I headed out to the edge of the water and slipped off my shoes and socks, and put my feet in the bloody water of the Spirit World’s one and only Ruby Sea.

“Why is it red?” I asked, glancing over at Pierce, Death and Ethan. Ethan joined me by the water, tossed off his sandals and stuck his feet in the water, too, knees raised.

“The red water isn’t anything to worry about. It’s fresh water, it’s not, like, blood or anything.” Ethan smiled warmly and scooped up the water and splashed his face. How… special. “In fact, it’s supposed to have healing properties, but no one knows how to use it except for higher forces like the Divinities and the Angels. It’s irreversible, so incredibly strong demons wouldn’t have any use for it, it may even burn them. That’d be nice.”

“Yeah, but,” I leaned on Ethan’s shoulder. “Why is it stuck here instead of Elysium Fields?”

“Because… it had to do with the convenience of the creatures that used to live here.” Ethan wiped his face with the sleeve of his robe.

“Like dinosaurs,” I chuckled, Ethan grinned.

“Look, we’re not going to wait forever.” Death called. I looked over my shoulder, but Ethan didn’t budge, just sighed.

“What?” I asked, looking back over at Ethan.

“I wish that I had powers, and I wish I wasn’t so weak. If I could just show those…” he sighed again and stood up, then helped me to my feet.

“Finally, I thought you guys were never going to make it.” Death observed, as we finally reached Pierce’s and Death’s range.

“Yeah, well we did.” I sighed. “Did you get a table?”

“No, we were waiting.” Pierce commented, smiling.

“Now that you’re here we’ll get one.” Death mimicked Pierce’s tone.

“Wow, thanks.” I shot him a taunting smile.

“God save the queen,” Death threw his hands in the air and turned to the café, stepped in and rung the bell at the front desk about eighty thousand times before a waitress took the bell away. Death didn’t look surprised. He turned around, leaning against the counter, his face lit up as he gazed at the lady.

“What do you want, Death?” the waitress sneered, finally, eyes full of rage, setting the bell down on another counter.

“Oh! Hey Kali!” Death grinned. “What are you-”

“I work here, and for your information, my name is Kalista.” The waitress hissed, fluffing her long, black ponytail. She was a pretty one; I’ll give you that. I was jealous. What was her story? Why does she hate Death- or act like it for that matter? She turned to us, staring at Pierce, and then glancing at Ethan. “Hey Grim.” She wiped her hands on her apron.

Ethan gave her a weak, two-finger salute, looking down. “Hey Kali.”

“Who are the stiff and the weird Emo girl? Or is that a guy?” she glanced at me. “No offense on the gender stuff.” She smiled sarcastically. I snorted, rolling my eyes and sticking out my tongue.

“The stiff if Pierce, that girl is Sarai, she’s my date.” Death winked at me. “I’m doing a favor before she has to go back to Ma- I mean, her home town and face the idiots who live there. I’m making her time here more enjoyable.”

“Regards to you Pierce… Well, Death… You’re already dating again? It’s only been a week since we broke up. You looked pretty hurt.” She scowled.

“Actually, I thought that was a pretty sad act. I could have done better. It worked though. I’ve already dated, like thirteen really hot women.” He licked his lips. “Yeah, but they all dumped me after our first date. They thought I was a posing as Silver.”

“Well you were.” Kalista growled. “That’s why I dated you. Silver at least cares about his wife.”

“You two were married!” That took me back.

“This is Death and my conversation, kid.” Kalista sneered. “But no, I dated him whenever he wasn’t locked up in the darkest corner of that handsome dream king’s mind.” Her eyes drifted off towards the window. I noticed one eye was shocking green, and the other was bright blue.

“I haven’t been locked up, lately, Silver finds me of no use. So do you want to get back together?” Death asked, smiling hopefully.

“No way.” She slapped him with a rag that I hadn’t noticed before. “Go get a table, I’ll get someone to take your order for you. Can I talk to you, Reaper?”

Ethan sighed and stepped forward, regretfully.

“What the hel-” I was interrupted by Pierce.

“Don’t say that. It’s not good. It’s a real place, and it’s just not good to say it, especially in times like these.” Pierce noted.

“Then explain why is everyone so calm.” I muttered.

“They’re pretty sure they’ll make it out okay.” Death sighed, mind almost completely absent as he shoved through the crowds of people to the outside, and to a table on the far right. “I’m pretty sure they won’t.”

