Chapter 9

The lively noise was suddenly shattered by a piercing cry laced with terror.

And then it was chaos.

Screams and shouts filled the hall as armed men invaded the place. One by one men and women fell bloodied on the floor. Time seemed to stand still as she watched the scene in horror. Someone grabbed her arm and she was being dragged, dragged, dragged away from the nightmare of the hall. She vaguely registered the darkness around her and the thudding sound of footfalls bouncing off the narrow walls.

Who?

She ought to be screaming, to be struggling against the hand gripping her wrist but it is taking her all just to keep breathing.

How long have we been running?

Her throat is dry and hurting.

Her ears are roaring.

Her legs feel like they're going to give anytime.

They continue running until gradually they slowed down and the hand on her wrist loosen its grip.

The moment they stopped her feet gave in and she collapsed on the ground.

Slowly her breathing became steady and her heartbeat returned to normal.

The musty smell of the passage faded as fresh air washed over her.

She was still hunched on the ground when she heard a voice said, "'til we meet again."

And then she was alone.

XXXXX

The people were once again in a festive mood. In a corner of the plaza, people were queuing as uniformed men handed out assorted bags. From time to time the House of Rakuzan would give out food and supplies to the townspeople. During such occasions merry making was sure to follow. The sun was yet to set but there was already a big bonfire blazing in the center of the square. Tables and chairs were scattered in the plaza, some occupied, some empty. Already the men were drinking and cheering as rowdy music, singing and children's squeals and laughter fills the air. Everyone was in a relaxed and joyful spirits.

At the same moment, the Residence of Rakuzan is busying itself for the arrival of guests. Unlike the gathering in the town square and the previous banquet for the victor of the tourney, this gathering is more refined in nature. After all, the guests are dignitaries of different Houses. The head servant surveyed the hall and was finally satisfied. The chandeliers were all lighted. In between large windows and along the walls were tasteful lanterns to provide additional illumination to the room. The refreshments were in order and arranged in one side. The orchestra in the corner is playing an appropriate music. The floor was gleaming and spotless. The servants were all in their designated stations, looking smart and alert. Like him, they were attired in a simple combination of white top and black pants. A simple black eye mask adorned their faces. He looked out the window and noticed that only a few minutes of daylight was remaining. He gave the hall one last sweep and donned his own mask. Any minute now then...

XXX

Just before the final rays of sun disappeared the first of the guests arrived. It did not take a long before the room was swarmed with people all garbed in colorful costumes, their identities hidden with an equally colorful masks.

The masquerade has begun.

A few hours into the ball and the refreshments had been consumed and been replenished, the orchestra played, rested and played again, the dance floor alternately filled and cleared of people. Some are already showing signs of inebriation, if the increased boldness and less than graceful movement are of any indication. Somewhere in the crowd is the group of Seirin. Standing together side by side, they make a striking group all clad in a combination of silver and black.

After the "red-dress affair" as dubbed by Izuki, a group of tailors and modistes invaded their temporary residence. Armed with tape measures, pins and yards and yards of cloths and fabrics, the rest of the day was spent in measuring, cutting, and being pricked by countless pins and needles. At least in the case of the men who couldn't stay still while the tailors did their job.

The women, on the other hand, looked like they're having the time of their lives. Or at least Riko and Momoi are having the time of their lives. The blue-haired girl of Seirin remained passive during the whole time and let the two women handle everything. After taking the necessary measurements, they were immediately immersed in the topic of patterns, cuts, etc. and whether this type of fabric will go better with this one and whatnot. In the end, they let the modistes decide on the final designs.

Midorima dropped in later that day to convey Akashi's version of apology – a large arrangement of red roses in a gilded wrapping – which was received with a raised brow by Aida, a wry smile by Momoi and a passive, expressionless face by Kuroko. The unfortunate bearer, on the other hand, looked like he had just ingested the vilest and nastiest concoction on earth, much to the mirth of the always present Takao. Together with the bouquet – scratch that, the thing looks like a whole garden had been plucked of all its blossoms – is a note stating if they could "just forget the whole incident" and that "he hopes that they would enjoy the upcoming masquerade." As if such thing can easily be forgotten. One thing that did not escape the observation of Aida, though, was the fact that Midorima was acting as a messenger for Akashi. Almost like a right-hand man which is curious considering that they belong in different Houses.

At the masquerade the group mingled in the crowd and, after the initial fidgety stance and awkwardness of the men, danced with other guests. The women had been approached several times, and after giving the obligatory dances they are now enjoying some refreshment in a corner. They were joined by Momoi, who they easily recognized despite the elaborate mask covering half of her face. The woman presented a pleasing sight dressed in an array of pink and green, the style obviously by the mythical creatures known as fays. And damn if she did not look the part.

The two women of Seirin, did not look half bad either. Riko looks good in her black dress and silver mask. And so does Kuroko. Whereas Riko's is almost entirely black with a smattering of silver, her dress is more of silver with an overlay of sheer black. The fabric used was so light and airy that when she moves she seemed like floating. The silver mask covers more than half of her face, the swirling pattern extending to the side of her face and to her jaw. It is ironic that the mask followed a moon-and-stars theme when her hair and eyes looked like patches of blue sky peeking from behind the clouds.

From time to time they commented on the appearance of the guests, sometimes guessing who is who. Some are easy to recognize, some are not (though it is more because they really are not familiar with most of the guests than the fact that they are wearing masks.)

