Author's Note: Warning: Some Swearing!Sorry this took so long to get out. It was supposed to be out Tuesday, but my schedule got dumped into the trash because of school and activities, so sorry. I know it's a bit out of mood now, but I hope you enjoy this last chapter! I enjoyed this chapter the most. It was so much fun to write! I hope you enjoy it! Thank you so much for reading!
Don't forget to
Review!
Disclaimer:I do not own Rurouni Kenshin, or Kingdom Hearts. Nor do I own any of the lyrics to The Nightmare before Christmas lyrics, those belong to the wonderful Mr. Elfman. And neither do I own any other lyrics that are featured during the dance part. I also don't own The Prestige,nor have I seen it as of yet, so I'm going off previews for my information. I do own the idea to this story though, and I do hope you enjoy reading it as much as I've liked writing it.
Chapter 1:All Hallows Fun
October 27, 2006
Everyone, please now, not so fast
There's something here that you don't quite grasp
Well, I may as well give them what they want
:-:
"So, when are we going to be able to see these costumes you've made us?" Sano asked as they sat in the cafeteria on Wednesday afternoon.
"Friday, just before the dance." Megumi said.
"What! That's not fair! What if we don't like them?"
"Then that's too bad for you, you have to wear them anyways." Misao said.
"What if there's a problem? That doesn't give you enough time to fix it." Sano said next.
"There isn't anything to fix. We've gone over measurements, seams, and everything else triple times. There will not be a problem." Kaoru said.
"Kaoru's right. We've worked really hard on these! They're going to be great!"
"When do we get to see your costumes?" Aoshi said.
"Yeah, we haven't heard you talking about yours at all." Kenshin said.
"They're a secret." Kaoru said. "You'll see them after you're dressed and waiting down stairs."
"What a joke. Are you sure we should let them do this?" Sano said, placing his head in his hands, his elbow resting on the table.
"We really don't have a choice. It's too late now." Kenshin said.
"It can't be that bad anyways." Aoshi said, watching the girls throwing away their trash.
"Really? We are talking about those three. They're pretty creative sometimes." Sano said.
"But we love them, and they wanted to do this. And really? How creative could they be with only a few weeks' notice?" Kenshin said. As the girls came back, they were smiling and laughing in an evil sort of way that made Sano and Aoshi look at Kenshin. "Ooorrooo." Kenshin said as the girls sat down.
"Exactly." The other two replied.
:-:
"Think the guys are nervous about their costumes?" Misao said as she stitched part of her costume together at Kaoru's desk.
"I can't believe how bad their getting! What they were saying at lunch today was hilarious!" Megumi said, working on Kaoru's bed.
"Think we'll be able to keep them away from the costumes for two more days?" Kaoru asked.
"I don't see why. They have no clue that we have them at the clinic. Dr. Gensai won't let them near them. They wouldn't be safer in a vault at the bank." Megumi said. "The old man is almost as cunning as I am."
"I'd agree with that! When we took them over there last weekend; that was great! He was so interested in them." Misao said.
"He likes the idea for our costumes too. I showed him a part of mine, and the sketches for both of yours. He loved them!" Megumi said.
"We'll have to get a picture of all eight of us and give it to him." Kaoru said.
"He'd love it. I think that's a great idea." Megumi said.
"Well, I think I'm almost done here." Kaoru said holding up the mask for her costume.
"That's adorable Kaoru! I love it!" Misao said, turning around.
"Very well done. It's going to look great!" Megumi said.
"Arigato. It did turn out pretty well." Kaoru said. "Let's see yours too."
"Just a second. Okay, here you go!" Megumi said, putting the furry headband on.
"Aww, Megs that's great!" Kaoru said.
"It's perfect Megumi! Just like you!" Misao said laughing.
"Great! I'm thrilled." Megumi said.
"This is going be the best Halloween ever!"
:-:
But I never intended all this madness, never
And nobody really understood, how could they?
That all I ever wanted was to bring them something great
Why does nothing ever turn out like it should?
"Yahiko-kun! Yahiko!" Tsubame yelled. It was Thursday already, and the school was in an uproar.
"Oh, hey Tsubame. How are you?" Yahiko said as she got closer.
"Great!" She said, kissing his cheek.
"What was that for?" Yahiko asked, a blush coming to his cheeks.
"I felt like it! I'm in such a great mood. We finished all the preparations for the dance last night, so I don't have to stay after school today, which is good. And I finished our costumes the night before last too." She explained as they walked to class.
"That's great. Can I come over tonight to see them?" He asked.
"Hmm…No, I'd like them to be a surprise! I know you know what they are, but what they actually look like, I mean. I'll bring them with me when I come to your house tomorrow."
"Hai. What time are you going to be there?"
"Probably around 4; Kaoru and the girls want me there to help them with getting the other guys ready, and them. They said they'd help me too."
"Okay. Well, I'll see you at lunch okay?" Yahiko said as he stopped in front of Tsubame's class, kissed her on the forehead and headed to his PE class down the hall.
Tsubame watched him as he walked down the hallway, avoiding people as they passed him easily, thanks to his kendo and martial arts training.
"Okay, so what's really happening between you and Kamiya?" a voice came from behind Tsubame. She turned a smile still on her face to see her friend Suzame.
"What do you mean Suzame?"
"That geeky smile has been on your face all week. Don't ask me what." She answered as the two walked into their classroom. "And I saw that kiss he left with you before he left for class."
"We went on a date last Friday, to see a movie." Tsubame said as they sat down in desks next to each other. "And we're going to the dance together."
"Really? Finally! I can't believe you too are finally an item. That's great! I knew you'd two finally realize that you both liked each other." Suzame said a mile a minute with giggles thrown in here or there.
"Should I be saying thank you?"
