were all over his face and neck. "Yin stop! You're going to scare the ladies!"

"Too late." Marie murmured to herself. _Way too late..._

It was amazing how quickly the peace at the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ had turned to absolute chaos and insanity. Marie felt a trickle of sweat form on her brow.

As the ladies seemed to snap out of their stunned stupor: "AHHH!" The female clients screamed and began to rush towards the door.

"Yin put that gun away, you idiot! Or else!" Yang was saying as he came up to his brother.

Yin turned his gun on his brother instead. "Oh?" He raise an eyebrow at Yin, "Was that a threat?" His eyes narrowed dangerously at Yang.

"M-maybe," Yang hesitated but stood his ground. Genkaku's wrath was to be feared more than his brother's after all...

"If you want me to put this gun away so badly, Yang, why don't you try and make me?" Yin challenged with a cocky smirk.

"A-alright then!" Yang declared raising his fists before him. "Let's settle this...like _real_ men. No guns."

"Poor boy," Fiore shook his head despairingly, "He doesn't stand a chance. May God be with him..."

"Alright then," Yin grinned wildly and tossed the gun to Piper, who caught it easily. "Here. Hang on to this for me, would ya, brat." Yin then turned his attention back to Yang. "You're really gonna get it for trying to boss me around, little brother. You need to learn to respect your older brother."

Yang gulped. "I'm only younger by about five seconds!" He argued with a pout.

"Like that matters!" Yin declared as he lunged forward, fist raised. Yin's fist went flying into the side of Yang's face.

"Yang!" Suzu declared worriedly.

Yang stumbled backwards and grasped his cheek. "Why do you always have to be such an asshole?!" Yang lunged forward and delivered a well-executed right hook that connected smartly with the side of his brother's face.

Yin brought up a hand to his split lip; he looked down at the blood on his fingers in disbelief. "Oh you're going to pay for that one, little bro." Yin charged forward and headbutted Yang - POW! BAM! And Yin didn't stop there - kneeing Yang in the stomach while Yang was still stunned.

Yang coughed up bile, his eyes wide. " _Okaasan_...Mommy..." Yang gasped as tears came to his eyes. Yang collapsed to the floor and Yin began to kick his fallen brother's form while letting out a maniac laugh.

"Stop it! You'll kill him!" Suzu exclaimed worriedly. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Genkaku. "Genkaku- _san_?"

Genkaku gave her a reassuring look. "Don't worry, they're always like this. Yang is a lot tougher than he looks. Just leave this to me." He gave Suzu a gentle smile before turning his attention back to Yin and Yang. A fierce, dark aura began to form around him. Genkaku was _pissed_.

Piper and Fiore sensed his aura of murderous intent and turned to see where it was coming from.

"Oh shit..." Piper's mouth dropped open as he caught sight of Genkaku. Blue flames appeared to be surrounding Genkaku in his anger and Genkaku's eyes were also glowing with an eerie silvery light - his eyes resembled the eyes of a demon.

"They're so dead." Piper muttered.

Fiore crossed himself, "May their souls rest in peace. Amen."

Genkaku passed Piper and Fiore and approached Yin and Yang, but someone beat him to it-

The sound of a whistle being blown loudly and in an irritating fashion was heard. "Time out! Red flag...or would it be white flag? Penalty shot...or something!" Marie had leapt forward and pulled out her whistle. (What? All biker thugs wore a whistle around their necks these days - it was the latest trend.) Marie motioned with her hands for them to cease and desist.

Yin and Yang both turned their attention to Marie...and took in the boy's strange outfit: the backwards baseball cap, the silver sunglasses with blue flames on the sides, the dark blue, hooded jacket, the baggy, faded and torn blue jeans, the _VAN_ shoes, his chain necklace and his matching chain wallet.

"Get a load of this guy," Yin sneered, "What is he a skater punk or something?"

"A skater punk...why didn't I think of that? I should have used a skateboard as a prop..." Marie was saying to herself thoughtfully as she tapped her chin. "Darn."

Sweat-drops were forming on the side of everyone's head as they listened to Marie speaking to herself.

"Um...who are you?" Yang questioned her curiously.

"Ah, the name's M-" Marie began in a low voice before she caught herself. _Shimatta! I can't tell them my name is Marie...then how about...err..._ "Mizuki. Pleased to meet ya, bro." Mizuki put out her hand towards Yang to shake. "Let's be best buds!"

"Huh?" Yang's jaw dropped.

"What a weirdo," Yin eyed Mizuki suspiciously. "Mizuki what the hell are you doing here anyways? This is a _male_ host club, you know." And then Yin's eyes widened as a look of pure disgust crossed his face. Yin moved to stand protectively in front of Yang. He then pointed a finger accusingly at Mizuki. "Ah! You're one of _those_ types aren't you? A Samer? You like men right? Stay away from my little brother's ass, you freak!" Yin shoved Mizuki back further away from the startled Yang, who was looking _very_ confused.

Mizuki stumbled backwards also confused before she began to wave her hands frantically before her. "Ah! No you've got it all wrong! I'm not here as a _client_ – I'm here because I want to become a host here!"

"Host?" Yin scoffed. " _You_ a host?" Yin sneered as he eyed Mizuki from head to toe. "Ha! We don't need help from the likes of you."

"Oh really?" Mizuki raised her eyebrows at him and then waved her hand at the interior of the club. "It's dead in here. You completely managed to scare all the clients away. Good going." Mizuki's voice was edged with sarcasm.

A tumbleweed rolled by as silence filled the empty clubroom - seeming to make Mizuki's point.

Yin's eye twitched, "What the hell do _you_ know about anything?!" Yin started forward, glaring daggers at Mizuki. Ah, if looks could kill. "I should beat some sense into you, cocky punk...!" Yin began to crack his knuckles as he approached her.

"Tsk tsk tsk." Mizuki wagged a finger at him, "That's the attitude that scares the ladies away. Why don't you try saying the same thing but with a _smile~_ _neh?_ " Mizuki finished in an upbeat, singsong voice.

"Say what?" Yin asked her disbelievingly.

" _Smile~ Smile~_ " Mizuki chimed and reached out with her hands to push the corners of Yin's mouth up with her index fingers.

Everyone gasped since it was a miracle that Mizuki was actually getting away with this and still remained in one piece.

"You damned punk!" Yin exclaimed as he raised his fist and brought it forward – only to stop an inch away from Mizuki's face. _Gah! Why can't I hit him?! But...it just feels wrong! Gah!_

Mizuki smiled knowingly, "Deep down...deep...deeeeep down you're a good person, aren't you Yin? You should really show it more often...then the ladies would really flock to you, you know, since you're cute _neh?_ " Mizuki gave Yin a bright smile.

"Huh?!" Yin's jaw dropped as he backed away from Mizuki in horror, a slight blush on his face. _This dude...reminds me of a girl! Gah! Why the hell am I blushing?_ "C-cute?" Yin murmured in horror. He had just been called _CUTE_! And it had been by a GUY!

A dark cloud formed over Yin's head and began to rain down upon him.

Yang patted his brother's shoulder consolingly. "There, there."

Genkaku watched the scene unfolding before him curiously and found his anger abating. The kid was just too funny after all. Mizuki then turned her attention to Genkaku, a mysterious gleam in her eyes.

"Master!" She bowed, "Please accept me as your apprentice!"

Genkaku raised an eyebrow at this impertinent, punk kid and took in his outfit...it was definitely un-cool. It was almost as if Genkaku could hear _HER_ voice in his head: _Kaku warui~!_ _How uncool! Creepy!_ Genkaku paled...no, he couldn't afford to have such an 'uncool' looking person in his host club, and this person was also way too...Genkaku stroked his chin in thought, searching for the right word: Peppy? Hyper? Loud? Optimistic...Sunny. _That's it, sunny. I despise people with sunny dispositions! They make me sick._

Genkaku gave Mizuki one of his trademark charming smiles-

Mizuki smiled back brightly, her blue eyes hopeful.

"No." He deadpanned. _No way in hell._

"No?" Mizuki asked aloud, her voice tinged with surprise. And Genkaku looked so _happy_ , but he was really _angry_ for some reason wasn't he? He hated her for some reason didn't he?! Mizuki's eyes widened when she realized this. But...? "Why?!"

"Yin, Yang, - please escort our _guest_ out." Genkaku commanded with a wave of his hand.

"Righto Genkaku- _sama_!" Yin and Yang chimed as they grabbed Mizuki by her arms and unceremoniously tossed her right out of the host club.

" _Oi!_ Hey, wait a minute!" Mizuki protested as she was being thrown out. "Is this any way to treat a-" Marie caught herself as she was about to say 'lady'. Whoops.

"Yes?" The twins asked her at the same time and in a spooky manner...

Mizuki shivered. "Err, nothing, you know, a fellow dude, cough, and all." Mizuki explained, laughing nervously. "Aren't we buddies? _Nakama?_ Comrades?"

"Buddies?" Yin sneered, "Hell no."

"I'm really, really sorry about all this but it's for your own good," Yang said as he helped Yin literally toss Mizuki back out onto the cold sidewalk in front of the host club.

The door was slammed in Mizuki's face loudly with a bam.

" _Uso_...no way... _doushiyou_...what should I do?" Mizuki looked at the door in despair. _How could this happen to me? Today was supposed to be a great day. It was so sunny today! It was supposed to be an omen of good luck...!_

Thunder boomed and lightning crashed close by electrocuting a nearby mailbox and causing Mizuki to jump in fright.

A sudden downpour commenced, which had Mizuki completely drenched in seconds. She hung her head sadly, "I'm in despair..." She said softly and then frowned. Despair? That wasn't like her at all. Mizuki stood up and clenched her fists, glaring at the gray, stormy sky, which for some reason reminded her of Genkaku. "I won't lose yet. I don't plan to give up. Never give up! That's my motto! And I plan to do my best. You won't get away from me so easily Genkaku! _Yosha!_ Bring on your worst world!"

The rain seemed to pour down even harder but Mizuki did not remove the smile from her face. She would continue to smile in the face of overwhelming odds.

"ACHOO!!!"

Lucky for her fools can't catch colds...

Right?

***

Akito had been drinking. He was still in denial about caring about Marie's disappearance and had decided to drown his sorrows in alcohol. It didn't take long before he was drunk, very drunk, so drunk that it suddenly seemed like a brilliant idea to go search for Marie himself since the cops seemed to be proving themselves to be completely useless. After he had read and re-read the letter she had left him again and again Akito had taken a deep breath and decided that he just needed to think things through logically _before_ he panicked. Marie left _him_ the world's #1 top model? Marie's Sun Prince? It just didn't make any sense. It was completely illogical.

Yea, that's right. Marie would never leave me. That would be crazy, which can only mean one thing – Marie must have been kidnapped by some jealous fan girl of mine. Shit. I have to find her.

Akito rushed out the door in his drunken stupor intent on finding his maid. Akito had no idea where to start however. Where would his evil fan girl have even taken Marie? Akito had no choice but to just search for Marie at random. He searched the busy streets of Kabukicho...Shinjuku...Ikebukuo...before a feeling of helplessness began to sink in, weighing down his steps.

He began to realize this search was completely futile. Tokyo was a huge place and trying to find Marie without any leads or at least a place to start was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. And what's worse...in Ikebukuro it wasn't unusual for foreigners or illegal immigrants to 'mysteriously disappear' – people who were runaways, people that were somehow isolated from the rest of society, people who would not be missed – were taken or kidnapped by human traffickers.

Akito's blood ran cold. What if his Marie had been kidnapped by human traffickers and not a jealous fan...?

He never should have let Marie leave the mansion...ever. It was all Ryoko's fault for suggesting that he at least allow the girl the menial task of going out and buying his clothes for him...

If it wasn't for that this never would have happened. Marie would still be sheltered and naive, yes, but she would have been _safe_.

Marie...it wasn't like he missed her. Hell no. It's just...Marie was his possession. Marie belonged to him and no one else. He wouldn't let whoever it was that kidnapped Marie to get away with this...Akito clenched his fists at his sides.

Akito didn't even notice it had begun to rain. He continued to search for Marie aimlessly. He wasn't sure for how many hours he had been searching for her. He had lost all sense of time. On and on he searched for her, one thing going through his mind:

Find Marie...I must find Marie...

_She's so sheltered, naïve and clueless there's no way Marie could survive in the real world on her own._ _This is all my fault...if Marie ends up dead in a gutter somewhere...it will be all my fault..._

Akito thought the rain felt warm against his face. He didn't realize he was crying. His vision blurred and his legs finally gave out from under him. He fell forward and passed out somewhere in the middle of a park with the rain beating down upon him...

The following day,

This is how Ryoko found her poor lost lamb – Akito lying passed out in a mud puddle in the middle of a park. She smiled cruelly. Her plan had worked _perfectly_. By suggesting to Akito to give Marie just a little more freedom – Marie had left.

Just as Ryoko had anticipated. _Give a dog a little more leash and they'll hang themselves with it._ Ryoko wasn't sure where the girl had disappeared to but she had. Ryoko had tried to scry for the girl but oddly enough the girl was unable to be located, which meant she must be 'shielded' somehow.

This had surprised Ryoko since that meant that the girl must have latent abilities in magic or that someone powerful in magic was aiding the girl, but no matter, all that really mattered was that the girl was gone.

There wasn't room in Akito's life for two women. Ryoko always had to be #1. That way as the #1 woman in Akito's life she'd have even more control over him. Akito was her 'gem', he belonged to her, he was her pawn to do with what she wished...

And she had plans for Akito. He was such a beautiful man – he had perfect genes. He could sire her a beautiful child...a child whom she could make her apprentice and pass down the legacy of her magic to.

Ryoko smiled evilly, yes everything was moving according to her plan. She giggled before she leaned over and touched Akito's shoulder. "Akito- _kun_..." She called softly. "Rise and shine."

"Marie...?" Akito murmured as he began to stir, still half asleep. "Is that you...?"

Ryoko frowned. _Marie?_ She patiently waited for Akito to fully awaken.

Akito sat up, covered in mud, and blinked around. He looked up and caught sight of Ryoko and his eyes widened, "Ryoko- _san_ , what are you doing here?"

Ryoko smiled benignly. "I came to take you home of course..."

"Home?"

"Yes, back to the Precious Gem Host Club, of course."

"But...I have to find Marie!" Akito suddenly remembered his escapades from last night and began to panic. He leapt up and grabbed Ryoko's arms. "Ryoko- _san_! You have to help me find Marie. She's been kidnapped!"

Ryoko gave Akito a pitying stare. "Kidnapped? I think not...I already scryed for the girl and she's left you Akito...for another man."

Akito furrowed his brows at Ryoko. Another man? Akito shook his head. Marie's visage swam in his memories – her bright smile, her kind eyes, the way she use to look at him with such awe, adoration, and love...love...the love he felt from her with his empathy had been real and pure. "No, you're wrong...Marie would never abandon me Ryoko...she loves me..."

"Love?" Ryoko raised an eyebrow and then she laughed. "If she really loved you why are you all alone in the middle of a park covered in mud?"

"Why?" Akito asked himself...

I will find a way to defeat that evil sorceress and rescue you from her evil enchantment!

The letter...Marie's letter which had made no sense...had Marie meant 'Ryoko' when she had mentioned this 'evil sorceress'? Had Marie seen him and Ryoko kiss...? _Shit._

Akito hung his head. He didn't know what he wanted to believe anymore – that Marie had left because of him or that Marie had been kidnapped. Which was less painful?

"Let's go home Akito."

Akito looked up and met Ryoko's beautiful emerald green eyes, a fierce expression on his face. "Marie would never abandon me." He said with conviction.

Ryoko frowned and reached out to grasp Akito's chin. She stared deeply into his eyes and didn't let Akito look away.

"Ryoko...what...?"

"Akito, let's go home." She repeated.

Akito's eyes seemed to cloud over. "Yes...let's go home, my love."

... _rescue you from her evil enchantment..._

_Marie..._ Akito thought before he passed out into Ryoko's arms. He was too tired to fight anymore.

Ryoko could feel Akito's burning face. He had given himself a fever due to his crazy antics the night before. _Silly boy. All that fuss for a woman who wasn't even a real woman yet._ Ryoko would erase Marie from Akito's mind and heart until only she was left...

Ryoko smiled a cat's paw smile. _This is going to be fun._

Japanese Word Key:

MMORPG – massive multiplayer online roleplaying game, a virtual reality world online

_Kimono_ – a loose robe

_Zori_ – wooden sandals attached to the foot b a thong over the toes

_Oi_ – Hey!

_Hooryah!_ \- battle cry

_Mabushi_ – bright

_Okaasan_ – mother

_Shimatta_ – damn

_Kaku warui_ – creepy

_Nakama_ – comrade

_Uso_ – No way

_Doushiyou_ – What do I do now?

### Chapter 6: Persistence is key

Mizuki continued to live in her cardboard box while the weather had been shit, but she was determined not to give up. The very next day Mizuki once again went to the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_. She snuck in with a group of female clients and sat down at one of the tables nonchalantly.

Fiore went over to her. "And what would you like to eat or drink, young sir?"

Mizuki looked up at Fiore and smiled warmly. She noticed that he, along with the other hosts, were dressed in tuxedo that day. Fiore was dressed in an all-white tuxedo, with a black bowtie and there was a red rose stuck into his lapel. His long blonde hair had been tied back into a ponytail with a white bow at the nape of his neck. "I'll have the Morning Service please. I saw the other girls eating those _gorgeous~_ croissants and can't resist! "

Fiore beamed back at her. " _Gorgeous_! You say?" Fiore flashed her a sparkling grin. "Right away, young sir!"

Fiore brought over a tray with his special Morning Service back to Mizuki in seconds. The Morning Service consisted of scrambled eggs with mixed vegetables, freshly baked croissants, butter, homemade strawberry jam, sliced, fresh fruit, freshly squeezed orange juice, tea, and coffee. "This looks really delicious – thank you." Mizuki thanked him, a bit starry-eyed as she began to top her croissant with some of Fiore's homemade jam. Mizuki took a bite and sighed with utter contentment. " _Oroshii!_ Delicious!"

Fiore beamed. "Thanks!" _What a nice, polite young man...perhaps...?_

"AH!" Came a harsh voice and Mizuki and Fiore turned to see Genkaku looking back and forth between Mizuki and Fiore darkly. He pointed an accusing finger at the two of them. "What is the meaning of this? Fiore – didn't I tell you that this young man was forbidden from coming into my club?"

Fiore immediately looked guilty. Fiore was a 'go with the flow' type of person and had unwittingly been carried away by Mizuki's flow. Oops. Fiore held his silver serving tray protectively to his chest and gave Genkaku a nervous look as well as a pout. "I, err, I'm sorry...it just seemed so...natural having him here like this." Fiore tried to explain.

"Natural?!" Genkaku's eye twitched. "To have that _eyesore_ here? That damned Sunshine Kid?" Genkaku, with an angry wave of his hand, sent the beautiful Morning Service that Fiore had prepared crashing to the floor.

"Sunshine Kid?" Yin scowled. "Why did Genkaku give that damned brat a nickname? I don't even have a nickname...dammit."

Mizuki inwardly moaned at the waste of all that gorgeous and delicious looking food.

Piper was at Genkaku's side in an instant since he could sense Genkaku's anger rising. He put a hand on his boss' shoulder. "Genkaku- _sama_...the clients are watching." He reminded him in a low, warning voice. "You must be careful to contain your anger."

Genkaku looked over to see that indeed the female clients were looking at Genkaku a bit wide-eyed since he was supposed to be their charming, gentleman host. Sigh.

Genkaku turned to Fiore and saw his nervous expression and his anger deflated. He was freaking out his genius patisserie. If it wasn't for Fiore his club wouldn't have half of the clients that it did. He let out a heavy sigh and ran a hand back through his hair before shooting the clients a reassuring smile that caused a few of them to swoon before he returned his attention back to Fiore.

Genkaku still had his 'charming smile' plastered to his face as he turned to face Fiore, however, oops.

"Oh my," Fiore gasped a bit taken with Genkaku's smile, a slight blush rising to his cheeks. He raised a hand to his lips in a thoughtful gesture. _Stay calm my heart...!_

"I'm not angry with _you_ , Fiore." Genkaku began in a gentle voice. "I could never be angry with you..." He reached out to cup Fiore's cheek.

All the female clients began to go a bit crazy. "EEEeeee!" The girls were looking at the two young men with heart-shaped eyes and were surrounded by the burning flames of MOE. "Moe! Moe! Moe!" They all chanted.

"Master..." Fiore murmured, his lime green eyes shimmering with emotion. "I thought you didn't swing that way...?" _I'm going to faint..._

Genkaku smirked before he let go of Fiore who swiftly turned into a puddle of goo. Genkaku wiped his hands together – that was a job well done, if he didn't say so himself. His genius patisserie was happy and no harm done. A few of the female clients had also fainted – some from massive nosebleeds. Genkaku shook his head at them. _Perverted yaoi fangirls...what has this world come to?_

Genkaku was looking incredibly handsome that day in his own tuxedo. Mizuki made a mental note. Though he almost looked too good, which made him seem distant somehow. Mizuki tapped her chin thoughtfully. How could something like that be remedied? She wondered. Genkaku suddenly turned his full attention on her and she tried hard not to blush from his piercing stare. Was he going to try and charm her too? _Uh oh..._ But then the charming smile seemed to fall off Genkaku's face as he looked at her only to be replaced with a tiny scowl. His expression turned condescending as he eyed Mizuki and the aura that surrounded Genkaku seemed to make the air around Mizuki drop several degrees. She shivered.

_Are? Huh?_ Mizuki blinked back up at Genkaku and at the coldness being projected her way. _Wow, he really hates me...but why?_

Genkaku continued to glare down at her. "Now, would you mind explaining what you're doing here, kid? I thought I made it quite clear yesterday that you're not welcome here. Or am I mistaken?"

Mizuki stood up and glared right back at Genkaku defiantly as lightning seemed to flash between their gazes. "You all need me!" Mizuki declared. "This club needs help...even you must see that! So I won't give up! You won't be rid of me that easily!" Mizuki raised an adamant fist before her. "My motto is: never give up!"

"A truly disgusting motto..." Genkaku muttered to himself darkly.

Mizuki blinked. _What?_

"Disgusting...you make me sick, Sunshine Kid." Genkaku's voice was filled with disgust but his expression was blank. The clients had begun watching Genkaku again but luckily they were too far away to hear what he was saying...

That's when Mizuki seemed to realize something; a light bulb went off over her head. "Ah!" She bopped her right palm with her left fist. "I get it now – you're a _fake_! It's all an _act_!" Mizuki had been beginning to wonder why when she was a girl Genkaku had been so very different and how all of a sudden he had turned into this mean, scary guy now that she was a guy...

Genkaku's mouth dropped open in horror.

As well as the mouths of the other hosts in the host club, including: Piper, Fiore, Yin and Yang. (Hirgon simply remained expressionless.)

" _Naruhodo_ , I see..." Mizuki spoke to herself while nodding. "That explains why he's so charming one minute and so scary the next...!"

"S-scary?" Genkaku murmured, his inner darkness threatening to reach out and consume him.

"But that's..." Mizuki tapped her chin thoughtfully before turning to Genkaku, "Amazing!"

A large black cloud had been forming over Genkaku's head from which thunder had been rumbling ominously but as Mizuki spoke her last word the black cloud over Genkaku's head seemed to pop out of existence. "A-amazing?" Genkaku repeated, dumbfounded.

"Yea!" Mizuki declared, "You totally had me fooled before...well, until you showed me your angry side. I never would have believed there was this whole 'other side' to you. It's...amazing. You have great acting ability."

"Acting ability...?"

Mizuki nodded, "Who knows what the _real_ you is like but...that doesn't really matter! I want to learn how to be a great liar and fake host just like you!"

"I think you meant to say Illusionist Host," Piper put in helpfully, trying to defuse the impending doomed situation.

"Doesn't really matter? Liar? Fake?" Genkaku murmured to himself softly before his anger seemed to suddenly return. How dare this kid who was barely out of diapers treat him this way. "Out." He growled in a low voice.

" _Nani?_ " Mizuki questioned baffled, there was this golden aura of hope and goodness shinning around the naïve girl. _I must have misunderstood him. Because there's no way someone can be mean to you for no reason, right?_

"I said...OUT!" Genkaku bellowed, finally managing to lose his composure. "Yin! Yang!" Genkaku clenched his fists at his sides until his knuckles turned white as he tried to restrain his anger. If someone didn't get that kid out of here fast he was going to do something he'd later regret.

"Right Genkaku- _sama_!" Yin and Yang sprang into action.

Mizuki suddenly found herself getting thrown out of the host club yet again. " _Uso_...no way..." Mizuki moaned as she was tossed out onto the sidewalk. _I can't believe I got thrown out, again. And I made Genkaku mad at me...pout...what did I say wrong? I was only trying to give him a compliment when he went livid. He really is a scary guy but...it's so impressive! I wish I could strike fear and terror into the hearts of others the way he can with nothing but a glare! Well, this is but a minor setback. I won't give up! As they say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger._

However, Fate seemed to be mocking Mizuki as the dark clouds that had been gathering overhead opened up to release a cold, hard rain down upon Mizuki once more.

To add insult to injury Mizuki's stomach grumbled. She hadn't gotten to finish that delicious Morning Service either. Sigh. It was such a shame that Genkaku had to knock it off the table in his anger. _Such a waste...pout...I'm so hungry~_ Mizuki moaned in her mind as she continued to lay sprawled out on the sidewalk. She had burnt too many calories and barely had the energy to move. _But I don't have any money. Oh well, I'm sure God will provide! I'll just live on sunshine like a flower until Genkaku decides to make me his apprentice! Yosha!_

Mizuki gathered the last of her remaining energy to push herself up off the ground and made her way back over to her cardboard box seeking shelter inside of it from the rain. She curled up into a ball, wrapping her arms around legs, and tried to sleep so that she wouldn't think about food...maybe she'd have a really good dream about a banquet or something. Mizuki smiled at the thought. _That would be deliciously perfect._

Day #3...

The following day Mizuki once again snuck into the host club but as soon as she was discovered she was thrown out by the twins. Day #4, Day #5, Day #6 came and went – again and again Mizuki tried to sneak into the host club to demand of Genkaku that he make her his apprentice Illusionist Host! But each time she was adamantly refused by Genkaku and then roughly thrown out.

Mizuki's body was covered in bruises from their rough treatment of her. Mizuki pouted. _Boys are sure treated roughly huh? I kinda feel sorry for boys..._

***

Fiore was scratching his neck absentmindedly and there was a redness to his skin.

Piper looked at Fiore knowingly. "Did a girl get too close and touch you, Fiore?" Since Fiore became so nervous around girls he sometimes broke out into hives when a girl merely touched him.

"Ah, err..." Fiore began to think back. "I don't think so, although..." He remembered that Mizuki had reached out to tuck a stray hair behind his ear when the boy had tried to sneak in again earlier in the day.

"Your hair is so beautiful. It's as golden as a sunflower." Mizuki had praised him.

Fiore frowned, _No...that can't be right. Impossible._

Genkaku had been smoking a cigarette in a disinterested manner but seemed to have been listening to Fiore and Piper's conversation. "I can't believe that damned Sunshine Kid came again today. That kid doesn't know the meaning of the word 'no'. Or 'impossible' for that matter." _That kid is way too optimistic._ _He needs to learn a valuable lesson – things won't always go your way in life._

Yin nodded darkly. "He's a persistent brat...he should be taught a lesson." Yin fingered his gun. _How dare that Sunshine Kid try and get close to Genkaku-sama! He even grabbed onto Genkaku-sama's arm while he was here again today. Unforgivable! I'm so going to kill him! But strangely enough every time I try and take a shot my body seizes up and that hesitation throws my aim off...damn it! The only time something similar to this has happened was when I tried to shoot Ranka...but that was because Ranka's a woman. Keh._

Yang was fretting while he was wringing his hands together. _I can't help but feel sorry for the kid. It seems like he really wants to become a host._ "Genkaku- _sama_ , couldn't we make an exception and let Mizuki become a host? The boy seems harmless enough..."

"Harmless!?" Yin grabbed Yang's ear painfully.

"Ow! Ow! Ow!" Yang cried.

"You are such a bad judge of character, Yang." Yin pulled Yang's ear close so that he could speak in a low tone that Genkaku would be unable to hear. "He's trying to get close to Genkaku- _sama_...don't you see? Genkaku _-sama_ attracts both men and women...that Sunshine Kid probably has the hots for him! We have to protect Genkaku- _sama_ from that pervert! I don't believe that kid's reason for wanting to become a host one bit – wanting to _help_ us? Ha! It's a load of bull. No one is that selfless...he's after something...or rather someone. And I believe it's Genkaku- _sama_!"

"You're just being paranoid Yin!" Yang hissed back in a low voice while frowning at his twin. "Not everyone is a pervert like you seem to think...it makes me wonder if you're the pervert in this scenario since your mind in the gutter. Have you been reading Ranka's _yaoi_ _manga_ again?"

Yin punched Yang hard across the face, "What was that, _konoyaro?! Bastard!_ "

"Nothing....nothing at all..." Yang murmured from his place on the floor where he was cradling his bruised cheek. He noticed a few of the female clients watching their interaction curiously and decided to give them a show. "Please don't hurt me, _brother_..." Tears began to form in Yang's dark eyes.

Yin saw what Yang was trying to do and sighed heavily while glaring down at Yang. "Who's the sick one now, bro? There's now way I'm playing this game with you."

" _Oooo~_ that's kinda hot." One of the female clients declared while others nodded their heads vigorously in agreement. "Violent twincest!" "Moe! Moe! Moe!" "S and M play!" They chanted.

Yin gave the girls a disgusted look before he shook his head at them. Yin's harsh glare caused the girls to go quiet.

Piper put a check by Yang's name in his notebook. "At least one of them knows how to make the best of a bad situation."

Hirgon was sleeping at one of the tables and so made no comment.

"That kid gives _me_ the creeps. How can someone be so...positive, optimistic and happy all the time? It's unnatural." Genkaku shivered.

"Oh, I don't know about that." Piper began thoughtfully, looking over his notes. "Lately, he seems much more...subdued. You know, less...peppy."

"Less peppy – is still _way_ too much pep for my taste." Genkaku declared darkly. "I've been in the foulest mood since that kid showed up here. It must be _his_ sunny disposition. I hate people like him...hypocrites. The lot of them."

"I think I'm allergic to him..." Fiore began to scratch his neck again.

"You know, he's been wearing the same clothes for the past few days now." Yang piped up suddenly. "Do you guys think he's a runaway?"

"What kind of idiot would run away from home and try to become an apprentice to an Illusionist Host?" Genkaku scoffed. "Especially, at that kid's age. He's probably barely out of high school."

"Kids drop out of high school all the time," Piper informed him.

Genkaku gave Piper a disgusted look and shook his head. "Today's youth is truly disappointing. In just a few more years morons will be running this country."

***

"Achoo!" Mizuki sneezed loudly and rubbed her slightly red nose, pouting, "I think I may have caught a cold...oh well, I won't let a mere cold get me down. _Yosha!_ I'll go and convince Genkaku to make me his apprentice for sure today!"

Later that day, Mizuki snuck into the host club once again and sat down at one of the tables while hiding behind a menu. However, Genkaku was expecting her to come and noticed her easily. He went over to tap her on the shoulder. "AHH!" Mizuki exclaimed loudly since her nerves were on end and she was a bit edgy from having gone without food for several days now...and also having gotten little sleep since it was hard to sleep in a cardboard box.

Genkaku raised an eyebrow at the boy's overreaction. The kid also appeared to be a bit... frazzled and more unkempt compared to how the boy had looked when he had first arrived at the host club. _Not that his welfare has anything to do with me...and besides it's not like the kid is homeless or anything._

"How did you know I was here?" Mizuki questioned. _He must be an Esper! He's so awesome!_

"You're hard to miss and besides you've been coming here everyday, so it's only natural to come to expect your presence here." Genkaku drawled offhandedly.

Mizuki stood up from her seat at the table, and turned to face Genkaku. Genkaku noticed her face seemed much paler and thinner for some reason. "Please don't throw me out again! Please just hear me out first!" Mizuki leapt forward and grabbed onto the front of Genkaku's tuxedo jacket, desperation in her tone.

Genkaku looked back at the kid in shock and was surprised by how the normally sunny young man was acting so desperate and almost forlorn. It made Genkaku want to smile.

"Please let me be your apprentice! I just know I'll be able to help you! Please, you have to believe me – just give me a chance!" Mizuki and Genkaku's faces were drawing closer and closer together...

And Yin was beginning to get pissed. Mizuki was like all over _his_ Genkaku. He took out his .45 Magnum and fired at the kid, and his eyes widened when he missed. _Huh?_ He fired at Mizuki again and again, but all his shots missed Mizuki somehow. _He must have the devil's luck._

Genkaku snapped out of his stunned stupor and grabbed Mizuki by her shoulders to shove her back and away from him. " _Oi!_ Look here Sunshine Kid! Get a hold of yourself. I-!" Genkaku was saying when-

A stray bullet hit Mizuki's sunglasses causing them to break and fly off of Mizuki's face revealing Mizuki's wide, luminous, sky-blue eyes.

Genkaku looked at Mizuki's beautiful face in shock. Those clear blue eyes seemed to have captured Genkaku's full and undivided attention.

Genkaku, for a moment, was completely captivated by Mizuki. It was like a moment frozen in time or at least it felt that way to Genkaku.

Those innocent blue eyes that seemed to be able to see straight through him – right to his twisted rotten soul. _The kid has surprisingly beautiful eyes..._

Genkaku still had a hold of Mizuki's shoulders and had been pushing her back, but now he was unconsciously leaning forward as he was drawn into Mizuki's eyes while wanting to take a closer look. How was it possible for a boy who had seemed so plain and un-charismatic to have such beautiful eyes? _Impossible._ Genkaku thought to himself in shock. _They even have flecks of silver and violet in them..._ Genkaku noted as he continued his 'observation'.

A blush was rising to Mizuki's face due to Genkaku's intense scrutiny and close proximity.

" _Ahhh~!_ _Eeee!_ " The female clientele began to go wild as they caught sight of Mizuki and Genkaku's 'moment'. "Moe! Moe! Moe!" "He's so cute!" "Pretty boy!" "No, no, the kid is definitely the 'prince type'." " _Kawaii~!_ "

Ranka looked up from her laptop and suddenly caught sight of Mizuki and her blue eyes. Ranka's eyes widened and she said in a soft voice. "No, they're all wrong. He's definitely the 'angel boy' type." Ranka's eyes began to sparkle. _I think I'm inspired..._ Ranka began to type something into a word program on her laptop.

Yin was pissed. He continued to gnash his teeth together as he watched this bizarre scene unfolding before him. _Is Genkaku-sama going to kiss that girlie boy?! Shit! That kid is so dead!_ Yin aimed his gun at Mizuki again, and used his other hand to steady his gun hand to make sure that this time his aim wouldn't be off before he then fired.

Genkaku seemed to snap out of his captivation finally when he noticed the commotion the girls were beginning to make all around them. Genkaku looked down at his hands on Mizuki's slim and delicate shoulders and became oddly flustered. Genkaku quickly removed his hands as if he had been burned. _Shit...I almost got carried away. He's a boy, a boy! And even if he were a girl...I hate all women!_

Mizuki still had a rosy blush to her cheeks and gave Genkaku a quizzical look. "Genkaku- _sensei_?"

Genkaku's heart was oddly racing in his chest. _Shit! I hate this kid! This kid who makes me speak the truth and act like my true self...who can see straight through me...and who is blinding like the sun..._

Genkaku felt himself torn between feeling hate and curiosity for this strange kid. Genkaku opened his hand and the bullet that had been meant for Mizuki fell uselessly to the floor. Genkaku sent Yin a menacing glare in response.

Piper was suddenly looking at Mizuki in a whole new light. He took note of the reaction the female clientele were giving Mizuki and his eyes widened as he heard one very specific keyword being uttered about Mizuki: 'cute'.

"They called him cute..." Piper said in awe. "None of us have ever been called 'cute' by a girl before!" Piper went up to Mizuki and walked around her and began to take notes about her in his notepad. He even took Mizuki's measurements with a measuring tape, which he seemed to have pulled out of thin air. Mizuki tried not to blush as he wrapped the measuring tape around her chest. Piper nodded to himself when he had finished. "Perfect...he'd be perfect for what I have in mind."

"And just what do you have in mind Piper?" Yang asked curiously.

"You know how when people put on a really scary haunted house for Halloween and they sometimes have trouble getting people to go in? Well, that's when they put someone in a cute animal suit, like a bear suit, and get that person to lure people in." Piper grinned. "I'm such a genius. Mizuki is going to be our cute bear."

"Huh?" Yang muttered.

Genkaku was already shaking his head, alarmed by the idea. "No...Piper you can't possibly be thinking...!"

Piper smirked back at Genkaku and nodded once. "It's exactly as you suspect. I want Mizuki to become your apprentice, Genkaku- _sama_. What this club fundamentally lacks is 'something cute'. Mizuki will become our 'something cute' that we'll use to lure in some normal female clientele! Just think Genkaku- _sama_ – _normal_ females!"

"Normal female clientele..." Hirgon, Fiore, Yin and Yang were all looking a bit starry-eyed as they imagined beautiful, young _oujo-samas_ and even normal high school girls coming to visit their club.

Genkaku was still dismayed. "Piper...is there really no other way?"

Piper shook his head and gave Genkaku a stern look. "We're already in the red and you're the one who insists on renting such a flashy castle, buying such expensive costumes, and also using such expensive tableware to serve our clients! Not to mention all the old, useless medieval crap you buy for your collection, those suits of armor and all those rusted weapons! Your capriciousness is going to put us all in the doghouse if we don't do something to draw in more female clientele and to stop scaring off all the normal young ladies from wealthy families. The sheltered, pampered and rich _oujo-samas_ are the clients whom we truly want. The addition of a 'something cute' to our club will be perfect to solve this problem."

"Old...they're not old...they're _antiques_." Genkaku muttered darkly to himself.

"Something...cute." Mizuki's eyes brightened, "Why didn't I think of that? I thought what you guys lacked was overall style and so I chose this hip-hop skater look intending to jazz you guys up a bit but...to use my 'cuteness' as a host...I never would have thought of that on my own! My new image...it's coming to me..." Mizuki tapped her head as she thought of her new vision, her new look. _Ah it's coming to me...pretty boy...no...prince type...no...angel!_

Genkaku was giving Piper a desperate look. _Must I really make this Sunshine Kid my apprentice? Piper-kun? Really? Is there really no other way to save this club?_

Piper shook his head. _This is our last resort. If we don't do this...you'll never be able to get your revenge._

Genkaku hung his head in despair, accepting his total defeat. If his boy-genius accountant said that Mizuki was going to be his apprentice then...Mizuki was going to be his apprentice. _Noooo~!_ Genkaku gripped the sides of his head in horror. _Why me?!_

"You want me to be cute, Mini _Sensei_? You got it!" Mizuki declared giving Piper a thumbs up.

"Mini _Sensei_?" Piper's eye twitched.

Mizuki rushed out of the host club with the intention of creating a really cute outfit. She hurried outside and to the alleyway, which she then transformed into a temporary sewing studio. She set up several cardboard boxes as tables to create her workstation and then took out her deluxe sewing kit, bolts of fabric and her trusty scissors. Designer Mizuki had already gotten her 'vision'. It was inside of her head so now all she had to do was make it a reality.

Her steel scissors flashed through the air as she cut the material into the needed patterns and soon her needle was flying through the air next as she began to sew the patterns together. She had completed her entire outfit in about fifteen minutes.

"Done!" Mizuki declared before sneezing suddenly. "Achoo!" She sniffled and rubbed her slightly red nose. _Ugh, I feel sick but...I'll worry about that later!_ Mizuki held up her finished shirt and grinned. _Kampeki. Perfect._ She nodded to herself.

Mizuki changed into her new outfit and fixed her hair using a shiny trashcan lid as a mirror. She made sure that her hair wasn't as messy as before, but still spiked up. She managed to create more of a 'pixie haircut' look this time around. _Cute and Sparkly~ Ahhh!_ Mizuki gripped the sides of her face in horror. _I'm doing it again! I'm thinking like a girl but...they said they wanted me to be 'cute' so maybe this is okay? Well, there's only one way to find out. It's a good thing I'm so tall and flat-chested or else I suppose I really would look just like a girl!_ Once Mizuki was done she ran back inside the Host Club.

"TA-DA!" Mizuki declared, grinning from ear to ear. She winked at everyone while holding her chin dramatically. "So what do you all think?" _Designer Mizuki strikes again!_

What was the female clientele's response?:

" _Kyahhhhh!_ " Their eyes had all turned into hearts.

"Success." Piper nodded. "I think the ladies approve of your new look Mizuki."

" _Keh_ , he still looks like a girlie boy..." Yin sneered.

Piper shook his head and went up to inspect Mizuki's new look. He walked around her and scrutinized her new ensemble. Mizuki had created a white, button-down shirt that had silver, cross-shaped buttons on the front; on the back of the long-sleeved shirt in sparkly blue rhinestones the pattern of angel wings had been sewn into the material. She had on a pair of simple but elegant white, silk pants with matching white, platform boots. Her hair was now less messy and more stylish. "Did you go out to the mall and buy that outfit just now?"

"Uh, err, maybe." Mizuki responded nervously.

Piper narrowed his eyes at her. "Which mall did you go to? The closest one to here is about thirty minutes away." Mizuki was looking more and more nervous so Piper decided to let the subject drop – for now. Piper shrugged. "Impressive. You managed to capture the image I had in mind for you...you're definitely the pretty boy, or prince type."

"Bzzst." A sound like a buzzer going off sounded, signaling a wrong answer. "Wrong." Ranka stood up from her place at the table. "LadySephira AFK..." She took her headset off before coming over to inspect Mizuki's new look. "His type is most definitely the 'Angel Type'!"

"Ah, here she goes again." Yin moaned in a despairing tone, slapping a hand to his forehead. He was sick and tired of having to hear Ranka's 2-D ramblings and dealing with her _otaku_ -ness.

"The Angel Type?" Piper questioned and then nodded as he looked Mizuki over again. "I see."

"Oh yes," Ranka's eyes gleamed. "And this young man pulls if off flawlessly...his innocent air, that golden aura of purity that seems to be shinning around him. You can practically see the golden halo over his saintly head. He's glowing like the sun. I can almost see the white wings of an angel outstretched behind him. Don't you think so Genkaku- _san_?"

"Wings of an angel?" Yin choked. "Wings of an angel, my ass. Those are just rhinestones, rhinestones _baka onna_."

Meanwhile, Genkaku was beginning to have a mental break down at this point while trying to keep his outer composure. _Mabushi! He's too bright...I think I'm melting. Am I melting?! I hate that Sunshine Kid! He'll be the death of me at this rate I just know it!_

Mizuki turned to smile brightly at Genkaku, " _Goshuujin-sama!_ Is this look alright?" Her teeth seemed to be gleaming.

Genkaku had to shield his eyes. _Mabushiii!_ Genkaku sunk to one knee from the strain and struggled to keep his cool while putting his forehead in his hand.

Mizuki immediately became concerned and rushed to his side, " _Goshuujin-sama?_ Are you alright?" She put a hand on his shoulder...

"I can't take much more of this..." Genkaku moaned. "Too much good will and positive energy..." _Where for art thou my beloved darkness...why hast thou forsake me...?_

Piper dragged Mizuki away before Genkaku could have a complete meltdown. The last thing Piper wanted was for Genkaku to break out his black, hooded cloak, and begin to sip green tea while cackling in a creepy _fufufufu~_ manner. Cough. _Like that hasn't happened before...naw..._ Piper shook his head to himself.

"Er, Mizuki, why don't you go help Fiore bring out some of the trays of tea and cakes to our guests if you don't mind." Piper suggested tactfully, beginning his usual damage control.

Mizuki saluted Piper enthusiastically, "Yes sir! I'll do my best!" Mizuki went to the kitchen and informed Fiore that she would be helping him by carrying the trays of tea and goodies out to their clients.

Fiore nodded in agreement and smiled warmly at her. He was glad to have some extra help since that meant _he_ wouldn't have to be the one dealing with those scary females.

Once Fiore was finished preparing the trays of tea and cakes Mizuki carried them out to the club's female clientele who were seated at the various tables throughout the main club room.

"Here you go, ladies." Mizuki gave them a sparkling smile while setting their teacups down. Just then Mizuki's stomach grumbled but luckily none of the girls seemed to notice.

" _Kyahhh!_ " "He's so _cute~_!" "Don't you just want to hug and squeeze him!?" "He's so sweet...I could just eat him up!" "I _so_ want to corrupt him, _teehee~_ "

Mizuki eyed the delicious looking cakes she was serving longingly. _Oh those cakes look so delicious...but they're for the clients Mizuki – not for you! Oh sweet torture._

Ranka nodded approvingly. "He's a natural, Angel Boy type! He'll be the girls' salvation! He's our personal guardian angel _kyahhh!_ " Ranka began to squeal just like the other fan girls.

Yin frowned, pissed that Ranka seemed so interested in someone who was an actual person. " _Keh_ , what's so special about that girlie boy anyways? Ranka you do realize he's a real person...he's not some 2-D character from one of your games or _manga,_ right?"

Ranka gave Yin a superior look, "I know that, but...he reminds me of..." She blushed and trailed off mysteriously.

"Of?" Yin pressed, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"Lord Angel Gabriel, of course!" Ranka became starry-eyed as she thought of the hero of the game Celestial Wars.

Yin's jaw dropped, "Angel Gabriel..." He slapped a hand to his forehead again. "I should have known...crazy _otaku_..."

Mizuki was enjoying the hard work. She smiled and wiped the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. She realized that she was having a lot more fun being a host than she had anticipated. Getting to talk to other girls her own age was a new experience for her since Akito had never let Mizuki leave the mansion – except for that one time she went to buy him clothes and ended up meeting Piper. Because of this she had never been able to make any girl friends. But now if she were lucky she could finally make some friends that were girls! _Oh but that would be too much. That would be...being greedy. I should already be thankful that Genkaku is giving me a chance..._

Meanwhile, Yang and Piper were trying to 'cheer up' Genkaku, who was currently depressed since the Sunshine Kid was going to be his apprentice. _God must really hate me...how did this happen? It's like a nightmare. Woe is me..._

Mizuki was carrying out yet another tray of tea and cakes when she began to feel dizzy. Her vision blurred and she began to stumble forward. _Oh no! I'm going to drop the tea and cakes...shoot!_

But she didn't fall and the tray didn't crash to the floor with a loud clatter as Mizuki had expected. Mizuki turned to see that Genkaku had caught her as she was stumbling forward and that the tray and all the objects, which had been on the tray, were currently floating in midair. _Huh?_

"Are you alright?" Genkaku asked, his expression serious, his brows furrowed.

Mizuki blushed at the hold he had on her and quickly shoved Genkaku back, "Sure, _Goshuujin-sama_." She tried to sound manly and nonchalant.

Genkaku flexed his fingers since Mizuki's skin had felt so...hot for some reason. _Does the boy have a fever? Hmmz._ "You should go home and get some rest, kid. Tomorrow begins your first lesson on how to be a proper Illusionist Host." He told her, not unkindly.

Mizuki's eyes widened and sparkled with delight. " _Honto?_ Really? Does this mean...you accept me as your apprentice, _Goshuujin-sama_?!" Mizuki had her hands clasped together before her as if in prayer.

Genkaku sighed heavily. "Yes." _Argh, what am I saying...?_

"Yay! Thank you! You won't regret this Master!" Mizuki leapt forward and hugged Genkaku tightly-

A strange cracking sound was heard when Yin broke the teacup he had been setting down with his bare hand. _That kid...he is so dead!_

Genkaku had also been caught off guard by Mizuki's sudden show of affection, but he quickly pulled himself together and got ready to push her off. That was when he felt her hot face against his neck and hesitated out of some emotion that may have been concern. Then for some odd reason butterflies began to flutter in Genkaku's stomach. _Is the boy blushing? Or does he really have a fever?_

Mizuki pulled back still grinning before Genkaku had the chance to be the one to push her away.

Author's Note: Mizuki was a very touchy-feely kind of person. People with issues of personal space beware. That means you Genkaku.

"Thank you so much. You won't regret this, _Goshuujin-sama!_ " Mizuki bowed deeply before she sped out the door. "C-ya tomorrow!"

Genkaku raised a hand after her. "Yea, tomorrow..." He said in disbelief and shivered out of disgust. That boy really was _way_ too happy. But...Genkaku frowned, becoming lost in his thoughts. _His face really was hot. Maybe he has a fever. Left unchecked that could be dangerous._ _I wonder if he'll be able to get home alright._ Genkaku caught himself in surprise at his thoughts. _Ah!_ Genkaku ruffled his hair in exasperation so that strands of his gleaming black hair fell down around his face in disarray. _Why am I thinking so much about that Sunshine Kid?! I hate people like him...and he'll be the death of me if I let him get too close. But because of my genius accountant I have to let him be my apprentice. I can't believe I'm going to have to be in the same room as that dazzling creature!_

Genkaku let out a heavy sigh...though he _hated_ the brat...he realized he was actually _worried_ about him. _I need a smoke._ Genkaku reached into his tuxedo jacket for his favorite brand of cigarettes: _Black Stones_. He opened the box and found to his horror that the box was empty. His mouth dropped open. _Nani?_ _What?_ _Empty!_ He was completely out of smokes. _Shit! Could my life get any worse?_

Genkaku cursed and realized he would have to go out and buy some smokes on his own since the other hosts were all trying to get him to quit, and so would never go out and buy his cigarettes willingly. "I'm going to go out and buy some _sake_." Genkaku declared stalking towards the door.

Piper eyed Genkaku pensively, a mixture of surprise and worry playing on his face. He raised an eyebrow at his boss. "Uh, in the middle of the _day_?"

"We have plenty of _sake_ in the pantry, Genkaku- _sama_." Fiore put in, knowing his boss' aversion to going outside when it was still light out.

"Zzzzz." Was Hirgon's response since he was still taking a nap while Mei was taking advantage of his sleeping state to stroke his bald head with an amused expression on her face. Stroking a man's bald head was thought to bring one good luck.

Genkaku sent them all a death glare. "I'm off to buy some...wafers then. We need some for our ice cream." Genkaku put on a dark, hooded cloak and picked up an umbrella. It was sunny blue skies outside with not a single cloud in the sky though it was getting cold out.

Genkaku left the host club and opened his black umbrella that had a design of white skulls on it before taking off down the street in the direction of the market. Luckily, there was a market only a few blocks away from the club.

Genkaku quickly purchased his pack of cigs at the market and started out again. The automatic glass sliding doors closing behind him. He was still under his umbrella while the sun beat down mercilessly from overhead – taunting him. Genkaku shivered - he _hated_ the sun. And it was beginning to get colder out. He was just passing by an alleyway when:

"ACHOO!"

The sound of a sneeze came loudly from within the dark alley. Genkaku blinked – _huh?_ That sound had been human but why would a human being be in that particular alleyway, which was directly next to the host club? Was it some homeless person or perhaps...another assassin?

Genkaku decided to investigate in case it really was someone who could be considered a threat to his host club.

Genkaku stepped inside of the alley while painstakingly avoiding the fallen garbage and made his way towards the back where there were several large cardboard boxes (that his suits of medieval armor had arrived in). He sensed movement from his right and turned. His eyes had quickly adjusted to the darkness and his eyes widened at what he saw-

There was Mizuki asleep in one of the open cardboard boxes with a small, white dog curled up in her arms.

Genkaku's eyes widened and his mouth dropped. _Nani?!_

Mizuki was living in a cardboard box...?! In the alleyway directly next to the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_?!

"M-mizuki?!" Genkaku stuttered in astonishment.

Mizuki started to stir and rubbed her eyes sleepily, "Mmm?" She stretched languidly and her big blue eyes opened to blink up and catch sight of Genkaku. Her eyes widened at the unexpected sight of him. "Eh? EHHH?!"

Genkaku's surprised expression quickly turned livid.

Mizuki's own confused expression immediately shifted to worry. _Uh oh...he looks really mad...and scary. What did I do?_ "I'm so sorry! I never meant to be any trouble! Is this...your alleyway?"

Genkaku's eyebrow twitched. "That's NOT why I'm angry. Just..." Genkaku put a finger between his brows as they began to furrow – he was going to get more wrinkles and gray hairs because of this kid at this rate! "Why are you living in a box?"

"Well, um, you see..." Mizuki was saying before she began to cough violently.

Genkaku's eyes widened. It was just as he suspected. The kid was sick...very sick. _Damn._ _I'm not a frickin babysitter!_ Genkaku reached out and grabbed Mizuki's arm pulling him out of the cardboard box. "Come on, we're going!"

"Ow!" Genkaku abruptly looked down to see that a small, white, fuzz ball with eyes had latched onto his ankle with a surprisingly ferocious grip. "What the fuck is that? A fuzzy piranha? Shit!" Genkaku reached down to pry the dog off his ankle.

"Pochi?!" Mizuki exclaimed in surprise. Pochi was usually so sweet and docile. She never would have expected Pochi to suddenly bite someone like that.

Genkaku held the dog up in front of his face by the scruff of its neck. He frowned at it. _This is one hell of a strange looking dog. I wonder who owns the damned thing?_ He shrugged. _Oh well._ The dog was NOT his problem. Genkaku walked over to a trashcan, opened it, and tossed the dog inside of it before putting the lid back onto the trashcan. Genkaku wiped his hands together. _Now that's taking out the trash._ He patted himself on the back for a job well done. Now that that had been taken care of-

"Pochi!" Genkaku ignored Mizuki's objection and proceeded to drag her out of the alleyway, limping and bleeding on the ground of the alleyway due to his injured ankle. That little white dog...was a devil dog from hell! It had unexpectedly sharp teeth.

"Huh? Where are you taking me?" Mizuki questioned in a mixture of shock and surprise as Genkaku began to drag her along.

"To the host club where else, _baka_ brat." Genkaku explained in an exasperated tone.

Genkaku and Mizuki entered the club and all of the hosts looked up startled by this turn of events.

"What's going on?" Yin demanded.

Genkaku frowned and jerked his thumb in Mizuki's direction. "This stupid kid has been living in a box!"

Mizuki blushed as all eyes landed upon her. She fidgeted and moved nervously from foot to foot unnerved by all the sudden attention.

"Ehhh?!" Fiore, Yang and Piper all exclaimed in shock.

Yin was narrowing his eyes suspiciously at Mizuki. "Why?"

All the hosts turned to Yin in surprise.

"Yin has a point." Piper began as he turned his sharp eye on Mizuki. "Why were you living in a box? Did you run away from home? Are you in some kind of trouble?"

"Home?" Mizuki murmured as her eyes began to fill with tears. "Trouble...? Mizuki doesn't want to cause anyone any trouble." Mizuki said in a soft voice before she fell faint.

Genkaku moved to catch her before she fell to the floor, and frowned as he looked at the slight, young boy in his arms. She seemed so frail and as Genkaku picked her up he noticed that she barely weighed a thing. To Genkaku Mizuki looked like a firefly whose light was just about to go out...it unnerved him.

"Sunshine Kid will be staying here, with us." Genkaku declared suddenly, much to the total surprise of the other hosts. They knew that Genkaku was by no means an easy person to get along with and could also be labeled as an antisocial person. And yet for some strange reason he had decided to take this boy in...

"You can't be serious?!" Yin started in disbelief, "Why would you take him in? Since when do you have a heart of gold, Genkaku- _sama_?!" His voice was dripping with sarcasm.

Genkaku turned to Yin, his expression dark. "It's just as you say. I'm not doing this out of the goodness of my heart, Yin. But if the boy is to be an apprentice here it will only cause trouble for my club if one of our hosts is unkempt or smells like garbage. That's the only reason why we're taking the kid in for now. Got it?"

Yin frowned but seemed pleased with Genkaku's answer, "Right Genkaku- _sama_."

"Yang, come with me. I will be needing your assistance." Genkaku declared as he started off with Mizuki still in his arms.

" _H-hai_ Genkaku- _sama!_ " Yang agreed as Genkaku turned away and Yang took off following close behind.

Yin punched a nearby wall leaving a hole in the wake of his fist. _Dammit...why is Genkaku helping that kid really?_ Weren't Yin and Yang, Fiore, Piper, and Hirgon his closest friends? His _nakama_ , his comrades in his quest for revenge? What then was Mizuki in all this shit?

Genkaku walked up a winding stone staircase until he reached the desired fourth floor of the castle. He then walked down a long corridor until they reached the very end of it where there was a single wooden door at the end that had been painted a bright yellow. "I shall allow Mizuki to stay here, I think."

"The Yellow Room? You really want to go...inside there?" Yang started, his jaw dropping.

Genkaku nodded and let Yang step forward so that he grabbed the golden doorknob and opened the door.

Genkaku stepped inside first with Mizuki in his arms and Yang followed. Yang flipped on the nearest light switch, which instantly illuminated the room with light coming from a stunning crystal chandelier, which hung in the very center of the bedroom. The chandelier was made of different colored crystals: blue, yellow, and pink.

Yang blinked at the room before him – it was even brighter than he remembered it being. Fiore had decorated the room for Genkaku's use before he had learned of Genkaku's eccentricities. The room's overall color theme was blue and yellow. The ceiling of the room had been painted sky-blue and fluffy white clouds darted across the sky magically. A bright yellow sun had also been painted on the ceiling directly over the bed that was towards the back of the room. The bed was a massive four-poster that had baby-blue, silk sheets and matching pillows. On the pillows was the pattern of large yellow sunflowers. The comforter that was on the bed also had a sunflower pattern with a blue background. The room was furnished with expensive antiques. There was a yellow pinewood dresser, a matching desk and chair, and there was a large rug in the center of the room, which resembled a giant sunflower head. On the desk a vase of real sunflowers sat.

_Sunflowers...Fiore went a little crazy with that theme._ Yang shook his head. But knew of Fiore's love for flowers so just shrugged it off. The word that came to Yang's mind as he eyed the room was: cheery.

Genkaku set Mizuki onto the bed before he began to feel claustrophobic. His eyes flickered nervously around the room to the sparkling chandelier, the cute lamps on the bedside tables, and the mural that had been painted on the walls of the Yellow Room and that depicted a peaceful garden scene. But what unnerved Genkaku the most about this room was that yellow sun that had been painted directly over the bed. Genkaku shivered. _The sun...hates me..._

Genkaku wrapped his cloak around himself and put on his hood. "Can't...hold out...much longer. I can't survive in a room this cheery for very long. Ahhh...Yang I leave the rest to you! Good luck." Genkaku gripped Yang's shoulder and gave him a sympathetic look. "Look after Mizuki...he has a cold." That said Genkaku all but fled from the room – a dust cloud in his wake.

