The Devil's Ball

[Zeke Suzushima]

Zeke was still watching from the stairs when Kris was speaking to his mistress, only ducking down them again when the boy turned and headed in his direction. No doubt just in time to be seen, but not slow enough for Naelona to spot him. As soon he was down he felt the hand on his shoulder and grinned, turning to face his twin. Sapphires, emerald, and ruby met at once and Zeke laughed as he was hugged. "Really now, I saw you barley a day ago."

Kris's words pushed the seriousness of the situation. Zeke nodded into his shoulder. "All right." Once Kris pulled away, his smile was back in place. A better mask than the blue one on his face. "Of course."

Zeke followed after his twin without any resistance or questions, nor did he glance at the woman and man that Kris had spotted. He did, however, see a flash of blue hair as he crossed the floor followed by the worst sight he could see...his mistress. Or her body, at least. Sky-blue eyes immediately dropped to the floor, then glued themselves to the back of Kris's shoulder. He didn't want to see Charoa in his love's face. Those sweet eyes filled with that...dead, cold emptiness.

Instead, he simply whispered, "What's the plan, double?"

[Elric Vlarintos]

Things had been weird and Elric hardly could stand when relations were rough between people. Most of the time he just stayed away from the drama, but he hardly had much of a choice here. The attempt seemed feeble, weak and forced, but at the very least it was an attempt. Considering all of Piper's insecurities Elric was expecting a refusal, but perhaps with a small grin to acknowledge that he had tried.

He received the grin and her acquiescence. That was unusual and unexpected, but Elric was pleased. Silently he offered a smile back to her before placing the mask back over his face and making the necessary adjustments. It would be interesting to see if he still remembered the appropriate movements when out on the dance floor.

Offering his arm to Piper he only felt a little awkward leading her out onto the dance floor. People would see, but would people recognize either of them? In a sea of people it hardly seemed like anyone should take notice of two slaves dancing without good reason to freak out over it.

It was that last part that made him nervous.

[Shaehern Azhrarn]

Wisps hidden amongst the decorations made for inconspicuous spies. Perhaps it might have been more sinister if their purpose was not one so superfluous. They had been set into place not to spy on anything that Shaehern Azhrarn would consider usually. Instead they had been sent to monitor how full the ball room was getting and when it would be appropriate to enter in a 'fashionably late' manner.

The room seemed to be filling up to the appropriate proportions, and Shaehern was getting impatient. After all, being fashionably late meant that he had been ready hours before, but he had to wait to enter in order to keep up appearances. With all of the preparations he had made for his entrance it would truly have been awful to ruin it at the last moment with an early entrance. As many people as possible were necessary to make his entrance as grandiose as possible. He through the doors by himself. Bringing along his slave would only have taken attention away from him, after all.

The orchestra saw him and immediately stopped what they had been playing. As arranged, they started playing something very out of place for a dance. Shae lived for moments like this.

The music played and Shaehern joined in with his peculiar singing voice. Peacock feathers on his dress and mask certainly meant that everyone's eyes would be on him and that he'd look like he had more than enough to match.

"How d'you do, I see you've met my faithful handyman.
He's just a little brought down because when you knocked
He thought you were the candyman.
Don't get strung out by the way that I look,
Don't judge a book by its cover.
I'm not much of a man by the light of day,
But by night I'm one hell of a lover.
I'm just a Sweet Transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania.
So let me show you around, maybe play you a sound.
You look like you're both pretty groovy.
Or if you want something visual that's not too abysmal,
We could take in an old Steve Reeves movie.
I'm just a Sweet Transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania.
So why don't you stay for the night? Or maybe a bite?
I could show you my favorite obsession.
I've been making a man with blond hair and a tan
And he's good for relieving my tension
I'm just a Sweet Transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania."

His performance was complete with appropriate hip movements and finger points to his unwilling audience.

Females and males alike were slain by the beauty of his entrance. At least, that was how it worked in his mind. In reality they might have just fainted from the shock of seeing him enter. What did it matter though? He was, after all, the hit of the show.

[Jasmine Krisp]

Oh. Good. Lord.

Jasmine had been spacing out a little, eyeing the lovely young woman who'd walked in with a trio of young slaves. She'd recognized Kyle at once and her smile had glowed, but he'd gone and wandered away before she could say hello. But as she'd been staring at Naelona for a moment or too...she had a habit of eyeing the woman from time to time...the most strange, outlandish and ridiculous person walked into the ball room. And to the strangest, most fitting music. And all the little woman could do was stare, blinking, at the song and dance.

Who is that guy?? So flamboyant...

Jazz grinned and started down the staircase, just around the end of the dance. She also noticed the pair of blondes, one looking faint and the other laughing hysterically. She was more focused on the peacock wearing stranger.