"You bet so! You two are probably the cutest couple in the class now."
"All my dreams are realized now." Tsubame said sarcastically.
"Haha" Suzame said as the teacher walked in.
"Okay class; time to get started!"
:-:
And the best, I must confess, I have saved for the last
For the ruler of this Christmas land
Is a fearsome King with a deep mighty voice
Least that's what I've come to understand
:-:
"Konnichiwa boys. How are you this afternoon?" Kamiya-san said, opening the door.
"Good evening, Sir." The boys said as they walked into the front hallway.
"Don't sound so excited boys." Kamiya said chuckling. "I wouldn't worry so much. I've seen the costumes, the girls' costumes as well. You have absolutely nothing to worry about. You'll probably even win the contest!"
"Arigato Kamiya-san, but I think we will still worry, knowing the girls like we do." Kenshin said.
"Especially Megumi," Sano said shuddering at the thought.
"You do have a very valid point. Yahiko is in the TV room, and the girls are up in Kaoru's room." Kamiya-san said walking down the hall to the kitchen.
"Hey there Yahiko, sup?" Sano said as the three older teens walked in the room.
"Not much, just trying to get some homework done."
"Homework, on a Friday? On a day with so much excitement?" Kenshin said.
"English assignment. It's about the dance."
"Oh. What do you have to write about?" Aoshi said.
"Our costumes, getting ready, who we're going with, what we thought of the dance, and what we did afterwards; that sort of thing. I just want to get some of it done so I remember everything and it's one thing I don't have to do tomorrow or Sunday. "
"There's the doorbell." Kenshin said.
"Must be Tsubame," Yahiko said. "I'll get it Dad!" He yelled as he went to the door.
"Want to go see what the girls are up too?" Sano said.
"Might as well. If we avoid this, it's only going to make it worst in the long run." Aoshi said as they walked towards the stairs.
"Hello Tsubame." Kenshin said as they walked into the hallway.
"Good afternoon Kenshin-san, Sano-san and Aoshi-san." Tsubame said quietly.
"Is that your costumes?" Sano said, pointing to the garment bag Yahiko was holding.
"Hai! I finished them a few days ago." Tsubame said.
"Well, I'd say let's get this over with." Sano said as he headed up the stairs to Kaoru's room.
"WHAT?" They could hear Misao scream.
"What's going on here?" Kenshin asked as they walked into the room.
"Nothing, we just, uh, I forgot something at my house." Misao answered him.
"It's not that big of deal Misao. I have it here as well."
"No, it's no problem. I can run home and get it no problem. It's sitting right next to the door too. I put there so I wouldn't forget." Misao answered, looking kind of sheepish as she scratched her head.
"We have plenty of time. Aoshi, why don't you drive her home and we'll get started on Kenshin and Sano?" Kaoru said excitedly.
"Hai," Aoshi and Misao said.
"Now, Sano, Kenshin. We can start dressing you two while their gone." Kaoru and Megumi said, rubbing their hands together.
"Orrroooo?" Kenshin said as Kaoru grabbed his hand, leading him into the bathroom.
"Wait, Kaoru? Should we start with Yahiko and help Tsubame first?" Megumi said, winking at her friend.
"Oh! Hai! That's an excellent idea. Kenshin and Sano's won't take very long." Kaoru said, letting go of Kenshin's hand. "Yahiko, come with me, I'll do your hair. It's not quite…spikey enough.
"He needs the part type thing too!" Tsubame called after siblings.
"Yep! I got it!" Kaoru called over her shoulder.
"I'm in deep trouble." Yahiko mumbled as Kaoru dragged him down the hall to the bathroom.
"Why's that?"
"I'm letting my older sister help my girlfriend get me ready for Halloween."
"Silly boy, guys can't get themselves ready. What kind of friends would we be if we didn't help? You all want to look cool huh?"
"Hai, that's why I'm worried."
"Baaaa-ka!"
"Ugly."
"Pansy"
"No more name calling!" Kamiya-san said from the doorway.
"Hai, Father." The two said.
:-:
"Okay Tsubame, while Kaoru is doing that we're going to get you ready and get you down stairs so Yahiko doesn't see you until he's ready too, okay?"
"Hai!" The young girl answered.
"Sano, take Yahiko's costume to Kaoru. He can get dressed in his own room."
"Okay."
"Kenshin, you can…uh, sit there like a good guy and stay out of my way."
"Ooorrrrrooo."
"Okay, we're going to start with straightening your hair. It's already straight, but not quite straight enough.
"Okay. Did you want me to get dressed first?"
"Hmm, yeah, that'll be easier." Megumi said. "Kenshin, leave for a moment, ne?"
"Okay." Kenshin said. "I'll be in the TV room, if you need me."
"Okay! Take Sano with you. I'll call you when we need you two." Megumi said.
A few minutes later, Tsubame had changed her clothing.
Megumi came back into the room from checking on Yahiko's progress, "Oh, Tsubame! You look adorable!" Megumi exclaimed as the younger girl twirled for inspection.
"Arigato. I don't look much different though…"
"That doesn't matter! It's more realistic because you look so much like the character."
Tsubame sat down in the chair in front of Kaoru's dresser where a mirror hung. Do I really look like Kairi? That'd be cool. I mean, if Yahiko dyed his hair, he'd look like Sora. He really doesn't have to change his hair that much…and he's about the right height too.' Tsubame though, laughing a bit.
"Starting to get in character?" Megumi said as she started running the flat iron through sections of hair.
"I guess, in a way."
"Yahiko was almost done; he said he'd wait downstairs for you."
"Hai. What's next?"
"Well, I called Kenshin and Sano up; one of them will tie your tie for you. I have no clue how, something I've never had to do. And I have to put a bit of makeup on you, and you're done!" Megumi said grabbing foundation and some lipgloss out of her makeup case.
