The Masque Begins!! {O..P...E...N!!!!}(of course!)

[Tiffany]

THE MASQUE BALL BEGINS

Tiffany sighed as she looked around the danger room, absolutely amazed by the beauty that had been brought to the supposedly dangerous place. She noticed in irony of how everything had two sides..like a coin being tossed. In hard times, it landed heads up and the danger room brought fear and the instinctual animal urge to survive. And in other, more pleasant and peaceful times, it landed in the ever present but almost never seen side of tails. Where people could talk and dance and eat and enjoy themselves as they soaked up the visual pleasure of the room that was designed strictly for this night..and for them. Everyone at the Cassis school had been through rough times. All of them deserved a break, and Tiffany was enthralled with the fact that she could be one of the people to bring happiness to the people that deserved it. She gazed upon the crystal chandeliers that hung low on the ceiling, and just for a touch of the old, they were lit with candles, she had talked to someone that could make fires, an old friend of hers, and he had created little flames that did not melt the candles, but hovered slightly over them and directed their heat to the ceiling so as to not melt the candles and ruin the crystal. The whole room was in a theme of silver, black, and white, with the occasional splash of red. The floor was black marble. The walls were whitewashed with black drapes that hung stylishly across them to make them seem less bare and made the room seem smaller and cozier than it actually was. There were candle holders that lined the walls, five feet apart from each other, casting an ethereal glow across the tables. The only light was from the candles...for now..After the party got into full swing, the lights on the dance floor and the light from the disco ball would give off most of the light for the room. Tiffany was fond of candle light, and decided that she liked that idea best for the lighting. The tables were set in a circle around the the dance floor, and were made of brightly polished silver that swerved into delicately woven loops on the legs that attached to glass tops. The tablecloths were white with a border of black and silver designs. On each table were six settings for people to eat, and in the center was a centerpiece of blood red and black roses. The napkins were folded into the shape of roses and set beside each table setting, a splash of bold red against the stark white. There was a pit set off in the distance for an orchestra that was being brought in especially for the ball. They were set in an area that was sheltered from the ball room itself, for not many knew of the gifteds in the school, and the school was not going to take chances, so the orchestra would see nothing of the ball, but would play the appropriate songs when cued. There was also a stage for bands that were coming in to play, for these were teenagers attending..who would want to dance to orchestra music all night? Tiffany grinned at the thought as she turned to the dance floor. It was an almost opaque black, but was left slightly clear to allow for the lights that flickered under the surface. The lights pulsed and flashed with the beat of the music as the music played. Tiffany glanced up and searched out the door in the ceiling that she knew hid the disco ball. She rotated around the huge room and thought of everyone that would be attending.

Tiffany [/i]

A smile touched her lips and a sparkle entered her eyes. A hand smoothed down her dress as she thought about who she was going with. She hoped desperately that he would approve of her outfit. She looked down at the dress she had picked out. It was a green silk dress, with a sparkled cover of the brightest blue. It changed colors when she moved and the blue matched her eyes. The fabrics of the dress resembled the ocean waters as they glittered under the light of the warm sun, waves making the light shine as it moved, just as her dress moved when she walked. The top of the dress vaguely hinted at scales as she had hoped for it too. She was there as a mermaid. Her hair was curled and pinned with pearls and luminescent shells placed strategically and meticulously in it. She had her makeup done, which was rare for her. There was bright blue and neon, sparkling green eyeshadow that circled her eyes and lighter blue and green that graced her cheeks. She had a dusting of glitter over her face, shoulders and arms. Her strapless dress fit her tightly around her chest and waist and hugged her curves. It flared out only slightly from her hips and fell gracefully only a few inches above the floor. It showed off the blue high-heels that she had bought for the occasion. She had never worn high-heels before and had to practice so she wouldn't fall over every time she tried to walk. Her mask was that of a womanly face that had little gills that rimmed each side. It was trimmed in pearls and shells that matched the ones in her hair. She twirled the masks handle in her hand as she waited eagerly for the party to begin. For a moment she thought about how sad it must seem that she was there before anyone else, but she had seen to the decorations and had to be there early. She decided it would be best to wait outside for her date. She stood by the door, where it was surprisingly and pleasantly warm, not only waiting on her date, but waiting to greet the guests that came to the masque ball. She loved this part and couldn't wait to see what they dressed up as.

Jason[/i]

Jason paced up and down the hallway. He couldn't think of the best way to approach Michella..It had been surprisingly hard for him to ask her to the ball. He had always thought himself a smooth talking ladies man..and he had every reason to think so. He sighed as he fiddled with his outfit. He was doubtful about his choice, but the white tiger was his favorite transformation. "Whatever.." He muttered as he continued to pick at it when he realized what he was doing he stopped and forced his hands to his sides. "It will not do to ruin it before the ball even starts..what has gotten into me? I feel like a nervous pre-teen.." He walked briskly to the mens bathroom and studied himself in the mirror. " I wonder if I should have chosen something else..well..too late now.." He placed the mask beside him on the sink as he ran his hands through his hair in frustration. He studied the expensive mask. It was a realistic and detailed picture of a tigers face. It had whiskers that extended from the cheeks and right above the eyes. The ones above the eyes were shorter and barely whispered past the ears that had tiny tufts of fur at each end. Jason strummed a finger across the whiskers on the left cheek and smiled. He changed his eye color to greenish yellow, the same color as the cat he was so fond of. He grew a tail and glanced behind him speculatively. He had on a white tux with black stripes and a black tie. He had considered just partially turning into the cat, but opted against it..knowing that the tiger would be predator first, Jason later was not an option he was quite fond of. He could change just parts here and there to make the illusion more real..and he needed hands instead of paws to dance and eat. His tail twitched as he took one last glance into the mirror. His light brown hair was slicked back so the mask hid most of it. He actually had let it grow longer than usual and had to put it in a ponytail. Wisps of hair still trailed around his face as he put the masks string around his wrist and walked back down the hallway. Now all he had to do was wait for Michella to get done and they could be off..Only then would he put the mask back on and fully complete the illusion of the white tiger.