“What’s Kalista’s problem?” I asked, sitting down along with Death and Pierce.

“She’s a spaz.” Death rolled his eyes.

“What’s she telling Ethan?” I looked through the stained glass, old English window.

“She needs money for her mortgage. Ethan says he’ll try and get the money, but maybe Kali could try talking to Seth- he’s basically the vice president of the Darkness Temple- and get him to extend the payment a bit more so Ethan can get the money. Kalista doubts that, and says Seth has extended the payment as much as it can go, because her tenement in the,” Pierce gave us a told-you-so look. “Darkness Temple is limited, and very nice, and plus, Silver has a grudge against her, because supposedly, when he first came to the Spirit World, before he was born, she tried to kiss him. Ethan says that wasn’t possible unless she was cursed. She says that was sent to Earth as a human to keep records of deaths, but died at an early age because of supposed witchcraft in the ninth century. Burned at the stake, I think. Ethan remembers this, and by his thoughts, it seems he was put in charge of her until she was thirteen, then she went back to working at the Darkness Temple.”

“That’s quite a story. I didn’t think she knew Ethan like that.” Death spotted a waiter coming through the door. “Waiter! Over here!”

The waiter sighed, like it was ‘another one of those days’.

“So Ethan’s basically Kali’s father.”

“No, he was more of a roommate. She could fend for herself, just defined by law, she needed someone to live with until she turned thirteen.” Pierce’s eyes became alive again and he looked over at the waiter, who was waiting impatiently for him to order. “Oh, a cup of hot chocolate and ten chocolate chip cookies.”

“Cookie monster,” I heard the waiter grumble, before looking over at me.

“Same as him, only two cookies though.” I smiled to improve the waiter’s mood. The waiter only frowned deeper.

“And for the lovely Mr. Doomsday…?” The waiter groaned unenthusiastically.

“Well,” Death made a point to strain to see the waiter’s dark green nametag. “Monsieur Schiavo. What a pleasant name.”

The waiter rolled his squinted eyes, which were almost completely shielded from our view by his thick, light brown hair. “That’s my birth name. I recently changed it to Scott, so you have nothing to hold against me.” He glared at us all, eyes tired. “Now, give me your order before I have to kick you out.”

“I was about to give it to you but you interrupted me. Write this down- I want you largest bagel, a huge mug of coffee with tons of whip cream, twenty sugar cookies and… well… I guess just bring me a thing of chocolate syrup and a pitcher of milk. Oh and you might want to put some ice on the side, I don’t think Sarai can take the intense heat of the chocolate.” But by the time he had finished, the waiter had left.

“Nice going, jar-head. They better get us our orders.” I hissed.

“Chill, think- Ethan can get Kali to get us the stuff.” Death muttered, offensively.

“Aw… Ethan. We didn’t get anything for him!” I slapped my forehead as Ethan innocently finished his conversation with Kali and trudged outside.

“Which is another reason I got twenty sugar cookies.” Death raised his hands.

Ethan pulled up a chair and sat between Death and I. “Hi.” He smiled kindly. He was so sweet- and so cute- I wanted to give him another hug. “That was an interesting conversation.”

“We listened in.” Death tossed out.

“Idiot!” I balled up a fist and slammed it on Death’s left hand.

“Ow! That’s the hand I write with!” Death attempted to nurse his hand.

“I’m glad,” I glared at the man as he pouted and put up a human act of rubbing his hands. “You don’t need to act.”

“Trust me, it’s much better if I act in situations like this.” Death said, flatly, glancing up at me.

“So, you guys eavesdropped?” Ethan asked, still sounding innocent. “Sarai, I swear, Kali doesn’t like me, and I don’t like her either, she’s just my former roommate.”

“Ah-ha!” Pierce pointed at me, smirking.

“We know, it’s fine. It’s not like I really care though.” I smiled. Ethan obviously thought I liked him. Well I did, but not like I liked Aaron. Crap! I’m doing it again! “I do care- but I’d be happy if you were dating, I’m not jealous- well I sort of am, but you know…”

Ethan smiled. “We can be a family, kind of. Sarai and I are the twins who act precious and everyone is jealous of, Pierce is the loving father, and Death is that disgruntled, younger brother of the father who can never seem to settle down with a nice young lady. And Kali’s like that cousin that makes favorites and nobody seems to like her, secretly of course.”

“Who’s the mother?” Pierce asked, lowly.