"Eh?!" Yang watched as Genkaku hightailed it out of there. Gulp. "Wait Genkaku- _sama!_ " Yang reached his hand out helplessly after Genkaku's fleeing form. He let out a heavy sigh and hung his head in defeat. He had been left totally alone...with this strange kid.

Yang then turned his attention to Mizuki and walked over to the bed, reaching his hand out to touch Mizuki's forehead. The kid was burning up! He had a very high fever. _Genkaku was right the kid must have a cold. Poor boy. Well, first things first._ Yang decided as he rolled up his sleeves. He decided to run back down to the kitchen and ask Fiore for some cold medicine and also asked Fiore to make Mizuki some rice porridge...he had heard somewhere that that stuff was good for sick people.

Moments later, Yang returned to Mizuki's room with the cold medicine. " _Oi!_ " Yang shook Mizuki awake.

Mizuki opened her big blue eyes to stare listlessly at Yang, her cheeks were flushed. "Yes?" She questioned in a weak voice.

That beautiful face stirred something inside Yang but he vigorously shook his head in response.

"Here, hurry up and drink this." Yang gave Mizuki the medicine.

"Thank you," Mizuki smiled at Yang.

For some reason hearts and flowers seemed to be popping up all around Mizuki's visage. _Huh?_ Yang shook his head vigorously, was he hallucinating? Yang blushed and his heart hammered in his chest. _Ahhh! What the hell is wrong with me? Why am I getting so flustered around another guy?! Though this guy reminds me of a girl for some reason...?_

"N-no problem," Yang managed to get out. "Um-!?" Yang was saying as he leaned forward-

Fiore chose that moment to arrive with the rice porridge. "I have arrived~!"

"So you have, _haa~_ " Yang sighed disappointedly, hanging his head. And then caught himself. _What the hell am I disappointed for?!_

Fiore gave him a strange look before shrugging and bringing the tray of rice porridge over to Mizuki. "Here you go, kiddo, eat up."

Mizuki looked down at the rice porridge, which was not just any 'ol rice porridge but had strawberries, honey, and cream all mixed in.

Despite herself Mizuki's eyes began to fill with tears. _It's so cute and yummy looking._

Fiore and Yang noticed Mizuki's tears and both young men immediately began to panic.

"What's wrong, kid?! Is there something not to your liking with the porridge?! I can make you something else if you'd like." Fiore questioned nervously.

"No...not at all." Mizuki explained wiping her eyes with her hands messily. "It's just, no one has ever made me something like this before. Thank you...I hope it wasn't too much trouble. _Idatakimasu._ Thanks for the meal." Mizuki took a spoonful and put it into her mouth. " _Mmm~_ yummy." She smiled brightly at Fiore.

Fiore let out a breath of relief, whew. _No one has ever made him porridge while he was sick? How odd...poor kid...probably had a rough childhood or something..._

_Phew~ seeing him cry like that made me want to wrap my arms around him...like a girl?! Ahhh~_ Yang gripped his head in despair. _What's wrong with me?_

Fiore raised an eyebrow at Yang's odd behavior. "Anyways, I have to get back to the kitchen – I have madeleines in the oven."

"Madeleines!" Mizuki declared starry-eyed before slapping both hands over her mouth. _Ack! I slipped up again. I'm acting way too girlie! Madeleines are way too cute for a guy to like!_

Fiore gave Mizuki a quizzical look. "You like madeleines?"

Mizuki lowered her voice, "N-no! 'Course not! Madeleines are NOT manly! Men don't eat things like sweets and cookies...!" Mizuki began to laugh nervously.

"Riiight." Fiore didn't seem at all convinced. "I'll bring some up later..."

Mizuki blushed in response. "Er, no-!" But Fiore had already shut the bedroom door behind him. "It's really not necessary...I don't want to be troublesome..." Mizuki sighed heavily.

"You're no trouble." Yang smiled at Mizuki warmly. "You make Fiore really happy each time you praise his cooking like that. Thanks. It's really nice of you..."

"Oh no! Not at all – it's just the truth!" Mizuki explained, waving her hands before her frantically. "Fiore's cooking truly is amazing! He's a culinary genius!"

Yang smiled back, _What a nice gi-!_ Yang shook his head vigorously from the hearts and flowers that seemed to be surrounding Mizuki's visage again along with this _pink_ aura. _Not good! I'm doing it again. I really must be losing it._ "You should go...take a nice warm bath, yea. That should be good for your cold. I'll stay here in case you need something. It's not safe for a sick person to bathe unattended after all. So just holler if you need something, okay?"

Mizuki pouted before frowning. "But you don't have to stay, really. I'll be just fine and I don't want to trouble you."

"You're no trouble, alright, so stop saying that. In fact, you're saving me from having to go back downstairs where I'd have to fend off Suzu's advances." Yang shivered.

Mizuki giggled.

Yang raised an eyebrow at Mizuki in response. "Dude, did you just _giggle_?"

Mizuki's eyes widened and she shook her head vigorously, "No way bro, how uncool would that be?!"

"Riiight..."

"I'll just go and uh, take that bath now, yea." Mizuki declared as she got up and headed towards the bathroom. She opened the bathroom door and flicked the lights on. She immediately turned around to lock the door securely behind her. It wouldn't do for Yang to accidentally walk in on her while she was bathing since he would discover that she was, well, a she!

Mizuki turned back around and faced the bathroom finally getting a good look of it. Her eyes immediately shimmered with delight. _Cute, sparkly, and perfect._ Mizuki sighed with contentment. There was a pink marble sink that had a gleaming, bronze faucet and matching knobs. A large, oval-shaped mirror was hung over the sink and was surrounded by several lights. The bathroom walls had been decorated with colored tiles in blue, yellow and pink. And the most impressive thing of all was the large Jacuzzi tub that had multiple bronze faucets surrounding it. There was an extra fluffy yellow towel mat next to the Jacuzzi and Mizuki spotted a fluffy blue bathrobe and matching blue towels hanging nearby. Mizuki could hardly contain her girlish squeal of delight. _This bathroom is fit for a princess!_

Mizuki quickly stripped off her clothes and went over to inspect the beautiful tub. She filled it up with hot water and slowly slid inside. She then became curious about what the other faucets could be for. They were all different sizes and shapes. Mizuki shrugged as her curiosity got the better of her and she decided to try the first one from which strawberry scented liquid bath soap immediately came pouring out. " _Oooo~_ " Mizuki crowed and decided to try the next faucet. This one had a very skinny curved nozzle. When she turned this one a single drop of concentrated, jasmine scented oil fell into the bathwater. "Cool!" Mizuki smiled and giggled thoroughly amused. The next faucet was a medium sized one; upon turning this a few rose petals fell into the water and began to float around.

"How pretty!" Mizuki declared. The next was a very large faucet – the opening of which was at least 5-inches wide. Mizuki turned this one next and out popped a rubber ducky! "Aw, so cute! I wonder what will happen if I turn it again?" Mizuki turned the knob again and another rubber ducky plopped down into the water. " _Cute~_ " Mizuki turned the knob again and again, and yet another and then another rubber ducky fell down into the water.

Until, however, Mizuki accidentally broke the knob off. Oops! _Ack!_ Mizuki immediately began to freak out. _Oh no~! I bet that faucet knob was expensive too! What should I do? What should I do?!_ Rubber duckies continued to pour out of the now broken magical faucet until the water in the tub began to slosh and then finally began overflowing. _Oh no! I have to stop this thing somehow!_ "But how? Where's a manual!" Mizuki put a hand over the faucet's opening to block anymore duckies from coming out but she could feel the magical energy building up behind her hand and began to feel a bit afraid. "Eeeep!" Mizuki screamed when the pressure became too much and she was blasted backwards. She hit the back of the tub hard – her head colliding with the edge of the bathtub.

Mizuki was stunned for a moment and sunk down into the water.

"Mizuki?!" Yang called from the other side of the door. He had heard her scream and then the sound of a hard thud. Did something attack Mizuki? Was it an assassin that had been lying in wait for Genkaku? Shit! Yang tried the door and found that it was locked. He quickly pulled out his .45 and shot the door's lock so that it flew open. "Mizuki!"

Yang saw that there was no sign of the kid and that the charmed rubber ducky faucet had gone on the fritz. He realized Mizuki must be underwater and so dove into the tub after her-

He felt around for Mizuki and his hand came into contact with something round and very soft...huh? Yang quickly wrapped his arms around Mizuki and pulled her up and out of the water. "Mizuki! Snap out of it!" Yang shook her slightly.

Mizuki stirred and coughed up water before she looked back at Yang and then her eyes went wide. She quickly wrapped her arms around her chest and screamed. "Ahhh! Pervert!"

"Huh? Pervert...?" Yang looked down at Mizuki's chest that she was trying to cover up hastily. _Wait a sec, her chest...?!_ "Hey, you're a-!"

Mizuki swiftly hit Yang in the face with a rubber ducky.

"Wait! It's not what you think!" Yang tried to explain hastily.

"Get out! Pervert!" Mizuki continued to pelt Yang with rubber duckies.

"Ah, I'm going, I'm going! But I'll be back with Genkaku because he's the only one who can stop that charmed faucet so you had better be dressed by the time I get back, got it?" Yang declared as he rushed out of the bathroom.

Mizuki blushed at Yang's words and quickly scrambled out of the Jacuzzi throwing the fluffy blue bathrobe around her. She then rushed to the bedroom to get changed.

Mizuki let the bathrobe fall to the floor and began to quickly put on her underwear as she dressed at top speed. She had her pants on and was in the middle of putting on her shirt when Fiore entered the bedroom just in time to see-

Mizuki in a pink, lacy bra.

The sound of a tray clattering to the floor was heard.

Mizuki turned to see Fiore frozen in the doorway with his jaw dropped. Drool was tricking down his chin from the shock. "Br-br-br-bra...."

The tray of madeleines was at Fiore's feet.

Mizuki frowned, _What a waste!_

Mizuki quickly continued to button up her white shirt and turned her back to Fiore. " _Mou!_ Fiore, doesn't anyone ever knock around here?"

Fiore took that opportunity to faint and fell forward.

Mizuki heard the thud and turned around to see that Fiore had passed out on the floor. Mizuki sighed heavily in response and ran a hand through her short blonde hair. Apparently, keeping her secret from these guys was going to be a whole lot harder than she had originally anticipated...

Mizuki shrugged and grinned, _Oh well! Tomorrow is another day!_

Japanese Word Key:

_Oroshii_ : Delicious!

_MOE_ : the passion girls have for idols or unexpected pairings

_Konoyaro_ \- asshole

_Oujo-sama_ : young lady

_Otaku_ \- anime enthusiast

_Kawaii_ : cute

_Kampeki_ : perfect

_Manga_ : comics

_Honto_ : Really?!

_Nani_?: what?!

_Idatakimasu_ \- Thanks for the meal.

_Mou_ \- Geez.

_Yaoi_ : Boys love, love between men.

### Chapter 7: Lesson #1: Observation

Genkaku, Yin, and Yang arrived at Mizuki's room moments later to see a fully dressed Mizuki kneeling by Fiore's side while trying to stir him awake-

"What happened?" Genkaku came over Fiore's side next.

Mizuki shrugged, "I dunno...he just fainted..."

Yang was chewing on his lower lip in a fretful manner. _Oh shit! Fiore must have realized Mizuki's a chick and passed out! And he's afraid of women, shit!_ Yang looked from Mizuki to Fiore worriedly wondering if Fiore would tell Genkaku the truth about Mizuki. Yang hoped that he wouldn't since he found he liked Mizuki. She was so different from any other girl he'd ever met before. She was so...innocent and pure. She put hope in Yang's chest in regards to the female population.

Yin shot a suspicious look at his twin brother and then to Mizuki. His brother sure was acting strangely...was he hiding something? His twin had never hid something from him before! His attention turned back to Mizuki...that kid...was nothing but trouble. He probably did something weird or perverted to Fiore and caused him to pass out in shock – _dammit_. Their 'family' was in danger and he was the only one who seemed to realize that! _I'm going to kill that Sunshine Kid before he gets any closer to Genkaku or hurts my friends!_ Yin took out a shuriken.

"Genkaku there's no time for that now – the magical faucet is on the fritz!" Yang declared.

Genkaku seemed to snap out of it and nodded. "Right. _Irma Haeannon._ Pocket Dimension. Open." Genkaku waved his hand through the air as he chanted a spell in an ancient language and a small black hole seemed to open up in the middle of the air next to him. Genkaku reached into this black hole and pulled out a long wooden staff, which had a large ball of black oynx on the end of it.

Mizuki's eyes glittered as she caught sight of Genkaku's staff. _Ooo~ a real magic staff! Sugoi! Cool!_ Mizuki trailed after Genkaku, curious to watch him perform his magic.

Genkaku rushed inside of the bathroom and took in the sight before him: the gigantic Jacuzzi tub was completely overflowing, rubber duckies were everywhere and were still coming out of the charmed faucet. "Well, first things first." Genkaku waved his staff at the faucet and the knob that had broken off went flying back into place. With another wave of Genkaku's staff the faucet was turned off and the rubber duckies finally stopped pouring out.

Genkaku wiped the sweat from his brow. _Phew~_ Another wave of his staff and he caused all the water to vanish leaving the bathroom sparkling, just as it had been before. The bathroom was mostly white and incredibly bright however. The full brightness and whiteness of the room suddenly seemed to hit Genkaku as he staggered backwards. _Ah~ the light! Too much light!_ Genkaku inwardly moaned, feeling a headache coming on.

Mizuki grabbed his arm and helped Genkaku out of the bathroom, "Here, lean on me Genkaku- _sensei_...that magick must have taken a lot out of you, huh?"

Genkaku allowed himself to be helped out of the bathroom and gave Mizuki a sideways glance. This boy...had a way of breaking down all his walls... seeing the real him and then acting as if it was no big deal. The boy hadn't seem disgusted, afraid or betrayed...was the kid really just a total airhead? Or was it something else?

This time though the boy was off the mark since the real reason Genkaku was about to collapse was merely that Mizuki's bathroom was simply much too bright and not because he had used up too much of his magical energy. Genkaku _hated_ bright places.

Genkaku was helped to the bedroom where he shrugged Mizuki's arm off (he didn't want to break out into hives like Fiore).

Genkaku dusted himself off and turned to the others. "Yin, Yang, grab Fiore – we're leaving."

"Right Genkaku- _sama_!" Yin and Yang chimed.

Mizuki watched as the twins picked up and carried the passed out Fiore from the room.

"Er, um, thank you!" Mizuki called out to them as they left her room, executing a deep bow. It brought a tear to her eye. _They're such good people...and I'm nothing but trouble. I have to try and be less troublesome for them! Yosha! I'll do my best!_

_Mabushi! The light!_ Genkaku had to shield his eyes from that bright smile. "G-get some rest." Was Genkaku's curt reply as he left after the others closing the door behind him. Genkaku leaned up against the door and let out a heavy sigh. _That boy will most certainly be the death of me..._ A half-smirk formed on Genkaku's lips. _But at least it's not as boring around here anymore._

***

The very next day, Mizuki woke up early with the sun and came downstairs to the main host club room and was surprised to see that the other hosts were also awake and seemed to be getting things ready to be able to greet their clients for the day.

"Don't forget you have a Scenario Request with the Lady Eliana at 3:00 pm this afternoon for tea." Piper reminded Genkaku as he looked down into his notebook.

Genkaku nodded to himself stroking the stubble on his chin. "Ah, yes, I remember." Genkaku then caught sight of Mizuki standing shyly towards the back of the host club. "Ah, good, you're up. We need to begin your first lesson. After you've eaten breakfast, of course."

Mizuki looked at Genkaku wide-eyed. _He's not mad at me because of all the trouble I caused last night...I actually get to_ _eat_ _breakfast? He's such a good person!_ Mizuki's eyes stung but she held back her tears of happiness.

Mizuki sat down at one of the nearby tables and Fiore came out from the kitchen with a tray of his special Morning Service. The elf chef carried the Morning Service tray over to Mizuki's table.

"G-good morning. H-here is your b-breakfast." Fiore stuttered as he greeted Mizuki nervously and she noticed almost fearfully. The tray in his hands was shaking because of his trembling hands.

Mizuki gave Fiore a warm smile, "Good morning, Fiore. Here, let me help you with that." Mizuki took the tray effortlessly from Fiore and set it down on the tabletop before her. Mizuki gave Fiore a curious look. _Isn't he going to tell Genkaku-sensei about my secret? It doesn't seem like it. He's such a good person! But...he acts like he's afraid of me now that he knows I'm a girl. Hmmmz he was always so friendly with me before too._ Mizuki pouted to herself. _Is he...maybe_ _afraid_ _of women?_ Mizuki suddenly wondered. "Fiore..." Mizuki began in a low voice. "There's no need to be afraid of _me_ – just think of me as a boy if that makes it easier for you because you know there's not much difference between men and women anyways. Men and women...both eat, sleep, play, love, dream. We may look different on the outside but...we're practically the same on the inside! I think we're kindred spirits, you and I, Fiore. I'd like it very much if we could be friends."

Fiore's eyes widened at this strange girl before him. She truly was so different from any girl he had _ever_ met before...and really... _Mizuki_ wasn't so _scary_. "I-I'd like that Mizuki- _kun_..." Fiore gave Mizuki a tremulous smile.

Mizuki smiled brightly back. "Great!"

Genkaku walked over to their table with a strained expression on his face. He had only caught the last bit of what Mizuki had said – something about wanting to be Fiore's friend. _Ugh! Why do they have to smile so brightly this early in the morning?! Friendship...? Ha! What a farce. He'd never want to be our friend if he knew the truth about us._ Genkaku's mouth twitched. "Are you done yet, Mizuki? I would like to begin our lesson."

Mizuki popped the last piece of croissant into her mouth, chewed and swallowed. "Simply divine, Fiore! You're like...a Patisserie _God_!"

Fiore merely flushed in response and seemed to be unable to respond. Genkaku raised an eyebrow at Fiore's odd reaction.

Mizuki then turned her attention from Fiore and to Genkaku giving him a salute. " _Hai!_ Genkaku- _sensei_ I'm ready to begin our lesson!"

Genkaku sighed, well, that was better than a _smile_ at least.

Fiore was still blushing at Mizuki's praise of his pastries before he realized a _girl_ had just made _him_ blush. His mouth dropped open in shock. As Genkaku passed Fiore he closed Fiore's mouth by putting his index finger under Fiore's chin and pushing upwards.

"Follow me, Mizuki." Genkaku shook his head at his fruity elf chef before he led the way and Mizuki followed close behind. They went into a room that made Mizuki's eyes sparkle immediately – it was a costume storage room.

"Today I will teach you about how to deal with a 'Scenario Request' and how to make the basic wish of the scenario as real as possible. First things first – _appearance_." Genkaku was saying as he turned around to face Mizuki and saw that she wasn't paying attention to him at all. His eye twitched.

Mizuki was going a little bit crazy while running around the immense costume chamber and admiring all of the costumes that the host club possessed. " _Ooo~_ _Ahh~_ " Mizuki pulled out different costumes left and right to inspect them and more importantly their design. "Oh this one is nice! I love the embroidery on this one! The material of this one is great. Hmm, silk would have been better for these pants rather than polyester. The sleeves on this shirt could be a little longer. This _kimono_ really ought to have a red _obi_ and not a white one...Oh and this...!" Mizuki turned to address Genkaku. "What do you think, Genkaku- _sensei_?"

That's when Mizuki came face to face with one seriously pissed off looking Genkaku. There was this dark aura already forming around him. _Uh oh..._

Mizuki hung her head shamefully realizing that she had let herself get a bit carried away. Clothes and design seemed to do that to her. "Sorry..."

"Will you please _stop that_." Genkaku complained, through gritted teeth.

Mizuki looked up and quirked her head innocently at Genkaku, "Um, stop what exactly?" A bright, golden halo seemed to form around Mizuki.

Genkaku held back a growl. " _That_...you're _shinning_! Stop _that_!"

Mizuki blinked. "Shinning?"

"Yes!" Genkaku threw his hands up into the air, "You're much too _happy_ – especially this early in the morning. I hate mornings. I'm more of a night person. Anyways, it's making me _sick_!"

Mizuki's eyes widened in realization, "You don't like 'happy' people do you? And that's why you hate _me_? I finally get it...I'm so...happy!" Mizuki exclaimed brightly, pleased to have finally figured out another of Genkaku's 'mysteries' as she liked to think of them.

"Grrr! That's NOT something you should be _happy_ about!" Genkaku bristled.

"Oh..." Mizuki began thoughtfully and tapped her chin, "But...you can't help what you like and don't like. Everyone likes different things – that's what makes us individuals. I don't mind if you hate me but...I don't hate dark and gloomy people like you!" Mizuki declared with a glittering smile.

_Mabushi!_ Genkaku moaned in his mind but Mizuki's words seemed to stir something within him. He felt oddly flushed and queasy all of a sudden.

I don't hate dark and gloomy people like you.

_That's the first time a girl has said something like that to me..._ Genkaku almost smiled but then caught himself in his thoughts. _Ack! What am I thinking?! Mizuki isn't a girl...he's a boy – a boy!_ Cough. Genkaku shook his head and regained his composure. "Enough – let us begin our lesson...come..." Genkaku went over and sat at one of the dressing tables in the costume room that had a huge mirror in front of it. On the dressing table were several fake wigs in different colors and styles, fake mustaches and eyebrows. Genkaku took out his staff. "To make any woman's wish come true the creation of the _illusion_ is everything. They make dreams become reality. An Illusionist Host becomes the woman's dream in the flesh. He becomes her ideal man brought to life. The first thing to work on is the creation of the ideal appearance. Every woman has an image in her mind of her 'ideal man'. It is an Illusionist Host's job to make this ideal man _exist_.

"To get this right we usually make our clients fill out a questionnaire on what their ideal man would look like and act like before then creating him...like so..." Genkaku waved his staff at his appearance – instantly his hair colored turned from blue-black to golden blonde, his eyes became wider and less narrow, his eye color was changed to honey-brown (the color bled out from the pupil and consumed Genkaku's sapphire colored irises), and his chin was altered to look a little more square. Genkaku nodded at his changed reflection in the mirror. Using just the right spells and glamours he had become another person.

" _Oooo~_ " Mizuki clapped her hands together, thoroughly impressed. _This man Genkaku created is certainly handsome. He's rugged and yet boyish looking at the same time._

"The next thing to work on is knowing how _this man_ would dress. So I have to be able to chose the appropriate outfit. In this particular case I must dress according to the scenario which was requested..." Genkaku took out the questionnaire form Piper had given him and scanned it in order to see the specifications for this particular Scenario Request.

"But _sensei_ what is a Scenario Request exactly?" Mizuki asked curiously.

"A Scenario Request is merely a request to make a particular scene come to life. It can be anything really...but in this case it's a Forbidden Love Scenario that's been requested by the client. The characters of the Scenario Request are to be Genji and his lover the Lady Fujitsubo. This scene is from the Japanese novel – _The Tale of Genji_. You've heard of the story right, Mizuki?"

Mizuki shook her head. The only books that had existed in her library back at the Usui Mansion were fairytale books.

Genkaku gave her a surprised look. But shrugged, taking into consideration Mizuki's hair and eye color the kid was probably a foreigner, but it was really none of Genkaku's business he decided and so he didn't question Mizuki about it. "Ah, well, it's the story of the son of a Japanese Emperor who happened to be a notorious playboy. There's not much to the story except that Genji, who was supposedly extremely handsome, goes around having various love affairs. The Lady Fujitsubo was Genji's stepmother and one of the Emperor's many wives. This is why their love was forbidden. This frustrates Genji – that even though they fall in love with each other they are unable to be together. Genji ends up kidnapping and raising a young ten-year-old girl who resembles the Lady Fujitsubo with the plan to raise her into his ideal woman – basically with the intention to make her as similar to the Lady Fujitsubo as possible. The girl's name was Murasaki.

"Genji also had a wife but they were always at odds with one another. When they had finally reconciled she ended up passing away soon after. He eventually ends up marrying Murasaki. It's a pathetic little story about a man who was blinded by the illusion of love." Genkaku finished and shook his head thoughtfully, a pitying expression coming to his face as he thought of all the trouble Genji went through during his various love affairs. "He seemed to be obsessed and completely in love with the Lady Fujitsubo but what it all boils down to is that all that mattered to him was _appearance_ since he ended up molding the girl Murasaki into his ideal lover. The girl bore the face of the Lady Fujistsubo, but of course wasn't her. People...women especially seem to be more concerned with outer appearances than a person's true personality or inner self."

_Stay away from me! You're disgusting! I would never fall in love with a creepy guy like you! You should do the world a favor and go off and die somewhere!_ Genkaku tried hard not to remember _HER_ harsh words.

"A playboy... _ka?_ " Mizuki wondered aloud and immediately thought of Akito. _I wonder if Akito will ever kidnap some poor girl and try to mold her into his ideal woman. I feel sorry for her._ Mizuki nodded vigorously to herself.

Ah, the irony of this thought was lost upon poor Mizuki.

Genkaku waved his staff towards the many racks of costumes and an ornate male _kimono_ flew through the air and towards Genkaku. With another wave of his wand his original dark clothing was replaced with the brightly colored Genji costume, which consisted of: a red silk outer _kimono_ , a golden under _kimono_ , and an orange _obi_. _Zori_ sandals had appeared on his feet and with another wave of his staff his hair was styled into a topknot fit for any sort of feudal _samurai_.

Once Genkaku's costume change had been completed Mizuki's eyes turned into two large hearts and she began to gush. " _Ooo~_ you really do look like a Japanese Emperor's playboy son!"

Genkaku coughed. "Indeed – no need to get so excited over _me_ though Mizuki since I'm a _man_ , after all."

_Ack!_ Mizuki stopped herself from drooling. _I totally slipped up. A guy wouldn't be getting all heart-eyed for another guy!_ Cough. "Sorry if you misunderstood me, Genkaku- _sensei_. I was just impressed by your magic...my eyes are filled with admiration and respect not love so don't worry!"

"Right." Genkaku nodded and seemed to believe her. "Though my magic is nothing special..."

"Nothing special?" Mizuki repeated and then slapped her hand down dramatically upon the top of the dressing table. "You're wrong. It's very special! I think your magic is amazing Genkaku- _sensei_ and do you want to know why?" Mizuki's eyes were sparkling.

"Why?"

"Because you use your magic to help women." Mizuki smiled knowingly. "You use your magic to make women's dreams come true. To make their ideal men come to life. You cure the loneliness in their hearts and fill it with happiness instead of sadness if only for the duration of a Scenario Request. You're a very good person." Mizuki's eyes at this point had turned into two large stars.

Genkaku blinked and tried to hold it in but he found that he couldn't. He simply burst out laughing. "Ahahahaha! I never thought I could be so misunderstood in my entire life – by anyone! I'm not a good person, Mizuki...I'm not running a host club in order to _help_ women. Truth is, I'm doing this for my own selfish reasons."

"Selfish reasons?" Mizuki frowned, "But you once told me that a host's duty was to make a girl smile."

Genkaku blinked. "Did I say that to you? I don't remember...but that's something I tell my female clients. It's a lie."

Mizuki's heart fell. "A lie?"

Genkaku nodded. "Yes, all that glitters in this life Mizuki isn't gold."

Something seemed to click in Mizuki's mind. " _Ah~!_ I get it...so this means that you actually... _hate_ women!" _Oh my God, but if this is true then that means I have to be extra careful! He's the total opposite of my Akito...Akito loves all women..._

Genkaku flinched, Mizuki had figured him out so easily once again. He did not deny it but simply coughed and chose to ignore this statement. "Now to continue our lesson. We've covered appearance and clothes. The next is trickier. This is the development of a 'persona'. Don't worry, usually this information is included in the questionnaire. A persona is what the girl believes her ideal man would act like and what she believes his personality would be like. But sometimes this information is NOT included in a Scenario Request and so you will have to come up with a persona that you believe will win your client's heart and make her smile..."

"Persona...like what kinds of personas?" Mizuki questioned suddenly thinking of Genkaku's charming gentleman personality. _Hmmmz so that really was just an act? One of his many masks or personas that he's managed to create?_

"Well, since I'm supposed to be Genji I believe I'd act something like this..." Genkaku took a deep breath before getting into character and when he opened his eyes to look at Mizuki it felt as though there was another person standing before her. _His aura...it just changed...! It's more inviting now and less intimidating. Amazing!_

Genkaku made a rose appear from out of nowhere and approached Mizuki. He then knelt before her and offered her the rose while giving her a charming smile. "A beautiful rose...for a beautiful lady."

Mizuki took the rose that appeared to have a halo of magical energy around it without thinking and blushed.

Genkaku blinked at her reaction and began to chuckle. "You were certainly a love-struck maiden just then Mizuki." His mask and his persona shattered due to Mizuki's unexpected reaction. "That was my Playboy Romantic Persona. I like to call him 'Romeo'. Romeo was also a hopeless romantic just like Genji. He was obsessed with the illusion and lie that is love. He was also a man who loved women excessively and who would appear to cherish, love, and pamper them. This persona, which I have created is a lover and not a fighter. _Romeo_ is used when a girl wants to feel like the only girl a notorious playboy truly has eyes for. Though why it worked so well on you is baffling..."

Mizuki turned bright red, "T-that's because I was _acting_ too!" Mizuki decided to bluff.

"Oh?" Genkaku drawled, amused and wiped a tear from his eye. "Indeed?"

"Yes, I was pretending to be a girl who was enamored by you..." Mizuki began to explain enthusiastically.

"I see..." A mischievous twinkle had formed in Genkaku's eye. "Not bad..." He strolled over and cupped Mizuki's cheek fondly. "My fair mademoiselle."

Mizuki blushed despite herself. _He seems oddly familiar right now for some reason...why is my heart beating so loudly in my chest? This feeling...he's reminding me of...Ah! Akito! That's right, he's acting just like Akito!_

"You are too kind, sir." Mizuki murmured as her eyes were beginning to shimmer with unshed tears. Akito used to say such romantic, sweet and kind things to her all the time as well. Words that turned out to be nothing but lies. Mizuki's heart clenched painfully in her chest at the thought.

Genkaku noticed how Mizuki's eyes were beginning to shimmer in an unnatural way and realized something was amiss. "Hey...are you..al-?" Genkaku was leaning closer to get a better look at Mizuki's eyes. When-

" _Oi_ Genkaku- _sama_! Lady Eliana is here!" Yin burst into the costume storage room.

And stopped dead in his tracks at the sight before him.

From Yin's perspective it appeared as though Genkaku had been about to kiss Mizuki! _Ahhh~ that Sunshine kid is trying to corrupt Genkaku-sama with his perversion?! I'll kill him. I'll so kill him!_

"Ah, thank you, Yin," Genkaku said nonchalantly as he stepped away from Mizuki and ran his hands over his _kimono_ to smooth out any wrinkles it may have had. He raised an eyebrow at the odd expression on Yin's face. "We were 'play acting' just now Yin. No need to look so shocked. I was Genji and Mizuki was the Lady Fujitsubo. Honestly, Yin, you look as though you've seen a ghost, you _baka_. Come along Mizuki – you'll want to observe this and take notes. You'll be getting to see a true Illusionist Host in action."

Mizuki snapped out of her stupor. " _H-hai!_ " Mizuki trailed after Genkaku and failed to notice the deadly shuriken that imbedded itself in the wall behind Mizuki where she had been standing mere seconds before.

_Keh, I missed again._ Yin thought to himself, irked.

Genkaku and Mizuki went into the main room of the Host Club where Genkaku's client was waiting for him: the Lady Eliana.

Mizuki's eyes followed Genkaku's gaze and saw the Lady Eliana seated at one of the tables awaiting Genkaku. Mizuki's eyes widened and she blushed. Lady Eliana was stunning. She had long, silky, silvery-blonde hair, her eyes were a pale lavender color, and she had very pale skin and rosy lips. She was wearing a pair of glimmering opal earrings. She looked extremely delicate, lady-like and refined. She was wearing an extravagant _kimono_ of the finest and thickest silk material. It was a dark purple _kimono_ , the under _kimono_ was a lavender color and the _obi_ sash that was tied about Eliana's thin waist was a silver color. A pattern of plum blossoms had been embroidered into her _kimono_ with silver thread.

Mizuki could tell that the silver thread was expensive and that the quality of the _kimono_ that she was wearing was top of the line. It must have cost several hundred thousand _yen_! _What a beautiful kimono...it's so high-class! She must be a true Japanese lady from a very rich family! A total oujo-sama! But since she's so beautiful maybe she's a famous actress._ And then Mizuki's attention was drawn to Eliana's slightly pointed ears. Mizuki quirked her head at Eliana then. _She's the same as Fiore, Piper and Hirgon..._

Eliana turned her head as she sensed Genkaku's approach, focusing her lavender-colored eyes on the visage of Genkaku, err, Genji, her eyes immediately lit up with love.

"Genji- _san_!" She stood up from the table and rushed towards Genji.

"Lady Fujitsubo!" Genji opened his arms as Fujitsubo flew into them and they embraced tightly, desperately.

"Oh my love, how I've missed you." Fujitsubo said as she looked up at Genji with eyes full of longing, sadness and pain.

"My darling Fujitsubo..." Genji cupped her cheek and ran his hand over her silky hair fondly, "I can assure you that it was I who missed you more. I longed to taste your sweet lips again, may I?"

"Oh Genji- _san_...!" Fujitsubo sighed wistfully as she closed her eyes and tipped her head back obligingly.

Mizuki who had furiously been taking notes (that shit had been top dialog after all!) stopped in shock, a blush rising to her cheeks as she saw that Genji was about to lean forward and kiss Fujitsubo. Mizuki's heart was pounding loudly in her chest...when she watched Genji's lips touch Fujitsubo's. Mizuki suddenly felt like she was intruding upon something _special_ and shut her eyes. Something forbidden – she could feel it in the air. This truly was a forbidden love and the Lady Fujitsubo was _truly_ in pain. Though Mizuki soon found herself peeking through her fingers at the forbidden lovers unable to help herself.

Genji ran his tongue sensually over Fujitsubo's lower lip seeking entrance. Fujitsubo shyly opened her mouth and Genji slipped his tongue inside feeding from the sweetness of her mouth, caressing her tongue lovingly with his own before he appeared to reluctantly pull back.

The Lady Fujitsubo was completely swirly-eyed after that mind-numbing kiss. A kiss that one would receive from one's true love.

_What a kiss!_ Mizuki thought to herself wiping the blood from her nose. _HOT STUFF! Genkaku is such a skilled Illusionist Host! His acting just then was so believable..._

Fujitsubo would have swooned if Genji hadn't caught her and gently guided her back to her seat. Genji snapped his fingers and Fiore appeared at their table almost instantly. "My lady and I would like the High Tea Set." Genkaku ordered.

"Right away, sir." Fiore bowed before rushing off to the kitchen to fulfill their order.

Mizuki snuck closer to eavesdrop upon their conversation...

"How is my darling Fujitsubo- _chan_ doing?" Genkaku reached out to tuck a stray hair of Fujitsubo's silvery locks behind her ear in a careless gesture.

Fujitsubo shivered from his slight caress. "Not so good I'm afraid...the Emperor keeps a closer eye on me everyday and I feel like I'm suffocating. I wish to be free of him but I can't escape. I'm a caged bird with clipped wings. But...getting to see you, here like this, truly lifts my spirits, Genji- _san_. It allows me to dream that perhaps one day we can truly be together...even though the Emperor seeks to keep us apart...." There was a tinge of bitterness anytime the Lady Eliana mentioned 'the Emperor' making Mizuki wonder if this 'Emperor' was actually a real person.

Genji frowned in response. "I'm sorry to hear that, my lady." Genji took her hand in his in a comforting manner. "Seeing you here like this...also lifts my spirits. It pains me to hear about the Emperor however...is there truly nothing I can do to help you?"

Fujitsubo shook her head, "No, there is nothing anyone can do. No one can go against the Emperor or his will and survive. It would be suicide and I..." Fujitsubo raised her hand to stroke Genji's cheek fondly. "Would just die if anything were to ever happen to you. My love is hopeless so just...let me dream, Genji- _san_. I'm happiest when I'm dreaming of us together like this and of the life we shall spend together away from _HIM_." A single tear rolled down her cheek.

Genji caught the tear with his index finger and brought it to his lips. "Even your tears taste divine. I wonder how sweet the rest of my lady Fujitsubo tastes?" Genji wondered aloud in a teasing tone.

Fujitsubo blushed and began to giggle behind her hand in a dainty manner despite herself, all sorrow temporarily forgotten. "Oh Genji- _san_ , somehow you manage to bring a smile to my face."

Genji gallantly half-bowed in his seat, "I do my best, my lady."

Fujitsubo smiled back.

Mizuki's eyes widened – _he did it!_ _He made Fujitsubo smile...and from the heart. The way that she's looking at him...she truly is in love with him. Amazing! Genkaku-sensei must really love women...to be able to reach their hearts like that. He's such a good person despite what he says._ Mizuki's eyes turned into hearts out of admiration.

Fiore arrived with the High Tea Set, which consisted of: a tiered bronze stand with three plates on three levels. On the lowest level plate were dainty, cucumber, tea-sandwiches that had been cut into different shapes using flower-shaped cookie cutters, on the second plate were an assortment of mini keishes, and on the top plate were mini chocolate cakes that had been decorated with pink flowers made of icing.

"Cute and _sparkly~_ " Mizuki murmured under her breath as she admired Fiore's culinary creations. "Perfect." She nodded to herself.

Fiore also set down a pot of freshly brewed, mint green tea and set down a pair of dainty, porcelain teacups before both Genji and Fujitsubo.

Fiore served the tea before bowing and leaving them.

Mizuki watched intently as Genji conversed with Fujitsubo. They were laughing, smiling, and having a very good time from the looks of it...

Mizuki's attention then turned to the Lady Fujitsubo or rather Eliana. Mizuki had almost forgotten that Eliana was not the _real_ Lady Fujitsubo. She was also acting but her performance was extraordinary even when compared right along side with Genkaku- _sensei_. Her portrayal of a woman suffering from a forbidden love while being held prisoner under the thumb of a powerful man was perfect – maybe too perfect, Mizuki mused. It was almost as if she were acting out of experience. _It's just as I suspected...the Lady Eliana must really be a famous actress! She's so beautiful and refined. She must be some kind of Idol. I'll have to ask for her autograph when I get a chance!_

Eliana had paid for a three-hour long session and once the session was up she stood up from her table.

"Parting is such sweet sorrow, my lady Fujitsubo." Genji grasped her hand as she stood from the table and appeared to not want to let it go.

"Indeed, Genji- _san_ , but this world is full of meetings and partings. Farewell." Fujitsubo declared as she let go of Genji's hand and left the host club hurriedly, without looking back.

In his notebook, Piper marked a check mark next to Genkaku's name for a job well done.

"Genkaku- _sensei_ I-!" Mizuki was saying when Genkaku passed by her hurriedly.

"Toilet." Genkaku explained hoping to get rid of that pesky ray of sunshine that seemed to have gotten into the habit of following after him like a little lost puppy.

Mizuki looked after him with a confused expression on her face. "But Genkaku- _sensei_ I have a question!" Mizuki persisted as she absentmindedly followed Genkaku right into the bathroom.

Once inside Genkaku grabbed the bottle of mouthwash that he always kept by the sink and began to rinse out his mouth. _Disgusting! I can still taste Eliana in my mouth. Women are so disgusting. I want to throw up._ Genkaku splashed cold water onto his face next and then looked up at the haggard expression that he was now wearing – his persona mask was finally cracking at last and he smiled lopsidedly at the pathetic sight. He had executed a perfect performance however – no one would have been able to see through it! Genkaku also washed his hands using a lot of anti-bacterial soap since he had grasped the lady Eliana's hand. _I need to take a piss...I drank too much of Fiore's green tea._ Genkaku turned to the urinals that lined the walls and unzipped his pants when-

"Genkaku- _sensei_!" Mizuki exclaimed loudly finally getting his attention.

"Shit!" Genkaku quickly zipped up his pants--! Big mistake. The zipper caught on his--! _OWWW!_ _F$#@!_ Teary-eyed, pissed, and trying to hide his pain to remain composed in front of Mizuki he turned to face the boy. "What is it?"

Mizuki looked back at Genkaku with evident admiration on her face. "I just wanted to tell you that your performance back there was amazing!"

"Indeed." Genkaku could feel a headache coming on. "Well, thank you, I think. You couldn't wait to tell me this until I was done?"

"I want to know how you did it." Mizuki explained, giving Genkaku an intent look.

"Did what?"

"How you managed to reach her heart like that. You must really love women! You're such a good person!" Mizuki clasped her hands before her.

"Huh? Her _heart?_ " Genkaku began to chuckle darkly. Mizuki gave Genkaku a confused expression in response. "Her ' _heart_ ' had nothing to do with it. I believe we need to continue our lesson on 'personas' Mizuki. You want to know how I was able to reach a woman's heart? How I was able to make her swoon and love me? How I managed to trick her? It was all in the persona I managed to create. I had become her ideal man. I looked just like him, I acted just like him and I said the things she expected him to say to her. And she believed in the lie. So in conclusion Mizuki in order to reach a woman's heart or to get a woman into your bed you merely have to be able to do one thing well: _lie_."

"Lie?" Mizuki gave Genkaku an incredulous look.

"Yes, and also..." Genkaku stroked his chin thoughtfully, "Being agreeable and telling her things like 'I understand' or 'You're absolutely right' work wonders too. She'll spread her legs much quicker if you do that. Basically you must tell a woman everything she wishes to hear. Tell her that she's beautiful, and that there's no other woman in the world like her. Stroke her ego and make her believe the lies she tells herself daily. Make her believe she is _special_. The women who come here want to be the heroine of the story called life. They want to be the star. But those women are just selfish and egocentric...there's no room for a real hero in their story. They could careless what their hero is really like as long as he is handsome and rich. Women are truly superficial creatures Mizuki. Remember that it will save you from pain."

"Genkaku- _sensei_..." Mizuki trailed off in shock.

Genkaku took out a cigarette, lit it and took a long drag from it. "It's better if you realize the truth about women early on Mizuki. Women are very self-centered. None of them seem to realize that they aren't so special. There are plenty of women out there Mizuki. Half the world is made up of women after all. Why these girls cling to the inane idea that they are special is beyond me. No one is special – everyone is nothing but an insignificant dot in this vast universe."

"I...don't agree with you." Mizuki butt in suddenly. "You say that no one is special but everyone is special, Genkaku- _sensei_. We're all different, we're all individuals and we all have the potential for greatness. It's our uniqueness that makes us special. You want to group all women into one group saying _ALL_ women are superficial or self-centered but have you really met all the women in the world Genkaku- _sensei_? Can you really condemn an entire group of people for the actions of one person? It sounds to me like you've condemned all women because one woman hurt you in the past."

Genkaku had been inhaling and began to choke on the smoke of his cigarette. Bull's eye. Mizuki was right on the mark but he couldn't let the kid know that. "You're just naïve. You don't have enough experience in love or else you would be agreeing with me, kid. Once you have your heart broken a few times you'll see what I mean. You'll see the light." Genkaku chuckled darkly. "The women that come to this club are really nothing special at all. They utterly bore me. In this universe the sky is full of stars...there are those that are bright and then there are those that are dim. These women are dim little stars trying to pretend to be suns."

"But even a dim little star can fall in love." Mizuki suggested.

"Love?" Genkaku scoffed. "Love is nothing but an illusion. A lie. Real men never fall in love. And women are all snakes who do nothing but lie and deceive men. They say that they care for you and then they stab you in the back. So what's wrong with me doing the same thing? The tables have turned now Mizuki and I'm the one who will have the last laugh. Mizuki why are you looking at me like _that?!_ " Genkaku exclaimed when he caught sight of the look Mizuki was giving him.

Mizuki had a pained expression on her face. "Then why...do you look like you're about to cry? Who did this to you Genkaku- _sensei_. Who was it that broke your heart?"

Genkaku took a step back away from Mizuki, this boy! Why did he see the truth so easily?! Genkaku had spent _years_ learning how to become someone else, to create personas to hide his emotions. Somehow his art didn't seem to work on Mizuki at all. What was it about this boy who brought out his true words and feelings? Why was he unable to lie to this kid?

Mizuki had to wonder what kind of expression she had been wearing to make Genkaku's voice crack at the end like that. From his expression she could tell that he must have realized he may have said too much.

Mizuki was finally able to piece something together. Something that hadn't made any sense. "The reason you hate women is because a woman in your past broke your heart. Am I right?"

Genkaku remained silent and Mizuki knew that what she had said had been correct. But to hate _all_ women so strongly...Mizuki shook her head. _Some woman in his past lied to him and hurt him. That must be it...she must have said that she loved him but then deceived him. She hurt him and broke his heart and so he gave up on love because of it. I can relate...Akito lied to me and deceived me too but even so I would never give up on my love!_ Mizuki shook her head at Genkaku. "You're wrong, Genkaku- _sensei_. Love does exist. I've seen it...and I've felt it. Men and women are both capable of love. Love is not just an illusion, Genkaku- _sensei_. And...to truly reach another person's heart – the only way you can do that is through love! You may say you don't believe in love but I don't believe you! You still have love in your heart Genkaku- _sensei_. And you're a good person - you made Eliana smile. That was magic. That was love...it wasn't hate it was-" Mizuki was fumbling for the right words to reach Genkaku.

"It was nothing but a lie – an illusion, Mizuki." Genkaku tried to explain, in a slightly exasperated tone. "And what's so wrong about me lying and deceiving women when they do the same? Does that make me a bad person Mizuki – because that's the truth."

Mizuki shook her head. "I don't believe you. You just don't realize it yet but there is still love in your heart Genkaku- _sensei_." Mizuki's eyes brightened when she realized something and she gasped. Genkaku was the same as her. " _You haven't stopped loving her have you?_ "

Genkaku sucked in a breath and took a step back. He shook his head vigorously and tried to will the thought away. It was...impossible! "No...there is no love left in my black, shriveled up heart, Mizuki. Only hate and a thirst for revenge..."

"Revenge?" Mizuki questioned curiously.

Genkaku sighed heavily. "I've said too much..."

"Revenge on the woman you love?" Mizuki shook her head. "I don't believe you. Instead of revenge, why don't you just make her fall in love with you, Genkaku- _sensei_! If any one can do it, you can. I'm sure that your feelings will reach her!" _Just as my feelings will surely reach Akito._

Genkaku's eyes narrowed at Mizuki. "Impossible. My feelings will never reach that snake's heart...besides, no one could fall in love with a man like me. Not the real me anyways..." Genkaku trailed off in a melancholic manner.

You're creepy and disgusting! You should do the world a favor and go off and die somewhere!

Genkaku flinched as he remembered _HER_ harsh words.

"What? Why?" Mizuki questioned in surprise. "Why not?"

Genkaku clenched his fists at his sides, "Because what woman could fall in love with a...a _creepy_ man."

_Creepy?_ Mizuki blinked, it was the 'forbidden word'. Did the woman who broke Genkaku's heart call him creepy?! But...Genkaku wasn't creepy per say he was...amazing! He could create illusions, could perform magic, spells and glamours to create different personas and alternate identities. Using his skills as an Illusionist Host he was able to reach a woman's heart and make her smile a true smile from the heart. This was the magic of love. "But Genkaku- _sensei_ you're-!" Mizuki turned around and saw that Genkaku was no longer in the bathroom however – huh? Where did Genkaku- _sensei_ go? She pouted. She had really wanted to give him another compliment and tell him just how truly amazing he was. Perhaps, that could have cheered him up if at least a little bit.

***

Genkaku dragged his feet down the dark corridor not bothering to light the torches that hanging on the walls on both sides. He wanted the darkness to surround him, in fact he could already feel it swallowing him whole as he began to sink into despair as he remembered _HER_ and _HER_ hateful words to him:

You should do the world a favor and go off and die somewhere!

_SHE_ had once told Genkaku that and he thought it didn't sound like such a bad idea. In fact, he might really just go and do just that...

Genkaku stumbled into his room like a shade. His room was pitch black, and the walls of his room had even been painted with black paint. Genkaku closed the door behind him and with a mental nudge he caused all of the candles that were in his room to ignite simultaneously. There were candles everywhere – on his bedside tables, his desk, his dresser, and his dressing table. The room was illuminated by a pale yellow glow.

Genkaku's room was a dark haven. The large four-poster bed that was in the center of his bedroom was made of a dark mahogany, and had black and gray-colored sheets and pillows. His dresser, bedside tables, and dressing table had all been made of blackwood. Thick midnight-blue curtains covered tall stained glass windows. A somber mural was painted on Genkaku's ceiling of a cloudy night sky with a full moon directly above where Genkaku's bed was. The star constellations had also been painted across the oddly domed ceiling. The ceiling had been charmed so that the constellations moved across the sky.

A large, high-definition, flat-screened TV had been hung in Genkaku's room and was currently playing a horror film...a vampire was approaching an unsuspecting woman and about to drink her blood. The woman let out a bloodcurdling scream – music to Genkaku's ears. The room was dusty and cobwebs hung in the corners of the room and from the ceiling. Spiders were dangling down from silky threads, comfortable with their surroundings and acting as though they were perfectly welcome rather than uninvited guests. There was an entire wooden shelf filled with ancient scrolls, magic books, and glass jars that contained various freaky things which floated in a translucent, green-tinged liquid: eyeballs, frogs, shrunken heads. A skeleton hung in one corner of the room that may or may not have been real. Next to the skeleton was a suit of medieval armor. Hanging above Genkaku's bed and mounted on the wall was a medieval sword crossed with an ancient battleaxe. A skull was sitting innocently on Genkaku's dresser next to a dried up, black rose that had a stem full of thorns. A voodoo doll with a few pins sticking out of it was lying on Genkaku's bedside table.

Usually, Genkaku would let out a sigh of relief upon entering his ultimate dark sanctuary but...not today. Today he was sinking fast in the depths of despair...

_I'm in despair...despair...the world is such a cruel and lonely place. Love is nothing but an illusion. I will never be loved or find love. For no one could ever love a creepy man like me...girls would run screaming if they knew the_ _real_ _me. There's no way a girl exists in this world who could love me for who I truly am. I'm not normal, I'm different. I'm nothing but a monster. This world has no place for a creepy guy like me to be in it...this world is just too bright..._

You should do the world a favor and go off and die somewhere!

_HER_ poisonous voice echoed in Genkaku's mind.

_Especially now that I have to put up with that damned Sunshine Kid...I hate him...or rather people like him...why does he have to see right through me? It's killing me. I've worked so hard to hide who I really am...but that kid breaks through all my masks, all my personas. I can't live like this without my masks or personas to protect me. I rather die than have someone find out the truth...!_ Genkaku went over to his dresser and pulled out one of the drawers. He reached inside to pull out a long, thick, coiled rope.

He created a noose and then flung the rope up to catch on the chandelier that hung in the center of his room and which he had left turned off. Then with a wave of his hand Genkaku caused one of the chairs in the room to slide into place just under the chandelier. Genkaku then stood up on the chair and put the noose around his neck. _Goodbye cruel world..._

***

_Uh oh!_ Mizuki came out of the bathroom, a perplexed look on her face. Hadn't Genkaku been angry with her? But why did he suddenly just leave like that then hmmz?

Yang approached her looking worried, "Mizuki...what happened in there? I heard the two of you arguing. He didn't find out about your secret did he?"

Mizuki shook her head. "No...but I found out why Genkaku hates women so much."

Yang gasped. "He told you about that?"

Mizuki nodded. "I sort of figured it out on my own. Someone broke his heart in the past...she called him 'creepy' didn't she?"

Yang's eyes widened. "D-did Genkaku say that? He _never_ talks about that. Unless...Did he say that she called him creepy and disgusting?" Yang grasped Mizuki's shoulders hard, digging his fingers into her flesh with enough force to bruise her delicate skin, and she flinched. Yang looked into her big blue eyes desperately.

Now Mizuki was beginning to worry. "Uh, yea, he did. So what?" Mizuki declared off-handedly.

"Shit!" Yang pulled back from Mizuki, "This is _so_ not good...when Genkaku- _sama_ gets like that...when he remembers about _HER_ he gets...suicidal!"

"Suicidal?" Mizuki blinked. "You don't really mean that he'll try and take his life? That's ridiculous. Not when the world is such a wonderful place! Life is a gift and-" Mizuki was saying enthusiastically.

When Yang cut her off. "Yea, but Genkaku doesn't think that way at all. Come on! We don't have much time – we may even already be too late!" Yang took off running, headed for Genkaku's room, with Mizuki hot on his heels.

Yang reached Genkaku's room and tried the dark-blue painted door. "It's locked – Genkaku- _sama_? Genkaku- _sama_?! I'm coming in!" Yang took out his .45 and shot the lock on the door before kicking the door open.

He rushed inside closely followed by Mizuki. The two gasped at the sight before them: Genkaku was hanging, unmoving, in the center of the room from a noose that had been tied around the chandelier.

"Genkaku- _sama_!" Yang raised his gun and aimed for the rope but-

"Genkaku- _sensei_!" Mizuki started forward and grabbed Genkaku's legs and tugged downwards. "You're too young and handsome to die! Life is a gift from God – you need to appreciate it more! _BAKA!_ "

Genkaku began to choke. "Ah! Let go of me you stupid kid!"

Yang watched the following scene in a stupor of disbelief.

"You can't give up on life just yet – not when it's totally worth living. If you stay alive – you may have the chance to meet someone really nice!" Mizuki continued as she yanked on Genkaku's legs trying to pull him down from the chandelier.

Genkaku was currently making struggling and choking sounds.

"Y-yang!" Genkaku managed to gasp out.

"Uh – right! Out of the way Mizuki!" Yang shouted as he snapped out of his stunned state.

Mizuki literally dove out of the way.

Yang raised his gun and fired at the rope, which immediately tore and Genkaku tumbled to the floor in a heap.

"Yay!" Mizuki rushed to Genkaku's side, "You're alive!" She exclaimed as he began to cough violently. "It's a miracle! Isn't life grand?"

Genkaku coughed and shot Mizuki a disbelieving look. " _Omai!_ You! No thanks to you! You almost killed me you damned brat! I could have died because of you!"

An ironic, tense silence descended upon the group.

Mizuki blinked. "Why are you so angry with me? You're the one who was trying to kill himself. I saved you..." Mizuki pouted.

"Saved me?!" Genkaku sputtered. "You're going to be the death of me, Sunshine Kid! Promise me you will _never_ ever try to save my life again!"

Mizuki tapped her chin thoughtfully, "Sure, if you promise me you'll never try and kill yourself again."

Genkaku's mouth opened and closed like a fish several times without him saying anything.

Yang sighed, shook his head, and put his gun away, a bemused expression on his face. Genkaku was acting...different from usual after one of his 'suicide attempts'. Less gloomy and almost...happy? _Hmmz. That kid really is really something else..._ Yang smirked.

Mizuki began to take notice of the room she was currently inside of...the dark decor, the horror film which was playing in the background, the glass jars filled with eyeballs, the skeleton that was hanging in one corner, the voodoo doll - Mizuki's eyes widened and she turned pale.

Note: Mizuki was _NOT_ good with 'scary' things.

Mizuki quickly covered her mouth to stifle her scream before she bolted from Genkaku's room.

Genkaku and Yang watched her go with bemused expressions on their faces.

Genkaku actually began to chuckle in amusement much to Yang's surprise. "That brat is a total wimp."

Yang nodded. "Yea...he's definitely not the 'manly' type is he?"

"If Mizuki were a girl I would have felt hurt by that kind of reaction to my room but...since he's just a brat I find that I'm just amused by his antics. Heh. I guess it's only natural that a sunny kid like him would be freaked out by a room like this one..."

"Anyone would be afraid of a room like this one, Genkaku- _sama_. Ah!" Yang slapped a hand over his mouth and looked at Genkaku worriedly wondering if he had crossed the line.

Genkaku shot Yang an exasperated look. "I think I'm through with suicide attempts – at least for today. That damned brat almost ripped my head off while trying to save me, heh. He's a total airhead isn't he?" Genkaku rubbed his neck where it was already beginning to bruise and turn red. _That really hurt...damned brat..._

Yang laughed. "Yea I saw! I was totally shocked. I mean who would _do_ that? He may be an airhead but he's a cute airhead don't you think Genkaku- _sama_? I say you give him a chance at being a real host and not just your apprentice."

Genkaku frowned thoughtfully. "Then how about a test...the student needs to be punished for trying to teach the teacher, I think." A sadistic smile formed on Genkaku's face. _Oh, this is going to be good._

Japanese Word Key:

_Sugoi_ : Cool!

_Sensei_ : Teacher

### _Chapter 8:_ The Test

Mizuki tapped her chin in thought. Ranka wanted an Archangel huh? But according to the questionnaire she had filled out it appeared that Ranka wanted more of a 'guardian angel' type. _I know! I'll act like Ranka's big brother! What it seems like to me is that Ranka craves someone to simply look out for her, someone whom she can lean on/count on, and someone whom she can share her feelings to. She's so cool, calm and collected all the time and really independent – independent people are usually the loneliest people of all. But she's just an average teenaged girl – she just wants to be loved. Yosha! I think I get how I'm going to act...when I was younger Akito acted like a kind older brother towards me...I enjoyed those innocent days the most – even more so than the days when he began to treat me like the 'woman he loved' and not as a little girl anymore. Even if it was all just a cruel joke...in the end._

Developing a persona: Check.

_Now for the right image...it doesn't seem like she really wants some sort of intimidating HOT archangel...but an angel's who's more down to earth maybe – a minor guardian angel type. So...nothing too extravagant or flashy – something 'cute' perhaps?_ Mizuki paced as she brainstormed.

The image of her ideal angel appearance and outfit was already forming in her mind. All she really needed was the perfect costume and her Persona would be complete. In Designer Mizuki's mind the image she wanted to create had become clear: she would dress all in white, in clothes with gold, silver and blue accents. She would fashion some small, cherub-like wings to put on her back. She would put in a pair of gold colored contacts to hide her ordinary blue eyes. A pair of thonged sandals would be on her feet. She would also have to find some thick gold bracelets to put on both of her wrists. _Yosh!_ Her perfect image was complete! Now she just had to get the right costume from the costume storage room in order to make her own vision a reality.