Belle[/i]

Mari, The Goddess of Dreams..Mari reigns over the World of Dreams, she is the one that holds us together, the one that makes it possible. Her power is infinite, as she is the perfect being, a model for every sentient one. But she is not truly the Creator. Her power is manifest and infinite but she is not the one that created all things that exist. Even she, eternal as she may be, cannot exist without something else..

Belle lifted one sculpted eyebrow at the image before her. She studied the girl that she barely knew was her. Her porcelain skin shone starkly white against the dark purple and black makeup that she had donned for the ball. She felt her heart beat against her chest with pleasure. Her hair fell in cascades down her back and curled upon itself time and time again. She had her hair pinned up almost everyday..no..everyday..It being down was an infinite surprise to Belle herself. She pushed a loose wisp of hair back over her shoulder. Her hair shone with a light like that at dusk. Brilliant, yet dark. Her hair was dark blue, with darker blue just missing the hue of the midnight sky. She had placed bright diamonds in her hair to represent the skies on a clear, crisp starlit night. She shifted slightly to watch the diamonds flash. Her gaze fell to her dress. It was of dark blue, just like her hair and eyes. It had a diamond encrusted and embroidered cover that laid perfectly over the dress. It had one sleeve that graced one of her sleek shoulders, and one that dipped right below her arm and met at the back seamlessly. It clung to her like a second skin. The hem of the dress hung just a whisper away from the ground. Her earrings dangled to the side of her neck, boasting stars and moons on each side. She had on stiletto heels that strapped up her legs and tied up just below the hollow of her knees. Her makeup highlighted her eyes and accented her hair. She had glitter in the eyeshadow that flowed around her eyes and turned upward at the outside of her eyes. Her mask was the complete opposite of her outfit. It was a simple mask, consisting of only one black curving fabric that would cover her eyes and nose. She flicked up the back of her dress to make sure that she didn't step on it. She walked forward confidently. Most people in the school hadn't met her yet..It was time to make her debut.

[Marr-ee]

Michella paced across her room, letting her hands move around in a nervous manner as she forced herself to look in the mirror. Her outfit was nearly complete and it only needed the flower to be put in her hair and she fought with herself to finally look at the finished product of her hours of preparation. Finally she walked in front of the mirror and smiled at herself. It was better than she had expected. Her usual violet hair was now a different color of a light brown, and she had found the perfect hair style to use it to her advantage. Using a picture as a reference when she did, and it came out that she put extentions in her hair that now flowed past her hips and was up in a ponytail. At the end of her ponytail, she put in a few curls to give it definition and a strand of hair was wrapped around the top to give the illusen that no hair tie was used.
Well, this is it almost. I bet that Jason is waiting on me. I wonder how his outfit turned out? I really hope he likes mine, I've worked so hard on it. Now- Just breath. You'll be fine. She told herself as she looked at the rest of her outfit. The white strapless top that covered her, was form fitting and it stopped at her midrift, and showing her bellybutton slighty. A few crystal diamond like charms outlined the top of the outfit and at the bottom did the same. Her hand ran across the blouse to straighten any wrinkels out and she started on the skirt. The blue satin fabric flowed from her hip to the floor, barely showing off her blue high heel shoes. She repositioned the underlay of fabric that gave it the flowy appearance.
Her hand came back up to her face as her eye's made contact with the mirror again, checking her makeup. Glitter covered her eye's and a red tint color came to her lips as she rubbed the tube against them. "Perfect...now for the flower." She said as she picked up the white carnation and placed it perfectly on the side of her ponytail. Closing her eye's, she grabbed her bracelette and grabbed the door, walking out and going to the ball. This is going to be the best night ever... Now where is Jason? She asked herself leading herself down the stairs and headed for the direction of the hallway before the danger room. She fiddled with her braclette trying to make it clasp as she dropped it. Dang it...not now.. not like this! She cursed in her head, as she stooped down to pick up her braclette and wrapped it around her petite wrist. Finally she clasped it together and made it jingle as she looked up she saw Jason. Her heart stopped momentarily as thought she felt like she was in a dream. He was so Handsom. SHe couldn't beleive how well he cleaned up, yet his outfit was amazing. She smiled at him and walked closer to him letting her head drop with a grin appearing bigger with everystep. "Hi Jason...! You look awsome, your costume is...perrr - fect!" She teased him and looked up into his eye's.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anthony moved slowly as he entered the hallway going to the Danger room for the ball. Eyeing a Window, he walked over to it and stared out of it, letting a sigh escape his lips. So much for having a date. I guess I've just not met the right one tonight. Hopefully I'll meet someone tonight? Maybe, I was meant not to have a date, just so I can actually enjoy myself for once? Who knows? Well, I guess that this dance will have to be good enough just for me, although I do look good! He told himself and looked at his reflection in the window that was in front of him. He lifted his chin to give him a rough look, looking at his hair, seeing it slicked back with a form of waves. He didn't brush his hair before the dance, letting the rough edge of him show underneath his leather cowboy hat. Nodding to himself, he brought his hand up to the hand and tipped off his own reflection and smiled. Damn, I look good. Too bad there isn't anyone with me... He said again and turned away from the window. Over his pants were the chaps that with every walk, seemed to jingle somehow and the spurs over his boots, clanged as his feet met the floor. He loved the way it sounded and looked around to see not a soul. I guess everyone is either fashionably late, 'as the girls say' or their already inside. O'well, It don't matter. I've nothing waiting on me! He lifed up his hands and pulled on the leather vest over his blue button up shirt. He nodded and took the last step before entering the Masque ball. It was magnificently done, the floor seems streakless as thought it was brand new and not a foot had been stepped on it, and the lighting seemed almost perfect. Candles? How vintage... but what an aray of hope it gives. Almost seems like the danger room has it's work cut out for it. Instead of people destroying things, they'll actually be taking care of the stuff. He looked up seeing the ceiling, then noticed the tables. What a wonderful way to start off the night. Sitting down. These boots are sure killing my feet already. The spurs don't help. He told himself as he neared one of the tables and sat down, instantly swinging one of his legs over on top of the other one, getting an instantly stinging sensation from the spur. "OWWW..." The pain shot through his leg as he quickly moved his leg from on top of it and rubbed his leg. "This is going to be a long night!"

