Disclaimer: I do not own Dynasty Warriors by KOEI. If they did, I would let them live in my apartment for all eternity. All I own is the plot plus the romantic sap and teenage drama that comes with it. Umeko and Barako are mentioned in this chapter.

Main characters:

Da Qiao: Daikyou

Xiao Qiao: Shoukyou

Sun Ce: Son Saku

Zhou Yu: Shuu Yu

Other characters in Chapter 5 are as follows:

Cai Wenji: Sai Bunki

Cao Cao: Sou Sou

Bao Sanniang: Hou Sanjou

Guan Suo: Kan Saku

Getsu Ei: Yue Ying

Tei Hou: Ding Feng

Author's notes: Here it is, the promised chapter! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you all! My Christmas present to you lovelies who took the time to give my story a chance. Now this is where the story truly begins: the Royal Masquerade Ball is here. If this was done in real life, I bet the school will have to cut a huge chunk of the budget to see it happen and this is why this sort of thing remains in stories like this. So how are the girls handling themselves at the ball...read on and let's see!

Chapter 5 - At The Royal Masquerade Ball

We never lost our grip on each other's hands as we neared the destination. This was it…the Royal Masquerade Ball was finally here. The drama theatre did look a like a magical castle from the distance. We could see a queue forming up at the entrance. Wow...this event had a huge turnout...

When the car stopped, Shoukyou stepped out first before helping me out while holding onto my delicate gossamer train so that it didn't tear. We kissed Otousan goodbye who hugged us back. He climbed back into the car and restarted the engine.

"Remember, I'll be back at midnight and I expect you girls to be here waiting! 12.15am at the latest! Have a wonderful time, girls!"

We quickly joined the queue with the other participants. Sai Bunki-chan and Hou Sanjou-chan must already be inside...I wonder how they were doing. We recognised some of the teachers at the front, dressed in their best as they checked off names on the RSVP list and handed out ornate masks. We could see some of the teachers and other senior students escorting some people away with no-nonsense look on their faces. We had never seen them before so they must had been party-crashers. Soon when it came to our turn, Sou Sou-sensei, our headmaster and substitute literature teacher, smiled at us as he checked our names off and handed us our masks: Shoukyou had one in bright orange with yellow ribbons and mine a deep crimson with a gold trim.

"I've never expected you girls to become such elegant swans. My compliments to you both. Have a good time and stay out of trouble."

"Sou Sou-sensei creeps me out, onechan…" Shoukyou latched onto my sleeved arm, our masks already in place. I could see a pout forming on her, "It's like he has eyes on us all the time…"

"I'm sure it's nothing," I patted her hand in reassurance, "Don't let Sou Sou-sensei's intimidation spoil the night."

"But I still can't believe we're really here…living a real-life fairytale…"

"Indeed..."

The white stone walls of the building looked like the finest marble from the soft lighting from the candelabras and the makeshift chandelier on the domed ceiling. Silken violet draperies hung on the walls and from the ceiling. The huge dance floor was sleek and shiny. We could see the other party-goers lingering about and chatting amongst themselves, their costumes glittered and glimmered like gems. Several tall vases were scattered around the area and filled with wondrous spring flower bouquets.

We spotted the orchestra on a makeshift stage near the grand staircase. The orchestra members were busy tuning their instruments…there were drums, bells, violins, cellos, flutes, a golden harp and a beautiful grand piano. I smiled when I saw San Bunki-chan, all beautifully dressed, amiably conversing with some of the other orchestra members. Tei Hou-sensei was watching over them with pride in his eyes. He may be an intimidating man but his poetic soul and gentle demeanor made him a great mentor among the students.

The gigantic buffet table was located on the farthest corner of the theater where the guests could help themselves for something to eat and drink. We could make out Getsu Ei-sensei assisting the Culinary Club members and volunteers as they served the party guests. Getsu Ei-sensei was very strict and precise in her teaching and always referred to basics. But she was a culinary artist and a motherly woman who often treated the students in her tutelage like her own children, knowing that they would always do their best with her encouragement. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Hou Sanjou-chan standing in a private corner away from the buffet table with Kan Saku-kun. They were talking about something and they had tender looks on their faces. They were both dressed in smart caterer uniforms. I could see Kan Saku-kun smiling shyly at Hou Sanjou-chan and handing over to her a small gift box with a green bow on top. She must be very happy with the gift's contents from the way she hugged him close and planted kisses all over his laughing face.