Mizuki quickly made her way to the costume storage room intent on finding the right outfit. She made her way inside and immediately began to sift through the various costumes that hung on the rows and rows of metal racks. There were several costumes that would do nicely, Mizuki smiled to herself. _I can do this!_ Until-

Mizuki felt eyes upon her and the sound of fluttering wings could be heard eerily from somewhere behind her. _Huh?_ Mizuki shook her head and slid aside a few costumes on one of the racks so that she could see one costume better in particular – it would have been perfect if not for the butterfly pattern the white outfit had on its front. Although as Mizuki leaned forward to give the 'butterfly pattern' a closer look she realized it wasn't a butterfly at all but a moth. The design was of a large, dark brown and black winged moth with gray, fuzzy antenna. Mizuki couldn't help but be impressed by how _real_ the moth actually looked. Mizuki found herself wanting to touch the design and so reached out her hand to do so-

Mizuki touched the moth gently and it immediately came to life and flew off of the outfit Mizuki had been appraising.

"AH!" Mizuki shrieked as the moth took flight in her direction and then flew up towards the ceiling. _Whew~ it's gone._ Mizuki pulled herself together and unhooked the hanger from the rack to inspect the outfit she had wanted and saw in a combination of horror, despair and disappointment that the gigantic moth had made a large, gapping hole in the white material of the costume. _This is horrible! This poor costume has been completely destroyed! I feel sorry for it!_

Mizuki put the outfit back but that's when she heard the sound of fluttering wings again. _Huh? What's that?_ It sounded like it was coming from directly behind her. Mizuki turned around slowly and saw that the entire clothing rack that was behind her was covered in a swarm of gigantic moths! The moths were eating away at the material of the costumes at an alarming rate. Mizuki watched them open their mouths to reveal sharp, pointed teeth, which ripped and shredded through the fabric in a creepy manner while their eyes glowed red.

_Yokai moths_...? Mizuki realized in fear as she took a step back. She couldn't let them notice her. She tried as quietly as she could to begin to back away from the moths until she ran into the other clothes rack. _Epp!_ Mizuki squeaked and looked at the moths that still hadn't noticed her. However-

A single moth landed on her shoulder. Mizuki stayed as still as possible, not even daring to breath while hoping that it would just go away. She wished that she could just wake up from this bizarre nightmare and find herself safe and snug in her bed. But the moth seemed to smile revealing its razor-sharp, teeth before it chomped down onto Mizuki's shirtsleeve:

"AHHHH!" Mizuki couldn't stop the scream that was wrenched from her lips.

All the moths' attention turned to Mizuki due to all the noise she had been making and they seemed to be eyeing what she was wearing, which as it so happened was a 100% cotton outfit. _Uh oh_...their beady, red eyes seemed to be turning into hearts in a rather comic manner.

Mizuki gulped as she watched the moths' begin to eye her with hungry expressions on their tiny faces. _Epp!_ "I'm not an _hors d'oeuvre_!" Mizuki declared as she took off running – the _yokai_ moths hot on her heels.

Mizuki risked looking behind her and screamed again since she saw the entire swarm of bloodthirsty moths was after her, their eyes glowing red, and their grins filled with pointy teeth.

Mizuki reached the door just as Genkaku was entering the costume storage room. "LOOK OUT!" Mizuki declared as she ran towards him.

"Huh?" Genkaku questioned before his eyes widened as he caught sight of the swarm of _yokai_ moths that were apparently after Mizuki. " _Nani?!_ "

Mizuki slammed into Genkaku and they both flew out the door and into the corridor beyond in a heap. "Oof!" The air had been knocked out of Genkaku and he looked past Mizuki to see that the moths were still in pursuit. _Ack!_ Genkaku kicked his foot out and managed to slam the door shut just as the moths would have escaped. The thudding sound of moths hitting the door one after another was heard.

Mizuki looked down at Genkaku from her position on top of him and gave him a sheepish look.

"Get off, damned brat." Genkaku ordered coldly, shoving Mizuki off of him roughly.

Mizuki got off of Genkaku and Genkaku stood up next. Mizuki looked down at Genkaku's legs and couldn't stop the blush that rose to her cheeks.

_Huh? What's wrong with the kid now?_ Genkaku looked down to see that his pants had mysteriously disappeared...and since when did his boxers have a butterfly pattern on them? _Oh shit._ "Crap! Get it off of me!" Genkaku yelled.

"Gladly." Yin, who was looking way too amused and happy by this unexpected turn of events, declared as he pulled out his .45 Magnum and aimed it at Genkaku's boxers: !

The moth had moved on Genkaku's boxers so that it was now directly on top of Genkaku's... _ahem_.

Genkaku saw Yin raising his gun and panicked. "Ah! Don't shoot! You'll hit something important!"

Yin laughed mercilessly, "Don't worry Genkaku- _sama_ – when have I ever been known to miss?" Yin took his shot and Genkaku dived out of the way. "Genkaku _-sama_." Yin chided in a stern tone. "You have to stay still."

Genkaku looked back and gave Yin an incredulous look. "Like hell I will you sadistic bastard!"

"Ah, it's in a different place now." Mizuki informed Yin helpfully as she pointed directly at Genkaku's, ahem, backside.

Genkaku looked behind himself to see that indeed the moth was now directly over his ass. _God must really hate me..._

Yin was already raising his gun. "Just hold still now Genkaku- _sama_ – I got this."

Genkaku scrambled to his feet in a panic. "Don't you dare shoot, Yin!"

The banging sound of shots being fired rang through the air.

Genkaku jumped and dodged out of the way. Genkaku turned to look at Yin incredulously – his panic quickly turning to anger. " _Yin_." He started in a deadly tone, as he began to stalk towards Yin, a dark aura forming around him as he cracked his neck from side to side. He was so ready to kick Yin's ass.

"Wha!" Mizuki suddenly looked down at Genkaku's lower body and squeaked, her eyes widening a bit before she quickly covered her eyes with both hands – but the damage had already been done. _So that's what_ _it_ _looks like? I've never seen one of_ _those_ _before...I didn't expect it to be so..._ _tiny_ _._ Mizuki put a hand over her mouth as she tried to hold back a giggle. She felt like bursting out laughing for some reason. _It's so funny looking! Do men really have to put up with_ _that thing_ _hanging between their legs all day? That's got to be really uncomfortable..._

Genkaku looked down at himself due to the fuss that Mizuki was making and realized that the moth had managed to eat his boxers away entirely leaving him butt naked. Genkaku turned red and immediately covered himself up with both his hands. He felt completely humiliated.

Yin was blushing as he lowered his gun, an apologetic look on his face. "Ah, I'm sorry Genkaku- _sama_... _really_ sorry..." Yin then bit down on his lower lip as he tried to stop himself from laughing.

Genkaku shot Yin a glare before he fled in the direction of his room. Genkaku's eyes burned out of the utter humiliation that he felt. _Dammit! Those jerks!_ Before Genkaku had gone to find Mizuki he had taken a cold shower. _There's no way I could actually be this small, honestly! I should just go kill myself and put an end to this shame. Yin is never going to let me live this one down._

As soon as Genkaku was out of sight Yin finally burst out laughing. He slapped his thigh with one hand in pure amusement. "Ahahaha! That was hilarious! Good going, Mizuki!"

"Huh?" Mizuki blinked and pointed to herself, "What do you mean by that?"

"You must have let those _yokai_ moths into the costume storage room somehow. So it's all your fault." Yin declared with a bright smile.

"Wha? Huh? Me?" Mizuki started in a confused manner. "But I never...those moths were already inside the chamber by the time I went in there."

"Uh huh. Sure." Yin didn't sound too convinced. "I doubt Genkaku- _san_ is going to be too pleased with you – especially since you've ruined all our costumes. What ever shall we do? Ah and Ranka will be here in less than an hour for her Scenario Request with you and you won't even have a proper costume. Sucks to be you. You should just cancel her appointment and admit defeat, Mizuki." Yin smirked and then put his hands out in a helpless gesture. "I suppose you'll just have to kiss your dreams of being an Illusionist Host goodbye, _neh?_ " Yin's tone was cruel and he laughed at Mizuki.

" _Uso_...No away..." Mizuki moaned. _What am I going to do? I need a costume...! I know! I'll just make one! Yosha!_ Mizuki's blue eyes sparked at her brilliant idea and she ran off to her room.

Yin watched her go with a triumphant look on his face. _Gotcha._ "I guess that annoying brat is finally giving up. I'm so bad I amaze even myself. Heh. Go me."

Yang frowned at his twin as he popped up besides him. "You put those _yokai_ moths in the costume storage room didn't you, bro?"

Yin spun around to glare at his brother. "That's a very dangerous accusation you're making, brother. I wouldn't want to wrongfully accuse someone like me...you never know what could happen." Yin had his .45 in hand and pointed it at Yang's forehead.

Yang, to his credit, didn't even flinch. He was used to his brother's death threats after all. He received them at lease five times a day. Instead he gave his brother a curious look. "Why do you hate Mizuki- _kun_ so much?"

Yin lowered his gun. "That kid...just rubs me the wrong way. And he's getting _way_ too friendly with Genkaku- _sama_. Genkaku- _sama_...has us so he doesn't need anyone else. Besides, if Mizuki wasn't so stupid and could figure out the truth about us...I'm sure that punk would go running."

Yang shrugged. "But it's because he's such an airhead that Piper decided to risk letting Mizuki become a host here. In order for the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ to have someone cute enough to lure in normal clients for all of us. You have to admit that since the kid came here there's been a bit of an improvement already in our clientele."

"We don't _need_ him." Yin scoffed. "We can help Genkaku- _sama_ get his revenge all on our own. I hope that brat realizes what's good for him soon and just gives up. Sooner rather than later. It's for his own good. Heh." Yin stroked his gun lovingly.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that, Yin. Don't you remember what that boy said? His motto is to never give up." Yang informed Yin with a small smirk. _Besides, I've never seen Genkaku so animated about anything before that had nothing to do with revenge. Usually he's so depressed and unmotivated in general but now...he's been acting differently. I think Mizuki is a good influence on him._

"Yea right." Yin sneered. "I'd like to see him even try to fulfill his Scenario Request now. He doesn't even have a costume. What is the kid going to wear...a sheet? Ha! This ought to be good. The kid is going to make a fool out of himself for sure." Yin rubbed his hands together happily. "Maybe I should have Fiore make me some popcorn since this is sure to be an entertaining show..."

"Mizuki- _chan_..." Yang murmured worriedly as he began to chew his nails.

***

Mizuki hurried to her bedroom and flung the yellow door open. She ran over to her bed and flung back the sky-blue comforter spotting just what she wanted – the white, fitted, under sheet. Mizuki smiled a cat's paw smile as she grabbed the bed sheet and stuffed it into a bag. She rushed back downstairs and looked at the door to the costume chamber thoughtfully, tapping her chin. Obviously, the _yokai_ moths would have already consumed the costumes but what about...?

Piper gave Mizuki a calculating gaze as he caught sight of her. "Mizuki, I wouldn't go in there if I were you. Those _yokai_ moths have probably consumed all the costumes inside of there by now anyways. It wouldn't have taken them very long to do so. And if you go in there now not only will the moths probably target your clothes – after they're done with that they may even target _you_. _Yokai_ moths are vicious, unpredictable creatures. I don't know how such a rare species of magickal moth even got into the castle to begin with but...I suppose I have an idea or two." Piper gave Yin an exasperated look before he shrugged. "Whatever, it's too late now. All of the costumes have probably been destroyed and ripped to shreds. Just give up." Piper nodded to himself and waited for Mizuki to agree.

Mizuki nodded since that's what she had already figured but- "What about things like beads, feathers, and jewelry?" Mizuki questioned with an serious expression on her face directed at Piper.

Piper blinked back at her in surprise from her oddly serious look and smart question. "Well, I can only assume things like that would remain intact but-"

" _Yosh!_ " Mizuki declared as she rolled back her sleeves. "I'm going in! There are just a few things I need to get from inside of there!" Mizuki started for the door to the costume storage room, placing her hand on the doorknob-

Yang, Piper, and Fiore all lunged at Mizuki and grabbed onto her in order to stop her.

"What are you crazy? You'll let them all out!" Piper scolded her.

Hirgon, who had simply been watching the entire scene sleepily from his usual place at the table, silently stood up and walked over to the far wall where a gigantic _Zanbatō_ (horse-slaying sword) was propped up against the wall. Hirgon hefted the sword up, slinging it casually over his shoulders as he approached the door to the costume storage room.

Fiore's eyes widened at Hirgon's actions. "Hirgon – you're going to help Mizuki get the things he needs?"

Hirgon nodded at Fiore – whose jaw dropped. "I'd help but I'm a patisserie...not a fighter..." Fiore began.

Piper picked up a mini crossbow. "As the club's official 'Disaster Preventer' I can't very well let Hirgon go in there alone." Piper loaded a sharp looking dart into his crossbow.

Yang took out his .45 Magnum and loaded a new clip of bullets into it. He turned to give his brother an expectant look.

Yin looked back at his brother incredulously. "You can't be serious. You actually want _me_ to _help_ that damned kid? Ha! Are you fully conscious?"

"No, I want you to help _me_ , brother." Yang said softly. "I wonder how Genkaku- _sama_ will react when he finds out that it was _you_ who let in those _yokai_ moths, Yin. And all because of your jealousy towards Mizuki. Someone like Mizuki who's _new_ around here will probably remain unscathed but as for _you_ – you've been with the host club since the beginning and so I'm sure Genkaku will feel you should have known better."

Yin clenched his fists at his sides until his knuckles turned white out of frustration. "FINE!" He spat. "I'll help – but that doesn't mean I like this! And it's not my fault if a stray bullet hits the kid!"

"For your sake I hope your bullets only hit their marks." Piper glared back challengingly.

Mizuki suddenly smiled brightly at all of them while the air around her seemed to sparkle due to the admiration she was feeling for the brave hosts. "You all are going to help me? Wow – thanks so much! You all really are good people."

Yang and Fiore blushed in response – earning them hits over the head from Yin. "You two need to stop acting like a pair of lovesick fools – he's a _dude_ remember? A _DUDE!_ "

Piper coughed. "Alright then, Hirgon you will go first creating a path for Mizuki. Yin and Yang will cover Mizuki at his sides. I'll watch Mizuki's back. When we make our exit however Hirgon needs to be at Mizuki's back. And I'll be in the front. While Yin and Yang, your positions will remain the same at Mizuki's sides. With Hirgon protecting our flank we'll be able to make our escape more easily, which will undoubtedly be the hardest part of this mission. Now let's move out!"

Hirgon cautiously opened the door to the costume storage room. The hosts all peered inside to see that the moths had completely destroyed the costume chamber. Anything that had been made of cloth was now lying in shreds on the floor. Hirgon stalked forward and immediately as the hosts entered the room behind him a swarm of _yokai_ moths descended upon the group. Hirgon swung his sword through the air in a large arch and the moths immediately retreated.

Mizuki caught sight of the first item on her list: a feather boa. "Hirgon, I need to go get that feather boa!"

Hirgon nodded and charged forward, swinging his sword left and right at the moths while creating a path for Mizuki. Mizuki was able to reach the feather boa and smiled triumphantly, however, as she was stuffing the feather boa into her bag the moths flew down through the air with the intent of descending upon her. _Epp!_ Mizuki squeaked and shut her eyes-! She wouldn't be able to escape.

The sound of consecutive shots being fired rang through the air and Mizuki reluctantly opened her eyes. Yin and Yang, the gun-slinging twins, had sprung into action. Mizuki's eyes sparkled with admiration as she watched their symmetrical movements as they moved together as one. When Yin moved on the offensive his brother would move on the defensive and protect his brother from behind. Moths were now falling down around Mizuki left and right - dead. _Whoa_. Mizuki shivered. _They're so strong...it's almost scary..._

Mizuki pulled herself together and quickly scanned the room for the next item on her list: beads. She then spotted the tattered remains of a prince outfit, which had sparkly rhinestones sewn into it. _Perfect!_ "Next, I need that!" Mizuki pointed at the pile of cloth.

Hirgon nodded and rushed forward, swinging his massive sword and once again clearing a path for Mizuki through the swarm of moths. Mizuki ran towards the outfit and reached her hand out ready to take it but a moth landed on the very same piece of cloth Mizuki was trying to get. The moth grinned at Mizuki revealing rows of sharp teeth. It then hissed at Mizuki and snapped it jaws at her startling Mizuki so that she snatched her hand back. _Shoot!_

But then a dart was suddenly embedded in the moth's forehead and it died instantly turning into dust. Mizuki turned to see Piper with his crossbow raised – she smiled back at him. "Thanks!" She grabbed the material and then stuffed it into her bag. The last thing on her list was: jewelry. She had seen a jewelry box on the dressing table, she looked around the costume chamber and spotted it - _there!_ "I need that jewelry box next!"

"Alright, let's do this team – wait for it, go!" Piper directed them as Hirgon cleared a path, Mizuki followed after him, Yin and Yang guarded her sides, and Piper himself watched Mizuki's back.

Mizuki picked up the jewelry box triumphantly. "I got it!" She declared, when a moth attacked her unexpectedly, aiming for the front of her shirt. "Eek! Pervert moth!" Mizuki exclaimed.

"Mizuki- _kun_!" Yang yelled as he lunged at Mizuki pushing her to the ground. The moth latched onto Yang instead and began to viciously rip his shirt off.

Mizuki looked up at Yang in surprise. "Yang- _kun_!"

Yang looked down at her, blushing, and said in a low voice by her ear, "Now I couldn't let the moth get _your_ shirt now could I?"

"Die bastard moth!" Yin declared as he shot the moth that was on his brother. "Nobody picks on him but me!"

"Brother..." Yang moaned in embarrassment as he got up off of Mizuki and held out his hand to her.

Mizuki blinked up at the now shirtless Yang and tried very hard _NOT_ to blush. He looked just like some kind of doll. His chest was lithe, lightly muscled and his nipples were as pink as a girl's...! He was beautiful. _Don't blush! Don't blush!_ _I'm a guy remember!_ Mizuki chanted to herself as she took Yang's hand and allowed him to help her up.

"Thanks." Mizuki thanked him while averting her eyes.

"Is that it, Mizuki?" Piper questioned.

Mizuki nodded. "Yea."

"Then let's get the hell out of here! Hirgon get behind us – now, let's go!" The hosts all ran for the door as the moths swarmed angrily overhead. Then suddenly the entire swarm moved to simultaneously to dive bomb the hosts for one final attack. "Go go go! Don't look behind you!"

Piper flung the door open and shoved Mizuki out first. He then made sure Yin and Yang made it safely out next before he turned back around and called to Hirgon. "Hirgon!"

Hirgon swung his sword and the moths fell back long enough for Hirgon to simply pick Piper up with one arm, and make a quick exit while slamming the door behind him.

Piper's face had turned red out of embarrassment since it appeared he'd been rescued by Hirgon as if he were some kind of damsel in distress.

"Put me down you big oaf – you're embarrassing me. I'm _not_ a little kid!" Piper complained.

Hirgon obediently set Piper down and nodded, an apologetic look on his sleepy face.

Piper began to adjust his tie back into place and smooth down his miniature business suit.

"Not a little kid?" Mizuki questioned and raised an eyebrow at Piper as she came over to the boy while smiling brightly. "But you _are_ a little kid!" Mizuki ruffled Piper's hair playfully. "Why are you always so serious? You always have this little frown on your face and your eyebrows are pinched together. You'll get wrinkles and look like an old man if you keep that up! You shouldn't think so much – it's bad for the brain. You should just...have fun and act your age. There's no reason for you to have to grow up so fast, kid!" The aura around Mizuki appeared to have to turned into an assortment of stars, hearts, and flowers.

Yin shivered at that bright and happy aura.

Piper looked back at Mizuki in shocked wonder. "Have fun...?" Piper mused as if he'd never thought of it before and then he shook his head ruefully. _When was the last time I had 'fun' anyways? Wow, I can't really answer that._ "No..." Piper shook his head. "I can't remain idle...I'll get in trouble if I do...I'll be punished..." Piper muttered to himself softly.

Mizuki gave Piper a quizzical look. "Get in trouble? With whom?"

Piper shook his head and seemed to pull himself together. "N-no one, never mind that." Piper slapped Mizuki's hand away. "And I'm _NOT_ a kid."

Mizuki just frowned thoughtfully at Piper but didn't say more. _Poor kid...he works way too hard! He needs...a vacation! Or a day off or something._ Mizuki clapped her hands together happily at the idea. _Ah~ but I don't know if Akito will let me out of the mansion – ah! Akito...I'm not at Akito's mansion anymore. I guess one could say I'm free now...free..._

"Mizuki! Earth to Mizuki!" Yang poked her shoulder. "I hate to disturb you but Ranka will be here in less than thirty minutes!"

"AH!" Mizuki exclaimed – she had totally zoned out! "Thanks Yang! I'll be right back!" Mizuki flew out the door of the host club.

"Huh? Wait! Where are you going?" Yang called after her.

"It's...a secret!" Mizuki declared as the door closed behind her.

Mizuki hurried into the alleyway that was directly next to the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_. The small, white, stray dog barked happily upon seeing Mizuki. "Oh! Hey there, Pochi! I brought something for you!" Mizuki took out the croissant, which she had snuck into her pocket with Pochi in mind. She gave Pochi the croissant and the dog munched on it contentedly. Mizuki giggled in response. "Fiore would be happy that he has another fan of his cooking. Alright then!" Mizuki pulled out her suitcase that had been hidden behind several cardboard boxes and then took out several bolts of cloth, which she had also kept hidden in the alleyway. Most importantly she took out her deluxe sewing kit. Mizuki overturned several cardboard boxes to use as tables and in seconds the alleyway had once again been transformed into her own personal sewing studio.

_Yosha!_ Mizuki rolled up her sleeves and took out the white bedsheet, feather boa, the sequined pieces of cloth, and the jewelry. _Now to begin!_ Her needle and thread whizzed through the air...her scissors flashed... _cut, cut, snip, snip, sew, sew_. Until finally Mizuki held up her completed creation and smiled. _Cute and sparkly~ Perfect. But this time I think I can get away with that!_ Mizuki quickly changed into her angel outfit.

***

It was 3:00 pm on the dot when Ranka entered the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_. She calmly walked over to sit at her usual table and took out her laptop. She looked up and motioned for Piper to come over to her. "So...will Genkaku- _san_ be the one to fulfill my Scenario Request today?" Ranka questioned curiously.

Piper shook his head. "No, we, ah, had someone else in mind..."

Ranka raised an eyebrow at Piper. "Oh, really? Who?"

"Our apprentice host – Mizuki."

"Mizuki? Oh, you mean that young boy..." Ranka pouted, "I don't know if he'll be sufficient-" Ranka was saying when the door to the host club opened and in stepped – Mizuki.

Fiore, who had been drying a coffee cup, accidentally shattered it in his one hand. Yang's jaw had dropped to the floor and he was blushing for some reason. Piper's eyes had widened considerably. Yin looked both surprised and pissed. And Hirgon had a mysterious twinkle in his eye.

Mizuki had somehow managed to create an impressive angel costume out of the scraps, beads and feathers that had been salvaged from the destroyed costume storage room. Mizuki had tied the white bed sheet around herself toga-style and in an elaborate manner. She had stitched the fabric here and there so that the white folds of material draped and fell in just the right places. Sparking rhinestones had also been sewn throughout the material so that as Mizuki moved into the host club the stones caught the light and sparkled, dazzling the hosts and Ranka.

Thick golden bracelets were on either of Mizuki's wrists, and a thick gold necklace was around her neck. Mizuki had brushed and curled her hair so that it framed her face in soft layers. A pair of handmade sandals was on Mizuki's feet. And to complete her look Mizuki had somehow managed to create a small pair of feathery, white wings that were so perfect that they truly looked real. Mizuki looked like a cross between an angel, cupid, and an archangel.

Genkaku, who by this time had managed to get a new pair of pants on, had finally left from his room no longer in a depressed state. He was coming down the stone staircase, which led down into the main clubroom, when he caught sight of Mizuki.

Genkaku blinked. _Who the hell is that?_ And then when the light hit and reflected off of the rhinestones on Mizuki's outfit: _Ah~ Mabushi! Too bright!_ Genkaku had to shield his eyes from the sight and that's when he realized who it must be. Genkaku removed his hands from his eyes and eyed Mizuki in disbelief. "Mizuki? _Uso_."

Mizuki gave Genkaku a soft smile before turning her entire attention to Ranka – everyone else was fizzled into the background. Mizuki locked eyes with Ranka, smiled softly, almost shyly, and approached the table with purposeful steps. "Mind if I join you, Ranka- _chan_?" Mizuki questioned her in an easy, yet timid manner.

Ranka, who had been about to put on her headset, set it down upon the table in front of her instead. She looked back at Mizuki in shock, her mouth open slightly, and for a moment she just stared at Mizuki in awe.

Mizuki blushed appropriately. "Is there something wrong with my appearance? And I worked so hard on it so that _you_ would be pleased, Ranka- _chan_..." Mizuki trailed off sadly.

This seemed to snap Ranka out of her stupor and she shook her head vigorously. "Oh no! Your appearance it's...absolutely perfect! It's even better than I could have imagined and _nothing_ is ever better than I imagine!" Ranka sounded pleased and yet there was a slight bitterness to her last words.

Mizuki smiled brightly at that, "Really?! That makes me feel glad. As long as you're pleased then I'm pleased too. May I?" Mizuki motioned to the seat next to Ranka.

"O-of course!" Ranka stuttered.

Mizuki took a seat next to Ranka casually and leaned close to look at her computer screen. "Oh, an online game? Is it fun?"

Ranka gaped at Mizuki, "Err, yes it is...it's lots of fun actually."

"Why?" Mizuki propped her chin in her hands and looked at Ranka intently.

"Why? Well, I, err, because it's fun to escape reality." Ranka admitted and took a deep breath. For some reason she felt relieved to have admitted that.

"Oh? Tell me about it." Mizuki's golden eyes glittered with interest.

Ranka blushed and she couldn't stop the smile that was tugging at her lips. Mizuki actually wanted her to tell him _more_ about the MMORPGs that she had become so addicted to. They were her life, her passion, and at times even her reason for living. Yin had always gotten so angry when she had started to gush about her MMORPGs, _anime_ , _manga_ or her other _otaku_ related hobbies and interests. "O-ok!" Ranka took a deep breath before she began. "In MMORPGs...I can become someone else. I get to create a cool alternate identity or persona. Usually, I chose to be a female warrior of some kind since I like to be surrounded by men who follow my lead in the game or in battles. It makes me feel...powerful and it gives me a rush. In the game world I'm beautiful, strong, powerful, popular, unique, special. I usually end up being the Guild Master of some kind of popular guild too. I usually level up my Avatars pretty fast, up to level 100, and then I get to show off my mad skills for the boys. When I get compliments from the boys on my game playing skills it makes me happy."

"Hmm, I think it's more fun for me to spend time with you like this in reality...Ranka- _chan_." Mizuki said thoughtfully. "Though I feel a bit jealous that you spend so much time with these other guys online. Although now that I think of it...since it's a virtual reality world there's a chance those 'boys' could really be girls, you know? Would getting compliments from girls make you as happy as getting compliments from boys?" Mizuki questioned innocently, thinking of her own deception. _Perhaps reality and virtual reality aren't so different after all. Both worlds are still filled with deception..._

"Err, well, yes...but it's not really the same." Ranka tried to explain, with a blush.

"Well, then tell me which you would prefer: a pretty young girl giving you a compliment or some ugly, fat, old man giving you a compliment?" She questioned with a cat's paw smile on her face and a mischievous glint in her eye.

Ranka's mouth fell open as she stared back at Mizuki in shock and couldn't seem to find the right words to form a response. "T-the girl...I suppose..." Ranka furrowed her brow together, confusedly.

"That's superficial isn't it?" Mizuki raised an eyebrow at Ranka. "I thought that it's what's on the inside that counts, Ranka- _chan_." Mizuki laughed in a good-natured and non-condescending way as she smiled broadly at Ranka to take the edge off her words. "I'm sorry. I'm just...trying to look out for you. I don't want you to get hurt. It's fine to use those games to 'escape from reality' every once in a while, and have fun making new friends but...to use those games as a _replacement_ for reality or to try and find something as serious as _love_ in a virtual reality world..." Mizuki shook her head. "It would be very risky and unwise. You'd be setting yourself up to get hurt. Since how would you really know what the other person looked like or how would you know what the other person is _really_ like?

"Meeting someone in a virtual reality world is different than when you get to meet someone in person – like how you get to look them directly in their eyes, which are the window to the soul. In that instant you get a chance to really know the person. Usually, in just those first few seconds you'll know a _LOT_. You'll know whether or not you're attracted to the person and you'll get a feeling of whether or not they're a good or bad person. You get to listen to your instincts, which are usually right. In a virtual reality world..." Mizuki shrugged. "Everything's a lie, an illusion. Sure it's fun to play in dreams but one must live and love in reality."

"Live and love in reality?" Ranka echoed pensively.

"I know you have fun in your virtual worlds Ranka- _chan_ but..." Mizuki grasped Ranka's hand in hers. "I'm having a lot of fun _right now_ getting to speak to you in the flesh, in this very real moment of reality. A person lives in the here and now, Ranka- _chan_. _NOT_ the past and _NOT_ tomorrow. The _present_ is everything. All that matters is _right now_ , this very second. Are you enjoying getting to speak with me too? I sure hope so..." Mizuki looked away and scratched her cheek in a bashful manner.

Ranka blushed and her eyes focused solely on Mizuki, "Y-yes, I...I'm having a lot of fun speaking with you, right now too." Her tone was surprised, her eyes wide.

Mizuki winked at her. "You see, living in reality isn't so bad now is it? Instead of trying to find love in a virtual reality game or with an Illusionist Host even I think you deserve better than that Ranka- _chan_." Mizuki reached out and took Ranka's glasses off and smiled. "You have very beautiful eyes Ranka. They're the color of Godiva chocolate. You should really get contacts. I knew it from the beginning. You're a beautiful and intelligent girl. Just be yourself and you'll be fine. You should be able to find love with a _real_ person quite easily as long as you make the effort and do your best." Mizuki gave Ranka a meaningful look.

"Oh my..." Ranka blushed. _Is he...confessing to me?! That was so a confession just now! Kyahhhh! What should I do? How should I respond?_

Mizuki smiled innocently back at Ranka, not realizing Ranka's current inner turmoil at all. _I hope she'll take my advice. Ranka deserves someone real and not just some fake online boyfriend or some Illusionist Host either. It's like my mother always said:_

As long as you continue to live you'll have the chance to meet someone nice.

_I hope Ranka gets to meet a nice, young man...!_ Mizuki smiled to herself. "So what do you think, Ranka- _chan_?" Mizuki asked.

_Oh my God! Is he asking me how I feel about him?! It's too soon...I can't...!_ Ranka was gushing in her mind. "I...Mizuki- _kun_...to you I-" Ranka was saying as she leaned forward towards the unsuspecting Mizuki with the intention of kissing her-!

However-

Yin, who had been watching the entire scene, couldn't take much more. He was at his wit's end, so to speak. Firstly, Mizuki got the MMORPG, _otaku_ -princess to actually stop playing one of her games long enough to engage in a real conversation. Second, Ranka was looking at Mizuki with those stupid doe-eyes. (Eyes which Yin had never gotten to see before and which were admittedly beautiful.) Lastly, Ranka was about to give Mizuki a kiss?! What the hell was up with that?! _Oh that's it! That punk is_ _so_ _dead!_ Yin declared in his mind as he raised his .45 Magnum and aimed it at Mizuki-

The bullet flew through the air and missed – hitting the teapot that Fiore had just set down upon their table instead. The teapot, which happened to be directly in front of Ranka, shattered – boiling water and shards of porcelain flew through the air in Ranka's direction.

"Ranka- _chan_!" Mizuki exclaimed and acted through pure reflex. Mizuki moved to shield Ranka with her body so that the hot tea and porcelain shards hit Mizuki's back instead of Ranka. It all happened in a matter of seconds.

"Mizuki!" Yang cried out upon seeing what had happened.

"Mizuki- _kun_!" Fiore yelled out worriedly.

Both hosts rushed to Mizuki's side.

Ranka was looking back at Mizuki with wide eyes. Mizuki looked back at Ranka concernedly. "Are you alright, Ranka- _chan_?"

Ranka nodded slowly, "You...saved me." Her voice was tinged with awe.

"It hurts..." Mizuki flinched from the pain of the burns on her back and sunk to her knees, her strength leaving her...

"Mizuki- _kun_!" Ranka knelt down at her side as Yang and Fiore came up to them at the same time. "Are you alright?"

"I'm okay..." Mizuki lied, tears coming to her large golden eyes.

"This is all my fault..." Ranka trailed off beginning to look distraught.

Mizuki took Ranka's hands in hers and shook her head. "No, I wanted to protect you, Ranak- _chan_. You're always so...on guard. I just wanted to get to see you relax, loosen up, have fun, and stop worrying for a little while. If I'm with you Ranka- _chan_ you don't have to worry about anything because I'll protect you. I'll stay by your side. So you don't have to worry all on your own anymore, Ranka- _chan_. And do you want to know why?"

"Why?" Ranka asked breathlessly.

"I really want to be your friend, Ranka- _chan_. If...you'll let me?" Mizuki gave Ranka a shy, hesitant look.

Ranka's eyes glittered and became heart-shaped. _So he wants to be friends first? He's such a little gentleman! How cute! Kyahhh!_ "Of course, I'll be friends with you, Mizuki- _kun_. I would be honored."

"Really? Neat!" Mizuki smiled back and then flinched. "Ow..." She moaned in pain in a pathetic manner.

"Mizuki...let's get you to the bathroom to treat those 2nd degree burns!" Yang said as he put one of Mizuki's arms around his shoulders to help her to the bathroom.

Fiore put Mizuki's other arm around his own shoulders next. "I'll help too."

"Thanks guys." Mizuki smiled weakly at them. "Sorry about this Ranka...this is cutting into the time you paid for your Scenario Request. I'll be back as soon as I can."

" _Ino_ , it's alright." Ranka waved her hand dismissively through the air. "Consider your Scenario Request fulfilled, Mizuki. I...really had fun getting to chat with you." Ranka gave Mizuki a shy smile.

Mizuki smiled back warmly, "Thanks, me too."

Yang and Fiore aided Mizuki to the bathroom while Yin sidled up to Ranka as they watched them go. Yin gave Ranka a disgusted look. _What's so special about that girlie boy anyways?_ "I see you're lost in your fantasy world again...you're in love with the 'angel' Mizuki was portraying just now aren't you?"

"Hmm?" Ranka began as she turned to face Yin and shook her head. "No, this time I think I've fallen in love with someone real. Mizuki, the boy host, who tries too hard and who never gives up. Who's brave and has a kind heart." She clasped her hands together in a dreamy fashion, her eyes becoming hearts.

Yin looked back at her in shock. "You can't be serious?!"

Ranka giggled. "Oh but I am. I think this will be the start of a beautiful friendship. Teehee!"

Yin slapped a hand to his forehead and moaned. "You've got to be kidding me. Someone please, just shoot me."

Genkaku shook his head with a bemused smirk on his face. He had watched the entire scene play out as well. _I guess the Sunshine Kid passed the test and with flying colors. Mizuki is now a true Illusionist Host although does that mean the kid was right? That only one heart can successfully reach another? Naw..._

***

Yang and Fiore helped Mizuki into the bathroom and Fiore locked the door behind them.

"Alright, we need to splash some cold water onto your burns as soon as possible Mizuki so...take off your shirt." Yang explained nervously.

Mizuki nodded, "A-alright..." She murmured and tried to get her hands to move to remove her button-down shirt, but the burns on her back hurt and she could only move very slowly. "I'm sorry..." Mizuki began to apologize.

Fiore was chewing on his nails out of nervousness. "Maybe you should help her take off her shirt Yang..."

"Me?" Yang sputtered. "Why not you?"

Fiore's eyes went wide. "You want me to touch a girl? Are you crazy. I'll break into hives if I do that."

"Shit." Yang watched Mizuki struggling with her shirt and threw his hands up into the air. Now was not the time to be girl-shy. Mizuki needed his help. "I'll do it. We have to hurry." Yang declared as he reached forward and quickly unbuttoned Mizuki's shirt with trembling hands and then slipped it off. Mizuki had wrapped a long white bandage over the bra she was wearing to make herself appear more flat-chested. Yang gulped as he reached out to unwrap the bandage and his hands trembled as he did so. Both hosts tried very hard not to blush at the shirt-less girl who was now in nothing but a lacy, pink bra before them.

Fiore was averting his eyes and feeling a bit nauseous while Yang was trying very hard not to look at Mizuki's chest. Yang quickly grabbed a towel and ran it under the cold-water tap. Once he had enough cold water on the towel he quickly went to Mizuki's side. Mizuki had sunk to her knees from the pain and Yang knelt beside her and began to dab his towel at the burns on her back while also wringing out the towel slightly so that cold water dribbled down Mizuki's petite back.

"Thank you." Mizuki let out a sigh as the pain began to lessen.

Yang flushed and was glad that Mizuki couldn't see his face. "Your welcome." He continued to treat Mizuki's wounds. Mizuki...she really was so different from any of the girls who normally came to their host club. And...Yang looked down at her back – she seemed so fragile...

Yang unconsciously leaned forward and could smell Mizuki's hair. She smelled like strawberry bubblegum. "You smell like bubblegum..."

"It's my shampoo." Mizuki informed him.

Yang's eyes widened when he realized he had said that last comment aloud.

Mizuki turned her head to smile blindingly at Yang. "Thanks again, my back feels much better now. You and Fiore really are nice guys."

Yang gulped and had the sudden urge to wrap his arms around Mizuki and hold her close. He began to reach his arms out when-

Fiore hit him over the head with a bouquet of flowers he seemed to have pulled out of thin air. "What do you think you're doing?" Fiore questioned Yang sternly, "I do hope you weren't thinking of doing anything that a gentleman wouldn't do."

Yang rubbed his head and glared back at Fiore but was also a bit unsettled. What had he been about to do? Had he really been about to hug a girl of his own free will? Yang's eyes widened in shock. _What the hell is wrong with me!?_ " _Mou_ , I wasn't doing anything Fiore."

"You have a daisy in your hair." Fiore informed him with a smirk.

"Oh shut up, flower freak." Yang groused as he took the daisy out of his hair.

Mizuki giggled at the two hosts. "You two really get along well don't you?"

Yang felt a trickle of sweat form on the side of his head. "Riiight..."

"Splendidly." Fiore agreed and stuck a daisy behind Mizuki's ear. "It suits you much better I think."

"Uh, Fiore, you just touched a girl you know." Yang smiled evilly.

"Oh crap." Fiore said as he remembered and began to break out into hives. "You're going to pay for that one, Yang. No freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for you."

" _Oni!_ " Yang declared.

Mizuki nodded feeling Yang's pain. After her back was feeling well enough she slipped her shirt back on and buttoned it back up. Yang and Fiore had really seemed concerned about her. Did that mean they considered her their friend? Mizuki smiled. She sure hoped so.

Japanese Word Key:

_Yokai_ : demon

_Oni_ : Devil!

### Chapter 9: My sweet, dark Halloween night

The very next day at the _Sir Genkaku Host Club,_ Ranka had requested Mizuki to be her attending host much to Yin's chagrin. The girls appeared to be 'bonding'. Yin shivered at the thought. Also when Ranka had arrived at the club that morning she didn't even have her laptop with her! Yin almost couldn't believe his eyes. He had blinked several times and rubbed his eyes until they were red at the sight. And Ranka's appearance had also changed – she had apparently given herself an extreme head-to-toe makeover.

Yin's eyes were glued to her as Ranka sashayed her way into the club that morning in what Yin thought was a surprisingly cute and feminine outfit. Though that was before he realized that the outfit was some kind of _NANA_ cosplay in the _Visual Kei_ style. Yin could feel a trickle of sweat form on his brow out of irk. Ranka was wearing a tight, preppy, black shirt with a red and black plaid necktie, and a scandalously short, red and black plaid skirt. There was a black, silver-spiked choker around her neck and a pair of knee-high, black leather boots on her feet. She had on a short black leather jacket, a pair of fishnet stockings, and to complete her look Ranka had even put on a bobbed wig of short red hair. She had even applied a concealer to cover up all of her zits.

Yin had even gotten close enough to Ranka to smell that she had even taken a shower. Maybe it really was true what they said – love changes a woman. The slob was now...the new hottie in town.

But that's not all that was different about Ranka that day – she had also brought an entire entourage of servants with her from her estate. And they were carrying various things for her: stacks of _manga_ , a TV, several _anime_ DVDs, a new bookshelf...

Mizuki had said to Ranka the day before: "I want to learn more about you, Ranka- _chan_. And about the things you love. Will you please tell me more about... _anime_ , _manga_ and MMORPGs?" This had been Mizuki's innocent request.

Yin slapped a hand to his forehead and moaned as he remembered what the Sunshine Kid had said. Obviously Ranka had taken Mizuki a bit too seriously.

All heart-eyed Ranka had replied: "Of course, Mizuki- _kun_!"

And so the very next day a cosplaying Ranka shows up at the club. Yin had been thoroughly shocked at getting to see Ranka in an outfit other than her usual faded and baggy clothes. And that skirt she was wearing...Yin's eyes followed after her...was shamelessly short! A blush crept unwanted upon Yin's cheeks. It was like she was suddenly a completely different person. Yin felt put out when he thought that he wouldn't get to insult Ranka by calling her a slob anymore. Genkaku was right, Yin decided, beauty really was just an illusion. Not that he was saying Ranka was beautiful or anything...hell no. She just looked like, well, a _girl_ for once.

Yin watched in bewilderment as Ranka walked past him while totally ignoring him. She then went over to tell Piper that she wanted to request Mizuki as her host.

"Piper, I request Mizuki today."

"Alright then, Yin-err?" Piper looked up from his notebook, a quizzical and surprised expression on his face. He picked wax out of his ear and flicked it into the air before continuing. "Did I just hear you correctly? You want...Mizuki _instead_ of Yin?"

Ranka nodded, smiling innocently back at Piper. "Yes, absolutely..."

The nerve of that _baka onna_! Yin felt like punching a hole in the wall and so he did. Yin shook his hand from the pieces of cement that had stuck to his hand with a frown on his face.

Then Ranka's servants began arriving with all that stuff...

"Come along now men!" Ranka had clapped her hands together and ushered her servants inside of the host club.

The hosts all sweat-dropped at this unexpected turn of events as men dressed in butler uniforms entered the host club while carrying various items Ranka planned to show Mizuki.

"Whoa, wait a minute, who the hell are these guys?" Piper started eyeing the men in the butler uniforms suspiciously.

"Oh they're not suspicious characters or anything. They're my butlers." Ranka replied offhandedly, waving her hand dismissively through the air.

Ranka spotted Mizuki and went over to her. "Good morning, Mizuki- _kun_!"

"Ah," Mizuki turned to face her, "Ranka- _chan_ , good morning." Mizuki then caught sight of her outfit and seemed to be having some sort of internal struggle. _She looks so cute and fashionable!_ "You look...very nice today." Mizuki tried not to look too excited.

"Thank you. This is _NANA_ cosplay." Ranka took Mizuki's hands in hers and smiled brightly back at her. "Anyways, I've brought you quite a treat today, Mizuki- _kun_. You know how you told me about how you've never watched _anime_ before? And also how you don't really know what _manga_ is? Well, today I shall introduce you to the wonderful world of _otaku_!"

Mizuki blinked back at Ranka and merely smiled. "Oh, err, thanks."

"Mizuki's never watched _anime_ before...?" Yang was saying while standing next to his brother.

"Loser." Yin sneered.

"Yin!" Yang shouted back.

"Get everything set up properly, boys! Chop chop!" Ranka clapped her hands together as she directed her butlers.

"Remind me why we put up with her again?" Yin questioned loudly.

"She's rich?" Yang shrugged.

Genkaku was making his way down the main stone staircase, which led into the main host club room, when he caught sight of all the commotion Ranka was making and how her servants were currently setting up a bookcase and shelving it full of _manga_ and _anime_ DVDs. He then noticed how they were also setting up a TV...!

Genkaku's eye twitched. "What the hell is this? Piper!" Genkaku snapped loudly.

Piper jumped and turned to face Genkaku with a somewhat guilty expression on his face. "Err, well, Lady Ranka wants to expose Mizuki to _anime_ and _manga_ since he's never experienced them before."

Genkaku blinked. "What? The kid doesn't know what that crap is? Where has he been living? Under a rock?" Genkaku furrowed his brows together but then he shrugged it off. "Whatever. That is no concern of mine. However, allow me to remind you that my club has certain rules, Piper. Rules that I left up to you to enforce and one of those rules is: The _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ will have no TV. I _hate_ television. You know this, Piper. So would you mind explaining to me just what that is over there...?" Genkaku pointed off to where Ranka's butlers were currently setting up a gigantic, flat screen, high-definition, plasma TV.

Piper also turned to follow the direction of Genkaku's pointed finger and watched as Ranka's butlers set up the TV on the back wall of the club room.

Piper could feel a sweat-drop forming on the side of his head. "A TV...?" He swallowed nervously.

"And not just any TV." Ranka butt in. "That's a Panasonic, 152 inch, 2160 pixel, 3D plasma TV!"

"Impressive." Piper nodded, "Those cost about 10,000,000 _yen_."

"Wow, so that's a 3DTV..." Mizuki was already looking impressed and the damned thing hadn't even been turned on yet. Genkaku shook his head at the boy. _Impressionable fool...young boys like him are so easily lead astray and corrupted by this sad world._ A frown came upon Genkaku's lips at the thought.

"You ain't seen nothing yet, Mizuki- _kun_!" Ranka smirked as she whipped out the control. "Switch on!" Ranka turned the TV on.

The screen lit up and was very bright.

" _Ah~!_ The light! My eyes! _Mabushi_!" Genkaku complained as he shielded his eyes from the overwhelming brightness. He felt like wrapping himself up in his favorite hooded cloak. _Damned brats...making fools out of me in my own club!_

"Only one problem. We're not subscribed to cable." Piper informed Ranka.

"Don't worry about the minor details. I already made sure to subscribe Genkaku to the best cable company! We get over 800 channels now!" Ranka declared.

" _Oi!_ " Genkaku declared. No one had even bothered to consult him...

As soon as the 3DTV was turned on images began to fill the gigantic plasma screen and Mizuki was instantly mesmerized. Her large blue eyes began to shimmer. _So this is a 3DTV...amazing...it must be magic! The people are in the room with us!_ " _Sugee!_ Wow!" Mizuki declared reaching her hand out towards the screen, "How do the images get 3D like that...? Is it magic?"

The hosts all sweat-dropped at how Mizuki was so easily impressed.

Piper decided to take it upon himself to try and explain how a 3DTV works to Mizuki. He cleared his throat. "It's not magic but science. All 3D technologies use the principle of stereoscopic vision, where each eye sees a slightly different image, which will be interpreted by the brain as the perception of depth. The main technology used in 3DTV currently is lenticular viewing, which was patented by Philips. These televisions use a lens that can send a different image to each eye, thereby aiding stereoscopic vision."

Mizuki quirked her head at Piper and mouthed the complex words that she didn't understand. "Stereoscopic...lenticular...?" Mizuki's head was beginning to hurt. She pouted. "So it's not magic."

Piper gave her a stern look. "No."

Mizuki looked a bit put out. But then she gave Piper an appraising look. "You're really smart Piper for being just a kid! I wish I was as smart as you."

"Piper is definitely the typical 'Glasses Type'. Though he's missing the glasses." Ranka was saying to Mizuki. "Every _anime_ -style story has to have at least one 'Glasses' character, which is usually the voice of reason in the story or the smart one." She nodded to herself knowingly.

"That fits Piper perfectly!" Mizuki gave Piper a warm smile, which unfathomably caused Piper to blush. _What the hell is wrong with me? Why am I blushing...!_ Piper wondered to himself, a bit panicky.

Ranka flipped through the TV channels while explaining to Mizuki what the different anime programs and j-dramas were about. And then she began to explain what _anime_ was and how it was Japanese animation. Mizuki became instantly enthralled by this new world. And then Ranka landed on one of her favorite _anime_ shows: _Gothic Sunshine_ , a _shojo_ _anime_. Ranka immediately began to explain the plot of the _anime_ series to Mizuki, who suddenly remembered having heard of the manga when she had somehow ended up at that anime convention where she had met Piper. "It's about a girl with a sunny disposition who decides to take it upon herself to help a rock band lose their gloomy image in order to gain them more fans. The girl happens to be a very good singer and the band's gloomy guitarist ends up falling in love with the girl because of her singing talent. The girl becomes their Gothic Sunshine _princess_. She sings dark, gothic, rock songs while dressed in beautiful, feminine, ball gowns.

Ranka had finished drinking a soda and carelessly tossed the can over her shoulder.

Yin gawked at her in disbelief. Apparently, despite her new cute appearance Ranka was still a disgusting slob! Yin stalked over and picked up the soda can and crunched it in his one hand before he threw it in a nearby trashcan.

Mizuki found that she could relate to the plot since it was all about a misunderstood group of young men in a rock band, and how one girl would save them. Oddly enough it reminded her of the host club and how she wanted to help them. She had become a host to help the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ to improve their own scary image so that they would gain more clients. She also liked that the story had romance – the heroine was going to help the hero to find love again. It was just like a fairytale.

But when Mizuki pictured herself falling for the dark, brooding guitarist she couldn't help but giggle. _The closest character to the main hero in Gothic Sunshine would be Genkaku but...me fall in love with Genkaku-sensei? Hahahaha! That would be impossible! I could never fall for such a scary guy...I'd have nightmares! But as for helping him...I'll do my best!_

Ranka was completely obsessed with the _shojo_ _manga_ and _anime_ series _Gothic Sunshine_. She informed Mizuki happily that the production company intended to make a _Gothic Sunshine_ live-action movie, there was an odd note of pride in her voice.

Ranka flipped through several channels before she landed on a preview for the up and coming _Gothic Sunshine_ movie.

" _Ooo~_ here it is. The preview for the live-action movie of _Gothic Sunshine_! I can't wait until this comes out! We _so_ have to go and see this together, Mizuki- _kun_ , _neh?_ "

Mizuki's eyes were riveted to the screen and to the preview. The preview showed snippets of the vivacious girl singer...how she had been singing on the streets with no money when the dark, brooding guitarist had stumbled across her path and become enamored with her angelic voice...it was almost a Cinderella story...

The preview showed snippets of how the goth guitarist had decided to take the girl in. Another scene showed the band singing on stage during a live performance. The crowd appeared to become afraid of the band due to their scary appearances and had begun to flee the performance house. But that's when the sunny girl had gotten up on stage with the rest of the band members and had started singing. Her mesmerizing singing had lured the members of the audience, who had tried to leave, back again. Like sailors being drawn to the rocks and their deaths by a siren's song. The rest of the crowd remained and seemed captivated by the band's and the girl's performance.

The mere presence of the girl had somehow managed to make the gloomy band appear less scary. The sunny girl and the gloomy guitarist looked at each other, their eyes locking, and shared 'a romantic moment' in the preview.

That's when Mizuki noticed that one of the band members looked oddly familiar...

He was the band's bass guitarist.

Mizuki recognized that face...that easy, broad smile...that open expression...and refreshing personality and her eyes widened. This was the guy that Genkaku had portrayed during his Scenario Request for the Lady Eliana!

That blonde, shaggy hair, those honey-brown eyes were unmistakable. "It's him...I know him...he's real! Ranka who is that man?" Mizuki questioned while pointing to the refreshing-looking bass guitarist.

"Oh him? You don't know? He's like a totally famous idol. _Ah~_ but I guess you wouldn't know about that since you haven't watched much Japanese television. That's Kurogane Kazehaya." Ranka beamed with some pride. "In fact, I know him quite well since he's my cousin."

"Your cousin." Mizuki's eyes became starry. "Wow. Are you a famous actress or idol too, Ranka- _chan_?"

"Who me?" Ranka snorted loudly, "I wish. I have absolutely no acting ability whatsoever. My cousin though...he's a genius."

Mizuki looked back at Kazehaya thoughtfully. _So...he's a real person. The persona that Genkaku created for the Lady Eliana. Does that mean that the Lady Eliana is in love with Kazehaya? If that's the case then her love is real. A real, true love is much better than some illusory love any day! I must support Lady Eliana's love! But first I need to find out if the Lady Eliana is truly in love with Kazehaya and if that's the case then I must find a way to help them get together. This calls for...Mizuki Cupid Mode! Yosha! Operation get the Lady Eliana and Kazehaya together STARTO!_

Genkaku watched the girls playing with the TV from a safe distance—across the room. _Heh, well at least_ _someone_ _likes the TV. That kid really is the complete opposite of me...he'll be the death of me for sure if I have to put up with anymore shit like this. I hate my life..._

***

The next day...

Genkaku was in an especially good mood (which bode ill for the rest of the world). He woke up in his pitch-black room. " _Fufufufuf~"_ And cackled evilly. He looked over to the calendar that he had posted on his wall. His death-themed calendar showed the Grim Reaper offing his victims in various creative ways each month. A few examples were: the Grim Reaper pushing someone down a well, the Grim Reaper hanging someone from a cherry blossom tree, the Grim Reaper stabbing someone in the back with his giant silver scythe in a dark alleyway, the Grim Reaper tying his victim to some train tracks, and the Grim Reaper putting a banana peel before someone who was just about to cross a busy intersection.

October's illustration was of the Grim Reaper pushing someone down a well.

Genkaku smiled to himself. _Falling down a well...not a bad idea. I'll have to keep it under consideration._ The calendar was great for giving Genkaku ideas on how he could off himself when he was feeling particularly depressed and suicidal if he had begun to think about _HER_.

But Genkaku actually wanted to live today since – he looked over at the calendar to see that a certain day had been circled in red. Yes, today was Halloween. Genkaku grinned to himself. Halloween was his most favorite day of the year! He could act scary, mean, gloomy, creepy and no one could accuse him of being weird since the female clients assumed he was roleplaying for Halloween, and trying to be extra scary and act different from his usual charming gentleman self. Little did the girls know that he was just being himself.

_Ah~ the only day in the entire year where I can let loose and just be myself while actually getting praised for my wonderful acting! Ha!_ A creepy smile formed on Genkaku's face.

Genkaku quickly dressed in his usual tuxedo, the staple uniform for the host club, and made his way down the stone staircase, which led into the main club room, expecting to see his fellow hosts hard at work with the preparations for tonight's Halloween Party.

Instead, he found a bunch of moping guys seated at one of the round tables. Yin, Yang, Hirgon, Piper, and Fiore all wore depressed looks on their faces and they all let out a heavy, dejected sigh simultaneously. " _Haaa~_ "

Genkaku raised an eyebrow at them in response. "Good morning gentleman. Would you mind telling me why you haven't begun the preparations for tonight's grand party and why you are instead sitting around idly doing absolutely nothing when you should be hard at work?" He drawled while inspecting his long, black-painted fingernails in a careless gesture.

"Ah! Genkaku- _sama_!" Yang burst out, suddenly looking nervous.

Yin just let out another heavy sigh in response to seeing his Master.

While Piper was looking apologetic. "Genkaku- _sama_ , I'm afraid I have some bad news. I know how much you were looking forward to tonight's Halloween Party but...I'm afraid we will have to cancel it this year."

Cancel...cancel...cancel...

Genkaku's world was crashing down around him. "Cancel... _why?_ " He managed to croak out in a raspy voice.

"Because of the incident with the _yokai_ moths in the costume storage room – we don't have any Halloween costumes. And recently we've been scaring away all our clients due to our unruly behavior before they have the chance to pay us for our time. We're now officially in the red. And we still owe money for those costumes I rented for our cosplay day, not the mention the rent we have to pay to have the host club in this castle. There's just no way we can afford to go out and buy ourselves new costumes for tonight." Piper explained to Genkaku while flipping through his account book.

" _Nooo~_ " Genkaku moaned and sunk to his knees, hanging his head in despair, a dark cloud forming above him. He was sinking deeper and deeper into the depths of despair by the second. "No way...it can't be..." _Maybe I should try and find a nice well to jump in..._

At that exact moment Mizuki hurried down the stairs and into the main clubroom since she had totally slept in. "Sorry! I slept in guys, what'd I miss? My stupid alarm didn't go off!"

Mizuki then spotted the totally dejected and depressed looking Genkaku who appeared to be on the verge of tears and her eyes widened. "What happened to him?"

"He's just depressed that we'll have to cancel tonight's Halloween Party." Piper informed her helpfully.

"Halloween...Party?" Mizuki blinked and quirked her head. And then her eyes widened and she blanched noticeably. _Halloween?_ "Today is...H-halloween?!" _Epp?!_ "Eeeyyyahhhh!"

Note: Halloween is our heroine Mizuki's least favorite day of the year.

Every Halloween Akito would have fun torturing and teasing Mizuki since she was so easy to scare. He treated her like a toy for his own amusement and would think up various ways to scare the living daylights out of her. Each year he would chose a scary costume to dress up in, hide somewhere, and then pop out to scare Mizuki unexpectedly. Mizuki would usually scream and then faint in response. Some of the creatures he had dressed up as over the years were: werewolf, vampire, swamp-thing, and mud-monster. Akito also had fun putting strange things in Mizuki's bed year after year on Halloween...including snakes and spiders. Mizuki would nearly die of fright when she woke up in her bed to find that she wasn't alone while Akito was always thoroughly amused by Mizuki's reactions to his Halloween pranks or 'tricks' as he liked to think of them. He would usually end up on the floor laughing and unable to stop. He would usually finish the day by forcing Marie to watch a scary horror film about zombies with him just before midnight. Marie would usually be trembling and in tears by the end of the movie. Marie _hated_ zombies.

"Er, yea." Yang informed her worriedly, noticing how pale Mizuki looked.

Mizuki began to shake. "I...I have to go and finish this dream I was having. It was just getting to the good part. C-ya!" Mizuki dashed off back up the stairs at top speed, a cloud of dust rising behind her.

The hosts all watched Mizuki run off confusedly as sweat-drops formed on the sides of their heads.

"I guess we really have no other alternative but to cancel tonight's party." Piper declared sadly. "Yang, why don't you make a notice informing our clients of the party's cancellation and go hang it up outside."

"But Genkaku- _sama_ loves Halloween." Yin started. "It's the only time when he acts like his true self."

"There must be something we can do." Yang chewed on his lower lip fretfully.

"Zzz." Hirgon remained silent since he was sleeping at the table.

"Well, I'm sure you all will think of something. We can't let Genkaku down after all. Not since we all owe him so much! I'm going to go and put the finishing touches on all the food I've prepared for tonight's party. As well as finish decorating all the cupcakes, cakes and cookies with sprinkles and icing. Yes, my sweets will all be cute and _sparkly~_." Fiore's eyes began to sparkle. "The girls will just love them. Anyways, Piper I'm sure you can think of something. After all you _are_ a genius. I'll leave it to you!" Fiore declared as he headed back to the kitchen.

Piper frowned after him. "Yea, no pressure or anything..."

Meanwhile, back in Mizuki's room...

