the glitter masquerade
 

his shoes were heavy and his hair tinkled loudly but he knew he looked good. stepping through the doors was like falling into the rabbit's hole. everywhere the strange and the beautiful danced and talked and loved and vaunted their uniqueness, his beads and baubles glittered and heads turned. he reveled in the looks, even among his peers he was beautiful. this golden narcissus in a glittering midnight ball

Damon tried to stay at the edges of the crowd at large parties like this. Sure he was dressed up and all that but he prefered to leave the spot light to more...social people. As part of the core Underground his attendance was manatory even if no one actually said it was. His attention danced from person to person until it landed on one particular lavishly dressed attendant. This one stood out amoung the rest because of the outfit that demanded attention. His attention was pulled away from the part goer when someone shock his arm. "Hey pretty girl," The person started and Damon did not let them get any further.

"I'm male and I'm not interested in 'dancing' or grinding my hips with yours." He informed this person coldy already fed up with requests for the 'pretty girl' to dance with someone or another. He was male and not interested in dancing.

out of the corner of his eye he saw the flash of silk and sandy blonde hair. he eased himself from his small crowed of admirers. as he passed close one of the beefs stomped by, he grazed a hand along a shoulder causing the other to turn his face breaking in wonder then scorn as he realized who had touched him. narcissus continued on to the other. his face broke out in a grin. "hey pretty boy...want to talk?"

"And why would I want to talk to you?" Sure the guy was pretty but that said nothing for brains... or what he wanted to talk about. It was a plus in Damon's book that he had notice that he was male though. "It had better be interesting, or I'm walking out." And he would have a legit reason, this year he had been told he could not walk out until the 100th conversation- that number included dance invitations thankfully- and this would be the 100th.

a testy one, he liked that. they were the most fun. he wondered what would be the best route to take, he could either fluster the boy or he could try and make a connection, if looks were anything to go on he was not a daily player, so he prolly was here for the event. "ten kisses or a hundred conversations?" he could already guess which the other would have chosen

"A hundred conversations," Damon said in a heart beat. Sure he may dislike the stupid conversations and all but that was nothing compared to kisses. "Same to you." Damon said attempting to stop the conversation in its tracks. If the other person left the conversation then Damon could leave the event. It was an interesting conversation starter and that was another half plus. Wich put him higher then any of his other conversations tonight.

he smiled wide his white teeth flashing "i am the king of the beauties" he allowed the other to let that sink in. he had to do kisses over by ten a hundred kisses and to dance with anyone who asked it before the night was over. he was glad he was not zeus, a thousand conversations were harder by far. "and you are kiss one"

Damon rolled his eyes, "And you dabble in poetry too?" He asked sarcastically and leaned against the wall. "Your conversation 100 for today, count yourself lucky you came so late, otherwise you would be fighting of more then your admirors." Damon gave the other a smirk that showed teeth and clearly said 'don't try to kiss'. "And then why would the "King of Beauties" want to grace me with his presence if I don't do kisses?"

"you turned away one of the king's entourage" he smiled wider "i felt compelled to talk to someone stupid enough for that. besides" he paused "you are not a beauty or a beef, you don't even look like you belong. i want to know why some kid in a halloween costume is loitering in one of the most exclusive under-21's in the entire city"

Damon raised an eyebrow, "I turn away everyone, King's entourage or not." Damon's smirk got just a bit colder, "I am niether so I should look like neither. And of course I don't look like I'm supposed to belong," Damon gave a small chuckle, "Because I don't belong." He actually belongs but this one does not need to know he is one of core members of club that normally goes by the name of "Facade". "Though I can't say I'm a kid in a costume, more like one who has to go to a party they would rather not go to." Damon much pefers the smaller groups that attend the Silver Leaf daily to the larger holiday bashes.

he grew suspicious "who is your king?" he wondered if the other was from a rival club. this was begining to not be fun anymore.

"I have no king." Damon answers. "I answer to only "Silver Leaf", and he is not a king more of a guild I would say." Damon's smirk drops and his face becomes blank, "Now if you'll excuse me I have to finish my 100th conversation before I can leave and you are my 100th. So shall we finish, or continue this line of questioning?" Damon hoped for the fist one because Facade was supposed to make a public appearence soon with the rest of the core to wish everyone happy holifays.

he paled under his make-up this boy was a lower scrub and even so he was almost as high a rank. he debated whether he should walk away now and forfeit his kiss. he tossed the idea he was king and he was marked, three years, an entire term, next to noone had three years. he put back on a smile "do not fret this conversation is ending" he reached over quickly and grabbed the others' chin reaching in he gave the boy a kiss on the cheek "one" he whirled around his heart beating a mile a minute, he sauntered off and melted into the crowd. he was so boned

Damon wiped the kiss off his face, he did not need this now. He fled outside and disappeared. He came back redressed and with a different air about him. Right now he was "Facade" And he was the speaker tonight. He slipped back into the room and waited for his cue, an entrance was everything at the halloween party and he had to keep his title as best of the core. Sure it was only a title but Facade was an entertainer it was simply what he did.