[bandit]

Caynce, feeling small and unimportant, edged into the large ball room clearly unnerved, not knowing what the Masque Ball was or even what they were having it for, only that he should be here and he was doing just that. The feeling inside of his tiny gut told him he needed to come or something would have happened; something would have just made it all worse if he didn’t even consider arriving to the dance. Empty gray eyes slowly traveled around the room, observing the people who had made it to the place before he had the chance, though he had actually been stalling, not wanting to come at all.

Everyone seemed to be dressed up as something different, it was almost confusing and yet very surprising. People tended to go with the flow, and he had been expecting people to all dress up as something popular. He wasn’t really sure what was popular, but because he watched other students when by himself, he listened carefully, and took notes of such things, and so that was his conclusion to the whole situation of the Masque Ball. But this nearly unfamiliar crowd had proved him wrong, each having a different costume and there was something distinctive about each and every one so that he couldn’t get confused even if he tried.

Seeing this, he became self-conscious about his own costume he had chosen, one he wasn’t at all proud of. It was very simple, since he had decided to come as Dracula because he couldn’t think of anything else. Thinking clearly really wasn’t his good points, because his mind sometimes wandered away or got lost altogether, so he had chosen the first thing that popped into his head. Luckily, there was a place where he could buy himself the outfit, and because he hadn’t spent too much time figuring what to get (actually, he spent a long time in the store, just not picking out the outfit), he had, once again, chosen the first thing he could find.

The most notable part of the costume was the long, black cape that practically engulfed his small body. The collar reached up past his head and the inside if it, including the cape, was a soft, red material that made up the other side of the costume. The entire cape wrapped around his small frame, stopping a little bit after his ankle, so that there was a possibility he could trip (and he probably would if he wasn’t paying attention). Covering his feet were shiny black shoes that he had also gone out to buy, but, unlike the rest, had taken some time in picking them out. As for his face, it didn’t need any makeup. Caynce was already pale beyond belief, no need to make him look unhealthier than he already was. And he didn’t put on any fake fangs, because he personally found them ridiculous.

Under the outfit was his normal attire, a jacket that never came off and his gray pants. Caynce wasn’t really concerned if he did a half-assed job on the attire, he just didn’t care. Besides, he had planned to come here for only half an hour, just so people knew he had arrived in the first place, and then leave to his dorm so he could go to bed. It didn’t make any difference to him if it wasn’t even nine o’ clock when he was due to get back to his dorm, because he hadn’t been sleeping well since…for his whole life, and he knew that he wouldn’t be able to get a good amount of rest by going to sleep very late when he woke up every fifteen minutes, though it had turned into thirty minutes, which was a good thing, especially since good things never happened to him.

Caynce had figured that it wouldn’t last, and even though he would probably be getting more sleep from it, he still would be pale and unhealthy looking, even though he wasn’t very healthy to begin with. Snapping out of his thoughts that had drowned out the sound, Caynce found himself still at the entrance of the Danger Room, almost being shoved around and being told to move out of the way. The boy didn’t object, he just nodded, mostly to himself, and dragged his tired body to a chair by the table, sat down, and closed his eyes, feeling a little bit of relief at the feeling.

[•Mouse•]

Maeve Sadima's dorm was being used as get-ready centeral. Or at least for her and Carmela. Inside her ensuite bathroom, the shower turned off and the water stopped. A hand reached out, feeling around the counter for a towel. When the hand sgrabbed what it had been searching for, It pilled the white fluffy towel inside. Moments later outstepped a drenched Maeve. Stepping carefully onto the bathmat she headed for the mirror and began the process of drying off. Once that mission was accomplished she pulled on two things. A bra and panties. With those one she pulled a silky nighty on and strolled out of the bathroom, a small box in hand. On her bed sat Carmela, brushing out her hair.

Carmela had let her hair down and a thick black headband pushed it back from her forhead. She had slid into a small nice-fitting dress made of blue satin. It was what some would call royal blue and had short sleeves. The dress fell to her knees where it met her white knee socks, baring only her knee. A white cotton apron sat on top of the blue dress, a small pocket on the chest portion, strategicly placed for Monty. The apron ended a few inches shy of the dress it's self. Tied at the waist, the apron had a nice bow with a golden clasp at the center.

Black shoes, flat and shiny covered her feet with a strap and buckle. A white mask, made of soft fabric, had a pattern of blue and white sequins around the edgings. A pair of blue and white ribbons trailed from the outter most point of the eye pieces to tie around her head. This was Carmela in Dreamland as she prefered to call it. But everyone would know it as Alice in Wonderland.

Carmela's tiny wrists were decorated with a few stray semi-thick black bangles. In her ears were diamond studs, the second holes features silver studs. A small black satin chucker was tied about her neck, a bow with long tendrels was pulled off towards the left side a little ways. Many of these accesories had been added in by the 14-year old to make it more of her own thing.