"Everyone decent in there?"
"Hai! Just doing makeup!" Megumi said, the door opening just a moment later.
"Wow Tsubame! You really look like Kairi! Everyone's going to think you step right out of the Kamiya's TV!" Sano said.
"How does Yahiko look?" Tsubame asked. "Is his costume good?"
"It's excellent! Don't worry. You two are going to look awesome." Kenshin said, grabbing the tie off of Kaoru's bed and fixing it around his neck, then handing it to Tsubame.
"Hey! We're back!" Misao said coming into the room.
"Perfect timing; I just finished up Kairi." Megumi said.
"Wow! You look great Tsubame!" Misao said. "I saw Yahiko and Kaoru downstairs. He looks just like Sora!"
"Well, let's get pictures of these two, and then get ready ourselves!"
"Hai!" Misao said, turning around and heading down the stairs.
When they reached the TV room, Yahiko was posing as Kaoru took pictures. "Okay, now Yahiko, don't turn around." Kaoru said. "Tsubame, come stand here with your back to Yahiko."
"Hai," Tsubame said. She really hadn't seen Yahiko, just his back. Kaoru took a couple of shots.
"Okay, you guys can turn around now." Kaoru said, camera ready for their expressions. She loved her little brother, but she also knew how much and for how long he had liked Tsubame. What could she say? She loved tormenting him.
"Yahiko…"
"Tsubame…." They both said at the same time. "Wow, Tsubame. You look, uh…wow, you look great." Yahiko finally got out. "You look just like Kairi."
"You look great too Yahiko. Just like Sora." Tsubame said smiling.
"Okay! Enough for mushy moments! You three!" Megumi said, putting at Kenshin, Sano and Aoshi. "Get up those stairs! We need to get you into your costumes."
:-:
And I've also heard it told
That's he's something to behold
Like a lobster, huge and red
And sets out to slay with his rain gear on
Carting bulging sacks with his big great arms
That is, so I've heard it said
"So what are our costumes?" Sano asked when they got into Kaoru's bedroom.
"Sano, come with me. You're first for hair and makeup!" Megumi said, laughing a bit as Sano got a worried look on his face, but followed her down the hall.
"Kenshin, put this on first." Kaoru said, handing him white pants and a white t-shirt.
"Okay." Kenshin said, going behind the screen that was set up in the corner of Kaoru's room.
"Aoshi, I'm going to start your hair and stuff in here. So sit your cute little butt down!" Misao said as she pointed to where Tsubame had just been sitting a few minutes ago.
"Should I be scared?"
"Of course not!" Misao said as she reached for a jar of white powder for hair.
"What's that for Misao?"
"Your hair."
"My hair?"
"Hai, it needs to be white but we didn't want to die it."
"Ahh," Aoshi said as he watched his girlfriend turn his hair white as snow. 'Not as she normally would. Eh, it'll just take a shorter amount of time this way.'Aoshi thought.
"Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin asked, coming out from behind the screen.
"Yes?"
"What am I supposed to be?"
"You'll see." Kaoru answered, handing him the furry jumpsuit for his costume. "Put this on next."
"Orroo?"
"Trust me, ne?"
"Okay, done here, time for makeup." Misao said about ten minutes later. "Close your eyes."
"What is this stuff?" Aoshi asked after a few moments. The stuff she was using smelled awful.
"Halloween makeup; I'm sorry if it smells so bad. It's the best stuff we could come up with except Geisha face paint."
"Thanks for not using that."
"You're welcome."
"That looks great Misao!" Kaoru said, coming to stand in front of Aoshi.
"What is it supposed to be? A ghost?" Kenshin said.
"Not quite. You'll see with the full costume on."
"Kaoru-dono, I don't mean to question your judgment, but, am I really supposed to be…"
"Don't! Aoshi can't quite hear it yet! He'll figure his costume out!"
"Then I should leave the room?"
"Yes! We'll finish your costume in the bathroom."
"Megumi and Sano went there to do his costume." Misao said. "Better go use Yahiko's room."
"Hai… Come along Kenshin." Kaoru said, grabbing up the last pieces of his costume and the makeup she would need.
"Kaoru?" Kenshin asked as he sat in Yahiko's desk chair.
"Hai?" Kaoru said.
"Why this?" Kenshin said, starting to open his eyes.
"Don't open your eyes! I don't want to get paint in them." Kaoru said. "Why what?"
"My costume."
"Because you're adorable; okay, you can open your eyes now, I'm done.
"Ooorrooo."
"Oh, don't be such a party pooper. Everyone will love you. We'll definitely win the group contest!"
"I don't know…what are Sano and Aoshi's costumes?"
"It's a secret." Kaoru said, putting her finger to his lips.
"What about yours, Misao's and Megumi's?"
"That's also a secret." Kaoru said kissing him on the cheek. "Don't worry. Now stay in here. I'm going to go see if Sano and Aoshi are done." Kaoru left the room looking at Kenshin shake his head.
"Are Aoshi and Sano done?"
"Hai." Megumi and Misao said.
"Let's bring them out then and take them down stairs." Megumi said as each girl went the respective room to lead their boyfriend down to the TV room where Yahiko and Tsubame were already waiting.
:-:
There are few who deny, at what I do I am the best
For my talents are renowned far and wide
When it comes to surprises in the moonlit night
I excel without ever even trying
With the slightest little effort of my ghostlike charms
I have see grown men give out a shriek
With a wave of my hand and a well-placed moan
I have swept the very bravest off their feet
"Well, this is it." Megumi said as the three girls stood in Kaoru's bedroom, looking at their reflections in the mirror.