nineteen kisses and a dance, that was all he got before a hush drew over the revelers and the lights went down. everyone crowded to the large stage centered in the room 810 bodies all pressing to get the best view. he was lucky when a particularily large beef pushed next to him 'hey, lend me a hand, i am too short" the big guy obligingly picked him up and buoyed him in his arms. from this height he could see the stage in full

The stage exploded in green and blue smoke and a single green dove flew out of it. The crowd waited with baited breath as Facade appeared from the smoke with his trusty companion beside him. "Hello, and welcome to the annual Silver Leaf Halloween Bash." He did not shout, that was unnessisary, the room had been modified so that anyone on stage could be heard even if they talked in a whisper.
"As you all know, I'm Facade the Entertainer but today I'm not here for a show or for a few magic tricks." Several people in the audience were suddenly shrouded in colorful festive lights that he had planted earlier. Several people laughed while other attempted to escape the lights that were bat shaped. "But I'm hear to announce the winner of this years Halloween Dance and all mini events." Facade smiled at the cheering crowds.

he rolled his eyes and sank back into the arms of the suprized beef. he never participated in any of the silverleaf events only the ones put up by his house. it was all scavenger hunts and best-dress things anyway. he sulked in another few minutes zeus would give a speech and he'd have to leave the floor to call out the house winners too.

"For the Silver Lead Dance winners we have Flightless and Sephy as the First place couple, and Dragonia has once again taken fist in induvidual." The crowds applauds, and Facade waits for them to stop, "You are granted the Zeus's lightning bolt and the Golden Septer for wining this year." The winners know to collect their prize from his bird not Facade himself. "Second place couple is Hildei and Dazlon, second place induvidual is Mirror Mirror." Mirror Mirror gets several boos and a glare to silence them. "Poseidon's spear and silver septer for you winners." This is all the same old every year and Facade just falls into pattern, "And third place we have Mizuki and Flaw for your couple and Neo for singles. You recieve the Hade's skull and bronze septer" The crowd applaud the dance wins but falls silent quictly.

"Favorite outfits go to Mako, Vocanio, and Misinformation. You guys get the Golden Apple." The items are different every year and with the Greek theme for this party the winners get Greek themed prizes. The three winners for this one did not have to come to the stage, each apple being dropped into their laps. ""And now you all wonder who won the quiz?" Several feverant nodds from the crowd and Facade just gins. "That is last on today's roster," Several people groan at Facade's teasing. "I'll turn my mike over to the next announcer and keep you in suspence for the quiz results." Facade would have winked but the hood covered his eyes so he did a half wave and handed his mike to the next person in line.

he watched as the boy relinquished his rights to the mike and zeus came on stage to welcome and encourage new members, visitors and those who only came for the yearly parties. he tapped on the beef and was let down. he had no intention on listening to that asshole give his speech he had heard it enough times in the week leading up to the party as was. he knew he had eight minutes of talk and 2-5 of zeus just just filling it in with stupid commentary. some days he wanted to punch the lout. he meandered to the stage-stairs the other may still be in the room beyond

Facade was behind stage setting up for his next act. He was so into his set up he almost did not here someone come up the stairs. Facade gave a grin, this unsespecting anouncer would be perfect to test his technique. Facade was working on a smoke bomb that once disappitated would leave faint traces of colored paint same color as the smoke bomb. He also need to make sure his rigged trap would actually work. Facade was afraid that the trap would be easily seen and avoided; he needed something to prank the Silver Leaf. Silver Leaf had stopped being afraid of Facade pranks a while ago and that needed to change.

"Gold for you my friend," Facade whispered and then his trap was set.

he made it to the door mostly unmolested but no farther, he was halted by a sparkle-eyed girl in green. one of zeus's girl he figured from the dress of her. he gave her his obligatory kiss and held the door for her as she passed through. he may not like the king but it was no reason to take it out on the rest.

Facade grinned when he finally saw his victim. She was one of Zeus's girls and was now had gold lines all over her that made her look as though she was cracked pottery. "Hello, miss. I hope you don't mind standing still for a moment I need to record this for future reference." Facade said politly with a evil grin. The girl would not be able to move if he had done this right.

he stood at the door his mouth agape '-still for a moment i need to record this for future reference" another moment and his brain began to function again, he burst out into loud laughter

Facade raised an eyebrow at his second guest who was laughing at the sight of his first one. "Would you like to help, too?" He asked hoping for possible revenge for earlier. "I still need to work on my pink smoke bombs and my paper tricks." Facade hated paper tricks they required so much set up but for this person he would make an exception. The female was standing still obviously deciding to leave the crazy to do his work. Facade pulled out his notebook and jotted down his opservations while waiting for the others reply. "Your names please?" He asked.

when the laughter calmed he turned to the other. "you know, i figured you to be someone intimidating, but really you are just a dork" he smiled then for real. "though, if i 'help' you out is it as a conspirator or as a victim?"

"I should be offended by being called a dork but I'll let it slid." Facade said with a grin. "And 'help' is an ambigious term, it is one and both."