Mizuki quickly hid under the covers of her bed and put a pillow over her head for good measure, intent on blocking out the world. She didn't plan to wake up until the next day. But as she tried to fall asleep...the image of a completely depressed and dejected looking Genkaku filled her mind. She also began to remember what Genkaku looked like while he was using his charming, gentleman persona. He always looked so handsome and his smile was so blinding. _Does Genkaku realize that even his smiles can be bright? But then there's his other side that Genkaku tries to hide from everyone else except his fellow hosts: his gloomy side. He gets depressed and demotivated really easily. He even becomes suicidal if someone calls him 'creepy' or 'gloomy'. And when he's like this he's really scary but...he's also really sad._ Mizuki frowned. When was Genkaku ever really truly happy? That gentleman smile she saw before - was that even his true smile? _What does Genkaku's true smile look like?_ Mizuki wondered. _I want to know..._

Mizuki took the pillow off of her head and stared up at the ceiling pensively. _Genkaku was so depressed over the cancellation of the host club's scheduled Halloween Party, which can only mean that he had been looking forward to it. That it was something that would have made him_ _happy_ _. A happy Genkaku – what kind of expression would he make? What would his smile look like?_

Mizuki sighed and threw the pillow off her bed out of frustration. She just had to find out. Her curiosity was killing her so that she could no longer fall asleep. Even after having counted five hundred sheep! She was totally afraid of Halloween and scary things but...the only way to get over one's fears was to face them head on! _Yosha! I'll face my fears and try my best! And hopefully I'll get to see Genkaku's real smile._

Mizuki leapt out of bed, flinging the covers off, and headed back downstairs.

"But without costumes there's just no way we can have the party." Piper was arguing.

"What?" Mizuki questioned loudly approaching the hosts with swift, purposeful steps.

"Ah, Mizuki, finish your dream already?" Piper raised an eyebrow at her.

"Ahahaha!" Mizuki laughed nervously with a hand behind her head. "You could say that. So what's this about not having any Halloween costumes?"

"The Halloween costumes were all destroyed because of the _yokai_ moths." Piper informed her. "And without the costumes there's simply no way we can have the scheduled Halloween Costume Party for tonight."

"Costumes? Is that all?" A twinkle formed in Mizuki's eye.

The hosts turned to look at Mizuki curiously while Yang was looking a bit nervous.

"If that's the only problem you guys have then just leave it to me! Yang, come with me would ya? I need your help with something." Mizuki declared before she turned on her heel to walk off.

"Err, uh, yea, sure." Yang agreed following after Mizuki obediantly.

"But what is it that you intend to do?" Piper called after her.

"Now that..." Mizuki began turning around to wag her finger at Piper. "Is a secret." She winked and then laughed before turning back around with Yang following close behind. "But what I can tell you is this - I promise you that by tonight there will be suitable costumes for the host club to wear for the Halloween Costume Party so just...count on me and work on decorating this place! Come along Yang!" Mizuki grabbed Yang's hand and dragged him off towards the costume storage room.

"Wait Mizuki!" Piper watched Mizuki and Yang rush off, a glint formed in his eye. He suddenly remembered how Mizuki had shown up with that incredible Archangel costume for her Scenario Request with Ranka. "I wonder...is he...?" A sly smile came to Piper's lips. "This could be interesting. Yin, Hirgon – let's get started on decorating this place."

"What?" Yin snarled. "You can't be serious – that will be a total waste of time! We have no costumes! Or are you guys brain dead?"

"Trust me on this one, Yin. I have a hunch..." Piper said mysteriously.

Hirgon was already obediently following Piper's orders and began to carve large pumpkins to set on each of the tables that were covered with their usual black tablecloths. After Hirgon was finished with his carving he placed a candle inside of the jack-o-lantern before starting on the next one. Hirgon was good with knives apparently.

Yin ruffled his black spiked-up hair with both his hands in exasperation. "Argh! Alright fine, I'll help too but this is a serious waste of time. I don't know what you expect from that airhead Mizuki anyways..." _Grrr...how dare that damned brat drag Yang off like that! The only one that can boss around my brother like that is me dammit!_ Yin angrily thought to himself as he helped Hirgon by cleaning up the pieces of pumpkin and pumpkin goo that was all over the table Hirgon was working on. It's not like Yin could just leave a disgusting mess on the table like that anyways. So he was really doing this for _him_.

"A miracle, maybe." Piper murmured under his breath.

***

Meanwhile, Genkaku had gone back up to his room to mope alone. He went to his bed and wrapped his black bed sheets over himself before he let himself sink into the depths of despair. _Life is so cruel...God must hate me...I need to find a well to jump down...a well...a well..._

***

Mizuki dragged Yang to the costume storage room. Thankfully, the hosts had exterminated the _yokai_ moths and so they were nothing but piles of dust now. Mizuki opened the door and hurried inside followed by a wary Yang.

"The costume room...why are we in here?" Yang questioned nervously, looking around as if he expected a _yokai_ moth to leap out at him at any time.

Mizuki had already begun to sift through the shredded costumes, fabric, feathers, beads and jewelry that the moths had left behind. She ran here and there like a busy bumblebee and began to fill a trash bag that she had with her with various pieces of material, beads and feathers. Once she had filled one bag she handed it to Yang to hold onto before she began filling another.

"Err, Mizuki- _kun_ , what are you doing?" Yang prodded.

"Gathering materials of course." Mizuki replied, matter-of-factly.

"For what exactly?"

"Why for making the host club their new Halloween costumes of course!" Mizuki gave Yang an expectant look.

Yang's eyes widened. "You intend to make them yourself?"

"I'm feeling inspired!" Mizuki declared throwing her arms wide. "Right now I'm in Designer Mizuki Mode!" She took out a pair of glasses and set them on her nose. "And right now...I'm getting a vision here! Yea!" Mizuki put a finger to her forehead as she imagined what the host club would all look like in Vampire-style costumes, but they wouldn't be just any 'ol vampire costumes, oh no, they would have Victorian and Steam Punk elements, maybe even Goth elements as well. _Top hats...canes...striped stockings...cravats...hmmz._ Mizuki tapped her chin as she imagined possible outfits. Images and several ideas for outfits were filling her mind at a rapid pace. "I've got it! Vampire boyfriends are _sooo_ 'IN' right now anyways – this will be absolutely perfect! I learned that from TV!"

Note: There had probably been a good reason why Akito only let Marie watch her Disney movies on the TV and forbade her from watching normal TV...impressionable mind much?

Yang looked at Mizuki worriedly. "Er Mizuki- _kun_...?"

"Come on!" Mizuki dragged Yang out of the storage room suddenly, through the main host club room, and then out the door before the other hosts took notice of them. Mizuki then proceeded to drag Yang in the direction of the side alley where she planned to set up her temporary sewing studio once more.

_Now where is that brat taking my brother?!_ Yin was the only host who had seemed to notice Mizuki and Yang passing through the host club.

"Uh, Mizuki, where are you taking me?" Yang asked worriedly.

Mizuki smirked and led Yang into the alleyway where she began to take out her suitcase, bolts of cloth, and her deluxe sewing kit, which contained her needle, several colors of thread and a pair of scissors. She then began to overturn the cardboard boxes to use for tables and in seconds a sewing studio had been formed out of the alleyway.

Mizuki nodded to herself. _Yosh_. _Done._ She wiped her hands together. "Yang, just put all that stuff over there for now. I need to work on drawing up the patterns for the costumes before I can begin cutting and sewing the costumes together."

Yang stood there in awe as he watched Mizuki single-handedly transform a dark, dank alleyway into a temporary sewing studio. _Just who is this strange girl really? She's...amazing._ Yang blushed at the thought. In a daze he set the bags of material, feathers and jewelry down on top of one of the cardboard boxes. "Mizuki...why are you doing this here in secret like this? Why don't we just go back to the club and use the old storage room as your sewing studio?"

" _Dame_ , no way." Mizuki shook her head as she concentrated on drawing up the costume patterns on a large piece of blank paper that was laid out before her. "I can't let the others find out about this totally _girlie_ hobby of mine. If Genkaku- _sensei_ were to find out about this he would definitely discover the fact that I'm a girl! And then...he'll _hate_ me for sure and then I'll be kicked out of the host club!" _Before I have the chance to prove to Akito that I can be a better host than him too...!_

Yang nodded understandably. " _Ah~_ so that's why you're keeping it a secret. But Mizuki I don't think that sewing is such a girlie hobby..." Yang was trying to say but he noted that Mizuki was completely ignoring him while concentrating hard on her task. He sighed and decided it would probably be best if he didn't distract her and so remained silent.

Mizuki was already fully immersed in Designer Mizuki Mode. She drew up impressive patterns and costume designs, and then prepared to start to cut the material to her specifications. Mizuki held out her hand to her side. "Scissors."

"Woof!" Pochi brought the scissors to Mizuki and put them in her hand.

"Thanks." Mizuki said offhandedly.

Yang eyed the dog that had popped up out of nowhere curiously. _I wonder who's dog that is? Hey, he's kinda cute..._ Yang reached out his hand to pet Pochi but when Pochi caught the movement out of the corner of his eye he thought that Yang was reaching towards Mizuki and so swiftly chomped down upon Yang's hand unexpectedly.

" _Itteee!_ Ow!" Yang cried as he began to try and shake Pochi off. But the dog only sunk his teeth deeper into Yang's hand and refused to let go. Mizuki, who was concentrating hard on the costumes, failed to notice all the commotion that had started in the alleyway.

"Mizuki!" Yang cried but failed to get her attention. Yang began to run back and forth in the alleyway as he continued to try to get the dog to let go of his hand. "Mizuki help! MIZUKI!"

"Yes Yang?" Mizuki began to turn towards him.

But when Yang had finally managed to get her attention Pochi instantly let go of his hand and sat down looking incredibly innocent and harmless.

Yang's jaw dropped at the dog's act. "Er...nevermind." _That little dog...is like a dog from hell...it's a devil dog!_ Yang's hand was bleeding onto the alleyway ground.

Mizuki quickened her work pace since she didn't have that much time. All the costumes needed to be completed by nightfall.

Yang continued to watch Mizuki hard at work but decided when she had reached the sewing stage that she may need his help. "Is there anything I can help you with, Mizuki- _kun_? I'm not good with things like design but...I should be able to do something like sew on buttons. And if you're really determined to pull off this crazy stunt then you need all the help you can get if you're going to be done with these costumes by nightfall."

Mizuki looked up and smiled brightly at Yang. "Sure! Help me to sew buttons onto all the jackets. And when you're done with that you can help to add these rhinestones to the places I've already marked with chalk."

"I-I can do that! _Yosha!_ " Yang agreed hesitantly as he set to work under Mizuki's instruction.

Yang and Mizuki worked as hard and as fast as they could on all the vampire costumes until the sun began to set. The party itself was scheduled to start at 8:00 pm so they were cutting it pretty close.

Mizuki wiped the sweat from her brow at 7:45 pm. " _Whew~_ done! We did it Yang! I couldn't have done it without you!" Mizuki exclaimed as she threw her arms around Yang and gave him a fierce hug.

Yang blushed and smiled shyly back at Mizuki as he remained stiff in her embrace. "It was nothing, Mizuki- _kun_..." Yang was saying when he noticed the state of Mizuki's hands. She had pricked her fingers several times with her needle due to her clumsiness and they were in sad condition. "Mizuki...your hands...they're bleeding."

"Huh?" Mizuki looked down at her hands and her eyes widened. "Oh dear...I didn't even feel it..." Mizuki took out a box of Band-Aids and began to cover her hands in them. She frowned thoughtfully. She would just have to cover her hands with a pair of white gloves, Mizuki decided. She was sure no one would think that anything was amiss. She couldn't let Genkaku tell her that she shouldn't work due to the small injury after all. Mizuki didn't want to be any trouble...she just wanted to be useful.

Yang frowned as he watched her. "Are you going to be alright? Does it hurt?"

Mizuki smiled brightly back at Yang. "This is nothing! I'm okay! I prick my fingers like this all the time." She tried to reassure him.

Yang smiled back but had an ominous feeling just the same.

Costumes in hand, Mizuki and Yang hurriedly made their way back inside of the host club, which had been completely transformed for the Halloween Costume Party. Mizuki's heart beat a little faster at the sight of all the Halloween decorations since she was _NOT_ good with scary things...

Gulp. Mizuki took a deep breath. _Stay calm Mizuki...stay calm. I can do this. I can survive Halloween. Besides, Akito isn't anywhere near here so he can't scare me this year._

Yang noticed that Mizuki seemed about ready to hyperventilate and put a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, you okay?"

This seemed to snap Mizuki out of it. "Er, yea, I am now. Thank you, Yang." Mizuki had been forgetting something very important. She wasn't alone. She had friends now. Maybe Halloween wouldn't be so scary this year after all.

The club had its usual dark décor of black tablecloths, black cushions on the chairs and was lit as usual per candlelight. But as an added addition glowing jack-o-lanterns had been set on each of the tables throughout the club room. Hirgon had skillfully carved some very scary expressions onto the faces of the pumpkins and Mizuki shivered as she saw their eerie leering faces. They seemed to be laughing at her...

Cobwebs had been hung in all the corners of the room and as Mizuki squinted her eyes at them she saw that the hosts had even placed fake spiders on the webbing to make the spider's webs look even more real. But after a few seconds of watching Mizuki noticed the spiders moving and realized that they had to be real...Mizuki was beginning to turn green at this point as she remembered how Akito had once put an entire jar of spider's in her bed.

A skeleton was hanging in one dark corner and Mizuki could have sworn that she saw it move. Fake bats, Mizuki sure hoped that they were fake, were suspended from the ceiling by invisible threads. Spooky, haunting music was playing. Black curtains with the pattern of white skulls on them had been put up to cover the long, stained glass windows. And when Mizuki looked up at the ceiling of the host club she gasped. The entire ceiling had been charmed to resemble the night sky with a full moon shinning overhead. _The ceiling looks like a piece of black velvet with silver rhinestones sewn into it._ Mizuki thought to herself. It wasn't the real night sky but it was still breathtaking.

A long buffet table had been set out and was piled high with all of Fiore's culinary creations. There was a gigantic roast turkey, a honey-glazed ham, a roasted pig with an apple in its mouth, sweet potatoes with melted marshmallows on top, mixed vegetables, pasta, a cake (which had been iced with chocolate icing and the words _Happy Halloween_ had been drawn on it with orange icing), and cupcakes that were decorated with orange icing and small candied black bats and candy corn had also been sprinkled on top of them. A few fake skulls had been set here and there on the buffet table along with some beautiful red roses – though as Mizuki looked at their stems she saw that they were full of deadly looking thorns.

Mizuki gulped and spotted the other host clubs members and concentrated on them, bags in hand. "Hey guys, we got the costumes!"

Piper raised an eyebrow at Mizuki. "And how exactly did you manage that?"

Mizuki's expression turned worried but before she could open her mouth to speak Yang stepped forward. "A friend of his helped us out. Now come and take a look at all these great costumes that Mizuki got for us! They're fantastic!" Yang turned and winked at Mizuki, who placed a hand to her chest and let out a breath of relief.

Piper's eyes narrowed at Yang. He had just lied. _Hmm._ _Interesting._ Piper scribbled something down into his notebook.

Yang and Mizuki handed everyone a bag that contained their individual costumes and the hosts went their separate ways to change in their rooms. Mizuki looked around for any sign of Genkaku but couldn't spot him anywhere. _Hmmz._ _I wonder where Genkaku-sensei is? Maybe he went back to his dark sanctuary, I mean room..._

Mizuki gulped and steeled herself to go to Genkaku's scary room and give him his newly made costume. She knew that he would be happy...well, as happy as a guy like Genkaku could get anyway. Mizuki made her way towards his room with heavy steps. She reached his dark-blue painted door and knocked lightly. _Heh, no response,_ _I should just go!_ Mizuki turned around, prepared to leave.

" _Whooo is it...?_ " Came a scary moaning voice.

"Epp!" Mizuki jumped before she recomposed herself. _Come on Mizuki you can do this! It's just Genkaku!_ "It's me...Mizuki. I have something for you."

"Mizuki?" Genkaku's voice sounded surprised and somewhat confused. Then he remembered how scared Mizuki was of his room. _That's strange,_ _I wonder what the kid's doing here?_ "One moment..." Genkaku took a deep breath before opening the door.

Mizuki looked up to see that Genkaku was dressed in nothing but a black, hooded cloak that was slightly open in the front. He was also barefoot. _Ah~ so this is the kind of thing Genkaku wears when he isn't wearing his usual tuxedo for host club activities._ Mizuki tried hard not to blush at his bare chest as she handed Genkaku the bag that contained his costume. Mizuki had spent a little extra time working on Genkaku's costume and considered it her masterpiece. After all, Genkaku was the club's number one host, and their _Tenchou_ , Boss, so it was only fitting that his costume be a little bit more extravagant than the others.

Mizuki looked up and met Genkaku's eyes. She noticed that there were dark shadows under his eyes and his eyes also appeared to be red-rimmed. _Has he been crying?_

Genkaku took the bag curiously. "What's this?"

"Why it's your Halloween costume for tonight of course!" Mizuki explained brightly.

Genkaku's eyes widened as he looked into the bag – it was true! "A costume...but how? Are we really going to be able to celebrate Halloween tonight?"

"Now that's..." Mizuki just wagged her finger at him. "A secret. And yes, the party is definitely on for tonight!"

"I see." Genkaku murmured. _A Halloween Party._ A feeling of happiness filled Genkaku at thought of the party...the creepy decorations the club would be decorated with, getting to scare the female clients and it being 100% justifiable, and getting to tell scary ghost stories that made the girls scream. It was going to be great! Genkaku had the feeling that he had better thank Mizuki since he probably had something to do with them being able to get costumes for that night. He looked up then and smiled a real, true smile – one from the bottom of his black heart. " _Thankk youuuu~_ "

Mizuki blinked – that smile had to be the most creepy smile she had _EVER_ seen!

Mizuki promptly passed out.

Genkaku looked down at the passed out Mizuki and shrugged before going back inside of his room to change, closing the door behind him. Genkaku couldn't wipe the creepy smile off this face. He was just so happy. And this costume would be absolutely perfect. It was almost as if it had been specially made just for him. _Naw..._

Mizuki's eyes were swirly as she lay passed out on the floor. _Was that his real smile...uso...no way..._ Mizuki internally moaned. _Have I unleashed a devil?_

***

All of the hosts were changed into their respective vampire costumes that Mizuki had made for them by the time it was 8:00 and the female clients had begun to arrive. Mizuki was positioned outside the club at the front door in order to greet their guests.

Ranka, Eliana, Suzu, and Mei all arrived at the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ promptly at 8:00 pm and the very first thing they saw was the cute and harmless looking Mizuki standing in front of the entrance to the host club prepared to greet them. Mizuki was wearing an all-white, Victorian-style suit that had been paired off with a baby blue cravat, which was tied around her neck. The baby blue cravat brought out the baby blue color of Mizuki's eyes. Her hair had been left in its usual spiky, pixie style.

The girls all agreed that Mizuki was looking quite cute but the question still remained as to what Mizuki was supposed to be exactly since this _WAS_ a Halloween Costume Party after all.

"Welcome ladies, to the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ 's Halloween Costume Party, special event!" Mizuki motioned to the door and smiled at the girls revealing two small fangs poking out of her mouth.

Ranka, Eliana, Suzu, and Mei's eyes all turned into hearts and stars. " _Kyyaaaa!_ He's a vampire! So cute!" "So dashing!" "I always wanted a vampire boyfriend!" "Who doesn't?"

Mizuki merely smiled back at the girls warmly and took this opportunity to check out their costumes:

Ranka was dressed as Miku, the world's first virtual diva. She had on a blue-haired wig, which she had tied up into two long pigtails. She was wearing a sleeveless white shirt, along with a black tie, and had on a short, pleated black skirt. Black sleeves, which belled out just past her wrists had been attached at her elbows. She was wearing a pair of black, platform, knee-high boots and also had on a headset. For a prop Ranka had a microphone in her hand.

_Cute and sparkly~_ Mizuki nodded to herself. _She really looks great. She looks just like the vocaloid idol I saw on TV. I wish I could be in such a cute and girlie costume._ Sigh.

Mizuki turned to admire Eliana's costume next. Her hair had been left down and cascaded all the way down her back in silvery waves. She was wearing a Renaissance-style gown made out of a deep purple silk, which brought out Eliana's lavender colored eyes. The dress had a butterfly pattern on it that had been sewn into the material using a silver thread. The dress had a conservative neckline and also had long sleeves that belled out at the ends in a medieval fashion. She was wearing a pair of white pearl earrings and there was a matching pearl necklace around her neck.

_Oh my!_ Mizuki internally gushed. _She looks so beautiful! I'm sure that she will enamor even Genkaku with one glance. She must be Juliet. Juliet is the symbol for star-crossed lovers and this must represent her love for Kazehaya. Don't worry Eliana-chan I understand! I'll help you to meet Kazehaya! But the real question is why is their love forbidden? This sounds like a job for Detective Mizuki...!_

Next, Mizuki turned to checkout Suzu's costume. Suzu was dressed as a _geisha_ and so she was wearing a _kimono_ similar to one of the _kimono_ that Eliana was usually seen wearing when she came to the host club with one major difference – the _kimono_ that Suzu was wearing had much less fabric. The _kimono_ was pink, short, coming above the knee and sleeveless. On the _kimono_ was a red cherry blossom pattern. The _kimono_ seemed a bit too small for Suzu's curvy figure and revealed ample cleavage. There was a bright red _obi_ sash tied about Suzu's waist into a dramatic bow in the back and which cascaded down to the ground. Suzu was wearing a pair of _zori_ sandals, which were ridiculously tall – at least 5 inches high. Suzu's coppery hair had been styled into a topknot and several long golden chopsticks had been stuck into her do. She had painted her face white, lined her eyes and eyebrows in black and had painted her lips dramatically with bright red lipstick. She had painted a beauty mark close to her lips and she had also pinned a red camellia in her hair. For a prop Suzu had a red, lacquered, paper umbrella in her hand.

_Ooo~ I wonder if Yang will think that Suzu looks cute?_ Mizuki mused with a cat's paw smile on her face. _I think those two would make a cute couple._

Lastly, Mizuki looked over Mei's costume next. The quiet girl was wearing a black and white, Victorian, _Gothic Lolita_ -style dress. It had lots of lacy accents and greatly resembled a dress that would be found on one of those Victorian porcelain dolls. Mei had a lacy hat on her head and a pair of Mary Jane's on her feet. Mei would have been absolutely cute if not for-

The white cloth bandages that were wrapped around her arms and legs...not to mention the bandage that was wrapped around half of her head and which covered her left eye...!

"Er, w-what are you supposed to be, M-mei- _chan_?" Mizuki questioned in a tremulous voice. The girl just looked so... _scary!_

"A broken doll." Mei responded in a monotone voice before she walked past Mizuki and entered the club.

Suzu shivered. "That girl is just so cree-" Suzu was saying when Mizuki suddenly covered her mouth.

"Shh! That word is forbidden from being spoken in the host club 'kay?" Mizuki gave Suzu a serious look.

"Huh? _Nande?_ Why?" Suzu asked petulantly as she twirled a stray strand of her hair around one of her fingers.

"Just because!" Mizuki clenched her fists at her sides. "Anyways, why don't you go inside? Yang is waiting for you..."

"Eee! Yang Darling!" Suzu flitted inside followed closely behind by Eliana and Ranka.

"Aren't you coming inside, Mizuki- _kun_?" Ranka questioned, looking back at her.

Mizuki shook her head. "No, I have to stay here and greet our guests. The other hosts look really good but...they're still a bit scary all on their own. Piper said that by having me out here to lure in female clients that we'll have a full house for the party tonight since once they're inside the castle there is no escape. _Fufufufufu~_ " Mizuki tried to laugh evilly and began to cough. "Ugh!" _Smooth, Mizuki real smooth..._

Ranka giggled. "Haha, _you_ trying to be _scary_ is really funny, Mizuki- _kun_! Keep up the good work! I'll see you inside later then, _ja-ne!_ Cya!"

"Err, _ja-ne!_ " Mizuki called out after her. Mizuki sighed and then pouted. She really wanted to go in and join the party too. _Whaa~ what about all those cakes and cookies? I so like wanted to try them. This is so unfair that I have to be the cute lure to get the rich female clients to come to our club for our Halloween Party...oh well...what's my motto again? Never give up. I just have to do my best!_ "Hey ladies!" Mizuki spotted some girls and called out to them.

"Woof!" Pochi barked after them too.

***

Meanwhile, back inside of the host club...

Ranka entered and was greeted by the entire host club: "Welcome to our Halloween Party, Lady Ranka." They chimed.

Ranka looked over at the hosts' costumes and her eyes immediately became heart-shaped. " _Kyahhhh!_ Totally _MOE!_ Vampire hotties!"

Their costumes were incredible: dark, goth, scary and yet sexy. The host club members were indeed the best group of ideal vampire boyfriends that Ranka had ever seen. They definitely had the _otaku_ seal of approval.

Yang was wearing a white, button-down shirt along with a black waistcoat and a pair of silky black pants. He had on a black cravat and there was a black top hat on his head.

Yin was his brother's reverse mirror image. Yin was wearing a black, button-down shirt, a white waistcoat, matching cravat and a pair of white silk pants. He was also wearing a white top hat on his head. Both of the brothers were sporting canes as props that Mizuki had given them. Mizuki had also painted their faces white and put black lipstick on them. Because of this they were the perfect gothic gentlemen.

As the two twins bowed and greeted the female clients simultaneously it gave off an eerie effect when their fangs became visible in their grins. "Welcome ladies, we do hope you enjoy yourselves." They said at the same time.

As for Hirgon - he was the perfect image of a badass vampire. He had on his signature pair of oval-shaped, black sunglasses, a fitted, black turtleneck, a pair of black leather pants, and was wearing a long, black leather jacket, which had lots of straps and silver buckles. Mizuki had sewn silver, skull shaped buttons on the front of the jacket for dramatic effect. She had also matched his outfit with a pair of clunky, military boots. Mizuki had painted Hirgon's lips black and had also had fun painting his nails with black nail polish. Mizuki had also convinced Hirgon to let her pierce his ears and they now sported several small silver hoops.

Piper was dressed in a Victorian and _Steam Punk_ style costume. Mizuki had handcrafted a pair of orange-tinted goggles for Piper to wear that had ornamental bronze-colored cogs on the sides. The lenses were tinted so that the odd silver color of Piper's left eye was still concealed. Piper's costume, which Mizuki had designed, consisted of a white, button-down shirt, a dark blue vest, and a pair of dark blue pants that ended tightly at Piper's knees. Mizuki had matched this outfit with a pair of brown leather, aviator boots that laced all the way to his knees. Piper had rolled back his sleeves to look more boyish and he was wearing a red bandana tied around his neck. As a prop Mizuki had given Piper a bronze pocket watch and a miniature umbrella. There was also a mini top hat on the side of Piper's head. Mizuki had been inspired by Jiminy Cricket's outfit in the movie _Pinocchio,_ which Mizuki felt was fitting since Piper was Genkaku's conscience.

Fiore, who was going around serving drinks to the ladies, was dressed quite handsomely. He was wearing a long, white, Victorian-style jacket. Underneath the jacket Fiore had on a grass green, silk shirt that brought out his eyes. The shirt had a ruffled collar and ruffles that were visible at the ends of the sleeves. Fiore also had on a pair of pale green pants that ended tightly at his knees. There was a brilliant red rose stuck in Fiore's lapel. Mizuki had tied his pale blonde hair back with a green silk ribbon at the nape of his neck. Lastly, Fiore was wearing a pair of silk shoes that had bows on them. Fiore was the ideal _bishounen_ or pretty boy.

Suddenly the attention of all the female clients was drawn towards the sound of a haunting melody that began to play. The girls all turned in their seats in the direction that the music was coming from – at the back of the club room. There two large curtains were drawn back to reveal Genkaku seated in front of a massive pipe organ which consisted of at least 64 pipes. The girls' eyes widened since many of them didn't even know there had been a pipe organ in the club room.

Their breath caught in their throats and their gazes became riveted to Genkaku as his fingers moved over the keys creating his somber music (Bach, Toccata and Fuge in D Minor to be exact).

"Genkaku...wow..." Ranka breathed as she watched him play. It was such a sad melody that it nearly brought tears to her eyes....

The music that Genkaku played was truly from his broken heart.

Ranka noticed that Eliana, Suzu and Mei were also becoming a bit teary-eyed as they listened to Genkaku's playing. _They say music mirrors a person's heart._ _But then why is Genkaku's so sad_ , Ranka wondered thoughtfully.

Soon Genkaku had finished playing and stood up to go and greet his regular clients. He bowed to the girls. "I'm glad you ladies could make it to tonight's Halloween Party." Genkaku looked up and gave the girl's a devilish smile. "You all look simply _delicious_ by the way. _Fufufufu~_ " Genkaku chuckled darkly.

Now that Ranka wasn't distracted by Genkaku's playing she was finally able to concentrate on what Genkaku was wearing and was utterly blown away. A blush rose to Ranka's cheeks and all she could murmur was: "Wow."

Genkaku was wearing a long, dramatic, black, Victorian and _Steam Punk-_ style jacket, which had an ostentatious collar, lapel, and overly large cuffs. The jacket was embroidered with golden swirls that resembled gears/cogs from machinery. Genkaku was wearing a dark blue cravat, which brought out his sapphire-colored eyes so that they gleamed mischievously. A large gold watch hung from his jacket pocket by a thick golden chain. Genkaku was wearing a pair of black pants that ended at his knees and Mizuki had created a pair of black, knee-high, leather boots for him to wear that had several brass buckles on them. He was also wearing a black top hat that had a dark blue ribbon tied around the base of it. Several golden chains had also been wrapped around the base of the top hat, and a watch face had been added to the center of the ribbon for adornment. As a prop Mizuki had given Genkaku a cane, which had a bronze handle.

When Genkaku leered at his female clients this action revealed his pointed fangs. His lips had been painted black and his marvelous blue-black hair had been left loose – framing his face in sensual layers.

"Wow is right, you look awesome, Genkaku- _san_." Suzu put in with a flirtatious wink.

"Why thank you, you're much too kind." Genkaku nodded eerily. "And would you ladies mind telling me what you are supposed to be? I'm afraid I don't keep up much with the pop culture these days...?" Genkaku eyed Ranka's costume curiously.

"Oh, I'm Miku, you know, the world's first virtual diva." Ranka explained helpfully.

"Ah, of course." Genkaku nodded. _Who the hell is this Miku?_

Genkaku turned his gaze towards the other girls next. He decided that Eliana must be Juliet...Suzu was merely some slutty _geisha_ and Mei was obviously a broken doll. But he decided he would humor the girls who were his regular customers. _So bothersome._ Sigh. "And what might you ladies be?" Genkaku directed his gaze towards them next.

"I am Juliet, milord." Eliana gave Genkaku a little bow and a shy smile.

"Those clothes suit you, my lady." Genkaku was in such a good mood he decided to take Eliana's hand and kiss it. "You look simply ravishing."

Eliana sighed with delight and nearly passed out.

"I'm a broken doll." Came Mei's simple response.

"Indeed." Genkaku raised his eyebrow at the strange girl. _That girl doesn't bother me much since she's so quiet...it's a shame she's a masochist._ Genkaku shook his head at her. _The world is truly a messed up place._

Genkaku then turned to Suzu and gave her an expectant look.

"I'm a _geisha_. Don't I look just divine?!" Suzu spun around showing off her costume.

Eliana's eye twitched in annoyance.

"Ah, yes, you look quite...authentic, my dear." Genkaku struggled the find the right word to describe her. Words like: slutty, ho-ish, etc. had been on this tip of his tongue after all. Genkaku felt like patting himself on the back for managing to hold himself back on that one.

"Authentic?" Eliana sputtered. "In that slutty excuse for a _geisha_ _kimono_? You can't be serious, Genkaku- _sama_! A real _geisha_ would never be caught dead in something like that. A real _geisha_ would have too much pride as an entertainer to show that much skin! A real _geisha_ would also have her hair done up properly...not to mention her make-up is much too overdone. A proper _geisha_ must first apply a white base foundation to the face, then she must line her eyes and eyebrows in black, and lastly she would paint her lips fully in red. There is no need for things like beauty marks to be painted on the face!" Eliana was panting for breath at her sudden outburst.

Genkaku and the others were all looking at the usually demure, lady-like Eliana with surprised expressions on their faces.

Eliana gasped and placed a hand over her mouth as she realized what she had just done.

Suzu turned to her curiously. " _Huh?_ What's all this about a 'real _geisha_ ' this and a 'real _geisha_ ' that? Oh, wait, I forgot that you're a real _geisha_ aren't you? Or at least you claim to be one." Suzu's voice had a provoking, sarcastic edge to it and she put one hand on her hip, which she jut out to the side in a sassy pose.

Eliana immediately became defensive. "Uh, yes, that's right. I am a real _geisha_!"

"Oh ho? _Sokana?_ Is that so?" Suzu smirked, "Care to explain to me how a real _geisha_ is able to afford to come to this host club, pay its extravagant prices, and not to mention be able to schedule _Scenario Requests_ that can last for several hours? A _geisha's_ normal salary would never be enough for this." Suzu gave Eliana an expectant look and raised her eyebrow at her.

Eliana clenched her fists at her sides. "Just what are you trying to imply?"

Genkaku hid a smile behind his hand. This was getting good. _Maybe I should get some popcorn or something..._

"You always have this superior attitude when you come here. As if you were some kind of princess and that we're all your servants." Suzu glared at Eliana. "And more importantly you always look down on _me_ and act as if you're better than me because you know that I work in the AV industry but...I've suspected something for a while now. You're really no better than me are you? I bet you're really just an ordinary whore."

Eliana slapped Suzu hard across the face; everyone inside of the host club was shocked into silence.

Suzu looked taken aback before she smiled triumphantly, holding a hand up to her reddening cheek. "That proves it."

Eliana looked near tears.

Genkaku held his chin thoughtfully. "That's an interesting theory, Suzu- _chan_ but it's highly unlikely. I believe that Eliana is truly a _geisha_. You see, Eliana's poise, mannerisms, her way of speaking, the way she carries herself, the way she bows, and the way she moves...it's all that of a true _geisha_. If it _is_ just an act then it's a flawless one. Poise, voice intonation, movement - it takes years of training for a _geisha_ to master these sorts of things. Also most _geisha_ are skilled at things like the tea ceremony, flower arranging, and playing an instrument. Suzu...you're just dressed as a _geisha_. What could you possibly know of the art of being a _geisha_? You're not even a _real_ actress."

... _know of being a geisha...not even a real actress_...

Genkaku's harsh words were like barbs to Suzu's heart.

"Hmph! I am too a real actress!" Suzu shot back angrily, "I've even starred in a movie with Kazehaya himself once! If I were to act the part of a _geisha_ I would do it differently than Eliana. I would do it much better!"

Eliana gave Suzu a sharp look. "You really starred in a movie with Kazehaya- _kun_? What kind of movie...?" A shocked look was beginning to form on her face.

Suzu smirked back at her. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"Then it's settled." Genkaku clapped his hands together suddenly. "If you're so sure you can out perform Eliana, Suzu, then how about a friendly competition? Let's see which one of you can better portray a true _geisha_. You will both be tested in the art of the tea ceremony, flower arranging and of course playing an instrument. How about it? Do you accept my challenge ladies? _Fufufufufu~_ " Genkaku chuckled darkly, an evil grin spreading across his face. He was having WAY too much fun with this.

Suzu glared at Eliana. "You're on! I'll show all of you that Eliana is nothing but a fake _geisha_!"

"Let the challenge begin." Genkaku snapped his fingers. "Yin, Yang, prepare an area where the ladies can perform the tea ceremony immediately."

"Yes, Genkaku- _sama_!" Yin and Yang declared as they rushed off to make the necessary preparations.

While this was going on Fiore was waiting on all of the tables while making sure the female clients all had full champagne glasses. Piper was merely checking things off in his notebook as he watched Genkaku's antics and continued to keep a close eye on him. Piper had to make sure that the female clients remained happy and were not displeased or scared. Piper smirked; Mizuki was truly doing an excellent job in attracting 'normal' clients for their party that night. He would have to give Mizuki a raise...

Meanwhile, outside the Sir Genkaku Host Club...

"Achoo!" Mizuki rubbed at the underside of her nose with her index finger, "I wonder if I'm catching a cold?" Mizuki sighed heavily and wondered when Piper would remember to come and get her so that she too could join the Halloween Party. It was freezing outside and she really wanted to try Fiore's chocolate cupcakes. "Whaaaa~ _"_ Mizuki cried. "No one loves me! Pochi! You're the only one who loves me!" Mizuki picked Pochi up and began to squeeze the little dog tightly.

"..." Pochi struggled in Mizuki's iron grip as the dog struggled to breath.

Back inside the host club...

The _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ Halloween Party was certainly a beautiful sight to behold that night since the female clients were all dressed in extravagant and expensive Halloween costumes. The number of clients had grown quickly that night due to the 'Rich Girl Network'. Which had all started when Mizuki had spoken to one _oujo-sama_ and convinced her to come to their Halloween party. This girl then texted her friend on her expensive Iphone, who then texted her friend and so on until all the rich _oujo-chans_ with nothing to do on this glorious Halloween night (and with money to burn) had all decided to go to the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ for the Halloween Costume Party event.

Meanwhile at the Precious Gem Host Club...

"Why isn't anyone coming to our Halloween Party?" Akito groused as he sat at one of the tables with his shoes propped up onto the golden tablecloth.

Ryoko bit her thumbnail thoughtfully. "I really have no idea...they should all be here. Something must have happened. Let me see..." Ryoko took out a crystal ball and set it down on the table before her. She then waved her hand over it and began to chant. "Oh magickal crystal ball...show me the answer! Where have all our female clients gone this Halloween night? _Elea I'dolen!_ "

Ryoko's crystal ball began to glow until an image was revealed within. Akito and Ryoko leaned forward towards the ball to take a closer look – their noses were almost pushed up against the glass.

The crystal ball showed the inside of the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ and zoomed in on Genkaku, who was playing the pipe organ, and who had all the girls completely enraptured by him.

"My, who's that...?" Ryoko's eyes brightened at the sight of the handsome and mysterious man playing the pipe organ. He was incredibly handsome and in that outfit he seemed to be shinning...

"Wait, I know that jerk! That's Genkaku the world famous model...well, after me of course." Akito declared. "What's he doing being a host?" _Ugh, I really hate that guy! First he ruins my career as a male model...and now it looks like he wants to ruin my career as a host too! Grrr...I'm so going to get that guy!_

"Hmmz...let me see if I can take a closer look." Ryoko waved her hand over the crystal ball and tried to zoom in on Genkaku and the club however...the crystal ball suddenly showed the image of a blue-eyed boy in a white, Victorian suit staring up into the sky curiously...and then-

Ryoko's crystal ball suddenly exploded. "AH!" Ryoko raised her arms to shield her face from the shards of broken crystal that went whizzing through the air.

"Ryoko- _sama_!" Akito lunged and wrapped his arms around Ryoko protectively. "Just what was that?"

"Magick." Ryoko said. "Someone must have noticed we were spying on the club and fought back. Hmmz. They must have very powerful magic indeed in order to be able to break one of my spells. How very interesting. That man Genkaku intrigues me..."

"That jerk? You can't be serious, Ryoko- _sama_! What do you need him for when you have me?!" Akito exclaimed, looking hurt. "You don't intend to collect him do you?" Akito's voice was taking on a whiny, petulant tone.

Ryoko stroked Akito's cheek fondly. "It doesn't mean I love you any less, Akito- _kun_. I'm purely interested in Genkaku because of his magick. He could make a powerful ally...in the coming war against the Elves."

Akito was appeased by Ryoko's words but still pouted childishly. "If you say so."

_Genkaku...he looked awfully familiar somehow. But I would remember such a handsome man._ Ryoko thought to herself. _I must find out more about him...and then perhaps I can collect him. Ohhohohohoho~_ She mentally cackled.

***

Up to that point the Halloween Party had been a complete success. Rich, ostentatiously costumed ladies were being served and pampered by the handsome members of the host club while the ladies continued to order the most expensive drinks on the menus. Until-

"Ladies, ladies! May I have your attention please?" Yin had picked up a champagne glass and began tapping it with his fork. He accidentally caused the glass to crack and quickly hit it behind his back before Genkaku could notice. "We have a special treat for you all this fine Halloween evening. The Lady Eliana and the Lady Suzu will demonstrate to us their skill in the art of being a _geisha_. And you ladies will then be the ones to judge who is the true _geisha_!"

"We will begin the competition with the Tea Ceremony! Lights!" Yang cried.

Suddenly, all of the candles blew out in the club room and giant spotlight illuminated a square area of floor in the center of the room where Eliana was already seated on her knees.

"When did she...?" Suzu muttered to herself, angry that she had missed the chance of going first.

Eliana began her tea ceremony as Genkaku and the others all watched her intently. She delicately scooped some of the green tea powder into a teacup before she then used a wooden ladle to scoop hot water from a nearby container into the cup. She replaced the ladle onto the container in a poised manner. She then picked up a whisk and began to whisk the tea. When she had finished she turned her cup three times and then set the cup down before Genkaku, who had been seated directly across from her.

" _Dozo_. Please." Eliana offered him the tea.

Genkaku took the cup and swirled the tea a few times with a movement of his hand before taking a sip. His eyes widened. The tea was not bitter. _In fact, it's quite good._ He looked up and smiled at Eliana directly. "I'm impressed, my lady."

Eliana blushed in response, a pleased expression coming upon her face.

However, Genkaku inwardly frowned as he reflected upon her performance. Her movements had been perfect, flawless and yet...they had been a bit stiff. As if she hadn't performed the tea ceremony for quite some time. _Hmm._ _Interesting._

"There you have it ladies! That was Lady Eliana's performance. Next we shall see Lady Suzu's performance of the Tea Ceremony!" Yin declared.

Eliana gracefully stood up to leave the _tatami_ mat. She passed Suzu who was making her way to the temporary square _tatami_ mat that had been set up in the center of the clubroom next. "Good luck, you're going to need it." Eliana said in a low voice that only Suzu could hear.

"As if." Suzu growled back under her breath. _Hmph! I'll show her...I've watched tons of movies where the Tea Ceremony was performed. So how hard can it be? I consider myself to be a real actress dammit! Yosha!_ Suzu sat down in front of Genkaku and began her Tea Ceremony. She carefully scooped powdered green tea into her teacup, ladled hot water into the teacup, and then began to whisk it. Then she began to whisk the tea a bit faster and then even faster. _I won't lose to that wannabe geisha! Yoshaaaa!_

However, Suzu's teacup broke in her hand with a sharp crack, shards flying through the air.

"Epp!" Suzu cried and raised her arms to shield herself from the ceramic shards that were flying through the air but none of them hit her... _huh?_ Suzu opened her eyes to see that the shards were all floating in midair in front of her – Genkaku must have stopped the shards using his telekinesis. Genkaku picked a shard out of the air curiously and then all the shards suddenly fell to the _tatami_ mat.

Genkaku gave Suzu a pitying look. " _Pitiful_." Was his harsh, one word judgment.

Suzu's jaw dropped. _Uhhhwahhh!_ Genkaku had just said something cruel to her. That had never happened before! What the hell was gong on? He was normally so...kind, gentle, and charming. _Just who the hell is this jerk?! Grrrrr! I want the old Genkaku back!_

Suzu looked up to see that Genkaku had this evil smirk on his face. He leaned forward. "I do hope you're better at flower arranging than you are at the Tea Ceremony. You wouldn't want to humiliate yourself further." Genkaku shrugged. "Though I'm not expecting much."

Suzu flushed at Genkaku's words. _The nerve of that guy...!_

Genkaku got up from the _tatami_ mat and walked off leaving a stunned Suzu still kneeling on the mat. Genkaku inwardly laughed. _Man, that was fun...getting to pick on Suzu like that! It's fun being mean to girls. Ah~ and I can get away with this kind of rotten behavior too since I'm supposed to be an evil vampire after all. Fufufufufu~!_

For the flower arranging event, the twins had set up two tables with flowers, cutting sheers, western-style vases, shallow Japanese-style vases, and _kenzan_ (or needlepoint holders, also known as metal frogs).

"Alright, Lady Eliana, obviously won that round but let's see who will win in _Ikebana_ or the art of Japanese flower arrangement!" Yin spoke loudly to the crowd of attentive female clients.

"We have prepared a flower arranging table for each of the girls to use their skills to create their very own flower arrangement!" Yang motioned towards the tables. "Let's see what they can do!" Yang informed the female clients.

Eliana and Suzu each picked a table and then instantly began to create their own flower arrangements. Suzu noticed there were several types of flowers available (courtesy of Fiore): white, red and pink roses, purple and yellow tulips, white and pink lilies, pink and yellow snapdragons, and ivy. Suzu chose a western-style vase and began her creation – she started by building a base using freshly cut greens. She then added two lilies to help her decide on the overall shape of her arrangement. She then filled in the 'holes' or 'gaps' with roses and other smaller flowers. For a finishing touch she added some ivy, which cascaded down and out of the white porcelain vase she had chosen for dramatic effect. _Yosh. Perfect._ Suzu smiled to herself, feeling confident.

She then turned to see what her rival, Eliana, had come up with and sweat-dropped. Eliana had chosen a shallow, Japanese vase and had set one needlepoint holder in the very center. Eliana then added a single branch of cherry blossoms to the holder and seemed to pause as if her arrangement was already completed.

Suzu grinned and had to hold back a laugh – was _that_ it? Even if Japanese flower arranging _was_ supposed to be conservative that was just too much! _Ha!_ Suzu was glad she had once worked part-time at a flower shop and so she knew what she was talking about.

But apparently Eliana wasn't finished and she added one large, white chrysanthemum bloom to the base of the sprig of cherry blossoms. Eliana then put a large, red camellia blossom next to the white chrysanthemum before she bowed her head signaling that she had finished.

" _Oooo~_ " the female clients all exclaimed once Eliana had finished her arrangement.

_Nani? What's up with that? They can't be serious?!_ Suzu began to panic.

Genkaku waltzed over to their tables to look over both arrangements. He was slightly surprised and impressed by the western-style arrangement Suzu had managed to create. It was good to be...daring. Genkaku nodded his approval. "Well done, Suzu." He grit out grudgingly.

Suzu let out a breath of relief. _Phew~_

Genkaku then turned to Eliana's flower arrangement next – the single sprig of cherry blossom accented only by the white chrysanthemum and the red camellia. _She used the Moribana or slanting style since the cherry blossom branch is not upright but goes out to the side._ "This is simply...a masterpiece." Genkaku breathed. "Art. I'm really impressed, Lady Eliana. The camellia represents the sun, the chrysanthemum the moon, and as for the sprig of cherry blossoms...earth? Or perhaps even love? But then since you chose a white chrysanthemum...this arrangement symbolizes a _lamenting love_? Does it not?"

Eliana's eyes widened in surprise that Genkaku was able to read so much into her flower arrangement and not only that – he had been able to read it correctly. That's exactly what she had been trying to express: _lamenting love_. A love without hope. Did Genkaku have an impossible love of his own? Eliana couldn't help but wonder.

"Genkaku- _sama_...?" Eliana began cautiously. _But that would be impossible, surely. Genkaku-sama could get any girl he wanted._

Yin looked at the murmuring crowd and nodded to himself. "It looks like we have a tie this round!"

"Say what?" Suzu blurted. "A tie... _grrr_....I can't believe my beautiful flower arrangement tied with that pathetic creation! _Hmph!_ " Suzu crossed her arms over her chest and pouted.

Genkaku passed by Suzu and spoke to her in a low voice that only she could hear. "Your arrangement is indeed outwardly beautiful but it lacks _feeling_. It's completely _empty_...much like your own heart, Suzu- _chan_." _Or perhaps even my own..._

Suzu turned to stare after Genkaku in shock. Why was Genkaku being so mean to her? Did he really...hate her or something?! He was being a complete devil. _Well, he is cosplaying as an evil vampire, a creature of the night. Hmm, maybe he's putting on an act. Yea, the 'I'm an evil vampire' act. Yea, that must be it! He's never acted like this before...Genkaku can't really be such an asshole right? Neh? Neh? Or have I merely been fooled all along just like all these other poor girls?_ Suzu clenched her fists at her side. _How dare he take me for such a fool!_

Meanwhile, Genkaku was having one hell of a time getting to torture Suzu. _Just look at her shocked, hurt, and betrayed expression – stupid onna! It's been so tiring having to pretend to actually like her all this time since she's nothing but a vapid, superficial slut. And she's always sexually harassing my poor Yang! She should just learn to keep her paws to herself. I mean, isn't there an off switch to that girl's sex drive or something? Keh. That girl had it coming for a while now with the way she treats Yang but Piper had forbidden me from taking it out on her during normal club hours. Hmm, I'm not through with her yet though. The best part is just about to begin. Fufufufufu~ This is even better than using a voodoo doll on her. I'll completely embarrass and humiliate that girl! I have to make the most of this opportunity that God has given me!_

"Alright, now it's time for our _geisha_ to dazzle us with their musical talents! Allow me to present Eliana who will be playing the _shamisen_ while singing!" Yin informed the crowd and with a wave of his hands presented Eliana to the crowd.

Suzu looked up. "Say what? Where did she get that _shamisen_ anyways...Ugh!" _Chotto matteo...wait a sec...I don't even know how to play an instrument...nor do I know how to sing...Ahhh! What am I going to do?!_ Suzu gripped the sides of her head as she began to panic with the sudden realization that she was trapped.

Eliana sat down in a chair that had been set up in the center of the clubroom, and which was immediately lit up by a spotlight. Eliana raised her _shamisen_ and began to play and sing a traditional Japanese song. Everyone was stunned into rapt attention.

Genkaku watched Eliana play intently – he watched closely how her fingers accurately but stiffly moved over the neck of the _shamisen_ to form the proper chords as she played.

Eliana flinched – her fingers hurt – she no longer had calluses. But she didn't think anyone would notice her slight slip up.

Genkaku noticed.

Eliana continued to play skillfully and beautifully before she finally finished the song. She stood, bowed, and then looked up-

The female clients all broke out into ruckus applauds. Eliana's eyes widened and she smiled brightly.

Mizuki walked into the club room at that exact moment and got to see Eliana's dazzling smile. Mizuki had gotten tired of waiting for Piper to remember to get her and had decided to just go back inside of the club on her own. _Ah, that was a real smile from the heart. Eliana must really enjoy performing for other people. It makes her happy to perform as a geisha and the audience's happiness in turn makes her happy. Eliana-chan is such a good person!_ Mizuki thought to herself as her blue eyes began to fill with admiration as she gazed upon Eliana.

Genkaku was clapping as he came to stand besides Eliana. "Well done, my lady."

"T-thank you." Eliana stuttered as she looked back at him shyly.

"And now..." Genkaku pulled out a violin from seemingly out of nowhere. "The Lady Suzu will wow us with her skills on the violin!"

Suzu blinked. _Huh? Nani?! He hates me – he really hates me!_ Suzu clenched her fists and glared back at Genkaku challengingly. _So be it!_ Suzu stalked forward and grabbed the violin and bow roughly from Genkaku's hands. She stuck her tongue out at him before she raised the bow to the violin strings and then-

" _SCREEEEETCHH!"_

" _Ahhh~!_ " The female clients all covered their ears in response to the horrible sound that Suzu was managing to produce from the violin. It greatly resembled the screeching of a cat.

Suzu lowered the bow and glared back at Genkaku. "There. You happy now?" She hissed in a low voice. "I don't know why you hate me so much Genkaku but consider the cat out of the bag. And FYI, the feeling is now mutual." Suzu leaned back and then gave Genkaku an innocent, girlish smile. "Oh dear! I guess I forgot to tune it! _Teehee~_ " Suzu declared to the crowd with a hand behind her head in a bashful gesture. "I guess it's obvious that Eliana beats me fair and square! I can be such an airhead! Sorry folks!"

"Well, it looks like we have a winner - the Lady Eliana!" Yin declared motioning his hands in Eliana's direction.

Genkaku held up a hand to stop Yin from continuing. "No, you're wrong, Yin. This contest was to decide which girl was a true _geisha_. And after watching both of their performances I would have to say that Eliana-"

Eliana's eyes widened and her heart fell. Genkaku...was about to betray her secret! Tears began to well up in Eliana's eyes.

But before Genkaku could continue what he was about to say he was suddenly hit over the head by someone's shoe. Genkaku turned to see Mizuki standing next to him, and a look of disbelief crossed Genkaku's features.

"Is actually a _meiko_ , or _geisha_ in training _neh?_ " Mizuki said loudly, finishing Genkaku's sentence for him. " _Yaddayo!_ You're so smart Genkaku- _sensei_!" Mizuki declared slapping Genkaku hard on the back repeatedly.

" _Mizuki_...?" Genkaku growled in a low threatening tone.

" _Nani?_ " Mizuki looked back at Genkaku innocently and gave him one of her brightest smiles.

_Ah~ mabushi! Bright! Too bright!_ Genkaku cowered from her in response.

Mizuki inwardly smirked. Genkaku was so easy to manipulate once you knew his weaknesses. Mizuki gave Eliana a reassuring smile and a wink.

Eliana looked up with wide, shimmering eyes at her savior. " _H-hai!_ " She agreed with Mizuki as tears began to stream down her face – now out of relief.

"And now Yin and Yang will entertain you ladies with _their_ superb violin playing skills! Isn't that right guys?" Mizuki declared.

"Huh? I never-" Yin was saying when Yang grabbed Yin's ear. "Ow!"

"Of course, we would be happy if you lovely ladies would listen to our playing!" Yang agreed with a smile.

" _Kyahhhh!_ " The female clients all cooed at the thought of getting to listen to the twins playing their violins simultaneously.

Mizuki let out a breath of relief. _Phew~_ that had been a close one! Genkaku had almost made Eliana cry! But why? Genkaku really had a mean streak that night. Especially when he wasn't suppressing his true self. Mizuki frowned. But then again, she supposed that did make sense since Genkaku hated women deep down. Mizuki turned to Eliana. "Eliana- _chan_ are you alright now?"

But Eliana had already fled the club.

"Eliana- _chan_!" Mizuki hesitated for the span of only one heartbeat before she decided to take off after Eliana. Mizuki was determined to discover Eliana's secret and the mystery behind her star-crossed love. Mizuki took out her magnifying glass and Sherlock Holmes cosplay hat to stick on her head (Ranka had given the hat to her as a present). Detective Mizuki was now on the case. _Yoshaaa!_

Japanese Word Key:

_Manga_ : Japanese comics

_NANA-_ Japanese manga and anime about a rock band

_Visual Kei_ – the fashion and style of j-rock artists

_Shojo_ – for girls

_Sona_ – Oh no...

_Dame_ – no way

_Miku_ – the world's first virtual diva, search for her videos on youtube!

_Geisha_ — female musicians, artists, and entertainers

Gothic Lolita— style based on Victorian dolls

_Ja-ne_ : cya!

_Steam Punk_ — style based on aviators, Victorian cloths,

_Sokana_ \- is that so?

_Dozo_ \- please

_Chotto matteo_ \- wait a sec

_Yaddayo_ – no way, sarcastic

_Nande_ \- why?

Elvish:

_Elea I'dolen_ – Reveal

### Chapter 10: Descent into Tal Dagore

Mizuki followed Eliana out the door of the host club and down the busy Tokyo streets. Eliana weaved her way through the people, who were speeding down the streets, and turned corner after corner until Mizuki had no sense of where she was anymore. They went down several connected side streets until the number of people around them had dwindled until there was literally no one around. Finally, they arrived at a deserted area and Eliana stopped. Mizuki hid behind a corner and watched as Eliana looked up at a gigantic stone archway. Mizuki's eyes widened, carved into the stone was the single word: _Tal Dagore_.

Mizuki blinked. _Tal Dagore?_ She had never heard of such a place before...

Eliana didn't hesitate to walk straight through the stone archway and begin her descent down the stone steps that were just beyond the archway and that appeared to lead deep underground. Mizuki left her hiding place and followed. The steps lead down into a sloping stone passageway. The stone was crudely cut at first but as they continued their descent the stone of the passageway walls became as smooth as marble. Mizuki stumbled forward when she reached the final step. They must have been going down the staircase for at least 20 minutes and Mizuki had lost track of time.

It took Mizuki's eyes a moment to adjust to the semi-darkness but when her eyes had adjusted – she gasped at the sight before her and raised a hand to her mouth. There beneath Tokyo City...was another city. A hidden city.

_It's a city..._ Mizuki thought in awe as she looked at the underground city stretched out before her.

Busy, narrow, dirty streets were lined with Asian-styled and modern-styled shops, houses, restaurants, and taller buildings all with sloping, tiled, Asian-style roofs. Mizuki looked up. _A city with no sky..._ Mizuki mused sadly. _But why...? Why would anyone choose to live in a place like this? Who can live without the sun?_ The only light in the city was all artificial. Mizuki caught sight of Eliana up ahead and quickly pursued her while keeping to the shadows.

Mizuki caught sight of the people who populated this strange underground city and noticed that they all bore a similar resemblance. They all had long, pointed ears, slanted pupils, unusual hair and eye colors, and long, sharp nails. Also all of these people were breathtakingly handsome or beautiful. None of the people there seemed to have aged. There was definitely something _otherworldly_ about these people. They appeared in Mizuki's fantastical mind to be 'not of this world' almost angelic, or even aliens. In fact, the more she gazed upon them she realized that they resembled the 'true appearances' of Fiore, Hirgon and Piper – the hidden appearance that they bore beneath the glamour spell that Genkaku had cast upon them and which Mizuki had been able to see with those clear blue eyes of hers from the very beginning unbeknownst to them. Mizuki thought that everyone saw Fiore, Hirgon, and Piper's pointed ears too. But Mizuki had never voiced her speculation that the hosts were elves due to what had happened with Piper and that dark elf at the _anime_ convention center. _Are these people also elves or fairies like Fiore, Hirgon and Piper?_ Mizuki wondered to herself thoughtfully.

But Mizuki didn't have time to dwell on this strange coincidence and continued her pursuit of Eliana until they came to a narrow street that was brightly lit with hanging, red paper lanterns. A.k.a it was the underground city's red light district. And this was the street that Eliana entered as she swiftly made her way towards one of the Asian-styled buildings before slipping inside through the front door.

Mizuki made her way to the side alley that was just next to the building and spotted a window. She stood up on a trashcan and managed to squeeze her way inside of the window landing on the other side and inside of the building. Just as Mizuki's feet hit the floor she caught sight of Eliana entering a room through a sliding, _shoji_ door.

