Chapter 7

The Masquerade Ball

Mamoru was just about ready to go to the masquerade ball. He was in full costume and had all of his powers at hand, just in case the Elven Court were planning an ambush. He was just about ready to leave, when he remembered that he forgot his tie...and to tell Michael not to miss the cab when it got here.

"Michael...." Mamoru looked in the living room and saw Michael trying desperately to fix his own bow tie. When he saw Mamoru, he nodded acknowledgement and continued to struggle.

"Michael, I am going to call you a taxi to take you to Setsuna's Flower Shop and take the two of you to the ballroom. It'll already be paid for." Michael looked disappointed and with a sudden jerk, got the tie on just right.

"You mean I can't go with you? I haven't been in town that long and my best friend is ditching me." Mamoru shrugged his shoulders in a "What can you do?" motion and looked around the living room.

"Tonight, I am going to take Usagi out solo. You are going to take a taxi, Michael." He looked around some more.

"Where's my favorite tie?" Mamoru asked. Much to Mamoru's surprise, Michael held up the tie in one hand and a pair of scissors in the other.

"I get to go with you, and the tie lives." Michael smiled and made a snipping motion with the scissors.

"What say we double date, old buddy?"

Later, Mamoru's car pulled up along the street exactly a block from Usagi's house. Mamoru flashed the headlights a few times to signal that he was here. Michael regarded this as rather strange and spoke up.

"Why don't you just go to the front door?" Mamoru suppressed a laugh at this comment.

"Are you kidding? Usako's father would roast me alive if he knew I was dating his daughter. He's worse than that Al Bundy fellow on the T.V., back in the states." Michael seemed to accept this and sat

back in his seat.

***

Usagi was wearing a white dress, she was trying to put on her slippers. She looked at the windows and saw the lights of Mamoru's car.

"Oh no! Mamo-chan is waiting for me right now and I'm not ready!" She said.

"Shut up...you don't want your parents to know you're going out tonight...especially after that horrible Math grade you got" Luna said.

"And now, the most difficult part!" Usagi opened her bedroom door slowly, trying not to make any sounds. Her parents were at their room, playing cards with her brother. She left her room and silently closed the door. She sighed. Then she descended the stairway, but her brother had left a ball on the stairs. Since she wasn't looking, she slid and stopped at the end of the stairs.

"It hurts..." she said, but the worse part was that her fall made some noise and her mother heard it.

"Oh no!" Usagi thought, and she hid, praying that her mother doesn't think to go look downstairs.

"Didn't you hear something?" Usagi's mother asked to the rest.

"No, it must of been your imagination" Usagi's father said.

"I'm going to see if something's wrong with Usagi."

And Usagi could see from her hiding place how her mother was walking to her room!

"I hope Luna does something, I don't want them to discover me." She thought.

Her mother entered the bedroom, it was dark and she didn't turn the lights on. She asked:

"Usagi, are you awake?"

There was no response. Her mother approached the bed. She was going to lift the covers when something below it moved.

"I hope she believes I'm Usagi, or Usagi's dead!" Luna thought.

Fortunately, Usagi's mother didn't doubt it, she left the room, and then said:

"You were right, it was my imagination"

Usagi watched it and left the house trembling. Once outside, she breathed heavily in relief.

"Finally" She said, and then she ran where he was waiting for her.

"Good evening, Usako." Mamoru offered Usagi his arm and they walked back to his car. "I think we're going to have a wonderful time as long as the elves don't try anything. We'll dance, talk to your friends, and many more things too numerous to mention."

When they got to the car, Usagi paused when she saw a grinning Michael in the back seat. He waved and Mamoru sighed.

"Who's that?" she prompted.

"That was one of the unmentionables..." Mamoru muttered to himself. "He's Michael Florian, Setsuna's blind date. He is living in my apartment and he just came from the US where he was my host."

"Just a host! That's how you present your companion, your unique and loyal friend from across the seas..." Michael objected, then, he looked to Usagi. "It's a pleasure to meet a beautiful lady!"

"Hold on there!" Mamoru said, closing the car door of the back seat.

"Hey, I just wanted to be a gentleman!" Michael replied.

Mamoru and Usagi then entered, he turned on the car. Usagi asked Mamoru:

"Why is he here instead of with Setsuna?"

"He insisted so much that I agreed to have a double date..." Mamoru answered remembering his favorite tie, the scissors and the crazed look in Michael's eyes.

"A double date?" Usagi was a little disappointed.

"Don't worry, Usako, he won't bother us, we'll lose him and Setsuna at the ball" Mamoru hissed.

"What are you two talking about so mysteriously?" Michael asked.

"Nothing important," Usagi smiled.

Michael looked at them. They seem suspicious. But he didn't ask anything else. He decided to change the subject instead, and at the same time, have a little revenge:

"Hey, old pal, have you told her yet?"

"Tell me what?" Usagi asked curiously. Mamoru looked at her for a moment, he didn't know how he'll tell her that Michael knows she was Sailor Moon and everything else.

"Well, Usako..." Mamoru started nervously "You know I've been living alone almost all my life..."

"Hai."

"I didn't know I...I..." Mamoru was having trouble, it was a delicate subject.

"He talked in his sleep. So back in the US, I overheard some very interesting things." Michael finished.

"What do you mean?" Usagi questioned

"He knows you're Sailor Moon, I'm Tuxedo Kamen and everything else" Mamoru blurted out.

"What!?" she exclaimed with her eyes full of tears. Tears of concern because her secret was discovered.

"I won't reveal your secret, I promise" Michael said, trying to calm down her. "Mamoru...tell her..."

"Usako, he is *ahem* reliable." Mamoru added *he knows if he speaks he's a dead man*

Usagi smiled. "If you trust him, I do..." *but Luna won't like this*

Half an hour later, the three of them pulled up at Setsuna's Flower Shop. Although it had closed for the evening, Setsuna was still inside, waiting to be picked up. From the stares he was recieving, it was obvious that Michael was going to have to do this one by himself.

He knocked on the door and waited. The light went on and he heard a key being turned in the door. He smiled sincerely.

"Hello. I'm Michael, your blind date."

A young girl, lavishly dressed, coyly looked up to the young man standing in her doorway.

"Oh really?" she said with a snicker.

Michael gulped, tried to maintain his composure and keep from looking totally confused by the age of the girl in front of him. What did he do with that picture of the Outer Senshi? Was this Sailor Pluto? He couldn't remember which one it was.

He repositioned his feet and said "You were expecting me -- your blind date for the masquerade ball -- Setsuna."

The girl softly tapped Michael on the arm while chuckling. "No, Hotaru. Setsuna is just touching up her make-up in the bathroom."

She motioned for him to come in. "Come in. She'll just be a minute..."

"No, no. I'm here."

Michael looked up to see a beautiful woman standing in the hallway just outside of a room. The door was open from the bathroom from where she had just come out, and the light shone on her to show her dark green hair. Setsuna turned off the light in the bathroom and walked toward the two people that had just met.

"Hello,.. Michael, was it?" She smiled as he took her hand and kissed it.

"Charmed." Michael said as they smiled at each other.

Hotaru seemed anxious. "Setsuna, a woman came by earlier and said that..." Hotaru began to say, and continued speaking.

Michael looked at Hotaru as she spoke, giving Setsuna a chance to look her date over. A shy smile came over her face. He sensed that she was looking at him and their eyes caught. Michael looked away."...but I guess I can tell you about that later." finished Hotaru.

Michael looked to Setsuna. "Y-yes. We do need to get going. Mamoru and Usagi are waiting for us, so Setsuna, if you're ready, why don't we get going. Nice meeting you, Hotaru."

"Oh, yes. Michael, Hotaru decided to go with us. That's ok?" said Setsuna.

"Surrree..." Michael put out his arm for Setsuna to take. "Shall we go?"

"Yes, we shall." smiled Setsuna as she took his arm.

They walked out of the house and headed for the car. As they were walking, Setsuna whispered to Hotaru, "This might just be a fun night, Hotaru!"

Hotaru laughed as Michael opened the car door for the two girls. Michael squirmed around in his seat. He was so uncomfortable squished between Setsuna and Hotaru. Mamoru needs to invest in a larger car.

Setsuna's mind didn't seem to be bothered by claustrophobic thoughts. She sat quietly, almost meditatively, staring out the window to the lights in the street. A sigh made her body shift, allowing the lights to reflect off of her earrings. She turned toward Michael and Hotaru--

Hotaru looking reflective and Michael looking like a twitchy child who wanted to get out of the car. In front of them, Usagi sat half asleep while Mamoru remained alert. Silence seemed to be an all-around trait.

Mamoru noticed the silence, while Hotaru's power, not a good sign. He used the rear view mirror to communicate silently with his roommate, urging him to get something over with. Michael finally figured out what it was.

"So you're the senshi of time, huh? Sailor Pluto?" Michael decided that he'd better break this bit of ice quickly. She was going to find out sooner or later. Judging by Usagi's reaction when he told her, this had better be the best time.

"Yes. I know the past, and I know the future." replied Setsuna. Although she was not impressed, she decided to have fun with the situation and play along. "You'd be surprised at what all I know." She smiled as Hotaru looked at her with a strained giggle.

"Really? Well now, I guess you know what this ball will be like tonight."

"I suppose I have a good idea..."

Setsuna found it a bit hard not to laugh when even Usagi turned to smile at her.

"I don't suppose you're going to let me in on what's going to happen?"

