Chapter 1 – Create New Memories

The limo ride was quiet, not something that I was used to.

Flying all the way from Kennedy Airport to Haneda Airport first class in the private jet was not something anyone should complain about, even if the flight was really long. Thankfully, I slept for a majority of the flight, only waking up for the last hour of the trip. When I landed and watched all of the luggage be unloaded from the plane, and reloaded into the limo I tried to call my Dad to let him know that I made it safe; yet, I was sent to voicemail and decided not to trouble him with one.

Dad was starting his country-wide work trip and was going to be busy non-stop for almost three months. It was part of the reason why I agreed to spend some time with my grandparents and uncle in Tokyo. Ichiro Fukuda, also known as my Dad, is heir to Fukuda Incorporated. It's the oldest car manufacturer in Japan, and the second oldest in the entire world. He was the one who started the Western expansion of the company while my Ojiichan was still running the Eastern side. He was also working on the latest model of car, eager to see what the rest of the world thought of his designs. I was thankful Dad was being able to travel, getting out of our home in New York City for a while and have some flexibility without having to worry too much about me.

My thoughts were taken away from my Dad when I noticed a familiar building we passed in the quiet ride. The Fukuda family estate was in a secluded part of the city, away from all the hustle and bustle as Obaachan would say. It was the same land where my Ojiichan grew up, and where his Ojiichan grew up. As we passed more landmarks, like the cattle farm with all the cows in the field, memories from my childhood were making me smile. We would always visit my grandparents for Christmas, the ground covered in heavy snow and the holiday spirit making everything seem just a little more magical.

But it's been almost five years since I've been back to Japan, and I could already tell things were different.

I could recognize each twist and turn after the farm, knowing just how much longer it would be until I would be at the estate. The experienced driver in me could tell that the driver was going much slower than the average driver, probably with explicit instructions from my family about making sure I was brought there safely. With our family being experts with the car industry, it was almost expected that I was driving at an early age. Against my mother's wishes, but always made a funny story, I was driving better than most adults by eleven years old. Of course, never on the main roads, but I did tests out most models of the Western cars that rolled out of the shops.

Finally, we pulled up to the gated estate and I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face. The Fukuda Estate was very traditional looking on the outside, but more modern and Western inspired on the inside. I could see that the front garden had just been tended to with the flowers and tress just starting to bloom. There was also the infamous garage, where Ojiichan began his company from as a teenager. Now, it was like a personal museum and workshop for him to tinker and try new things.

The limo stopped and I managed to open the door before the driver could. With a sheepish grin, I watched him and five other butler-looking men begin to unload the bags from the back. It was mainly just art supplies and more personal trinkets, and I could see everyone being careful with each package they picked up to bring inside.

And standing in front of the door were my grandparents; Takuma and Miyako Fukuda. Both grandparents had salt and pepper hair done up just right, and I could see parts of my father with each of them. Ojiichan was now using a cane, leaning heavily on it to help him stand. Obaachan did not have a cane, but did sport designer glasses on her face.

Behind them was someone who I had only seen in pictures until this moment - Uncle Akia. From the stories I had heard, I knew that he was nothing like my own Dad. Uncle Akia was much more laid-back and carefree; his hair seemed to have a mind of its own, his clothes were designer but not professional, and it seemed like he was ready to crack a joke any second.

Before I could run up and give both grandparents a hug, loud yipping noises were making their way towards me to greet me. It was three Japanese Chins, all of them black and white in color. "Adzuki! Kurumi! Maron!" The middle-aged man called, running down from the stairs to round up the dogs.

I laughed, kneeling down to give them the attention they were looking for. "Aw, it's alright, Uncle Akia. They're all so cute."

Uncle Akia joined me, letting the smallest of the three jump into his arms. "I told them to make a first good impression." He laughed, shaking his head, "And I guess this is what they meant." His smile was just like my Ojiichan's, but his eyes were just like my Dad's.

"Yoko!" Ojiichan called, having me stand up and let the dogs run back towards the house. I followed them, arms open and ready to give him a huge hug, "Oh it's been so long my crystal." I smiled, holding on tight to the man.

Just as I was released, Obaachan was next for her hug, and the minute I smelled her perfume I was taken back to Christmas when I was eleven years old. She let me sit at her vanity with her and watch her get ready for the gala. The floral perfume was the last part of her getting ready, and she even let me spray some on myself.