Mizuki looked around before rushing to the door, sliding it open and slipping inside of the room while closing the door silently behind her ( _Ninja_ Mizuki was on the move). Eliana hadn't noticed her yet and went over to sit at her dressing table. Eliana removed the opal earrings she had been wearing and set them down upon her dressing table. Almost instantly Eliana's appearance began to change – her ears became longer and more pointed, her pupils became slanted and her nails became longer.

Mizuki's eyes widened, Eliana was just like the host club guys too. She was one of those mysterious beings. But...what were they exactly? Elves? Fairies? What did this all mean?

_This is totally all your fault Akito. Because you sheltered me from the world I have no idea what the hell is going on! Was Japan invaded by aliens or something?_ Mizuki took another step forward and this was when Eliana finally sensed her presence. Eliana spun around and locked eyes with Mizuki, her own lavender-colored eyes widening at the unexpected sight of the boy host.

"Mizuki- _kun_? What are you doing here? It's dangerous for a human like yourself to even be here!" Eliana exclaimed while looking over Mizuki's detective cosplay outfit. "This isn't a game!"

Mizuki smiled unconcernedly at Eliana. "I followed you...I was worried. I wanted to speak with you about Kazehaya. But before all that would you mind explaining to me...what exactly _is_ this place? Why does an underground city exist beneath Tokyo anyways? And...what exactly _are_ you?" _Or the host club guys for that matter..._

Eliana blinked at Mizuki as if she'd grown a second head. "You mean you don't know?" _Where's this kid been living, under a rock?_ "Anyways, this place is called _Tal Dagore_ and it's the city of the elves. I am an elf."

"Elf?" Mizuki's eyes sparkled for a moment. She vaguely remembered Akito mentioning elves to her once – how they were beautiful, powerful, magical, immortal beings. But at the same time she suddenly remembered the contempt she had heard in his voice when he had mentioned them. Mizuki had also snuck a few books to her bedroom about fairies and elves. _I'm suddenly finding myself in a fairytale that's real!_ _This is just so cool! It's like I feel into the world of 'The Hobbit'._ "But why are you all living underground?"

"You don't even know that?" Eliana sighed heavily and tucked a stray strand of her silky hair behind her ear, "I had better start from the beginning I suppose...Elves are magical beings and have existed throughout time for thousands of years. We possess control over the natural elements: fire, wind, earth, water. Now, there are some humans that also possess magic. Though their magic has a different source. The source of our magic is the ancient blood, which flows through our veins...for the humans their magic came from an evolution of their mind. Many of these 'mages' are able to do things like use telekinesis. Once the mages learned this they began to study magic and some began to use the power of their spirit to perform spells. But no matter how hard the humans tried they still couldn't figure out the mystery behind being able to control the elements.

"The mages grew envious of the elves' power and because many elves also have the ability to fly and have wings, they began to view elves as lesser creatures, something less than human and more animal. Here in Japan mages referred to us as _akuma_ or demons. This was how the mages justified their prejudice against us. Then the mages became egotistical and decided to enslave us elves. And so there was a war - The Great Elf-Mage War. This war took place fifteen years ago. The mages won and gained control of Japan. It was after this that the mages also revealed the existence of mages and elves to the _human_ population. We were defeated and enslaved, and the elves that survived or managed to escape fled underground to create this free city, which is protected by elf magic.

"We live here, biding our time and building our strength. A second war is brewing and it will soon break out. Elves and mages will fight again as they always do. Elves and mages are mortal enemies. That's why it's very dangerous for you to even be here Mizuki. If the Elf Guard find you they may think you're a Mage Spy sent here by The Guild." Eliana persisted and then frowned. "It's unusual enough that you even managed to come here...how did you see the gate?" _The gate should have been shielded by an invisibility spell._

Mizuki's mind was spinning with words like: Elves, Magic, and War. She didn't really hear Eliana's warning, instead her ears seemed to focus on the phrase: _Elves and mages are mortal enemies._ "Enemies? But that can't be true..." Mizuki murmured. "What about Genkaku and the others?"

"Huh? What are you talking about?" Eliana questioned and her brows furrowed.

Mizuki looked up and met Eliana's eyes, a serious expression on her face. "Fiore...Piper...and Hirgon. I can see what they really look like – they're elves. But I know that Genkaku is a mage...and Yin and Yang...they must be mages too but..."

Eliana's eyes widened. "Fiore, Piper and Hirgon are elves? But then they must be Genkaku's slaves...but wait, no! I did not sense the magical _kanji_ enslavement spell on their bodies, which means that Genkaku must have broken the enslavement spells that were on them but why? How? This means they're free. But that doesn't make any sense. Why would _FREE_ elves be associating or serving a mage willingly?"

Mizuki tapped her chin in thought before she smiled, "Isn't it because they're all friends?"

Eliana gawked at her. "Friends?! Impossible...the war between elves and mages has been going on for thousands of years. All that hatred cannot be forgotten or forgiven so easily. There must be some other reason why those elves are with Genkaku. Genkaku, that bastard...he must have some kind of hold over them..." Eliana clenched her fists, she was trembling slightly due to her anger.

Mizuki frowned. "Genkaku? But Genkaku is not a bad person. And also I thought you liked Genkaku – didn't you request him for your Scenario Request? Just then you almost sounded like you hate Genkaku but that can't be right."

" _Like_ Genkaku?" Eliana began to laugh, a tad brokenly. "I hate Genkaku but at the same time I need him...like a drug. I'm helplessly addicted. Genkaku is the only way I get to see Kazehaya's face. If Genkaku wasn't an Illusionist Host I wouldn't breath the same air as him! I hate mages – if it wasn't for them...Kazehaya and I could be together!" Eliana gave Mizuki a thoughtful look. "I wondered why a nice boy like you would team up with a nasty guy like Genkaku. It's because you're a total airhead aren't you? Genkaku...is a very bad man Mizuki he-"

Mizuki held up a hand to silence Eliana. "I only believe what I see with my own eyes, Eliana. And the Genkaku I see has good in him though perhaps he may not even know it himself. Now, won't you please tell me about why you and Kazehaya can't be together? Maybe there's something I can do to help."

"Why would you want to help me? You don't even know me!" Eliana blurted; her face was flushed and she seemed to be near tears.

"Because I'm a host and it's my duty to make young ladies like yourself smile. I want you to smile, Eliana – a true smile from the heart." Mizuki grinned at her.

Eliana looked back at Mizuki in surprise and sighed. "Alright, I'll tell you my tale and then you'll understand why this is all so very pointless." Eliana took a deep breath before she began. "I used to be a real _geisha_ here in Tal Dagore. I was a pretty famous and well-known _geisha_ entertainer too. I was once respected...admired...but then the _geisha_ house where I worked was suddenly destroyed in a fire and I was thrown out onto the streets. That's when I met him...Oberon." Eliana shivered at the memory.

"Oberon?" Mizuki quirked her head at Eliana at the curious name.

Eliana looked at Mizuki with a disbelieving expression on her face. "Oberon...is a very powerful Elf Lord. He's also the leader of the _Tel 'Anor Arator_ , which in elvish means the 'Sun Champions' – it's the elvish resistance. They're a group of freedom fighters, who are plotting how to defeat the mages basically to be more specific. Anyways, Oberon allowed me to enter one of his brothels and I waited for the day when he would take me to his bed. But oddly enough that day never came. Even so, I could feel Oberon's heated gaze upon me wherever I went. He...wanted me." Eliana shivered. "But for some reason he never took me to his bed. The clients I had could also feel Oberon's eyes upon them too – and then some of my regular clients suddenly began to wind up dead. A rumor began to spread that I was cursed – that any man who slept with me would end up dead, and that I was Oberon's woman. Soon I had no clients left and was left only with Oberon's cold eyes following me from the shadows...I was left all alone until I met him. Kazehaya."

# FLASHBACK

The day I met Kazehaya he had scheduled an appointment with my Mama- _san_ and I was to see him that very night. I remember that I was extremely nervous since I hadn't been with a man in so long. Kazehaya came to my room and I greeted him, kneeling, head bowed. "Welcome, _Goshuujin-sama_."

When I looked up it was to see his openly surprised expression. "Wow, you really _are_ beautiful! It's just like they say!" He grinned widely. "I was very curious to meet you...I hope you don't mind." Kazehaya came over to kneel before me. I flinched as he raised his hand out towards my hair and he frowned in response. He lowered his hand and clasped both of his hands tightly in his lap. "I'm not going to hurt you. In fact, I'm not even going to touch you...it's just that I...this is going to sound so silly but..." Kazehaya scratched his cheek in a bashful, boyish gesture. "I really just wanted to have tea served to me by the most beautiful _geisha_ in all of Tal Dagore. Do you think that's strange?" Kazehaya looked up at me, a slight flush to his cheeks.

Somehow I managed to find my voice. "No, it's not strange just...surprising." I smiled and his huge grin widened even more...

That brilliant smile and refreshing personality of his was like a fierce wind that blew all of my fears and worries away. His smile warmed my cold heart and made it beat fast within my chest. It was a smile that was so beautiful it could bring tears to my eyes. It was a smile so warm that it reminded me of the sun I hadn't seen for years. It wasn't long before Kazehaya became a shinning light in my dark world.

And so I served Kazehaya tea that night and nothing else happened between us. He came to visit me again and again until one night he confessed to me that he wasn't an elf at all but a human. He had only been disguising himself as an elf – he claimed it was because elves fascinated him and that he thought I was extremely beautiful. I was flattered but at the same time confused since Kazehaya continued not to lay a finger on me...

I didn't think I would ever see him again after that but he returned – for tea. Kazehaya came to see me for several evenings more. And I would just serve him tea and we would converse. We...became friends and I found myself looking forward to his visits. They filled me with hope. But even a woman has desires and I desired to be with Kazehaya...

So one evening...

"Lord Kazehaya...do you not find me attractive?" I questioned Kazehaya softly, unable to meet his gaze.

Kazehaya, who had been sipping his green tea spit it out. "EH? No, not at all-"

I looked up in surprise and smiled at Kazehaya before I moved to kneel next to him. Once I was close enough I placed a tentative hand on his chest, directly over his heart. "Do you want me as much as I want you?"

Kazehaya frowned but I felt his heart rate quicken. His heart could not lie to me. "Eliana...I can't..."

" _Why?_ " I looked into his eyes pleadingly. "Is it because I'm not good enough? Is it because I'm a wh-" I couldn't finish saying the word 'whore'.

"Eliana- _chan_!" Kazehaya cut me off by taking me into his arms and hugging me tightly, "Don't say that word...never say that...you are not a whore. You are a beautiful and intelligent woman. And you're also the woman I've fallen in love with. But that's also why I can't keep lying to you Eliana...I'm not who you think I am." Kazehaya pulled back to look into my eyes.

"Then who are you? Please tell me." I pleaded.

"I'm a spy...from The Guild."

I felt as though I had just been thrown into a lake and was sinking fast into its icy depths. "A spy...?"

Kazehaya's expression turned dark. "I was sent here by The Guild to gather information on Oberon and his possible weaknesses. This of course includes you. I was assigned to get close to you, question you about everything you knew about Oberon, and to find out if the rumors about him loving you were true..."

I was shaking my head. "Oberon doesn't love me he-"

"You're wrong." Kazehaya cut me off. "I investigated the murders of your clients and found that they all shared something in common – they were all murdered by Oberon's assassins. Oberon loves you. In fact, he's completely obsessed with you. You are Oberon's weakness and the key to this war!"

I covered my ears unwilling to hear more. "Lies! Just more lies! Oberon would never kill for me he-! Where's your proof?" I demanded suddenly, locking eyes with Kazehaya.

Kazehaya began to untie his sash and then began slipping the _kimono_ shirt he was wearing off. There in the center of Kazehaya's chest was a horrible burn scar. The scar was about the size of a large handprint and ugly scar tissue extended outwards like a star. The large scar covered almost half of his chest. I gasped, when I saw it, and raised a hand to my mouth in horror. I had heard rumors about Oberon's elemental control and that he could literally control the element of Light. Did this mean Oberon could control Fire as well?

For an elf who had the ability to control the element of Light - to be trapped in this dark underground city must have been hell. It made perfect sense why Oberon would want to defeat the mages so badly and make it possible for elves to live above ground once more. Eliana was convinced Oberon was a selfish man.

"Elves are meant to live under the sun and to fly among the clouds!" – Eliana remembered Oberon telling her once.

"Kazehaya- _sama_! Did Oberon do that to you?" I cried out in shock.

Kazehaya shrugged. "He tried to kill me last night. I barely got away...but it's proved everything. Oberon loves you and if we, The Guild, capture you then we'll have Oberon under our control..."

"You plan to capture me?" I blinked.

Kazehaya sighed and ran a hand back through his shaggy blonde hair. "No." He gave me a sad look. "I want you to escape. There's no telling what The Guild will do to you if they capture you, Eliana. Those mages, they don't see elves as being human. You could be tortured or worse...killed. And all because of Oberon – to get to him. You are his greatest weakness. Listen to what I found out about the two of you. Oberon always had his eye on you. He's the one who caused the _geisha_ house where you were working to burn down, so that he could force you to enter one of his brothels. He destroyed your life with his own two hands so that he could bring you closer to him."

My eyes widened in shock. The _geisha_ house burning down...was Oberon's doing? Lord Oberon had destroyed my life as a _geisha_ , a - _real- geisha_! "No...it can't be! That...bastard!" I hissed.

"That's why you have to leave him and escape!" Kazehaya insisted.

"Escape?" Eliana laughed and her voice cracked. "To where? I have no place to go...no one to turn to...I'm all alone. I have no one...no one cares about me, no one loves me. So what does it matter if I'm killed by The Guild? You should just take me to them-!"

Before Kazehaya realized what he was doing he had slapped me hard across the face. I looked back at Kazehaya in shock. He had never laid a finger on me, never touched me, never hurt me and now...! Tears welled up in my eyes.

Kazehaya also looked shocked by his own actions and looked down at his hand as if it were an alien _thing_ that was not a part of himself. He lowered his hand and hung his head in shame. "I'm sorry." He said softly – but then he raised his head, a fierce look in his eyes. "But I'm not _that_ sorry! How could you even think that! That I would be able to turn you in to The Guild? How can you say that no one really loves you or cares for you when I just said that love you! Do my feelings mean nothing to you? I LOVE YOU!"

I looked back at Kazehaya in shock. "Then...let's go somewhere together. Someplace far far away from all this war. _Please_ Kazehaya."

Kazehaya blinked back at me in shock. "You want to go somewhere with me?"

"Yes. I would love to because..." I swallowed. "I love you too, Kazehaya- _sama_."

"Eliana- _chan_..."

And then somehow I ended up in his warm embrace and he was kissing me desperately and I was lost. He made love to me that night gently, sweetly, as if I would break and I made sure not to touch the horrible scar on his chest. Instead I mapped out the muscles of his back and arms with my hands until when I closed my eyes I could picture him perfectly. I remember him gently filling me with his warmth in such a way that I felt truly loved. I felt in that moment that I wasn't alone anymore and that I had a lover. It was a beautiful dream. But all dreams must come to an end.

The very next day...

Kazehaya and I made preparations to run away together. But little did we know that Oberon's eyes were upon us. We finished packing and then began to sneak our way out of Tal Dagore. It was when we had reached the surface that Oberon suddenly appeared before us-

Kazehaya stood in front of me protectively, in Oberon's path. _So reckless_ , I remember having thought. Humans always act so reckless as if they were immortal. They seem to forget so easily that they are just made of flesh and blood and bones.

Oberon stood before us.

Oberon is not an ugly man. In fact, he's incredibly handsome. He's in his early forties but resembles a _katana_ with a well-honed edge. He keeps his battle skills sharp. His short blonde hair has touches of starlight in it and his eyes resemble silvery full moons or stars. His eyes have a few wisdom lines around them that only give him more character. He has a square chin, a sharp, aquiline nose and wears a goatee. Like every elf his ears are pointed, his pupils are slanted, and his nails are long. He's tall, has bulky muscles from all of his combat training with the _Tel 'Anor Arator_ and he has this rugged, dangerous air about him...

***

Mizuki interrupted Eliana's story. "Uh...it kinda of sounds like you have the hots for Oberon."

Eliana blushed and sputtered. "I do not! I hate Oberon...but I'm not blind. Oberon is a handsome man...but he's dangerous and cruel. Oberon is not at all what he appears..." Eliana murmured before she continued her story.

***

Oberon was wearing a white and gold _kimono_ and held a long bow in his hands.

Oberon raised his bow and Eliana noticed that he didn't have any arrows with him. "And where do you two think you're going? The Guild? You fools!" Oberon gave Eliana a worried look. "Eliana...what lies has this man been feeding you? If you go to The Guild with him your life will surely be put in danger."

Kazehaya glared back at Oberon defiantly. "I don't plan on taking Eliana to The Guild. I plan to marry her! I love her!"

"Kazehaya- _sama_..." My voice was thick with emotion.

Oberon's eyes narrowed dangerously at Kazehaya. "You lie with a straight face. Impressive. I won't allow you to deceive Eliana any longer. You must die. You snake-tongued bastard!" Oberon gathered his power and a bright golden light seemed to surround him and his bow. Oberon pulled back on a bowstring that seemed to form out of thin air and then an arrow began to form next – an arrow made of pure golden light and powerful magical energy. He aimed for Kazehaya.

"No!" I screamed, "Please don't kill him!"

"Eliana stand back – I'll fight." Kazehaya declared suddenly. "This is the moment I've been waiting for. I have a plan. Don't worry. Trust me." Kazehaya reached into his _kimono_ shirt and pulled out a large gun. I had never seen a gun that looked quite like that one before – it had magickal runes and symbols carved into its metal exterior, and Kazehaya loaded a bullet that was the size of a shot gun bullet into the gun. He then aimed the gun at Oberon while slowly pulling down upon the trigger. The gun began to be surrounded by its own aura of magical power as it powered up.

I didn't know it at the time but The Guild had provided Kazehaya with that magickal Caster gun that theoretically had the power to kill Oberon since the bullet contained some kind of dangerous and rare void magick.

"No!" I knocked the gun out of Kazehaya's hands and it went skidding across the ground.

"Eliana!?" Kazehaya turned to look at me with a betrayed expression on his face.

That look broke my heart. "Kazehaya, don't you understand that no one can possibly defeat him? Oberon...is a god among men. He's invincible. How could you possibly stand a chance against him?" Was what I wanted to say to him but what came out of my lips instead was: "I can't let you kill him, Kazehaya."

Kazehaya looked back at me in shock.

I took a deep breath before I continued. "I owe my life to Lord Oberon. I will not betray him..."

Oberon looked surprised but pleased by this turn of events. He began to chuckle heartily.

I stepped towards Oberon, "My Lord, I shall return with you back to Tal Dagore but you must promise me one thing."

Oberon was feeling gracious and immediately agreed. "What is it, my dear. Ask me anything!"

Kazehaya shot Oberon a look when he had called me 'my dear'.

"Please spare Kazehaya's life. I'm sick of all this bloodshed because of me Oberon..." I stepped forward and reached up to stroke Oberon's stubbled cheek. "You should have just told me that you loved me, Lord Oberon. Because I think you would have been pleasantly surprised to learn that I desire you in return. How could I resist such a handsome and powerful man after all?"

Oberon's eyes burned with surprise and desire. I was consenting for the two of us to be together...

I leaned forward and pressed my lips to Oberon's.

Oberon stiffened in shock before he passionately gave into to my kiss, wrapping his large arms around me and plunging his hot, wet tongue into my mouth to plunder its sweetness.

***

"Plunder its sweetness?" Mizuki again interrupted Eliana with a smirk and raised an eyebrow at her.

"Oh shut up." Eliana coughed. "Artistic license. Anyways..." She continued her story.

***

Kazehaya watched us in shock – a hurt, betrayed, and sickened expression formed on his face before he seemed to be able to look at us no longer and turned away from us. I'm sure that he thought that I had betrayed him once I had discovered the secret of Oberon's feelings for me. He must have thought that I had chosen Oberon. Kazehaya was wrong...

I could hear Kazehaya's footfalls as he ran away. Oberon was still kissing me when I opened my eyes to watch him go. Tears filled my eyes but I could not let them fall. I remember thinking to myself: _It doesn't matter. All that matter's is that he's_ _alive...he's safe..._

I detached myself from Oberon and went over to pick up the Caster gun - a gun that the Scientist-Mages had developed with the sole purpose of destroying Oberon. Somehow I sensed that the gun was a threat to Oberon and my hand trembled with the gun its grasp. I was tempted but in the end I did nothing. I'm a coward. Before I could make up my mind Oberon was suddenly at my side and I tried to hold back a gasp of surprise. Oberon was fast.

"And what's that?" Oberon questioned me off-handedly.

"A gun Kazehaya got from The Guild most likely. It must be dangerous, my Lord. Especially if Kazehaya intended to kill you with it." I informed Oberon and handed him the gun.

Oberon's expression darkened. "I see...I'm very lucky that you decided to save me, Eliana. Your actions will not go unrewarded. Although I'm afraid you'll have to remain living at the brothel. If The Guild catches wind that I've officially made you my woman it will only become more dangerous for both you and I. Understand?"

I nodded. "I understand, my Lord." _How I hate this man..._ I thought to myself while silently fuming.

"Good, here." Oberon handed me back the Caster gun. "Why don't you hang onto this for me?" _How I love this woman...I would trust her with my life._ Oberon thought to himself.

I blinked up at Oberon in surprise. Was this some kind of test? I wondered. Or did he really trust me that much? "Oberon- _sama_..." Part of me could not help but be moved by his words even though I knew they must be nothing but a lie.

***

"That night I allowed Oberon to join me in my bed and he trembled in my arms as I touched him. I could tell that he loved me but...I only felt hate for him in my heart." Eliana finished her story.

" _Uwhhhaaaa~!_ " Mizuki was crying openly in response to Eliana's sad and tragic love story. "So you didn't really choose Oberon right? You really love Kazehaya right?!" Mizuki sniffled, a droplet of snot hanging out of her nose inelegantly.

Eliana handed Mizuki a purple silk handkerchief. "Yes, the one I truly love is Kazehaya- _sama_. But now you also understand why we can't be together. Oberon...is too powerful. Kazehaya could never ever hope to defeat him and The Guild was just using Kazehaya like a guinea pig to test out their latest weapon. Who knows if it would have even worked. I must stay away from Kazehaya in order to protect him. And I must remain with Oberon...there is no other way!"

Mizuki blew her nose loudly into the handkerchief. "But why didn't you have faith in Kazehaya?"

"What?"

"You should have had faith in Kazehaya – in the man you love. You could have just run away instead of confronting Oberon at all. Or after you tricked Oberon you should have immediately gone back to Kazehaya's side and then run away with him!" Mizuki put her hands out beseechingly, willing Eliana to understand.

"It's not that simple! How could I return to Kazehaya's side after...after I've been with Oberon?! I've been...tainted." Eliana hung her head in shame.

"The body is merely the temple for the spirit." Mizuki put a hand on Eliana's chest, directly over her heart. "Tell me, has your spirit, or your heart been tainted by love for Oberon? Or...do you truly love Kazehaya?"

"I...love Kazehaya!" Eliana burst out, her voice cracking.

"Then you should go to him and explain what happened. If you speak with Kazehaya directly I'm sure he'll understand. Kazehaya loves you...not your body, but the essence of who you are and that is your soul. The two of you are soul mates, Eliana. I just know it! Kazehaya is your missing half. You must go to him. Or else he'll go on living while continuing to hate you...living a lie!"

"I...dunno..." Eliana murmured.

There was a sudden knock at Eliana's door. "Quick! Go hide in that closet over there, Mizuki!" Eliana shoved Mizuki in the direction of the closet.

"But-!"

Eliana put a finger in front of her mouth. "Shh! Get in there and stay as quiet as humanly possible! Don't even breath if you can help it! Not one peep! If they find you here – they'll think you're a Mage Spy and take you to Oberon!" Eliana smoothed out her _kimono_ and went to the door. "Coming!" Eliana called before sliding the _shoji_ door open.

Three elf men made their way inside, pushing past Eliana. One of the elf men was incredibly handsome with short brown hair, deep coal-black eyes and slightly tanned skin. Eliana realized he must be a Dark Elf. He was tall and had a bulky build similar to Oberon. He was wearing a business suit that lent to his intimidating air.

The other elf man who was with him was a lanky fellow with messy blonde hair, blue eyes and who held a video camera in his hands. This elf was dressed in clothing that was commonplace for those who lived in Upper Tokyo – a t-shirt, a pair of faded jeans, and some sneakers.

The third elf man was an extremely pale man with white hair and ice-blue eyes. His hair had been pulled back into a short ponytail, strands of which were framing his face. The man was wearing an all-white business suit with a pale blue tie and there was a pair of large round glasses on his face giving him a scientific look.

The dark elf eyed Eliana's room with obvious distaste. He ran his finger over Eliana's dressing table as if it were filthy and then acted as if his finger came away with dust that he wiped off on his pants.

The white-haired elf stepped forward. "The Lady Eliana I presume?"

"Er, yes. How can I help you gentleman?" Eliana questioned, slightly on guard.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Director Alagos." The white-haired elf bowed with a flourish. As he stood back up Director Alagos grasped Eliana's hand before she could stop him and placed a quick kiss to the back of it. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. These are my associates – my cameraman Nithron." He motioned to the blonde haired elf. "And my star actor, Morion." He motioned towards the Dark Elf. Director Alagos reached into his jacket pocket before extending his hand towards Eliana. She looked down to see that he was handing her his business card.

Eliana took it and peered down at the card, which read:

Director Alagos, Talent Agent, YUKI INC, Studio 88, Shinjuku, Tokyo

Her eyes widened. "You're also an agent? You represent actors and actresses?"

Director Alagos nodded, "Yes, a mutual acquaintance of ours recommended that I come and see you. You see, there's this movie I'm currently filming and I'm having trouble finding the appropriate co-star for Morion here. Or rather one that Morion himself will approve of."

Morion flashed Eliana a charming smile, which caused her to shiver.

"You see, Morion is so very picky about who he films these sorts of movies with...so Morion what do you think of her?" Director Alagos asked.

Morion eyed Eliana for a moment, his eyes raking over her body from head to toe, slowly, and in such a way that Eliana felt as though he were undressing her with his eyes. She felt the unexplainable urge to wrap her arms around her chest. Morion licked his lips, a feral look in his eyes. "She's exquisite. I have no objections."

" _Whew~_ " Director Alagos wiped some imaginary sweat from his brow. "Then it's settled, Eliana, you will be in my movie!"

"What?" Eliana looked back and forth between the two men. "Whoever said I agree? Besides why would I want to be in this movie anyways? And I would have to get Oberon- _sama's_ permission first..."

" _Ara_ , oh dear, I heard you had an interest in acting." Director Alagos put his hands out in a helpless gesture. "Also, our mutual acquaintance, the one who recommended you, perhaps you remember him? His name is Kazehaya. Surely, you at least have an interest in _him_ , _neh?_ " Director Alagos gave Eliana an expectant look.

Eliana gasped and took a step back. "How do you know about that?"

"Kazehaya told me himself that he wishes to see you again. If you agree to be in my movie...there's a possibility that you will get to see Kazehaya again. Perhaps, you'll even be able to meet him at the studio." Director Alagos smiled mysteriously.

Eliana's heart had begun to beat faster in her chest. "Really...? I'll get to be in a movie...and see Kazehaya again? It seems to good to be true...what's the catch?" _There's always a catch._

Director Alagos put out his hands. "No catch. Except you'll have to work hard and make sure to do your best. I do not go easy on mistakes."

Eliana hesitated but then decided to agree. "Alright, I'll do it." A fierce look of determination had formed in Eliana's beautiful lavender-colored eyes, which seemed to be sparkling.

"Good, now put your Elf Power Limiter back on – the studio is on the surface. We wouldn't want The Guild to catch wind of you now would we?" Director Alagos gave Eliana a reassuring smile.

Eliana nodded. "I understand." Eliana went over to her dressing table and put on her Elf Power Limiter, which happened to be one of the opal earrings. Immediately her appearance changed and she no longer had pointed ears, slanted pupils or long nails.

Director Alagos, Nithron and Morion followed suit and also put on their own power limiters, which happened to be: a ring, a silver hoop earring, and a Rolex. Then their appearances also changed - their ears became shorter and less pointed, their pupils became round instead of slanted and their nails shortened.

Meanwhile, in the closet...Mizuki was extremely excited. She had been holding her breath while trying to remain as quiet as a mouse... _Kyahhh! Eliana is going to be in a movie AND get to see Kazehaya again! This is just perfect! Ahh~ I'm running out of air...!_

Mizuki's face was beginning to turn blue as she watched Morion, Nithron and Director Alagos putting on their Elf Power Limiters and watched as their appearances began to become more human. _Amazing!_ However, as Morion returned to his human form Mizuki couldn't help but feel that the Dark Elf looked oddly familiar. Mizuki tapped her chin in thought and then it suddenly came to her. _Ah! Morion! I remember now...I met him at the anime convention center. He got seriously pissed when I called him an elf. Well, at least now I understand why he was so angry._

The group then began to exit through the _shoji_ doors but as Morion was leaving Mizuki suddenly caught sight of his menacing smile. A smile that clearly said: 'Gotcha'. _That smile...is just like one of Genkaku's smiles. It's completely fake. Those men are bad men! They're definitely up to something...but what? Eliana-chan could be in danger! I need to go and get help. I need to get Kazehaya!"_ Mizuki fell out of the closet, panting for breath.

Mizuki noticed that Eliana had conveniently dropped Director Alagos's business card, which had the name and location of the studio where they were going right on it, along with its exact address in Tokyo. _Yosh!_ Mizuki quickly made her way back to the host club. There was someone there who she intended to ask for their help...

***

Eliana, Director Alagos, Morion and Nithron exited Tal Dagore and found a silver Mercedes with black, tinted windows waiting for them. Morion opened the door in the back for Eliana to get in first and then got in after her.

Cameraman Nithron got in the front passenger seat and Director Alagos got into the back with Eliana and Morion. Once everyone was inside the driver took off without having to be told where he was going.

They drove for about 20 minutes until they arrived at the YUKI INC building where studio 88 was located. They entered the building and then took an elevator down. Eliana noticed that they had already gone down past the basement level before they mysteriously kept going down. _How strange._ Eliana began to feel a sense of unease. _Things that seem to be too good to be true usually are, Eliana. But...to see Kazehaya again...makes the risk worth it. Kazehaya...my love..._

The elevator door opened and Eliana hesitated about exiting.

"Is something wrong, Eliana- _san_?" Morion asked politely, a strange edge to his voice. Almost as if he were mocking her.

"Er, no, sorry. I became lost in thought for a moment." Eliana lied as she stepped out of the elevator and it closed behind her.

The three elf men started off down the hall with Eliana reluctantly following close behind them until they reached a door, which Director Alagos opened. The door opened to reveal a large filming studio room.

In fact, one of the movies the YUKI Production Company was making was currently wrapping up their filming for that day in the studio with their final scene.

The door closed behind Eliana and her eyes widened at the sight before her:

An AV (adult video) was being filmed and there was an entire production crew present: cameramen, assistants and the actors themselves. A spotlight was focused on the bed that was in the center of the room and on the movie's two main stars. On the bed was a girl, who looked strangely familiar to Eliana for some reason, and a guy she didn't recognize who was straddling the girl as he made love to her-!

"Oh yes! Yes! Ah!" The girl was crying out in ecstasy, a look of pure bliss on her face as the man, who was above her thrust into her at a steady pace.

Eliana blushed scarlet and was glad that at least a sheet mostly covered the actors.

"AH!" The girl arched her back sensually as the man drove himself into her core one last time as he came with a grunt of male satisfaction.

"And...cut!" The director shouted. "That's a wrap. Good job today, everyone!"

The male porn star carelessly got up off of the woman, and flung the sheet off of himself to reveal that he was completely naked. The actor's assistant was near at hand and handed him a terrycloth robe along with a bottle of water. "Good job, Toru."

The female porn star got off the bed next. Her own assistant was at her side in an instant. "Great job today, Suzu- _chan_! Here!" Her bubbly assistant handed Suzu a terrycloth robe and a bottle of sparkling water.

Suzu slowly put on her robe and tied it loosely before she grabbed the water bottle from her assistant and began to chug it. "AH!" Suzu wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "Refreshing!"

"Suzu... _chan_?" Eliana's jaw had dropped open in disbelief. She had known that the girl worked in AVs but to actually witness the thing in person was a completely different story.

Morion had been sauntering forward when he noticed that Eliana wasn't following him anymore. He turned to see that Eliana had frozen in place at the entrance to the studio. He sighed heavily and walked up to her before he grabbed Eliana by the wrist. "Come along, Eliana- _san_. We don't have all day!" He began to pull her in the direction of the bed."

Director Alagos and Nithron followed closely behind, with matching cruel smirks on their faces.

The other production crew had already begun to leave the studio until only Suzu remained.

Eliana was too shocked to cry out to them, to ask for help, before it was already too late. _This can't be happening...they want me to be in an AV? Anything but that! Yadda! Iyeeee! If Kazehaya were to see me doing something like this...I couldn't go on living!_ "No!" Eliana cried out, finally finding her voice as she began to struggle against Morion's iron grip. "Let go of me! I never agreed to this!"

Morion frowned. "You said you wanted to co-star in a movie with me."

"Well, yes, but not this kind of movie!" She turned to glare at Director Alagos, "You lied to me! You said I would be able to see Kazehaya!"

Director Alagos smiled serenely. "Indeed I did. And I didn't lie. There _is_ a chance that you will get to see your beloved Kazehaya again. That is...if he comes for you. But as for the person who really recommended all this...that was Lord Oberon."

Eliana blinked. "Oberon- _sama_...but why?"

"Why do you think? This was nothing but a test. Oberon wanted to know if you had truly stopped loving Kazehaya in your heart or not. The answer is, of course, obvious now, my dear – you still harbor feelings for that Mage Spy don't you? Which means you've been lying to Lord Oberon all along!" Director Alagos shook his head at her. "Unforgivable. You're a threat to Lord Oberon, Eliana- _san_. You must be punished."

Eliana began to shake her head, "No...no I...this can't be happening... _please_! You can't do this! If Kazehaya sees this movie he'll _hate_ me!" Eliana pleaded.

"Oh?" Director Alagos raised an eyebrow at her. "Is that so? Well, then I think we'll _definitely_ have to go through with the filming then. Lord Oberon gave me explicit orders to punish you if it turned out to be true that you're still in love with Kazehaya. I think this film will make a perfect punishment. It should hopefully remind you as to where your true loyalties lie and make you think twice before you decide to betray Lord Oberon again. Morion, take her over to the bed so that we can begin filming."

Eliana gaped at him in horror as she backed away from Morion who had begun to approach her. "No! Please!"

" _Oi! Oi! Oi!_ What's going on here?" Suzu demanded as she waltzed up to the group. "Because what it looks like to me is that you're forcing some girl who doesn't want to be in an AV to actually be in one! Tsk tsk tsk." Suzu wagged her finger at Morion.

"Suzu..." Eliana looked at the girl in shock.

"The rest of your production crew has already left, as should you." Morion narrowed his eyes at Suzu, who still didn't back down. "Move aside, girlie, this has nothing to do with you." _For a whore...the girl's got balls standing up to ME like this. Well, either that or she's just incredibly stupid. Heh._ Morion found himself to be grudgingly impressed.

Suzu shrugged. "Maybe not but _I_ happen to take this job seriously. I'm a popular AV Idol after all. And I take pride in what I do: _act_. And I act well. I certainly _look_ like I'm really enjoying getting screwed by some small-dicked loser whom I don't even know don't I? I smile and _look_ like I enjoy it but it's all an act, of course. I'm an actress after all, but that girl that you have with you is no actress. She's a victim. She won't be able to pretend she likes this because I can tell that she really doesn't want to do this or even be here. And so I won't forgive you fakes for this!" Suzu declared as she took out a can of mace. She raised it quickly and sprayed Morion directly in his eyes.

"Ah shit! My eyes!" Morion growled and rubbed at his eyes giving Suzu the opportunity to suddenly knee him directly in the groin so that he doubled over in pain. "Bitch!" He spat through gritted teeth, in a slightly pained and high-pitched voice.

Suzu rushed forward and grabbed Eliana's wrist that Morion had been forced to let go of. "Come on! Let's go!" Suzu declared as she pulled Eliana along with her and they ran.

Eliana let herself be dragged along and Suzu entered the AV dressing room. Suzu turned around and quickly locked the door behind them. "There...that should hold them at least for a little while." Suzu then turned to face Eliana and put her hands on her hips. "Now would you mind telling me what the hell is going on around here? And how the hell _you_ of all people ended up in a place like this?"

Eliana's lavender-colored eyes filled with tears. "You were right...you were right about me..." Eliana began brokenly, her voice cracking. "I'm nothing but a whore. I used to be a _geisha_ but then I ended up working in a brothel. And now everything is going to be destroyed by his hands once again!"

Suzu blinked. "Whose hands?"

"Oberon- _sama's_."

"Oberon?" Suzu gawked at Eliana. "You mean the leader of the Tel 'Anor Arator? Holy shit. You sure do pick your enemies, Eliana. Now, the best next question to ask is...have any good allies?"

For some reason Mizuki's face flashed in Eliana's mind. "Maybe Mizuki- _kun_...he said he wanted to help me. But what could he possibly be able to do? He's just a boy. These are powerful evil men..."

"Hmm." Suzu tapped her chin in thought. "On his own Mizuki is probably worthless in a fight against these guys but you're forgetting that he's a part of the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_. Maybe Mizuki could convince Genkaku to help us."

"Genkaku?" Eliana spat. "That Mage scum?" She frowned.

"I don't much like him either to tell you the truth. But he IS very powerful." Suzu sighed and put her hands out in a helpless gesture.

"And handsome." Eliana grudgingly added.

"I wonder how much of the Illusionist Host is just that though? An illusion? Anyway, I'll try contacting them." Suzu whipped out her cell phone and began to text message the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_. She could have just called them but she was sure that the elf men outside were most likely trying to listen through the door and if she could actually convince the hosts to come and help them she didn't want these guys to get a heads up. The element of surprise at this point was the only thing they had going for them.

Eliana slapped a hand to her forehead and moaned, "This is never going to work...I'm doomed." _Kazehaya...my love I'm so sorry._

Japanese Word Key-

_Shoji_ door – paper and wood sliding door

_Iyee_ \- no

Elvish Word Key:

_Tal Dagore_ \- City of Battle

_Tel 'Anor Arator_ – Sun Champions, the Elf Resistance

### Chapter 11: Damsel in distress

Mizuki hurried back to the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ and burst through the front door of the castle. " _TAIHEN YAA!_ It's dreadful! There's trouble!" Mizuki declared loudly her voice reverberating off the walls.

The host club was pretty empty at that point since it had gotten late, only their regular customer Ranka was still there. Yin, Yang, Piper, Hirgon, Fiore and Genkaku were all seated at one of the tables with her.

"Mizuki- _kun_?" Yang questioned in shock. He had been worrying about where the girl had gone off to since it wasn't safe for a young girl to be running around alone on the streets of Tokyo late at night. Yang felt that Mizuki tended to forget that even though she was dressed as a boy that she was in fact a girl.

"What's wrong Mizuki- _kun_?" Ranka questioned.

"It's Eliana- _chan_...she's been kidnapped by some really cree- err, nasty guys! And taken here-!" Mizuki showed Ranka and Yang the business card Eliana had dropped since they were the closest at hand.

Both Yang and Ranka immediately looked worried as soon as they saw the name of the production company.

"YUKI INC?" Ranka asked aloud.

"Isn't that the company that Suzu works for? And the studio where they film those AVs of hers is in their company building..." Yang trailed off looking sick.

Mizuki quirked her head at them both, "AV? What's that?"

Ranka and Yang gave Mizuki an incredulous look.

"You don't know what an Adult Video is? Perhaps, that's for the best." Ranka nodded to herself. " _Most_ young men these days, well-" Ranka shot Yin a disapproving look. "That's another story."

"Hey! What the hell are you looking at me for? Bitch..." Yin groused. _I should kill that damned otaku..._

Yang put a hand over his mouth as he tried to hold back a laugh and his brother sent him a death glare. Gulp.

"Mizuki, what did you have in mind?" Ranka asked.

"I want to contact Kazehaya. He's your cousin right, Ranka- _chan_? Give me his number!" Mizuki demanded adamantly, a fist upraised before her, fire in her blue eyes. _Yoshaaaa!_

"Kazehaya?" Ranka blinked, "What for?"

"I have to tell him that the love of his life could be in danger!"

"Love of his life? You don't mean to tell me that Eliana is the elf chick that he told me he fell in love with?!" Ranka grasped Mizuki's shoulders and began to shake her.

"Y-yes!"

"Then...no way!" Ranka crossed her arms before her making an X. "There's no way I'm giving you his number. That elf chick betrayed him and broke his heart!"

"You're wrong! She only did it to protect him! She explained everything to me. She really loves Kazehaya!" Mizuki insisted.

"Really?" Ranka gave Mizuki a skeptical look. Mizuki was nodding vigorously and gave Ranka a beseeching look. Ranka sighed. "Well, alright then. I'll call him myself and try to explain the current situation. Ranka whipped out her cellphone and dialed her cousin's number; it rang a few times before Kazehaya finally picked up.

Hello.

"Hey, Kazehaya it's me, Ranka."

Ranka, how are you?

"No time for pleasantries I'm afraid, Kazehaya. A friend of mine has just told me something rather unexpected. He seems to think that the elf chick you fell in love with never stopped loving you and that it was all an act in order to protect you. He says her name is Eliana. Sound familiar?"

Eliana?! Your friend said that...?

"Yes. But there's more. She's been kidnapped and taken to the YUKI INC company building."

YUKI INC?! Shit! I'm on my way!

"Wait! Kazehaya!"

_Click_.

"That reckless hothead...he hung up on me." Ranka sighed heavily as she flipped her phone closed. "Ah well, he's probably on his way to YUKI INC. Mizuki, what do you intend to do?"

"I'm going too!" Mizuki declared.

"Are you crazy?!" Yang blurted. "That's no place for a--! For someone like you!" Yang finished lamely, his brother Yin raised an eyebrow at him curiously.

"But I have to help Eliana and Kazehaya meet each other again!" Mizuki pouted.

"Why?" Genkaku drawled, suddenly entering the conversation. "This should have nothing to do with you. Besides, what did I tell you about involving yourself in the lives of our customers? It's strictly forbidden."

"You once told me that a host's duty is to bring a smile to a lady's face. And I also know that when you told me this that you weren't lying so don't try to deny it!" Mizuki put her hands on her hips and glared at Genkaku.

Genkaku tried to open his mouth to object but Mizuki quickly cut him off.

"I plan on bringing a smile to Eliana's face. A real smile. Eliana has a _real_ love, Genkaku- _sensei_! She has no reason to remain trapped in the illusion you've created for her! I want...to set her free from the illusion! For her to find _true_ happiness."

"Ridiculous." Genkaku sneered. "You're only going to get yourself into trouble...."

"I don't care. I'm still going!" Mizuki insisted, "I'm sure that you would agree with me Genkaku- _sensei_ that when two people are mutually in love with each other that it is a special and rare thing. Requited love – is a treasure that should be protected. Some people will live through their entire lives never finding someone to love or someone who will love them. Isn't that sad? A requited love...isn't that what everyone is secretly wishing for deep down in their hearts. Even you, Genkaku- _sensei_?"

_Ryoko..._ Genkaku thought and bit down on his lower lip unconsciously drawing blood. Genkaku remained oddly silent.

"True love is only true love if it's mutual. Anything else...unrequited love...infatuation...crushes...those are all just illusions. But the love that Eliana and Kazehaya share is real...they don't need to keep living in dreams or fantasies. They have the chance to be happy together in reality if only they had a little help. And that's why I intend to help them. Besides it should give me some really good karma too, you know. And if I have to do this on my own then...so be it! _Yosha!_ " Mizuki finished as she rushed out of the host club.

"Mizuki- _kun_! Wait for me! I'm coming too!" Yang called after her.

"Me too." Fiore added.

" _Urusai!_ Shut up all of you!" Genkaku barked and rubbed at his temples, "You're all much too loud. You're giving me a headache. Yin, Yang, Fiore, Piper – you are all forbidden from going and helping Mizuki. Have I made myself clear?"

"But Genkaku- _sama_!" Fiore and Yang interjected.

"If you leave through that door I want you to no longer consider yourself an Illusionist Host." Genkaku began gravely. "This situation – that girl Eliana – doesn't concern us. We're not heroes. I believe Mizuki has misunderstood this about us from the very beginning. I have absolutely no interest in saving someone I barely know." _Especially a woman..._

"Genkaku- _sama_...? You can't really mean that." Yang gave Genkaku a hurt, betrayed look. "In fact, I know you don't mean that. But it's okay, because I understand. You're _afraid_. Afraid of getting close to people...to Mizuki even. You're afraid of leaving this castle of illusions and going out into reality. It is pretty damned scary out there, but I'm _NOT_ afraid. And maybe I want to be a bit of a hero kinda like Mizuki. I'm sorry Genkaku- _sama_ but I have to go and help Mizuki- _kun_!" Yang declared as he rushed out of the club and after Mizuki.

"Yang!" Yin called after his brother in disbelief. _Ever since that brat Mizuki joined the host club it's like I don't know my own brother anymore. Yang...just what are you thinking?_

"Genkaku- _sama_ are you really sure about this?" Piper gave Genkaku an expectant look. "What if something happens to Mizuki- _kun_? He's become a valuable asset..."

Genkaku snorted. "I could careless about what happens to that boy or did you forget Piper that I hate sunny, optimistic people like him? In fact, my life will suddenly be a whole lot easier if he ends up getting himself killed. _Fufufufufu~_ " Genkaku chuckled evilly, before he took out a cigarette and began to smoke it in a languid fashion, blowing smoke into the air, a haughty expression on his face.

"You're so...heartless." Fiore shook his head at Genkaku, his tone surprised. "Ever since Mizuki got here, all he's ever tried to do is help us."

"When did I ever ask for his help? When have I ever gotten it?" Genkaku challenged.

"Well, for starters," Piper adjusted the goggles on his face. "Because of Mizuki greeting all the female clients for our Halloween Party this year we were completely packed! We made a lot of money thanks to Mizuki- _kun_ and we'll be able to pay off most of our debts."

"And Mizuki was the one who got us all those costumes!" Fiore reminded.

"Mizuki did?" Genkaku questioned curiously, "That useless kid...?"

"I say forget about him. He was nothing but a nuisance anyways!" Yin declared.

Fiore began to cry dramatically. " _Whaaa~_ that poor boy! He always praised my culinary creations...and now...now he'll never be able to again!"

"You're such a drama queen." Genkaku raised an eyebrow at Fiore. "It's not like he's going to die..."

"The kid," Hirgon began so that everyone turned his or her attention towards him since he rarely spoke. "Smelled nice."

Genkaku slapped a hand to his forehead. "Am I suddenly surrounded by idiots?! You all know me. You know that there's absolutely no way that I'll go risking my life for some kid we barely know."

Just then, Piper's _Gothic Sunshine_ _anime_ ringtone sounded and he flipped his cellphone open. "Ah, a text message." Piper declared as he began to read the message aloud. "Subject: Help! Message: Hi this is Suzu and Eliana. We're in deep trouble here at the moment. We're kinda trapped a the dressing room at YUKI INC, studio 88. I locked the door but that won't hold them back for very long. Tell Mizuki this message but also warn him to be careful because Oberon is involved."

"Oberon?" Genkaku repeated slowly as if savoring the word. "Well then what are you all waiting for?! Let's go and save Eliana and Mizuki!"

The remaining hosts all fell over.

***

Mizuki headed over as quickly as possible on her bike to the YUKI INC production company building. Getting off of a motorcycle in the very front of the building was none other than Kazehaya. He was taking off his helmet when Mizuki spotted and recognized him instantly.

"Kazehaya?! You're Kazehaya aren't you?" Mizuki hopped off of her bike and ran towards the startled actor.

Kazehaya turned to face her and raised an eyebrow at the girlie boy. "And you are?" _If this kid's a fan...I really don't have time for this._

"I'm a friend of Eliana's. The name's Mizuki." Mizuki explained sticking her hand out. "Nice to meet you!"

"A friend of Eliana's?" Kazehaya took Mizuki's hand absentmindedly. "Do you know where they've taken her inside of this building?"

"No, but just follow my lead." Mizuki declared with a wink as she put on a pair of dark sunglasses and then waltzed into the company building as if she owned the place. She walked right up to the front desk where a secretary was working.

Mizuki cleared her throat impatiently.

The secretary looked up from checking her email. "Yes?"

"I have an appointment with Director Alagos. And I'm late." Mizuki declared, a tone of urgency to her voice.

"Oh!" The secretary declared, "He just arrived here not too long ago..."

"I'm running late for the filming. Could you hurry up and tell me the location of the shoot?" Mizuki tapped her foot impatiently on the floor and gave the secretary a scathing stare. "We wouldn't want Director Alagos to get angry now would we?"

"Oh my God, no." The secretary paled, it seemed Director Alagos's reputation preceded him. She quickly brought up the needed information from her laptop. "They're currently filming in Studio 88, on floor BG 2."

Mizuki had absolutely no idea what 'BG 2' meant but she didn't show it. "Thanks." Mizuki said off-handedly and waved a careless goodbye at the secretary. "Hurry up-" Mizuki had to stop herself from saying Kazehaya. _Whew~_

Kazehaya had followed Mizuki's lead and had also put on a pair of dark sunglasses on his face – no real actor was without a pair of dark sunglasses at hand. He put on a baseball cap as he quickly followed Mizuki to the elevator before the secretary could recognize him.

Mizuki and Kazehaya quickly got inside of the elevator and the door closed after them.

"Wow that was brilliant, Mizuki! You know," Kazehaya held his chin dramatically as he looked Mizuki over interestedly, "I think you'd make a good actor."

Mizuki blushed. "Who me? Naw. Anyways do you have any idea what the secretary meant by BG 2? That floor isn't on here..." Mizuki declared as she eyed the elevator buttons.

"You just leave that to me." Kazehaya declared as he inspected the elevator buttons and noticed a strange lock directly beneath them. Kazehaya took out two pieces of metal wire and began to pick the lock. In seconds, the lock had been picked and a second set of elevator buttons was revealed that had been hidden behind a flap of metal. These elevator buttons went from BG 1 all the way to BG 20. Kazehaya realized that BG stood for 'below ground' and that there were twenty secret underground floors beneath the YUKI INC production company building apparently. Kazehaya pressed the second elevator button 'BG 2' and the elevator began its descent.

The elevator door soon opened with a ping sound and the two made their way down the hallway in search of Studio 88.

"So what's the plan?" Mizuki asked.

"You don't have one?"

Mizuki shrugged. "Break in there and rescue the princess right?"

Kazehaya smirked. "Well said. Guess I'll just have to wing this one. You just stand back and leave things to me, kid. You don't look like you'd do very good in a fistfight. I may not have any magical powers of my own but The Guild gave me some interesting toys to play with..." Kazehaya took out a strange looking gun and proceeded to load it with a giant bullet.

Mizuki's became starry-eyed. " _Cool~_ What kind of gun is that?!" She clasped her hands together as she eyed the gun, which had runes and magickal symbols carved into its metal exterior and which had bullets that resembled shotgun shells.

"It's called a Caster Gun. It uses special shells, which contain elf magick." Kazehaya informed her.

Mizuki blinked. "Elf magick?" _Why would mages be using elf magick? That doesn't make much sense._

"Yes, elemental magick. Anyways, come on." Kazehaya stopped in front of a door which read: 'Studio 88' and raising his gun he kicked the door open before rushing inside, followed closely behind by Mizuki.

Director Alagos, Nithron and Morion had been trying to break open the dressing room door when the front door to the studio was forced open. The three elf men turned to face Mizuki and Kazehaya who now stood in the doorway.

Kazehaya pointed his gun at Director Alagos, "Director Alagos! Where's Eliana?!"

Suzu and Eliana were able to hear Kazehaya's voice from within the dressing room and called out in response.

"Kazehaya?!" Eliana cried.

"We're in here, Kazehaya!" Suzu yelled loudly. "Get us the hell out of here!"

"Suzu?" Mizuki recognized the girl's voice. "What are you doing in there?"

"Mizuki?" Suzu questioned, "Apparently, I'm helping out Lady Eliana. It's kinda a long story though actually a really short one. These guys wanted to make an AV without Eliana's consent and so I decided to stop them."

Director Alagos smiled at Kazehaya and his gun. "Kazehaya...we've been expecting you." Director Alagos looked Kazehaya over, the smile never leaving his face and his eyes going all squinty. "You know, I'd love to direct a movie with you as the star. Perhaps we could even make a deal?" Director Alagos licked his lips.

Kazehaya spit on the ground at Director Alagos's feet. "That's what I think of you and your disgusting movies! There's no chance and there's definitely no deal! Now, let Eliana go or else!"

Director Alagos raised an eyebrow at Kazehaya, "Or else what? You may be a spy working for The Guild but you yourself possess no magick – how do you intend to stand up to us?"

"Like this." Kazehaya declared as he fired his Caster gun at Director Alagos. The cylinders of the gun spun rapidly and glowed with a bright golden light before the gun was fired. The glowing caster shell flew through the air and hit Director Alagos dead on before bursting into flames.

Mizuki's eyes widened horrified and yet she couldn't look away.

However, the flames were suddenly extinguished and standing before them was Director Alagos, who was completely encased in an armor of solid ice. The ice began to steam and melt from having received the brunt of the attack from the fire caster shell. The ice armor then shattered and Director Alagos dusted himself off. He was no longer wearing his Elf Power Limiter and his ears had become long and pointed once more. He frowned. "And I just got this suit dry-cleaned. How bothersome. How I do hate to get my hands dirty...Morion, Nithron, I want you both to take care of this loser!"

Morion and Nithron stepped forward, Morion cracking his knuckles menacingly. Both of the elf men removed their Elf Power Limiters and began to transform: their ears becoming long and pointed, their nails lengthening, their incisors extending slightly, and their pupils becoming slanted.

"Let's see what you got, Kazehaya." Morion said mockingly. "Though I'm sure it's not much."

"Be careful what you ask for!" Kazehaya challenged as he reloaded his gun and fired at Morion.

Morion waved his hand towards the shell and sent a small fireball the shell's way. The fire shell exploded into a blast of flames, which clashed with the fireball Morion had sent his way but the two attacks seemed to simply cancel each other out, in a burst of golden sparks.

"Impressive – that was elf magick just now. But how is that even possible?" Morion narrowed his eyes at the gun that was in Kazehaya's hands. "The Guild sure does give you some rather interesting toys to play with, Kazehaya. I'd like to take that gun back to Lord Oberon."

"Fat chance." Kazehaya frowned at him as he reloaded his Caster with another fire-type shell. "Eat this!" Kazehaya fired.

"Together this time Nithron! He's toast!" Morion declared as an invisible wind began to pick up around Nithron at the same time as a fiery aura began to form around himself – as the two men prepared for their joint attack. "NOW!" Morion yelled as he waved his hand forward and released a fireball attack at Kazehaya while at the same time Nithron waved his hand forward and a fierce gust of wind was sent towards Morion's attack. The wind fanned the flames of Morion's attack and caused the attack power of Morion's fireball to be increased, the fireball tripling in size.

The joint fireball/wind attack and the fire-type caster shell clashed in midair, but the joint attack easily overpowered Kazehaya's attack.

The attack hit Kazehaya and blasted him back causing a pained cry to be wrenched from his lips.

"Kazehaya!" Mizuki exclaimed in concern.

Mizuki ran to Kazehaya's side. Kazehaya's clothing was singed and still burning dangerously in places. Mizuki quickly took off her jacket and began to put out the flames that were on Kazehaya's body. Kazehaya had fallen unconscious. Mizuki knelt down next to Kazehaya and put a hand on his shoulder worriedly. Kazehaya was in really bad shape. Mizuki knew that she had to get Kazehaya to a hospital as soon as possible.

Mizuki looked up at Morion and glared, "Jerk."

Morion's attention suddenly shifted to Mizuki. His dark eyes widened slightly at the sight of the beautiful young boy...and those eyes! Those large, blue, sparkling eyes that were filled with such defiance and hate. It gave Morion a shiver of delight. He loved 'defiant types'. He had the most fun breaking them...

Morion strode over to Mizuki and reached out to grasp her chin. Mizuki just continued to glare up at Morion defiantly. Morion turned Mizuki's head this way and that. "Fascinating...I've never seen a boy who was so...beautiful before. You're certainly one of a kind. You've piqued my interest and my lust, boy. Which in and of itself is quite the accomplishment. People don't interest me easily. I'm very picky about the women I co-star with. But you...you're a boy and yet I find myself attracted to you." Morion ran his thumb sensually over Mizuki's lips. Morion smiled evilly. "I'm feeling...inspired. Director Alagos how about we film a new movie with me and this kid..."

Director Alagos raised an eyebrow at Morion. "You do realize he's a boy right? I thought you weren't into _that_. If I had known..." Director Alagos gave Morion a suggestive wink.

Morion shrugged. "With a boy as beautiful as this one it's not like sex really matters. There's something about him...I must have him. He has this aura of purity and innocence around him. I want to be the one who taints it. Come on, boy, the show's about to begin." Morion reached out and grasped Mizuki's arm, hauling her roughly to her feet, and began to drag Mizuki over towards the bed.

Mizuki struggled against his grip, a sinking feeling in her stomach, she was not entirely sure what Morion had in mind to do with her but having a feeling that whatever it was couldn't be good.

"Kazehaya!" Came Eliana's worried sounding voice from inside of the dressing room.

"We're coming out!" Suzu called.

"No! Stay inside!" Mizuki warned them.

"But Mizuki...!" Eliana shouted, "You can't...it's enough. I'll do the movie instead of you. You've helped me more than enough. I can't let you take my place. Going this far for someone you barely know...it's too much. You don't have to sacrifice yourself for my sake Mizuki. That would be just too much...!" Eliana's voice cracked and the sound of her crying was heard through the door.

"Someone I barely know?" Mizuki shook her head. "That's not true. You're a client of the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ and I am an Illusionist Host. It is my duty to put a smile on your face Eliana. I'm sorry!" Mizuki said as Morion brutally tossed her down on the bed. "And I'm not just doing this for you. I'm doing it for Kazehaya AND you. I'm doing this for the sake of the love you two share – so that it's not broken!"

Morion smiled wolfishly as he got on the bed and crawled towards Mizuki until he was straddling her. Mizuki looked up at Morion questioningly, wondering what he intended to do next. Her heart hammering fearfully in her chest.