Setsuna adjusted her seat and began to look out the window again, obviously bored.

Now Mamoru and Michael did their non-verbal communication thing with the rear-view mirror again. Mamoru was getting curious and urged Michael to press the matter. Michael replied with a look that conveyed uneasiness.

"Well? Anything at all you'd like to tell us....er, me?"

Setsuna slowly turned her head from the window to face Michael.

"Here we go.." Hotaru muttered to herself.

"Oh, I think that I'd rather tell you something about the past. Something about YOUR past."

Michael raised an eyebrow. Funny, he didn't remember asking that question. Mamoru had a sharp intake of breath that Usagi almost caught.

"Go on then. Nothing too terrible... we have young ears in this place." Hotaru rolled her eyes and looked back out the window.

"Ok. A year and a half ago, when you and Mamoru were attending that college in the US, you were partly responsible for mutating the school mascot, a then harmless pig named Voochko, into a huge monster that is still terrorizing the college to this day. In fact, the creature is on it's way to Japan right now to hunt you and Mamoru down."

Mamoru started to sink in his seat and Michael went pale. Hotaru and Usagi looked at the two of them for some kind of confirmation of this.

"A..a..anyone who saw the news back could have known that. But, Voochko is safely under lock and key. You just made that last part up...right?"

Setsuna got closer to Michael... right into his face. Mamoru grimaced. He knew how scary Setsuna could be if she put her mind to it and he wasn't sure that his friend could handle it.

"Just before you picked me up, you and Mamoru had an argument over whether or not you should go together. He wanted you to take a cab, you threatened his tie. When you got to Usagi's, you parked a block away. Mamoru signalled with his lights and Usagi snuck downstairs. You and Mamoru decided to break the news to her and she started crying. Is anything I have told you less than accurate?"

"....." Michael stared blankly at Setsuna. He could swear that she was trying to impress him. Mamoru blew a sigh of relief and sat up in his seat. Michael had a bemused look on his face.

Setsuna sensed an unvoiced question that hung in the air. "Time dear... But let's not talk anymore about the past. Let's focus on tonight, shall we?"

"Hmm... well, be sure to let me know if I should buy a lottery ticket in the near future..." Michael said, now smiling and laughing with the others.

Mamoru continued on his way to the ballroom, with Usagi leaning her head on his shoulder. Mamoru smiled to himself as he drove towards the building the Elven Court was holding thier Masquerade Ball in. Usagi was leaning against his shoulder and Michael was looking uncomfortable being squeezed in the back seat with Setsuna and Hotaru. Serves him right.

Michael could see Mamoru's smug grin in the rearview mirror. He wasn't mad ... Mamoru was going to find Usagi drooling on him soon enough. While he waited, he took the time to check a voice mail the college sent him. It appears that the school mascot, the mutated psycho pig called Voochko, has escaped again. Setsuna was right...what a pain!

"Usako?" Mamoru looked over to his date while a stoplight was still red. She was asleep on his shoulder and looking rather peacefull like that. He wished that moment could last forever...but she was starting to drool on his shoulder, so it had to stop. He nudged her gently.

"Hm? What is is, Mamo-Chan? Are we there yet?" She said, still half asleep.

"Not yet. But you should wake up, just the same. Do you think we should be worried that the elves are preparing some sort of trap?" Mamoru was concerned. While he WAS in costume, and had full use of

his powers, his track record while fighting solo wasn't exactly something to be proud of.

"Trap? You're speaking just like Luna! Let's...let's just enjoy the moment..." She said blushing. Mamoru smiled gently. Usagi observed inside his eyes, she could almost read his thoughts, she could almost

see his soul. And she could certainly notice he was worried. She lovingly took Mamoru's hand.

"Anyway, in case something happens, the senshi'll be there, we have nothing to worry about..." she said..

"Usako..." The instant was suddenly broken:

"Hey, you! What are you waiting for? The light's already green!" The angry man from the another car yelled. Usagi sighed. That yell had just ruined the moment...but now she started thinking about the new fights about to come....again, no normal life...

Mamoru turned right at the next stop light and continued on for a few blocks. He was very disturbed about how easily he was defeated by Hysteria last time they met. He wondered if he had the power necessary to fight the Elven Court if it came to that again.

Michael, on the other hand, wondered how he would do if he had to fight these elves Mamoru kept warning him about. If they were anything like the guys back at the college, he had nothing to worry about. If they were anything like Voochko, he was in a lot of trouble.

"Hey, Mamoru, how much further until we get there?" Hotaru asked, breaking the silence.

"Not much further." He sighed to himself. This was gonna be an interesting evening.

Mamoru sighed. He was running through so many memories this past hour that it was depressing him. Was this the supposed "Life Flashing Before Your Eyes" that he heard so much about? He found himself

thinking of an old song Michael used to sing back in the states.

(Memories....of the times we left behind.....) Mamoru thought to himself.

Usagi was starting to worry herself. So much has happened so quickly, that she couldn't keep up with all of it. She wanted everything to just go back the way it was.

(...simple watercolor memories...of the way we were...) Usagi thought.

Setsuna found herself looking out the window at all the people on the street. If only they knew what went on around them. Would they be so happy? So carefree? (Can it be, it was so simple then....) Setsuna hummed along in time.

Michael was feeling the dark mood in the car and needed something to relax with.

(...and if we could go back that way again, could we? Should we?) He sighed.

(Memories..) The four of them thought simultaneously. (..of the times we left behind. Simple watercolor memories....of the way we were...)

Mamoru, Usagi, Setsuna, and Michael all started sobbing uncontrollably at the same time. Hotaru stared at them like they all lost their minds.

Eventually, they pulled up to the Grand Ballroom the Elven Court had purloined for their gala. Many people had arrived to participate in the event, but the valet parking man seemed to instinctively know that

Mamoru's party was special. He ushered them inside with most haste.

* * * *

Mizuno Ami was NOT having fun. She was driving along in her trash on wheels, the family car. It was actually a mistake she had made, buying this on her own, trying to show mom how REALLY independent she was! And now it was creaking and squealing at every turn.

Ami pulled up her blue suede sleeves one more time as she gripped the steering wheel in one hand, and the invite in the other.

~These directions are hopeless..~

There she was, the mighty Sailor Mercury, dressed in a blue Robin Hood outfit plus sparkling sapphire mask tied w/ a blue sash, complete with tights, and she was completely at a loss. She ruffled around in her purse on the seat, looking for her glasses.

BEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPP!!!!

"Eyaaaaa!!!!" screamed Ami, as she violently spun her wheel to the left side, as a huge truck scraped the passenger's side. Ami's car lost control, and bounced off into the road, finally landing in a ditch...

Ami was fine. Her hair was mussed, and she was a little dirty, but otherwise okay. On the other hand, as she opened up her car door, it fell off, and Ami saw that she had hit a tree a little ways off the road.

Ami willed herself not to swear as she calmed down, and thought of her options...which were pretty slim.

"I say! Need a hand, m'lady?"

"What?" said Ami, looking up a little ways, to see a man standing next to his car, his high beams on. Covering her eyes a little, she called out, "Yaten? It is you! Will you help me here?"

"Ami, you hurt?"

Ami breathed a sigh of relief, then called up, "I'm fine, but my car is in a ditch. I was run off the road by a crazy driver I think!"

"Well, here, let me help you!"

A few minutes later...

Ami laughed at Yaten's punchline, as she tried to wipe a smudge of dirt off her cheek. She envied Yaten's costume a litte, since it was very "now, trendy" and "it was cheap!" he had exclaimed.

"So, why are you going by yourself to the ball?" asked Yaten, as he turned down a back road.

"Well, someone supplied dates for us, or something to that effect," she added, watching Yaten's eyebraws raise. "How did you find out about the ball thing?"

"Long story…"

Ami knew she'd better don't ask more about that subject, at least not at that time:" Where's your date?"

Yaten reached down under his seat, and tossed a camera in Ami's lap. "Right there," he grinned. "I wasn't planning on being lonely the whole night."

~Same here,~ thought Ami, as she looked the camera over. "Why didn't you bring a date, Yaten?"

"Why didn't you?"

"....Well, because I'm sure that there will be plenty of "....single guys there, or Mayhem...(to herself) but why DID I bother...No date...no boyfriend..."

"Mayhem? It seems the rumors of the Court of Chaos were true…as the one that said you unleash that cat from his bag…" said Yaten, as the car responded to his commanding turns.

"This is STRICTLY for study purposes that I'm going! I have no interest in this alien species."

"Really?" teased Yaten. "Not to add to your troubles, but someone who's just 'studying', you sure went all out."

Ami glanced down at her blue Robin Hood outfit, and tugged on her skirt hem. "So did you, for one who's just 'taking pictures'."

"Touche', Ami....I like the camera. It may be just a hunk of plastic, metal, and gears, but through the lens, I can create the world. The softest moments, the euphoric couples, the breath-taking little passes here and there; they're all captured through here," he said, pointing to his camera. "I like taking pictures of the others when they're enjoying themselves....makes me forget about my troubles..."

Ami sat, and thought about what Yaten had said. When she finally got up enough nerve to give a reply, something hit the car hood, and bounced off. Ami gave a yelp of surprise, as the camera rolled onto

the car floor.

"DAMN, what was THAT?" shouted Yaten, slamming on the brakes. "You okay?" he asked, unbuckling his seatbelt. Ami nodded. "Just a little shook."

