"No! No! No!"
"Come on Pacifica." Dipper said.
"No! There is no way I can get you all invitations into the gala." She said.
"Why not? Your invitation says you can bring friends."
"Only if they're socially acceptable and in the eyes of the wealthy and high class who will be at this event. You all are not socially acceptable."
"It's a costume party. We'll all be in disguise, who's gonna know it's us?"
"It's a huge risk, none of you know how to behave like people of high society."
"How hard can it be? You just have to act like a jack ass." He joked.
"I'm serious, if everyone there finds out that I brought guests who were unfit my parents would ruin me."
"Relax we won't even be there that long. We just need to be there long enough for me to read the tablet."
"Fine but you're costumes need to be good, so good that no one will recognize you or at least think you're rich or something."
"That shouldn't be a problem."
"Actually it is because the party is tomorrow night. Where are you all going to come up with five suitable costumes?"
"Well it shouldn't be too difficult if you provide some money to help us buy them."
"No."
"Why?"
"Because my parents will get suspicious. I guess I could give you some money but only enough to where my parents won't notice it's missing when they check the safe."
She gave them five hundred dollars which was enough to buy three costume suits for the boys and one for Connie.
For Manny's costume consisted of a white dress shirt, a brown button up vest, an ornamented navy blue overcoat, white pants, and black boots. Steven wore an all black suit which consisted up a button jacket with a collar, matching pants, and boots while sliver threads lined the suit up. Dipper wore a white dress shirt, dark-green jacket, pantaloons, black stockings, and short brown boots.
They didn't have enough money to buy Frida a costume at least not one in her size. But she assured them that she would be able to find one. As for Pacifica she already had her costume bought and ready however she knew all too well that clothes wasn't enough, Hair, make-up, mannerism, and other stuff. So on the night of the big event she went over to help them get ready. For the gentlemen hair and make up was not needed but for the ladies definitely.
"I'll just go dressed as a guy." Frida told them.
"No you have to wear a dress, a woman of high society would never dressed like a man even at a costume party."
"Well hate to break it to you but there aren't any suitable costume dresses lying around at lest none in my size that are affordable."
"I think I know something that might work." Dawn said. "Wait right here."
An hour later she came back with a box that contained a suitable gown for the occasion.
"I can't wear this." Frida said when she saw it.
"Why not? It's beautiful and I'd bet my life that it fits you perfectly."
"Hmm..." Pacifica said studying it. "Old fashioned but elegant, it'll do."
"But don't you think it's too important for me to wear. I mean...Won't he get mad?"
"No." Dawn said. "To the contrary I think he would like it if you wore it."
"Alright if you say so."
"Now let's see what I have to work with here." Pacifica said scanning both Connie and Frida's faces. "Oh boy this will not be easy but if anyone can make you two look pretty it's me."
"Was that an insult?" Connie asked Frida.
"I think so."
"Hmmph! How rude."
First Pacifica had Dusk, Dawn, and Sister Nora fetch some make up, hair supplies, and jewelry boxes from both Pacifica's room and from the bedroom Frida had slept in at the Rivera Manor. They had brushes, combs, pins, powders, blushes, rouges, perfumes, and eye coloring. Lucky for them Pacifica was an expert in beauty so she was able to do their hair and make up. It took her four hours to get all three of them ready with a little help from Dawn and Sister Nora.
"So blondie am I ready?" Frida asked.
"Almost, your hair isn't done and you need a new necklace." Pacifica said. "Take that one off and put on the one that came with the gown you're wearing."
"You mean my cross? I don't know. I've worn this since I was elven except for that time when the chain got caught in my hair."
"Whoa do you need a change."
"You don't understand this was my mother's. She gave it to me just before she died, I promised her that I would keep it with me always."
"Don't worry dear I'll hold on to it." Sister Nora assured her.
"Okay." She reluctantly took off her sliver cross necklace and gave it to Sister Nora. "Please don't lose it. It's pretty much the only thing I have left of my parents and my sisters."
"I'll guard it with my life."
"You must really miss your parents huh?" Connie said.
"Yeah I do. What about you? Do you miss yours?"
"Sometimes. I've thought about going back to see them but I'm afraid that if I go back they'll lock me up or something."
"I don't know maybe they won't do that. Maybe if you told them the stuff you've been doing all this time they might see that they don't need to be so protective."