“René- always nagging about a curfew for lunch and always wanting you to come have dinner at the table.” I smirked, chuckling.

Pierce and Ethan joined in on my laughter, but Death was yet again absent, watching Kali dash over to us and set down Pierce’s and my orders.

“Where’s mine?” Death asked, looking up with big eyes. “Does you not like me enough?”

“I’ve never liked you.” Kali sneered, then smiled at Ethan before turning away, probably to ‘accidentally’ grab Death’s order. Ethan groaned, rolling his eyes.

“She’s misunderstanding my help to her. It’s an act of kindness, plus I had to raise her for five years… so yeah…” Ethan sighed. “Hey, did you guys order for me?”

“Death scared off the waiter.” I lied… sort of. It was a half lie. Half right, is exactly what I would classify it as- or anyone of my mind-state would.

“Death…?” Ethan turned to Death, although he didn’t look all that surprised.

“Well, I ordered a very large bagel, a very large cup of coffee, and twenty cookies, I think you will be pleased.” Death defended.

“Wait- who’s going to pay?” I asked, suddenly frightened by the idea of washing dishes until René came searching for me with an army of morons.

“We steal of course.” Death said, calmly. “If you and Ethan want to pay, be my guest, but I’m not paying.”

“I think I’ll just go back into the Medallion. It’s not like anyone will notice I’m gone.” Pierce shrugged.

“I’ll pay for you, Sarai.” Ethan smiled, reassuringly.

“No, I’ve got a credit card… which doesn’t work probably…” I looked over at Ethan. “Yeah, so your offer works the best, thanks.”

“No problem, I’m totally in on making this a carefree time.” Ethan’s smile widened.

I munched on a cookie, and Pierce sipped his hot chocolate, handing Ethan and Death each one of his cookies. “You owe me two cookies, Death.”

“Pshaw… I don’t eat; you can have it all. You of all people, Pierce, should know that none of the Forsaken Divinities need to do any mortal and lower forces needs or wants…” Death threw the cookie over his shoulder with a twist of his wrist. He slouched over in his seat.

“Then why are you ringing up the bill?” I hissed.

“To annoy the waiter, ‘duh. Plus, I’m going to leave without paying, you know, that’s pretty easy on all of us. It’s not like they can track DEATH. Even if they try, they’d probably end up with hands full of Silver.” Death snickered. “Now, Pierce, why are you eating? Technically you are nearly as strong as me… so you don’t feel the need to eat and drink, do you?”

“Of course I do, I’m a human right now.” Pierce said, treating Death as if he were a child. “Yeah and speaking of that- I’ve got to go somewhere. Sarai?”

My stomach grumbled. I was full- I had been for a while. “Yeah…”

* * * * * * * *

When we came back, Death had something to say as usual.

“It’s hard to see how Silver humors Claire. Silver doesn’t need to eat or drink or sleep. He could stay awake for a million years without feeling the need, unless he has been through a lot.” Death sneered. “He could at least make Claire a half vampire.”

“Now that’d be weird.” I chuckled. “I don’t think Silver would bite Claire.”

“It’d be weird if he didn’t every Friday night. Yuck.” Death made a face, Pierce spit out his hot chocolate, I coughed up my cookie, and Ethan pocketed his cookie, losing his appetite, turning pale.

“Do you watch it? Pervert!” I slew my hot chocolate at Death, disgusted, knowing he probably wouldn’t react, only turn red or yell.

“Hey, watch it!” He shouted, then collected himself again as he saw Kalista staring out the window. “I don’t watch them, of course, that IS disgusting. Life and I usually stay at the nightclub they go to every Friday night. I hook up with a foolish girl, and Life spends most of his time barfing in the bathroom. He can only have half of a glass of wine before going crazy. So much for ‘Life’.”

“What time is it?” I asked, looking around for a clock. Ethan stood up and walked inside the café.

“… It’s been forty minutes since you came to my house.” Ethan said, coming back to his seat.

“Maybe we should go.” I advised, finishing my second cookie.

Ethan left a tip and about fifty Latin dollar coins on the table. The coins were in mint condition, not like those you see that are bent and rusted, sometimes blue-silver colored. The coins were tempting, even more so because they were a shiny gold color.

“Okay, let’s.” Pierce stood up, stretching. Death was off in his fantasyland again, making a point to watch Kali’s actions.

I pulled him to his feet and he snapped out of his daze, yawning. “Do you want anyone to come with you?” he asked.