"Wait here. If it's an animal, it's best you not see," said Yaten, getting out of the car.

Ami rolled up her window, and shivered. It was a fairly chilly night, (being fall and all) and the blue tights weren't helping her legs any.

~Yaten IS right, though. If all I'm professing to do is study, then I shouldn't have disguised myself. This silly costume's costing me money as it is. And who cares if I don't have a date? I'll have my friends...well...Usagi and Mamoru will be busy...Rei will be with Yuiichirou, and Mina will probably hook up with Makoto, and then there's the Outers....I think everyone DOES have date tonight....It is true what Yaten said earlier when I first was in the car. 'Even in the midst of friends, one can be truly lonely...' I wonder~

Ami's musings were interrupted by a roar, as she bolted upright in her seat.

~Yaten...~

She left the car, and saw that there was no animal, but no sign of Yaten anywhere.

"Star Sensitive Inferno!"

Ami turned towards the side of the road, where it was docked with dark woods.(Ever notice how there's ALWAYS woods around when you need it? ;D) "YATEN!" she called, running in there after him. "WATER, Make-UP!" she shouted, tearing through the woods.

Mercury had finally hit a clearing, and was scanning for signs of Yaten/Healer when a chilling voice cackled, "Evening, Mercury."

She turned to get sent sprawling backwards on the ground. With a gasp, she looked into the face of her attacker. "Tyn Nyako?! How...You're dead!"

"I'm only a simple master, doing Raithe's bidding. If I look like a menacing person to you, good, all the better to destroy you with."

"Raithe?"

"...INFERNO!" shouted Healer, coming through, and cutting a hole through the monster's arm.

"Ano, was that supposed to hurt me?" she asked in surprise.

"I don't think it was supposed to tickle," replied Sailor Iron Mouse, coming up from the ground. "I think he meant to kill US."

"Yaten, look out! They're from a big power we didn't know!" shouted Mercury, as Iron Mouse attacked. They duked it out, and Mouse sent Healer a blast that shoved her into the nearest tree.

"Star Healer! Shabon Spray"

As the fog enveloped them, Mercury tried to run, or call the other senshi for help, but Tyn Nyako had found her, and had slammed her into the ground. There was a small cry, and Mouse had dissapated w/ the

fog, as Healer stood in a slouch. "Let her go."

"Why should I? Come and make me, half-woman!" taunted Tyn Nyako.

Mercury knew that if Healer used the Inferno from this close, the blast might destroy her and the monster.

Healer put her arms down, and said slowly, "Ami, you know that little talk we had? Well, this is one of the times where I don't feel lonely..."

Mercury nodded, understanding, then brought up her boot heel, and crushed it on the girl's boot. "EYAAIII!" he cried letting go.

"S S I!" yelled Healer, as the girl turned to dust.

"Healer! Are you alright?" asked Mercury, rushing to her for a quick hug....strangely enough...neither let go...

Mercury felt warm, safe against her arms, as she gazed up into the green "cat's eyes" of Healer...

Healer gazed down into the sparkiling blue of Mercury, which enveloped almost everything....she didn't want to let go, but instead, held her closer.....

They kissed.

It wasn't fancy, just soft, slow....

Walking to the car, Yaten ran a nervous hand through the top of his hair. "Ami...would..you...be my date for the ball?"

Ami started to looked surprised, then smiled. "Sure the camera won't mind?" she teased.

Yaten laughed, as they climbed back in, and headed of to the ball, where their new relationship would be "annouced...."

* * * *

Slowly he walked towards the large, spiral stairs that led into the sprawling ballroom. Arches and pillars adorned with statues of curving dragons and leaping dolphins, were scattered across the expansive marble floor. Silver drapes were suspended in the air overhead, pillars and columns and archways decorating the palace room every where he turned his steel grey eyes.

His eyes turned upwards, to the circular walls around him. In behind they were solid and firm up until the ceiling. These led deeper into the heart of the castle. And yet as they curved around to the far side of the ballroom, they became arches upon arches, both gothic and beautiful, a row of snowy white cut with a row of marble black.From these curved gateways a pale crescent moon shone into the grand room, its reflection bouncing off the ocean waves that only disappeared when the edge of the horizon was reached.

"Sugoi!" he heard from behind him.

Mayhem turned around, the folds of his robes fluttering out around him. Solid black, tight-collared Chinese robes were draped elegantly on his body, an ocean blue sash around his waist and yet another one leisurely over his left shoulder. Upon the chest was an queally ocean blue depiction of a raging waterborne dragon. White pantaloons billowed out from beneath the long flaps of the black robes, the pantaloons then disappearing inside knee-high black boots. Gently Mayhem took his long ponytail of blue-black hair and let it drape over his shoulder. "Ara, you're also impressed, ne, Havoc?"

Havoc wasn't dressed up in a tuxedo as it was more of a trenchcoat--though an elegant one at that with large lapels and the look that the coat itself was of blackest silk. Beneath the open coat was a collared scarlet, the top button left undone. Everything from there on down as more formal: dress slacks and shining boots. He carried with him a polished black cane with a rounded silver handle. Etched into the silver was the rune of "Havoc".

Mayhem's lips crept into a wry grin. "You just couldn't resist bringing your blade here, could you?"

Havoc neatly spun the cane in his hands. "Nah. When the time comes then I'll be able to show it off. For now, however, at least in a more subtler form I can carry it around. I also noticed you didn't bother to wear a mask either, Mayhem."

"Masks don't suit me," Mayhem replied. "Playful deception like that is more Riot and Ruckus', and Chaos' forte."

"Hai hai," Havoc agreed. He leaned on the banister of the balcony, staring down at the multitudes of costumes and masks and people upon the floor below. There was almost too much colour and movement for his eyes to take in at once. Music played on in the background, a raging symphony for the dancers.

"Shimatta! When Chaos says he's going all out on a game, he really means it!"

"Was that ever in any doubt?" Mayhem inquired. "He took a simple building in Tokyo and transformed it into this realm with his illusions the second you walk through the seemingly ordinary front doors."

"Wah! Mayhem-chan! Havoc-chan! Look at how kawaii little Hysteria is for the kawaii little masquerade!" Hysteria was all dressed up in a very beautiful silken kimono, her hair done up "la belle epoque" with a slender golden hairpin holding her long aqua-green hair up over her shoulders. Like the two of them, Hysteria also wasn't wearing a mask. Granted with her costume a mask for her face would have been rather unflattering.

Riot and Ruckus emerged from beneath another archway, joining the gathering of Chaos' court. Both wore masks and formal suits, Riot's suit a glowing silver-white while Ruckus' suit was a more rich and darker shade of midnight black that revealed a world without a moon or stars. At Riot's left side was an elegant sabre sheathed in etched silver, the hilt itself a stunning glimmering mix of gold and silver. Smooth an crafted as only the ancient Elven masters could have created, it was in this world without equal. The twin brothers walked up to the railing, scanning the crowds. All around them the lights seemed to glitter, as if all the stars in the sky had been captured and gathered here to be woven into fabric of diamond gemstones.

"Impressive," Riot remarked, removing his guise.They both wore the same mask: smooth and shining that resembled both new-fallen snow and polished pearl. Painted eyes and lips and other markings were outlined in black over the pale mask. There were no eyeholes, and still the others could feel the twins' vision directed at them. They spoke perfectly clear and smooth, yet the moths did never move. That masks were perfect reflections of ghosts. Ruckus placed a hand upon a blossoming violet rose upon his lapel. With

but a slow gesture the petals shivered and turned from violet to emerald at the touch of his magik. Riot's chest was without such a flower until he claspes his hands together, finally opening them to display an unblossomed scarlet rose, petals tight together in awaiting a new love to be found. The rose hovered beneath his hand, fastening itself to a place upon his suit.

Mayhem smirked. "Showoffs."

"Ara, but who's the one in the royal robes tonight, Mayhem?" Ruckus countered.

"So," Havoc remarked. "Anyone seen our host yet?"

"Oh, he's been watching us for some time," Ruckus said, removing his mask and gesturing to the archways that displayed the distant ocean waves.

Chaos was high atop the arches encircling the ballroom, up at the second level of black marble. Seated against the inner curvature, he leaned against the firm structure, an arm propped up on one knee, his

other leg dangling lazily over the edge. His suit was exotic and dark, black and formal. An enormous cloak was at his back, jade green beneath an outer wall of starless night. From high above Chaos smiled playfully, and then leaned forward. His body toppled over the edge, dropping towards the marble floor. And yet as he fell there was the grace of a bird of prey, as if he were gliding on the winds, his cloak wrapping and overlapping around him.The suit and cloak, and thus the young man beneath them, were swallowed up by the crowd. A crowd of dancers and masks, twirling and twisting, laughing and drinking, lost in the gaze and smiles of each other. Plummage and colours, sparkling gemstones and fiery bodypaint flashed past him in a blur of exotic costumes, silken suits and fine garments. Chaos' face was hidden behind the guise of a living ocean. It was the mask of many waters, somehow rippling and catching rays of moonlight atop the crests. He had possessed the ocean within this mask, and now it was existing in a realm all of its own creation. Down the left cheek were kanji characters in bold crimson, unwavering to the oceans behind them. They stated in silence: Konton. Chaos.The folds of his black suit and equally dark cloak seemed to ripple without the winds calling them.

