Pearls Abroad

Hi everyone! Thank you to XesmeKH and MayonakaGirl14 for taking their time and reading my story! And, if she still reads my stories, I hope, Fahiru too! Anyways to clear up anything, yes I have read and seen almost ALL of the spoilers for DDD. I want it SO bad! If only July would get here faster! I'm literally put to tears on how emotional and beautiful Kingdom Hearts is. I know, I'm being a drama queen. In any case, here's chapter 16! Enjoy! Please Review!

The party that Tiana had invited them too was not how Kailee, Sora, Riku, Donald, or Goofy expected it to be. She had forgot to mention that it was actually a welcoming party, celebrating the arrival of Prince Naveen of Maldonia and everyone was expected to wear a costume to the party. Many of the costumes were knit and a bit worn but they still were pretty out there, considering the fact that the majority of rich folks had come to this party. Fortunately, Tiana's friend, Charlotte, had offered to let them all borrow some masks she had stored for those guests who either forgot or didn't want to bring a costume. Kailee had picked a full facemask painted a rich gold covered in rubies and blue feathers. Sora's was an eye mask that was tinted a sky blue, hence his name's significance, with dark blue around the edges. Riku's was mysterious lavender with black at the edges. Donald's and Goofy's were both a sun yellow with green on the edges.

"What exactly are we doing here again?" Riku asked.

"We're here to have fun!" Kailee responded. "And to get to know these people better since we'll be here for a while. Plus, we could see if any of these people have seen anything suspicious lately."

"Are you sure that's the only reason?" Sora folded his arms, sending a weird look towards her.

"Well, actually I already want to get rid of this scar already," Kailee motioned to her arm. "Don't tell me you guys don't want to get rid of your scars."

"Yes, we want to get rid of them but we still have to wait three days to get them fixed," Riku said. "Who knows what could happen in all that time."

"Then maybe we could come across a hidden Shadow Crosser," Kailee let her eyes sweep over the guests. "Let's just hope that it's a good one."

"How about we all stick by Tiana," Sora put in. "She is standing over there. And she's giving out free beignets!"

Everybody rushed over and grabbed a handful of beignets. They were a bit hungry, even if they had had a lot of gumbo. So far, the party was becoming very boring. Nothing interesting was going on, not even anything suspicious to occupy their time. They couldn't talk to Tiana at all because she was constantly running in and out of the massive kitchen to prepare more beignets because they were quickly becoming a crowd favorite. The band was forced to play slow classical music that only killed the mood. Even Charlotte, the hostess, was getting anxious herself because Prince Naveen hadn't arrived yet.

Everything came crashing down a half hour later. Charlotte had gotten into a fit, saying that her Prince Charming was never going to come to her. Tiana had been quick to try and reassure her but Charlotte ignored her and began to wish on the star. At first, Tiana kept telling Charlotte that wishing on a star will not help her get Prince Naveen there on time, but by a miracle, he did arrive. Late, of course. Charlotte imeediately dabbed at her cheeks and cleaned herself up to look presentable. Tiana, later on, received some horrible news from a pair of bankers, in a ridiculous horse outfit, that someone had outbid her. She had exactly three days to produce more money than that person, by Mardi Gras, had offered so she could claim back the building that Tiana had rescued Kailee, Sora, Riku, Donald and Goofy from. She began to protest and purposefully grabbed at their costume only to fall back and crash into her beignet station. Kailee and Charlotte had managed to help her get up and they both dragged her up to Charlotte's room.

"You know I could help you out with upsetting outfit you have on, sweetie," Charlotte openly mocked Kailee's outfit.

"Really?' Kailee had taken offense to the insult, but in any case, she knew that, now, whatever world she came into, it would set a certain type of outfit for her. Whether she liked it or not.

"Certainly! Why I can let you borrow, just for tonight, a most remarkable dress that I have already worn so you don't have to worry about it," Charlotte suggested.