Hello fun!

[Piper Wren]

Piper hesitated for a moment when Elric offered her his arm but after a pulling herself together she rested her hand upon it in customary fashion...her insecurities were somewhat mirroring Elric's at this point in time. People were obviously going to see and even that was making her feel nervous, perhaps thanks to the masks and the unusual attire it wouldn't be quite as obvious? There were a fair amount of people entering the ballroom now and the music was playing, being the first on the floor wasn't something she had planned...infact she hadn't planned to dance at all. The original idea was to make excuses and be invisible, that seemed to have gone out of the window for the time being. No one seemed to be watching as far as Piper could see.

Now came the interesting part.

The young woman took a deep breath and rested her hand upon Elric's shoulder, the music currently being played by the boogie orchestra was a typical waltz, nothing she hadn't done before at least. Piper looked up at Elric, his face now completely hidden by the mask again. Perhaps that was a good thing, it meant she could take past the lump in her throat.

"Well then...erm, I'll follow your lead."

After all, that was typically how it was done...although nervous Piper was slightly intrigued to see if Elric could dance well, it wasn't something she had ever really expected of him. But of course, when was there ever the occasion for it in Wonderland?

[Kristopher Roberts]

As Kristopher pretended to move towards the table to gather a drink or two, there was so many things to talk about in a very short amount of time. The clones needed to take care of a few things here and there before too many people showed up.

He was almost to the table and so he turned his head to look at Zeke, "We need to do a---" Of course his voice suddenly stopped as a sudden change of music caught his attention. Kristopher wasn't paying attenion what he was doing then and tripped on his own two feet as soon as he saw Shae. He fell face frist into the floor, though quickly recovered. He stood up in complete and utter shock.

"How d'you do, I see you've met my faithful handyman.
He's just a little brought down because when you knocked
He thought you were the candyman.

"Oh. My. Fucking. God." Was all that came out of the blonds mouth as he stared at the fucked up boogie doing a very creepy song and singing---very well. He almost wanted to find a trash can to puke in as well. He quickly turned on his feels, bringing one hand up to cover the side of his face as if he forgot he was wearing a mask and trying to hide himself. Without a thought, he reached out and forced Zeke to turn away as well.

"Don't look! You'll only encourage it!" He declared with a voice that was high pitched and startled. Oh god, he was scared for like! That was something he never wanted to see or hear again! Somethings in this world was never meant to be and Shaehern Azhrarn in peacock feathers, dancing, and signing odd songs was one of them!

Kristopher now was having second thoughts on his original plan! He wasn't sure if he could go through with it now that Shae was here!!

Then, he prayed to God that Shae didn't see him and would IGNORE HIM!

[Kazn Ezel]

Counted measures in time. It was easy to get lost in the rhythm of it all. He might not have even noticed that anyone walked up to him if they could have reached him in the first place. The next piece was a pleasant waltz, but he had no part in the instruments of this performance. Instead he patiently sat on his stool and listened pleasantly to the tune.

The music stopped. Why did the music stop? As though it sought to be an immediate answer to his question the music started again. However, this was not his music. This music had not been approved, nor had he instructed its rehearsal. It was an unfamiliar cacophony. Heinous sounds mixed into some horrific and foul-tasting drink that was poured into his ears caused something akin to a fit. By some miracle he stayed on the stool and fumbled for a flask of his spirits.

One shot of the water of life lit a fire within him, but hardly made this neophyte's behavior appropriate. He had half a mind to signal to security to take him out where he stood. Kazn showed only enough restraint not to have the Boogie killed on sight. It was supposed to be a fun night, and he'd get to see blood enough before it was through.

Kazn stood up and walked slowly in front of the orchestra. They were all going to get a piece of his mind, since they all seemed to be in on this. He would not let that stand after this night was over.

When the song died down he looked at them all and wagged a finger. "From. From the top. The top of the last song." He could hardly manage eloquence and was grateful for the mask he was wearing. If they could see his face they would know what it looked like to stare upon something composed of pure, unadulterated rage.

[Zeke Suzushima]

Zeke kept his dark eyes still on Kris's shoulder, mind fuddled by thoughts of Charoa and that child. Was she going to end up on a plate? A victim of a pretty face with fangs? Did he have to stop Charoa...hurt her...as well as Serenity...to save a young girl's life? Was tha--And that was when the music shifted. Zeke glanced up at the sudden change in tempo and the reaction from the crowd, along with the look on Kris' face, before spotting the disturbance in the force.

"Holy fuck."

Zeke started laughing as soon as he saw the feathers, even when his face was turned away by Kris. Thank goodness his laughing was drowned out by the music, but he couldn't help his doubling over with giggles. "K-Kris...who the fuck is that g-guy?!" He managed through laughs, "This is...oh Kami-sama that DRESS!!!" It really was difficult to stop laughing as the song continued. It was just way too much. It shattered all realms of seriousness in all the parts of the world. It was EPIC.