" Mae-Va-" Carmela began.
" MAEVE!" Snapped Maeve before she dropped the make-up box on her dresser with the mirror.
" Sorry. Anyways! Want help?" The small girl questioned. Maeve shook her head and pulled open her closet. Inside was a black, long bag hanging from a hanger. She pulled it out and smiled at the blackness. Slowly, she pulled he cover off to reveal the gown she was to wear.
" Whoa!"
" I know." Maeve smiled and lay the dress on the full bed, beside Carmela. The younegr girl looked at it carefully.

Meanwhile, Maeve pealled her silk dressing gown off and removed the dress from the hanger. Slowly, she slipped into the crushed velvet dress. It was full length, covering her feet, and the top was form fitting and had off the shoulder straps. The front looked like a heart was pulled against the dress, but was still that deep wine red. Straps laced up the back to hold the heart shaped upper piece on. Carmela had the duty of lacing, then tying said red straps. She did well and undid the clasp on Maeve's bra.

Maeve shimmied out of the bra and dropped it to the floor, it was obvious there was no need for it with this dress. At her waist it loosened just right yet still fit nicely. The front hug open to reveal a inset of soft white silk. Hearts seemed stitched into it at random sizes, attached to vine like stems. At the very bottom hem, which pooled about her ankles, was black lace with red heart's embroidered here and there. She smiled at the dress, running a hand down it to smooth the dress and make sure it looked conderful.

" Black strappy stilettos." Maeve pointed to a pair in the closet and Carmela skipped off to grab them. As the smaller of the two skipped her shoes gave a soft click that filled the air. Grabbing the shoes Maeve pointed at, Carmela came back and held them out. Maeve hiked her the skirt of the dress up and slipped the shoes on. They had a 5 inch black heel and thin black straps criss crossing half way up to her knees.

" Pretty." Cooed Carmela as the dress fell down into it's proper position. Maeve smirked at the compliment before heading towards her mirror. She pulled the box open to reveal make up and a collection of black and red feathers along with a golden crown. These were accersories for her outfit. Two thick strands of hair (on on either side) were twisted and pulled back into a a half-up kind of style by a black hair-tie. Sticking the golden crown atop her head it settled perfectly between the twisted strands. The rest of her hair fell loosely curled with red and black feathers attached.

Next came the make-up. Black eyeliner outlined her green eyes, making them seem a pit brighter. Mascara inhanced her already thick lashes. Her eyes shadow was a bit more complex. It started on the very eyelid as a dark black and grey into a gray-red to red with some sparkles in it. Next came her lipstick. Red slightly shimmer lipstick was outlined by black lipliner. A white sequin heart was then 'glued' by her left eye. A dark red mask (which only hide her eye area.) seemed to be cut so one could see the white heart sequin pieces no matter what. Around the outter edges had black and white sequins patterned around it. The laces at either end where three. One red, One black, One white. Once she had finished her dressing MAeve gave a firm nod of her head.

" Let's go brat!"
" Hey!" Whined Carmela. But before she had gone any further with her whining, Maeve was already at the door opening it. Carmela scooped up Monty with his little green top hat and vest. He was the made hatter. Gently she placed the chinchilla in the apron pocket and scurried after Maeve.The two walked, Maeve a bit a head of Carmela. Their destination? The Masquerade Ball the school was holding. What else?

The Danger Room had been chosen as the room the dance was to be held in. Seemed like a good idea to Maeve and the fact they were setting the mood and such via the computer system meant the decorations and such would be flawless. That was fine as well. It had been a well thought at dance, and Maeve was a bit on the excited side. Carmela, so anxious she was about to explode, skipped along beside Maeve. It seemed the girl wouldn't stop talking about how much fun it was going to be at the dance.

" Could you, possibly, shut the hell up!" Snapped MAeve, finally loosing her temper.
" Oh-Sorry. I'm just excited!" Carmela whimpered, petting the head of Monty who looked about wildly as he bounced gently in the pocket of the apron.
" I don't care. Don't talk so much. It annoys me." Simply stating the truth was one of Maeve's fine points. Green eyes rolled to the side to see a rather upset Carmela. If the small girl entered the danger room like that, people would know it was Maeve's fault and get on her case. That was all Maeve needed. " Stop pouting. We're almost there." Came a rather softer toned statement. Carmela nodded, her smile and energy returning as the two drew nearer the Danger room.

MEANWHILE...

The Faust Siblings seemed to have been going at the same pace that Maeve and Carmela were. The two were in their room dressing. It was hard to believe they had been gone so long and now were going to attend the Masqerade ball. The smiles that had insued when they were formally told by Miss Polter hadn't faded yet. And that was some days ago. It was amazing to see the two work so diligently on the same thing. Even Roxanna, as carefree as she was, was working hard to look spectacular.

" Val, Help me out!" Came a call from Roxanna as she held her dress up to be zipped up the back. The dress was made of white satin with a straps that connected behind the neck. It was soft to the touch and form fitting until the waist. Here it fell a bit looser and came to and end just shy of her thighs in a point in the front, one at each side and one behind. From there a long, loose skirt is attached floowing freely to the floor. It pools at her ankles gracefully hiding the white pumps she wears on her feet. There was a soft viel attached to the back of the neck straps. It has holes in it so her wings can be slipped through. The veil falls down to the floor as well. However the lace-like fabric runs the length of her arms and meets her wrist, attached to white satin cuffs.

Val's soft hand grasped the small zipper and pulled it up to the top. She gave her sister's back a soft and tender pat before turning away. "Thanks!" Called Roxanna. She smiled at herself in the mirror and looked happily at the appearence. " A Few more things." The girl whispered to herself, her voice soft. With eyes closed, she made a slightly pained face. Crystals forced their way from the skin beneath the feathers of her wings and sat as if they were dew drops on the fluffy, white, soft wings. A large light blue saphire formed from the top of her head in the shape of a halo the crystal hovered above her head wonderfully. "There!" Stated the girl, happy with the shimmering add-ons.