Outside the tall glass windows, we could see the school gardens, the flowers and trees bathed wonderfully in a silvery glow from the full moon in the sky. A gigantic grandfather clock stood proudly on the low leveled staircase. 8.00pm...that meant more time to kill...

All in all, this was everything we imagined it to be and more.

"Shoukyou-chan!" we both turned to see two young girls heading our way. They must be Shoukyou's friends, judging from my sister's exuberant expression. The first girl stepped forward. She was dressed in a pink and green medieval styled dress and wore a gold mask with teardrop sequins, "Wow, glad you could make it…you look so cute in that dress! Onechan kept on gushing on how cute and beautiful you looked. She will be so pleased!"

"Who's this other girl next to you, Shoukyou-chan? A new friend?" the second girl asked. She was dressed in a lavender and mauve medieval styled dress similar to the first girl's and wore a purple mask with pink paper roses.

"How can you not recognise my beautiful big sister, Barako-chan!" Shoukyou angrily pouted and hugged my arm even tighter. I blushed as the two girls looked at me in disbelief…did I really look much different… "You're so mean and you ought to be ashamed of yourselves!"

"Wow…sorry about that, Daikyou-senpai. It's just…you look really different - in a good way!"

"Yeah…you really look like a real princess!"

"Thank you, girls...Shoukyou, why don't you go with your friends for a while?" I gently pried her from my arm and ushered her to her friends, "I'm going to see Sai Bunki-chan and Hou Sanjou-chan and see what they're up to."

"Are you sure, onechan?"

"I'm positive. I'll be fine, really. You go and have fun. Maybe you'll get to see Shuu Yu-kun there," I giggled when I saw a red blush covering her cheeks.

"Ok. But I'll come running back the moment I feel you're alone..."

"Don't worry about me…go and have fun…we meet back later, ok?"

I watched Shoukyou gave an uncertain nod before running off with her friends.

Then I carefully meandered through the crowd and made my way to the orchestra stage. Sai Bunki-chan's eyes brightened when she saw me. After excusing herself to Tei Hou-sensei, she came down from the stage.

"Daikyou-chan! Wow! Look at you...your hair is gorgeous! You look gorgeous!" she trailed one of her hands on one of the butterflies on my train, "You look like a goddess descended from the Heavens with your butterflies making a grand entrance...you're beautiful..."

"Sai Binku-chan, you're one to talk..." I gestured to her, "The dress looks even better on you under these lights."

"Hey, don't forget about me, girls!" we turned around to see Hou Sanjou-chan grinning as she grabbed us both in a gentle hug, mindful of our new dresses. She pulled back, awe shining in her eyes, "Wow...the photos you sent me don't do you both any justice...hey, where's Shoukyou-chan?"

"She's gone off with her friends. If you need to spot her, just look out for a little princess dressed in red and orange," I said as we scanned the room. Sure enough, we could see Shoukyou in the distance, chatting merrily with her friends, "She's the only girl I know who is suitable with bright colours."

"Hey, you're right, she looks so cute...hey, I almost forgot. Look, look! Look what Kan Saku-kun gave me!" Hou Sanjou-chan proudly stuck out her left hand.

A delicate charm bracelet graced her wrist. Various delicate heart and star shaped verdant and emerald colored crystal charms sparkled under the soft lighting. A matching ring rested on her middle finger, the bright green crystal heart twinkled brightly.

"Aren't they pretty? Kan Saku-kun said that green looks really good on me. He is so sweet..."

"Wow...the crystal gem craze is really catching on...you're lucky to have a piece of the latest fashion trend, Hou Sanjou-chan," Sai Bunki-chan murmured with admiration. She looked back to find the stage in activity again and Tei Hou-sensei getting his baton out, "Sorry, I have to get back on stage, we still have to create a musical ambience until the waltz. I'll see you two later. Be back by 10 sharp, I want you to be there to listen!"

"Ah! Before I forget, I got your goodies! Come this way!"

Hou Sanjou-chan grabbed my hand and led me to the buffet table. Kan Saku-kun smiled upon seeing us and lightly kissed her cheek, making her giggle with delight.

"Kan Saku-kun, this is Daikyou-chan. She's the one I told you about who's going to win the piano nationals next month."

"Hou Sanjou-chan..." I flushed in embarrassment.

"My girlfriend has told me a lot about you. It's a pleasure to meet you, Daikyou-san. Please excuse me for being out of line for saying this but the both of you look beautiful tonight," what a modest and charming boy...now I can could see why Hou Sanjou-chan was so smitten with him.

"Awwww...you're so sweet, my darling," she gushed before she presented a middle sized plate to me, "Here you go! I managed to put a bit of everything from the buffet. I've saved some more portions for Sai Bunki-chan and Shoukyou-chan should they request them."

"It's a wonderful spread...but I couldn't possibly finish them off all by myself..." but I had to smile at the sight of the two mini strawberries and cream cupcakes settled nicely as the centerpiece.

"Maybe you should share them with someone you like...Son Saku-"

"..."

I felt my face warm up before sighing in new sadness. As soon as she mentioned his name, Son Saku-kun immediately came to my mind...I nearly forgot that he already had the girl he liked. He couldn't possibly be here tonight...yet I also hoped he could be...

"Daikyou-chan, I didn't mean to mention his name..."

I jumped when I felt Hou Sanjou-chan's hands gently touching mine. I looked up to see regret flashing in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Daikyou-chan...I am so thoughtless...I made you feel sad about Son Saku-kun when you looked all beautifully dressed for tonight..." I panicked at the sight of tears lingering on the edge of her eyes. I couldn't bear to see her cry and it made me feel guilty to be the cause of those tears, "I'm such a terrible friend..."

"Don't be, Hou Sanjou-chan. I'm okay with it, really...I'm stronger than this," I patted her hands in assurance and gave her a small smile, "I'm happy that you care, that's all that matters."

She responded with her own smile as she wiped away the tears, "Ok, Daikyou-chan...if you say so..."

"I think I'll step outside for a while for some fresh air...I'll take the treats with me there," I took the offered plate.

"Make sure you come back in by 10 sharp, Daikyou-chan. The main waltz is really something to look forward to. You know how Sai Bunki-chan wants you to be there to listen."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, I promise."

"I have to go back and help with Kan Saku-kun and Getsu Ei-sensei...don't be shy to come back for seconds, ok?"

With that, I turned to the nearest open door and made my exit.

Yet I couldn't shake the slight uneasy feeling down my spine...my gut instinct told me that I was being watched...

I stepped outside in the school gardens with Hou Sanjou-chan's plate of goodies. The night was soothingly cool and I could see some of the cherry blossom trees starting to bloom. Finding one of the stone benches and sitting down to momentarily rest my feet, I set the plate down next to me and tried to take in the moon bathed scenery. Usually, sights like these often made my heart swell in admiration of the ethereal beauty presented before me. Yet as I glanced at the space on the bench where another person could sit nearby, I felt empty. I sighed to myself. I didn't see Son Saku-kun anywhere in the vicinity…it was too much for me to hope he would be here. I looked down at my plate...it was a bit too much to eat on my own...I swore I could hear his sweet laughter echoing in my ears and see his dark eyes twinkling at me and the small grin on his lips...

"Oh Son Saku-kun..."

My empty heart grew heavier with each thought of Son Saku-kun. I didn't want to admit it but I really really hoped that he would be here tonight even though he was with Shoukou-san, the girl of his dreams...it would be enough to just watch him from afar and see him smile even though I wouldn't be the one to make him do so...

I looked up to the night sky. The stars looked so lovely tonight. Then out of the blue, a lone star shone brightly above the rest. A wishing star? I thought that happened only in stories...but I clasped my hands and squeezed my eyes shut as I whispered into the night.

"Even though you are with Shoukou-san now...I wish you were here...so that I can see your smile from afar...for one last time before I can let go of you...that's all I ask..."

I let my clasped hands fall onto my lap...I felt better that I let my wish out...but I still felt lonelier than ever.

I must had been so wrapped up in my thoughts that I didn't hear footfalls behind me...I was shocked out of my trance when a gentle touch descended on my hands before I felt a larger hand gripping my left hand and a soft kiss pressed to the back of it...

"Good evening, oh beautiful princess…"

To be continued...

Author's notes: GASP! Who could it be?! Ah ha...you will have to find out in the next chapter, my dears :) Anyway, I hope this is sufficient enough for a lovely Christmas present to the people who bothered to come and read my story. The reviews, no matter how many are there, truly matter to me and it does give me a sense of purpose that you guys like what I write :) I'll be posting the next chapter up by the end of the week if I get the editing right on schedule. And like always, I'm ready for reviews and feedback and any flamers will be used to bake my Christmas pudding :)