Morion smirked before he leaned forward and pressed his lips roughly against Mizuki's. Mizuki's eyes widened in shock. Her first kiss...this jerk had just stolen her very first kiss! How dare he do something like that? Mizuki's heart swelled with sadness and disappointment. Her first kiss...she had been saving it for the man she loved, her Sun Prince Akito. And now instead of her first kiss being with her prince it had been with an evil Dark Elf....

Mizuki's eyes narrowed at Morion angrily and as Morion pulled back with a haughty expression on his face Mizuki suddenly slapped Morion hard across the face.

Mizuki had hit Morion with such force that she had actually managed to split his lip. Morion's long purple-colored tongue emerged from his mouth to lick up the blood that was trickling down his chin. He really was a monster...Mizuki shivered.

"How dare you," Mizuki's voice trembled. "How dare you steal my first kiss! My kisses are something precious to me! They don't belong to you! Jerk!"

Morion raised an eyebrow at Mizuki before he barked out a laugh. "First kiss? _Precious?_ Ha! You're making such a big fuss over just a kiss? When...I plan on stealing a whole lot more from you, boy."

Morion stared back at Mizuki with a cruel expression on his face before he backhanded her – his hand connecting with the side of Mizuki's face with a sickening crack. No one drew his blood and didn't pay the price.

Mizuki gasped in shock – _that cowardly bastard! He just hit a girl! Oh yea...right...Morion still thinks I'm a boy_. _Not that it would probably matter to this pervert_. As Mizuki gasped in shock Morion took this opportunity to plunge his tongue into her mouth.

Mizuki's eyes widened in disgust. He had actually put his tongue into her mouth. _Ewww~ his tongue is actually in my mouth...! He tastes like BBQ!_ Mizuki struggled against him and tried to shove Morion away. Her eyes were burning with unshed tears and the mantra she began to say in her head was: _Boys don't cry. Boys don't cry._

That's when she felt one of Morion's hands sliding over her body in a disgusting fashion. Mizuki stiffened – if he touched her body too much he was going to discover that she was well, a she. His hand traveled down towards her crotch...

"Hey! Where do you think you're touching buddy! No! Stop! Don't!" Mizuki beat her fists against Morion's chest forcing him to grab both of her wrists with his one hand and keep her hands pinned above her head. Morion then trailed his free hand down over her body once more and one-handed he began to unzip Mizuki's pants...! Mizuki continued to struggle but it was no use – Morion was just too strong. Before Mizuki could stop him he had plunged his hand down Mizuki's pants, under her underwear, and had began to stroke her-!

Mizuki was blushing like mad, completely mortified since no one had ever touched her most private, most precious place before. "No...please...stop..." More tears were springing to her eyes as his finger entered her and she felt violated. She hadn't asked for this, she didn't want this; she hadn't given him permission for this. _Boys don't cry. Boys don't cry. Someone save me...!_

However-

Morion gawked down at Mizuki in confusion – a boy would have had a dick down there but this kid...Morion slid his finger inside of Mizuki easily, his eyes widening with realization as he pumped his finger in and out of her making Mizuki squirm. "Hey kid you're really a-" Morion was saying-

When-

Genkaku and the rest of the host club suddenly arrived upon the scene: Fiore, Piper, Hirgon, Yin and Yang all burst through the entrance of the studio.

Genkaku immediately caught sight of Mizuki and Morion on the bed. Genkaku saw how disheveled Mizuki's clothes were and also didn't fail to notice how Morion's hand was down the kid's pants. The kid's face was flushed and he had a horrified and embarrassed expression on his face. There were also unshed tears shimmering in Mizuki's bright blue eyes.

Eyes that looked so utterly sad. Eyes that were normally filled with such happiness and that spark...

That spark that was always there looked as though it was about to be put out.

This stirred something in Genkaku – the 'wrongness' of that kind of expression on Mizuki's face – and the wrongness of that look in the kid's eyes.

And Genkaku snapped.

A dark, menacing and evil aura began to form around Genkaku. "GET THE HELL AWAY FROM THE KID, YOU BASTARD!" Genkaku yelled and raised his hand at Morion-

Genkaku sent a pulse of telekinetic energy at Morion to move him off of Mizuki.

Morion was suddenly flung back, off of Mizuki, and slammed into the far cement wall where he left a crater in his wake.

"Holy shit." Nithron swore. "He can't be...Mage-Assassin Genkaku?"

Genkaku smirked, "I see my reputation proceeds me." Genkaku outstretched his hand. " _Irma Haeannon._ " Genkaku chanted calmly and black hole formed in midair next to Genkaku. Genkaku reached inside of the pocket dimension to pull out an impressive medieval, double-edged sword with a solid black blade.

He then pointed this sword at Nithron and Director Alagos. "If you want to live you'll tell me where Oberon is." Genkaku narrowed his eyes dangerously at them.

"Genkaku- _sama_ gets so cool when he's angry." Yang was saying with stars in his eyes.

" _Keh_ , he becomes almost as sadistic as I am. I feel sorry for these guys..." Yin shook his head and put out his hands in a helpless gesture. "They're so dead."

"If we can resolve this peaceably that would be for the best." Fiore put in.

"Or in a way with minimal loses for our side." Piper added with a succinct nod.

"..." Hirgon remained silent.

Yang turned his attention to Mizuki who appeared to have gone into shock. She had remained on the bed, frozen and unmoving and when Yang got closer to her he saw that her eyes were open but it didn't look like she was actually seeing anything in front of her. "Mizuki?" Yang called and waved a hand in front of her eyes but there was no response. Yang frowned, this was _so_ not good. It was like Mizuki's five senses had shut down in order to protect herself. It was almost like she'd fallen under some kind of evil spell or curse...right then she was a sleeping princess. And Yang wasn't entirely sure _he_ was the right guy to try and reach Mizuki while she was in such a fragile state. But since Genkaku was busy he didn't really have much of a choice. Yang gulped and reached his hand out tentatively to Mizuki and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Mizuki- _kun_ can you hear me? Please come back to us. Everything's going to be all right now. We're here now. Genkaku is here. You don't have to be brave anymore."

Mizuki began to tremble and she blinked back at Yang as if coming out of a trance. "Yang- _kun_?" The tears she had been trying so had to keep back finally began to stream down her face. "Yang!" Mizuki threw her arms around Yang and hugged him close. " _Whaaaaa~!_ " Mizuki cried loudly. "I was so scared!"

An angry expression crossed Yang's face as he embraced Mizuki tighter and felt her still trembling in his arms. _How dare those bastards treat a girl in this horrible way! It's the lowest of the low._

Fiore was also giving Mizuki a worried look as he wrung his hands together. "Is Mizuki- _kun_ going to be alright?"

Yang nodded and hugged Mizuki more tightly. "If I have anything to say about it..."

"Yang, you're hurting me." Mizuki choked out.

"Sorry." Yang immediately loosened his hold upon her, "I'm just so angry about what that guy did to you. Don't worry Mizuki, he's gonna pay. Genkaku will make sure of that."

"Piper, go and make sure the girls are okay in the dressing room – that's where I sense their presences." Genkaku directed off-handedly.

Piper saluted Genkaku. "Righto Genkaku- _sama_!"

Genkaku turned his attention back to the worried looking Director Alagos, Nithron and the recovering Morion.

"Oberon?" Director Alagos's voice was shaky. "He's not here. Honest. Just his woman is..."

Genkaku raised an eyebrow at this. "His woman?"

"Eliana- _san_." Director Alagos informed Genkaku who still wore a blank expression. "Didn't you know? Oberon is madly in love with the Lady Eliana."

"I see. _Omoshiroi_. How very interesting." Genkaku stroked his chin thoughtfully. "But I must admit that I find myself...disappointed. I was under the impression that Oberon would be here, you see. And all I'm left with are a bunch of insignificant insects. How dare you pests get my hopes up like that. It really pisses me off. I do hope you plan on making this up to me somehow. You won't like me when I'm angry..."

Director Alagos and Nithron gulped but stood their ground.

Director Alagos tried to be brave. "Y-you don't scare me! You're just some washed up ex-Guild member!"

"Washed up?" Genkaku bent his head back and let out a barking laugh. "Is that what they say? That I was kicked out of The Guild? I can assure you that I left of my own accord."

"But that's...impossible." Director Alagos declared. "No one leaves The Guild like that and remains alive. You're a dead man walking, Genkaku." He warned.

Genkaku shrugged. "They'd have to catch me first. But you don't have time to be worrying about that anyways – not when you have _me_ for an opponent."

"D-do your worst Genkaku!" Director Alagos stammered.

"I plan to."

Morion stood up and dusted himself off in a careless manner. " _Yare yare_ , my oh my, striking an opponent when they're completely off-guard – you fight dirty, Genkaku."

"Whoever said I fight fair?" Genkaku smirked.

Morion stepped up in front of Director Alagos and Nithron. "You two stand back – you're no match for him and that rumored Void Sword of his. I shall be his opponent." Morion cracked his neck from side to side, his eyes glowing red. "I've heard a lot about this guy and so I happen to know about one of his weaknesses... _Koron en' naur!_ " Morion formed a fireball and threw it at Genkaku.

Genkaku was momentarily blinded by the bright yellow light coming from the flames and was forced to dodge out of the way. It was a close call.

"Genkaku- _sama_!" Yin called out worriedly.

"Don't worry about me, Yin. You and Hirgon need to take care of Director Alagos and Nithron!"

"Right Genkaku- _sama_!" Yin agreed.

"Alright." Hirgon nodded.

"Your arm is on fire, by the way, Genkaku." Morion drawled.

Genkaku turned his gaze to his shoulder and saw that it was indeed on fire. He patted out the flames with his calloused hand. "Bastard...you won't win against me so easily." Genkaku charged forward, sword raised. "HA! _Iâ en' Mor!_ " Genkaku brought his sword down in a high overhead slash – just barely missing cutting Morion in two.

But Morion moved swiftly sideways and evaded the attack.

Genkaku's black medieval sword sliced through the air where Morion had been standing and appeared to create a mini black hole in its wake - a hole that seemed to suck in anything that was in close proximity before closing up again in an instant.

Morion brought his right hand up to the side of his head – he was missing a few hairs. So that was the infamous Void Sword that the Mage-Assassin Genkaku was known to wield and control. Morion had heard tales about it – it could slice through reality and create voids or temporary black holes, which consumed anything and everything in its path. A direct blow from that sword and one simply ceased to exist.

Genkaku hadn't stopped his attack and continued forward, swinging his sword at Morion in vicious slashes. Morion continued to lithely dodge out of the way but then was forced to take a more offensive measure as Genkaku almost ran him through for the second time. Morion formed a sword entirely made out of flames and used this sword to block Genkaku's next attack. But Morion's sword didn't remain solid for very long and was completely sucked into Genkaku's own sword.

_Shit!_ Morion leapt backwards to put some distance between him and Genkaku. There had to be a way to get past Genkaku's defenses somehow. _That's it!_ Morion brought his two hands together as he began to form a large fireball – he then sent this fireball Genkaku's way.

Genkaku sliced through the fireball with ease – a black hole opening up and swallowing up the attack.

_Madda madda! Not yet! I'm not through yet!_ Morion began to send fireball after fireball Genkaku's way. Genkaku dodged and cut through the fireballs, but there were suddenly so many coming through the air towards him that-

_Mabushi. Bright._ Genkaku was forced to shield his eyes momentarily.

_Now!_ Morion thought to himself as he formed a flame sword and in a two-handed grip charged Genkaku, prepared to run him through.

Genkaku didn't see the attack but sensed it thankfully due to his well-honed battle instincts. _Shit!_ Genkaku swung his sword downwards to block the attack but he didn't quite make it in time-

The flame sword embedded itself in Genkaku's shoulder – just as Genkaku brought his Void Sword down upon the flame sword. The flame sword was sucked into the black hole that Genkaku's sword had created but blood began gushing out of the wound on Genkaku's shoulder.

Genkaku looked down at his ruined Victorian-style jacket. He had really liked that jacket too. _Ooo~_ He was _so_ pissed. Genkaku gathered his magical power around him intent on finishing this. He raised his hand at Morion who was suddenly lifted up off the ground and hovered still in midair.

"What the hell?" Morion blurted as he tried to move but to no avail, it was as if he were pinned. "You have got to be shitting me!"

Beads of sweat formed on Genkaku's brow from the exertion it took to keep Morion suspended in midair like that using his telekinesis. He didn't have much time.

"Ahhh!" Genkaku cried as he ran forward, sword raised.

"No!" Morion cried as he summoned his fiery aura around himself – intent on blinding Genkaku again.

But Genkaku just closed his eyes and swung his sword at Morion and passed him.

Morion looked behind himself at Genkaku in disbelief. "Hehe...hehehe! You totally missed me!" He began to laugh hysterically.

" _Bakayaro_." Genkaku murmured to himself as a small black hole opened up on Morion's chest.

Morion looked down in horror at this development. "No!" His body began to get sucked into the black hole. In seconds, his flesh had turned inside out in a gruesome manner before being sucked inside of the void completely and disappearing.

"Eww." Yang declared and shook his head. _That was disgusting..._

Mizuki's eyes went wide before she passed out from the shock of the horrific scene she had just witnessed.

"Mizuki!" Yang exclaimed concernedly.

Genkaku sunk to one knee in complete exhaustion. Using the Void Sword along with his telekinesis sure took a lot out of him. "That was fun." Genkaku licked his lips. "At least I'm in a better mood now. I'm sure Oberon will be pissed I killed one of his lackeys."

***

Meanwhile, Yin was facing off with Nithron and Hirgon was facing off against Director Alagos.

Yin took out his gun and wasted no time firing several shots at Nithron. Nithron raised his hand and a fierce wind picked up around him, blocking all of Yin's bullets and causing them to ricochet off into the air.

"Shit." Yin swore as he was forced to dive out of the way.

Hirgon rushed forward towards Director Alagos before he bent down and put his hand on the marble floor. " _Echs en' ondo._ " Hirgon said in a low, monotone voice.

Suddenly, several stone spikes shot up out of the floor and tried to impale Director Alagos who agilely leapt out of the way. Then it was Director Alagos's turn to retaliate. Director Alagos formed four icy daggers in each hand, which he then flung at Hirgon.

" _Vara tel' seldarine._ " Hirgon used a rock spell to turn his skin into a diamond-hard surface so that the ice daggers harmlessly bounced off his skin.

_Shit._ Director Alagos bit his thumbnail out of frustration.

Hirgon rushed forward and Director Alagos made his next move. "How about this then you giant buffoon!" Director Alagos knelt down and put his hand to the floor – ice quickly spread outwards until the entire floor had been covered in ice. Hirgon, who was running, suddenly lost his footing, tripped and fell, hard.

By the time Hirgon came to his senses and looked up Director Alagos was standing above him with a giant ice spike in his hand that was directed at his left eye.

"That skin of yours may be diamond hard but what about those eyes of yours or your brain hmm?" Director Alagos questioned with a smile.

Hirgon looked up. _Damn._

Genkaku took out a cigarette, lit it and took a long draw. He was already bored with this pathetic excuse for a battle. In fact, could one even call it a battle? Probably not. It was more of a brawl or street fight, Genkaku decided to himself with a nod. A real fight between elves would be fought with their bows – but on the surface the elves had to keep as low a profile as possible because of the The Guild and so wouldn't take the risk. Genkaku took another long draw when he sensed that Yin and Hirgon were in trouble due to their panicked inner thoughts. _Looks like my hosts need my help._ Maybe there'd be a bit more action for him then, a slight smirk formed on Genkaku's face at the thought. Destruction, oblivion – those things seemed to always have a way to put him in a good mood.

Letting Yin distract Nithron and act as the perfect decoy – Genkaku snuck up on him from behind and sliced his sword down through the air mercilessly.

_Shit!_ Nithron swore as he leapt out of the way. "That was clo-" Nithron looked down at his arm in shock – or rather what was left of it. Only a stump now remained. "No!" Nithron looked up to see his arm being sucked into a black hole and disappearing with a _pop_. "Forget this shit! I'm outta here!" Nithron declared as he grasped his bleeding stump of an arm and ran for the exit. "Director Alagos, move your ass! Unless you want this guy to kill you! He's too powerful!"

Director Alagos's ice dagger stopped about 1 cm from Hirgon's eye. "Tsk." Director Alagos tossed his ice spike aside. "I don't like these sorts of odds and your boss doesn't fight fair so I'm outta here." Director Alagos declared as he ran off shadowing Nithron.

"You two aren't getting away!" Genkaku declared as he ran after them.

_Damn._ Director Alagos swore as he changed directions. Genkaku didn't have the time to realize what Director Alagos was up to until it was too late. Director Alagos had reached a spotlight that he turned in Genkaku's direction and which he was about to turn on-

"This is _so_ not good." Genkaku said morbidly as Director Alagos flipped on the switch.

The light hit Genkaku's eyes and he sunk to his knees in pain. _The light! It's too bright! It burns! Agh!_

Director Alagos smiled to himself and formed an ice dagger. It would be better for everyone if this rogue assassin were dead.

But suddenly, shots were fired and Director Alagos was forced to leap out of the way. "Keh." Director Alagos frowned as he saw Yin and Yang running to Genkaku's aid. "Till next time I suppose!" Director Alagos rushed out the door and once he was on the other side he knelt down and spread out this hands on the floor. " _Ram en' heleg_." A solid wall of ice formed in the doorway, which was several feet thick.

The twins simultaneously fired at the wall of ice and watched as their bullets imbedded themselves harmlessly into it.

"Shit, they got away." Yin frowned.

Yang sighed. "At least we weren't the ones running away this time...thanks to Genkaku- _sama_."

Genkaku walked over to where Mizuki was laying unconscious on the bed. He looked down at Mizuki with a shadowed expression on his face.

Genkaku took in Mizuki's disheveled appearance, how the kid's pants were still slightly unzipped, the tears tracks that were on Mizuki's unconscious face, and something, some foreign emotion seemed to stir in Genkaku's black heart...

_It hurts._ Genkaku put his hand to his chest and a quizzical expression came to his face. He had never felt this way before. _Strange._

Genkaku picked up Mizuki into his arms, bridal-style and headed for the door. No more harm would come to this kid as long as he could prevent it.

Yang's mouth dropped open at Genkaku's sympathetic actions. Genkaku was actually being nice to someone? _Uso!_ "Genkaku- _sama_? What about Eliana, Kazehaya and the others?" Yang called after him.

Genkaku paused and looked down upon Mizuki's unconscious face. He could just picture Mizuki giving him a stern look and a pout for his inconsiderate actions. Or maybe the kid would even start bawling if he told Mizuki how he had left these people behind, especially after all the trouble the kid had gone through in order to save these useless people. _On second thought, perhaps these people aren't so useless after all._ _I may have use for them yet._ "We'll bring them back to the castle of course. That's Oberon's woman – I want to keep a close eye on her." Genkaku declared before walking out the door.

Yin stared after him wide-eyed. "He can't be serious...he actually wants us to _help_ people? I refuse. On principle."

Yang had hit his brother over the head and was smiling brightly. "I think Mizuki- _kun_ is having a good influence on Genkaku- _sama_!"

Yin looked back at his brother with an expression of pure horror on his face, "More like that kid is some kind of disease that's infected Genkaku- _sama_. I liked Genkaku- _sama_ the way he was before..."

"Oh? Even when he was trying to kill himself on a daily basis?" Yang scoffed. "Personally, I think I can live without that."

Yin gave his brother a look. "Maybe you do have a point. Though it's a really _tiny_ point, mind you. Very, very small, barely there really."

Yang chuckled in response.

"Suzu, Eliana, you can come out now. The coast is clear." Piper informed the girls from the other side of the dressing room door.

"No way! It sounded like you all were killing people out there! I'm staying in here!" Eliana declared.

Piper laughed nervously. "Don't be ridiculous, Eliana. We were just beating those guys up. Aren't you worried about Kazehaya?" He prodded.

"Kazehaya...?" Eliana asked softly.

"Oh come on! I'm opening it!" Suzu announced before she opened the door.

Eliana ran past Suzu once she caught sight of Kazehaya lying on the floor. She rushed to his side and knelt down next to him. "Kazehaya!"

Fiore was also kneeling by Kazehaya's side. "He's in pretty bad shape but...I'll be able to tend to his wounds back at the castle." Fiore declared as he picked Kazehaya up into his arms.

"Where's Mizuki?" Suzu questioned as she looked around the studio.

"Genkaku- _sama_ went on ahead with him." Yang informed her.

Suzu raised an eyebrow at this information. "Genkaku did? Go figure. Miracles do happen. I never thought that devil would have soft spot for anyone. Even a devil can have his good moments I suppose." Suzu shrugged.

"Devil?" Yang gave Suzu a startled look, before he shook his head, bemused. Apparently, Genkaku had slipped up and showed his true colors to Suzu. "What about you? Are you alright? Those perverts didn't touch you did they?"

"Perverts?" Suzu gave Yang an incredulous look before she broke out laughing. "No." But at the same time Suzu suddenly felt like crying for some reason. _Is it really that big a deal... no one's ever really cared about what happens to me before? Does Yang care? Maybe I should stop being in AVs...Mizuki's a boy and yet he went all crazy over losing his first kiss. Maybe I'm missing something here. Is something like a kiss really that special? Sigh._ "I'm perfectly alright. Thanks to my hero anyways." Suzu linked her arm through Yang's and rested her head on his shoulder. " _Arigato._ "

Yang blushed despite himself. "Er, yea...no big."

***

Genkaku set Mizuki down upon her bed and that's when he noticed the gloves that were on Mizuki's hands. He frowned _; the kid will probably be uncomfortable sleeping in those things. Argh! Why am I being so goddamned_ nice _anyways? This isn't like me._ Genkaku shook his head in bemusement before peeling Mizuki's gloves off. Genkaku's eyes widened slightly when he saw that Mizuki's hands were covered in Band-Aids.

_Band-Aids? But how did the kid hurt himself anyways?_ Genkaku mused.

_It's all thanks to Mizuki that we even had costumes!_ Yang's voice rang in his mind suddenly.

Something seemed to click in Genkaku's mind. _No way...could the kid have been the one to make those phenomenal costumes? This kid is full of surprises. And when he's sleeping like this he doesn't seem so bright or dazzling. I can actually look at him...he's kinda cute...gah! Did I really just think that?!_ Genkaku stood up from the corner of Mizuki's bed, a strange expression on his face, and a small smile tugging at his lips.

_I must be suffering from the effects of overusing my magick...I better be more careful next time. If I lose control over the Iâ en' Mor_ ( _Void Spell) I certainly won't have to worry about much of anything anymore. Well, I'm sure my own spell will probably end up consuming me one day anyways. Sucks to be me. Man, I hate my life._

Japanese Word Key:

_Taihen_ – it's dreadful!

_Urusai_! Shut up!

_Omoshiroi_ \- interesting

_Yare, yare_ – my oh my, oh dear

_Madda madda_ \- not yet

_Bakayaro_ – fool

_Arigato_ \- thank you

Elvish Word Key-

_Irma Haeannon –_ Dimension door, pocket dimension open

_Iâ en' Mor_ – Abyss of Darkness, Void Spell

_Koron en' Naur!_ – Fireball!

Echs en' Ondo – Spears of Stone

Vara tel' Seldarine.- protection

_Ram en' Heleg_ – _Wall of Ice_

### Chapter 12: Beauty and the Beast

Mizuki was dressed like a princess in a gorgeous, flowing, pink ball gown with a golden crown sitting on her head. Her hair had also miraculously grown longer and was cascading down her back in golden waves. Mizuki greatly resembled a princess from the fairytale stories she loved so much. And she was with her prince, who was holding her in his arms...

"Mizuki...I love you. I've always loved you and only you. Those other girls – they never meant anything to me. You're the only one, Mizuki. You're...special." Akito said softly as he gazed down into Mizuki's shimmering blue eyes. Akito was wearing a stunning prince outfit in red and gold.

Mizuki sighed wistfully as she looked back up at Akito's handsome, chiseled face, "Oh Akito...my Sun Prince! Kiss me!"

Akito smirked. "Gladly, my love." Akito leaned forward and kissed her...

Mizuki closed her eyes and let herself get swept away by the kiss. Akito ran his tongue over Mizuki's lower lip seeking entrance. Mizuki moaned and complied, her mouth opening slightly so that Akito was able to slip his tongue inside. As he deepened the kiss...Mizuki realized that he tasted like BBQ! Her eyes snapped open and it was not Akito who was kissing her but the Porn Star, Morion!

"Mmmph!" Mizuki struggled against Morion and tired to shove him away from her.

Morion opened his dark eyes and pulled away from her, licking his lips. " _Mmm~_ The taste of your first kiss was delicious, Mizuki. Who would have thought I was stealing an innocent maiden's first kiss?" Morion said mockingly before he burst out laughing cruelly. " _Buwhahaha~!_ " Akito's outfit had also changed and Morion was wearing a prince outfit that was black and had gold accents, which was perfect for an evil prince or dark knight, Mizuki thought to herself. _Or someone who's the villain of the story._

Mizuki looked back at Morion in horror. Her first kiss...! This evil prince had stolen it! How dare he?

"Now let me steal another of your 'firsts', girlie." Morion declared as he grabbed Mizuki by her shoulders and pulled her close, flush against his rock hard body.

Mizuki struggled in his grasp. "No! Let go of me! No!"

***

Mizuki awoke with a scream. "NOOO!" There was a light sheen of sweat on her brow and body. Mizuki looked around her room in a panic expecting to see Morion there, but her room was empty. " _Yare, yare_ , oh dear, it was just a dream..." Mizuki sighed and flopped back down on her pillows covering her eyes with one arm as she felt them burning. Mizuki suddenly remembered how Genkaku had defeated Morion – how the porn star had gotten sucked into a black hole and how his skin had gotten turned inside out, and then his guts had been pulled into the black hole. It was something that had only happened in seconds and yet the sickening, graphic image was still vividly burned into her mind.

"Ugh, I feel sick..." Mizuki suddenly felt ill and quickly got out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. She ran over to the toilet, knelt down before it, and grasped the basin before she began to throw up into the porcelain bowl.

_Morion is dead. Genkaku_ killed _him. Killed...does that make Genkaku a murderer?_ Mizuki shook her head. But the image of Genkaku's pleased smile as he killed Morion flashed in her mind. _Does this make Genkaku a bad person? No...I want to believe in Genkaku...that there's_ good _in him. I just know there is...ugh..._ Mizuki continued to throw up until she was throwing up nothing but bile and began to dry heave.

There was a knock at her door. "Mizuki- _kun_?"

It was Yang's voice.

"In here..." Mizuki called out weakly.

The sound of Yang opening her bedroom door was heard and then the sound of him making his way across the room towards the bathroom. He entered the bathroom and was shocked to see Mizuki on her knees in front of the toilet bowl, dry heaving...

"Mizuki!" Yang rushed to her side and knelt down besides her. He began to rub circles on her back in a comforting gesture. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

Tears began to burn Mizuki's eyes. Okay? How could she possibly be _okay_ when her most precious _first kiss_ had been stolen from her?! Hot tears began to fall from her face and down into the toilet bowl... _my first kiss!_

She then turned and threw herself into Yang's arms-

"Oh Yang!" Mizuki cried, "That evil prince stole my first kiss!"

Yang's brow furrowed at the mention of an 'evil prince' but knew Mizuki must have meant Morion. He wrapped his arms around Mizuki protectively. "Your first kiss? Was that something special to you?"

Mizuki nodded vigorously. "I was saving it for the man I love..."

Yang's eyes widened and his heart beat a little faster. Mizuki loved someone? Who? Yang took a deep breath and swallowed before he voiced the question. "Er, so who's the lucky guy?" Yang held his breath, not really knowing why.

Mizuki sniffled. "Akito."

"Akito?!" Yang started – she couldn't mean the famous male model _Akito_ could she? Who was now working as a host at the rival host club called the _Precious Gem Host Club_?! The very same host club that _Ryoko_ ran? "Do you actually know him?"

"Yes, we grew up together. We're childhood friends." Mizuki choked on the word 'friends'.

"Childhood friends?!" Yang's jaw dropped. _Whoa...it's a small world._ "Does Akito know you're here?" _Genkaku claims to hate Akito but maybe that hate is really admiration since Genkaku follows his footsteps and tries to surpass him...hmmz._

Mizuki shook her head. "No...he's actually one of the reasons why I came here to the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_. I was in love with Akito but found out he didn't love me in return. He had been lying to me and playing me for a fool – in reality he is a playboy who claims to love all women. And he works as a host at the _Precious Gem Host Club_. I didn't even know what a host club was at first but I swore to get revenge. I vowed that I would become a host that would surpass Akito – become the #1 host in Kabukicho and show him!" _Then he'll realize what an incredible person I am and come back to me._

Yang stared at Mizuki in disbelief. "So that's why you became a host? Revenge?" _This is all just too weird. How could an upbeat, optimistic person like Mizuki do something like this out of revenge? It's almost the same as Genkaku...but these two are night and day._

"Also there's this evil sorceress named Ryoko who has somehow bewitched my Akito! I plan to break the curse she has placed on Akito. I decided I needed Genkaku's help for both of these things – on how to become a #1 host _AND_ to help me free Akito from Ryoko's spell. When I saw Genkaku I knew that he would be able to captivate Ryoko and that way she'll ignore Akito...and the spell will be broken. Akito will realize that Ryoko's just been using him all along." Mizuki continued on enthusiastically.

"You plan to use Genkaku to captivate Ryoko in order to get Akito back?" Yang's jaw dropped. _This is_ so _not good. Ryoko is the one who broke Genkaku's heart and whom we're trying to get revenge on eventually by making Ryoko fall in love with Genkaku and then letting him break her heart but...Genkaku is NOT ready to face her just yet. If Genkaku faces her too soon he'll break..._ Yang grasped Mizuki's shoulders and looked into her eyes. "Listen Mizuki...I don't think it's a good idea for Genkaku and Ryoko to meet..."

Mizuki blinked. "Why?"

" _Ah~_ " Yang scratched his cheek. It really wasn't his place to tell Mizuki about Ryoko and Genkaku's past.

"Just trust me on this, Mizuki. Alright?" Yang persisted.

"Well, alright..." Mizuki trailed off uncertainly.

"So why did you think Genkaku was the one who would be able to help you become a #1 host?" Yang questioned curiously.

"Because Genkaku is amazing." Mizuki gushed and stars popped up into her blue eyes. "He's the perfect Illusionist Host...he completely fooled me when I first came here!"

"Huh? You mean the day you came asking him to take you on as his apprentice?"

"No – the day he saved me from getting run over by that car! He was so cool that day – just like a real superhero. And that was the day he said to me: 'A host's duty is to make a girl smile'. I decided then and there it had to be Genkaku! I admire and respect him very much. I want to be just like him." Mizuki nodded her head vigorously.

"That cute girl was you?!" Yang exclaimed and then covered his mouth, "Sorry – whoa. I never would have realized that. You're pretty amazing yourself, Mizuki. I mean, you had all of us fooled into thinking that you were a boy. And you still have Genkaku, Piper, Yin and Hirgon fooled, now that I think of it..."

Yang shook his head, bemused. Mizuki truly was something else – she may really be able to pull off her revenge and become a #1 host AND even convince Genkaku to captivate Ryoko and get Akito back...Yang felt a strange twinge of pain in his chest at the thought that Mizuki was in love with Akito. _What was that? Weird..._ Yang stood up. "Well, I've got to get downstairs – we're opening the club soon. I'll let the others know you're not feeling so good in case you wish to rest more. Alright?" Yang paused in the doorway. "I was really worried when I heard you cry out. Did you have a bad dream?"

"More like a nightmare." Mizuki shivered.

Yang's expression fell at Mizuki's suddenly stricken expression. "Well, it was just a dream though right? It's not like it was real so don't let it get to you okay? Take care...I'll bring you some food later." Yang declared as he left Mizuki's room.

But Mizuki was no longer listening. Just a dream? No – it had been real. Her very first kiss – the one she had been saving for the man she loved, Akito, had been stolen from her. Now...she was tainted...now Akito wouldn't want to touch her filthy lips...he would be disgusted by her...she was no longer pure – she was dirty.

He'll never love me now! He'll never kiss me now! I'm dirty! Tainted!

Mizuki put her face in her hands and burst into tears.

***

Elsewhere in the castle, Genkaku had also been woken up by Mizuki's scream-! He put a pillow over his head in response to drown out any more noise. _Urusai! Silence! Loud brat! I'm trying to sleep here!_ Genkaku angrily thought to himself as he fell back to sleep carelessly and without worry. He wouldn't lose sleep over a stupid brat.

***

Later that day, Yang carried a tray of food up to Mizuki's room. Yang had informed the other hosts that Mizuki wasn't feeling well that day so she had been allowed to stay in bed. Mizuki had moved back into bed and when Yang entered her room he found her crying under the covers. Yang felt incredibly awkward about intruding on her but swallowed, cleared his throat, and spoke.

"Mizuki? I brought you some food. Please eat something when you feel up to it, okay?" Yang tentatively offered.

The only response Yang received was Mizuki's muffled sobs.

Yang left the tray of food on a table that was in Mizuki's room, and fled her room like a scared bunny rabbit. _Ah~ I'm such a coward! But I have no idea what to do! I'm clueless when it comes to dealing with girls...and I've never dealt with such a distraught one before. It's like she breaking to pieces...I can't handle this! Shit!_

***

The following day, Yang went to Mizuki's room and saw that she hadn't touched the tray of food he had left for her and that she was _still_ crying.

_How many tears can one small girl have anyways?_ Yang shook his head. "Mizuki? Do you want me to tell the others that you're still too sick to come down to the host club today too?"

"..."

"I'll let them know then and I'll bring you up some more food later okay?"

"..."

Yang took the untouched tray of food and left Mizuki's room, hanging his head dejectedly. He went to the kitchen, intent on leaving the tray there with Fiore and let out a heavy sigh as he entered.

Fiore raised an eyebrow at Yang as he set the untouched tray down on the kitchen counter. "The kid didn't eat anything? That's strange...she usually loves my cooking."

"Apparently, she's taking what happened pretty hard..." Yang looked around to make sure no one was eavesdropping on them. "Having her first kiss stolen like that. It's times like this that I realize she really is a girl. And I also realize that I have no idea how to help her." _But when I first talked to her she had seemed alright...what happened? Was it something I said? Shit. What if this is all my fault?! Ah!_ Yang gripped his white hair and pulled.

Fiore looked thoughtful. "She could have had much more stolen from her than just a 'kiss'. I still don't like how she ended up in such a dangerous situation to begin with. As the only ones who know about her secret Yang – it's our duty to look after her. We failed her. We let her get into that dangerous situation..." Fiore brought down the knife he had been cutting vegetables with onto his cutting board so that it was left sticking straight up.

"I know." Yang sighed heavily and ran a hand back through his white, shaggy hair. "But Mizuki is just so naïve and innocent. And she just _has_ to help people. Heh, she's the exact opposite of Genkaku..."

"What are you going to tell Genkaku about Mizuki?"

"That she's still feeling sick I guess." Yang shrugged helplessly. "I can't tell him the truth – that she's suffering from a stolen 'first kiss'...no _dude_ would act this way. It would totally give away the fact that she's, well, a _she_."

"You're right. We'll just have to keep this a secret until Mizuki feels well enough to return to her hosting duties, I suppose."

Yang nodded. "That's the plan."

Yang made his way into the main host club room in order to inform Genkaku that Mizuki was once again too sick to perform her hosting duties.

Yang coughed to get Genkaku's attention. "Err, Genkaku- _sama_ , Mizuki is still feeling sick..."

Genkaku was reclining lazily on his settee while smoking a cigarette. "Oh? Is that all?" He took a drag and blew out a few rings of smoke. "Inconsequential. Now as for today's Scenario Requests..."

Yang let out a breath of relief. Genkaku didn't seem too suspicious about Mizuki – in fact, Genkaku didn't even seem to care that Mizuki was still sick. This irked Yang a bit but this WAS Genkaku they were talking about...

_Ah~ peace and quiet at last._ Genkaku was trying to conceal a grin from Yang. _I could get used to this..._

Ever since that kid got sick it's been so dark around here. No sudden bursts of light to blind me. Yes, no dazzling creature to have to put up with, and no kid to blind me with his bright smile and sparkling blue eyes...

Now that Mizuki is sick...things have returned back to normal. Yes, my normal dark days have returned fufufufufu~

Genkaku was letting Eliana and Kazehaya stay at the castle but Eliana was still tending to Kazehaya's injuries and so the couple hadn't left their room since Eliana's rescue. Genkaku was sure that once Kazehaya was healed that the lovey-dovey couple would be another eyesore that he'd have to put up with in the host club. So Genkaku intended to enjoy this peace and quiet while it lasted.

A few days later...

However, along with Genkaku's 'dark days' having returned the female clients began to stop coming to the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ over the next few days. It seemed that without their 'cute mascot' the hosts began to appear to be too scary, or creepy or intimidating to their female clientele's tastes once more...

Genkaku was reclining on his settee, this time drinking a cup of _sake_ thoughtfully, a scowl on his face, when Piper approached him.

"Genkaku, I have some bad news. We're in the red again." Piper informed him as he flipped through the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ account book.

Genkaku accidentally shattered the _sake_ cup that was in his hand. " _Nani?_ "

Piper looked nervous but continued on. "The female clients who were all lured here by Mizuki have ceased coming now that Mizuki is no longer working...several ladies have expressed that they wish to be notified once Mizuki is feeling better and working again."

"You can't be serious." Genkaku gave Piper an incredulous look but Piper just stared back at him, unmoved. "What about _me_? I'm handsome aren't I Piper?!" Genkaku growled angrily. "I should be a frigin Adonis to their jaded eyes!"

"Er, yea," Piper pushed his goggles (the one's Mizuki had made for him) up his nose, "But a lot of the ladies find you to be a bit...intimidating. But when you have Mizuki 'hanging off of you' or 'clinging to your arm' you suddenly don't seem to be as intimidating to the girls anymore. Mizuki was like the perfect _prop_ for you..."

"Where is that damned kid anyways?! Is he _still_ sick...?" Genkaku sneered.

"Well, yes..."

"How many days has it been?"

"Seven."

"Seven?!" Genkaku barked. "Oh that's it! I think the little brat has just gotten lazy! I'll go and straighten him out, but first..." Genkaku stalked over to the kitchen.

He wanted answers. He needed answers. And he knew that Yang and Fiore were trying to hide something from him and he wanted to know what.

At that moment, Yang was setting down another tray of uneaten food upon the kitchen counter.

Fiore was looking extremely worried. "This one too?"

Yang nodded. "This is getting serious. What should we do?"

Fiore wrung his hands together nervously. "Maybe we should tell Genkaku- _sama_ after all-"

"Tell me what?" Genkaku strode into the kitchen with long-legged strides.

Yang and Fiore jumped. "Genkaku- _sama_?!" Yang exclaimed. "Er, well, you see..."

"The kid hasn't eaten for seven days!" Fiore burst out and gave Yang an apologetic look. "I'm bad with keeping secrets."

" _What?_ " Genkaku snapped, and gave them both an exasperated look. "For heaven's sake, why not?"

"Well, you see, he's..." Yang swallowed. "Depressed."

Genkaku raised an eyebrow at Yang. "You're telling me that the Sunshine Kid is depressed? And...that's it? You've got to be shitting me. You both are extremely incompetent! Well, what exactly is the kid depressed about anyways?" Genkaku demanded, tapping his foot on the floor in an impatient gesture.

Yang and Fiore shared a look and remained silent.

Genkaku immediately got pissed. "What? You won't tell me? It's that serious huh? Then I guess I'll just have to get the answer out of the little bugger myself!" Genkaku cracked his knuckles and started to walk away.

"No wait!" Yang called after him. "Genkaku! Oh shit..."

"You can say that again." Fiore murmured.

"Oh shit."

***

Genkaku stormed into Mizuki's bedroom, pissed. "Mizuki!"

Mizuki was in bed, buried under her covers, and didn't respond. _Grrrr._ Genkaku growled low in his throat and strode over to her bed before yanking the covers off with one hand. "Get up!" Genkaku demanded as the covers were flung off of Mizuki and suddenly her pale, skinny form was revealed. Had Mizuki always been that skinny? Genkaku wondered, fleetingly.

The kid looked pale and weak – a shadow of his former bright self. A bright light fizzling out...

A firefly about to die.

Genkaku was caught off guard by this unnerving sight. There was just something that felt so wrong about the current state of things.

Mizuki turned to look at Genkaku weakly, "Genkaku- _sensei_?"

How had the kid managed to get to such a weakened state?! Genkaku wondered in surprise. Surprise quickly turned to anger. Yang and Fiore were supposed to be looking out for the kid – _those bloody idiots!_ "Mizuki, you stupid brat! Get out of bed!" Genkaku leaned over and grabbed Mizuki's upper arm in a hard grip.

Mizuki flinched.

"You can't stay in here and mope around any longer. I won't allow it. You need to get out of bed and _eat something_." Genkaku tightened his grip when Mizuki didn't immediately respond.

"You're hurting me Genkaku- _sensei_...and I tried eating but my body just won't let me." Mizuki explained, pathetically.

Genkaku sighed heavily. _This is bullshit. I can't believe I'm about to ask this._ "What's wrong with you anyways? Did something happen? I thought we arrived at the studio _before_ those men could rape you." _Or is the way I killed Morion behind this...I knew I should have made the kid close his eyes...dammit._

Mizuki remained silent for a moment before she spoke. "That man...he..."

Genkaku leaned forward. "Yes?"

"Stole my first kiss."

"And?"

"That's it."

"Huh?!" Genkaku's mouth dropped and he gaped at Mizuki. "You do know you're a _dude_ right? I've never heard of a boy making such a big fuss over losing a kiss to someone, ha! In fact, most boys would celebrate it. Although I can understand if you were a little disgusted since you were forced to kiss a man."

"That's not it." Mizuki shook her head and instantly regretted it, feeling dizzy. "I don't expect _you_ to understand, Genkaku- _sensei_ but I was saving that kiss for the person I love."

_The person he loves? Mizuki has someone he loves?_ "The person you love?" Genkaku murmured as he thought of Ryoko and how he had dreamed of kissing her someday. But instead when he had confessed his feelings for her she had responded:

" _I_ hate _creepy guys like you! You should do the world a favor and go off and die somewhere!"_

Genkaku shivered. "I bet she's a really cute girl, Mizuki. But I don't see why you have to get so depressed about all this. It's not like this girl will mind if had your first kiss stolen. I'm sure she'll understand and-"

"No...the person I love will never love me now. I've been...tainted!" Mizuki's voice cracked. "Will never want me now...I want to just fade away..." She murmured brokenly.

_That almost sounded suicidal. But from Mizuki? Who seems to think life is such an incredible gift? Impossible._ "Tainted? Is that what all this is about? What utter nonsense. This is completely ridiculous. I've never heard of anything so stupid before in all my life." Genkaku declared and with a heavy, defeated sigh he sat down on the edge of Mizuki's bed. "It was just a kiss. A stupid meaningless kiss...don't you see?" Genkaku insisted, willing Mizuki to understand.

"But not to me...to me it was something precious." Mizuki insisted.

Genkaku grabbed Mizuki roughly by the front of her pj shirt and brought her forward so that their noses were almost touching. He glared into Mizuki's large blue eyes, which seemed even larger in her sunken face. "You're being stupid. Pull yourself together! It was just a kiss. Get over it!" Genkaku raised his free hand to slap Mizuki.

Mizuki flinched and closed her eyes.

Genkaku's hand stopped a centimeter away from her face. Genkaku looked at his hand in shock – but for some reason it just felt so wrong to hit Mizuki. Genkaku lowered his hand and let Mizuki go. He put his face in his hands and sighed heavily. At the rate he was going he was only making things worse. How could he show the kid and make him understand that a kiss without any emotions behind it was meaningless?

_That's it!_ A sudden idea had come to Genkaku. Genkaku rushed out of Mizuki's room, down main staircase and through the main club room. He then made his way outside and to the alleyway that was next to the castle. He knew all about how Mizuki, Yang and Fiore were keeping a stray dog there and secretly feeding it. They kept it outside because they knew that Genkaku absolutely _hated_ small dogs. _Well, they are such useless creatures. They're loud, whiney, obnoxious, and needy. They have a pathetically weak squeaky bark, they pee ALL the time, and they're useless for protection._

Genkaku entered the alleyway and felt like pinching himself for the second time that day. _I can't believe I'm doing this!_

"Oh...Pochi! Come here boy!" Genkaku awkwardly called out.

"Woof!" The small white dog instantly revealed itself and ran towards Genkaku wagging its tail. The dog looked friendly enough but Genkaku was not one to fall for masks so easily.

"Ehehehehe." Genkaku laughed nervously at his own actions and awkwardness. "Come here you...you...cute doggie." Genkaku called through gritted teeth and tried to keep a straight face. _Yea, come here and let me grab you, you pain in the ass mutt!_ Once the dog had reached him, Genkaku quickly picked him up by the scruff of his neck and held the dog out at arm's length. Pochi tried to snap at Genkaku but Genkaku merely ignored the dog's attempts to take a bite out of him. He knew that the dog's true nature was 'devil dog' and that the dog didn't like anyone but Mizuki. Genkaku quickly took the dog inside before he could change his mind about what he was about to do.

The hosts all watched in shock as they saw Genkaku walking through the main clubroom while carrying a small white dog.

"What the hell is Genkaku- _sama_ doing with that dog? He _hates_ small dogs." Yin questioned aloud in disbelief as his eyes followed after Genkaku.

"That's what I'd like to know." Piper gave Genkaku a piercing look and jotted something down into his notebook.

"What are you writing down in there?" Yin raised an eyebrow at the boy and tried to peer over Piper's shoulder.

"Nothing which concerns you." Piper replied, moving his notebook out of Yin's line of sight.

"Why you little..." Yin growled fingering his .45.

Genkaku made his way back to Mizuki's room and stopped outside of the yellow painted door. He always had a hard time going into Mizuki's overly bright room. He took a deep breath before letting himself inside of Mizuki's room with the dog still in his arms. "Mizuki, look it's Pochi!"

Mizuki weakly turned to face Genkaku and Pochi. "Pochi?" Mizuki's eyes brightened slightly.

"Pochi how about you give Mizuki here a kissy wissy." He said as he held Pochi out towards Mizuki's face unexpectedly.

"Woof!" Pochi barked before enthusiastically licking Mizuki's face directly on her lips.

"You see...Pochi just kissed you." Genkaku said triumphantly. "Did you feel anything weird? No? That's because a kiss without any real emotion behind it is meaningless."

Mizuki's eyes widened in shock. _A kiss without any real emotion behind it is meaningless._

"So you see, that wasn't your first kiss." Genkaku explained. "Your first kiss will be when you kiss someone you actually care for."

Mizuki's eyes widened and began to shimmer with emotion. "Genkaku..."

"Yes...?"

"I'm hungry!"

Genkaku nearly fell over. "About time! I'll have Fiore prepare you something right away – any favorites?"

Mizuki looked back at Genkaku shyly and hesitated on answering.

"Escargot it is then." Genkaku said with finality as he turned to leave.

"Uwhah!" Mizuki grabbed Genkaku's sleeve, "No! Anything but escargot! I want spaghetti and meatballs!"

"Spaghetti? That's an odd choice but, well, alright then. You should have just said so in the first place, _neh?_ " Genkaku grinned mercilessly at Mizuki and left to place Mizuki's order. There was a skip to Genkaku's step and he had begun to whistle a little tune that greatly resembled the Funeral March. _Gah! What am I getting so happy for?! It's just the kid...who cares if he's happy or sad or about to kill himself anyways? Heh. But...is the kid really recovered or is he just fooling me? After all, I'm the one who taught him about masks and how to conceal his emotions. Shit. I don't really know anything about the kid...about who he really is, his likes or dislikes, his favorite food or music or movies or books or color? Who is Mizuki really?_

_How would I even know where to begin if I, say, wanted to...cheer him up? Completely theoretically, of course. Though I believe it's necessary to have Mizuki be in a happy go lucky mood if we're going to get any more female clients. So then what could I do to cheer the little bugger up?_ Genkaku stroked his chin thoughtfully. _Hmm I need a shave. Anyways, what do I know about him? I'll start there._ Genkaku thought back and remembered Mizuki's bandaged hands... _That's it!_ A sly grin came upon Genkaku's face. _I know the perfect gift, which will cheer Mizuki up. Yosh._ Genkaku held up a fist before him in an adamant gesture.

***

An hour later, Genkaku arrived with a tray of food for Mizuki. Mizuki was still too weak to get out of bed or even feed herself and so Genkaku somehow ended up reluctantly feeding her. Cough.

Mizuki could hardly believe it. _He's feeding me...was he really worried about me? Naw. Genkaku's not the type to worry about other people. But then why...?_

Genkaku's face felt hot as Mizuki stared at him pensively while trying to figure him out. "Will you stop staring you damned brat?!"

"Sorry." Mizuki grinned at Genkaku brightly. _It's just as I suspected...Genkaku-sensei is a good person._

_Argh! Mabushi! Bright! The dazzling creature is dazzling again, damn it all to hell! I hate this kid but...I must protect my investment! We need this kid if we're going to get out of the red!_ Genkaku inwardly moaned to himself. "Now take a shower and get dressed. There's something I want to show you. I'll be back in thirty minutes. So you had better be ready." Genkaku declared before he stormed out of her room and closed the door behind him loudly.

Mizuki flinched at the loud, hard door slam and blinked at the door, which Genkaku had just closed. _Huh?_ She shrugged. _Genkaku...is weird._ Mizuki did her best to shower and dress as quickly as possible. She went to her wardrobe and chose a white shirt that had the design of two black medieval crosses on the front of it, a black tie, and a pair of white pants that had decorative silver buckles in the _Visual Kei_ style on them. She then put on a pair of white leather shoes that had black platforms. She was ready and waiting for Genkaku while seated on the edge of her bed by the time he arrived.

Genkaku stormed through the door exactly thirty minutes later. Mizuki noticed that he was wearing his usual tuxedo. He did look rather handsome in a tuxedo but at the same time he looked somehow 'out of place' Mizuki thought to herself.

"Follow me." Genkaku stated simply before leaving Mizuki's room and expecting her to follow.

Mizuki quickly hopped off the bed and took off after him.

If I were to design him an outfit to wear it would compliment his Asian-features. I think they're the best quality about him...his dark eyes...dark hair...one of my outfits would make Genkaku look even more beautiful and magical than he already does naturally. A tuxedo makes him look handsome but at the same time he appears too...cold, unapproachable, serious. He needs something a little more flashy...something like-

"We're here." Genkaku declared abruptly interrupting Mizuki's thoughts.

Mizuki looked up to see that Genkaku had taken her to a part of the castle she had never been to before. In front of them was a large, red painted door.

Genkaku took out a blindfold and smirked. "Here put this on."

Mizuki raised an eyebrow at Genkaku but did as she was told.

Genkaku shook his head at Mizuki – the kid was way too trusting. Genkaku opened the door and then took Mizuki by her hands and began to lead her inside. _The kid is going to love this._ Genkaku led Mizuki to the very center of the room before he let go of her hands. "Now uncover your eyes."

Mizuki took off her blindfold, looked around and gasped – the room she had been brought to was a sewing studio. And it was humungous. There were rows and rows of tables, countless bookshelves filled with books on fashion, design, clothes patterns; there were also other shelves that were full of rolls and bolts of different types of fabrics. And on one of the long tables there was a mysterious object sitting in the center of it, which had been mysteriously covered by a white sheet. Genkaku waltzed over to this table, grabbed a hold of the sheet, and yanked the sheet off with a flourish to reveal the hidden object that lay beneath.

It was a sewing machine.

Mizuki rushed over to inspect it. " _Ooo~_ a NECCHI sewing machine! They're from Italy. I saw these advertised on 3DTV. All the very best designers use them." Mizuki's eyes became all starry.

Genkaku smirked. Mizuki didn't seem to be able to contain her happiness. "It's yours – in fact this entire sewing studio and everything in it is yours. It's my gift to you, Mizuki."

Mizuki turned to look back at Genkaku a bit heart-eyed and in disbelief. _He cares! He really does care! Ahh~ I knew Genkaku was a good person! Why is he being so nice to me...has he fallen in love with me or something? Naw...that can't be it...he thinks I'm a boy! Ah~ I feel just like a princess. Just like Belle from Beauty and the Beast in fact. Yes, this is just like a scene from that fairytale. I would be Belle and Genkaku would be the beast! Because who could ever learn to love a beast...teehee! Oh he would be furious if he could read my thoughts! Genkaku is a little like a misunderstood beast though isn't he? And I'm like a princess and—_

The sound of breaks screeching was heard in Mizuki's mind. Why would Genkaku be giving her a sewing studio anyways, unless...? "Ah!" Mizuki pointed her finger at Genkaku, her fantasy crashing down around her. "You know don't you?! That I was the one who made all the costumes on Halloween? How did you find out?"

"Well, I had a suspicion – which you now beautifully confirmed." Genkaku grinned.

Mizuki gasped. _Shimatta! He's a devil! Oh shit! Does this also mean he's figured out that I'm a girl?! That I like to sew and like cute and sparkly things?! And think kisses are precious?! Oh nooo~! I've done such a bad job trying to keep my secret from Genkaku – I'm so screwed. He must hate me now. Ahhh~!_ Mizuki gripped her head in a panic.

Genkaku watched her internal breakdown with undisguised amusement. "Well, yes, now I know. Big deal. You really are quite overdramatic aren't you, Mizuki? Why were you keeping it a secret anyways? That you're a designer that is?"

Mizuki looked up and blinked. _Huh?_ This wasn't how this conversation was supposed to go. "What do you mean why? Isn't that obvious? No self-respecting dude would be proud to be into fashion and-"

" _Ah~_ so that's what this is about. Inconsequential." Genkaku dismissed Mizuki's worries with a wave of his hand.

" _Hai_?!"

"I've noticed this since you arrived here - you're always trying to be very 'manly' but...that's just not who you are. Do you think that girls will only like manly men? This is not so. Our female clients like you just the way you are: cute. You're cute and approachable and somewhat effeminate, sure, but...a lot of girls like the 'Girlie Boy' or _Bishounen_ , 'Pretty Boy' type. You should stop trying so hard to be someone that you're not and just be true to yourself, Mizuki. You're fine just the way you are." _If you try to become someone you aren't...they'll be nothing left of yourself. I know._

You should stop trying so hard to be someone that you're not and just be true to yourself, Mizuki. You're fine just the way you are.

Mizuki's eyes widened and she looked back at Genkaku starry-eyed, her eyes shimmering and full of respect and admiration. _Genkaku-sensei...he really is just too cool~_

"Got it?" Genkaku pressed sternly and noticed her odd look. "And don't stare at me like that kid, it's cre- err, weird."

" _H-hai_!" Mizuki responded, beaming. Little hearts and stars and flowers seemed to sprout and form in the air all around her.

_How the hell does he do that?_ Genkaku shook his head. _Ugh, mabushi...but this is the way the kid should be – any other way is just...wrong._ Genkaku flinched from Mizuki's bright smile _. I hope this manages to successfully cheer the brat up. Since I must protect my investment and client lure of course._ Genkaku quickly added in his mind.

Mizuki sat down at the sewing table and put a hand on the sewing machine. How could she possibly repay Genkaku's kindness?

Just be true to yourself.

_That's it!_ Mizuki smiled as she began to brainstorm...Designer Mizuki Mode starto! She knew exactly how to repay the host, who had been so kind to her...

***

The next day...

Genkaku awoke to find a package lying at the foot of his bed. He opened the brown paper wrapping to reveal a brand new outfit. _Mizuki...did she stay up all night making this for me?_ Genkaku smirked to himself. _I'm so the man._

Genkaku quickly showered and then dressed. He looked at his reflection in the full-length mirror that was in his room and admired Mizuki's creation. _Incredible...I look...different somehow. Less frightening and more...magical._

Mizuki had created him a masterpiece. A long-sleeved, sapphire blue, collared, Chinese-style, silk shirt that was fitted around the chest area and then continued down past Genkaku's knees where it hung more loosely and had slits on either side. The pattern of growling panthers, crescent moons and stars had been embroidered into the material with shimmering golden thread. Underneath the long shirt Genkaku wore a pair of baggy, Chinese-style, silk pants that hugged his ankles. Mizuki had also designed him a pair of silk shoes to wear to complete his outfit.

Genkaku gawked at his reflection, which almost appeared to be dazzling. _Mabushi! Whoa wait a sec. Me? Dazzling? In the same sentence? Impossible. That kid is a genius!_

Genkaku made his way down the stone staircase and into the main club room. This was when Genkaku's good mood began to fade. Genkaku was forced to shield his eyes – it was so damned bright in the clubroom for some reason. _Mabushi! Gah! Bright! What the hell...?!_ Genkaku squinted into the room and let his eyes adjust – he then realized the source of the problem: someone had stolen his black velvet curtains, which normally covered the stained glass windows that were throughout the club room.

Light was filtering through the stained glass windows into the club room, shedding multicolored lights throughout the club room and onto the white tablecloths that were on the tables – wait a sec – white?! The club room's tablecloths were also supposed to be black! _Someone_ had also stolen Genkaku's tablecloths!

Genkaku was lucky the windows in the club room all had stained glass and filtered the rays of the sun marginally or else Genkaku would have been in excruciating pain.

_Whoever stole my curtains and tablecloths is going to die a slow, and very painful death._ Genkaku inwardly vowed but as his eyes focused in the light he began to notice that those weren't the only changes that had been made to his club room. In fact, it appeared as though the club room had suffered from an entire makeover. _This has to be some kind of nightmare..._ Genkaku pinched his arm. _Ow!_

The newly redecorated, bright, sunny club room had a welcoming atmosphere to it now. There were no more dark, dreary curtains; tall crystal vases filled with pink roses were on the tables ( _Pink! The horror!_ ), and there were no more candles on the tables. Instead the club room was now illuminated brilliantly by artificial light, which was coming from a gigantic, sparkling, crystal chandelier, which had been hung in the center of the room. The crystal chandelier had draping strands of glimmering blue, clear, and yellow crystals on it that caught the light from the light bulbs in the chandelier and reflected beautifully on the walls. The candle wall sconces had been replaced with wall sconces that had light bulbs. There were also strips of Christmas lights draping down from the ceiling in elegant curves.

The more Genkaku looked around the clubroom he realized that it appeared as though everything had crystals on it. It was like _someone_ had taken a Bedazzler and bedazzled everything in the entire host clubroom!

There were even dark blue cushions on the chairs around the tables now that had silver tassels. _Blue!_ Personally, Genkaku only had one color in his vocabulary: black.

Everything was now unarguably cute and _sparkly~_

Genkaku stumbled down the last few stairs in utter shock. _Who would dare to do such a horrible thing?_ The other hosts knew the club's rules – and one of those rules was that _no one_ was allowed to redecorate the club room.