Soon as the song was over, despite a certain twin's hand on his face, Zeke managed a rather sharp wolf-whistle. A loud one, at that. Then he grinned at Kris.

"I'm guessing you don't like him...her...it."

[Elric Vlarintos]

Elric went out onto the dance floor with Piper. This had certainly been the last thing on his mind when he had come to the ball tonight, and it was not something he would have ever believed he would do with Piper when they had first met. He might not have laughed if you had told him back then, but he would have thought it an impossibility.

Leading them in the waltz would, in fact, fall to Elric's responsibility as far as traditions went. The hand going to her side felt a little awkward, but it was a necessary placement. He quickly picked up the beat and started the gentle sway to the music.

The steps came naturally and Elric proved himself a skilled enough dancer to keep off of Piper's feet, at the very least. Formal slow dances were all he really knew and understood, and he was grateful that those were the types of songs he expected to be played here. A few songs dancing with Piper and then perhaps they'd go visit with his Mistress. He'd rather avoid the meeting if possible, but he doubted it would be easy to just slip away from it. Especially after stepping out onto the floor like this.

Before he could consider the feeling of eyes on him he found that the music abruptly stopped. What picked up could only be a song that he had no chance of dancing to. When he saw the source of the commotion--the entrance of some kind of feather adorned Boogie wo... no... that was a man.

Elric visibly shuddered. "Maybe it would be best if we stepped off of the floor for now." So far as he could tell, his own reaction had been much more moderate than most of the rest of the room.

[Sarah Roberts]

Sarah had been one of the later arrivals. She sneaked in with a few other late comers, and found a wall to hide next to. She didn't like crowds, but she knew her brothers would be here, and she wanted to be here, too, for moral support, and to get them out of trouble, if need be. Likely the second. She didn't pay much attention to the decor. It was the same old shit, to her. Just the boogies being their pompous selves. She had gotten annoyed by it, at times, but had since learned to ignore it. It kept her from stabbing people. Stabbing people was generally considered bad. Or so Kyle kept telling her.

Though she was a late arrival, she was not late enough to miss the flamboyant entrance of one particular boogie. She almost doubled over laughing at his song and dance. Now, this was someone she could get to like. Maybe. Certainly showed more potential, even in these few minutes, than the rest of the party had since she'd been here. With the exception of her brothers, of course. Throughout most of it, all she could think about was that she was surprised there was a boogie that had actually seen the movie. . . or had he actually sneaked up and seen one of the live performances? . . . He seemed like the type to be *IN* one of the live performances. He played the role entirely too well.

After some degree of normalcy returned, Sarah returned to leaning up against the wall, scanning the room. Naelona was not at all hard to find, and, from there, Kris and Kyle. She made sure she knew where her two siblings were throughout the night, but stayed where she was, for the moment. She didn't feel like mingling. Nor much of anything. Not yet.

[Shaehern Azhrarn]

Was there applause to his entrance? Shaehern could hardly tell. It certainly looked like the old stiffs had choked on their tradition, and that alone made the entrance worth it. No one had shot him and no goons had come by to throw him out again this year, so that must mean he was fine. Normally the reaction was immediate if they were going to send him away.

He was certain about one thing, though. There had definitely been a loud whistle from the crowd. His keen ears pinpointed the source from one of two blonds. With an overzealous kick of one of his legs into the air and a ruffle of his skirt he started moving forward. His most vocal fans deserved his personal presence and thanks for their support, after all. Maybe he'd make sure that there was something nice in store for the compliment.

It took only a moment to recognize that one of the two was Kristopher. The other one was... also Kristopher? "Oh my goodness! They're multiplying!" Spreading his arms wide he took them both and embraced them in a great big hug. "Surely this means if I keep waiting there will be one for me too?" The idea seemed foolhardy and silly. After everything else Shaehern was willing to do that seemed par for the course.

He released the two from his hug and just looked at the Kristopher look-alike. Both of this one's eyes were the same and he was wearing something that looked much more conservative, at least compared to Kristopher's outfit. "You're the one that whistled, aren'tcha? That's so sweet. Could I buy you?"

He tossed his head back and laughed. Truly this night was a wonderful night. Leaving the boa behind had been an excellent choice. It would have clashed with the rest of this outfit in such a way as to detract the attention he was getting. It was a finely balanced line of 'outrageous' that he walked.

[Naelona Ezel]

Naelona had just been feeling quite comfortable where she was for the moment, every once in a while scanning for Elric and the girl in the red dress (the dress was easier to find, honestly), keeping an eye out for Kris and Kyle, and of course casting a scathing look towards Kazn was he seemed so enraptured with the music.