The guys hadn't been too thrilled when they say their own costumes, but were thoroughly amused by the other two guys' costumes. They accepted the fact that their girlfriends loved to see them in ridiculous situations like this. It was only last Christmas they had been made to dress up as Santa and his elves. Although it was for a good cause, for the children at the orphanage, it took several weeks for the kids at school to stop making fun of them after seeing the three 'macho' men of their high school all over the newspapers and news.
What's this? What's this?
There's color everywhere
What's this?
There's white things in the air
What's this?
I can't believe my eyes
I must be dreaming
Wake up, Jack, this isn't fair
What's this?
"Well, let's get this over with." Kaoru said.
"Oh you know they'll love it!" Megumi said, chuckling behind her hand.
"Where are they? They should be done by now. They've been up there forever." Sano said, tapping his foot. "I'm going to go check." He said as he walked towards the steps.
"Sano?" Kenshin asked.
"Me..gu..mi?" Sano stuttered out.
"Hai?"
"Holy shit."
"Kaoru-dono? Ooorrooo…" Kenshin said, coming to stand next to Sano, Aoshi on the other side had let his jaw dropped to the floor.
The main part of each girls outfit was the same, a strapless bathing suit-style leotard. Megumi's being a deep reddish brown, Kaoru's being a black and white pinstripe, and Misao's being tan, but the front was white. That part looked like the vintage playboy bunny costumes, from there it differed.
Misao wore long tan gloves with long black nails for the claw effect, and tiny rounded ears on a headband, her tail was long and thin and hung down from her butt. For shoes she wore tan and white heels with a small strap across her ankle.
'She looks like a…a…oh man. She looks like a weasel.' Aoshi thought as he looked at her. 'And I'm stuck in this white…white…and ice blue…freakin'…' Aoshi had no thoughts for his costume. 'Geez, I'm a freakin' snowflake! I can't believe it!'
Kaoru had a black and white theme to hers. She had a black mask on her face that had white striping horizontally, along with white whiskers. She wore a headband with two round black ears, and stuck to the back of her costume was a bushy black and white tail. On her feet she simply wore black ballerina slippers with white pinstripes on them.
'Kaoru-dono, is that really you? I knew you could be cute, pretty, beautiful, but this, this is…' Kenshin couldn't control his thoughts. All he could do was stare at his girlfriend of one in a half years. 'She was…damn sexy.' Kenshin finally thought. 'Then why am I stuck in this thing? What did she say earlier? I was adorable? Freakin' great. I'mADORABLE to my girlfriend. Hm. Sano and Aoshi's aren't much better than my though, so…can't complain. Being a Rabbit could have its perks, I suppose.
Megumi's costume was similar. Like the other two, she had two pointy reddish ears on a headband, her hair flowing down her back, a bushy reddish tail with a white tail, like the other two girls, falling from her butt, and wore reddish stilettos.
'Damn, those shoes…they make her almost as tall as me! Wait! She has whiskers glued to her nose. Damn Fox…wait…damn…FOX. Damn. No wonder I'm a freakin' rooster!
"I knew the reaction would be good, but I didn't think it would be that good." Misao said.
"What in the hell are you wearing! I will not let my girlfriend be seen like that!" Sano yelled.
"Oh really Sano, don't be such a prude. I'm wearing more than I would when I wear a bathing suit!" Megumi answered him. "I thought you'd like it." She whispered as she walked past him, her ears twitching and tail swaying.
"Megs, it's not that I don't enjoy it," Sano said, turning, "I just don't want the other guys to see you. I'd have to fight them all!"
"Oh really, come on." Megumi said, grabbing his hand. "Everyone knows that my heart only belongs to you." She said, ending it with a kiss.
"Aoshi?" Misao asked, coming to stand in front of him. He had moved back to his original spot of in front of the fireplace, not so successfully crossing his arms across his chest.
"Hai, Misao?" He asked, looking down at his girlfriend.
"Don't you like it?" Misao said, twirling a bit. She stopped and looked up at him waiting for an answer, she still didn't make it up to his shoulder and she was wearing heels! The boy was just too tall.
"You look lovely Misao. It just surprised me, that's all. You're usually not dressed so…provocatively.
"I can't believe my sister is dressed like…like that!" Yahiko said, shaking his head.
"She looks cute Yahiko!" Tsubame said.
"Has Dad seen you?"
"Hai, I have. The girls showed me their costumes the other day." Kamiya-san said coming into the room.
"And you approve of her going out in public like that!"
"As Megumi said, they are actually wearing more than what they would if they were in bathing suits; it's not like nothing isn't covered. She's also 18, it's her decision.
:-:
Boys and girls of every age
Wouldn't you like to see something strange?
"Hey look!" Tsubame said as she and Yahiko walked into the school. "There's a shadow from Kingdom Hearts!"
"Maybe I should go pull my Keyblade, see what he does." Yahiko said smirking.
"Maybe not right now; there's a lot of teacher's around." Tsubame answered, noticing the advisor of the Student Council coming towards them.
"Konnichiwa Tsubame-san, Yahiko-kun."
"Konnichiwa Tokio-sensei." The two said.
"Who are you dressed as?" She asked.
"Sora and Kairi from Kingdom Hearts," Yahiko answered her.
"Oh, yes, my son Eiji plays that game. You've done an excellent job!"
"Arigato." The teens said.
"Um, Tokio-Sensei?" Yahiko said. "May I ask you a question?"
"Sure, anything."
"Is your husband by any chance helping you chaperone?"
"Hai, he is. Hajime is already in the gym." Tokio said smiling.
"Arigato." Yahiko said out loud. 'Crap. I'll have to warn Sano, he's going to flip. So will Kenshin and Aoshi, especially with their costumes.