"You're probably right but still I just...I'll visit them when I'm eighteen that way they can't control my life."
"Hey not to rush you but hurry up ladies, it's almost time to go." Pacifica said.
"Okay, okay. Sheesh." Connie complained.
Meanwhile downstairs...
"How long does it take to get dressed and do your hair?" Dipper asked impatiently.
"For a man about maybe twenty minutes." Solomon said. "For a woman, God knows."
"Women." Steven huffed.
"I know right? It's just a party right? It's not like they're going to church or something." Manny said.
"Now remember boys." Dusk said. "Frida and Connie have to pass as beautiful and elegant women of high society like Pacifica so it may take awhile."
"Gentlemen." They heard Sister Nora say as she walked downstairs into the room. "Your ladies are ready."
The three boys felt their jaws drop, eyes pop, and bodies go numb when the three girls came downstairs looking stunning in their gowns, make up, and with their hair styled properly.
Pacifica was dressed in a blue, long sleeved, floor length gown of satin and white lace with a petticoat under the skirt and a satin, blue shawl that was over the skirt. Her blonde hair was pulled up into a bun while a small crown of diamonds sat on top of her head and diamond necklace was around her neck. Her face had peach blush dusted on her cheeks, a bright red rouge was painted on her lips, and a little powder was added to brightened it.
Connie wore a Coral dupioni ballgown with a boned bodice and a trained skirt featuring trim of dimensional braid, gold embroidery, and stones. Her part of her black hair was pulled up by a gold pin while the rest hung down in shiny black locks. She wore a gold chain around her neck and for her make up it was a brownish-purple rouge for her lips, light gold coloring for her hazel eyes, and lining from an eye pencil.
Frida wore the wedding dress that had been worn by his late mother and would've been worn by Analia given the chance. Her blue hair was pulled back and styled into lush waves held by the comb lilies and tulle veil that came with it. Around her neck were the string of pearls while matching earrings were in her ears. Pink blush had been lightly added to her cheeks, sliver was added to her eyes to bring out their blue color, and a dark red rogue had been applied to her lips.
"How do I look?" Steven asked Connie.
"Uh...Uh...I...I...I..I...I..I..." He said stuttering like a love struck idiot.
"Are you okay?"
"Ha...Ha...Pretty lady."
"Uh thanks." She said blushing.
"Close your mouth Steven you're drooling." Dipper said.
"Sorry! sorry! Ha! Ha! I'm...I'm gonna go wait in the car! Bye!" He said leaving.
"What's his problem?" Connie asked confused.
"Lady are you blind or what?" Frida joked.
"What?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
"No. What?"
"Nevermind." Frida giggled. "You all go on over to the car and try to cool him off, while I get some extra money in case of an emergency."
"Okay."
She went to get her purse, not noticing Manny's unchanging gaze on her until she looked up from counting her money.
"Oh! you scared me!" She said.
"You're wearing my mother's dress."
"I'm...I'm sorry. I didn't want to wear it not that I don't think it's a good dress but I thought it would upset you but both Dawn and Pacifica said I should wear it and...And...I'll take it off if you want."
"No. It's okay."
"You sure?"
"Yeah I'm not ever getting married anyway so it doesn't really matter to me who wears it."
"Oh right. Of course." She sighed. "So how does it look? I probably look ridiculous huh."
"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." He said without thinking then blushed when he realized what he had said. "Did I day that out loud?"
"Yes."
"I...Uh...I...I..."
"Thank you." She said blushing. "And you look very handsome. Never thought I'd see you in a suit."
"Heh...Heh...Well come on we should be going." He said nervously.
"What the hell is wrong with me?" He thought. "Why am I talking like that?"
They went downstairs to greet the others in the car and they drove down to the party. It was held in a large plaza filled with lights, elegant music by a famous orchestra, exquisite food laid out on the tables, and pretty much every rich person in Maine dressed up in expensive costumes.
"Wow talk about a big shindig." Steven said.
"So what do we do now?" Connie asked.
"Just don't talk to anyone and be prepared to waltz when it's time." Pacifica said.
"Waltz?" Dipper said.
"Yes. Oh god! Tell me you all know how to waltz."
"I do." Manny said. "My mother made me learn."
"So did mine." Frida said.
"Mine did too." Connie said.
"I taught myself how to win a contest once." Steven said.
"I don't." Dipper confessed. "I can't dance period."
"You're kidding right?" The blonde asked him.
