Chapter 14: Disguises

*Usagi*

…Sunset the following day…

Usagi sat in the parlor, so excited that she could barely contain it. If things went as she hoped this would be a spectacular and joyous evening for her family, Senshi and otherwise. Of course, she was certain most of Crystal Tokyo would be there. The ball had been announced publicly and was open to all citizens. She had always enjoyed Masquerade Balls, but ones such as this one were special. She heard a knock at the door and her grin grew even larger. Her first victim… or rather appointment had arrived. She called out, fiddling with the object in her hand, "Come in."

She would be repeating this process many times before the evening was out. The door opened and Rei entered with a cross expression on her face, "Hello Usagi. Are you and Serenity absolutely sure about this?" She fidgeted as she approached Usagi and it made her giggle. Rei rolled her eyes in response.

Composing herself, Usagi replied sounding extremely serious, "Would you defy the orders of your Queen Lady Mars?" Again, Rei rolled her eyes at Usagi but did not voice further objection. The grin returned to Usagi's face and she said, "That is what I thought. Are you ready?"

It was obvious that Rei wanted to roll her eyes yet again, however she did not. Instead she held both of her arms out to the side and replied, "As ready as I will ever be." Then she closed her eyes and waited.

Standing, wearing an expression that was far too amused for Rei's comfort, Usagi held out what seemed like an old relic now. Swiftly she lifted the pink stick with the crown and jewel at the top, thanking the goddess that Luna had modified it to be used on others as well as one's self, and called on its powers as she pointed it at Rei, who flinched as she felt the magic overtake her.

Once the pen had done its work, Usagi led Rei over to a mirror. Rei groaned, "Don't you think a fortune teller is a bit obvious Usagi?" Even though she thought that, Rei had to smile at the beauty of the costume.

Putting her hands on Rei's shoulders, Usagi chuckled, "That is just it Rei. No one will think that it is you simply because it would be the predictable choice!" She turned Rei to face her and looked at her very seriously now, "Once you leave this you only take the route that has been designated and go straight to the fountains and the ball."

There were things Rei wanted to say that were written all over her, nonetheless she dawned her mask and told Usagi, "Of course, Queen-Mother, I will see you at the ball." Then she walked around Usagi and existed the parlor. Usagi watched her go and took great humor in the grumblings she heard and the ones she knew were happening inside Rei's head!

Once the door closed, Usagi allowed herself a good giggle and then went and sat back down, waiting for her next… arrival.

*Kiyoko*

Lying in bed with Seiya was something that Kiyoko had been terrified she would never be able to experience again. The last thing that she wanted to do was to leave this bed. Seiya had held her the entire day. The two of them had talked about many things. Kiyoko had cried a few times. And Seiya had shown here what it was to be alive again. However, Kiyoko knew that they had to go. It was a royal decree after all. She twisted herself so that she could look at Seiya's face and saw the contentment on her face. It made Kiyoko want to cry again. Seiya stroked her cheek and told her, "No more tears. You have cried more than enough for one day."

Kiyoko marveled at Seiya's love. She could still feel pain in her heart, yet the love was so overwhelming. She knew it was overwhelming for Seiya too. She whispered, "What in the world did I do to deserve such love?" Her eyes glistened despite Seiya's remark about crying.

Leaning in to nuzzle her nose against Kiyoko's, Seiya replied, "You brought light and color to my world like no one else could. As the song says, the star loves the moon. It is that simple my sweet Kiyo-chan." She closed her eyes and kept her nose against Kiyoko's. Kiyoko could not help the few tears that managed to fall. She felt truly privileged to be loved by Seiya.

A moment later Kiyoko responded to her wife's statement with joy in her voice, "You and your existence gave me life. I was a meek shadow. You saw me and pulled me out into the light of your star. The moon has always loved the stars above as well. Even my grandmother loved a star." She smiled as she thought back to when her mother had become Sailor Cosmos. While she had been unconscious, Kiyoko could see how things had unfolded through Seiya's eyes.

Seiya laughed and opened her eyes, "That is true." Then she kissed Kiyoko gently and told her morosely, "Unfortunately, we have to leave this bed." She found herself laughing again when her words only served to make Kiyoko cling to her more tightly. Seiya eyed her beloved, thankful that regardless of any pain she felt that she was able to share this happiness with Kiyoko again, yet knowing that they had to go.