"Ooooh!" Hysteria said, pulling out a Japanese folding fan and hiding the lower part of her face beneath it. "Chaos-chan looks just so kawaii, ne?"

"I wonder how many illusions it took to make that?" Mayhem said.

"Knowing Chaos, a lot," Ruckus answered. "He's probably got a few tricks literally up his sleeves for tonight."

"Hey, where'd he disappear to?" Havoc said, straining to find Chaos' enigmatic form once more. Indeed, Chaos had vanished from the crowds below.

Suddenly Chaos was right behind them, leaning over the railing right next to Havoc. "So, who are we looking for?"

Havoc was less than impressed, recoiling in surprise. "Will you tell me when you're gonna do that, Chaos?!"

Mayhem sighed. "Baka baka."

Chaos removed the mask, grinning. "Komban wa, everyone. I haven't seen Carnage yet."

"Oh, she's bound to be in the crowds somewhere," Ruckus said. "That or she'll spend the entire party sulking in her chambers."

"You say that like it's a bad thing," Riot remarked to his brother.

"Watch it, you two," came Carnage's voice.

All turned to see Carnage saunter into their midst. The most provocative of them all, hers was a midnight black dress that left very little the imagination. Her raven black hair was decorated with brilliant gold jewels, her braid elegantly tied back with a scarlet ribbon. Her facade was a scarlet eyemask mounted on a small handheld shaft.

"Carnage-chan's so...so beautiful," Hysteria whispered.

Havoc whistled. "Aiya! Dressed to kill, no less."

Carnage seemed to smile, though it was a deliciously vicious one. She licked her lips. "This is something I could get used to quite easily."Chaos glanced down at Hysteria as she excitedly tugged on his sleeve.

"Hysteria looks kawaii too, don't you think, Chaos-chan? Ne? Ne?"

Chaos laughed and nodded. "Hai hai, you look very pretty, Hysteria."

Hysteria beamed. "Wah! Hysteria's kawaii!"

Carnage rolled her eyes. "Kawaii, yes. But you need a body like this to impress these human males."

"You're in good form tonight," Mayhem remarked, moving so he and Chaos were back to back. Chaos took a deep breath, absorbing all the intoxications the masquerade had to offer. "This is what I was born for, Mayhem. These creations of illusion are my life. Now, I want you all on your best behaviour tonight. Carnage, Havoc; I'm looking in your general directions here."

"I won't promise you anything," Carnage replied. "But right now I feel too good to hurt those girls...yet."

"What if they start it first?" Havoc asked. "Like Sailor Saturn perhaps?"

Chaos rolled his eyes. "You do that, make sure you wreak yourself in one of the antechambers and not here in the main ballroom. That goes for all of you if a fight does erupt." He took a step forwards, spinning around and sliding the mask back onto his face. "And without further ado, shall we attend to our adoring public?"

His court nodded. Eyes amidst a living ocean facade sparkled with delight. "Everybody have fun. Let the masquerade begin...."

********************************************************

Minako entered the ball room to see all the masked dancers, she was wearing a yellow dress looks like her Princess gown from Manga... and she was also wearing her Sailor V mask...she looked around to see any familiar faces in the ballrooms

"I am here so where's everyone else..including the Elven bunch..as may as well explore the ballroom."

She walked around looking at the place.

Shyly, but steadily, Airashii entered the ballroom, her midnight-blue dress rustling slightly as she moved. A silver mask covered her eyes, but she was able to see what was going on. 'I hardly know anyone here, but I guess that is just as well,' Airashii thought to herself. 'Most of the people who *do* know me think I'm still dead and rotting in my grave.

Still, it would be nice to find someone to talk to.' Airashii wandered among the many party-goers, searching for someone to keep her company.

Meanwhile, June, Sarah, and Tanrei were standing amongst the revellers, their faces also hidden behind masks.

"Ugh!" Sarah cried out, taking the mask off her face. "This is totally cramping my style!"

"Now, now, sister," June coaxed. "You know what we have to do."

"Yeah, well, spying behind a mask isn't one of them! Anyway, don't we know who they are already?"

"Yes, but we must keep a close watch on them, without bringing any attention among ourselves. They may have their powers, but they are susceptible to takeover. We cannot bring any attention to Tranquility and Stashia. You know they're still out there!" June sighed and ran a hand

through her short black hair. "Sometimes, being a Sailor truly is difficult. You have to be on guard all the time."

"I can agree to that," Sarah replied. "Also, I miss Amy Elizabeth. She's been away way too long. We've got to change her back!"

"I've been studying my book of spells, but I haven't found one strong enough to purge a spirit of such evil. I will continue looking," June assured her.

"Hey, look, here comes Tenchi," Tanrei said, pointing towards the girl striding towards them. "I wonder if she has anything to report."

Meanwhile, slowly coming into the hall was Ami and Yaten. Ami was dressed up as a blue Robin Hood, with a sapphire mask. Yaten had on a purple and black tux, his camera slung over his right arm, and the fair Ami on his right. They walked in slowly, each in thought of the kissthey shared. Did it really mean...

And that's when Mayhem saw the two...

And the Wanderer was perched high atop a chandelier watching the crowd gather below searching for the only thing that could set him free....

Across the room a girl stepped up to the entrance dressed in a long beautiful gown with a ribbon around the waist, with gloves on both hands. She stopped just inside and gazed around at all the people, although she could not be recognized by anyone because her mask covered the details. Her lips shined in the lights as she walked over to Minako.

"Hey, Minako-chan!" the girl said.

"Rei, is that you? It has to be...Nice to see you have you seen the others yet? I just saw Ami and Yaten walk through the doors just now. So what do you think will happen tonight? Do you have a date?"

* * *

*Cue the ball as the camera is focused on the door*

Nothing happens......

*Cue the camera outside of the ball focused on the door of the outside*

Taiki is seen dashing for the door and grabbing the handle.

"Wait a second Taiki. First you better make sure you are all set."

Taiki looks slowly down at his outfit *Facevaults* " Ohhhhh NO!!! I forgot to change!!! Err, maybe nobody will notice...oh, who am I kidding, they'll notice. Well, then I got to change.....now how am I going to do that???" Looks evilly at one of the guards in a tuxedo "Hmmm, he is all alone.....I need a tux, he has a tux......I could beat him up, he wouldn't scream......seems like I've got a plan." Taiki lurks stealthily behind the guard until he is close enough

BAM!!!!!!

Taiki grabs the guard and flings him over his shoulder and walks smoothly behind a tree near by A minute later........

Taiki steps out from behind the tree "Voila!!!!" hechecks himself all over* "A pretty darn good fit if I do say so myself. " He walks over to the doors again.

"Okay, I think I am ready now. Wait..."reaches into his pockets "Aha" pulls out a little canister "A guard with good taste." spritzes into his mouth with the breath spray*

"Now I am ready…"

Slowly opens the door and peeps in.....the door is quickly shut. A sweatdrop. "They're all wearing masks!!! Ohhh boy......I knew I should have read that invitation I got more thoroughly."

A table glistens from the moonlight in the window near Taiki. As Taiki slowly faces the window a light bulb can almost be seen materializing over his head. Taiki quickly darts his hand through the open window. His hand comes back clutching a knife and a fine cloth napkin. He gets to work cutting away some eye holes. He was holding the make shift mask that almost looks classy

"Okay, I think I am ready....tuxedo, check,....mask, check....k, bring on the lovely ladies."

Once again Taiki grabs the handle for the door. Taking a deep breath Taiki enters into the ball*

Looking around through his mask he said "Now this is a swanky place."

Then he could just make out a voice saying:"Now where on the moon did my napkin go???"

Facevaults

"Hopefully the worst is behind me.*Taiki strolls off into the crowd*

* * *

Rei laughed.

"I was hoping no one would recognize me!" Rei said smiling "I haven't seen any of the others, but I'll keep an eye out. I'm not sure what will happen tonight, I'm shivering all over with bad vibes but I have to keep it down and keep my temper down towards Usagi... I want this to be a special time for everyone... I don't have a date, and I certainly didn't want to bring Yuichiro! Although he loves my dress!"

Rei laughed. "But he's not a good dancer! So do you have a date here? Is Usagi here? I wan't to see her dress"

Rei smiled and then it turned into a grin. "I love your dress, Minako! You look so beautiful!"

Minako blushed. "Thanks Rei, you looks beautiful also. Me?! Have a date, I like to see that happen sometime soon. I haven't seen Usagi yet,so you can't yell at her yet. You two fight all the time. I think we need to keep on guard tonight, I have bad vibes also. I guessing that all heck will break lose tonight. I wonder where the others are anyways?"

"Wah! You two both look just oh so kawaii!"

Rei froze, stiffening as she recognized that hideously cute female voice. "M-Masaka," she muttered in disbelief.

Minako glanced around the ballroom. "Hm? Who are you--Na ni?!" Minako recoiled as she turned around and nearly ran right into Hysteria, who was definitely standing far too close for comfort.

Rei's eyes widened. "You!"

Hysteria beamed, hovering a few feet off the floor so she could look them at eye level. "Komban wa! This kawaii little masquerade is just sooo kawaii, ne? Ne? Ne?" Her long aqua-green was done up behind her head with a fancy golden hairpin, and she was in a beautiful silken kimono.

Minako shook her head, regaining her composure. "She...she looks so cute," she said warily.

"Arigato!" Hysteria said, leaning forward. Rei fought back the urge to unleash any sort of attack, uncertain as to what might happen if she did.