There was also that creeping feeling that someone kept watching her, and Naelona couldn't quite shake it. Feeling the hairs on her neck prickle she cast a quick and suspicious glance in Jazz's direction, when something else seemed to conjure up goosebumps instead.

A very much infernal racket. And one, very unmistakable voice.

"Oh, Shae.." Peering over down to the crowd below it was easy to pick out the.. eyesore of a boogie. Peacock feathers.. really..? Peacock feathers?! Shrinking back to her seat Naelona shuddered. Oh god, there were some moves a boogie like Shae in a dress like that should not be making. The boogie had a feeling she was going to have nightmares tonight, and not her usual variety either.

Casting a sidelong glance to the centerpiece she couldn't help but entertain the thought of lobbing it over the side and onto his flamboyant, feathery little head. But a very different idea caught her mind instead. Looking below at the orchestra she saw her 'dear' father, Kazn. He wore a mask but she could tell, he was steaming like a fresh baked turkey underneath. And for one tiny moment, while no-one was looking, Naelona grinned.

Of all the absurd, ridiculous, insane things to grace Wonderland's floor.. she just might have to owe him for this one.

[Kristopher Roberts]

Did--d--d--ddid Zeke just WOLF WHISTLE AT SHAE? Why on earth would anyone want to whistle at him? Let alone wolf whistle! Kristopher felt like he was about to explode and not in a good way. He wanted to turn and shake his twin and he did. He took hold of his twin and shook him like god all mighty! Repeating the phrase, "Why would you do something like that?!" to him in a conniption!

He stopped for a moment as he heard the ruffle and knew what that meant. Oh God! Shae was coming this way and so he looked at his twin. "Whatever he says, what ever he ask, just say no! By go say no!"

"Oh my goodness! They're multiplying!"

By this time Kristopher let go of his twin and eeped rather loudly when he was hugged to the creepy Boogie that freaked him the hell out! He didn't know what to say and so he said nothing else other then a nervous hello to Shae.

Once released he let out a happy little sigh and took a step back, nervous like. You're the one that whistled, aren'tcha? That's so sweet. Could I buy you?" Looking at Zeke, the blond almost fainted for he knew what the other was about to say and so quickly, he leaned over and whispered to Zeke what Shae really meant by that.

Pulling back he offer Shae a huge smile, "Ahh, Master Shae, um, we can't stay to chat for very long. We are um...on a mission--quest--errand! Yes, errand for Madam Naelona in which I need his help here." He patted his twin on his back a little too enthused. "So if you would pardon us please? Ahh, Madam is near by if you wish to talk to her and even---oh yes---I think I see a lot of pretty boys around too! Like That one! " He then pointed across the room in hopes that Shea would look away and if he did, he was running with Zeke.

Ah yes, distracting Shae with pretty boy's since 1985 and running far far far away

[Zeke Suzushima]

"Ah! Kris! Stop shaking me!" the older twin laughed more while Kris gave him that look of utter terror mixed with mass humiliation. He was so distracted he didn't notice as the peacock-drabbed Boogie wandered over to them (hard to miss, trust me) and caught the two of them in a hug. Kris yelped, but Zeke didn't. He just blinked and blew a feather out of his face before he was released, smiling politely at the strange man in a dress.

Hell, I've worn dresses before. Nothing weird about that.

"I'm Zeke. It's nice to meet you, sir," Zeke's big blue eyes narrowed slightly in confusion by Shae's word, "...er...buy me what?" he said just before Kris whispered an explanation. Behind the mask, the boy turned into a tomato. "Oh." He suddenly became very interested in the blue scarf on his costume. Then, again getting caught by someone, Zeke was dragged away from Shae by his twin, running faster than he normally would.

Soon as they were out of harms...er...feather's way, Zeke gave Kris a blank, confused expression. "Kris? What did he mean 'One for him too'?"

Silly, silly Zeke.

[Jasmine Krisp]

It took a little more time than Jasmine would have liked to snake her way through the murmuring crowd of Boogies. By the time she'd even reached the middle of the room the song had ended and the singer moved, but he was easy to relocate. Really. It was impossible to miss him. She watched a little farther off as he tried to bag a blond boy, though they got away. She couldn't help the little laugh that escaped her lips.

Jazz took a few steps closer to the Boogie man, clapping her hands. "That really was something else. In all my years...never have I seen a boy run that fast." She was, of course, referring to the song in the first part of her statement. "I personally would have gone with the 'Time Warp'. But that was a very good choice."

Clapping done, the little woman twined one hand up into her purple hair, still in its signature braid, and offered the other hand to Shae. She liked this fellow, outlandish or no, he sure knew how to liven up a sacrifice. "I'm Jasmine Krisp, Wonderland's token lesbian. I really love your dress."