"No."
"Oh why me? Alright wolf boy come with me."
"Wait! I have to check on the-"
But she had already pulled him away to a private area where she began teaching him how to waltz properly.
"So I guess aside from wolf boy we can all dance." Connie said.
"Pretty much." Steven said. When music started playing, he bowed at Connie's feet and offered her his hand. "May I have the pleasure?"
She giggled and put her hand in his.
"I'd love to."
The two then walked over to join the other dancers as they began to share a romantic waltz. Manny and Frida looked at each other nervously.
"So..." Manny said offering her his hand just as Steven had done with Connie. "Shall we?"
"Oh I...I don't know. Remember what happened the last time we tried dancing?"
"Yes you repeatedly kept stepping on my feet in blind rage but as painful as your foot was I wouldn't mind to try dancing with you again."
"Really?"
"Yeah that is if you want to."
"Sure."
She put one hand in his and the other on his shoulder while he put his free hand around her waist. Then the two began to waltz in perfect sync with the music. Their eyes met and Manny felt that familiar pang in his heart and it only got stronger when she laid her head on his chest as they danced. He felt sweat drip down the side of his face and fought the urge to start shaking.
"What is this feeling?" He asked himself.
"You seem different." She whispered.
"Do I?"
"Yes."
"Ho-how?"
"Well for one thing you asked me to put that belt back on you when last I checked you hated that thing."
"I still do but it seems that it's needed."
"What do you mean?"
"Well my old friend is after you so you need me to protect you."
"And since when do you care about what happens to me?"
"Okay you've kind of grown on me."
"Grown on you? Seriously?"
"What?"
"That can mean different things you know."
"Okay how about this, I guess I like you. I mean you're an okay girl."
"Thanks. I think."
"So listen do you remember what you told me when you were inside my head?"
"That depends. What are you referring to?"
"You...You said you loved me." She blushed when he said that. "Was that true?"
"Ah...I...I...Ye-yes."
"You sure?"
"Yes."
"Not lying?"
"No. Why do you not believe me?"
"Because I never thought nuns could fall in love. Especially with a devil."
"You're not all devil you know and even if you were it's not like you're so evil monster or something anyway you don't have to freak out I know you don't feel the same way not to mention a relationship between a nun and a devil would be considered really bad to some people so I'll learn to get over my feelings."
"Oh that's...Good...Very good because after Analia died I swore I'd never love again."
"Never?"
"Never. It was just too painful."
"Oh...I see...Well it doesn't really matter anyway because when I was a child I promised myself that I would never get married."
"Time out you promised that you would never get married?"
"Yeah you kind of have to do that when you're a nun."
"Well yeah but was that before or after you became a nun?"
"Before."
"Why?"
"Because...Um..." She leaned over to his ear and whispered something to him. "I'm afraid of sex."
"What?"
"Shh!"
"Sorry but seriously?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"I...I don't know...I guess it just seemed so scary to me."
"Well that's common for girls especially virgins."
"Uh can we get off this subject now?"
"Yeah You know it's too bad you're not ever gonna get married because you look very good in a wedding dress."
"Thanks. But I bet your mother looked better in it."
"She did. She and my father got married when I was a baby but they had portrait painted of each other on their wedding day."
"So you were illegitimate?" Frida teased.
"Hey my parents were married."
"Yeah but not when you were conceived."
"Oh ha, ha. Very funny, hey you better not be saying my mother was a slut because she was a saint. A pure saint I tells you!"
"Relax I'm not judgemental. In opinion you're only a sult if you do it out of lust but you're parents were in love. They were in love right?"
"Yes. As crazy as it was a devil and a cardinal's daughter were in love with each other."
"How sweet, crazy but sweet."
"So just out of curiosity, why do you love me?"
"Well...I don't know. When we first met I thought you were just some cocky, rude, and hot tempered jerk."
"Wow thanks, I can feel the love." He said sarcastically.
"But as I got to know you I realized that there was a lot more to you and that deep down you were actually very gentle and kind. You only act so harsh with people because you've been hurt so much and I kind of know what that's like. To lose everything and then be subjected to the cruelty of others."
"Come on you don't know what that's like."
"Manny remember my parents and my sisters died when I was a kid and then I was sent to an asylum where I was tortured. Trust me I know your pain."
"Oh...Right I forgot about that. What...What were your parents like?"