"Just...what is the meaning of this?!" Genkaku demanded as he reached the bottom of the staircase successfully. His anger lending him strength.

All the hosts – Piper, Fiore, Yin, Yang, and Hirgon - were already up, fully dressed, and were all seated at one of the club room's many round tables.

His hosts...Genkaku did a double take...his hosts were _NOT_ in their usual tuxedo outfits but were each wearing their own new ensemble - an ensemble, which suited their individual personalities perfectly. Genkaku grudgingly admitted to himself silently.

"The host club was like this already when we got here, Genkaku- _sama_. It wasn't us..." Piper informed him matter-of-factly.

Genkaku looked over Piper's outfit – it was a cute, Steam Punk creation. Piper had on the goggles Mizuki had made him, an orange vest, Victorian-style pants that went to his knees, and lace up, aviator-style, brown leather boots that went up to just below his knee.

"And your outfit?" Genkaku asked.

"I found it on the foot of my bed this morning." Piper explained with a small, knowing smirk.

"Me too." Fiore put in.

"Me three." Yang added.

"Same here." Yin sneered.

"..." Hirgon stared blankly at Genkaku.

Genkaku's brow furrowed but he shook his head and decided to deal with the matter at hand. "Piper, _someone_ has stolen my curtains and my tablecloths. I _demand_ that you figure out who the thief is!" Genkaku urged loudly, his tone almost desperate. It really was just too bright for Genkaku to handle this early in the morning. He could feel his gentleman mask cracking...

Piper snorted and Genkaku looked at him in disbelief, was Piper trying hard not to laugh. "I think it's quite obvious who did all this, Genkaku- _sama_." Piper said.

"Who then?" Genkaku snarled.

" _Ohayo!_ Good morning everyone!" Came an overly enthusiastic voice.

The hosts all turned to see Mizuki bounding down the stairs – she was wearing a silky, gold colored, long-sleeved shirt, and a pair of white pants. The shirt hurt Genkaku's eyes.

" _You~_ " Genkaku started in a spooky voice, "Thief!"

Mizuki raised an eyebrow at Genkaku, "Excuse me?"

"You-! You did all this didn't you?" Genkaku accused her, stalking forward like a panther about to pounce on his prey.

" _Hai!_ " Mizuki brightly admitted to her crime, "Isn't it wonderful? Everything is cute and _sparkly~_ now! Don't you just _love_ it?!" She gushed and her eyes began to sparkle as she clasped her hands together before her.

A fierce, dark, menacing aura was forming around Genkaku. _I'll kill him....I'll kill him._ "And just _who_ gave you permission to do such a thing?!"

"Why...you did silly!" Mizuki slapped Genkaku hard on the back. "You told me to be true to myself! And so I was!"

"I...?" Genkaku started and his eyes widened with realization – he _had_ told Mizuki that. But he hadn't known that by being true to himself Mizuki would unleash a plague of cute and _sparklyness~_ upon his host club!

All the hosts were looking at Genkaku shocked that he would have told Mizuki such a thing.

_I've created a monster...or opened Pandora's box._ Genkaku was swiftly sinking into the depths of despair as he came to realize that this was all his fault.

Genkaku stumbled over to the bar and poured himself a scotch on the rocks.

Yin came over and sat next to Genkaku at the bar and patted his back awkwardly. "There, there, Genkaku- _sama_. It's not all bad...the outfits the kid made are actually pretty decent don't you think?"

"Hmm?" Genkaku looked up and took in Yin's outfit. He emulated a 'Bad Boy' or 'Goth Rock Star' to a T. He was wearing a tight black shirt, short leather jacket, a pair of ripped jeans, knee-high combat boots, a chain belt, a chain necklace, and Yin was also sporting multiple piercing in his ears now. The outfit all in all was pretty striking.

Genkaku had to admit that he was rather impressed with Mizuki's design skill, and found that he felt not only hate towards the kid now but a grudging respect and newfound admiration. The kid's designs were truly amazing. No question about that. _I wonder how the kid came up with his ideas for the outfits and why?_ Genkaku mused, suddenly curious as he looked at the other outfits that Mizuki had made for his hosts.

Fiore was wearing a flamboyant outfit, which caused him to resemble a French pirate. A red-plumed hat, a sensual, white shirt with puffy sleeves, tight black pants, slick knee-high boots, and a fencing sword strapped to a wide leather belt completed the look.

And the funny thing was that Fiore, who was usually so _timid,_ was acting rather ostentatious all of a sudden...was that the _power_ of the outfit Mizuki had created for him?

Yang's outfit was something right out of James Bond: a slick all white tuxedo with a red rose stuck into his lapel and a white top hat was on his head. The only one of the hosts to never appear intimidating in a tux – Yang merely looked incredibly handsome. He was also exuding more self-confidence than usual. And his shaggy white hair had been gelled back giving Yang a mature look.

And lastly, Mizuki had made Hirgon a _samurai_ outfit – consisting of a red _haori_ shirt, matching _hakama_ pants, _zori_ sandals, and there was even a _samurai_ sword strapped to his waist (where had Mizuki gotten that...?). A Lone Samurai...it was true that Hirgon fit that image perfectly...even with those damned sunglasses of his still on his face.

Even Hirgon was looking a whole lot less...intimidating in his current outfit. He simply looked mysterious and handsome now. What was this magic that Mizuki had cast upon them all and how had she managed to do it?

_That kid..._ Genkaku turned to stare at Mizuki curiously. _Is he really a sorcerer? Naw. I need some coffee I must be half asleep._

The doors to the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ were opened and business began for the day. The true test of whether or not Mizuki's outfits for the hosts would be a hit or not had yet to begin...

Ranka entered the host club and immediately began to gush about the new outfits. " _Ooo~!_ You all look so incredible today. What happened?" Ranka was wearing a sexy _ninja_ cosplay outfit which consisted of a low cut, v-neck, purple shirt, black Capris and a short, bobbed purple wig. She was cosplaying Hinata from the anime _Naruto_.

"Mizuki designed us some new outfits." Yang informed her happily, unable to wipe the grin from his face.

"Mizuki- _kun_ did? That's...amazing!" Ranka gushed, her eyes turning into hearts. "I didn't know you were a designer Mizuki." Ranka grasped Mizuki's two hands in hers and looked deeply into her blue eyes. "I think I love you even more than before!"

Mizuki blushed. "It's nothing really...I just like to design and make clothes as a hobby. It's not like I have my own label or anything."

"Really? You should totally have your own label. You have an amazing talent. I'll talk to my mom about it!" Ranka declared.

"Your mom?" Mizuki quirked her head at Ranka.

"Yes, I never mentioned to you that my mother is the famous designer known as HANA?" Ranka questioned.

Mizuki's eyes widened. "HANA? Your mother is HANA?!" Her eyes turned into two large stars. "That is _so_ cool. I just love Hana's designs!"

"Thanks! Anyways, I'll introduce you...so tell me Mizuki, how did you come up with your designs for everyone?" Ranka licked her lips and leaned forward, curious.

This particular question caught the attention of all the hosts since they were all equally curious about why Mizuki had chosen to dress them the way she had.

Mizuki tapped her chin in thought, "Well...let me start with Genkaku- _sensei_. He's the scariest of the hosts..."

Genkaku felt his heart pierced by a dagger just then.

"So I knew I had to fix that somehow. It's a shame because he's also the handsomest!" Mizuki gushed.

Genkaku felt himself resurrect from the ashes of despair. _Rebirth!_

"I also know that deep down Genkaku wishes he could be just a little bit _brighter_ and so that's why I made him that outfit."

The hosts all turned to Genkaku and gave him a quizzical look.

"Hey is that true, Genkaku- _sama_?" Yang asked innocently.

"No it's not you fool!" Genkaku spat back and coughed.

"He also looks best in Asian-styled clothing because of his features. I wanted him to look like a Chinese Sorcerer! And the moons and stars shine and make Genkaku more _dazzling_. The dark blue brings out one of Genkaku's best features too – his gorgeous eyes."

Genkaku puffed out his chest with pride. _Dazzling, the kid called someone like me dazzling. Heh._

"Genkaku usually wears a tuxedo or business suit but he looks way too stiff, unapproachable, and cold in those types of outfits. Now he just looks... _magical_. Or at least I think he does." Mizuki blushed slightly.

Ranka looked over at Genkaku and blushed too. "No, you're right. I think he looks quite _magical_ too. Did you give him that pipe he's smoking...?"

"Yep! I hid all of his packs of cigarettes so he'd be forced to use my present instead." Mizuki admitted.

"Thief!" Genkaku gawked at Mizuki in disbelief. Since when did this kid have him wrapped around his little finger and jumping through hoops?

"A _kiseru_ is _way_ more exotic!" Mizuki continued as if she hadn't heard Genkaku. "Next...Piper...I though he looked great in the Steam Punk costume I made for him during Halloween and decided Steam Punk really suits him for some reason. I like the aviator boots best – he kinda looks like a mini-pilot. For some reason to me Piper doesn't look like he belongs on the ground..." Mizuki trailed off wistfully.

Piper gave Mizuki a startled look but quickly schooled his expression.

"I like the goggles on him because they're fun. And to me Piper needs to have more fun! The prop I gave him is that model airplane that he's holding. I think it suits him..." Mizuki smiled.

Piper looked down at the toy he had discovered on his bed that morning and smiled. _Suits me huh? Well, this plane_ is _frickin cool._

"Now, as for Fiore. He always looked so uncomfortable, or trapped while in a tuxedo and he gets afraid of the girls very easily so...I decided to put him in a French pirate outfit. I knew he would look extremely handsome and dashing and daring in it and hoped this would give him more confidence and the inner strength to deal with women better."

_That's funny, I_ do _feel more confident and daring while I'm wearing this._ Fiore blinked at Mizuki's words. _Because of the sword the girls keep their distance but...when I smile at them they end up fainting. It's perfect._

"Yang...he's the only host who doesn't appear to be overly intimidating in a tuxedo or look like he's secretly some kind of assassin or hit man!" Mizuki nodded to herself while the hosts exchanged a curious look. "Because of Yang's gentle persona he looks handsome and approachable while in a tuxedo. I fashioned his tuxedo after James Bond to throw in a bit of daringness. His prop is the Rolex on his wrist – _tré_ _cool~_ _neh?_ "

Yang blushed. _Mizuki thinks I look good in a tuxedo._ He grinned to himself.

"Yin...he's definitely intimidating and scary and sadistic." Mizuki checked these characteristics off on her fingers one by one.

Yin's ego was stabbed by multiple arrows.

"But what girl hasn't fallen in love with the 'Bad Boy' type before? So instead of trying to camouflage Yin's darkness I decided to accentuate and flaunt it. I did this using a Gothic, Punk Rocker style. I think it suits him perfectly and makes him not only look hot, handsome but also dangerous – a deadly combination." Mizuki winked dramatically.

Yin's eyebrows shot up to his hairline. Mizuki thought he looked _hot_? And why didn't that like totally disgust and creep him out? _Whoa something is definitely wrong with me. That damned brat – what's he up to?_

"Lastly is Hirgon. Personally, I always thought Hirgon looked like some kind of _yakuza_ or mafia hit man when he was wearing a tuxedo and those sunglasses of his." Mizuki shivered. "Scary stuff."

Hirgon lowered his head dejectedly. _Scary...? Now I know how Genkaku must have felt when Ryoko rejected him._

"But he's still very handsome with all those muscles. Since he's so quiet and stoic he reminded me of those lone _samurai_ types like in the movies, and so I decided to dress him up as a _samurai_. I think he looks perfect! Instead of scary now he looks mysterious. Don't you think?"

"Ah, yes, the Lone Wolf _Samurai_ Type." Ranka nodded to herself. "I totally agree! You did great Mizuki. You really transformed their image from scary host club to host club full of hotties!"

"If it is one thing I've learned since I came to the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ it's that nothing is as it first appears here." Mizuki declared, mysteriously.

Ranka nodded, "I agree. Oh! I have a great idea! My mother is having a runway show tonight. You should all come and see it! Especially you, Mizuki, since you're so into fashion. Come on, it'll be a blast!"

Mizuki's eyes sparkled with interest. "A runway show?!" She looked over at Genkaku, a pleading look on her face as she gave Genkaku her best puppy dog eyes. "Oh can we go? Can we?" If Mizuki had been a puppy her tail would have been wagging rapidly behind her.

Genkaku raised an eyebrow at Mizuki's behavior – the kid asking him for permission on something was a bit odd. "Do what you want."

"Yay!" Mizuki began to do a silly little dance.

Genkaku almost felt like laughing when he saw it. Almost. "That doesn't mean that I'll be going of course." Genkaku added on an afterthought.

" _Awww~_ but you have to go too!" Mizuki complained as she suddenly latched onto Genkaku's arm and began to tug insistently.

" _No._ " Genkaku said sternly and began to shove Mizuki off of him. "And let go of me! I'm most certainly _not_ going. There's no way you can get me to go to one of those stupid things."

Five minutes later...

Genkaku, Ranka and the other hosts were all piled into Ranka's car and on their way to Ranka's mother's runway show. Genkaku scowled. _How the hell did I end up being dragged along? Why me?_ Genkaku moaned in his mind as he put his face in his hands and gave himself up to his cursed fate.

Japanese Word Key-

_Bishounen_ – pretty boy

_Ohayo_! Good morning

_Haori –_ a kimono shirt

_Hakama –_ split pants

_Yakuza_ – mafia

_Samurai_ – Japanese warrior/knight

_Kiseru_ \- old style, Japanese smoking pipe, used for smoking tobacco, the mouth piece and bowl are made of metal and the shaft is made out of bamboo

### Chapter 13: Mirror, Mirror, on the wall

Genkaku, the other hosts, and Mizuki were dragged along by Ranka to her mother's fashion runway show that very night. The hosts arrived at the building where the runway show was being held and Ranka explained to the bouncer at the front that the hosts were V.I.P guests. Unfortunately, Ranka was unable to stay with them since she had her own part to play in the show itself. She happened to be one of the models.

"These are my friends. They're all to be treated as V.I.P guests. You got that?" Ranka told the tough muscular man, who was wearing all black and whose name was 'Johnny'.

Johnny nodded. "Understood, Ranka- _sama_."

"I'll leave you all to get seated wherever you wish. I have to go and get ready." Ranka declared.

"Ready?" Mizuki questioned.

"Oh, I didn't tell you? I'm going to be one of the models for my mom's show! I never ever would have considered doing such a thing before but because of you Mizuki – I have the desire to become braver. You've been a real inspiration for me, Mizuki. Watching you...I feel like with just the right amount of effort I can really change myself."

" _Ranka_..." Mizuki was moved by Ranka's words.

"Would you like to come backstage with me and watch me get my hair and makeup done?" Ranka questioned on an afterthought.

"Would I?" Mizuki immediately became excited and was practically bouncing on one foot. "Of course!"

"What about the rest of us?" Yin questioned sullenly, with a deep frown on his face.

"You can enjoy the show from the audience section, duh. Now let's go, Mizuki!" Ranka grabbed Mizuki's arm and began to tug her backstage.

Yin and the other hosts (excluding Genkaku) watched them go forlornly, also having wanted to participate in the actual show.

Genkaku looked at Yin knowingly. "She _so_ ditched you just now."

"Like I care!" Yin huffed, puffing out his chest.

Genkaku raised an eyebrow at Yin in response to his outburst. "Oh really? Then why is your face all red from suppressing your anger and jealousy? Temper, temper, Yin. Don't forget I _know_ you. You can't lie to me. And so if you like Ranka you should make a move before Mizuki steals her away for good. Are you a man or aren't you? All's fair in love and war, Yin.You've got to step up to the plate and play your best game before it's too late. Love is all about timing. Or so they say."

Yin looked back at Genkaku in a mixture of surprise and shock. "Easy for you to say. And what about you then?" Yin challenged as the hosts began to take their seats and he had caught sight of something red out of the corner of his eye.

Genkaku blinked. "What about me?"

Yin smiled evilly. "Look over there – isn't that Ryoko?"

"What? Where?" Genkaku's head snapped in the direction that Yin had pointed and sure enough his eyes widened as he caught sight of none other than Ryoko herself.

She looked...absolutely gorgeous. Her long, wavy, red hair was loose and cascaded down her back in fiery waves, her emerald green eyes were gleaming with delight and anticipation for the fashion show to begin (Ryoko was a well-known fashion connoisseur), she was wearing this fantastic red _kimono_ which had a flashy pattern of golden peacock feathers embroidered into the thick silk material, and her _obi_ sash belt was a matching golden color. In her hands she held an extravagant fan made of real green and gold peacock feathers and which she was lightly fanning herself with – even though the interior of the building was air-conditioned to perfection. This was simply one of Ryoko's signature habits that Genkaku remembered her having. It was nostalgic and the motion sent a little shiver down Genkaku's spine as he watched her fan herself.

"Yin, you total idiot!" Yang hit his brother over the head for pointing out Ryoko to Genkaku. He looked over at Genkaku worriedly as he watched Ryoko, and Yang could already see the hate and admiration warring on Genkaku's face. The conflict. This is what Yang had been worried about. _Shit. I knew it...it's still too soon for Genkaku-sama and Ryoko to meet! I have to make sure they don't cross paths tonight at least. As they say there's a fine line between love and hate but...I won't forgive what Ryoko did to Genkaku-sama so easily. Personally, I want that bitch to pay._

_Ryoko...!_ Genkaku's mind screamed and then his eyes quickly darted to her right to see whom she was there with. Genkaku's eyebrows shot up to his hairline when he saw that it was none other than Akito. _Akito?! What's_ he _doing here? And why is he with Ryoko? How does that male model even_ know _Ryoko?_

Akito was looking equally spectacular in a long-sleeved, silk shirt, which had a red and black snakeskin print. Akito had on a pair of formfitting, black leather pants (that were making girls swoon as they caught sight of Akito's shapely rear end), and a pair of cowboy boots. He was also wearing a flashy gold chain around his neck and a matching golden bracelet. Akito had unbuttoned the first three buttons of his shirt to reveal a large expanse of his golden chest teasingly. His wild mane of red hair was gleaming from the hair gel that Akito had used to style it to perfection. His dark eyes were scanning the interior of the showroom with a sharp, interested look.

Yang was still watching Genkaku intently as he noticed that Genkaku's attention had shifted from Ryoko and to the gentleman that was seated directly next to her.

"Akito." Genkaku had murmured under his breath in surprise.

_Akito?!_ Yang internally exclaimed. _Shit!_ Yang studied Genkaku's face as Genkaku looked at Akito and also noted how hate and admiration seemed to war on his face. _Akito is also able to elicit a strange reaction from Genkaku. Thank God this isn't a Boy's Love story or else I'd be worried! But it would be better if they didn't meet either. I also have to make sure that Mizuki and Akito don't meet._

Genkaku thought he could almost see a halo of light around Akito, which made him stand out from everyone who was around him. Akito was a bright star among a bunch of other stars that were simply _dim_ in comparison.

Akito was getting a lot of attention from the nearby females in the audience without even trying, Genkaku noticed, and much to his chagrin Akito seemed to be completely ignoring this fact.

_Most people are like moths drawn to 'lights'. Akito is one such 'light'._ Genkaku thought to himself. _He's someone who people follow and admire naturally._ Genkaku sighed inwardly. _I'll never be a 'light' as bright as him for I am trapped in the darkness..._

_Akito...I hate him and yet I respect and admire him at the same time. I want to become more like him. Akito is my...enemy? Rival perhaps? I used to think of Akito as my rival, I suppose, since he was someone who I admired and strove to surpass but now...now that he's with Ryoko?_ Genkaku shook his head. _It's unforgivable. He's become my enemy. And yet I cannot blame her for being attracted to such a bright star._ Genkaku gripped his head in confusion. _Hate? Admiration? Respect? What is it that I feel for Akito exactly?_

Genkaku returned his attention to Ryoko next. _Ryoko you bitch...you look stunning tonight. Just looking at her from afar like this makes my heart beat faster. I hate her and seek revenge against her and yet I...am drawn to her. Was Mizuki right about me? Do I really still love Ryoko? Should I try and pursue her love instead of my revenge? And give it my all like Mizuki advised me to do? To try and reach Ryoko with my feelings. They say there's a fine line between love and hate. What am I saying...? It's like I've gone temporarily insane. Me? Love? Again. Impossible. My heart has been broken into hundreds of irreparable pieces. I will never love again. I hate women...this isn't like me. Not one bit. That kid, Mizuki, he's really managed to turn my world upside down with nothing but his dazzling smile and a few choice words. Why am I unable to ignore that kid? Why?_

In a daze Genkaku took his seat and failed to notice how all the spectators' eyes seemed to shift from Akito to Genkaku as they caught sight of him. Little did Genkaku know it was all due to Mizuki's _magical~_ creation. Yang however noticed this strange phenomenon and watched curiously as all the girls in the audience began to point, stare, and talk about Genkaku:

"Who's that? He looks familiar." "Isn't he a model? I think I've seen his picture in magazines before." "He must be a famous actor!" "He's just so...magical."

Yang then noticed how the attention of the female spectators shifted to the other hosts as well. Piper seemed to be taking notes in his notebook on how the crowd was reacting to Genkaku and the hosts.

Fiore was shifting uncomfortably in his seat as the intense stare of the girls was beginning to make him break out into hives out of nervousness.

Yin was totally oblivious to all the attention as he inwardly continued to fume about how Ranka had left him behind.

Yang touched Genkaku's arm lightly, "Hey Genkaku- _sama_ , look – the girls, they're all admiring you." Yang informed him in a low but excited voice. He had used a low voice because he felt that if he used a voice that was too loud perhaps the spell would be broken.

"What? That would be impossible-!" Genkaku snapped, thinking about how he was in the presence of one so dazzling as Akito. His heart skipped a beat when he realized what Yang had said was absolutely true. The girls had all stopped staring at Akito...and were now staring at _him_ instead. _Huh?! Impossible...this makes no sense. Why would they choose to look at someone as dim as me when they could be looking at someone as bright and dazzling as Akito? Am I dreaming perhaps? I must have hit my head and fallen unconscious somewhere...?_

"Look at what he's wearing." "Yea, what designer is that?" "That outfit...it's incredible." "It almost looks like he's glowing doesn't it? Or am I being crazy?" "No you're right. He's...dazzling."

Genkaku's breath caught in his throat. And for a second he couldn't breath. Dazzling? Him?

"It's true Genkaku- _sama_...you really ARE _glowing_." Yang leaned in to whisper this in Genkaku's ear in an almost conspiratorial fashion as he stared at Genkaku in surprise.

Genkaku looked down at his Chinese-style outfit and saw that the crescent moons and stars, which had been embroidered into Genkaku's outfit with golden thread, did indeed appear to be glowing with an unnatural light.

_A trick of the light or perhaps...magic?_ Genkaku wondered in awe and then shook his head. _Impossible._

But the most pressing question on Genkaku's mind was would _Ryoko_ notice him?

Ryoko did indeed begin to notice how all the female spectators began to fawn not over _her_ Akito but over someone else. She immediately directed her attention to this man and spotted him. _It's him!_ Ryoko realized as she spotted the man she had tried to spy upon that Halloween night. _That host...just who was he again? Ah, yes I believe Akito called him Genkaku. And what is he wearing? That outfit...it's incredible._ The silk material seemed to be positively _glowing_. _He's incredibly handsome...though perhaps a diamond in the rough. I may be able to polish him into an even more spectacular man._ Genkaku was a precious gem or jewel unlike any Ryoko had ever seen before. She was completely captivated by him.

And then their eyes met.

Ryoko gazed back, curiosity shinning in her emerald green depths and the host quickly looked away. _Hmm. I must have him. I'll add him to my collection._ A sly smile crossed Ryoko's lips.

Akito noticed Ryoko's distraction and followed her gaze. _Ah! It's_ him _– what's he doing here?! Grrr...trying to take all the attention away from me again, I see. That guy just doesn't know when to stop does he? That bastard. Has he made it his job to ruin my life?_

"Damn him _..._ " Akito moaned softly to himself as he began to rub his temples. He could feel a headache coming on.

"Hmm?" Ryoko said absentmindedly.

Akito gave Ryoko a petulant look. " _Ryoko~_ you're ignoring me for him aren't you?! No one loves me..." He whined and then hung his head despairingly.

Ryoko turned her attention back to Akito and stroked his cheek fondly. She couldn't afford to loose such a precious gem. "Nonsense, my dear Akito. You know that I love you...you are my most favorite gem that I have collected."

A handsome young man with light hazel-colored eyes and short blonde hair, who was sitting on Ryoko's other side, took that opportunity to speak up. "Picking favorites, Ryoko- _san_? Would that make me your second favorite then?" He gave her a hopeful look.

Ryoko turned to Jun and stroked his cheek next, "What are you saying, Jun? All of you are my favorites. I love you all equally. All of you, my hosts, are precious to me."

"You don't have to lie – I don't mind." Jun gave her a gentle smile. "I know that Akito is special to you. Just as you are special to him. Ryoko don't misunderstand me as being jealous – I think that one day you _should_ chose a _favorite_. And maybe that favorite will be me."

"In your dreams, Jun." Akito scoffed. "If Ryoko ever does pick a favorite. She'll chose me."

Lightning seemed to flash between the two men's eyes as they glared at each other.

Ryoko slapped them both on their arms lightly. "Enough! Both of you! You know how much I hate it when my hosts fight amongst themselves. Besides, jealousy doesn't become you."

"We're sorry, Ryoko- _sama_!" Akito and Jun instantly crowed, hearts in their eyes.

" _Yosh!_ That's better." Ryoko crooned as she patted both their heads simultaneously. "You're both so much cuter this way." _Like obedient little puppies..._

***

Meanwhile, Mizuki and Ranka were both backstage. Mizuki waited outside of the dressing room that Ranka was currently getting changed in. Moments later Ranka emerged from the dressing room in the outfit that she would be modeling that evening. The outfit took Mizuki's breath away. It was a beautiful _Gothic Lolita_ -styled dress in a baby blue silk material that had a dark blue flower pattern on it. The dress itself was cute, frilly, had a bell skirt that ended at the knees and which had long sleeves. Ranka had on a longhaired sky-blue wig.

As Ranka stood before Mizuki as she appraised her outfit, a blush crept upon her cheeks.

Mizuki's blue eyes sparkled with admiration. "Cute and _sparkly~_ Perfect." Mizuki said under her breath with a slight nod.

Director Yoshida, a middle-aged man with salt and pepper hair and glasses, came rushing into the dressing room at that moment. " _Taihen!_ We have an emergency! Mio, our hair and make-up artist can't make it on time. She's currently stuck in a traffic jam! And Ranka – you're on in five! What are we going to do?!" Yoshida wrung his hands together worriedly.

Ranka looked at the other assistants who were all dressed in black. "Can't one of you do it? It can't be all that hard – it's just make-up."

_Just_ make-up...Mizuki cringed. She didn't like that sound of that one bit. Mizuki wanted to help Ranka but...if Mizuki revealed she knew all about make-up wouldn't that reveal that she was a girl?! Mizuki bit her lip while trying to remain quiet.

The assistants seemed to hesitate but in the end they agreed to do Ranka's make-up.

"I'm not really qualified to do something like this..." The first assistant was saying.

"I feel sick..." The other assistant was looking a bit green.

The two nervous girls began to work on Ranka's make-up and in moments they were done. They spun Ranka around in her chair to face Mizuki.

Mizuki tried very hard to keep a straight face. But the make-up job was just so awful! Her eyes and lips and cheeks were just so...overdone! Poor Ranka looked like some sort of clown! The assistants had put a shade of electric blue eye shadow on her eyelids, spread a deep red rouge on her cheeks and had also put a deep red lipstick on her lips. Mizuki knew they had been going for dramatic – but what they had managed instead was _scary_. Think - Evil Clown.

"So how do I look?" Ranka questioned tentatively.

Mizuki coughed. "Uh, err, you look nice."

Ranka's expression brightened, "Really? Let me see." Ranka swiveled her chair to look at her reflection in the nearby mirror and gasped, raising a hand to her mouth. "I look...horrible. I'm hideous!" Ranka covered her face in her two hands. "I'm going to ruin everything! My mom's fashion show...all because of me...all because I'm not pretty. I knew it...I knew I wasn't cut out to be a model! I'm ugly and plain! Hideous!" Ranka began to cry into her hands.

The assistants began to panic since Ranka was making her make-up job even worse.

"Ah Miss Ranka _please_ don't cry!"

"You're mascara! It's going to run!"

Something inside Mizuki snapped. At this point Mizuki couldn't take it anymore. Mizuki went over and put a hand on Ranka's shoulder. "Ranka..." Ranka sniffled and looked up at Mizuki, who handed her a tissue. "You're NOT ugly. You're beautiful. And I'm going to help you show this to the world."

Ranka's eyes widened, shimmering with hope. "Really?"

Mizuki nodded and began to roll up her sleeves. "Yes, you just leave everything to me!" _Mizuki_ _Make-up and Hair Artist Mode!_ Mizuki declared in her mind, getting herself pumped up. Mizuki used a toner to remove Ranka's make-up and then started from scratch. Mizuki held Ranka's face gently in her hand and turned her head from side to side. "You have beautiful skin, it's so soft and luminous. Your pores are so small. That new acne cleanser that you're using is really working well. Let's show you off to the world shall we?"

Mizuki first applied a light liquid foundation to Ranka's skin using a make-up sponge and then began on her eyes using her fingers to blend colors across Ranka's eyelids, in purple and blue hues, in a soft, subtle way. She used a black liquid liner and lined Ranka's eyes on her eyelids, close to her lashes. She then used a pale pink lip color and heavy, shiny gloss for Ranka's lips, which she applied with a lip brush. The foundation had been used thinly enough that Ranka's own natural blush showed through on her cheeks and so Mizuki didn't need to apply any rouge.

Mizuki worked on Ranka's wig hair next and used a curling iron to create sensual curls that fell and framed Ranka's face softly. She pinned part of Ranka's hair on the side with a large blue flower. Now she looked utterly adorable. _Cute and sparkly~_ Mizuki nodded to herself when she had finished. _She looks just like a springtime porcelain doll._

Mizuki spun Ranka's chair around so that Ranka could see her reflection in the mirror. Ranka's eyes widened. "Is that really me?"

Mizuki smiled and nodded. "Yes. I knew you would turn out this beautifully, Ranka- _chan_."

Ranka turned to Mizuki and looked at her quizzically. "Mizuki...how did you get so good at applying make-up? You act as if you've done this before but that would be impossible unless-"

"R-r-ranka!" Yoshida stuttered out in his slightly nervous tone. "It's time for you to get out there. Make your mother proud."

Ranka smiled back confidently. "I will." Ranka made her way past the curtain and out onto the runway stage.

Ranka's mother Hana watched her daughter's modeling debut with a tissue in hand, which she dabbed at her eyes with. "Oh my baby, she looks so beautiful. Ranka, I'm so proud of you! You've finally stopped living in a virtual reality world."

Mizuki watched Ranka's walk down the catwalk from just behind the curtain nervously, while chewing on her bottom lip. She wondered where Genkaku and the hosts were and quickly scanned the audience. _There!_ Mizuki caught sight of them and then noticed how Genkaku's attention had turned away from Ranka and the runway show.

_Huh?_ Mizuki wondered who he could possibly be looking at since she had made Ranka so dazzling. Mizuki followed Genkaku's line of sight and caught sight of her – Ryoko.

Mizuki started _. Ryoko?! What's_ she _doing here? And does that mean that Akito is here with her?_ Mizuki's eyes darted next to Ryoko and sure enough seated right next to Ryoko was Akito. _Akito?!_ Mizuki freaked out and hid herself completely behind the curtain, her heart hammering in her chest. _What's_ he _doing here? Did he come here with Ryoko!? He didn't see me did he?_ Mizuki chanced a peek outside again and saw that Akito was in a deep, heated conversation with Ryoko.

Mizuki let out a breath of relief. _Phew~_ it didn't look like Akito had noticed her. Mizuki risked looking out again to see Genkaku and saw that his eyes were still focused on Ryoko: that look, Mizuki recognized that look, his gaze was filled with love, adoration, and longing.

Love?

Mizuki's eyes widened, she had NEVER seen Genkaku look at a _woman_ in that way before – as if she were the only woman who existed in the entire world. Sure, he had play-acted that look before as a host but it had never looked sincere. _He loves her...! That must be HER. The woman Genkaku mentioned before – the one he claims to_ hate _! It's actually her. The woman Genkaku loves is none other than Ryoko!_

Mizuki patted herself on the back for her astute discovery; feeling elated but then suddenly conflicted. Genkaku was in love with the evil enchantress who had bewitched Akito. And wasn't Ryoko a bad person who had once broken Genkaku's heart? But how could Genkaku be in love with someone who was a bad person? That wouldn't make any sense, which meant Ryoko had to be a good person – right? Mizuki's mind was spinning.

But...Mizuki remembered Genkaku's gaze. The way he simply _looked_ at her. _Nothing in this world can make a person happier than loving someone and being loved by him or her in return._ If Ryoko somehow came to love Genkaku – that would undoubtedly make Genkaku really happy and then maybe he could confront some of the darkness, which lay in his heart and become a brighter person! Mizuki thought to herself excitedly.

But Mizuki still found that she felt conflicted, torn. Half of her wanted to rejoice – Genkaku loved Ryoko. So if Mizuki helped Genkaku by making Ryoko fall in love with him that would leave Akito free from Ryoko's evil clutches. This _had_ been part of Mizuki's plan all along...

But...part of Mizuki, a smaller, more hesitant part of her still had doubts. Now that she knew Genkaku loved the enchantress, and that Ryoko wasn't exactly a nice person, what if Ryoko broke Genkaku's heart again? No. Mizuki shook her head. What ever happened, she couldn't allow that to happen. She would have to believe in Genkaku...he must see something in Ryoko that she was unable to see. _There has to be some good in her for a person as incredible as Genkaku to fall in love with her..._

The part of Mizuki, which still harbored doubts, was quickly buried by the more excited part of Mizuki however. _This is just too perfect! Genkaku loves Ryoko! I love Akito. And if I help Genkaku and Ryoko get together then I'll be able to win back Akito's love!_ Mizuki tapped her chin in thought. _But how?_ And then she had an idea. _I know! I'll just have to create an outfit for Genkaku that is so utterly spectacular that Ryoko won't be able to keep her eyes off of him, an outfit so phenomenal that it will make Ryoko fall for Genkaku 'at first sight' – then I'll just have to get them to meet somewhere alone. Hmmz._ Mizuki paced backstage as she began to plot and plan her matchmaking scheme.

***

Genkaku returned his attention back to Ranka. _Ranka? Whoa._ Genkaku's eyes widened, she looked very cute and beautiful. And there was something about the make-up that she was wearing that seemed to make her face _glow_.

Genkaku looked sideways at Yin to see if he was affected as well and saw that he was indeed. Yin's eyes were riveted to Ranka, his mouth slightly open in shock. He mouthed one word thinking no one would notice: "Beautiful."

Genkaku smirked. Whoever the hair and make-up artist was he or she was a magician! Ranka didn't even look like her usual normal plain self...and Yin wasn't the only one who was being effected by Ranka's sudden good looks.

All the men in the room seemed to have become entranced, their focus entirely upon Ranka. They wore similar looks of admiration, lust and desire upon their faces. And their eyes seemed to be glued to her as she continued to make her way down the catwalk.

Genkaku raised an eyebrow at this unexpected outcome. But Genkaku wasn't the only one who noticed this strange phenomenon however. Ryoko noticed this as soon as her group of usual fan boys had suddenly turned their attention away from her and had focused upon Ranka instead.

"What the?" Ryoko murmured to herself, as she noted that all the young men had their attention locked onto Ranka as if enchanted. Ryoko frowned and turned her attention to Ranka as well – the outfit was indeed cute, the girl however was average looking and yet...her skin seemed to be _glowing_ with an ethereal light. _A sorceress?_ Ryoko wondered. _How dare she try and steal the attention of my admirers!_ Ryoko frowned. _That little twit will pay, for I am the fairest of them all!_ Ryoko waved her index finger through the air while chanting an incantation in a low voice. "... _Tiuya_." She appeared to be writing something, a glowing _kanji_ symbol had begun to form in the air (invisible to non-magic folk) and once it was completed Ryoko simply flicked this spell in Ranka's direction using her thumb and index finger.

The spell hit Ranka on her forehead, the character illuminated once before becoming invisible. The spell had been cast. Ryoko smirked to herself, having no fear of being caught. After all only another powerful mage like herself would have been able to see such a thing.

***

Little did she know that Genkaku, Yin, and Yang had all seen Ryoko cast her spell and were now all wondering what evil spell she could have possibly cast upon Ranka.

Yin's face was scrunched up as if he couldn't decide whether or not he should look worried or just pissed. Yang was merely looking worried and afraid for Ranka's safety.

Genkaku appeared troubled – Ryoko may not have been particularly powerful or dangerous per say but she did possess the knowledge of complex magic spells. _Ryoko...I see you're still up to your old tricks. She always did get envious of other women. She's incredibly vain. Though back then she'd usually just turn them into toads...I wonder what spell she cast upon Ranka then. Normally I could care less but for Yin's sake I should try and do something about this._

Ranka however didn't notice anything amiss, finished her walk on the runway stage, and then returned backstage.

"Honey, you were wonderful!" Hana declared as she rushed over and embraced her daughter fiercely.

"Mom! You're embarrassing me!" Ranka whined as she tried to pull out of her mother's embrace.

Mizuki was greatly enjoying getting to see the fashion show since she had never before gotten to see a runway show in person before. _Amazing!_ Also, since Mio had been unable to arrive in time for the fashion show Mizuki had been spontaneously put in charge of the hair and make-up for all of the models. It wasn't long before Mizuki's skill caught Hana's attention.

" _Ooo~_ you really are a great make-up artist, kid. You've got some real talent." Hana smiled at Mizuki warmly. "Why don't you come work for me?" Hana offered.

Mizuki blushed at the unexpected praise, and moved her hands frantically before her. "Oh no, I couldn't, I'm not really-"

"Ah, by the way, Mom, this is Mizuki. The boy I mentioned who's into design." Ranka butt in.

" _Ah~_ so this is him." Hana's eyes sparkled and she looked Mizuki up and down. "Well, he certainly has 'the eye' for fashion. It's a gift only a few possess."

Mizuki took that opportunity to look over Hana's outfit: she had crafted a dress made entirely of live flowers. The gown was strapless and reached the floor. Some of the flowers that had been used to make the dress were – roses, daisies, lilies, mums, and carnations. Hana had long curly black hair that cascaded down her back and there was a flower wreath in her hair. Mizuki thought that Hana resembled some kind of Fairy Queen. The woman had an eccentric but very friendly air about her.

Mizuki bowed slightly. "Thank you. You're much too kind." _To someone like me..._

"Mom did you see those good looking men who are sitting in the front row?" Hana nodded. "Those are the hosts I mentioned. And Mizuki designed the clothes that they're wearing tonight."

"Oh really? That's quite impressive. Because of those outfits they are certainly hard to miss." Hana complimented Mizuki, who beamed back at her. " _But_ you must remember Mizuki it's the person who wears the clothes – not the clothes who wear the person. You don't want a person to become overshadowed or controlled by an outfit you create." Hana warned mysteriously, giving Mizuki a piercing look. "True fashion is about being able to bring out a person's own natural beauty."

"Ah, er, yea, right..." _I wonder what she means by that exactly...?_ Mizuki wondered. _She makes it sounds as if my clothes have some sort of magical power or something. Yea...riiight._

Mizuki turned to face Ranka and unexpectedly noticed something very odd: in the center of Ranka's forehead the _kanji_ symbol for the word 'FAT' was written there as if in black ink.

Mizuki's brow furrowed. "Ranka...there's something written on your forehead in black ink." She deadpanned.

"Ink?" Ranka questioned and immediately rubbed at her forehead.

Hana frowned. "There's nothing on Ranka's forehead, Mizuki."

Ranka walked over to inspect her reflection in the dressing mirror and also saw nothing. "I don't see any ink Mizuki."

Mizuki blinked. "You don't...?" Mizuki rubbed at her eyes and focused on Ranka's forehead once more but the character for _FAT_ remained there. _Maybe I'm just seeing things...I don't want to appear crazy so I better just agree with them for now._ "Never mind."

***

After the runway show was over Yang made it his personal responsibility to get everyone out of the building as soon as possible. He wanted to make sure that Genkaku and Mizuki didn't cross paths with Ryoko and Akito. And so Yang came up with the ruse of feeling really sick and needing to go back to the host club right away. The other hosts followed after Yang without complaint, though Genkaku did look back once or twice with a wistful expression on his face.

When the hosts arrived back at the host club Yang continued to pretend to be sick and ran for the bathroom as soon as they entered the club. He stayed in one of the bathroom stalls for a few minutes before exiting and coming back out into the main club room. He went over to take a seat at one of the tables and let out a heavy sigh. _Phew~ that was a close one._ _Ryoko and Genkaku almost met...and Mizuki almost ran into Akito. That was close...too close._

"That fashion show was incredible. Ranka looked so pretty. Don't you think so Yin?" Yang teased as his brother took a seat next to him and Yang elbowed his brother in his side.

Yin glared at his brother. "Oh shut up. Do you want me to kill you?" Yin was beginning to take out his gun.

"Ranka did look great!" Mizuki interrupted them. "Getting to see the runway show was incredible. And I had a lot of fun getting to help the models with their hair and make-up. Hana's designs were fabulous. Hana is a genius! I just love fashion and design so much. I wish I could design clothes as good as hers and maybe even have my own label someday." Mizuki blushed as she accidentally revealed a secret wish of hers. "But it's just a silly dream..." She suddenly looked slightly ashamed as if it weren't appropriate for her to have such a dream or wish _. Something like that could never happen...not in reality. Only in dreams._ Mizuki laughed nervously.

Genkaku was watching Mizuki closely and noted how she seemed to get so happy and enthusiastic when the subject happened to be fashion. Mizuki was smiling brightly and yes her smile blinded Genkaku, but luckily Genkaku was getting used to this by now and merely took out a pair of sunglasses putting them on his face so that he could look at Mizuki more closely. He had become curious about the kid. She was happy and bubbly, without a care in the world. Her usual self really. Yes, this was how Mizuki was supposed to be. Genkaku smirked to himself. All was right with the world.

Piper was watching Genkaku curiously and noticed how he was watching Mizuki closely. He noted how Mizuki's bright smile seemed to blind Genkaku as usual and how Genkaku had even been forced to break out a pair of shades but what he hadn't expected was Genkaku continuing to look at Mizuki and then _smirk_! This could only mean one thing: Genkaku was _happy_ because Mizuki was happy. _Unreal._ Piper shook his head.

If Piper could wish for anything in the world it would be Genkaku's happiness...he owed Genkaku his life and his freedom after all. _So what makes Mizuki happy makes Genkaku happy huh? Well then, what makes Mizuki really happy?_ Piper tapped his pen against his notebook pensively. _Fashion duh._

Piper pushed his goggles up his nose. He had an idea. "I hate to be a kill joy but there's something urgent that we all need to discuss." Piper began.

Genkaku immediately turned his attention to Piper. He considered the boy to be his conscience and anchor in more ways than one and so always made sure to listen closely to what Piper had to say. "What is it Piper?"

"We're completely in the red. If we don't come up with some cash ASAP we'll be evicted from the castle." Piper put his hands out in a helpless gesture.

Genkaku frowned darkly. "I'm assuming you have an idea about how to fix this Piper."

"I do." Piper nodded. "In order to promote the club and get us some more clients and revenue I suggest we hold a _Sir Genkaku Host Club Fashion Show_!"

"A fashion show?" Genkaku's eye twitched.

Piper nodded, "Yes, Mizuki will design our clothes and we'll all be his models. I'm sure that with your connections Genkaku it won't be difficult for you to get Mizuki her own fashion show at the same building where Hana had her runway show since they all know you there. Mizuki will make her grand debut as an up and coming designer with her own name and label. What do you think Mizuki?"

Piper turned his attention to the girl. Mizuki looked like a deer caught in the headlights and shuffled from foot to foot nervously. "Uh... _me_ make a debut as a fashion designer? It's...too much." Mizuki shook her head. "It's just too much. I don't deserve something so wonderful. You all have already been so nice to me...my new life here as a host has been like a dream. I've gotten to do and see so many new things. I have so much freedom here. I wouldn't change or ask for anything else because it would be ungrateful of me. I'd feel like I was 'asking for it'." Mizuki explained.

Genkaku's eyes widened in surprise. This pathetic place meant so much to Mizuki? And she was somehow under the delusion that they had been _nice_ to her too. "With my contacts it will be no trouble to get you your own debut as a fashion designer, Mizuki. In fact, if you don't do this you'll only be causing the host club trouble. We need this publicity to attract more female clients and thereby generate more revenue. And you're the only one who can really do this for us. You don't want to inconvenience us do you? You are one of us right? An Illusionist Host." Genkaku inwardly smirked; he knew how to push all of Mizuki's buttons. The kid was so easy to manipulate and seemed to have a thing about causing others trouble...

"Trouble?" Mizuki's eyes widened frantically and she shook her head vigorously. "Oh no! Anything but that! Of course I'll help the host club in any way that I can!"

Genkaku nodded. "As I thought." Though he couldn't help but wonder what those passing shadows in Mizuki's eyes had been... _what a strange kid_. "Then I expect you to create us some phenomenal outfits, Mizuki."

"No pressure." Yin added with a smirk.

Mizuki gulped but a steely look formed in her eyes. "I plan to do my best!"

The hosts all grinned back at her in response.

"Isn't that great Mizuki?" Fiore beamed at her.

"Maybe we could even ask Ranka to be one of our models too?" Yang put in.

"That's a great idea, Yang." Mizuki began to get excited. "I'll be sure to ask her and the other girls for their help!"

" _Other_ girls?" Yang questioned but Mizuki didn't hear him.

Mizuki was already lost in her own little world. _A Sir Genkaku Fashion Show ka? Ah~! This is great! The famous fashion connoisseur Ryoko is bound to attend! Probably along with Akito though but that can't be helped. We'll have to arrange a after party, which can be held at the host club and that Ryoko can attend. Once Ryoko's here I'll have to figure out a way to get her and Genkaku alone together. Hmmz. But I also have to come up with the perfect outfit for Genkaku to wear! So much to do and so little time! I better get started...yosha!_

Over the next few days, preparations were made so that Mizuki would be able to make her own debut as an up and coming fashion designer. All Genkaku had to do was pull a few strings and _Vualla!_

Mizuki had her work cut out for her deciding what style she would use for the outfits she had yet to design.

Mizuki was in her sewing studio (the one Genkaku had gifted her with) riffling through several different books on fashion, design and styles like: Gothic Lolita, Medieval, Renaissance, Punk Rock, Goth, and Steam Punk. That's when she came across a fashion design book titled: _Visual Kei_ , which means 'visual style'. _Visual Kei_ is a fashion style based on j-rock, glam-rock, punk, cyberpunk, and heavy metal. A fashion style representative of J-rock bands and of what a Punk Rock Star would wear: clothing items like leather pants, jackets with lots of buckles, ripped jeans, striped shirts, several piercings, military hats, knee boots, t-shirts with skulls, roses and crosses, and shirts for girls that had ties on them were a part of that eclectic style.

_That's it! This is perfect! I'll design the hosts outfits in the Visual Kei style._ Mizuki decided to herself. _Yosha!_ Mizuki rolled up her sleeves and put the tip of her pencil to her tongue in a thoughtful gesture before putting her pencil to the drawing paper that was set out before her and starting on some new designs.

The next day, Ranka popped into the sewing studio to say 'hi' to Mizuki. Mizuki was hard at work still researching _Visual Kei_ and drawing up different designs and patterns for the outfits she was going to make for the host club.

"Hello Mizuki- _kun_!" Ranka greeted as she flitted into the room, "I just popped in to say hi."

"Hn."

"I heard all about how you're going to have your own debut as a fashion designer along with your very own runway show, all thanks to Genkaku though of course. But congrats!" Ranka peered over Mizuki's shoulder; curious about the designs she was coming up with.

"Thanks."

"The boys already told me about how you might want to use me as a model during the show, along with Suzu, Mei and Eliana."

"Uh, yea, that's right." Mizuki agreed distractedly as she continued to draw.

"Great!" Ranka clapped her hands together and then her expression turned serious and somewhat nervous. "I'm actually on a diet right now so that I will look my best. Don't worry Mizuki I won't gain any more weight. From now on until the show I'm on a very strict diet so I won't jeopardize your show. For some reason I've gained so much weight recently – I just can't understand it." Ranka shook her head sadly.

Mizuki cast Ranka a quick sidelong glace and raised an eyebrow at the girl. "You look perfectly fine to me, Ranka- _chan_. You're not fat." Mizuki then turned her attention back to her designing.

" _Aw~_ you're just saying that Mizuki- _kun_. You're such a charmer as well as a really good friend. Well, I'll catch you later! _Ja-ne!_ " Ranka called before exiting the sewing studio.

"Hn." Mizuki didn't watch her go.

***

Ranka went downstairs to the main host clubroom and sat down at one of the round tables before she told Piper that she wanted Yin's company.

Yin came over a few seconds later, plopped down at her table with a scowl, placed his booted feet on the table top before him and crossed his legs. "It's unusual for you to request me..." _Now that you have Mizuki._

"Yea, well, Mizuki's busy and I'm bored." Ranka declared offhandedly.

A dart was flung at Yin's heart. Bull's eye. "I see..." Yin looked up and looked Ranka over worriedly, wondering what the spell Ryoko had cast on Ranka did exactly. Ranka looked perfectly fine except she did seem a bit paler than usual, perhaps thinner, more drawn? Yin shook his head. But girls were always on strange diets so maybe that wasn't something out of the ordinary. _Girls...I don't get them. I get hungry just thinking about girls on diets eating nothing but lettuce. I think I'm going to have Fiore make me a hamburger or something equally unhealthy._

Fiore chose that opportune moment to come over to their table to see if they would like to order anything. "Hello Lady Ranka, can I get you something to eat or drink?"

"Ah, perfect timing Fiore!" Yin grinned, "Get me a hamburger and French fries and a bottle of red wine would ya? I want the hamburger cooked medium rare. I'm starved!"

"And for you Miss Ranka?" Fiore frowned at Yin's ungentlemanly interruption before turning his attention back to Ranka.

"Hey there Fiore," Ranka greeted with a nod, " _Hmm~_ just get me a glass of water. Thanks." Ranka closed the host club menu.

Yin raised an eyebrow at Ranka, "Water? That's it? What about those little pastries that Fiore makes that you like so much?"

Ranka sighed and shot Yin an exasperated look. "I'm on a diet. I'm going to be one of Mizuki's models in her upcoming show, you know. I don't want to ruin it so I can't afford to put on a single gram!"

"A diet?" Yin scoffed, "You don't need to be on a diet. You're thin enough – in fact you're too skinny, kinda scrawny." Yin gave Ranka a disgusted look. "Personally I like my women with a little more..." Yin made a crude gesture with his hands cupping the air before him; Ranka gave him a glare in return. "To go through all that trouble for that Sunshine Kid is a joke! He doesn't deserve it. And besides take a look at Suzu over there – she's also going to be in the show and I don't see _her_ dieting!"

Ranka's attention turned to Suzu, who was currently pigging out, in front of an amused looking Yang on some delicious looking cupcakes that Fiore had made specially for her. Ranka felt a trickle of sweat form on her brow but then shook her head "Yea, but Suzu's not fat..."

Seated at one of the other tables in the host club were Eliana and Kazehaya. Kazehaya had finally made a full recovery from his injuries. The couple usually hung out together in the main host clubroom while acting all lovey-dovey since they had come to live at the castle and after Kazehaya's recovery. Yin frowned as he caught sight of them...all that PDA was disgusting in his opinion.

"Eliana- _chan_..." Kazehaya murmured as he took Eliana's hand and placed a gentlemanly kiss upon it causing Eliana to blush in response.

"Kazehaya- _san_..." Eliana said back as she gazed into his eyes longingly.

"Disgusting." Yin sneered. _How many times are those lovesick fools going to repeat calling each other's names. Eliana! Kazehaya! Eliana! Kazehaya! It's sickening._ Yin gagged and then returned his attention back to Ranka. "I already told you, you're _NOT-_ " Yin was beginning to raise his voice.

Grumble, grumble.

When Ranka's stomach took that opportunity to grumble. Ranka blushed.

Yin narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Ranka. " _Oi!_ Don't tell me you're doing something stupid like one of those starvation diets where you just stop eating, _onna_."

Ranka glared right back at Yin and lighting seemed to flash between their eyes. "That's none of your business and my name is not _onna_!"

"Well, I'm making it my business, _onna_." Yin shot back, " _Oi!_ Fiore get this _baka onna_ a hamburger and some French fries would ya?!"

"A-alright!" Fiore stuttered.

"Argh!" Ranka growled and stood up from the table slamming her hands down upon the tabletop. "You are such a jerk! I don't have to take this shit! I'm leaving!" Ranka declared as she turned to storm off – deciding to go to the bathroom first though before she left the club.

"Hey wait!" Yin called after her and grabbed her hand. He was surprised to discover that her hand was freezing! "Your hand...it's like ice." Yin murmured, worry etched in his voice.

Ranka yanked her hand out of Yin's grip and glared at him. "So? Don't pretend to care Yin. You're off the clock." She declared before storming off towards the bathroom.

Yin looked after her exasperated and threw his hands up into the air. "Women! They're so impossible! You better not throw up in there Ranka or else I'm coming in after you!" Yin yelled loudly after her.

"Shut up!" Ranka yelled back. "And don't you dare follow me in here you pervert!"

Ranka entered the bathroom and closed the door behind her. She sighed as she made her way over to the sink and turned on the hot water faucet. She splashed her face with warm water and ran her cold hands under the steaming hot water but found that she couldn't really feel anything. Sigh. Ranka looked up at her reflection and frowned. Her cheeks were all puffy and bloated and...fat. She had definitely gained weight recently. Why hadn't anyone else noticed or seemed to care?

Ranka turned to look at her body in the full-length mirror that was in the bathroom – sure enough it revealed her fat form. Her reflection was one of a 200-pound girl...

When in reality Ranka was still just a 115-pound girl.

Ranka sunk to her knees in despair as she looked back at her fat reflection and put her face in her hands helplessly. "What am I going to do? I'm a pig!" She began to cry into her hands.

Yin had been standing outside next to the bathroom door with his back against the wall. He listened to Ranka crying inside the bathroom with a frown on his face and clenched his fists at his sides until his knuckles turned white. _What the hell is wrong with her? What did Ryoko do to her? Dammit._

Japanese Word Key:

_Onna_ \- woman

_Baka onna_ – foolish woman

Elvish Word Key:

_Tiuya_ – grow fat

### Chapter 14: Who's the fairest of them all?

The day of Mizuki's grand debut as the fashion designer called _Noh_ -Name had arrived. Due to Genkaku's useful connections Mizuki was able to have her show at the very same venue where HANA had had her show. Several popular idols, famous actors and actresses, and fashion connoisseurs were going to be present. It was most certainly going to be great promotion for the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_.

Mizuki took a deep breath; in mere minutes her very own fashion show was about to begin. It was like a dream.

The hosts were busy getting dressed and once they were finished Mizuki planned to take care of their hair and make-up. Mizuki peaked out from behind the curtain to see if the most important guest had arrived yet. _There!_ Mizuki spotted Ryoko along with Akito in the audience. Ryoko was wearing a spectacular, Victorian-style, red ball gown, which had black hearts embroidered in it which resembled spades. She held a black, lacy fan in one hand that had a pattern of small red hearts on it, and there was a miniature, Steam Punk-style top hat seated on the side of her head.

Akito was wearing a black, silk, button-down, long-sleeved shirt, along with a pair of tight red leather pants, and a pair of black, clunky combat boots. The shirt he was wearing had tiny red buttons that were heart-shaped.

_Wow~ Ryoko is a true fashion connoisseur alright. And damn that Akito for always having to look so cool and handsome._ Mizuki stuck her tongue out at him. _Well, I'll show him today! I'll look even cooler than he does decked out in Visual Kei, yosha!_

The hosts had finished dressing and Mizuki began to help them with their hair and make-up. Once she had finished the _Sir Genkaku Host Club Fashion Show_ event was ready to begin.

The first host who stepped out onto the catwalk was Yang. Mizuki had made him a long-sleeved, black and white striped shirt, which had a large skull emblem on the back. Yang was also wearing a black facemask, which covered his mouth and chin, and looked a little like a western bandana, which a cowboy would tie around his face like a mask. He had on a pair of black leather pants and a pair of white and black shoes. Mizuki had spiked his white hair up with gel and painted his lips black for dramatic effect.

Yang walked down the runway somewhat nervously, cameras began to flash, and girls began to squeal: " _Eee~_ it's Visual Kei _des neh!?_ " Yang was a hit to say the least.

Up next on the catwalk was bad boy Yin. Mizuki had made Yin a black t-shirt which had a giant silver pentagram on the front of it in a splattered, silver paint effect. Paired with the shirt was a short, black leather jacket, which greatly resembled a biker's jacket. Yin had on a pair of matching black leathers pants, which had several straps and silver buckles on them and he was also wearing a pair of clunky, black combat boots. Mizuki had also given him several chain belts for an added accessory. One of the chain belts was quite long and Yin was able to hold the chain's length and spin the belt on the end of which was a small, deadly looking, spiked ball.

Yin had a similar response from the crowd as Yang. " _Eee~_ bad boys rock!" "He's so hot!" "Corrupt me, you naughty boy!"

Yin was followed by Fiore. Mizuki had designed him a white, Chinese-style, sleeveless jacket, which had a high collar and had silver clasps on the front of it. The jacket revealed the long-sleeved, dark green, silk shirt that Fiore wore underneath. Fiore was wearing a pair of matching white pants and to complete the look he had on a white hat that screamed 'gangster!'. Mizuki had styled Fiore's hair back into a low ponytail.

As Fiore strolled his way down the catwalk he felt confident for once and at the very end of the catwalk he tipped his hat to the audience in a quirky gesture. A few girls swooned in response.

Fiore was succeeded by Piper. Mizuki had designed a black, long-sleeved, sweater for Piper that had holes strategically ripped into the material. The sweater was overly large for Piper and so came down to reveal part of Piper's shoulder. He was wearing a pair of black pants and black, knee-high boots. Mizuki had added a red belt that had a golden buckle, which resembled a pair of Air Force wings around Piper's waist for an added accessory. She had also designed a military hat for Piper to wear which was one of those flying saucer types, white and black, with gold trim around the brim. Piper had the hat pulled down low to shadow and hide his silver eye.