"Oh, would you look at her Takuma!" She gushed, pulling me back and inspecting me from head to toe.

That's when I regretted my outfit choice of sweatpants and Columbia sweatshirt, hair up in a messy bun and glasses on my face. "She has gotten even more beautiful since we have last seen her." Ojiichan patted my cheek, "Something she must get from you, Miyako."

Obaachan must have agreed, brushing some hair away from my eyes. "But her eyes are from her mother: sparkling and unique."

Fukuda's all had deep blue eyes, but mine were hazel. It was something I never thought was very special, but apparently my grandparents thought otherwise.

"Why don't we bring the party inside?" Uncle Akia offered, meeting the rest of us at the porch, "I want to show my niece around before dinner."

With that, said part was moved into the house. It was just how I remembered it, except without the large tree in the foyer or lights on the stairs. Staff was lined up on the stairs, and everyone bowed when we all entered. It made my skin crawl a little, seeing how they paid their respects. In New York, there weren't staff to wait hand and foot on us all, but assistants to help with my parents' jobs.

My hand was taken by Uncle Akia, ready to play tour guide. "To the left is the formal living room, home to many parties hosted in this house." He explained, "But all of the ones I have thrown seem to be the most fun!" Uncle Akia whispered, causing me to chuckle

"And to the right is the dining room, with the kitchen next door." The tour continued, showing off the grand table and huge crystal chandelier.

I was beginning to remember most of these rooms as I was shown them: a game room, Obaachan's study, the indoor sauna, and greenroom. The back door was large, and I could see that the grounds people were wrapping up their work for the day.

One room that had been changed was the play room. Now, it was changed into an art studio thanks to Ojiichan. Plain canvases were leaning against one all, her boxes of supplies were already being organized by three maids, and the huge window showed the backyard and let natural light into the room.

"Oh my goodness." I covered my moth in shock, overwhelmed with the gesture, "I don't know what to say."

Ojiichan chuckled from behind me. "You do not have to say anything. It is important to have your space to work and create each beautiful piece of work that you have."

"We wanted you to feel at home kid." My uncle added, wrapping an arm around my shoulders, "Just like Papa has the garage, and Mama has her office, you've got this place."

Before I could get sucked in and start to help unpack, the tour was continuing. My grandparents said that they would see her at dinner, stressing that it would be a formal event tonight and to be on time. They pass by her grandparents' room and make their way up the back staircase. Uncle Akia points out the two guest rooms, not bothering to open the doors and waste any time.

We did peek inside of his room, seeing how Western styled it looked. Not to mention ginormous.

At the end of the hallway was their last room on the trip, the expression on my uncle's face could only be described as excitement. "And last, but not least, is your room!" He cried, opening the door wide to let me enter.

The minute I stepped in, I could already tell that it was much larger than my room at home. The walls were a light purple color, but bare of any pictures or posters. The bed had to be doubled the size of the one at home, white comforter standing out against the dark furniture. Curtains were open, showing that the view from the window was the small pond in the back yard, a desk in front of the window.

"- and there's an attached bathroom." My focus was brought back to my blabbering uncle, and I realized that he was much more talkative than my Dad, "Feel free to decorate it however you want. We can even have someone repaint it if you want. Mama insisted that a 'young lady' would want her room purple, but she won't mind if you want it something else too."

I turned around and shook my head, too in shock to really react. "This is all so much."

"They were excited." He offered as an explanation, "Not only was their only grandchild moving in, their youngest son was moving back home too."

That seemed like a good reason, but I still felt a little overwhelmed with everything. It was going to be a weird adjustment period for a couple of days, that I knew was true. "Thank you for showing me around Uncle." I reached forward, offering a hug which was accepted right away.

His hug, which I was expecting to be like my Dad's, was most short but he squeezed more. "Don't thank me, we just want you to feel at home." When he let go, Uncle Akia grabbed the door handle, "Remember, dinner will be at seven, and Fukuda's are not late. I'm sure there are plenty of things to wear inside that closet." There was a wink he sent my way, hinting that I should go and look.

Inside the large walk in closet was rows upon rows of clothes. One half was instantly recognizable as the ones I sent over a few weeks ago, all from home. The other half, however, was much more formal looking clothes than I usually wear. Kimonos of every color were waiting to be worn, and I noticed different gowns mixed in here and there. I could easily see my Obaachan's taste coming forward with most of the clothes, but it also seemed like my uncle had a say in a few of the modern looking ones I saw.