“I’ll be okay, it’d be best if no one came with me, except Pierce.” I muttered. Pierce nodded in agreement. “See you guys later.”

Ethan waved, and Death disappeared without a goodbye.

“Bye, Sarai, see you soon, I hope.” Ethan smiled his weak, friendly smile, before turning and heading in the direction of the forest.

“Well, let’s go.” Pierce motioned for us to follow Ethan; of course Ethan didn’t know, though.

* * * * * * * *

“Glad you could make it back,” Infectus greeted me. Pierce had gone back into the Medallion before I even thought about setting foot on Masques grounds.

“Me too.” I lied, as Infectus opened the large steel doors.

“It took you a while,” Infectus observed, as I stepped into the ballroom. “You made it right on time.”

“My point exactly.” I strode into the dining room, just as René was walking out of one of the hallways that Ike had marked forbidden.

“Ah, hello.” René smiled, lightly, sauntering over to me, his lips grazing my cheek that I turned to him.

“You didn’t spy on me, did you?” I asked, lowly.

“Not a chance- here,” René pulled up a chair for me. He sat down beside me, at the head seat, and sighed, dreamily, then smiling over at me. “We’ve got a big night tonight, I’ve been planning all hour.”

“What do you propose to do?” I asked, mind truant, but I chose to keep his interest and stare him deep in the eyes, testing shadow theories. His eyes were ineffective to me, and he slightly smiled wider when he noticed that.

Wow, his eyes are ineffective to you. To most mortals and souls, it’s very effective, and he can possess them at a glance, sometimes accidentally kill them. Like me, except I’ve never been lucky and only possessed them.

Cool, I think I’m flipping the tables on the Masques pretty well.

Yeah, you really are.

“I was thinking,” René leaned towards me, suddenly becoming very serious. “You could come.”

Perfect, this is the best chance I can get to help Silver.

I’ll try and help; we’ll go see if Infectus has an extra mask after lunch.

“Okay,” I answered, trying to sound calm, but I still sounded excited.

“Okay,” René nodded, smiling again. “This is a dance, so everyone needs a date. You will be mine.”

I, although, was hoping Aaron would be my date, though. At least I have gotten over my intolerance for him. René… ugh!

“Chuch will take Kathleen, because if she decides to try and kill someone, he can keep her under control. Plus, he looks the most like me, maybe that will help.” I didn’t think so, but I didn’t say anything. René continued, “Now, that leaves Ike, Aaron, and Ote. We don’t have any other female souls or humans to accompany them. Any ideas? Have you got any friends that could accompany them?”

“What about Myst and Infectus?” I asked, remembering how Myst had been captured.

“Infectus is keeping guard of the hide-out. We can’t risk Myst. She may meet up with her father or mother. Maybe she’d kill someone on the way to the Land of the Shadows. Chuch already would have his hands full with Kathleen, and Aaron still has a long way to go before becoming more powerful.” René explained, pursing his lips.

“A little birdie told me that Ote was experienced at Shadow Magic, can’t he hold Myst?” I argued. I had friends who could accompany Ike and Ote- not Aaron, I didn’t want him to get distracted by another woman- and plus, I didn’t want them to get captured. Jeanne and Kayla are potentially stronger than me, even though I do have Pierce.

“No, Myst can’t come for other reasons. Besides, Ote isn’t all that experienced, he has raw power, and may hurt Myst, we can’t let that happen.” René sighed. “Please, do you know anyone? If you don’t the mission won’t work out.”

Defeated, I offered, “I do know some people.” I wouldn’t tell him Kayla or Jeanne, though. I had a plan. “Only two though. Ike might like this pretty receptionist at the Darkness Temple, and Ote might like this girl named Kalista from a local café in the Spirit World, near the Ruby Ocean.” I really didn’t like Ike dating someone else, someone I didn’t necessarily know. I was that type of person, once single, who really wanted a new lover. It was so annoying. Ike would be someone I would date, but not love, but I just wanted someone to come to, now.

“Thank you, I’ll get Ike and Ote to look different, and ask out those girls. What about Aaron?” René wondered.

“You’ll have to trade me around.” I sighed, wanting to only have to dance with Aaron.

“You’re an individual, Sarai, I don’t want to have to pass you around.” René whispered, inching his face closer to mine. I drew back.

“I can deal with it.” I sighed. It was hard to tell that he only wanted to get close enough to me to place his hand on my forehead and possess me. Maybe he’d do someone else, but the point is, he wants only to get the Medallion. Why can’t he just take it now?

No, that was rude.

“So, it’s settled. We have the whole sabotage planned otherwise. All you have to do is get out of there and come back to HQ. We’ll post demons- only those that can transform into humans- all around, and they can guard you and fight with us. This is delightful!” René smiled a perfect smile. “And Chuch recovered the Air Gem without any trouble.”

The time scepter was in the making.

“And when we win this sabotage, because we will, we will be able to get Silver’s scepter.” René continued.

Oh, like that is going to happen.

“I’ll send Ike on a mission to get the Lightning Gem tomorrow, Ote to get the Light Gem, and Aaron to get the Earth and Nature gems, I hear they aren’t under tight security, only maybe the Light Gem, but Ote can handle the Light users no problem.” René smirked.

“Speaking of Aaron and missions, how did his mission go?” I asked, as Infectus came in, taking his seat on the far right corner, across from me, nearest to the door.

“It was successful, but barely, he dropped the ring once, lost it, but got out well, and with enough information. The ring is replaceable. I’m going to have to get two more made anyway.” He shrugged. “Aaron is so clumsy sometimes, I hope he doesn’t step on your feet when you two dance.” René smiled slightly. “Infectus, go get the others.”

Infectus clenched his fists, and regretfully got up from his seat, heading towards the exit, slamming the door behind him.

“Such a charmer,” I rolled my eyes. René chuckled. How could I be talking so casually with this man? He was horrid!

Aaron came in quicker than expected and sat across from me, replacing Infectus. His eyes were smiling, although he was frowning, eyebrows narrowed. Both of our hazel eyes locked on each other’s and we sat in silence for a few moments. I thought I heard René order for the chefs to start serving the meals, but it sounded far away. Then Aaron spoke, loud and clear. “Hello, Sarai. I heard you were going to dance with me.”

Our eyes didn’t leave each other. “Half of the time, yes.” My voice came out more cheerful than expected.

Aaron actually smiled, though it was only barely, more of a one-corner smile. “Marvelous. I’ll look forward to it.”

“I will, too.” I mirrored his smiled. He laughed softly, his right, foot, which was fitted in a shiny, black boot, resting gently on my own right foot, which was in a ripped up, dark natured shoe that I loved. For minutes we played with each other’s feet, still staring at each other, probably both wanting each other back.

I knew that I was past the idea of Masques being completely evil, and if René weren’t such a threat, then I’d definitely join just to be with my friends. I was past the idea of Aaron being a traitor; he was just doing his job. He had always been with these guys- ever since he was five. Ten years is a long time.

And I was pretty sure that Aaron still at least liked me.

But Aaron stood up as the rest of the Masques crowded in, nodded at me, frowning, and disappeared within them. He had a habit of doing that. There were only five Masques in the room now, including René, and the chefs were almost finished setting out the meal.

“One course only for lunch, right?” I asked René, as Ike took his place beside Infectus, who was yet again across from me.

“Right. Dinner is the biggest meal with two courses, dinner and dessert. You were significant, so we had to have a bigger dinner. Still, the food is just as good.” René explained, shaken from my encounter with Aaron. I noticed he wasn’t intending to eat.

“Don’t worry, Aaron won’t get the Medallion before you.” I sniffed and sighed, taking a sandwich, watching Ike slowly eat his salad.

I nibbled on the sandwich as Ike began talking to me, telling me things that I had already figured out, so naturally, I wasn’t paying attention, just shrugging and saying ‘uh-huh’ in all the right places. He stopped and asked me a question, which I vaguely remembered as being ‘Can I dance with you some at the Ball?’ and I nodded quickly. He smiled, and continued blabbering on about nonsense that I really didn’t care about. I was thinking about my schedule for after lunch and what might happen, otherwise, my mind was blank. I noticed that my sandwich was finished, so I entwined my hands together and watched Ike longer, barely paying attention to him. If I didn’t pay attention, I would probably miss something, and he would become angry or something, or maybe sad, and I didn’t want that to happen. I recognized stuff he said, like ‘I’m probably not even going to try to dance with that lady René is going to hook me up with’ and sometimes, ‘I really hate committing to any person’ and then ‘I think you’re the only person I’ve really gotten to open up to other than Aaron, but Aaron’s my best friend’. Other than that, it didn’t really matter what he said. He was finished with his salad, and everyone glanced over at René, who was dismissing everyone, after a long argument with Infectus about what I sort of remember as dragons.

I didn’t care if I was kind of speeding through the hallways, everyone else wasn’t surprised, and Ike wasn’t trying to follow me, or René for that matter. I rounded the corner and knocked loudly on the door marked ‘216’. Then a certain form of anxiety hit me.

I don’t think I can do this!

Sarai…

I was already running down the hallway, disappearing behind a corner and was now in my room, which I realized was unlocked after I had opened it. René must trust me, now, because I ‘agreed’ to help him sabotage by just being his date. No one had followed me, which was good. I casually, but still panting involuntarily, took the key from the top of the dresser, and walked outside, into the hallway, and unlocked the door to Myst’s room. Entering room, I noticed how dark it was, and how empty it felt, the same as before. I took a deep breath and flipped on the lights.

“Turn them off!” I heard Myst snap, immediately. “Sarai! TURN THEM OFF!”

I flipped off the lights, shocked. “What’s wrong?”

Everything was quiet again. Someone sighed, heavily.

“Myst are you okay?” I asked, venturing deeper into the room.

“I’m don’t look right… I don’t feel well.” Myst squeaked. “Go away… I don’t want anyone to see me.”

“Is that why everyone is avoiding letting you do anything?” I already knew the answer, but I would ask anyway.

“Probably…” Myst whispered. “Why is this man my grandfather? Why is he doing this to me?”

“Myst… he’s not your grandfather.” I sighed, stopping.

Way to go.

I’m doing her a favor.

“… Am I adopted?” Myst sounded confused, distracted by this thought rather than how horrible she probably felt.

“No,” I chuckled. “Silver isn’t that way… What I’m saying is, René isn’t Silver’s father, he’s only stating he is. How would it logically be possible for Silver to have tons of powers unless he were the relative of an extremely strong person?”

… Person.

You act like one.

Whatever you say.

“Who is my real grandfather?” Myst asked, her voice coming closer.

Don’t you dare tell her, Sarai. It’s not safe…

“He’s-” I began, but I felt an intense feeling in the back of my head.

Don’t tell!

“I can’t tell you…” I sighed.

Myst sighed, too. “At least I know that René isn’t my true grandfather. That’s good news, I suppose.” Her voice was far away again. “You should go.”

“Sorry I bothered you.” I left without another word, locking the door behind me, regretfully.

Pierce that was really childish! You’ve been acting like that for a while now… but… What the heck! It’s not going to do anything if I tell her who in the world is her grandfather. What’s the big deal? What the heck…

Sorry… You can go back in and tell her.

No, I’m already out here.

It’s like you trying to talk to Aaron.

Shut up.

I pocketed the key and started over to Infectus’ workshop, and knocked on the door, wondering if he had already gotten back from lunch. He’s lazy so I wouldn’t be surprised if he was still in the dining room. But he answered the door.

“Hey.” He welcomed. “You can come in if you want.”

“No, it’s okay. I need three cloaks and masks… for the other’s dates.” I ordered, rather softly.

“I don’t think they need cloaks- they won’t be wearing them- plus we’re not going to take them to the hide-out, ‘duh, they’ll fight for the other side. And lose. And the only masks I have are the generic male masks. I’ve only made one mask for a female, because I knew that you were coming. Now, do you want the generic ones?” Infectus asked, withdrawing into the workshop, which was full of bubbling plastic, metal, wax, and some paint- at least I think it was paint. He came back with three masks, which indeed looked identical.

“Yeah, I’ll take them, thanks.” Infectus handed me the masks.

“Anytime.” He waved once and closed the door in my face.

Nice, now put one mask in your room and come to René with the others.

Perfect plan.

I walked down the hallway to my room, put one mask on the top of my dresser, walked back into the hallway and closed the door behind me.

What will you wear, though?

Oooh… speed bump.

I stopped in my tracks and sighed.

Don’t you have anything to wear?

No… can’t you just lie to René about someone spilling something on their tuxedo?

Why would anyone be wearing their tuxedo?!

What about… Chuch?

Ah-ha!

I know I have good plans.

No, it’s a spin off of your plan. Chuch can handle Kathleen, right?

That’s what René said.

Okay, so we go to Kathleen since she is a tailor and…

She makes me a tux! Brilliant.

Yeah, I know I am.

I walked to where I knew Chuch lived and knocked on the door.

I’m like a door-to-door salesman.

Someone shrieked and there was a thud on the ground. “Je suis au milieu d’une exécution! Je dois sembler moyen pour la boule. Allez-vous!!” Chuch screamed from the other side, voice cracking. “Mon dieu… le sang… il est partout…”

I backed up a bit.

Mission failure.

We can still see Kathleen anyway, right?

If you want to be eaten alive, yes.

Why don’t you go in there? She’s crazy- she won’t remember you.

Or maybe she will remember me really well.

Just go in there.

No!

Why not?

It’s not safe.

Nothing’s safe in here.

Well…

Please?

No.

For me?

… No…

Please, Pierce!

Okay, fine! Let me out!

Pierce, come out.

The Medallion lit up and Pierce appeared in front of me, rolling his eyes and sighing loudly.

“If she recognizes me at the ball, you’re gonna be in a lot of trouble.” Pierce sneered.

“Yeah, she’ll recognize how much you roll your eyes.” I snickered, pushing him towards the end of the left side of the hallway. Kathleen’s room was at the end, room number ‘666’. How ironic.

“Yeah, real funny.” Pierce rolled his eyes again. “… I don’t do it THAT much…”

We stopped in front of Kathleen’s room. “Here’s your stop.” I smiled encouragingly at Pierce.

“I’m not afraid.” He walked towards the door. “Besides, if I get hurt- I can always poof back into the Medallion to recharge.”

“I haven’t really needed to recharge any of my human ‘needs’ lately…” I started.

“I am ‘a part of you’… as odd as that sounds… but when I’m in the Medallion, our needs are linked. I can recharge yours easily, except sleep. You need that. And eating and drinking sometimes… otherwise… the need for comfort and warmth and … toiletries… are really unnecessary- I can ‘recharge’ them easily. It’s just a matter of taking away and replacing. Mostly taking away…” Pierce chuckled.

“That explains a lot. Now go on…” I persuaded.

Pierce sighed and walked through the door. His head popped back out. “Do you think it would be best to turn into my true form so she won’t recognize me.”

“Just don’t kill her.”

“Right then.” Pierce’s head disappeared again.

“Wait, Pierce,” I interrupted.

Quickly, “Yes?” Came Pierce’s same, low, clear sonorous voice, except it was more eerie than before, his accent different- out of tune- discord.

“If I can look René in the eyes, can I see your true form?” I wondered, softly, tapping my fingers together.

“My hand is as far as you’ll get.” A gloved hand came through the door. “Happy?”

“It’s a glove,” I muttered, disappointed and blunt.

“Yes, but take off the glove.” Pierce explained, dully, as if I were stupid… and I admit I really am sometimes.

I reached for the glove and ripped it off, revealing a skeletal claw. I gasped. I expected something like this, but it was scarier in person. I don’t know why.

“Don’t be scared.” The hand beckoned me forward again, to put my hand on it again.

I placed my hand on top of his hand and he sighed. “You’re very warm.” He clutched my hand gently, and then released me. “Give me the glove.”

I handed him the glove again, and he withdrew. I didn’t hear any footsteps, but I heard a scream. Had he killed Kathleen already?

I heard another scream, but it was muffled, then Pierce began talking, asking for a tuxedo, politely, his voice coming out far too commanding and annoyed. I heard a sword unsheathing and Pierce groaning, unenthusiastically. The sword clattered to the floor when the Kathleen screamed again. Pierce asked again for the tuxedo, this time more gruff. Kathleen cried hysterically, sobbing yes, and I heard Pierce, a bit amused, and a bit confused, say thank-you. Then Pierce’s hand came through the door again.

“I’m coming back out here, look away now.” Pierce ordered, and I turned away, unwillingly. There were no footsteps, but there was a mini-flash, and then Pierce came into my line of vision. “Hey, she said she’d have it ready as soon as possible, and to look for it in front of her door. I said if she doesn’t have it, she’ll die.”

“I didn’t hear that part.”

“Well you should have,” Pierce shrugged. “I said it rather loudly.”

“Sorry, you’re just boring in that way.” I smirked as we walked down the hallway, heading towards the dining room. “Hey, get back into the Medallion, you know how everyone is here.”

Pierce sighed and disappeared.

I opened the door to the dining room, but René blocked my path. How ironic… and coincidental. “Oh, hi Sarai- are those the masks?”