"Ne, kawaii girl, have we met before?"

Rei blinked; Hysteria didn't recognize her. After a few moments of consideration Hysteria giggled and withdrew, still hovering in the air. "Hysteria must have been mistaken," the Elven girl said. "Bei bei! Enjoy our kawaii little masquerade!" Hysteria bowed courtly in her kimono and then disappearing into the crowd. Rei watched the kawaii little Elven girl go, suddenly very glad she had decided against removing her mask to talk to Minako. "That was too close for comfort," she muttered under her breath.

* * *

Steel grey eyes narrowed behind a maskless face. It wasn't too hard to see them despite the endless tangle of dancers and revellers, or to keep track of them. He paused, allowing for a laughing couple to pass between him and the path he was cutting through the crowds.A hand reached up to draw aside the long bangs of blue-black hair from his face. There she was, dressed up as a blue Robin Hood. And yet that sapphire mask could not hide the familiar aura that he had once fought against and stalemated.

He paused as a waiter passed him by, snatching a glass of the champagne from the tray. She was enjoying herself thoroughly in the company of a young man with long blonde hair that seemed almost as silver as Chaos'--and just as long if not longer. So this was the new host of hers, the young man in a purple and black tux, camera slung over his right arm, her on his right.

With one rapid motion he downed the contents of the elongated glass, watching them disappear further into the crowds. "You disappoint me, my dear," Mayhem said in a low voice. "Not very wise, Lady Mercury."

* * *

We finally made it! Isn't this place so beautiful!" Usagi smiled as she put on her silver mask; it was quite simple, very much like Sailor V's one.

"From now on we must be careful...anything can happen" Tuxedo Kamen said.

"Relax, Mamo-chan...we'll have a great time" Usagi added.

Mamoru and Usagi entered the ballroom, but Michael, Setsuna and Hotaru didn't.

The powerful keeper of time stood up there from a long second. It was an impressive place. Every detail designed carefully.

"What are you waiting for?" Hotaru asked just what both her and Michael were questioning themselves.

"It's this feeling, past returning, it involves this whole place" Setsuna mysteriously said. "Much things are about to come..."

Michael looked at her with surprised expression. Hotaru just smiled shyly.

"Let's go" Setsuna said and the three of them followed Usagi and Mamoru's steps.

The five of them stood in the grand entrance to the magnificent ballroom. The attention to detail was breathtaking. So many people were smiling and laughing and having a good time. Just then, a man

with a napkin on his face passed them by. After that registered, they all turned to look at him.

"Was that Taiki?" Usagi asked, craning her neck to see. Mamoru shook his head. "Maybe we're better off not knowing." Mamoru looked incredibly uncomfortable. Being in costume, he was acutely aware of the power levels in the room. There were several large ones gathering above them in the balcony. More familiar ones were wandering around the room. Michael was too busy fiddling with his outfit to be in awe of his surroundings. He ditched the party mask when he realized he couldn't wear it and his glasses at the same time. He was wearing a variant of a school uniform with a strange insignia on the breast pocket.

"Setsuna? Are you okay?" He looked at his blind date, who was very silent. Although he didn't know her, Michael felt that this was unusual.

"Hm? Oh, I'm fine. It's nothing." Setsuna looked from left to right around the room. Something didn't feel right to her.

Ruckus casually glanced at his brother. a smile seeming to play across his mask. Riot nodded in consent when he too noticed the subject of his brother's interest. Taking off in a brisk walk the two brothers slowly made their way to the chattering girls, their masks portraying silent humor.

In perfect sync they waded through the dancing couples, their masterly tailored tuxes flowed with them naturally and added to their already impressive grace. They floated along, never missing a step or losing their balance.

Riot and Ruckus elegantly bowed to the two ladies in perfect timing with each other, delightful interest played across their mask, and at the same time a subtle hint of sadness. Ruckus: "Dear ladies, such beautiful flowers as yourselves do not belong by themselves. Come, dance with us."

The two brothers held out their delicate white gloved hands to the ladies, Ruckus reaching for Minako, and Riot reaching out for Rei. Warm affection was written across their masks, despite its ghostly appearance.

Minako looked to Rei. "Should we dance or not? Hey I see Usagi, Mamoru, Setsuna and Micheal..was that his name..I don't recall...I always forget new people's names..anyways..I don't think Usagi will mind if we dance with some cute guys. Do you Rei?"

Rei peered up at the mask, and at the two with outstreched arms and looked at them with curiousity as she felt bad vibes, she looked at Minako, and then turned a back with a small smile. "Sure" Rei replied putting her hand on Riot's "Oh course dear sir..I would love to have this dance with you."

Minako also puts her arm out to Ruckus. and also like Rei feel bad vibes from the two brothers...

Ruckus takes Minako's hand and leads her onto the dance floor, Riot doing likewise with Rei. Picking up the natural rhythm of the floor Ruckus stepped into a waltz leading Minako across the ballroom floor,

*********

She was the daughter of two very important persons who had met each other in the Embassy of France where her mother was from. Her father, of course, was from Japan. *Strange and ironic couple* all people had told her. But that was the way it was. Anyway, neither of her parents could come, they were spending a vacation in Côte d'Azur, as her mother had told her, so she was the one who attended the Ball in their place. Her name was an unusual name: Shinrai Akari, but she knew it was the name she had once a long time ago…some thousand years before. She was dressing a gold gown, long and beautiful. Like a memory from an Age now dead.

"May have your invitation, please…" The man in front of her asked.

"Here." Shinrai gave it to him. He looked at it for a very brief moment.

"It's a pleasure you decided to came." He finally said.

"Thank you…" she replied. A moment later she put on her silver mask.The shape of a Golden Palace was carefully drawn in the whole thing, at its center, a white decrescent moon brightened. Shinrai smiled and entered. She found herself walking down curving stairs that led into the grand masquerade, continuing its midnight rampage while beyond the waves of the ocean still rolled past. The dancers were still swirling about in graceful pace, laughing and reveling in their celebration.The sparkling silver caught moonbeams everywhere she turned.

"So beautiful, it reminds me of…that place I've been before…" she said to herself. The archway soon was behind instead of before her, and she found herself walking through grand corridors of more arches and balconies that overlooked the ocean waters. Here it was quieter, not as rowdy as the celebration within the ballroom. Couples were talking softly to one another and sharing moments of passion and intimacy through whispers, kisses and laughter. Large bubbling fountains ran down the middle of the corridor, adding to the ambience of this newfound place. She caught a glimpse of living oceans at the corner, disappearing behind the fountain spout.

"It's so amazing…but I better go back to the ballroom…I don't want to miss this" She thought.

*********

The night was still very young. The four others were surprised she wanted to leave.But there she was; Raithe. She wore a long, white, egyptian style dress. The dress was very form fitting; an 'x' like shape over her chest and around the back. A knot formed on her chest, right over the Stormsoul. From the knot, the rest of the material formed a long white cape. The skirt was very tight, and wrapped around the bottom of her ankles in an upside down V. She looked just like queen Nefertiti, with her crown, the arm bands and the sandals. The Vampyires, all wore 18th and 17^th century style suits and dresses, and looked like they came from the early Americas.

Raithe entered the room first. She moved to the side, and the others filled in slowly. Tiger Eye entered next.

"Lestat, you take the far left corner. Gather all the information you can."

"Yes, Akasha." He bowed, and moved away. Andromeda entered after him. She bowed.

"Claudia, mill around by the right side of the room, and anywhere else you can get...report back to me when you find something interesting."

"Yes, my Empress." She bowed her head, and walked slowly foward. Wolf Shadow walked in slowly, taking in every detail of the room. His eyes focused on Raithe's.

"Louis, spy on the people in the near right corner. They may be some people over there that would be worth listening to." Wolf Shadow said nothing, but proceeded to his post. The last to come in was Stellar.

"Gabrielle, I want you to go to the lower left corner. Learn what you can."

"I will not disappoint you." Stellar left to carry out her orders.

Raithe sighed. "I'm hungry, and the party awaits." Raithe walked foward, gracefully weaving her way through the dancing couples. She knew Karasu was there, but where? She continued to look around, and mill her way through the crowd, trying to locate either Lord Chaos, or Karasu.

Mako ran quickly and realized she just ran past the door. She ran back and yanked the door open. She then entered the ballroom. She was wearing a traditional masquerade mask along with a sleeveless traditional Chinese dress with a red dragon embroidered up the side with slits up her leg. She then scanned the floor looking for familiar faces. She spotted Mamoru, Usagi and the rest, and ran over to them.

"Hey you guys, sorry I'm late, but I was making dinner and kinda lost track of time. You know what I mean."

Seiya ran in after Mako, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Whew! I'm sorry, too, guys! Football practice, again! Then I had to go home, shower, get dressed, you know the drill."

Seiya straightened out his suit and looked around to see who all was there. "Hmmm...let's see.." There was Setsuna, Hotaru, Usagi, there he was! "Hey, Yaten!" He yelled after his friend. "How are ya doing? Be sure to send me copies of those pictures." Seiya glanced around again.

"Has Taiki shown up yet?"

* * *

"Now this…this is a party!" exclaimed Yaten. "Ami, excuse, while I get a few pictures! Hey, isn't that Minako over there? Excuse me…"

Yaten began snapping pictures left and right, as Ami slowly made her way around the gala hall. To her right, draped with silver and blue silk curtains, was an archway. Curious, she pulled them aside.