Her hair had been curled loosely to look like waves fell down her back. Valerie had helped with this part and Roxanna was very grateful. A white mask sat upon the dresser, blue eyes focused on it before tender hands lifted it and pressed it to her face. Slowly, Roxanna tied a gentle bow in the back and looked at herself in the mirror. The mask was made of the same white satin fabric. It held glitter that seemed to be sprinkled lightly ontop of the soft fabric.

Valerie was busy as well. Her hair danced around her as if she were submerged in water, but only a bit as to not look odd. Normally, the long brilliant blond tresses would fall just beneath her shoulders. A light blue, almost white, mask covered her eyes and the left cheek. It had darker blue rain drops pained down the left side and came with a fance blue and silver swirling design where the eyelashes would meet at the outer most corner of the eyes. White, light blue and dark blue laces tie it in place behind her head. The laces dance with her hair about her face gracefully.

The well-built body of Valerie Faust was covered in a baby blue gown. It flows to her ankles graceully. The top had a high setting neck line and was sleeveless. The back was open but six, very thing, baby blue straps ran down her back to a place abover her waist where the dress came to a whole once more. Three layers of chiffon flow from the dress gracefully. A pair of white slightly healed shoes covered her feet. Her hair fell, her having grown bored with the appearence. And so, it curled tightly and shortened to about mid-neck.

It was a fantastic scene, the two sisters smiling as they nodded in approval. Valerie smiled and Roxanna returned it. The two slipped out the door casually and began to make their way to the Danger Room. The two were happy with their appearence and it showed as they walked with great care. Both had their heads held high, showing they weren't afraid. It was the first dance they had been to since their return, they had to be excited.

[Fubuki ☆ Phoenix]

Faye sucked in a breath as a girl tightened the corset that was firmly wrapped around her stomach. "Will you hurry up!" Faye muttered, pulling forward as the girl pulled backwards.
Finally getting the corset at a lung crunching tightness, Faye slipped into a a hot pink gown, that seemed to fit into the old medevil times.

Glazing on gold necklaces, rings and earings Faye for once felt the lift of her trash can life float away. Plump lips were decorated with a dark red color, and little gold jewels dotted her lower lip. Pulling on lace gloves over her evil hands, Faye slipped into some heels and admired herself in the mirror. "If only I could bring myself to not think of this as dressing up." She muttered.

Tossing her old cap away, and pulling back her pink hair that seemed to match the dress, into a bun, Faye opened a small box that sat on her dresser. Pulling out a golden hair comb, with pink flowers decorating it, she slipped it into the crest of her hair style. "Well then, I belive I am ready for a ball." Turning around to face the dorm door, Faye slipped out of the room and hurried off towards the danger room, her heels clicking along the floor.

Coming to trhe doors of the ball, Faye stopped and bowed her head thanking whatever spirit her heart worshiped, and thinking, /I may enter sadness tonight, for I can not touch a soul. No soul can touch me, I will not ruin this and I will have fun, so dont try and stop me.\ Nodding the odd prayer off, Faye stepped into a night of mystery

[Ven]

Ven had just begun readying himself for the masque. He had actually decided to work on the costume, after he had heard a rumor that Maeve’s would be intense he felt thhat he needed something that would still make him look on her level. With the costume he had picked however he would hardly be difficult to make himself seem evenly as impressive as Maeve’s.

He had first begun with a Rather expensive suit. The shirt was a bloodn red silk color, the shirt was almost skin tight, however the sleeves slowly fanned out until they weree billowing around his wrists. The pants were black color that seemed to exude no warmth, as though they were brittle. They were stiff and ironed so far that it seemed every inch of them had been looked over, every wrinkle abolished.

Over this shirt he then placed a black vest, this one also silk. This two was very tight againstr his chest however it still remained slightly off of his chest, the sharp bottoms of the vest smoothed out just over his belt. Over this he continued to wear steel black coat. Down the right side of the coat there where three buttons, all securly fastened to their corosponding holes on the left side. This buttoning therefore made the coat skin tight as well, the onlything even close to bing loose where it’s sharp, long tails that reached to just a few inches above the backs of his knees.

He continued to tie a large cape around his neck, a small ruby-like jewel helping to keep the two strings together, fastened just beneath his collar. The outside of his cape was once again black silk, something becoming a theme here, simply because of how it made him seem fancier, the look required for his costume. The inside was also a silk, however the inner layer was like his shirt a bloo red color, creating a matching clolor, as the shirt was only seen through the spot on his chest where his vest didn’t cover, and the ridges of his sleeves where the suit jacket didn’t hide them.

However he needed to place one final addition in order for the costume to be precisely as he wanted. Pulling open a drawer in his room a he removed a finely smoothed plaster cast of half his face. The cast covered half of his forehead, all of his nose, and the rest of his face until his mouth where it cut of, only covering his cheek and none of hiss lips. The cast in general was a bone white sinking in around his eyes.

When the costume finally came together It seemed almost perfect. he could have easily passed as the legendary phantom from the famous play. he was as of now, attired perfectly as The Phantom Of The Opera.

Once he was sure that he was dressed to perfection he slipped out of his room, an almost evil elegance in his gait. He steadily began his way into the danger room.

[Cakemon-kun]

A bear roared. A thumping not unlike a gallop but more muffled was heard. Soon, the noise’s source was visible, and a bear with a rider sped towards Cassis Academy through the forest. It entered through the doors and deposited its rider at the doors of the Danger Room. The rider patted the bear, who lumbered off.