"My father used to be a knight for the catholic church, he defended it from devils and demons kind of like exorcists did but he retired when he married my mother who used to be a nurse for the church. People always said that I looked like my mother and that I had her spirit and her compassion but I had my father's stubborness and his temper."
"What about your sisters?"
"I had two older sisters named Anita and Nikita, they were twins. They were very pretty and they had almost every boy at their beck and call not to mention they teased me regularly but I loved them."
"Did your family love you?"
"Of course they loved me."
"Huh..."
"What?"
"Nothing I'm just happy that you were born into a family that loved you."
"Okay, what did your parents not love you?"
"No they loved me but Analia's didn't. Her mother abandoned her when she was a toddler and her father abused her all her life. She would tell me how much she wished that she could be a normal girl and have a loving family. A family where her mother would be there for her, her father wouldn't beat her, and strangely enough she also wanted older sisters.
"Oh that's sad."
"Yeah it is."
"You know I'm not her right?"
"Yeah I know but before the whole asylum craziness you had the life and the family she always wanted which makes me wonder if it was a coincidence that her soul was reborn in you. That maybe the reason she picked you to be her reincarnation was because in a way you were the woman she always wanted to be."
"Maybe. You know she talks to me."
"Huh?"
"Her ghost. It still lingers here and she's been talking to me ever since I was kid."
"What does she say?"
"At first all she ever did was play with me because I was lonely after losing my family, she comforted me in the asylum, and she helped me escape by leading Father Gardner to me. After Father Gardner took me in I didn't see her again for four years then on the night I met you she came to me and told me that you were coming."
"Is that all she said?"
"She asked me to heal your broken heart and help you love again because that was the only way she could ever move on."
"Move on?"
"She's worried about you, that's why she lingers here on earth. She never told me that but I can feel her intense worry for you."
"What does she want exactly?"
"I think she wants you to love again and that's why she stays behind."
"I don't know if I could ever do that. The thought of loving another woman and losing her like I lost Analia it's just...Too painful."
"I know." Frida sighed and put her head on his chest again making his heart beat again.
Manny didn't know what was happening him. He now had these strange feelings for Frida, feelings that he hadn't of felt in the longest time. Feelings that he had only felt for one other woman.
Meanwhile outside on a balcony Pacifica was trying to teach Dipper to waltz.
"Okay now put your arm around my waist." She instructed.
"Uh...You mean like this." He slid his arm around her waist.
"Yes good." She gripped his shoulder firmly with one hand and held his with her other. "Now just move your feet."
"Where?"
"Let's start with just going back and fourth."
Dipper was a nervous wreck. While he was very smart he was never one for dancing. It's not that he didn't like it, he just never learned how.
"You don't have to be nervous it's just us you know." Pacifica said.
"I know but I always kind of find it embarrassing that I couldn't dance."
"Why?"
"Because I'm supposed to be smart and know everything."
"Dipper no one can know everything."
"Well I know that but...Look I'm not brave, I'm not strong, I'm not talented, intelligence is all I have."
"That's not true. You're kind and sweet and honest and polite and I guess you're kind of cute." She said blushing.
"Really?" He said also blushing.
"Yeah I guess."
"You're the first woman to actually think I'm cute. Most women are repulsed by me unless of course they're drunk."
"Uh...Okay. Let's focus on the lesson now."
"Right!"
It took a few minutes but Dipper eventually understood the process of the waltz and learned how to do it. Soon the lesson turned to fun as they began waltzing. As they danced Pacifica glanced up at Dipper's face and noticed that it looked very dashing in the moonlight. Had he always been this handsome? She wondered and why did she feel so safe in his arms? Come to think of it whenever he touched her he was always so gentle with her. She had never been touched in such a gentle way so it was quite strange for her to feel this.
"Are you alright?" He asked her. "You're looking at me very strangely."
"Oh I'm fine it's just that I'm not used to men being so gentle with me. Usually there awfully rough with me."
"Then they're terrible men. I was raised that no man should ever harm a woman."
"No doubt you were raised differently than I was."
"Obviously."
"Yeah..." She sighed.
"You look very beautiful tonight."
"Thanks I get that a lot. Listen um...Why are you so nice to me? I mean I was pretty mean to you when we first met."
"Well I'm not gonna lie being nice to you hasn't always been easy and frankly at first I thought about treating you the same way you treated me but when I saw what you're home life was like I figured hey if I'm not gonna be nice to this girl who is?"