And then there are those who are just hard to miss – mask or no mask. To name one, there is Aomine Daiiki who seemed to have missed the part about the gathering being a masked ball, though according to Momoi she had personally picked what the guy would wear, mask included. Next on the list is Murasaskibara, which is understandable considering that only few people possess purple hair and towering height. Add this to the fact that the guy barely moved from the refreshment table and you have your guy. Of course there is Kise who despite the elaborate, intricate (you name it) mask still was unable to mask his identity. Maybe it was because of his inherent flamboyancy or his aura or whatever. His whole appearance just screams Kise.

And then there is Midorima.

Appearance-wise, the guy looks appealing, impeccable even - if not for the large, gilded, raccoon statue he is toting around. Looks like the guy who almost died from embarrassment because he had to carry a large (gigantic) bouquet of roses around Rakuzan had no qualms carrying an equally embarrassing, if not out-of-place, object so long as it is mandated by his beloved oracle.

At different times the miracles approached the group one by one, with Kise even asking each of the women to a dance to which they all obliged. He was just returning with Aida when a voice suddenly spoke, making the golden-haired Miracle tense-up. Midorima who was hovering nearby was also wearing a grim and somewhat disapproving look.

The Red Emperor finally made his appearance.

XXX

"May I have the pleasure of this dance?"

Blue-eyes glanced passively at the proffered hand and instead looked directly at the owner of the voice. The girl is somewhat annoyed by the voiced-out command, for it is a command more than a way to ask for acquiescence, and for some reason the rebellious part of her is tempted to decline just to see what his reaction would be. It is obvious that the man is used to authority – his word is law and he expects nothing but obedience. Common sense prevailed in the end (they have a precarious stand in the land after all), and as she took the proffered hand she can swore she saw the satisfaction on his face. She was led on the dance floor where it is noticeably been cleared of people. The room is uncharacteristically quiet save for the occasional murmurs and hushed whispers.

The man raised his hand signaling the orchestra to start a tune. She recognized the music. It is the one where couples switch partners only to return back to their original partners. Other couples had already taken their place on the dance floor. The dance barely allows for any contact but it requires a close proximity between couples. A proximity close enough for a conversation without being overheard – which looks like what her partner had in mind since he suddenly spoke, "I am disappointed you turn down the dress."

Step, step, turn.

"I apologize. I am flattered though," she answered in her usual toneless voice.

Step, step, turn then switch. After several switch in partners they are once again facing each other.

"Pity. I really think it would suit you," he said.

"I quite disagree. I think gold and red would horribly clash with the color of my hair," she countered. Her statement made him laugh, the sound startling the audience and almost made the other couples falter in their routine.

Turn and switch. Step, step…

"Tell me. What is the high priestess of Seirin doing so far away from her temple? I believe it is against your tradition to have your priestesses tread the ground and be seen by people?" he asked with a curious look.

"What you are referring to was an ancient tradition." the blue-haired girl mumbled.

Another chuckle from the man. "Ancient you say. But from what I know it was still being practiced not less than ten years ago."

"Change is inevitable."

"Is it?"

The conversation was halted by the music ending. They faced each other and bowed. Akashi extended his hand toward Kuroko and she had no choice but to take it. As they walked back towards her companions, the man spoke, "It is not that change is inevitable. It is better to say that those who hold power directs the course of fate, therefore making it seemed inevitable for the powerless. The victor dictates history, is what they say. The winner takes everything while loser is left with none. That is the law of nature."

"So you're saying that the weak and powerless must stop struggling and just accept their fate?" the blue-haired girl questioned.

"It is not a question of must and must not. It just IS."

"I do not think I agree. Even though I said that it is inevitable, it doesn't always have to mean that change is undesirable. No matter how weak and powerless you seem to be at the moment, if you try hard enough an opportunity will present itself and you will be able to overturn things to your favor. If there is even the littlest of chance to attain your desired outcome and enforce your desired change, you have to grab it even if it means you have to struggle against the bonds of fate."

"You are contradicting yourself. You are saying that change is inevitable but you are also saying that it is something that can be turned for or against one's favor?"

"Change as it is, is inevitable – it is always present, whether desired or not. Please do not misunderstand. All I am saying is that the future is uncertain. Nothing is set in stone. Nothing is absolute." She wasn't sure when they stopped walking but as she uttered the last words she found herself staring deeply into the eyes of the emperor. She can see the disapproval but she won't back down.

"Tetsuya… why do you always defy me?"

It was then that the nightmare begun.

XXX

Kagami Taiga, who had been keeping an eye on their princess, was momentarily distracted by the sudden scream. He turned his head toward the source of the noise. As soon as the situation sunk inhe immediately whipped his head back to where Kuroko was standing. It was only a few seconds but the bluenette was no longer there. A masked man tried to take a swing at him but he managed to dodge and landed a blow instead. He took the sword from the fallen man and tried to locate the bluenette. It was pandemonium.

Damn it. It was only a few seconds. Where is she?

He dodged another attacker. Those who were not quick enough to react had already fallen, dead on the floor. He noticed that his companions had also procured weapons and armed themselves with Riko in their midst. He managed to make his way towards his companions and they successfully fended some of the attackers. They gradually edged towards one of the exits but there was still no sign of the bluenette. As his eyes continued to search for Kuroko he noticed something, one thing that he failed to process and comprehend at the moment due to the chaos and his brain prioritizing the search for their missing companion but would later he would impart to the rest of his group.

The miracles were not moving.

They were just watching.

XXXXX

A/N: Does anybody follow the flow of the conversation between Akashi and Kuroko? Because I don't haha maybe I'll change it someday but as of now I'll lkeep it as it is? I honestly do not know anything about social dances and formal gatherings and I am too lazy to search the net for proper references (LOL)