The archway opened up to a case of descending stairs, which she followed. Another room opened up, and Ami found herself staring at an ocean closer now than before. She couldn't help but smile at the peace she found while staring at the waves. There was another set of descending stairs, and again she followed them.She reached the end of halls and rooms with ceilings and walls. Now Ami found herself with an open sky over her head. Slowly she turned and saw the full palace towering above her, glistening silver stones flawlessly woven together to form walls and rooms and towers and balconies. The face of the rock resembled sloping cliffs and she was unable to tell if the castle had been built around them, or if the rocks had been built around the palace.

The courtyard where Ami stood was empty, save for her. Glimmering cobblestones were beneath her feet as beautifully carved railings curved around the edge of the world. She walked over to the railing and peered over the side.

Her sight was met with air and below that water; this entire place was floating, hovering over the ocean's surface. It was the most bizarre sensation she had ever felt before in her life. She was floating yet falling, the wind blowing back her hair and tresses of her blue tunic, but not at a speed which might kill her upon impact.

"This is…heavenly…" Ami whispered. The view sent shivers up and down her body, as she took a deep breath, thinking about the brief ordeal with Yaten.

~A kiss. That's all it was. Friendly, caring…Healer protected me, at the risk of…~

Ami huffed into her chest, as she brought her body back up. ~I'm worrying about nothing. What makes me think that Yaten's interested with me? We shared a battle, and a kiss…that's all…a kiss is just a kiss..right?…I'm so…confused…is this…love?~

Ami sighed again, and hugged herself, as the wind made her feel cold.

"Beautiful…"

"Na ni?" she asked, turning around to see a male elf there.

* * *

Raithe milled about the room, looking for something to terrorize, what she did best. While her four servants were around having fun, having (ahem) drinks, and gathering information, Raithe was stuck alone. But, she knew what she wanted. She needed to find someone that would lead her to Karasu. And only one person would do that.

And there she was; Tsukino Usagi. She stood near the center of the room with Mamoru, Hotaru, Setsuna and Michael. She was happy for once she had Tiger Eye do a little spying for her, or else she would never have been able to start up a conversation. She took a deep breath, and casually, but slowly, approached the group. Coming closer, she slowed her pace a bit, staring at Setsuna for a moment. She knew this wasn't going to be very easy. However, these were mere humans...what did they know of illusion?

"Greetings, my friends. I don't believe we have met." Raithe said in a soft voice. "My name is Akasha. I happen to be an old friend of the elven court....I decided to drop by and see who he's invited." Raithe smiled and glanced at each one of them. "And you might be? "

"Tsukino Usagi, nice meeting you, Akasha" Usagi friendly said.

She wasn’t aware of the words Raithe have pronounced about knowing the court of Chaos. The rest look to each other in surprise while Seiya and Yaten suspiciously smiled to each other.

* * *

He stiffened as he felt her brush past him, sauntering towards a small gathering of masked revellers in his masquerade ball. A definite historical touch was in her costume, yet with all the time he’d been locked away in the Pandora Box he was uncertain if that had been before or after his time. He slowly turned around, his deep black cloak dancing around his ankles in the motion. She hadn’t really given him a second glance and just passed him by.

A smile tugged at the edges of his lips. The mask of living oceans he wore were also crafted in illusion, masking his aura from anyone who wished to seek him out. If anyone was to play hide and seek with him, he was not about to seek them out. This was after all his game. His reached back and brushed his long ponytail of silver hair off his shoulder.

"Egypt," he remarked, the woman’s costume finally catching a stray piece of his memory. She was a mysterious one, that girl. The art of illusion might have been on his side, but the aura she held when they brushed was incredible. His skin was tingling, the hairs on the back of his neck standing up.

Chaos reached out and slid the mask partways down his face. "Who are you?" he asked quietly, his voice drowned out amidst the laughter and music. It was too late to slow down his piqued curiousity; sooner or later tonight he’d indulge it and make a more formal encounter. The mask was replaced over his face. And he would have slipped back into the crowd had another presence not made itself known. But he felt eyes on his back, very subtle magik at work, blending in almost perfectly with his illusions. He tilted his head to the rows of archways surrounding the ballroom. There high above the dancers and twirling array of facades a shadow was silently watching them all. A shadow with a very familiar scent about it. Chaos shook his head. "My dear Wanderer," he sighed. "Just don’t let Havoc find you and ruin the evening, ne?"

***************

With a romantic sigh, Hysteria floated through the mixing crowds, waxing ecstatic about this, that and anything else that her eyes happened to catch sight of. "Oooh! Chaos-chan's kawaii little masquerade is just soooo kawaii! Hysteria wishes she could have this in her kawaii little room every night!"

She turned her head, the long braids of aqua-green hair flying around her face. So many parades of faces and facades, so many wines and laughs, so many kawaii things to see and so little time.

The smile on her face broadened as her gaze fixated on one specific young man. "Ah! What a kawaii napkin-chan for a mask! Hysteria just has to go talk with him, ne? Ne? Ne?"

Excitedly she zoomed straight in for an unsuspecting Taiki, completely oblivious to one of her fellow Elvens as she passed him by. "Wah! Wait up for Hysteria, kawaii Napkin-chan man!"

Havoc smiled to himself. "Poor bastard," he muttered, shaking his head in pity for Taiki.

***************

"You seem to be thoroughly enjoying yourself," Mayhem remarked. Without a mask his long hair shimmered in the moonlight as he stared out at the expansive ocean that had no right to be in the middle of Tokyo city. But these were Chaos’ illusions, and in them Chaos reigned like no other Playking before him. Resting his hands upon the railing Mayhem turned and looked at Ami in her Robin Hood costume. Somewhat unexpected in how he pictured her arriving, yet this unexpected turn only made him smile; the prowess inside of her working mind must be incredible. Yet that had not been the only surprise for him to witness about her.

"What was it like kissing him?" he inquired evenly, steel grey eyes watching her without expression inside of them. As if all the emotion he could have ever carried as being a mortal creature were either lost or buried so deep even he had forgotten about them.

Ami was taken aback at his blunt question, and un-tied the blue sash. She took off her mask and hat, letting her hair billow out around her face. It had grow a little, and it reached right above the shoulder blades. Ami narrowed her eyes, then let her face show she was troubled.

Mayhem's gaze remained unwavering. "What? All the intelligence you possess, and you cannot give me an answer?"

"I don't have an answer for you, because I don't have one for myself."

"So, you do not love him."

Ami turned away, angry. "I didn't say that, did I? All the intelligence YOU possess, and you have to twist words."

A strange smile tugged at Mayhem's lips. "I would rather argue that love itself is a twisted thing," he countered. "I heard some of the rumors floating about on the floor from those Starlights. Seems your Yaten is unsure as well."

Ami spun around. "Why-"

Then she blinked her eyes. Mayhem had disappeared. As she sank down to the ground, Ami slowly began to cry, letting no sound escape. She put her legs through the railing bars and sat, head against the bar, confused beyond belief...

**********

Picking up the natural rhythm of the floor Ruckus stepped into a waltz leading Minako across the ballroom floor, Riot heading in the other direction with Rei.

Ruckus: "You have beautiful eyes, they remind me of when I was a child and fell in love with the bright blue sky." Ruckus silently giggled to himself, 'When was I last a child? I do not remember it was so long ago'. His inner humor suddenly saddened as his thoughts turned to a special someone a long time ago. A new more full and rich symphony began to play and knocked Ruckus out of his reverie.

Ruckus: "So should I call you a beautiful flower all night or do you have a name?"

He asked quickly, cursing himself for the distraction.

" Ahh my dear man such a charmer you are. My names Minako, and what would yours be dear sir. I have the odd feeling that we've met before. hummm I wonder why...oh well must be nothing"

Ruckus smiled to himself, thinking his brother had made a miraculous recovery despite his loss of control. Turning his attention back to Minako, the two of them danced across the wooden floor in an elegant waltz, leaving a lasting impression on the less fortunate couples whombarely knew the box step.

Ruckus: "Oh yes, little beauty child of love, your parents named you well."

Ruckus' face contorted to a surprised and confused look, though the mask hid it from his dancing partner. Someone had brushed their way past him and a slight chill ran up his back. That someone emitted a powerful aura, but for now they were gone and Ruckus had his game to attend to.

Ruckus: "Are all of your friends as beautiful as you? A deafening blow of the trumpets had drowned out Ruckus' voice just as he had proclaimed his name, and then had died down so that he could present his question. With a smile hidden by his mask, he continued to waltz across the dance floor waiting for Minako's reply

**begins to blush**

" Your such a charmer...My friends might be...you should meet them yourself. So My dear charmer what is your name? You know mine, I would like to know yours." She replied.

**

On the other side of the ballroom Riot led Rei in a swift and complex dance, a sort of ancient tango he had once danced over two thousand years ago. Riot kept the pace slow and as simple as he could since Rei no doubt had never experienced the ancient dance form. Riot smiled to himself, 'Perhaps she has, the ancient senshi knew the dance, and she reminds me of one I once knew in that time'.

Riot: "Ah, you are an Aries, but I can't call you that all night, what is your name?"

Riot played along with his brother's game for the moment, while he enjoyed something more physical and perhaps a battle, for now he kept his patience in check. He was enjoying himself even if he had to ask Rei her name, despite the fact he already knew it.

Rei smiled a bit keeping up with him on the dance floor.