Piper walked down the catwalk and the girls cooed about how cute Piper was. " _Eee~_ he's just too cute!" " _MOE!_ " "Long live _Shouta_!" "I don't know if I want to date him or push him around in a stroller!" Piper blushed and made his way back to the backstage area with a slight bounce to his step.

Next up on the catwalk was Hirgon. Hirgon was modeling a jacket that Mizuki had designed for him, which had a very high and dramatic collar that covered half of his face – the front of the long-sleeved jacket had a silver zipper going all the way down its front. Mizuki had made Hirgon a pair of black pants that had several zippers and pockets and which were somewhat baggy. Hirgon also had on a pair of black boots and to complete his look he had on his signature pair of dark sunglasses.

Hirgon also received a positive response from the audience who cheered the stoic man on.

And then it was Genkaku's turn out on the catwalk. Mizuki had made him a dark blue, sleeveless, Chinese-style shirt that was skintight, and formfitting enough to reveal Genkaku's muscular chest. The shirt was embroidered with silvery crescent moons in a shimmering silk thread. The moons were almost unnoticeable but leant a sort of sheen to the silk. Genkaku had on a pair of tight, black leather pants, which accentuated his long legs and he had on a pair of matching knee-high, combat boots, which had lots of large, square, silver buckles on them.

And then there was the fantastic jacket, which Mizuki had designed for Genkaku and which was the main focal point of the outfit she had designed for him. The jacket was made out of black leather, and had several straps and silver buckles. Some of the straps had been wrapped tightly around Genkaku's chest while other straps and buckles had been wrapped around Genkaku's arms. The jacket was floor length and had four slits going up the sides so that the material of the jacket seemed to billow out as Genkaku strolled down the runway as smoothly as a panther.

Mizuki had also used the same silvery thread to embroider tiny crescent moons into the material of the leather jacket so that the jacket also had a surreal sheen to it that made Genkaku appear as though he had a silvery halo of light around his body.

Mizuki had given Genkaku a single earring to wear, which consisted of a stud, and a small chain from which dangled a tiny, silver crescent moon. Mizuki's eyes widened when the lights that were directed upon the catwalk hit the earring and made it gleam for a second. She was surprised that Genkaku had actually agreed to wear the earring in the first place and so Mizuki smirked to herself victoriously.

Mizuki also observed the make-up she had done for Genkaku and nodded her head, pleased with the results. She had decided to keep his make-up rather simple and had merely applied black liquid liner to his eyes in order to accentuate and bring out the sapphire blue of his eyes. She had also applied some black lipstick to Genkaku's lips – it had been hard for her not to blush during this procedure.

Mizuki held her breath and crossed both of her fingers behind her back – this was it. The moment she had been waiting for – to see if her outfit would help Genkaku catch Ryoko's eye.

"Good luck, Genkaku- _sensei_." Mizuki murmured in a low voice as Genkaku made his way down the runway.

Cameras flashed and the girls in the audience squealed – even more loudly than before. The overall noise the audience was making seemed to be rising in volume due to Genkaku's appearance.

Genkaku inwardly smirked. He knew he looked good. The Sunshine Kid had seen to that. _Silly kid's a genius. That's certain._ Genkaku thought to himself. _Whoever would have thought that I would garner this kind of response?_

As Genkaku sauntered down the runway stage Ryoko's eyes followed after him. She had become fixated upon the figure of Genkaku as if a spell had seized her heart. Her eyes were wide with surprise, her pupils dilated with desire and lust – she had forgotten to breath. Her heart was beating a mile a minute! Never had a man stirred such an emotional response from her before.

_It's him...that man...Genkaku!_ Ryoko inwardly crowed, _I had wanted to see him again but this feeling...? This strange feeling I'm having just from seeing him again, it's...inexplicable. Why? What's so different from the other time I saw him last? He's...glowing! Can a person fall in love at first sight without it being the first time? Because I think I may have just fallen in love with this man...with Genkaku..._

_I must have him. I will possess him. I will collect him and add him to my precious collection of gems. He will be my prize jewel. Watch out Genkaku, no man has escaped me yet._ Ryoko hid a devious smile behind her lacy black fan as she continued to watch Genkaku closely.

Mizuki watched Ryoko's reactions to Genkaku intently. And Mizuki's eyes widened in response to what she had just seen. _It worked! It actually worked! Ryoko looks like she's completely enamored with Genkaku! I did it! I actually did it! Yes! Genkaku is going to be sooo happy!_ Mizuki did a goofy little victory dance, which was totally cheesy. Yang raised an eyebrow at her antics while Yin gave her a disgusted look and shook his head at her with a sneer.

Genkaku looked at the crowd when his eyes unexpectedly met with Ryoko's and he nearly tripped on stage. He felt as if someone had just poured a bucket of cold water over his head. That look – Ryoko had NEVER looked at him like that before. That intense stare was filled with lust and desire for _him_. _Impossible_. Genkaku suddenly felt sick...he steeled himself to finish his walk and returned backstage. There, keeping to the shadows, he took deep breaths as he tried to calm himself down and pull himself together while still feeling shaken.

This had been part of his 'plot for revenge' all along - to get Ryoko to love and desire him and then to break her heart as she had done to him. But to actually see Ryoko look at him like that...the way that Genkaku had used to dream about Ryoko looking at him...it was all just too much...

She was now looking at him the way that he had used to look at her from the shadows.

Genkaku felt like he was drowning, he couldn't breath and he was sure he was about to start hyperventilating. And then Mizuki was suddenly there at his side questioningly putting her small hand on his shoulder and she seemed to be speaking to him but he couldn't seem to hear what the kid was saying. And then Mizuki's comforting presence was gone again and he was left alone, sinking down into the dark depths of his despair...

Mizuki didn't want to leave Genkaku's side but it was her turn up on the catwalk. She had expected Genkaku to be happy with the results of his great reception by the audience and not so... _shocked_. Mizuki shook her head; she just didn't get it, why had Genkaku reacted that way? His reception had only been positive...what had thrown him for such a loop?

But then, wasn't _love_ the one force able to unhinge anyone, the one force that could throw logic out the window, ruin a person's composure, and make one act like a fool? So maybe Genkaku's reaction to Ryoko's admiration was normal...for him at least. _That must be it. Genkaku...is just shocked that Ryoko is admiring him that way. He must be happy deep down...but is unable to express this. Yosha! Everything is going according to plan._

For herself Mizuki had designed a white, collared, sleeveless shirt with half sleeves that attached with straps and buckles to her lower arms. The shirt had silver buttons on it that resembled crosses. She was wearing a checkered black and silver tie, black pants that had buckles and straps on them, and a pair of white leather shoes that had black platforms. And Mizuki also wore a white _Noh_ mask on her face to hide her face from the crowd, which had golden eyes and black painted lips.

To them she was simply the designer known as _Noh_ -Name modeling one of 'his' very own creations.

Akito was intrigued as he watched _Noh_ -Name make his way down the catwalk. _So this is the new designer Noh-Name._ Akito had recognized the designer's flare the other night in the outfits the Sir Genkaku hosts had all been wearing the night of HANA's show – but now it was unmistakable. This so-called ' _Noh_ -Name' was the same 'No-Name' brand that Marie had bought him when Marie had still been living and working with him at his mansion estate...

_Marie...where are you? I looked everywhere for you since the night you disappeared. Truly, you must have been kidnapped. There's no other logical explanation since how could you possibly have wanted to leave_ me _?_ Akito thought and then sighed wistfully to himself.

Akito shook his head and returned his attention to _Noh_ -Name. Akito's favorite designer had always been the mysterious ' _Noh_ -Name'. Akito was simply 'in love' with the designer's clothes, fashion sense and skill. And now he actually got to see the fashion designer in person! According to the evening's itinerary after the runway show there was going to be an after party at the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ – where VIP guests would get to meet the designer _Noh_ -Name in person and have the chance to get his autograph. Akito just had to get the designer's autograph and perhaps he would even get to shake his hand!

Akito smirked at the thought. _Noh-Name will probably be so blown away by my handsome physic that he will be inspired to create an entire wardrobe just for me!_ Akito nodded to himself. _So this young man is Noh-Name huh? He must be a kid genius to be able to create such cool clothes at his age. I have to meet him!_

Mizuki made her way down the runway stage and sought out Akito's face. Surely he would look distraught that someone had managed to outdo him in the coolness department for once. _Ha!_ Mizuki inwardly giggled in delight but when Mizuki did find Akito's face it was to find it full of admiration – _huh?_ Mizuki stumbled in surprise but caught herself quickly. _What's with that look? Love...? No way! But then...? Ah._ Mizuki suddenly remembered Akito's obsession with finding out more about the mysterious designer whom Marie had dubbed 'Noh-Name'. And she also remembered just how much Akito had seemed to like 'his' designs.

Whew...for a minute there I thought that Akito had fallen in love with Noh-Name at first sight or something! Oh Akito...will you ever love me, Marie, I wonder? One day I will become a #1 host to show you that I'm a totally cool person worth loving and free you from Ryoko's spell! I'll show you that I'm someone who's even managed to surpass you!

Mizuki finished her walk and returned backstage.

Up next was Suzu. Mizuki had made her a black, short-sleeved shirt, which was paired with a dramatic red tie. Suzu was wearing a short, red and black, plaited, plaid skirt. Mizuki had styled Suzu's hair up into two flirtatious pigtails. And Suzu had a pair of shiny, black patent leather shoes on her feet.

After Suzu came Mei. Mizuki had designed a modern _kimono_ dress for the quiet girl to wear. The _kimono_ dress was black, sleeveless, knee-length, and had been accessorized with a white leather _obi_ that had no bow, black stockings with holes that Mizuki had cut in them, and a pair of platform _zori_ sandals. Mei's honey colored hair had been left loose to cascade down around her shoulders in soft curls. The last accessory was a spiked, black leather collar that Mizuki had put on Mei's neck to hide a strange scratch that she had there. Other than that slight flaw Mizuki had lucked out that Mei had no other injuries that day.

Following Mei was Eliana. Mizuki had designed her a _Visual Ke_ i, _Gothic Lolita_ , _kimono_ dress. The black dress was long-sleeved, and knee-length. It had a purple and black plaid _obi_ that was tied around her waist and which tied into an elaborate bow in the back. The bell skirt ended in purple and black plaid ruffles. Eliana was also wearing black, knee-high socks and a pair of black platform shoes. Mizuki had styled Eliana's hair up into a _geisha_ topknot. The purple in the dress brought out Eliana's lavender colored eyes.

Once again the same phenomenon occurred as the young men's attention temporarily left Ryoko to focus on Suzu, Mei and then on Eliana. And Ryoko wasn't going to let these hussies get away with this. In retaliation Ryoko decided to cast the same spell on them as she had on Ranka. She drew the character for the word 'FAT' in the air with her index finger and then flicked the character in Suzu, Mei and Eliana's direction. The character stuck to the girls' foreheads and then became instantly invisible.

Lastly, Ranka made her way out onto the runway stage. Mizuki had made her a strapless, lacy, Visual Kei, Gothic Lolita style dress - the skirt of which belled out in frills to her knees and which had been made using a red and black plaid fabric. There was a lacy black choker around Ranka's neck and a tiny miniature, Victorian-style hat on the side of her head. She was wearing a pair of four-inch platform shoes. Ranka also had on a short red-haired wig on to complete her look, which had been styled into a bob that had layers that framed her face.

Ranka walked down the catwalk like a pro – that is until she suddenly felt faint, stumbled forwards towards the edge of the runway stage, and was about to fall off into the audience below.

"Look out!" Yin cried as he watched Ranka stumble forward, "That's dangerous, _baka onna!_ " He ran out from backstage, onto the runway stage, and then continued with superhuman speed in Ranka's direction. Yin managed to reach Ranka just as she was falling forward. Yin wrapped his arms around her and fell with her, turning their bodies so that he was the one who hit the floor first. He managed to take most of the impact upon his own body by shielding and protecting hers with his own in a chivalrous move.

_Whew._ Yin looked at the Ranka's pale form in his arms. "Are you alright?" _She's so light..._

Ranka blinked back at Yin dazedly. "You...saved me?" Her brow was furrowed in confusion but she gave him a small, weak smile. "You're acting extremely out of character, Yin. Aren't you supposed to be the asshole character in this _shoujo_ story? Since when do you play hero?"

"Since you needed me to." Yin declared and gave Ranka a fierce look as he tightened his hold on her protectively.

Ranka blushed in response. _Oh my...I could get used to this._ _Maybe reality comes with a few perks after all._

Mizuki was watching the two of them from backstage. _Oh my!_ A blush came upon Mizuki's cheeks as she continued to watch Yin holding Ranka and staring into her eyes in what she personally thought was a passionate manner. _This is better than afternoon soaps!_ And then she realized one very interesting fact: Yin has just saved a client. _Yin...he's all grown up. He's a true host now._ Mizuki smiled and nodded to herself while she wiped a tear from her eye. _I knew he wasn't such a bastard..._

Yang was gawking at his brother's actions in disbelief. _Okay, it's the end of the world when Yin starts to act nice. I think I just saw Totoro walk by. I really must be dreaming._ "Mizuki this is a dream right?"

Mizuki pinched Yang hard. "Ow!" Yang cried rubbing his arm and throwing Mizuki a glare.

Mizuki just giggled and stuck her tongue out at Yang in return. "Hey, you asked for it. Guess you're not dreaming huh? Anyways, don't act so surprised Yang. Yin is a good guy. Why do you think his bullets _always_ miss me, hmm?"

Yang's eyes widened. "You know about that?!"

Mizuki giggled. "Now that...is a secret." She wagged her finger playfully at Yang.

_Just how much of an airhead is this airhead really...?_ Yang wondered to himself and shook his head at Mizuki.

***

After the _Sir Genkaku Fashion Show_ came to a close select guests were given invitations to the after party, which was to be held at the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ castle. At Genkaku's request Piper had prepared fancy stretch limos to take the guests from the building where the fashion show had been held and to the host club. The hosts made sure to arrive first so that they could prepare and be ready to greet their guests.

Then the moment was upon them as the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ after party started...

Genkaku, Mizuki, Yin, Yang, Piper, Hirgon, and Fiore were ready and waiting when the first of their guests arrived: Ranka, Suzu, Mei and Eliana. Kazehaya had stayed behind at the castle since it was safer that way and as soon as he caught sight of Eliana he ran up to her and swept her up into his arms kissing her lovingly.

Yin began to gag at the sight. Kazehaya had made a full recovery in Yin's opinion. Yep, the guy was just full of energy.

Mizuki still had her _Noh_ mask on when she spotted Ryoko arriving arm in arm with Akito. _Perfect~_ Mizuki watched them until Ryoko shooed Akito off to go and get her a drink from the buffet table. Ryoko waited while fanning herself with her lacy black fan even though the interior of the host club was perfectly air-conditioned.

Mizuki stealthily made her way towards Ryoko through the crowd. "Yo! You're the famous fashion connoisseur Ryoko right?"

Ryoko turned to face Mizuki. "That's right. And you must be the designer _Noh_ -Name." Ryoko fanned herself as she looked Mizuki over like a hawk eyeing a mouse. She licked her lips and hid her predatory expression behind her fan. "You have such a cute physique. I bet you have a cute face to match." Ryoko reached out her hand towards Mizuki's facemask as if to stroke her cheek. "Why not show me?" She purred. _And then I can decide if I wish to collect you or not..._

Mizuki easily sidestepped Ryoko. "Who me? Naw. But I do know someone who has a _very_ handsome face."

Ryoko lowered her hand. "Oh and who might that be?"

"Why the #1 host of the _Sir Genkaku Host Club_ of course – Genkaku himself." Mizuki declared with a bow.

"Ah yes, Genkaku." Ryoko purred in a low voice thinking of the man who had captivated her.

"Would you like to meet with Sir Genkaku alone perhaps?" Mizuki leaned in conspiratorially and lowered her voice. "I can easily arrange it."

Ryoko's emerald green eyes glittered. "Could you really? My my, you are a kind boy aren't you? But I'm curious – why are you helping me?"

"I noticed the way you looked at him...and the way he looked at you. There's a connection between the two of you, a special bond perhaps? You know, everyone's searching for love in the short time we're given in our lives. Maybe the two of you are merely searching for each other. You could be each other's other halves. Soul mates. And you're very beautiful, Ryoko- _san_. I think if Genkaku were to have a lady at his side it would have to be someone as stunning as you." Mizuki shrugged. "What can I say, I'm a hopeless romantic." _Mizuki Cupid Mode starto!_

Ryoko preened under Mizuki's compliments and fanned herself rapidly, was it hot in there or was it just her? "My! Oh my! You are a flatterer! Though it's only to be expected that you would come to appreciate this radiant beauty of mine. Few young men can resist my charms, you see. Yes, you certainly have good taste." Ryoko nodded to herself in agreement.

"A woman as beautiful as you needs a man who is equally handsome – someone who can compliment you. Someone as handsome, as say, Genkaku." Mizuki continued to stroke Ryoko's ego cunningly.

Ryoko smiled in agreement. "My thoughts exactly. You are very wise, _Noh_ -Name. Surely, I cannot be seen with an unpolished, dull stone!"

"I think the two of you suit each other perfectly. Anyways, I'll lure Genkaku to a special VIP room, which I have already prepared. Allow me to take you there first, Ryoko- _san_." Mizuki said offering Ryoko her arm, which Ryoko took by looping her arm through Mizuki's. "You are going to love this." A cat's paw smile formed on Mizuki's face underneath her mask.

Ryoko could hear the note of mischievousness in her tone though and smiled back, intrigued and amused. "Please do, _Noh_ -Name."

Mizuki led Ryoko through the second floor of the castle until they came to a green painted, wooden door with a golden doorknob. Mizuki opened the door for Ryoko and led her inside. Ryoko gasped at the sight before her – she found herself to be inside of an enchanted indoor garden. Ryoko could feel the sun's warm rays upon her arms and looked up to see that the ceiling had been charmed with fake sunlight in order to keep the plants alive. The room had been designed to resemble a courtyard and had a large stone fountain in the very center of it that was spouting water in elegant arcs.

In the very center of the fountain was a playful looking satyr who was peeing into the fountain. When Mizuki had first caught sight of the fountain she had blushed madly at it. She decided Fiore had odd taste since similar naked faun statues had been scattered about the garden – though Mizuki had decided to make these statues their very own white togas, which she had put on all of them to hide their nakedness. Fiore still didn't know about this yet. But Mizuki was sure that Fiore would be pleased with the result.

Around the stone fountain were four stone benches. The courtyard was filled with several lush potted plants. Some of the plants were normal household plants, but others were magical. This happened to be Fiore's own personal garden. Mizuki had stumbled upon it one day and had decided this beautiful place would be the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous between Ryoko and Genkaku.

Fragrant apple trees and rose bushes surrounded the courtyard. Plants that could be found in the pots were lilies, tulips, orchids, and among the magical plants – wolfsbane, deadly nightshade, mandrake, poison hemlock, belladonna and ginger. Some of the flowers seemed to be giving off a luminescent light.

As Mizuki led Ryoko inside her emerald eyes glittered with appreciation. After all, Ryoko appreciated 'beautiful things' and there were just so many rare, beautiful and magical plants and trees inside of this courtyard that even Ryoko was impressed. "Amazing..." Ryoko crooned as she reached out to stroke an orchid. "These flowers are very well taken care of...this flower in particular is very hard to nurture and yet it is in perfect health. Also, the assortment of rare and magical plants that are here...there are flowers in here that would costs thousands of _yen_ and plants used in the more dangerous potions. I must know, who tends to this garden, _Noh_ -Name? Is it Genkaku?" _Only a mage or elf would have the skill to make a magical garden this beautiful..._

"Er, no, one of our hosts – Fiore. This is his garden." Mizuki explained, Ryoko looked a tad disappointed. "But Genkaku loves flowers too." She felt the need to add.

"Fiore...?" Ryoko murmured, _Ah yes, the blonde host with the pale green eyes, who looked oddly familiar for some reason. Is he a mage...he can't possibly be an elf can he?_

"Er, just wait here. I'll go and get Genkaku- _sensei_!" Mizuki declared as she turned to leave.

"Don't be too long. I'm not a very patient person." Ryoko stated as she began to fan herself with her fan briskly and walk around the courtyard while admiring the flowers. She stopped in front of a small fir tree and smiled a sly smile as she recognized it to be a Balm of Gilead – the buds of this were very useful in love potions and amulets. _I doubt they would miss a sprig or two. Some of these plants are perfect for the more complex love spells and potions!_

Ryoko waited until Mizuki had left and closed the green door behind her before breaking off a few sprigs and hiding them on her person. Ryoko then decided she would like to take a few more samples from the rare magical plants that were inside of the courtyard and pulled out a pair of gardening sheers she just happened to have with her.

***

Meanwhile, Akito had returned from the buffet table to find that Ryoko had mysteriously disappeared from the spot where he had left her. Akito shrugged and set the two glasses of champagne that he had gotten on a nearby table. He decided to take this opportunity to try and find the mysterious _Noh_ -Name designer, who he was just dying to get to meet in person, face to face, and hopefully get his autograph. Maybe he could even convince the overly shy designer to show him his face.

Akito took a sip of the champagne as he scanned the room and frowned. He didn't really feel like champagne and so decided he would try the punch instead, which was apparently spiked and so made his way back towards the buffet table.

Genkaku happened to be at the buffet table at that moment and was currently pouring himself glasses and glasses of the spiked punch. He was still feeling rattled – the way that Ryoko had looked at him with desire had really unhinged him.

Akito had just finished serving himself a glass of punch when he turned around too quickly. He hadn't noticed Genkaku for some reason and so bumped right into him. Genkaku spilled the punch that was in his hand but luckily most of it landed on the floor and missed his outfit. The outfit that Mizuki had made for him.

"Ah I'm so sorry!" Akito immediately apologized and bowed.

Genkaku looked down to face the young man who had bumped into him. "No, it's no problem-" He narrowed his eyes at that familiar mop of red hair.

Akito looked up.

And their eyes met.

"AH!" Akito started and pointed a finger at Genkaku. "Genkaku!" His face turned pale as if he had seen a ghost.

Genkaku raised an eyebrow at Akito's strange overreaction. "Indeed." Genkaku coughed. "And you are Akito." Emotions of hate and admiration seemed to war inside of Genkaku. Hate because this was the man who was currently with Ryoko. Admiration because he was the type of man Genkaku secretly strove to be. Akito was the man he'd emulated ever since he saw his picture in a fashion magazine.

Akito blinked. "You know who I am?" Akito seemed surprised and startled by this.

Genkaku smiled ruefully. "How could I not?" He tilted his head and gazed at Akito curiously. "Akito - #1 top male model in the world. Nickname: Sun Prince. And now you're the #1 host for the _Precious Gem Host Club_ correct?"

Akito furrowed his brow at Genkaku, confusion warring on his face, "Well, yes but...as for the #1 top male model in the world thing – I believe you've had the honor of stealing that title away from me. According to the popularity ranking as models you're #1 now if you haven't noticed." There was bitterness to Akito's tone.

Genkaku blinked back at him in surprise. Piper really needed to keep him better informed about these sorts of things. "Really? Me? Forgive me...I don't watch much TV or read the newspaper much. Funny, I've been chasing your shadow for so long..." _Have I really managed to join you in the sun, Akito?_

Akito's jaw dropped open at that statement. " _You_ chasing _me_?" Akito continued to gawk and scoff in disbelief. "You're joking right? You're totally pulling my leg aren't you?" Akito could feel the anger welling up inside of him. He would not allow Genkaku to make a fool out of him.

Genkaku nodded solemnly and ran a hand back through his silky blue-black hair. "I've...always admired your work Akito and strove to be more like you. But it's simply impossible for someone like me. You...you're like the sun. I believe some of your fans have even nicknamed you their 'Sun Prince' heh. You're _blinding_ to just look at. You are a 'light' that people follow and admire and group to Akito."

Akito pinched himself and flinched. He had been sure he was dreaming. After all the last thing he had ever expected was for Genkaku to be complimenting him like this.

Genkaku sighed wistfully. "As for me...I am nothing compared to you. A mere shadow, an imitation, a fake, a copy. I'm sure you've noticed how I blatantly tried to copy your 'image'. I'm a pathetic hack. It's just as they say – the 'original' is always better than the 'copy'. To stand with you one day in the sunlight...no...it's an impossible dream for someone like me...heh..." Genkaku poured himself another glass of spiked punch and downed it in one gulp. The punch tingled on its way down Genkaku's throat and burned pleasantly as it hit his empty stomach.

As Akito had continued to silently listen to Genkaku's depressing monologue his anger had begun to build until his temple was throbbing with ire. Finally he snapped. "What the hell? Are you frickin kidding me?!" He burst out and grabbed Genkaku's shoulders roughly to turn the man to face a nearby full length mirror. "Have you even looked at yourself in the mirror lately? You're _dazzling_!"

Genkaku started but then looked at his reflection in the mirror. He gazed at his handsome visage with an emotionless, blank look on his face and sighed heavily. "It's not real. It's nothing but an illusion." Genkaku said softly, almost sadly, his voice heavy. Genkaku knew what he really looked like, after all.

"What?" Akito snapped, his brows furrowed in confusion.

Mizuki chose that exactly moment to pop up and interrupt the two men. "Yo!" She interrupted Genkaku before he might have continued and revealed something he would have later regretted.

Genkaku shook his head at himself. He had drunk way too much punch if his common sense was impaired that much.

"What's up you two?" Mizuki asked innocently.

"It's...it's...you!" Akito stuttered. " _Noh_ -Name!" His eyes had become a bit starry.

Mizuki blatantly ignored Akito (she couldn't deal with him right now!) and turned to Genkaku instead. "Hey there, Genkaku, you look a little pale. I know just the place for you to relax and get away from this rowdy party for a while! I know how you hate loud places and the place I have in mind is nice and quiet."

_Nice and quiet?_ Genkaku wondered thoughtfully and shrugged. "Hn." _I better leave Akito before I reveal more to him than I already have._

Mizuki took that as a 'yes' and latched onto Genkaku's arm before dragging Genkaku away from Akito at top speed, a dust cloud forming behind them in their wake.

Akito raised a hand and called after them. "Hey wait! _Noh_ -Name I want to speak with you!" Akito started forward but slipped over the spilled punch, which was on the floor, causing him to fall flat on his face. A group of nearby girls giggled at Akito's plight. Akito blushed in embarrassment and didn't push himself up right away. _I was totally just ignored! I can't believe this...!_

Mizuki led the somewhat dazed Genkaku through the second floor of the castle until they reached the green door. Mizuki opened the door and shoved Genkaku inside using both of her hands. Before Genkaku could register what had just happened Mizuki had shut and locked the door behind him. _Huh?!_

Genkaku turned around and yelled at the door. "Mizuki? What the hell?! Damned brat..." Genkaku tried the door handle and found that it was indeed locked. _Crazy kid...just what can he be up to?_ Genkaku sighed and turned around realizing he was in Fiore's private garden. His eyes widened however when he caught sight of the person who was standing besides the glittering fountain in the very center of the courtyard. A woman in a striking red dress with a lacy fan in her hand – there could be no mistaking who this woman was.

Ryoko.

Meanwhile...outside the green door Mizuki was using an enchanted chain she had 'borrowed' from Yang to thoroughly lock and chain the door to the courtyard so that Genkaku and Ryoko were successfully trapped inside.

Mizuki smirked to herself. _Mission (impossible) accomplished! Now for some cake!_ Mizuki headed back to the party feeling extremely happy and carefree. _Genkaku is sure to thank me for this later! I'm positive Genkaku will finally find true happiness..._

Back in the courtyard, Genkaku was staring at Ryoko in shock. He heard Mizuki chaining the door behind him just as the urge to turn around and flee from Ryoko came over Genkaku. _Huh? What the hell is Mizuki doing?! Grrr...!_ Genkaku took a deep breath and tried to compose himself as he turned back around to face Ryoko.

Ryoko smiled innocently and approached him, "Genkaku- _sama_...fancy meeting you here _alone_ like this." She tittered behind her fluttering fan. "It must be fate. I just know you've been dying to meet me alone like this. Don't worry it's perfectly understandable. What man can resist my charms after all?"

Genkaku raised an eyebrow at her, wondering just what she was 'up to' because Ryoko was always up to something and she had rarely ever laughed in his presence. "Indeed."

"I think that host of yours, Mizuki – is trying to play matchmaker." She snapped her fan closed and smiled at Genkaku, directly meeting his gaze. "That's kind of cute don't you think?"

"Hn."

"Though I think the boy had a few good points...he told me that he saw the way that we looked at each other and that we seemed to share a _special bond_. He seemed to think that we would be purrrfect for each other. What do you think, Genkaku- _sama_?" Ryoko took a step closer to him and tilted her head.

Genkaku had stopped breathing at this point. Mizuki had said that to Ryoko?! _That damned meddling brat. Perfect for each other...?!_

"I think he's a wise kid." Ryoko breathed and she was so close at this point that Genkaku could feel her hot breath on his face. He breathed in and caught the scent of her breath: cinnamon.

Genkaku's eyes widened. _Is Ryoko going to try and kiss me? Should I allow it?_ Genkaku's heart was hammering in his chest. _Wait a sec...I can't let that happen, can I? I hate women!_

Genkaku was so confused and distracted he almost failed to miss the slight movement of Ryoko's hand...

Ryoko was drawing a _kanji_ character in mid air with her index finger - one that spelled the word 'love'. Once Ryoko had finished the spell she flicked it in Genkaku's direction. But Genkaku saw the spell coming and easily sidestepped out of the way. His eyes were even wider now. Ryoko had just tried to cast a love spell on _him! I've officially entered the Twilight Zone..._

Ryoko looked back at Genkaku in shock. "You saw that? Only a very powerful mage would be able to see one of my _kanji_ spells..."

Genkaku nodded. "You are correct in your guess. I am a mage."

Ryoko chewed on her lower thumbnail thoughtfully. "I-I see..." _Damn! He's a mage! And apparently a very powerful one. Funny that I've never heard of Genkaku...The Guild should know of him. Strange but I'll look into that later._ _Right now I must attend to the matter at hand. How am I supposed to collect him now? But I must have him! He's just too perfect to give up on so easily. I know, I'll just use my natural charm to seduce him._ "I...I'm so sorry!" Ryoko bowed deeply and lowered her head, allowing an embarrassed blush to grace her cheeks.

Genkaku raised an eyebrow at her actions – his Ryoko was _never_ humble. _Just what is she up to now I wonder...?_

A small part of Genkaku was kicking himself: _Argh! Why didn't I just let her kiss me?! Why didn't I let her cast that love spell on me? How many nights did I dream of kissing her...of being with her...!_

But this wasn't a dream. This was reality. And in reality Genkaku knew that Ryoko would never _truly_ desire him – not the _real_ him anyway.

The man before her now was nothing but an illusion.

"It's just that..." Ryoko looked up and locked eyes with Genkaku, her eyes swirling with a myriad of emotions, her green eyes glittering in a mesmerizing fashion, "I've never seen anyone so beautiful as you are before. So I just couldn't stop myself...I wanted to possess you. You see I...want you. Very badly." Ryoko put her hand on Genkaku's chest, directly over his heart.

Genkaku was taken aback by the sincerity he saw in Ryoko's gaze and that he heard in the tone of her voice. Was this really all just an act? He knew what a good actress she was but this...the eyes were the window to the soul. Did she really feel something for him? Genkaku shook his head. Even though her words might have been sincere they were still daggers to Genkaku's heart all the same. She was still under the misconception that he was a beautiful man. Ryoko's feelings for him were only skin-deep. She didn't even know who he really was. "You say you want me...when you don't even know me." Genkaku locked eyes with hers. His sapphire eyes...the one thing he hadn't changed about his appearance...would she recognize that?

Ryoko stared back into his deep blue eyes seemingly unfazed. "Oh, but I think I do know you, at least a little. You desire me as much as I desire you." Genkaku's eyes widened and Ryoko gave him a knowing look. "Yes, you have quite the poker face but you can't hide your true feelings from me...you see, your heart gives you away. It's beating a mile a minute."

Genkaku immediately stepped away from her. _Damn!_ His heart had betrayed him...

"We really do share a connection don't we?" Ryoko began lowering her hand. "It feels...almost as if I know you somehow. Have we met before? We really must be soul mates."

_Shimatta! Stay still my heart!_ Genkaku screamed in his mind. _Just having her near me like this...my heart begins to race; it's hard to breath. She's much too close – did she just get closer to me again?_ Genkaku shoved Ryoko away from him, his breathing becoming irregular. He was close to having a panic attack. No! It was too soon! There was just no way he could carry out his revenge upon Ryoko yet – if he tried now...the only one he'd really end up hurting would be himself. "Stay back." Genkaku growled in a low voice.

Ryoko looked back at Genkaku in shock. "Why? Am I not attractive enough?!" Ryoko frowned at him, clenching her fists at her sides angrily. This was the first time a man had ever rejected her before. It hurt.

Genkaku sighed and turned his face away. "No – that's not it. As I said before...you don't know me, Ryoko- _san_. I'm sure if you knew the _real me_ you would no longer desire me."

Ryoko raised an eyebrow at Genkaku, "The real you? What dark secrets are you hiding I wonder? Or is it perhaps a dark past...?" Ryoko looked at him piercingly as if she wanted to peel back the layers of Genkaku with her eyes like peeling an onion in order to discover his truth. "Why not just tell me? Though having a mystery or two between us might make things even more interesting. I'm not just a pretty face either, Genkaku- _sama_. I assure you that all women have their own little dark secrets. No one in this world is perfect, Genkaku- _sama_. But _you_ are close to perfection..."

Genkaku shook his head. "You don't understand..." Genkaku swallowed thickly. "The man standing before you now is nothing but an illusion Ryoko." _There I actually said it...now maybe she'll understand._

Ryoko blinked. "An illusion?" She stepped closer to Genkaku and reached out to touch his arm lightly. "You feel very real to me. What's wrong? Are you using a glamour spell to cover up a zit or something? A wrinkle? A scar? Well, I'm sure it's nothing too horrible...you couldn't possibly be anything like _him_!" Ryoko laughed and opened her fan to fan herself rapidly.

"Him?" Genkaku found himself asking and immediately regretted the words that came from his lips. _Shit._

"Oh just a manservant I used to have." Ryoko waved her hand dismissively through the air, "I suppose you could say he was an apprentice of mine. I taught him a little magic and in return he used to do all sorts of errands for me. I had him wrapped around my little finger doing whatever I wanted. He was useful but...he was also quite hideous. Burn scars covered his entire body due to some magical accident in his adolescence, which left him that way – disfigured." Ryoko shivered. "At least he used to hide his face and body with this dark hooded cloak while in my presence. In that way I was able to put up with him. Though the man was creepy nevertheless I could always feel his eyes always upon me. And then the poor man ended up falling in love with me. Not that I can blame him for it. But he actually had the gall to confess his feelings to me as if I could possibly reciprocate them! The day he had taken off his hood and told me that he loved me I wanted to throw up as I looked upon his revolting face. He absolutely disgusted me. And do you want to know what I told him in response to his pathetic marriage proposal?"

Genkaku licked his lips, his throat felt dry. He felt like the walls were closing in around him. "What?"

"I told him that I hated ugly, creepy men like him and that he should do the world a favor and go off and die somewhere!" Ryoko declared with the sound of a laugh in her voice.

Genkaku felt as though he were back in the past...confessing his feelings to Ryoko once more. The day she had destroyed him...

Broken his heart into a million irreparable pieces.

That's right. Genkaku had almost forgotten. He no longer had a heart.

Ryoko laughed mercilessly. "Perhaps, I was a little harsh. He left that day and never returned. I wonder if he did the world a favor and drowned himself in Tokyo Bay! The world is such a beautiful place, Genkaku- _sama_ , it really should only be filled with beautiful people like us, wouldn't you agree?"

But Genkaku was already turning to leave the garden, " _Irma Haeannon_." Genkaku murmured as a black hole opened up besides him and he reached inside the pocket dimension to pull out his black-bladed, medieval sword. Sword in hand he walked briskly to the locked and chained door.

"Genkaku- _sama_?" Ryoko called after him confusedly, "Where are you going?"

But Genkaku wasn't listening as he used his sword to slice through the door and chains in order to escape her stifling presence.

Pieces of wood and chain fell to the floor in a pile falling victim to Genkaku's infamous Void Sword.

Ryoko watched Genkaku's abrupt departure with a pout on her lips, "What a strange man. Was I too forward? Maybe he's a bit more traditional? Perhaps he'd like to court me first before we'd bring things to the next level? Oh well, I'll be sure to get him next time." _You won't get away from me so easily, Genkaku. You will be mine._

***

Meanwhile, Mizuki was at the buffet table piling her plate high with a mountain of different foods and desserts. _Mmmm~ all of Fiore's creations look really yummy! I just can't decide...Ohhh I'll just have to get one of each!_

Mizuki piled slices of cake, cookies, sliced sweat meats, crackers and cheese onto her plate before she spotted Ranka, Suzu and Mei seated at one of the tables in the host club room and made her way over to them. "Hey girls!" Mizuki enthusiastically greeted them as she usually did and took a seat down at the table with them.

At another table Eliana and Kazehaya were making out in front of everyone and not caring in the least. Everyone was doing their best to ignore the passionate lovers. Though Yang's gaze drifted over to their table from time to time and he couldn't help the blush that sprung up upon his face in response.

The girls looked up at Mizuki sluggishly in response as she joined them. "Oh...hi...Mizuki..." They droned in unison.

_Well, that was a lackluster response._ Mizuki raised an eyebrow at the girls and noticed how none of them had any food in front of them. _Strange._ Instead they were all nursing glasses of water. _Do they all have the stomach flu?_ They looked completely worn out, there were dark circles under their dull eyes and they had lazy expressions on their faces. In fact, Mizuki quirked her head at them. They looked a lot like zombies. Mizuki hated zombies – she shivered. She shook her head since she realized she was probably just letting her over active imagination run away with her again.

"Hey, aren't you girls going to get some food?" Mizuki suggested. _You girls look hungry...very hungry._ Mizuki swallowed.

Suzu put a hand in front of her mouth looking ill, "Don't even say that _word_ Mizuki."

"Huh?"

"We're all _much_ too fat to eat." Mei explained in her dull tone.

" _Nani?_ Don't tell me you three are on a diet?" Mizuki gave them a disbelieving look. "But you're all so skinny!"

All three girls looked at Mizuki as if she'd grown a second head.

"Earth to Mizuki." Ranka waved a hand in front of Mizuki's face. "I always knew you were a little spacey but this is getting ridiculous. We've gained _so_ much weight. Can't you see?"

"We're hippopotamuses now!" Suzu cried and brought a napkin to dab at her eyes.

"That would be hippopotami." Mei corrected.

"Actually both are correct." Ranka put in.

"Huh?" Mizuki's mouth was dropping open even more due to their strange behavior.

" _Whaaa~_ " Suzu was outright bawling at this point.

But before Mizuki could question the girls about their strange behavior further Akito suddenly sat down at the table directly next to Mizuki.

"Hi there." Akito greeted her with a charming smile while holding his chin and striking a pose.

Mizuki turned to see Akito – "AH! Akito!"

Akito raised an eyebrow at her startled reaction and then smirked at Mizuki. Mizuki's reaction had been similar to his own reaction to Genkaku. Must come with the territory of being famous. "That's right. I'm honored that you know who I am. And you're _Noh_ -Name. I'm your number one fan."

Mizuki blinked back at Akito in confusion. " _Hai?_ "

Akito took out a large piece of white cardboard and a pen. "Please give me your autograph! Make it out to Sun Prince Akito if you would." He handed the startled Mizuki the autograph card and pen. "That would be great."

"Oh, uh, er, sure..." Mizuki's hand was slightly trembling as she signed her name as _Noh_ -Name with a bit of a flourish. "Here." She handed Akito the autograph with a skeptical expression on her face. _Is that all he really wants from me? Unreal._

Akito grinned broadly. "Gee thanks dude!" Akito clapped Mizuki hard on the back. "I sure do love your designs! I'm so glad that you have your own label now. I'll be your best customer, that's for sure. I used to have my maid Marie buy your clothes all the time, back when you weren't as well known as you are now." Akito was saying conversationally.

Mizuki couldn't help herself – "Your maid?"

Akito blinked and then looked surprised that he had brought her up in conversation. "Uh, yea...she was recently kidnapped." Akito sighed sadly and shook his head. "Either that or she's gotten lost somewhere poor thing. She never did have a good sense of direction. She was a total airhead, you see. But I haven't given up on finding her. I've made reward posters for her and everything. I'll get poor little Marie back and help her to find her way back home."

Mizuki nearly fell over – "Huh? Kidnapped? What makes you think that? What if she just...ran away?" _Didn't he get my farewell letter?! And what's with the reward posters? Oi! I'm not a lost puppy dog!_

"Ran away?" Akito burst out laughing, "Impossible! That just wouldn't make any sense! I mean, after all what girl would run away from me? I'm Sun Prince Akito! No girl can resist me. She was secretly in love with me you know, not that I can blame her." Akito began to flex his muscles for show. "I am practically a god upon this earth."

Mizuki's jaw had dropped open at this point and her eye twitched in annoyance. "Riiight. Well, according to your reputation you're a total playboy. Maybe she got jealous and couldn't put up with you anymore, hmm?" _Sigh...I wonder how Genkaku and Ryoko are doing? Hopefully better than this bizarre encounter with Akito that I'm having now. Is Genkaku happy I wonder? I sure hope so. Will Genkaku get to kiss Ryoko? Will he kiss her...or will she be the one kissing him? Kyahhh! Genkaku looked so hot tonight. I doubt even Ryoko will be able to resist him! Even with the burn scars he's still so handsome! Though it doesn't seem like other people can see the scars..._

"Marie jealous?" Akito sounded skeptical. "I don't think she'd even know what that emotion was. Poor sheltered little thing. She worshipped me. I was a god to her. I'll find her again soon enough and she'll be more than happy to be back in the arms of her Master. Marie...belongs to me, you see."

Mizuki gave Akito an incredulous look. "She belongs to you? Well, what about Ryoko then?"

Akito blinked and his eyes seemed to glaze over, "Ah, yes, Ryoko...I love her."

Mizuki's heart clenched painfully at his words. "I see." _That's what I thought. I hope Genkaku is having better luck than I am...who am I kidding? Genkaku is Casanova. He's an Illusionist Host. He's taught me everything I know about how to win a woman's heart, how to bring a smile to a lady's face. I'm sure he's swept Ryoko off her feet by now._

Mizuki looked down at her plate of food and spotted one of the delicious looking slices of cake she had chosen. Ah, cake, the best medicine to heal a broken heart! Mizuki absentmindedly took off her _Noh_ mask, set it on the table before her, and began to shovel cake into her mouth at an alarming speed.

Akito was surprised as he watched _Noh_ -Name take off his mask and simply stared at the designer's face feeling elated that he got to see the face of his favorite designer.

Those huge, luminous, sky-blue eyes...that round face...that cute, slopping nose...those pink pouty lips. Akito leaned forward towards Mizuki unconsciously and Mizuki turned to see that Akito's face was only a few inches away from her own suddenly! _Huh!?_ She quickly swallowed, "What? Is there something on my face, bro?"

Akito blinked, turned red, and quickly pulled back away from _Noh_ -Name in a flustered manner. _Ah~! What the hell is wrong with me?! I almost kissed another dude?! Ahhhhh!_

"Ah, no, sorry." Akito muttered, a hand behind his head in a bashful gesture. "I just sort of zoned out there for a second." _More like temporarily took leave of my senses!_

Mizuki raised an eyebrow at him, outwardly appearing calm. Inside Mizuki mind, however: _Ahhh! Did Akito almost kiss me?! Impossible...he thinks I'm a boy right? Or did he recognize me?_ "Just so you know I don't swing that way, buddy." Mizuki added.

Akito turned an even brighter red and waved his hands before him. "That's not it! It's just...just now...you reminded me of someone I care for deeply."

Mizuki blinked. "Care for deeply? Who-?"

Akito was just opening his mouth to respond, when-!

Ranka's glass of water fell to the floor and shattered causing Mizuki to turn her attention to Ranka instead. Mizuki then watched as Ranka suddenly collapsed and fell out of her chair in a faint. This all appeared to happen in slow motion to the shocked Mizuki. "Ranka- _chan_?!" Mizuki quickly got up out of her seat and went to Ranka's side. "What happened?" She demanded of Suzu and Mei, snapping her head in their direction.

Suzu looked spooked. "She just...fell over..." Suzu said slowly and then yawned tiredly.

Mizuki's eyes narrowed. "What the hell is wrong with all of you? You're all acting very weird!" Mizuki declared and then caught sight of a glowing _kanji_ character that appeared on both Suzu's and Mei's foreheads. It was the _kanji_ character for the word 'FAT'. _Huh?_ Mizuki blinked. _There it is again! The same character I saw on Ranka-chan before. What does it mean?_

Yang had also rushed over to the girls' table due to the commotion Ranka's fainting had caused and was now at Ranka's side too next to Mizuki.

Mizuki looked down at Ranka and the same magical symbol appeared on Ranka's forehead again. "There it is again...that symbol from before..." Mizuki murmured as she reached out to touch the symbol.

Yang's eyes widened at this. "You can see that?" Yang questioned just as Mizuki's right hand touched Ranka's forehead and the spell was suddenly broken and the symbol disappeared with a small _pop_.

"You just broke the spell!?" Yang shot Mizuki an incredulous look. _What the hell is going on?_

At that same moment, sword still in hand, Genkaku stalked through the host club room and went to the front door with Ryoko following after him, hot on his heels. "Genkaku- _sama_! _Matteo!_ Wait up!"

Genkaku continued to ignore Ryoko, opened the front door, and slammed the door behind him in Ryoko's face with a resounding boom that rocked the entire club room.

"Genkaku?" Mizuki watched him leave, startled by his sudden departure. _What could have happened?_

Ryoko paused in her pursuit of Genkaku at the sight of Ranka on the floor with Mizuki and the others hovering over her. Her eyes darted to Ranka's forehead and her mouth dropped open in surprise. She pointed a finger at Ranka's forehead. "Ah! My spell! Who broke my spell?"

Yang stood up and narrowed his eyes dangerously at Ryoko, "Is that a confession?"

Ryoko slapped a hand over her mouth. _Shimatta!_

Yin came to stand next to his brother and began to finger his gun. "That spell you cast on the girls..." Yin took out his gun and pointed it Ryoko. "What does it do?"

Akito immediately went over to Ryoko and stood in front of her protectively.

Ryoko appeared unfazed by this turn of events, however, "Oh please." She opened her fan and began fanning herself. "It's no big deal. It's just an illusion spell. I made the girls all think they looked fat..."

Mizuki stood up and faced Ryoko, hands on her hips. "Why would you do something mean like that?!"

"Because I desire to be the most beautiful woman in the world. I can't afford to have rivals. I don't want to share the top spot with anyone – including pretty young girls like them. I want the eyes of all the men in this world to be on me and no one else. So those girls were simply in my way." Ryoko laughed with her fan upraised in front of her mouth.

Mizuki balled up her hands at her sides so that her knuckles turned white. "Beautiful? That wish of yours is just...plain selfish! You're a horrible person. They were starving themselves because of that spell! They could have _died_ because of you." _Ugh...Ryoko reminds me of Snow White's evil stepmother...she was_ _just as vain too and had that stupid obsession with wanting to be the fairest in the land._

"So?" Ryoko countered in a careless tone.

Mizuki stalked forward and surprised everyone by punching Ryoko hard across the face! "You're an extremely _ugly_ person Ryoko! True beauty comes from within!"

"My face!" Ryoko put a hand to her bruised cheek in shock. "I can't believe you just did that! You hit my beautiful face! Akito!" She screeched his name.

Akito stood in front of Ryoko and blocked Mizuki's path.

Mizuki glared back at him. She looked past Akito and stared at Ryoko. "You know what? I take it all back. You're not good enough for someone as dazzling as Genkaku- _sensei_! Speaking of which...why did Genkaku leave so suddenly? What did you say to him, Ryoko?" Mizuki demanded.

Ryoko shrugged. "Nothing of import, of that I can assure you. Just something about how the world would be a better place without ugly, creepy people in it. I think Genkaku- _sama_ agreed with me too."

Mizuki's eyes widened in shock. "You said that?! Genkaku...never would have agreed with you on that. What else did you say?"

" _Urusai!_ " Ryoko complained, "You're so loud, brat. Nothing...really. But I do believe I'm absolutely correct – ugly people should just go drown themselves in Tokyo Bay and do this world a favor!"

Mizuki's jaw dropped and she had this sinking feeling in her chest. "Is that what you said to him? You bitch!"

Ryoko looked perplexed. "You silly boy, it's not like that comment was directed towards Genkaku- _sama_. Genkaku is anything _but_ ugly. Duh." Ryoko gave Mizuki a superior look as if she were talking to an imbecile.

Mizuki gave Ryoko an exasperated look in return before dismissing her altogether. _Genkaku!_ She had to save him! She had a really, really bad feeling that Genkaku might be in trouble and that it was all Ryoko's fault...or rather...hers.

***

Tokyo Bay, Pier #22...

Genkaku stood at the edge of a pier, which overlooked Toyko Bay. It was the dead of night – Genkaku's favorite time of the day, but unfortunately there was a full moon shinning overhead casting its ethereal light down upon the dark, inky waters of Tokyo Bay. The moonbeams made the dark water glow silver beautifully in places making the water resemble smelting metal.

The reflection of the moon upon the water made Genkaku think of Mizuki for some reason. A light shinning in the darkness.

Genkaku became irked by this. That light annoyed him...because he felt like there was no longer any light or hope left in his life. He wanted the dark waters to mirror his feelings perfectly but because of the moon everything had been ruined.

He realized he would never get his revenge upon Ryoko...he just wasn't strong enough. _I'm so pathetic...I really should just die..._

Luckily, though there was sufficient light to see by thanks to the moon the pier was completely deserted, there wasn't a soul to be seen. _Good. I won't be interrupted._ Thought Genkaku. He didn't want to be stopped in his current endeavor.

Ryoko's harsh words had flung Genkaku into the depths of despair. A despair that was so great and all encompassing that he couldn't escape it this time even if he tried.

He wanted to just disappear.

He wanted for Death to come and find him.

I hate ugly, creepy men...you should do the world a favor and go off and die somewhere!

Genkaku already had it all planned out – the _perfect_ way to die.

" _Irma Haeannon_." Genkaku muttered in elvish and besides him a black hole opened up. He reached into the pocket dimension and pulled out what he would need for his soon to be perfect suicide. It would be beautiful. To Genkaku suicide could be art. And he was ready to create a masterpiece.

Genkaku pulled out heavy _mithril_ (a magical and unbreakable metal) chains and several locks. He also took out a large heavy key ring, which had twenty large, antique-looking, silver keys on it.

He began to wrap the thick, heavy, sparkling chains around his legs and then began to secure the chains using the twenty locks. When Genkaku had finished locking all twenty of the magical locks with the matching keys he tossed the key ring down onto the wood pier. He then turned to face the water and simply jumped off the edge of the pier. The heavy weight of the chains immediately pulled Genkaku down into the inky waters. Total darkness surrounded Genkaku on all sides – embracing him, accepting him, devouring him, consuming him...

Bliss.

Pure Bliss.

At least, for Genkaku. _Ah, I wish it could always be this dark and silent. But I suppose in a few moments I will truly be one with this darkness after all._

***

Back on the pier, Mizuki had arrived on her bike just in time to see Genkaku jump off the pier and into Tokyo Bay!

"No!" Mizuki cried as she dismounted her bike and ran to the edge of the pier and looked down into the black, inky water. She spotted the key ring and picked it up before she turned to gaze once again at the calm waters of Tokyo Bay. The water was pitch black.

Mizuki was afraid of the dark. Mizuki was claustrophobic...

How would she even be able to see Genkaku down there?

These thoughts made Mizuki hesitate but only for a second. She took a deep breath and then dove in after Genkaku. _I'll figure something out!_ Mizuki decided fiercely. _When there's a will there's a way! And this is all my fault!_ Mizuki thought frantically as she swam downwards through the water. _If only I hadn't arranged for Genkaku and Ryoko to meet. I never wanted this. I only wanted for Genkaku to be happy. I must save him! Somehow...please...someone...anyone...help me! I must see him!_ Mizuki screamed in her mind as she futilely searched the pitch-black water with her hands in front of her.

And then Mizuki caught a glimpse of something. A dim light. It was weak and it was sinking fast. _There!_ Mizuki quickly swam towards the light. A light which oddly resembled a mass of tiny moons and stars. _Nani?_

Mizuki's eyes widened in realization. _My outfit! The one that I designed for Genkaku – it's glowing! Yosh! Alright!_

Mizuki kicked harder so that she reached Genkaku quickly. His outfit was indeed glowing but not only that – the _mithril_ chains and locks that bond him were also mysteriously glowing and filling the surrounding area with a dim light, providing Mizuki with just enough light to be able to begin her task of unlocking the locks...painstakingly one by one...

***

When Genkaku's feet touched the sandy bottom of Tokyo Bay – he knew there was no escape, no turning back. He closed his eyes and not only accepted his fate, Death, but welcomed it, embraced it...

Finally, I shall become one with the darkness...goodbye Ryoko...I hope that my death makes you smile that beautiful smile of yours...sayonara...my hosts...goodbye Sunshine Kid...

I hate ugly, creepy men like you! You should do the world a favor and go off and die somewhere!

However, Genkaku suddenly felt hands on him and his eyes snapped open. His eyes widened in shock for two reasons. The first was that his outfit and the _mithril_ chains were glowing with a silvery light. The second was that Mizuki was there somehow and beginning to unlock the locks that held the chains secured to Genkaku's legs.

_Why...why has the darkness forsaken me? Why...why is the Sunshine Kid down here? How is that even possible? Why...is he trying to save me?!_ Genkaku moaned in his mind. _This must be some kind of horrible nightmare. I never asked to be saved..._

Genkaku couldn't quite grasp the situation. It seemed way too unreal.

_Why would a_ good _person like Mizuki risk his life to save a_ wicked _person like me?_

Genkaku gave Mizuki his best death glare. Didn't the kid see that he wanted to die?! That he didn't want his help? That he didn't want to be saved? _Go on and get out of here! Leave me!_

Mizuki ignored Genkaku's fierce glare and painstakingly began to unlock the magical locks one by one. Her fingers fumbled and struggled with the keys and locks and she was making slow progress. 1...2...3...19...

Mizuki struggled to keep her breath held but found that she couldn't hold her breath any longer. She ended up letting out her breath and was now struggling not to take a breath in while she fumbled frantically searching for the 20th key that would open the very last lock. She was so close...so close!

Genkaku realized in that moment that time had run out. There was no way Mizuki would be able to figure out which key opened the 20th lock and then make it back up to the surface in time. If Mizuki didn't return back to the surface in that instant – she would surely drown.

Mizuki would die.

And that was unacceptable.

Genkaku couldn't allow Mizuki to die for a scumbag like him!

_Mizuki!_ Genkaku spoke loudly into Mizuki's mind using his telepathy. _You have to leave me here and return to the surface – there's no more time. You'll drown if you stay down here any longer!_

Mizuki looked up to glare at Genkaku, a fierce look on her face. _I won't abandon you!_ She declared loudly in her mind, hoping Genkaku would hear her somehow. Before she resumed her search for the last key, frantically trying each key into the final lock while trying to find the right one...

_Don't be absurd! If you stay down here any longer you'll drown! A person like you cannot die for a person like me...! My life...isn't worth this kind of sacrifice, Mizuki! Why...?_ Genkaku couldn't help but ask.

_It's all my fault...I'm so sorry...I forced you and Ryoko to meet..._ Mizuki admitted.

Is that why you're doing this? It's not your fault...I...simply want to die.

_But I don't want you to die!_ Mizuki countered as she dropped the key ring. _Shimatta! Oh no!_ Mizuki gasped and water filled her lungs. Mizuki dove down and struggled to pick up the key ring once more as more water poured down her lungs. She moved one of the keys towards the lock even as she was drowning before Genkaku's very eyes. She struggled and gasped for breath and finally grabbed onto Genkaku's chains in one last frantic attempt to free him and pulled with all her might-

Genkaku watched in horror as Mizuki was drowning right before his very eyes – still trying to save him with her last dying breath. _No!_ He couldn't allow this – he had to do something. But what? He was unable to use his powers because of the _mithril_ chains...

He had chosen the magical _mithril_ chains that sealed even his own magical powers for that very reason, in case he had a sudden change of heart halfway through his suicide attempt. In case his own weakness got the better of him once again as it always seemed to do at the very last minute. He never thought that he'd want the spell to be undone so that he could save a person who was foolishly trying to save him.

Mizuki gave Genkaku one last sad look as if to say she was sorry she had failed to rescue him before her hand touched the lock that she had been unable to open.

Mizuki's eyes closed, her hand fell away from the lock, and she floated backwards into the dark water and away from Genkaku as the current began to drag her body away.

Genkaku watched in horror as she seemed to be swallowed up by the darkness around them.

_No!_ Genkaku thought as he struggled against the chains, which still bound him. _No, you can't die, Mizuki! Not for someone like me!_

Click-

The final magical lock clicked open.

Genkaku looked down at the lock in disbelief as it opened and sank to the sandy floor.

Genkaku quickly removed the heavy chains from his legs and then swam through the water towards Mizuki's body. Genkaku reached Mizuki's limp, unmoving body and embraced her fiercely. _Mizuki!_

With fast, powerful kicks Genkaku began to swim his way up through the water and back towards the surface – with only one thought in his mind: _I must save this stupid kid..._

Genkaku broke through the water with a gasp, and swam to the pier. He quickly pulled himself up onto the pier and pulled Mizuki up along with him. He lay Mizuki down on the pier and looked down at the boy's unmoving body...

Genkaku knew what he had to do and began to perform CPR on the kid without hesitation. Pressing down on the kid's chest in time with his own frantic heartbeat and then blowing air into the kid's lungs as their lips innocently touched.

And then miraculously Mizuki coughed as she came alive once more and she began to cough up the water from her lungs. She turned on her side continuing to cough and still hadn't taken notice of Genkaku yet. Her body had begun to shake...probably from the cold...

Genkaku let out a breath of relief. _The kid's alive!_ And then Genkaku felt shaken by his own thoughts. Since when did he feel something so strongly for anyone? He had no heart or if he did it was surely a heart of ice. But the thought foremost in Genkaku's mind as he watched the boy coughing up water from his lungs was simply this:

How could this stupid kid risk his life to save a wicked person like me? Doesn't he get it yet? I'm not the hero of this story – I'm the villain.

END of BOOK 1...

Japanese Word Key:

Noh mask: Japanese drama mask

_Matteo_ : Wait

_Shimatta_! Damn

_Mizuki_ – shinning moonlight

###

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