To anyone reading this, if you haven't read its predecessor Masks Hiding Masks you may want to do so in order to get a grasp on the events that led to this AU. If not, welcome to you, my faithful followers.


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Last night's rain cleansing Karakura Town, washing away footprints and filth, reiatsu and blood.

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Three light steps from a Senkaimon and a bored gaze swept over the city below.

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A window shade knocking against the wall as a pale hand moves it aside to scan the sky, its owner startled awake by unfamiliar spirit pressure high above.

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A leaky faucet as a girl exhausted from karate practice sleeps in the next room.

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A giant's toe nudging open his apartment's door, hands full with the well-worn guitar case's handle.

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A bright-haired girl's fingers fumbling for a light switch as she grabs a glass of water.

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Choked-back tears against sandy rock, wept by a ragged man.

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The rhythm to a nameless song on the frame of a bed, half-remembered by an ex-delinquent.

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Fate's knocking. To take the chance and open the door is to be a fool. To hide from its machinations is to die.

Tap, tap, tap.

Three opening beats to start the first song, three beats to begin a masquerade ball for dancers invited a century before. Three quiet beats to enter a fools' dance.