Forgotten Royalty

Chapter 7

Azier's face went white as the world stopped spinning and the ground benieth her became solid again. She stumbled sideways into Larsa, nearly knocking the shorter boy over. Vaan laughed and grabbed her by the elbow and hauled her back upright.

"Ugh… I remember why I don't teleport often…"

Penelo smiled and patted the older girl's arm, then pulling her toward a stall set out in the street, a dark colored Bangaa calling out the quality of costumes he sold. Penelo scooped up a skimpy outfit that looked similar to the clothes worn by the Viera, complete with bunny tail and a headdress with a mane of white hair and ears. She turned to the redhead and shoved the items into her arms, pushing her to a stall for changing into the costumes.

"PENELO! LET ME OUT! THERE IS NOT WAY IN HELL I AM WEARING THIS! ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME?!"

Penelo rolled her eyes and went in, arguing softly with her friend. Vaan looked at Balthier and Larsa and smirked.

"I gotta see what she looks like as a Viera. She's tall enough, and pretty."

Fran snorted, walking into the changing room also when she heard Penelo call for reinforcements. Ashe waited outside, picking through costumes. Just as she picked up a fancy blue robe and a feathered mask, she heard Azier's exasperated voice.

"Fine, fine. I'll wear the thrice bedamned thing… Fran, you help me with the headdress, Penelo, you tie the top on. Wait, what about my clothes?"

Vaan smiled as her usual clothes came flying over the top of the stall, snatching them out of the air and stuffing them into his pack.

"Don't worry, Azier. I have a safe place for our stuff."

Penelo peeked her head out, smiling at everybody.

"Okay, we're coming out! This is so AWESOME! You guys are gonna love it!"

Azier stepped out, her face dark red, not looking at anybody, preferring to look at the dusty ground. Balthier smiled and nodded. Larsa blushed and looked away, muttering about how the costume looked nice, but perhaps she would like a cloak or something over it. Vaan walked right up with a grin and poked her in the forehead, making her glare at him.

"Hey, I think she may be hotter than any other Viera I've met."

"I'll kill you."

"Hahaha! She even has the right attitude! I lik-ulp!"

Azier grabbed Vaan's face and flung him backward, firing off a blizzara spell and not letting up until every inch of the blond was covered in ice. Balthier smirked and picked up a simple black suit and white mask, topped off with a black and red cape. Fran looked at the costumes and said that she would just go as herself after pulling Vaan up off the street and casting a healing spell on him. Basch picked up a scowling devil mask and put it on.

"What are you supposed to be, Penelo?"

Penelo stepped out wearing a strappy dress that looked to be more ribbon than fabric, smiling as she twirled around once.

"Isn't it obvious? I'm a dancer! Now, what about you Ashe?"

Ashe came out of a stall wearing a beaded and feathered blue robe and matching mask, carrying a short silver scepter.

"I'm the river goddess."

Penelo smiled as Vaan took a hasty step back when Azier began to walk past him to pick up a suit of 'armor' and tossed it to Larsa. The black haired prince rolled his eyes and walked into a stall to change.

"I really don't understand why we need to dress like this. It seems… odd to me."

Penelo and Azier sighed as Ashe rubbed her temples. Azier spoke in an almost too calm voice.

"If we don't, we'll stick out like an Imperial on a nude beach. Hurry up, will you?"

Larsa came out, glaring from behind his mirror bright mask.

"I feel foolish."

Azier glared and snapped the boy's mask, making him yelp in surprise and pain.

"At least all of you is covered… People keep looking at my… Never mind…"

Vaan picked out a simple pirate costume and a plain black mask. When he was changed, Penelo crowed happily and Ashe laughed. Without hesitating, the Rabinastrans dragged the others into the pulsing masses of people and were swallowed by the music. Penelo had to scream to be heard by her friends.

"Wait til tonight! In Lowtown, we have a huge party! Dancing, drinking, eating, you name it! You'll love it!"

A/N

Hey guys. I thought I'd let them have some fun before the shit hits the proverbial fan. I thought of the costume cuz… I LUV HALLOWEEN!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL!!!!!

I love the reviews! Keep them coming!