"Oh so you pity me?"
"Well yeah."
"Lovely, just what I need." Pacifica said sarcastically. "Someone's pity."
"Sorry that came out wrong."
"It's okay. Better your pity than beatings I guess."
"You know being mean to other people won't make the pain go away."
"I know but I don't know what else to do. The abuse gets worse everyday and I just...I just can't take it anymore. Sometimes I wish I was dead, I've thought about killing myself a couple of times and-"
"No!" He said gripping her hand. "Don't do that!"
"What?"
"Listen no matter how hard your life gets it's not worth throwing away! You must not ever take your own life!"
"Why are you-"
"Because my sister killed herself for the reason!" He cut her off. "When Gideon raped her and lied about my death she thought she couldn't live with her pain! To this day it still haunts me! So much that I refuse to let anyone kill themselves no matter what because it won't end your suffering it will only make it worse! Pacifica you must promise me that you will live. That you won't resort to suicide! Promise me!"
"I...I promise."
"I mean it! You have a lot to offer to this world. Yeah you're mean and snobby but you're smart and brave and underneath all that jewelry and fancy clothes I know you have a heart of gold."
"How can you say that?"
"You hardly know me?"
"Werewolves have sixth sense and I can sense that you don't want to be this. You want to be something more. Something kind and sweet and caring but the pain you've suffered makes it hard for you to show the world the real you. If you ask me your parents don't deserve a daughter like you and they're too cruel and stupid to realize that you're the most precious jewel they have.
Pacifica felt like crying, crying with joy. No one, no one in all her life had ever said such wonderful words and meant it. People gave her compliments all the time but they never meant it and they would always gossip about her behind her back but this man. This man meant every word he said. He really thought she was special and not because she was rich or pretty but because of who she was. The real Pacifica Northwest, the one inside, the one she wanted to be, the one her parents wanted to hide from the world.
"Do you really mean that?" She asked fighting her tears.
"Madame I've never been one to lie especially to a woman. I swear to God I meant every word."
They made eye contact and found themselves unable to break away.
"Um...Weren't you supposed to do something tonight?"
"Uh...Yeah but I can't remember. What was it?"
"I think it was a...A...A...Tablet."
"Tablet? Huh...A tablet...Oh the tablet! Right! I need to go read it! Excuse me."
He quickly went back inside and began scanning the room for the tablet. He saw several artifacts being left on display but luckily he was able to spot the tablet. He got up real close to it and began reading the texts carved into it. Once he realized what the purpose of the tablet was he became very concerned. If he read these texts correctly and this tablet was what he thought it was then it was very bad that this demonic slime was going after it.
"This...not good." Dipper said. "Bad, very bad. I gotta tell the guys."
But before he could get them the message the whole party was interrupted by a large boom and large waves of demon's blood began to flood the room. The guests quickly stopped dancing and began running away while screaming. Some made it out of the building but all the doors started to slam shut trapping the remaining guests inside.
"Oh crap!" Manny shouted in shock. He quickly changed into his devil form, scooped Frida into his arms, and flew up to a higher part of the building followed by Steven who was carrying Connie.
"Both of you stay here." Steven said putting Connie down. "Don't come down no matter what or you'll drown."
"But the people down there-" Connie said.
"We'll help them. But you two stay on higher ground."
Steven and Manny then began picking up the guests and placing them on higher ground with the girls.
"Is that everyone?" Manny asked.
"Yeah I think so." Steven said.
"Hey where's the dog and the rich girl?"
"I don't know."
They looked down at the demon's blood flooding in.
"Can Dipper swim?" Manny asked Steven.
"I have no idea man."
"Well he's a werewolf so maybe he can dog paddle."
"Let's focus on getting rid this sludge before we all drown."
Manny quickly made a huge flame in his hands and threw it into the blood burning it. More kept coming in so he had to keep throwing one flame after another into at last the blood finally decided to ooze away. All it left behind was slimy residue, broken and destroyed furniture, and an unconscious Pacfica who was shivering next to the body of a wolf that was keeping her warm and protected. When the blood first started flooding in Pacifica got swallowed up so Dipper changed into a wolf and went to keep her warm and help her breathe. Luckily they were still alive and the blood hadn't of drowned them. But the were both very bed dragged and dehydrated. They needed warmth, rest, and plenty of fluids.