Kamon entered the Danger Room. His large riding boots made a subtle but odd clonking noise, unusual for boots. The odd noise was partially due to the fact that his boots were partly made of metal, and the fact that riding boots are not footwear of choice for much other than riding. However, other sounds in the room like the shuffling feet and music mostly drowned the odd sound out.
Kamon started to walk around the floor, and as he did so, his outfit shuffled and clinked. Brown, scorched and worn-out leather armour sat under a few sheets of equally worn scale mail placed over his shoulders and going down towards his left hip in a point, as if to protect his heart and other organs in a battle. A smaller sheet of chain mail was placed around his hips, leading to his right knee in a point. Metal shin guards were visible just peeking over each boot.
Kamon turned his head a little in looking around. However, he could not turn his head very much; two metal neck guards blocked him from doing that. The neck guards stood on a steel mantle with a jet-black cape flowing from behind it. The mantle itself stuck outwards and a little upwards into three pointed layers on each side, and the cape was worn and scorched as much as the rest of his outfit.
Kamon wore some light gauntlets; mostly leather gloves with several metal plates covering every inch of it except the joints and other places needed to move his hands. He flexed his fingers at his hips, making little clanking noises, which he seemed to find a little entertaining. He smiled a little, and moved his hands again before resting them, his left one on the hilt of a short sword tied to his waist. The sheathe was made of hardened leather, and was worn out at the ends. The hilt of the blade was golden, and the butt end was made of an eyeball-sized chunk of silver.
The rest of his costume was all leading up to his mask. A lion’s face stood upon his own, a mask so intricate and detailed that the only flaw was the fact that Kamon’s mouth was showing. The lion’s face was properly coloured, and was charged with electricity so that it glowed. Kamon’s hair, dyed brown and also charged with harmless static, flowed and floated about behind his mask to make the impression of a lion’s mane.
Kamon had arrived as the War Rider for the force called Apocalypse. He was everything from prehistoric violence, through ancient war to modern warfare, and everything from shoving in the schoolyard through murder and to battlefield killings and torture. He was everything from the soldier to the general, and knew every aspect of conflict and loved it, caused it, and lived because of it.
The lion did not look peaceful or restful. Something about its eyes and the way their glow made a trail wherever it went and the scars wantonly thrown about his face made it seem like this lion had killed many times over for many millennia…and he wasn’t afraid to do so again.

[Deon]

((Sorry about that... I had to really really quickly edit some of it, and now my mom is making me sleep. Damn! Anyways, like I said, I'll reconnect the internet in a few hours when I wake up and roleplay with whoever's on. Here' s my intro.))

Well, well, well. He was late. That wasn't something Dementia expected. She couldn't say that she was disappointed, simply curious about what was holding him up. That succubus, perhaps? She chuckled to herself at the thought as she leaned against the wall, adjusting her mask on her face. A quick glance at herself in the mirror revealed someone that was barely even recognizable. Sophie Devereux. She laughed coldly at her own private, and slightly painful joke, still biding time until he came. She restlessly walked about, her heels clicking on the floor, and finally sat down on her bed, fiddling with her long, dark blue nails. Her cell phone sat on her bedside table, easily within her reach. She didn't feel much like waiting any longer. She swiped it off the clean surface and quickly typed a text message to Seaheart.

I'm heading off to the Danger Room. Don't look for me--I'll find you. Props if you recognize me, dear.

It was his turn to be swept off his feet.

Dementia didn't walk; she flowed in a motion that only seemed fitting of her costume as she made her grand entrance through the double doors of the Danger Room. Her entire body shimmered under the dim light that had been set in the Danger Room as if her fair skin gave off a kind of angelic light. Her costume was stunning in its sheer simplicity, but breathtaking in the way that she wore it with such confidence and posture. It seemed as if she was born to be looked up to as an astounding beauty contrary to the way many perceived her. Her face was absolutely serene, with the hint of a smirk, as she looked up at her surroundings through long silver lashes tipped with sparkling rhinestones like drops of shining water.

A long, thin skirt made of a sheer, glimmering material conformed to her body like a second skin and blended seamlessly into her abdomen. The colors shifted from only the slightest hint of the palest green of sea foam, deepening in color and intensity until it finally merged into the emerald green of the mermaid's tale. The ocean trailed behind her on her long train, in a stunning blue characteristic of the purest, deepest, and most untouched waters. Tendrils of emerald extended into the water like the mermaid's fins, giving her the illusion of possessing the glistening tail of a fish.

Dementia exercised in creating this costume an uncanny ability to turn something grotesque into a thing that was delicately beauteous; that being her unique powers. She had multiplied the cells of her silvery hair to extend the length down to her lower back, and had styled it to splay out in a way that made her look like she was suspended in water. It sparkled as she moved. On both of her arms and down her back, thin, fragile-looking bones protruded from her skin. They were artfully covered in a latex material the color of her skin to look like a fish's fins, and painted beautifully in shining speckles of shades of green that gave the illusion of scales.

Her torso was bare save for two shells that clung to her breasts like a mermaid's bra. The rest of her skin was pure and untouched, but it looked elegant, not plain. The only piece of jewelry she wore was an emerald that hung just above her cleavage, suspended on a silver chain. It was the emerald that derived its intense color from the mermaid's fins, the color of blood deep underwater. It glistened like a wound on her breastbone, sending distorted shimmers of green-tinted light across the pale skin of her chest.

A mask was carefully placed to rest on her face as the final touch to her costume. It was the a cool, creamy off-white color, tipped on the edges with tiny sparkling pieces of polished sea glass that brought together the colors of her dress to decorate the signature of a masquerade ball.

Time to party, no?

[phantom]

((I hope this fits in with everything that's going on... Speed-reading only gets me so much info...))

Laodice walked into the Danger Room and looked around at all of the beautiful decorations. It sounded strange to have the ball in a "Danger Room" at first, but now Laodice could see that they had definitely thought this through. He wondered how long it had taken for them to get all of this ready. The room certainly didn't look as sinister as its name implied. It was almost unreal. Laodice walked in and touched one of the hanging curtains. Looking behind it, he realized that it was just for decoration. He looked at the shining black floors and the candles. It was like going back into the dream world, only he had never had such an elegant dream. It made him reflect on his own powers. He had the ability to step into darkness, the very opposite of the shingin beauty of this room. It was as if that made him the detroyer of this beaty. But he could also open a gateway to a dream world, something so similar to this place that it almost seemed like he was there right then. He looked around at the candles and the tables aranged perfectly. He thought of his other power, to add or take weight, to take the burden from another's shoulders. This room did that without any sort of supernatural power. It was as if entering it made you float and fly in an almost inhuman, but desirable way. And as Laodice looked around, he didn't want to think about his powers or anyone elses. He didn't want to be caughtup in the cares of everyday life. Entranced by the beauty of his surroundings, he turned full circle many times to try and take in every bit of the light and life of the room as he could, everything that it had to offer, as if it would bring him to life with it. His eyes wouldn't close as he seemed to become one with his surroundings. And with all of the strong feeling he had for the wonders of the room, he found himself searching for something more beautiful. He looked around the room, searching for the thing that had given him reason to come to the place. He looked and looked and his eyes finally fell on something that made his heart leap, his eyes widen, and his mind race and come to life; something far more desirable than any ballroom or any party. Laodice looked at Tiffany from across the room and smiled. He walked over in her direction and stopped just in front of her. "If this night could get any better," he said, "I'm sure my heart would stop from the excitement." Laodice felt slightly silly in his outfit. It was a long, black robe with two thin, silver chains on the front and a lowered hood, a costume based on characters from a video game. Laodice wasn't much into video games and he didn't really think his outfit was really fitting for such a ballroom, but all of that left his mind as he stepped in front of Tiffany, remembering their first conversation by the fountain. It seemed that they always met somewhere beautiful. "I always find you in the most beautiful places," Laodice said to Tiffany, "And you always fit into the picture nicely." Laodice smiled and hoped that it wasn't too much. He looked around again. "This is an amazing room," he said, "I wonder how they got all of this ready in such little time." He looked into Tiffany's light blue eyes. He recalled every bit of their converation, rliving it in his mind. She had been truly inspiring, uplifting, and strong. He, again, felt the feeling of not being good enough. He felt as if he didn't deserve to be here with her. It was a feeling like he would never be able to offer her what she offered him. The feelings almost overwhelmed him, taking him out of the moment. He then came back to reality, not wanting to get caught in the past. The past was what held and recalled all pains and sufferings. He decided it would be better to look to the future. He looked again into Tiffany's eyes and hoped that this would be a sight he would see far into the future. He knew that if he could have that, the ballroom-and the rest of the world, for that matter-could fall away into nothing and he could still be content. He could still feel complete and warm in a sea of cold. He thought of how she had controlled water and the small iced flower that she had created, a work of art. Perhaps she was here to cool his pains. Perhaps he was there to do the same. He just hoped he could do it as well as she could. He smiled, though sure Tiffany wouldn't know why, and hoped that the night would go smoothly.
____________________________________________

Jaden walked into the ballroom wearing a simple suit and tie. He didn't have time to think of a costume and wasn't really sure if costumes were really appropriate. He didn't really know about anything to dress up as anyway. The memories he shared with Zefrum were of pools of blood and screming faces. Such things were not fit for any costume for any party. He looked around the room, admiring the decorations. The room was like a haven from the cruel and disgusting world outside. He wondered where Belle was and looked around frantically for her. He wanted to find her quickly before something bad happened. He was tired of having to worry about it, but it was important to do so. He had to protect everyone from danger. Or maybe Belle could protect them. He looked around and, to his dismay, didn't see her. The room was very elegant though. He looked closely at one of the candles. The flame was tall and bright, but he couldn't feel the heat coming from it, oddly enough. It was good, though, since he was already hot enough in his suit. He loosened his collar a bit and looked around again. He walked along one of the tables, running his hand along the top. He looked at the marble floors and the looked around again for Belle. He thought he felt a slight pressure in his head, but it was just him imagination. He did hear a voice in his head though: Why did you take us here? I'll be sure to make you pay for this. Plenty of people here, right? Jaden could hear the voice of Zefrum echoing in his mind, constantly speaking threats. Jaden had worked hard to supress him and he knew that it would take a lot if he wanted to make it through the night. I beg of you, he thought to Zefrum, Please don't hurt anyone. Besides, this is a lot of people. It might not turn out so well for you if you try anything. Jaden waited a moment for Zefrum's reply. You think I'm afraid of these people?Zefrum asked with a slight laugh, I think you should probably warn them. The floors will be sticky with their blood at the end of the night. You know I never loose. Jaden shook his head. "Shut up," he said to himself, "please just shut up..." He knew that he couldn't enjoy the night with these voices going through his head. Jaden, Zefrum called, Just let me out now before too many people show up. You know it's best. Come on. You don't want me to hurt the girl, do you? Jaden cringed at the thought of Zefrum hurting anyone, especially Belle. "Please don't," he said out loud, "please just give me this night. Please, just let me be me now." You don't exist! Zefrum yelled in Jaden's mind, Why should I let you hold me captive?! You have no rights. This is my body. Jaden could feel Zefrum fighting to get loose now, but Jaden looked around and thought of Belle. Concentrating very hard, he was able to keep Zefrum locked up. I'll get out eventually, he heard in his mind, And I'll be sure to do as much harm as I can and I'll give you every detail. The fires, the blood, the screams, the agony. I'll tell you every time your little Belle begs for mercy as her arms and legs burn away to nothing... Jaden tried to ignore the voices in his head, but couldn't. "Just shut up!" he yelled out, not meaning to do it out loud. he looked around, hoping no one was looking at him. He listened for a moment. The voices had stopped. had it worked? Jaden could only hope so. He heard a slight whisper from deep inside himself. It was almost so deep that it was no longer part of himself, the voice almost inaudible in his mind: One night... Had he heard it correctly, it would be the perfect message. He walked further into the Danger Room turned Ballroom and looked up at the chandeliers. How long would this last for him?