The trapped girl finally got the nerve to speak, "I'll tell Zeus that there is a trickster back here once I get out." Facade snapped his notebook shut with a toothy smile.

"Zeus won't care, he knows I exist and that is more then enough for him." Facade said simply, "Acording to him I'm a mostly harmless parasite who has a freakish love for difficult riddles." Facade gave the girl a once over, "And I don't need your name any more, I'll call you Zeus's girly." He finally turned his attention back to the untrapped one, "What should I call you? Flirty?"

he chuckled at the name, it was so lame but was not so far from the truth, the beefs were not known for their free-thinking that was for sure. he put on a smirk "um, how about king vegan? it's topically relevant anyway" from the corner of his eye he saw the girl give him a dirty look "haha, or you can call me narcissus, though it has not seemed to have taken since the last time i said it"

"Narcissus?" Facade asked but mentally shrugged he had heard worse. "Ah, well I hope you really don't mind helping me out." Even if Facade could not actually prank him right now Facade could add a little spruce to his pitiful life. "Because I have to disappear and Zeus's girly is about to become unstuck." Disappear was correct, he did need to recheck his trick for the quiz winner. "I so hate to leave a trick unfinished so be a darling and write down how Zeus's girly reacts and if there are any side-effect." A black spiral bound appeared in Narcissus's hand and Facade gave him a wink and disappeared behind one of the stages fakewalls. "And now my darling winners, you get a trick before your treat." He whispered.

he held the book stupidly. he was not sure what to do with it anyway. he tucked it under his arm and and turned back to go on stage, it would be his turn soon and seeing as the other left he had no business here. he left the girl.

The trick he was planning was simple but everyone hated it. Normal magicians did it with a willing helper not a few surprised people. And how did not loved being dyed pink? But maybe he shuld change it to another color, purple or silver perhaps?

he gracefully ascended the stage just as zeus finished his speech, the crowd erupted in cheers and cat-calls. he obliged with a sweep of his hair and a bow. the people knew who ran the events.

The cheers almost defened Facade as he finshed setting up. He even stumbled a bit at the sudden increase in sound and he could not help but wonder who was talking to create such a reaction. Surely Silver Leaf had not decided to skip several other people's events and go to the end. Facade decided he could find out once he got out of the walls and floor. He made a mental note to actually pay more attention to who the other people who were speaking next time.

he made his speech and left the crowds as he descended glitter burst from the sky, floating down like shining snowflakes in black and silver and gold.

Facade made a small grin, sure his plan had started a might bit early, but he could still work with it, no one really needed to know who could cook best any ways. Facade appeared on stage slightly rushed but not looking it, "It seems to be time to view the winners, would it not?" He asked the crowd, and the crowd screamed back at him.

"You know, I don't think anyone really wants to know." He commented to his dove. Several people yelled disagreement about this statement. Facade sighed, "Well," then he grinned, "This quiz has only three winners." The room had fallen silient, one could have heard a pin drop. Suddenly three flashes one black, one silver, and one gold appeared. When people could see again the three winners because they had been redressed in the corospondingly colored togas and the guys had been given pink hair and the lone girl a shocking neon yellow hairdo.

"The winners are Flash, Klavador, and Misinformation!" He shouted this as though people had not heard before.

he heat the crowd riot as he left. he wondered if the strange boy facade had pinked more innocent victims. he snickered to himself at the thought but did not turn back to look, he needed to find zeus

The clapping started and Facade did not speak knowing he would not be heard. When the clapping quited down Facade spoke, "And as per the rules the winnners get one wish and a mask upgrade." Whispers started up about what would this event's wishes and upgrades.

Three scrolls appeared when Facade's dove exploded into feathers. He tossed then and the winners caught them, "I'll assume you know that you right your top three wishes on them and the leaders will pick wich one to be fulfilled." Facade gave a bow then exited when the crowd exploded into chatter.

he found the other doing what he did best, playing tonsil hockey. "zeus you whore get off of that girl already, you have a job to do damnit" he seethed at the other's total lack of responsibility. at least the tart he was with had the decency to get lost. he growled as the other turned a lusty look onto him. "so help me i will punch your lights out now let's go"

Okay, he had slightly exagerated, Facade does not just exit. Facade had 'accidently' turned everyone what he though was a very pretty shade of puke green. It made it so much easier to slip into a crowd. Even with the odd coloring Facade quickly found the person he was looking for. "Hey, Silver." He whispered once he was next to them.

"Geez, man, don't do that." Silver replied.

Facade shrugged, "Just came to tell you I had 101 conversations today. I'm leaving now."

he stomped all the way back to the front with the other boy trailing behind he hoped he could make it through the night without anymore stupidity

Facade quickly exited once he had escaped Silver's attempt at a 102nd conversation. That had actually been the plan until he spotted Narcissus leaving with Zeus. His first though was 'another one of Zeus's conquests untill it caught up with him that it seemed Narcissus was dragging Zeus away from another girl. And who was Facade to pass up a chance to torment his other personality's tormentor. Facade quickly made his way over to his 'friend' and was disappointed to notice not a scatch on him from the trapped girl.