"Tsubame, I need to speak with Sano, Kenshin and Aoshi, so let's wait out here a moment, ne?"
"Sure, that's fine." She answered. "Yahiko?" she asked a few minutes later, "Why did you ask if Saito-sensei's husband is here?"
"You know the police man that Sano, Kenshin and Aoshi are always griping about?"
"Hai." She said, nodding her head. "Don't tell me…"
"Exactly; it's her husband. How they got together I have no clue, but it's scary enough." Yahiko said. "That's why I'm waiting for the guys. With their costumes tonight, Saito-san would definitely make a scene to humiliate them beyond their dreams."
"Hai, it's better that we warn them. Oh look! Here they come!"
Come with us and you will see
This, our town of Halloween
"Wow! Look at this place! It looks really awesome!" Kaoru said as they walked in the doors.
"Hai, student council did a great job." Kenshin responded.
"Look, there's Anji-sensei. He's dressed as monk." Sano said, referring to their gym instructor. "That's a funny one."
"There's Hiko-sensei too. He's dressed as a Samurai, very handsome." Misao said to Kaoru and Megumi, who snickered.
As the group walked through the crowd to get to the gym where the dance was taking place, they were getting looks of confusion by those who didn't know the group, laughs and snickers by those who did, and hollers by those who agreed.
"Kenshin-san! Great costume! You too Sano and Aoshi! You're sure to win at least one of the prizes." A guy in their class, known as Cho yelled as they passed him. "You girls aren't bad either!" He got glares from Kenshin, Sano and Aoshi simultaneously and a punch from his girlfriend for that remark.
"Arigato" Misao said over her shoulder.
"Misao, why are you thanking him?"
"Because even if it wasn't a truly nice comment, he deserved our thanks" Misao explained, Aoshi nodding his head.
This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Pumpkins scream in the dead of night
"There you guys are." Yahiko said as they approached the gym doors.
"Why are you guys waiting?" Kaoru said. "I thought you'd be in there dancing.
"Would be, but I wanted to warn you guys of something. Nothing too big, but it could be an annoyance." Yahiko said. "We saw Tokio-sensei as we came in. I happen to think to ask if Saito is here. He is. He's already in the gym she said."
"That could be a bit of an annoyance." Megumi said.
"Damn, that idiot's here?" Sano said. "This could ruin the night if we let him see us."
"He's going see you guys anyways." Megumi said. "It's only going to be a problem if you get caught in conversation with him."
"Megumi-san is right enough." Kenshin said. "I don't care if the guy sees us; I just don't want to hear his remarks about the costumes. The girls worked hard on these, and if he gets hold of us, his rude remarks about them to us would hurt the girls." He continued.
"We're made of stronger stuff than that Kenshin." Kaoru said.
"We'd know that he just wants to insult and humiliate you in front of your peers."
"Yes, we know, but that doesn't mean that it would make you feel bad, all the same." Aoshi remarked.
"Let's just stay clear of him, and not let this ruin our night." Tsubame said.
"I agree. Let's have fun!" Misao said, pumping her fist in the air.
"Okay, no more sugar or caffeine for Misao tonight." Kaoru said as they walked into the gym.
The huge gym was dark, crowded, and hot. Most of the kids were in the middle of the gym close to where the DJ was playing music, a loud thumping beat that vibrated through the body.
There were spotlights stationed on the DJ, and several others flashing over the crowd as they danced. Pumpkin, bat and ghost lanterns were scattered across the bleachers and edge of the room. Under black fabric that was draped over the rafters, strings of lights shown through, adding to the eerie glow that was the room. On the walls and through the fabric on the ceiling were spider webs, ghostly white linen swaying through the still air of the room, black gauzy bats, full moons, blood and guts dripping and gooey on the floor, and other frightening sights scattered across the room adding to the haunting feeling of the room.
In the next room where food, drinks, and tables were set up for those who needed a break, or who wanted to talk, disembodied heads rested in bowels of blood red punch, mummified hands protected plates of Halloween cookies. Jack-o-lanterns were carved and sitting on tables, as were black roses in little coffin vases.
This is Halloween, everybody make a scene
Trick or treat till the neighbors gonna die of fright
It's our town, everybody scream
in this town of Halloween
"Shall we dance, Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin asked as the first few chords of Eyes on Me started.
"Hai, I'd love to, Kenshin." Kaoru said taking the hand that Kenshin was holding out for her.
They went to near the center of the floor, joining the other couples slowly rotating around on the hardwood floor with the music playing out around them and the soft hum of voices from further way. Misao and Aoshi slowly walked out to the outer edge of the dancers and started to sway back and forth to the music as well, as Sano stood with his arm around Megumi, off against the wall, watching the friends, Kaoru's head on Kenshin's shoulder; Misao with her head tilted practically all the way back as she smiled at something Aoshi was say as he bent closer to her.
"They make an odd couple." Sano said, watching the couple.
"Misao and Aoshi?" Megumi asked, looking up at Sano. He nodded his head, "Not only in height with him being well over 6 foot, and her barely 5 foot. Their personalities are different as well, she so outgoing, genki, and loud, she barely thinks about what she's saying before it's out of her mouth. Aoshi's quiet, and actually thinks before he speaks."
"Hai, but the same could be said about the two of us, or Kenshin and Kaoru."
"Kenshin and Kaoru aren't that different, how was I lucky enough to get you?"
"Lucky is right." Megumi said a small smile on her lips.
"Hai." Sano said, kissing her softly.
"Rooster?"
"Not this again."
"Oh, you're not in trouble. I just l love calling you that name." Megumi said.
"What is it?"
"Let's dance."
"No." Sano said flatly, keeping his arms around Megumi.
"Why?"
"Because I don't dance."