My body sunk into the soft mattress when I flopped down, and my mind was still trying to wrap my head around what was happening. Life was brining me on a new adventure, and I needed to start adapting fast.

Dinner was just as formal as I thought it would be. Thankfully, Obaachan approved of the kimono that I picked out; it was light blue with pink cherry blossoms scattered along the bottom and a matching pink obi to go with it. My hair was done by Kairi and Nami, two young maids that I found out were employed to help just me when I asked for it. They did a nice job of tying up my long black hair into a traditional twist on top of my head. All of the Fukuda's were dressed in traditional clothes too, even if uncle's seemed to be on the more modern side. The feast was amazing as well, large and never ending. Even the three dogs were eating with us, fresh fish in their fancy bowls. All of us were chatting like no time had passed, like today was not the first day I was meeting my uncle, like I always lived in this mansion.

But when we moved to the living room for tea and desserts is when the serious discussions began.

Obaachan and Ojiichan were sitting on the love seat, happily sipping at the warm tea while Uncle Akia was on a plush chair with all three dogs at his feet. I took the matching chair on the other side of the love seat, cup in my lap. Dad always enjoyed tea with his desserts over coffee, unlike Mom and I. Looking into the tea reminded me to try and call Dad again before bed.

"So, my precious crystal," Ojiichan brought me back to the conversation, bright smile on his wrinkled face, "are you excited to start your classes at Ouran Academy?" Ojiichan's question I should have seen coming.

Dad had warned me that homeschooling was not going to be an option if I left, and part of me was excited to finally attend school with other teenagers my age. It's where Dad went, and apparently my uncle did too. "You will be the next generation of our family at the school, and it will be important to uphold our family's reputation while you are there." Obaachan set down her cup on the side table.

"Mama, don't scare Yoko like that." Uncle laughed, shaking his head, "You're going to be fine. Yeah, there's going to be so many people who recognize our family's name, but if you just stay yourself I know you'll make us all proud."

That somewhat helped my nerves, I knew that this pressure was coming. Even at home, I always had to be on my best behavior when I was at social gathering. Whether it was to present the latest model of car, or attending an art show for a new piece I had on display, or even just a nice dinner with a close family-friend.

I had to put my best foot forward.

"You can count on me." I smiled, "I will try my best."

Both grandparents gave me a smile, understanding that this promise was not an empty one. "There is also Fukuda Incorporated that we need to talk about." Ojiichan continued, not wasting any time, "The business side of things."

"What do you mean?" I asked, becoming nervous about the state of the business. Dad always made it seem like business was booming, and now I was afraid I was being lied to.

Uncle sighed, picking up Kurumi from the floor. "Papa is finally passing down Eastern side of the business to me." He did not sound too excited about that, petting the in his lap.

I looked to my grandparents. "Isn't that great news?" The confusion was all over my face.

Obaachan nodded, not looking very happy at her son's reaction. "Your Ojiichan would work until the day he died if he could Yoko, so it is time to pass along this part of the business to his other son."

"However," Ojiichan interrupted, "Akia had requested that you work along side him for a while. He was never as interested in the cars as your father, and could use a guide while he starts."

The confusion only grew deeper in my expression. I was not any sort of business person, that was for sure. The business part of the business was the worst and most boring part. Dad would always complain when meetings were going longer or clients were being stubborn, and that left a bad taste in my mouth. I was into what the machine was made of, and could assemble most models by myself given the chance.

Uncle Akia looked desperate for any kind of answer from me when I turned my gaze his way. "Please Yoko, it could turn into good uncle-niece bonding…"

"Well, I'm not professional," I began, twiddling my thumbs together, "but I'm always happy to try."

Before I knew it, I was engulfed in a huge hug and swung around. Uncle Akia was thanking me like crazy and I heard my grandparents laughing from where they were sitting. "There's going to be a killer party too, right Mama?"

Obaachan nodded. "Of course there will be a grand party to announce this. It's not every day the founder passes on his legacy to his son." I was smiling along with my uncle and rest of my family in the living room.

Memories came back to me. My Dad swinging me up into his arms and twirling me around during a Christmas party when I was six years old. Mom had warned him to be careful, Obaachan saying that he would make me sick, and Ojiichan encouraging him to keep going.

Those memories made me excited to create more memories while I was here again.