[Chibi Ryuzaki]

~He stood there at the entrance of the ball. He had been to this place called Cassis before, but his memories were astray, clouded. He stood there wearing a black tuxedo covered by a cape like cloak with no hood. He also wore a mask that covered most of his face, from the nose up. A soft glow could barely be made out from under the mask as well. He had untidy, spike black hair. Over his left hand he wore a leather black glove. He looked around, some of the faces looked somewhat familar, but many he had never seen before. He took a few steps into the room still surveying the area and the people around him. Music and voices filled his ears, clors seemed to blur together almost. Then he saw a most magnificant shade of blue stuck out. The girl in the dress looked familiar, but he couldn't be sure, it was like he knew her from a past life. He started to aproach her. He took his time because he was uneasy about it. He came up behind her and reach out his hand to pat her on the sholder when she turned around.~

[Tiffany]

Tiffany felt someone touch her shoulder. Smiling at Laodice, she tore her gaze from him and looked behind her. She had no idea who it was, because he of course was in a costume, and one that was unrecognizable to her as of yet. She smiled softly to him and tried to tell who it was, like intense concentration would make the mask dissolve and she would be able to tell who was behind it. "Yes?" She asked slowly, slightly curious as to who would interrupt her conversation with her date. She tried to not be irratated.

((sorry so short..didnt really have much to go on you know?))

[Chibi Ryuzaki]

((oh hush))

~He pulled his hand back, as if to keep it from harm.~ "I....I know you?" ~He put his hand on his mask and started to pull, the mask had reached just above his nose wehn he stopped, it was as if he was almost afraid to pull the mask off. The soft glow could clearly be seen now. As he started to pull the mask all the way off, a small, single tear rolled down his cheek.~ "Or, at least I think I do?" ~He pulled the mask all the way of now to reveal his face." ~Do you know who I am?" ~The young man had soflty glowing eyes, the right had a firery red glow, and the left had a icey blue glow. Even though his hair was black now he strongly resembled someone who had been missing for a while. Ryuzaki.~

[Tiffany]

Tiffany gasped at the sight. "Ryu?" She couldnt believe her eyes. One of his eyes glowed red, the other blue..and he was crying. "What happened to you? Of course you know me.." She placed a hand near his face but pulled it back. "Oh Ryu..." She gasped and clasped her hands together nervously. "Where have you been?" She asked as she studied the confusion in his eyes. He looked like he had no idea where he was, who he was, or who anyone here was. She motioned for him to sit down. "Okay..I want you to tell me everything that happened..everything that you can remember anyway. " She told him firmly as she led him to a table and sat him down. She quickly grabbed a cup of punch for him and sat down in a chair facing to him.

[Chibi Ryuzaki]

"I..I don't really know." ~He took the cup from her and followed her to the seat.~ "I..I remember leaving the school. There was a man..~flashes of memories entered his mind~ h...he made promises, said he could help me. ~flashes of people in pain~ I helped him and he helped me, he kind-of helped me."~He than sat there collectiong his thoughts. He picked up his left hand and pulled off the glove to reviel a tattoo on his wrist. It was dueling dragons, one with green eyes the other with red eyes.. He looked back up at her.~ "I tryed to leaves so mamy times, i..got caught, he punished me~flashes of his torture sessions~ but he let me go this tie to deliver a message." ~He then fell silent.~

[Krispey]

Oshaya entered the danger room, in awe. Her black oculars scanned the gorgeous room, a slight chuckle emmiting into the atmosphere. The las time Oshaya ha been here, there was tension in the sir, and people were getting hit with whizzing bones, spat at with venom balls, and zapped with electricity. But now, it was cozy, and the mood was laid back and relaxed. A hand went up, adjusting the velvet red horns headband that sat ontop of glossy raven locks which had been proffesionally layered. Oshay wore a red just, it's material silken, the rim of it completed with about an inch or two of red lace. The dress was a halter topped, and it revealed the bare flesh on Oshaya's shoulder. A red chocker was around her neck, red lipstick upon Oshaya's soft lips. Her legs were covered in red fishnet stockings, reaching about mid thigh, red lace at the end of them(mid thigh). Her dress just barely swiped the top of the stockings themselves. On her arms were red satin gloves, stopping at her elbows. The outfit was completed with a red pitch fork, taller than Oshaya. It wasn't real, for the tips of the fork lit up, a golden tone. Oshaya glanced around the dance, gripping the pitch fork loosely. She really only searched for one person...Kamon.

Mayanalea entered the dance, stroking her silken locks brown locks. They had been teased, and streamed down, stopping at the small of her back. Black eyeliner, and a thick coating of black eyeliner completed her gorgeous eyes, which roamed about the dance. As she walked about, her hand was lightly clutched with satin material of her raven lack dress. The dress' bottom was poofed out to extent, fitting her each and every curve at the top half of her midriff. The poofy section of the desk had been drenched with sparkles, the dress looking like the night's sky, sprinkled with stars. Her nails were black as well. She was represinting her element, darkness, although she wasn't a dark person. Maya looked around the dance, searching for someone she knew. And then, her eyes landed upon Caynce...Caynce!! He speed picked up to a slight jog as she made her way over to him. She was happy to have seen him there. She popped up behind him, silently, "Hello there Caynce!" A wide smile played upon her features. Now, she knew she oulnd't be alone, and felt more relaxed to know that she actually knew someone else there.
And nashino..He'd bothred not to come, for he was too busy sorting out unsolved emotions from earlier that day...Poor guy.