"Great! Then have at it," Kailee responded. While Charlotte handed Tiana a beautiful blue dress, she also drew from her closet a most splendid dress. Kailee had never even seen a dress like this before, and certainly wouldn't in her lifetime. It was a bright, sun yellow color that shimmered in the light of the room. The dress was long sleeved with a slit open up at the bottom. Along the collar line, a cascade of orange that streamed out through the entire dress, complimenting the yellow. Charlotte pulled out a pair of small yellow pumps and set them by the dress.

"It's beautiful," Kailee said, taking in the entire dress.

"That's why I chose it for you. I can see the way that that boy with the odd hair looks at you," Charlotte winked at Kailee. "Besides, you can't make a great appearance for a guy and not look saucy at the same time."

"But…" Kailee stumbled.

"Don't worry about it, sugar. In fact, you may keep it. I've already worn it before," Charlotte replied.

"Are you sure you want to give up a dress to a complete stranger?"

"You're not a total stranger. Tiana told me about you, Kailee while we were setting up in the kitchen," Charlotte looked over the balcony. "She also mentioned that you're parents went missing a while back and I must say that I am terribly sorry and know exactly how you feel. I lost my mom pretty young as well."

"I'm sorry you had to go through that, too."

"Well, it's not a big deal. Now go change! I want to see you work that little number!" Charlotte turned her attention back to her reflection in the mirror as Kailee went to go change.

"Oh, Tia, honey, did you see the way he danced with me? A marriage proposal can't be far behind," Charlotte said, obviously talking to Tiana who was just finishing up. "Thank you, Evening star! You know, I was taught to think that wishing on stars was just for...Babies an' crazy people."

As Charlotte finished refreshing her face with newly applied makeup and mascara, Tiana appeared, looking entirely like a princess. She was wearing a light blue, strapless dress that ran down to her feet. She showed off with it a pair of gloves on her arms, the same color, that reached up almost covering both of her arms. It shimmered in the dim lighting and was accompanied by a white necklace, with a blue, circle-shaped charm hanging on her neck.

"Look at you! Aren't you just as pretty as a magnolia in May?" Charlotte commented, fishing a matching crown to place on Tiana's head. "Seems like only yesterday we were both little girls, dreaming our fairy tales dreams. And tonight they're finally coming true!"

Charlotte fixed her dress, making sure she wasn't showing off too much to attract more boys. "Well...back into the fray! Wish me luck, you two. And Kailee, when you're done dressing you can come down and join us in the party! Oh, Naveen..."

Charlotte left, slamming the door behind her; Kailee emerged after changing and looked at herself in the mirror. She gasped at how much she had changed. A few weeks ago she would've just seen a fifteen year old girl, struggling to accept the fact that darkness did exist, barely surpassing depression, accompanied by a blank stare, a pale face, and weary eyes. Now, after everything she had been through in the past couple of days, she finally saw herself as normal. She saw herself, almost like a woman, with fierce eyes, a healthy glow accompanying her skin, and a lighter feel to her emotions.

"You look beautiful," Tiana said quietly, looking at Kailee.

"Thank you," Kailee answered. "You look beautiful, too."

"If only…"

Kailee chewed her lip. "Are you going to go back to the party?"

Tiana shook her head. "I just need some time alone. Can't do that with a crowd of people hanging over me."

Kailee understood and walked out of Charlotte's room. She felt like it was partially her fault that Tiana wasn't able to buy that building that they were on this morning to turn it into a magnificent restaurant. She didn't like it when other people were sad because what other people felt, affected her as well. She was in a bit of a sour mood herself since Charlotte had a bit rudely insulted her attire. It wasn't her fault that this world hadn't picked rich clothing for her when she arrived.

As she trekked down the stairs, a figure was standing still in the commotion of the crowd dancing. It had been staring at her the moment that Kailee had arrived at the party. Now, it had completely caught her attention. Kailee shook in fear as she instantly recognized that figure.

"Eliza?"

Guys! I'm super stuck! I don't know what to do! Usually, I've never gotten this far into stories! I usually make a last ditch effort, and abandon the whole thing! Right now, I need help! Don't be afraid to use any type of idea to incorporate into the story. I don't care how wild or reckless your ideas are, I just need insight from others! Please, it would be appreciated!