"But we…"
"That's in private. I don't dance in public." Sano said. "I'm not that good of a dancer, and if anyone knew that…" He said trailing off.
"You're not bad; you're a really good dancer."
"Really? Don't you remember how many times I have stepped on your bare or stocking feet?"
"Well, yes, but that was at the beginning, you haven't done that in ages." Megumi said. "Oh, come on, for me? The next song is about to begin. Please Sano? For me," She said, batting her eyes at him, ready to start the tears if need be.
"Fine, one dance," Sano said.
"I love you so much! Come on, I hear a slower one starting!" Megumi said taking his hand and leading him to the floor to join Aoshi and Misao and Kenshin and Kaoru.
"It's the perfect song as well." Sano leaned down to say after a few measures. "She can kill with a smile, she can wound with her eyes, she can ruin your faith with her casual lies, and she only reveals what she wants you to see she hides like a child, but she's always a woman to me." He sang quietly to Megumi as they rotated around the floor like the other couples. He slowly twirled her out and then back in, humming the music as they danced, singing when she was close enough to hear him.
"This song is perfect for them." Kaoru said as they watched the couple dance as they had watched the other four dance.
"Hai. I didn't know Sano was such a good dancer though." Kenshin said taking a sip of the drink he had brought in from the other room for Kaoru and himself.
"They have dates where she cooks dinner, and then they just dance in the living room at her house, or the Sagara's house. Megumi has told Misao and I about them, hasn't she Misao?"
"Hai, those are her favorite times."
"Sano's never said anything, has he Aoshi?" Kenshin asked.
"No, but that doesn't surprise me. He doesn't talk a lot about what he and Megumi do on their dates. Well, neither do we, I guess. It's just not something we talk about."
"Hai," Kenshin said. The group was quiet for a few minutes, sipping their drinks, swaying slowly to the music where they stood off to the side, talking quietly to each other.
"Well, what do we have here? A snowflake and a bunny. Tell me Kenshin, are you a snowbunny?" They heard from the darkness to the left of them. Aoshi and Kenshin quickly stiffened, recognizing the voice.
"Enishi, why don't you leave us alone?" Kenshin said icily.
"Why, I just wanted to compliment you on your costumes. They work so perfectly. The rooster as well. You must tell him I love the idea. Who came up with it?"
"We did. Now, Enishi, you have told us you like the costume, get lost." Kaoru said.
"Now why would I want to do that?"
"You just came over to insult and ruin our evening, so let me ruin yours." Kaoru replied. "We don't want you here. You are a menace to society. And what are you dressed as? Ahh, I see, a tiger. Not much different from Kenshin and Aoshi's costumes. Did your dear sister Tomoe make that for you? It has her touch. It's a touch insane, as both of you are. Now get lost."
"Fine, I will. Not because of what you said to me Kaoru, but because I do not want to be around such foul and disgusting humans. Low and pest like humans." Enishi said leaving.
"Kaoru?" Kenshin said.
"He got on my nerves. You guys look great tonight, and that costume of his was psychotic and weird looking. I mean, really if you're dressing up as a tiger are you going to actually wear a tiger head? I don't think so! The man is a freak!"
"That was quite interesting." Sano said as they approached their friends.
"Did you see that?" Kenshin said.
"Hai. As the song was ending we saw him standing over here. We kind of waited a few feet away when we heard Kaoru telling him off so that he wouldn't see us." Megumi said.
"Well, he did say to pass on his compliments to you on your costume as well." Misao said.
I am the one hiding under your bed
Teeth ground sharp and eyes glowing red
I am the one hiding under yours stairs
Fingers like snakes and spiders in my hair
"Hey Tsubame! Hi Yahiko-kun. Wow! You guys look awesome." Tsubame's friend Mo said coming up to the couple.
"Arigato, Morimo-san." Yahiko said. "Tsubame worked very hard on them."
"You made these Tsubame?" Morimo asked.
"Hai. It wasn't that difficult, each of us had the clothing for the main costume. I just had to make the things we didn't have." Tsubame explained as their friends Suzame and Ayame came to join them.
"You did a great job!" Ayame said.
"Arigato." Tsubame said.
In this town we call home
Everyone hail to the pumpkin song
"Konnichiwa!" Tokio said from a microphone from the DJ"s stage. "Is everyone having fun?" She laughed as the kids screamed YES and whooped. "That's great! This is the last call for you to put your nominees in the box for the Costume Contest. Remember to put them in the category that they best fit! We'll pick a winner from the three highest nominee right here on stage!" She said, tuned off the microphone, and got off the stage.
In this town, don't we love it now?
Everybody's waiting for the next surprise
"Tsubame? You want to put in our votes?"
"Hai." Tsubame answered. "Have you guys already put in your guesses?"
"I have, I'll see you later. I want to see if Seta-kun will dance with me." Morimo said. "Good luck! I think you'll win." She said to Tsubame and Yahiko as she left.
"Seta-kun?" Ayame asked questionably. "What a strange girl. I have put in my votes yet, so if you don't mind I'll come with you."
"Sure, Suzame?" Yahiko asked.
"She left to dance with Kenji-san. He pulled her aside while Morimo was talking." Tsubame said.
"They'd make a cute couple." Ayame said. "He likes my sister so much; I don't know why he doesn't ask her out."
"Sometimes it just takes us awhile to get smart Ayame." Yahiko said, taking Tsubame's hand and squeezing it.
"Hai; and then sometimes we have to beat you over head with it like Kaoru did to Kenshin."
"Hai," Yahiko said laughing. "Would you like to dance with me after we put in the votes?" he asked Tsubame as they filled in little pieces of paper at a table off to the side.
"Yes, I'd love to," She answered, giving me a small smile.
Round that corner, man hiding in the trash cam
Something's waiting no to pounce, and how you'll...