After a few more minutes, Kiyoko conceded and the two of them made their way from the bed. Kiyoko had sent word to her mother that she would take care of her and Seiya's costumes. She had her suspicions about why this ball was taking place and they did not necessitate that Kiyoko and Seiya not know what the other was wearing or dressed like. And so she concentrated and felt her magic wash over herself first.

When the transformation was complete she opened her eyes and saw how stunned Seiya was be how different Kiyoko looked. She looked like herself, yet didn't. Kiyoko's hair seemed to be the biggest shock she sensed in Seiya. That was understandable. Her long midnight main was gone along with her odangos. In its place were two fiery red ponytails that met the floor. She wore a form-fitting gown of black and red with grey material fashioned to look much like that of her mother's typical royal gown. On her face was an intricate black mask that framed the eyes she could not bring herself to change. In Seiya Kiyoko could sense a thankfulness for those familiar eyes. However, panic ran through Seiya when she saw Kiyoko fix her eyes intently on Seiya and the magic began welling in her once more. It was Seiya's turn and she was not sure she was ready. Unfortunately, they had run out of time to be hesitant.

When Kiyoko was finished with Seiya she found herself feeling like a belly dancer, and most embarrassed. Kiyoko laughed at her wife's embarrassment considering the Starlight Fuku. Seiya stood there in a raven colored top that dipped low in the front and layers of slip shirts that were embroidered with pearls. Her hair hung down and was as white as the pearls in her dress. Her mask was about half white and half black as well. She crossed her arms at Kiyoko and asked, "Are you serious?"

Kiyoko chuckled and nodded, "Absolutely serious my love. You look stunning." She saw the protest forming in Seiya's mind and so Kiyoko looked at her and pleaded, "Please?" Seiya could not say anything. Kiyoko had one. All Seiya could do was to hold out her hand and lead Kiyoko from the chambers that still needed mending to the ball that awaited them.

Once they'd arrived it was easy enough to spot Serenity and Helios. The two of them hadn't made as much effort to conceal themselves as had been put into everyone else. Kiyoko wondered why that was. Part of her wanted to go and ask Serenity about it, however she felt that might give her away and Kiyoko knew that what not the intention of the evening. With sorrow she looked at Seiya and whispered, "We should mingle for a bit, as much as I hate to say it."

Seiya knew that Kiyoko was correct and was happy that she had enough strength of mind and body to do so. On the other hand, the last thing that Seiya wanted at the moment was to separate from her wife. Her entire being ached at the thought of it. After a quick kiss, Seiya conceded, "Alright my love. Though I will be watching you." She smiled as she saw the blush in Kiyoko's cheeks and the smile upon her face. Seiya loved that look on her, it was so sweet and pure. With that the two of them split and began making their way in opposite directions.

Soon Kiyoko found herself being bowed to be a valiant masked knight wearing a mask of royal blue and gold with a long ponytail matching the blue on the mask. One of the rules of the ball was that until Serenity decreed otherwise, none of the attendees were to speak. If one wanted to dance with someone they simply extended their hand to their desired dance partner and either you took their hand or you gestured no thank you and both of you moved on. Kiyoko eyed the gloved hand that had just been extended to her and then took it. Through their bond, she could sense Seiya watching her and nearly laughed at the hint of jealousy there. She attempted to reassure her telepathically and then began dancing with the valiant knight.

In less than two minutes Kiyoko's eyes widened and she nearly gasped aloud. She knew the rhythm of her dance partner's movements and realized with whom she was dancing. Kiyoko started to break away when her partner pulled her in close, and whispered in her ear, "It is only a dance, and I promise I did not know when I asked. Your disguise is quite good." Swallowing, Kiyoko nodded and was considering whether or not to break away anyway when she caught sight of her sister.

A man dressed all in blue and white, with blue hair just past his shoulders had his hand extended to Serenity. Well, Kiyoko presumed he was a man based on his build. Being the gracious queen that she was, Serenity took it of course. Kiyoko watched as the two of them started dancing. When she caught sight of his mask. She found something about it unsettling and it was more than the fact that it obviously did not complement his outfit with its mix of black and gold. Regardless Kiyoko kept dancing, moving the two of them in the direction of Serenity and her disturbing dance partner.

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