Rei: "You are very good, yes I am an Aries. My name is Hino Rei. I live at a near by temple as a priestess... You should come by sometime. Now that you know my name, I can't help but asking, what is yours?"

Riot was minutely impressed (as much as an elven lord can be) that Rei easily kept up with him as they danced. Wondering just how well she knew the dance, he daringly picked up the pace, inserting the more complex steps of the ancient tango.

Riot: "Ah, Hino Rei, translates to soul of fire. A spirited girl then? I wonder then, if you fight as well as you dance! Well it is sad that we have not yet met before, but I am called Riot, and it is a pleasure to be with you tonight."

Thinking to himself, 'She emits a powerful aura, hmm... soul of fire, temple? I do believe Hysteria ran into a Sailor Mars at that temple, and that she controlled fire. Yes, a senshi then. How very interesting, this should turn out to be a good night for games after all'.

Riot: "A priestess? Impressive! It must take great self control and strength, but what would one expect from a woman with a soul of fire?"

Riot slowed down the pace to a stop and reached up to remove his mask. Wintry blue eyes stared at Rei, looking into the back of her eyes, piercing and unforgiving.

"Now is not yet the time brother." Riot blinked, startled from his brother's message he released Rei from his control. He suddenly wished for a distraction and quite conveniently, one presented itself. A nearby couple taking sips from their wine were bumped into by a stray dancing couple, the contents of their wine spilling all over Hino Rei's dress.

Riot, thankful for the distraction gave the couple a cold stare, they quickly mumbled apologies and set out for another part of the ballroom. Replacing his mask Riot turned back to Rei.

Riot: "What a terrible stain, please come with me, I might be able to help you with that."

Riot held out his gloved hand to Rei, hoping she wouldn't explode in the middle of the dance floor.

* * *

"Ah, my dear Usagi. It certainly is a pleasure meeting you." Raithe smiled grimly, and gently kissed Usagi's hand. A glance from Mamoru caused a coy and evil smile to dance upon her lips. "And, who might your friends be? I afraid I don't know any of them either."

Something jolted in her mind, a delayed reaction of sorts. She spun her head around quickly, and stared at a man like a cat watching its prey. She closed her eyes and was engulfed by an overwhelming feeling of power. She sorted them out in her mind. Chaos was close, maybe even a little too close. Karasu was somewhere nearby, but his power was being cloaked, she couldn't make out the direction. Suddenly, her eyes met with a man wearing a beautiful cloak and suit. His mask intruiged her. It seemed to pulse with the energy of the ocean. Only a master of illusion could have accomplished that.....

Realizing she had taken her eyes off her present aquaintances, she spun her head back around slowly, and waited for further introductions. All the while, a thought raced through her mind; "I must not approach him yet...."

Setsuna looked over Akasha, wondering if it was the Akasha she had known so long ago, or if she was someone else. Surely if it was the Akasha from the past, she wouldn't be with Raithe -- would she?

Realizing that she was staring, Setsuna quickly averted her eyes.

*I musn't stare... It couldn't be her* Setsuna thought to herself. *..and if it IS her, I must block her from reading my thoughts.*

With strong concentration on closing her mind from all meandering interlopers, she turned to Raithe and Akasha.

"Akasha, Watashi no Meiou Setsuna." Setsuna smiled into Akasha's face which just stared back as being cold and empty. Her glassy eyes were captivating, just as the Akasha mother's had been.

A small smile slithered onto Akasha's face. "Nice to meet you, Setsuna." Her looks contradicted her statement. She seemed to be simulating a look of sincerity which Setsuna could see right through.

The dark-green haired woman glanced towards her friends to get back into the growing conversation, when a sharp pain followed by a wave of visions swept into Setsuna's head.

"Ahh!" she shreiked in pain, throwing her hands to her head. In the visions she saw an Egyptian man with the same glassy eyes as Akasha's... all the while the name "Enkil" called out in her head. He was in trouble and his eyes... her eyes... the pain....

"Setsuna-mama!" Hotaru noticed Setsuna's pain. Everyone turned to look at her. "What's wrong? Are you ok? Do you need something?"

"Setsuna!" Michael cried, grabbing a hold of his date.

Now fully locked in the strong arms of her escourt, Setsuna winced in pain as she looked into Michael's eyes. "Air.. I just need some fresh air. Take me outside?" Her teary eyes could hardly let Michael refuse.

"Of course," he said with a nod of approbation. "Usagi, Mamoru, minna... We'll be outside."

"Setsuna-mama?" Hotaru questioned with concern.

Setsuna managed a smile. "I'll be ok and just outside if you need me."

Hotaru smiled in agreement, and gestured her approval to Michael. He looked to the others. "Mamoru, Usagi, could you excuse us?"

They all replied with a "Hai" and watched the two leave the room. By the time they had gotten Setsuna out of the ballroom, she seemed to be slightly better.

"What was that all about?" Usagi turned to Mamoru. He shook his head.

Raithe watched Setsuna cautiously. Perhaps this illusion of hers was not such a good idea. Raithe glanced around warily. Setsuna couldn't have known it was her, could she?

"Maybe I should follow her..." Raithe said quietly to herself.

But what was 'Enkil'? Those words echoed through Setsuna's head as if directed at her. It sounded so familiar, but she couldn't place it. Feeling very awkward in the situation at this point, Raithe turned to her party members.

"Perhaps I should go check on her. I do feel somewhat obligated." She said in a monotone voice, her face now grim and emotionless with thought.

The heels of her pure gold sandals clicked as she walked to where she had seen Setsuna and her date leave. She stood in front of the huge doors for a moment. Her thoughts began to race again. Before she could open them, someone called out to her mentally.

'Raithe.' Tiger Eye began. 'I have found two of the elven lords. They are close by my post, and dancing with two senshi. They pose no threat, they are oblivious in thier happiness.'

'Good work. I will be sure to inspect later on.'

She opened the door slowly, and there stood Setsuna and Michael, clinging too each other. It looked as if she had walked in on a conversation.

"Terribly sorry." She said, shutting the door. "I came to see you, Setsuna. If it isn't a bother, I would like to speak with you...." She glanced at Michael with piercing eyes for a moment. Eyes so cold they sent

chills down his back. "In private."

Michael glared back. Akasha's attempt to intimidate him wasn't working. He'd seen worse stuff from his college professors. Still, those New Age chicks he used to hang with taught him a little about reading auras ... and Akasha's was as black as they get. Setsuna seemed to have recovered and nodded in the sense that he should leave.

Back in the ballroom, he related what happened and what's going on to Mamoru, Usagi, and Hotaru. The four of them moved closer to the window to observe the conversation, or at least what they could make out of it.

"Alright," Setsuna said, evenly; her mood matching Akasha's look. "What is this all about?"

* * *

Ruckus smiled behind his mask as Minako turned a nice scarlet. Her blushing only enhanced her beautiful looks. Ruckus vaguely wondering what her reaction would be, shrugging it off he turned his attention back to the curious senshi.

Ruckus: "I would very much like to meet your friends, especially if they have your beauty."

Ruckus twitched slightly, his perception magik going crazy. There were so many powerful auras blending together and in one place, that he was sure the combined magiks would destroy the solar system. But raw power was not his forte, and decided to leave it to the other elvens more adept at battle.

Ruckus: "My dear sweat Minako, we have met before..."

Ruckus removed the mask from his face to reveal wintry blue eyes and a warm smile. "For you know me as his lordship Ruckus."

Ruckus: "I felt somewhat bad about our first encounter, we got off on a bad start, and I was hoping to fix that."

Ruckus braced himself both physically and mentally for the explosion he was sure to receive from the little beauty child of love. The next few moments would determine in which direction the game would turn, Ruckus held no bias for which way it would be, and looked forward to the surprises they would bring.

" As you said we did get off on a bad foot, but maybe we can how to put it. Start over again like that incident never happened before. Would you really like to meet my friends. They would be pleased to meet you I bet."

A shocked and disbelieving face stared back at Minako.

Ruckus: "You mean to tell me you're ok with that? In my day the women were much colder and unforgiving, or atleast the ones I played with."

Ruckus tossed his mask into the air and it disappeared with a flash. A big grin covered his face. Patches of sandy blonde hair hung down and intensified his wintry blue eyes, somehow he was now even more cute, if

that was even possible.

Ruckus: "Yes I would, I think it would be wonderful to meet your friends."

With that he extended his arm and waited for Minako's arm.

Ruckus: "Shall we?"

"Well now how long along ago was it when you saw women last. Times have changed. I shall take you too them." Minako looked over in Usagi's direction and waved to her, bringing along her new friend.

* * *

Riot noticed her look of pain and could tell she wanted to scream out, but much to his surprise she kept her temper in check. Then she managed to remove the stain without a trace, smiling the entire time. Riot smiled behind his mask, an idea forming in his head.

Riot: "Impressive, though I doubt any power can rival your beauty. Please come, there is something I would like to show you."

Riot extended his gloved hand and awaited Rei's consent.

Rei smiled again and placed her hand on his as she followed him to the destination with thoughts streaming through her mind. Rei quickly glanced at her dress and then looked up again smiling as brights as she possibly could as she nodded at him.

Riot took Rei's hand and with a smile on his face led her out of the ballroom. From there they walked down two halls, Riot casually remarking about the artwork and battle armor that decorated the walls. Two staircases and three halls later, the two stood at a dead end. The wall had runes written up and down the sides, with two specially carved runes in the middle, super-imposed on a yin-yang. There was no door, but Riot seemed intent on going this way. Riot turned to Rei with a mischievous grin.