"Well, look who we have here." They a voice from behind them. Sano physically cringed, Kenshin went completely still. Aoshi, well, Aoshi swore; just one little word, under his breath so that no one but Misao, who was beside him, heard him. Shit.
"Saito-san, how nice to see you." Megumi said, turning around. They had been putting their votes in for the costume contest. Luckily she was done first.
"Takani-san, it is also very nice to see you. I hear that you have been keeping Sano here out of trouble. I'm much obliged. It makes my job so much easier, right…moron?"
"Whatever you say, Saito, sir." Sano said turning around.
"Hai. Kenshin-san. What an interesting costume. You all have been very creative."
"The girls surprised us. We thought that we had turned this costume idea down." Kenshin replied.
"They even said that we were going to go as something different, but, as they like to do sometimes, they tricked us." Aoshi said.
"And you made the costumes girls?"
"Hai." Misao said. "And we did have a backup plan." Misao answered.
"You've done a great job. But may I ask what the backup plan was?"
"Aoshi and I were going to be ninjas from the Meiji times. They use them as reconnaissance work. Kenshin was going to be a samurai and Kaoru a Geisha and then Sano was going to be a street thug, after a fight, all bandaged up and so forth." Misao explained. "And Megumi was going to be his doctor."
"I don't know which would have been better; probably this. It gets originality points, it is very clever girls. Boys, you'll have to live up to this now. It is highly entertaining." Saito said, laughing as he walked towards his wife at the other end of the table.
Scream! This is Halloween
Red 'n' black, slimy green
Aren't you scared?
Well, that's just fine
Say it once, say it twice
Take a chance and roll the dice
Ride with the moon in the dead of night
"That wasn't as bad as I thought it would be." Kaoru said as they walked towards the dance floor once again.
"It could have been worse, but the way he laughed at us…" Sano said.
"It wasn't the funny, nice laughter we've been getting from others." Aoshi said.
"Oh, come on. That's just the way he laughs, he was obviously amused." Megumi said.
"Yes, but on our behalf." Kenshin said.
"Oh, we're sorry, just forget Saito and let's have fun, they're going to be counting the ballots soon, maybe we will win something." Kaoru said.
"Hai, good idea Kaoru. Let's dance!" Misao said, leading the group to the dance floor as the music picked up a bit.
I am the clown with the tear-away face
Here in a flash and gone without a trace
"Tsubame? Are you alright?" Yahiko asked. They were still on the dance floor, Simple and Clean had just ended, while another song had just begun.
"Hai, I'm fine. May we dance again?" Tsubame said placing her arms around Yahiko again.
"Hai, of course." Yahiko said, starting the steps. It was another slow song, just a bit slower than Simple and Clean.He took the opportunity and brought Tsubame just a bit closer to him.
"Yahiko?" Tsubame asked, placing her head on his shoulder.
"Hai?"
"What is this song?" She asked quietly.
"Hm. I think it's the new one by Cascada." Yahiko whispered. "Everytime We Touch, or something like that. Pretty isn't?"
"Hai. I like it a lot." Tsubame said, humming along with the music. "Your arms are my castle, your heart is my sky. They wipe away tears that I cry the good and the bad times, we've been through them all. You make me rise when I fall." She sang along after a bit.
"You have a gorgeous voice Tsubame." Yahiko said, after she was done.
"Arigato." She answered, blushing a bit.
They continued to dance, swaying slowly back and forth, hold each other tight. When the song ended, they walked towards the back wall of the room where the school had pulled the bleachers out a bit for people to sit on.
"Here, sit, are you sure you're okay Tsubame?" Yahiko asked, kneeling in front of her.
"Hai. I'm a bit thirsty though."
"I'll get you something to drink. Stay right here."
"Arigato." She whispered. As she watched Yahiko walk away she thought, he had noticed her get pale, and how she hadn't been feeling well. It wasn't a surprise, he always did. It's just the heat; I'll be better once he brings back the drinks.Tsubame thought. As she sat there, several people waved, or stopped to talk. She could see Yahiko across the gym coming towards her, and she put on a small smile.
"That didn't take long." She said when he sat down next to her, handing her a glass.
"Most of the people are on the dance floor. That was tricky getting across there without spilling the punch." Yahiko said as he watched her sip her drink. "Are you feeling better?"
"A little bit. I just think it's a bit hot in here, that's all."
"Would you like to go outside? It would be cooler out in the hall or outside."
"Sure, that might be best. I have to use the restroom as well." Tsubame whispered, standing up.
"Hai." Yahiko said as he placed his arm around her waist, leading her towards the hall.
"I'll be just a moment." Tsubame said as they reached the girl restroom.
"Okay." I'll wait here."
A few minutes passed, Yahiko, as Tsubame did waiting for him, waved and talked with friends.
I am the "who" when you call, "Who's there?"
I am the wind blowing through your hair
In the restroom Tsubame was washing her hands. She had thought everyone had left while she was in there, but she heard a noise from behind her. Just someone coming in.She thought. Why is it so dark in here anyways?
"It's dark because I turned off the light." A voice said.
"Who's there?" Tsubame asked.
"Me." The voice said, picking Tsubame up and throwing her over their shoulder.
"HEY! Let me down! Let me down!"
"In just a moment, you need to be some place."
I am the shadow on the moon at night
Filling your dreams to the brim with fright
"Hey, I gotta wait for my girlfriend you know." Yahiko said. "She'll be worried if she comes out and I'm not there."
"Don't worry. Tsubame-san will be here in a moment."
"What are you doing?"
"We're going to fight. Do you know who I am?"
"You're Yutaro. Well, dressed as Riku." Yahiko said. He could hear screaming coming down the hall. It's Tsubame. Yahiko thought, recognizing the voice.