Riot: "Do you trust me?"

* * *

Leaning leisurely against the wall, one foot propped up against the stone marble, he watched the strange gathering just across the way. Here there were no dancers to interfere with his gaze, and just enough passers-by to allow him to watching without resorting to the usual array of Elven tricks. The edges of the silken trenchcoat drifted in the breezes from all the moving people, their laughter just background static in his ears to be easily filtered out. A quick adjustment was made to the collar of his crimson dress shirt.

Havoc crossed his hands over his chest, a fist wrapped around the cane.

"Shimatta," he muttered, watching Setsuna and Akasha glare at each other. "Now what the hell is all that about? Chaos, care to enlighten me? This is your masquerade, after all."His eyes darted back to the wall he was leaning against. Moments later two jade green eyes opened up on the polished marble, glancing over at

Havoc. Black stone pulled away from its structure, slowly taking form and shaped. Details sank and pushed out, etching themselves until finally freezing and brightening with a myriad of colours and hues.

Chaos appeared, the Even Playking slowly emerging from the wall. "I have not the slightest idea. But you do seem to recognize the woman with the tanned skin and long dark hair."

Havoc nodded evenly. "Hai. We've met before." Chaos removed the mask over his face, the rippling waters reflecting off the wall. "The one I'm intrigued by is that other one, the young lady in the Egyptian costume. She knows magik...and also the woman they call Setsuna, it would seem."

"She's Sailor Pluto," Havoc stated.

"What? The one all dressed up like Nefertiti?"

"Baka. The other one, with the long dark hair. I tangled with her once before, and I can still smell the scent of power she holds with that time staff. As for our mysterious siren, I don't know what the hell she is, period. She's got a couple of minions circulating around--and they're looking for something."

Chaos stiffened. "Party crashers?"

"No idea." Havoc raised his cane, finger rubbing on the silver grip.

"Care for me to find out?" A ripple rain itself down the slender form of the cane, within the ripple polished black becoming metalling grey of a blade. The rune for 'Havoc' shimmered a scarlet red.Chaos shook his head, glancing down at his mask. "Not just yet. This doesn't seem to concern us, so why press the issue? Enjoy yourself, Havoc; this is a masquerade party."

Chaos stepped back and the turned, Havoc fliching as the folds of the cloak brushed past his cheek. The mask of living waters and the mark of the Chaos runes slowly raised itself over the brilliant jade eyes.

"And just where do you think you're going?" Havoc inquired.

Chaos grinned, slipping the mask over his face. "It would be rather rude of the host to not introduce himself to his guests. I know some of the young ladies Setsuna's with--that odango-haired blonde one in particular."

Havoc shook his head, disappearing into the crowd before Chaos had even taken another step towards the ones who had kept behind themselves as Setsuna and that mysterious other woman left.

* * *

Raithe stared at Setsuna for a moment. Her blue, vampiric eyes flashed a deep violet for a moment. A sign to herself that her illision would not last too long if she revealed herself anymore, or that one of her servants had screwed up, big time. Looking Setsuna over carefully, she noticed an aura of a yellow-green. She had never seen such a combination of fear (which was the pale yellow), and confusion (the deep emerald green). She took a deep breath, and sighed.

"Setsuna, I'm going to say this once, and only once." She stated, holding Setsuna's gaze, and not letting go. "What do you know about me? Do you really think you know me?"

Staightening in her seat, Setsuna began to rethink the night's events thus far. *When did I first get this strong, uneasy feeling?

"Now leave me" Her voice echoing in Raithe's mind. She walked toward the doorway, turned to see Setsuna, --who stood clenching her fists against her legs, head turned away from Raithe-- and slowly, yet defiantly, reentered the ballroom.

* * *

Shinrai smiled. The decrescent moon in her mask shined for a second. It was a signal of recognition. She turned and saw the two twin brothers dancing with two girls. Another glance and the discovering of a kawaii little girl. Eyes observing the faces and searching for the familiar ones. Only Mayhem and Chaos seemed to be hidden for her, in someplace her gaze could not reach them.

Was that the right moment? Should she wait a little longer?

Long time ago, she knew what she had to do. But it was different. In this place, so many people weren't prepared for this, back in the palace, there were only her sisters and the queen.

Suddenly, a feeling made her take a decision. She walked a few steps up the stairs. She could see everything from there. It was a lonely place, maybe because it was kind of closed for the guests, but not for her. She wasn't an ordinary guest.

Shinrai took out her mask and it transformed into a silver and gold ring she put in her finger. At that moment, she could felt someone near her. It was someone who knew about magic. She slowly turned to face her companion.

"You!" the other one said in disbelief.

* * *

She watched is dark silence and even darker smiles as the two suddenly enemies broke apart--though not breaking apart each other or anything else around them for that matter. No one ever seemed to look up, but rather around were all the dazzling blur of colors, wine and laughter seemed to be. Yet up here, seated on the edge of the rows of archways, everything was hers to behold. To chose and prowl and stalk upon a whim or desire.

It had proven surprisingly simple to find someone of the ancient magics. Strangely enough, though, this wasn't a Sailor Senshi to her knowledge. This woman's aura was something completely different. Her fingers nimbly traced their way down the line of her dress, running along the edges of her breasts.

Carnage's eyes darted to the disappearing form of someone who wore a skin for a masquerade rather than a mere mask. "Akasha," she murmured. "Just what are you?"

* * *

Raithe stared at Setsuna with a cold and hard glare as Setsuna went back into the ballroom. She put her head in her hand, and sent out her thought to Setsuna. She had to get her point accross, or she would never accomplish her one main goal.

"I am very well aware of everything about Akasha... Setsuna...I killed her myself!!"

Her growl was like a deathblow to those who could hear her; those who had tuned into her thoughts. But at that instant, Raithe's body was enveloped in light, and her body began to flicker between forms. Having been discovered by Setsuna, her illusion was dying. She fell to her knees trying to hold onto her guise. She held a hand over her eyes, which were undecided between deep vampire blue eyes, and none at all. Her hair flashed waves of red, to become straight black. She tried in vain to keep hold of her illusion, but didn't succeed.

Gabrielle realized there was something terribly wrong with Raithe. Excusing herself from the conversation she was surrently involved in, she bolted out of the ballroom. She found Raithe leaning her back on the wall, and slouching a bit, with her arms crossed in front of her. She was encased in the folds of her black velvet and red satin dress, and donned in a cloak of the same material and color that hung heavily from her shoulders. Her hair was composed of long waves that delicately framed her features. Her lips were pouted in a blood red tint. The only fault in Raithe's true beauty and form was this: She had no eyes. Where her soul mirror should have rested, laid nothing but a pair of empty and bottomless sockets. Even without eyes, Gabrielle could see her pain and frustration.

"Maharet....I-"

"Never call me by my real name!! You of all people should no better! I wish not to be tortured by my past."

"Raithe, I-I'm sorry...I just-" Gabrielle stammered.

"It's all right Gabrielle. I'm sorry." Raithe stated unemotionally.

"I'm going back in there to finish what I started. I'll be fine, just give me a moment to re-create my illusion."

Gabrielle nodded warily, and returned to the room.

* * *

A hot yellow convertable came to a halt outside the grand building. Its passengers took a moment to gather themselves. The driver got out and walked over to open the passenger side door. At first glance she would easily be mistaken for a young man with her short blonde hair and dressed in her white tuxedo. Her companion on the other hand was the epitome of femine grace. She was dressed in a long pale blue gown with matching wrap. She was staring intently into a handmirror.

"Michiru," Haruka said.

"I can sense something is wrong," Michiru told her partner, "But I can't tell what it is. My mirror can't locate the source of the problem."

"Other than us beinning late?" Haruka laughed.

"Haruka,this could be serious," Michiru chided.

"What could possibly happen tonight?" Haruka asked, she held out her arm to Michiru. "Let's hurry. The others are probably wondering where we've gotten to."

Michiru smiled and accepted Haruka's arm. She placed her mirror in her bag.

"Well, we can just tell them we were... detained," Michiru said with a wicked tone in her voice. Haruka returned her smile as they entered the building.

The room was crowed as they entered. They scanned the crowdlooking for familiar faces.

"Isn't that Usagi?" Michiru asked, raising a hand to her chin,

"I think so" Haruka answered.

They made their way through the people on the edge of the dance floor, when suddenly Haruka had the feeling that something was wrong with Setsuna. They had always had a strange sort of bond between them that neithier of them understood. She began to push her way through the crowd trying to find her.

"Haruka, what is it?" Michiru became concerned at her beloved's sudden change in mood.

"Its Setsuna," was all she had to say.

She glanced around the room trying to locate the mysterious senshi of time.

"I don't see her," Michiru said.

"There she is," Haruka pointed to the door. She had just walked in and was looking pale as if something was troubling her. Haruka started to walk towards her. Michiru followed silently.

"No, Michiru," Haruka stopped her. She felt guilty for doing this. "I need to talk to Setsuna alone."

Michiru nodded. She had come to accept that Setsuna and Haruka shared something that she and Haruka never would. It was something she had learned to deal with, maybe not like, but deal with.

"Michiru..." Haruka started, but Michiru cut her off.

"Its okay," Michiru whispered. Their eyes met and everything they needed to say to each other passed silently between them. Haruka turned and left.