"Don't worry, you don't have to go to her, she's coming to us."
"Yutaro, what's going on here?" Yahiko asked.
"We're fighting. It might be a surprise, but I like Tsubame too, I just hide it better than you."
"I knew. You didn't hide it as well as you thought you did."
"Then fight me, for her." Yutaro answered, a sneer spreading over his face.
"Tsubame chose me."
"Has she? You asked her out, yes; but she doesn't know my feelings for her. Why don't we let her decide? After the fight," He said, lunging at Yahiko.
Yahiko only did what he thought of first. He kicked Yutaro in the center of the chest, sending him back about three feet.
"Not bad. But I know you're good at swordsmanship and martial arts. Draw the Keyblade."
"It's fake Yutaro. It won't do anything." Yahiko said.
"Fight!" Yutaro said, coming at Yahiko with his own version of the Keyblade.
Yahiko had no choice; he blocked Yutaro's swing with the blade.
"Hey, this is a Bokken." Yutaro growled
"Of course it is; it's what I have laying around!" Yahiko answered sarcastically.
Yutaro came at Yahiko again, but left himself open. Yahiko brought the Bokken down on Yutaro's shoulder, causing him to drop the Keyblade and fall the ground.
"Yahiko! Yutaro! What in the world is going on here!" Hiko-sensei said, coming from behind them.
"A mock fight Hiko-sensei. Sorry, a little reenactment of the game. It's over now though.
"Okay, are you hurt Yutaro?"
"No, I'm fine. It just startled me more. I left myself open."
"Okay. Let's get back to the dance. Tsubame? Are you alright? You look a bit pale."
"Just a bit warm from all the dancing and being in the gym and such." She responded.
"Okay. Just be careful. Yahiko, take care of her."
"Hai, I will. We were out here when Yutaro suggest a mock fight." Yahiko answered.
"Okay." Hiko answered, walking back towards the dance.
"Yahiko, you win." Yutaro answered.
"Yutaro, you're a good friend, but my feelings for you do not go beyond that. I love Yahiko, nothing would change that." Tsubame told him, taking Yahiko's hand and going back towards the gym.
"Guess the only place I can beat him sometimes is the dojo." Yutaro muttered to himself.
Tender lumplings everywhere
Life's no fun without a good scare
"Okay everyone! We have the votes counted and will be calling the nominees up in a moment! Please pay attention; anyone could be coming up here!"Tokio said from the stage.
'This'll be good, I won't be seen from here, and she's still got the mike on, so the entire school will hear her scream.' Saito thought as his wife came towards the steps to take the votes from the other teacher.
"Don't even think of the Hajime. I've known you been hiding there since you disappeared ten minutes ago."
"How?" He said, coming from his hiding place.
"I've been married to you for 17 years; you don't think I'd know when you're around?" She said coming up closer to him. "Your scent gave you away, mutt.
"Mutt? Mutt? I am a Captain of the Tokyo Police Department, a Wolf of…"
"I know that." Tokio said interrupting. "But you're my mutt."
Saito rolled his eyes as she kissed him on the cheek.
Skeleton Jack might catch you in the back
And scream like a banshee
Make you jump out of your skin
This is Halloween, everyone scream
Wont' ya please make way for a very special guy
"Okay! Would the following people please come to the stage. These are our prospective winners: Yutaro Tsukayama as Riku from Kingdom Hearts, Yumi Komagata as a Geisha, Kenji Muto as a Samurai, Kenshin Himura as a Bunny, Sano Sagara as a Rooster, Aoshi Shinomori as a snowflake, Kaoru Kamiya as a Raccoon, Misao Makimachi as a weasel, Megumi Takani and a fox, Eiji Saito and Omasu Kashiwazaki as Hitsguya Toushiro and Rangiku Mastumoto from the anime Bleach, Yahiko Kamiya and Tsubame Sanjo as Sora and Kairi from Kingdom Hearts! Okay Guys, come on up, you're the finalists!
Our man jack is King of the Pumpkin patch
Everyone hail to the Pumpkin King
"Okay, now that we have everyone up here, it's time to announce our winners!" Tokio-san announced to the crowd that had formed in front of the stage. "We'll start with the individual contest! Okay, Yutaro, Yumi and Kenji come up front here."
"Okay, these are the three finalists for the Individual contest. We're going to do this by sound and see who wins, so make as much noise as you can!" Tokio explained. "If you want Riku to win, make some noise!" There was a lot of screaming and 'You go Yutaro!' yells from the crowd. "Okay, for Yumi as a Geisha!" There was a large group yelling. "Okay! Let's hear it for Kenji as the Samurai." Another large shout came from the crowd.
"Okay! Let's check with judges to see who wins!" Tokio said, turning around and walking to where the judges where standing. "So?" she asked, covering the mike so no one could hear. The judges whispered the names to her, and she turned around, and announced the winner. "The winner is…a tie! Between Yumi and Kenji! Congratulations guys! Please use your gifts wisely." Tokio said, handing them each an envelope with money in it.
"Okay, time for the group contest!" Tokio said, motioning towards the kids to come to the front of the stage.
"Okay, same deal as before! Let's try Hitsguya and Rangiku!" A yell went up as the kids cheered on their friends. "Okay, Kairi and Sora are next!" Tokio said as the noise died down in the crowd, just to shoot back up to deafening levels again. "And last but not least our menagerie," The sound once again going very loud. Tokio walked back to the judges, got the winners names, and walked to the front of the stage once again.
"Okay! Our winners are…Sora and Kairi! Congratulations Yahiko and Tsubame!" Tokio said as the two walked up to her to receive their prize, a gift certificate for a hot spring resort not far from Tokyo.
This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween!
:-:
