KH-vids' Thanksgiving Ball

A story I have thought of writing for a while...so I hope you enjoy it. :) And thank you very much, burnitup, for the idea of using kh-vids members!


Prologue

“Your Thanksgiving Ball seems to be a success so far, Deathspank,†Sara remarked, as she gazed at the couples, sashaying around the ballroom of the mansion they had reserved for the occasion. “Everyone’s enjoying themselves immensely, I believe.â€
“I’m glad about that…†Deathspank nodded, a small smile passing briefly over his lips. “I just hope the rest of the evening goes well…â€
“Are you worried…about him?†she asked, lowering her voice. “Well, you don’t have to…we’ve made sure he won’t be able to intrude here, at all…â€
“Excellent…†he said, giving a sigh of relief. “Now…where is Xaldin?â€
“Probably off goofing around somewhere,†Sara remarked, scoffing.
“Excuse me?†Xaldin said, as he approached them. “I might play around sometimes…but at least not as much as you and Deathspank.â€
Turning her head sharply, she narrowed her eyes at him. “What did you just say?!â€
Xaldin chuckled. “Just kidding, dear.â€
“My name is Sara,†she quipped, “so don’t you ever call me ‘dear’ again!â€
“My, someone sure is petulant,†Xaldin grinned. “Woke up on the wrong side of bed this morning?â€
“Enough with the witty remarks,†Sara retorted. “Anyhow, back on subject…have you taken care of everything?â€
“Of course,†he nodded. “You know you can count on me!â€
“That’s what I’d like to believe,†she scoffed. “But at least this means the party should flow quite smoothly then…â€
Just then, she hesitated for a moment, as she tilted her head up.
“Wait a moment…†she murmured, as she took a step closer to him. “Xaldin…have you been smoking?!â€
“What makes you say that?†he asked, shifting nervously.
“Well, I can smell the scent of a cigarette on your clothes,†she remarked, frowning. “Seriously, do you know what smoking can do to you?!â€
“Calm down, dea–â€
“My name is Sara!â€
“Alright, Sara,†he said, over articulating her name on purpose, “but chill out…it’s nothing…â€
“But…†Sara hesitated, glancing at Deathspank to see if he had anything to say about it. Seeing he was silent, she sighed. “Fine…but if there’s any trouble…â€
“Don’t you worry your pretty little head about it,†Xaldin smiled. “Everything will be taken care of…â€
Deathspank nodded, silencing anything other Sara had been about to say. “Well, I suppose we shall just enjoy the ball now,†he remarked. “Come…let us celebrate with some drinks…â€

In the meantime, over at the balcony was a teenage girl, leaning against the railing, gazing up at the evening sky.
She was wearing a white, sleeveless gown, which had a high neckline and was backless. Near the bottom of her dress, there were several layers of chiffon skirting, and a couple of diamonds were scattered across the bodice of the dress, giving it a shimmering appearance.
Over by the closed French-doors that led to the ballroom, there stood a teenage boy, leaning against the wall. He was outfitted in a black tuxedo, with his left arm extended, his hand tilted back, a smoking cigarette held in between his index and middle finger.
“Tonight’s beautiful…isn’t it…Kuro-sama?†the girl remarked, as she glanced over her shoulder at him.
Giving a small nod, he added, “Too bad it’s going to have to be interrupted…but it shouldn’t be something to fret about really, Nymph…â€
She nodded, turning to face him. “Well…I guess we ought to head back now?†she asked, a smile passing briefly over her face.
Crushing the cigarette in his hand, he bent his right arm towards Nymph for her to take.
“Ready, my lady?†he said, jokingly speaking in a British-like tone.
Gently looping her arm with his, she smiled once more.
“Why, of course…â€


Chapter One

“Wait, Muffin!†Dual Wielder called, as the girl stalked away from his across the dance floor. “Oh come on, that was a week ago! I apologized a million times already! What more do you want?â€
Turning sharply, she answered, “What more do I want? What I want? I want to be able to trust you again! Kissing another woman was the last straw! I won’t be a fool any longer, sticking with some…some man-whore who can’t keep his hands away from tramps!â€
With that, she turned away and disappeared into the crowd of dancers on the floor. Heaving a sigh, Dual Wielder muttered a couple words of profanity under his breath.
Muffin was certainly looking like a dream tonight, dressed in a rose-colored, sleeveless, backless gown with a large v-cut, along with numerous layers of chiffon at the bottom of the dress.
Dual Wielder was merely dressed in a simple black tuxedo, much like how the other guys were outfitted – except for La Sofa and his pink vest of course –, although he had tried to add a little pizzazz by fitting a small, red rose to his front vest’s pocket. Had Muffin noticed at all how different and unique his clothes was, compared to the others? Probably not…and who was he trying to kid? It was a freaking rose!

Sadly hunching his shoulders together, he slumped away to one of the secluded areas of the ballroom, passing by KairiXRiku and Rosey, who were deep in conversation.
“Why do you think La Sofa wanted my necklace for?†Rosey asked, clasping her hands together nervously. “I mean, it’s not common for a guy to ask his date’s friend for a piece of her jewelry…he said he just wanted to examine it a bit, so he could memorize the details for his sister, but still…â€
Patting her shoulder comfortingly, KairiXRiku soothed, “Don’t worry…it probably doesn’t mean a thing…â€
Giving a small smile, Rosey nodded. “Yeah, probably…â€
“Oh by the way…that’s such a lovely dress, Rosey…†KairiXRiku complimented, trying to get her mind off her date’s strange actions.
“Thanks,†she said, “yours look just as pretty, KairiXRiku…â€
Indeed, both of them looked just like princesses out of a fairy tale.
Rosey was dressed in a long-sleeved, magenta-colored gown, with a crystal pattern, and several layers of chiffon at the bottom.
KairiXRiku was wearing a black and red Spanish-styled gown, with a Latin flare. It had a ruffled skirt and long sleeves, with a sprinkling of black gems across the bodice.
Giving a small laugh, KairiXRiku remarked, “Oh, you’re too k – hey…look over there…†She gestured softly to hitna3510, who was dancing across the floor with a man. “Doesn’t her dress…look remarkably familiar?â€
Looking over her shoulder, Rosey’s face dropped, as she exclaimed, “And isn’t that your date?!â€
Gasping, KairiXRiku said, “It is! How…how…why…why on earth is La Sofa dancing with her?!â€
“And he gave her my necklace!†Rosey added, indignantly. “Unbelievable…and she has the nerve to wear the exact same dress I am! Right after I told her a million times what I was going to wear!â€
“This is unbelievable,†KairiXRiku scoffed, shaking her head. “Well…what are we going to do now?â€
“You know what I’m going to do…†Rosey said, as she took a step forward. “I’m going to have a little ‘talk’ with that hussy!â€
Approaching the two, she greeted with a steely smile, “Well, hello Hitna…La Sofa…â€
“Hey, Rosey,†La Sofa said, smiling. Turning back to Hitna, he said, “So, I’m off to get a drink…you want one?â€
“Nah, I’m good,†she said, shaking her head.
“Then I’ll be right back,†he said, as he headed straight for the refreshments table on the side.
Turning back to Rosey, Hitna asked, “So what is it that you wanted to speak with me about?â€

Nearby, Firekeyblade was standing on the side, her hands clasped together. She was wearing a cerulean blue gown, which had one strap around her right shoulder, and had a full-layered skirt that was a dark royal blue shade. It was backless, with a few straps criss-crossing behind.
Gazing about the room, she frowned. Everyone was dancing or conversing with their date, and only she…was alone.
“Excuse me,†a sleek voice said from behind.
Turning, Firekeyblade widened her eyes to see Last of the Organization, a warm smile upon his lips.
“I hate to be so bold, but you look so beautiful, I have to ask…may I have this dance?†he asked, smoothly extending his hand to her.
“Of…of course,†she nodded, as she gently took his hand.
As he led her to the dance floor, Firekeyblade felt a smile tugging at her lips. Here she was, dancing with everyone else…someone who thought her beautiful…unless that could just be a line? She thought it quite uncommon for a guy to just come up and say that. It was like something out of a romantic novel instead of in real life…
Feeling a tap on her shoulder brought her out of her reverie, and she turned to see Sadden Blood Warrior.
“May I cut in?†he asked, placing an arm around her waist and pulling the girl to him without hesitation.
Looking into his eyes, Firekeyblade gave a short nod, speechless.
As the two began to dance, she averted his gaze, unable to stop herself from blushing every time she contacted with those hazel-brown eyes. It was like two sweet pieces of chocolate that left her mind hazy from its sweetness.
However, looking away, she espied a piece of cotton across the floor, salmon-colored, with a dab of red on it…

In the meantime, over at the balcony, Chaser007 stood, gazing up at the sky.
Hearing footsteps approach him, he turned his head to see thelightisgone123, walking over to him.
“Hello, Chaser,†he said, his right hand inside his pant’s pocket, fingering the object within it. “How are you this fine evening?â€
Chaser merely shrugged, turning back to look at the star-filled sky.
After a while, he spoke, “So…when will you return that?â€
“Maybe soon…maybe never,†thelightisgone smiled.
Chaser was about to say something when a bloodcurdling shriek came from the ballroom.
“Let’s go,†thelightisgone said, leisurely walking back into the room. “The plan’s going underway already…â€

As everyone crowded around the source of the voice – Firekeyblade – she slowly turned, her face pale white. In her tightly clenched hand was La Sofa’s vest, stained with blood.

Chapter Two

“Tell me again about what happened,†Deathspank said, pacing the floor with his hands clasped together behind his back.
Sara, Firekeyblade, and Deathspank were together in one of the vacant rooms of the mansion. After the commotion, Sara had rushed Fire into a room, so they could question her about everything. Xaldin, in the meantime, had gone off to quiet down the crowd.
Seated upon the velvet, red couch, Firekeyblade’s hands were folded together on her lap, her gaze glued to the floor.
“Well, I was dancing with Sadden when I spotted La Sofa’s vest,†Fire explained. “When I picked it up…it was d…it was d…†Her lower lip quivered as she tried to muster her courage. “Drenched…with…with…blood…â€
Standing besides her, Sara patted the girl’s shoulder, giving her a sympathetic smile.
“Just go back to the dance,†Sara comforted, “everything will be fine…don’t think about any of it.â€
Nodding, Fire stood, heading for the doorway. At that moment, Xaldin swung open the door, with two teens behind him.
“Excuse me…†Fire mumbled as she passed them.
Closing the door behind them, Xaldin turned to say something, when Sara spoke first.
“Hey, who are these two?†she demanded, her arms crossed, as she gazed at the two teenagers Xaldin had brought along.
“I’m Nymph, a private investigator,†the girl answered, before gesturing to the boy near her, “and this is my assistant, Kiburedo.â€
Turning back to Xaldin, Sara exclaimed, “Why on earth did you hire these two for?!â€
“Well,†he began, chuckling sheepishly, “I kind of…knew what was going to happen tonight…so…â€
“Wait a moment…you knew?!â€
“Somewhat,†he shrugged. “No biggie.â€
“Xaldin…†she said, drawling his name out, as she placed her hands on her hips, tilting her head upwards. A complete look of superiority. “What exactly did you do?â€
“Nothing, nothing…†he said, quickly. “I mean, Darkwatch and the others are still patrolling around the place. Everything’s under guard…â€
“Somehow he’s managed to slip in however,†Sara said, pursuing her lips. “And now, someone’s dead!â€
“No, no, not quite, my dear,†Xaldin said, a small smile curling his lips. “You see…I know up to some extent on the scheme underhand, and I can assure you that La Sofa is fine.â€
“And how can I trust you on that?†Sara snapped. “Already his vest, drenched in blood, has been found, and he’s no where to be seen! And –â€
“Sara,†Deathspank cut in, taking a step forward. “Sara…let him go…it seems he has everything under control and I…I trust him.â€
“Are…are you serious?†she hesitated, turning her head to glance over her shoulder at him. “I mean, this is Xaldin we’re talking about here.â€
“And you know well enough that he’s reliable when the time calls for it,†Deathspank said, smiling comfortingly. “So no need to question him…I trust he will take care of everything.â€
“Thank you, Sir!†Xaldin exclaimed, grinning. “And now, I will give the two dear detectives a little briefing, and I’ll be right back!â€
He quickly hurried the two into the room conjoined from the one they were already in, hastily closing the door behind them.
“Now, to get the business,†Xaldin said, turning to them. “Find out what happened to La Sofa, and stop any further incidents.â€
Nymph and Kiburedo exchanged glances, before looking back at him.
“I thought you said you had everything under control?†Kiburedo asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Well, of course not!†Xaldin exclaimed. “I mean, I only said to comfort them…and to convince them to allow you two to help this case. I mean, who else is going to solve this? We certainly can’t do this ourselves!â€
“Very well,†Nymph sighed. “But if I may ask, Sir…†She hesitated for a moment. “Who was this ‘he’ Sara mentioned earlier? She said that ‘he’ managed to ‘slip in’?â€
“Who that was?†Xaldin repeated, blinking. “Well it was…Roxas.â€
The mention of his forbidden name hung in the air, the tension, thick on everyone’s skin.
“So…†Xaldin continued, clearing his throat. “I do not know if he is responsible for it or not, but your job is merely to find and apprehend the perpetrator. Got it?â€
Nymph and Kiburedo glanced at each other once more, before nodding, “Yes…â€

“Wow, that was really frightening…†KairiXRiku remarked, twirling a lock of her hair nervously.
Although Sara had told everyone that everything would be okay, she couldn’t help but feel…apprehensive still.
“Well, it’s not like we can do anything about it,†Rosey said, shrugging. “Worrying will only make it worse.â€
“But…who do you think did it?†KairiXRiku asked, looking up at her friend.
“I bet it’s that Hitna,†she growled, eyeing her venomously from across the room. “She was last seen dancing with him…and since she knew he was your date, she must’ve been scheming something…â€
“Now, that’s just your anger talking,†KairiXRiku pointed out, as she glanced over at Hitna. “But I have to admit…your musings do have a point…â€

Nearby, Muffin and Doanut (once known as Dual Wielder) were standing near the refreshments table, conversing with each other.
“I’m fine, Doanut,†she said, coldly, refusing to look at him. “Be on your way now.â€
“Muffin…don’t you want to at least hear me out?†he asked, sighing. “I’m telling you…it’s all a misunderstanding…I didn’t kiss anyone!â€
“Oh really?†Muffin said, turning to stare piercingly into his eyes. “Tell me the truth, Doanut.â€
“Well, I…†he hesitated, looking for a way to phrase his next words. “It’s…complicated…I kissed someone, but it was only a quick peck.â€
“Ha! Likely story,†she said, facing away from him once more. “Angel told me differently…so now, I must leave you. I have some…affairs to attend to.â€
As she walked off, her head held high, Doanut called over to her, “What affairs?! Today is the ball, and you’re supposed to be dancing with your date – me! And…what did Angel tell you?!â€
“I’m sorry,†Muffin retorted sharply, “it’s complicated.â€

On the way across the room, she passed by Hitna and AngelsNeedFlight, who were whispering to each other.
“Look at her…she’s staring at me again,†Hitna said, her voice hushed, as she gestured with her head towards Rosey. “Do you think I…did something?â€
AngelsNeedFlight shrugged. “Who knows…it could be anything…I wouldn’t fret too much about it.â€
Hitna was silent, just staring down at the floor. At last, she spoke, “Angels…â€
“What is it?â€
“Do you…do you still think La Sofa is alive?â€
At this, AngelsNeedFlight sighed, crossing her arms. “To tell the truth…†she said, biting her lower lip. “I don’t know…I really don’t…†She put on a reassuring smile. “But come on…don’t look so down.â€
Turning her head to the right, AngelsNeedFlight called, “*TwilightNight*! Chula-claire! Hey!â€
As the two girls walked over, Chula-claire asked, “What is it?â€
“Help me cheer up Hitna,†AngelsNeedFlight said, grinning as she turned to face her friend.
“No problem,†*TwilightNight* smiled. “What exactly is bothering her though?â€
Before AngelsNeedFlight could answer, Hitna said, “Wait, guys…I…I need to be alone…†She tilted her head up, looking into their eyes. “Please…â€
“But…†AngelsNeedFlight protested. “But…â€
“Hey, hey,†*TwilightNight* said. “If she wants to be alone…let her.†She turned away. “Come on, let’s go…â€
As the three girls walked off, Hitna stepped towards the secluded corner of the ballroom, her hands clasped together.
Sighing, she looked up, eyeing Rosey at the far off corner. Narrowing her eyes, her frown deepened before she turned away.

Firekeyblade was out on the balcony, rubbing her arms with her hands.
Suddenly, she felt a piece of fabric placed around her shoulders, and she quickly turned her head to see Last of the Organization, placing his cloak around her.
“Here, this ought to warm you…†he said, smiling comfortingly at her.
“But…but won’t you get cold?†she asked, looking away from him.
“Nah, I’m fine,†he reassured her, chuckling. “As long as you’re warm…â€
Firekeyblade nodded, a bit stiffly, her eyes still averting his gaze.
“So…are you alright?†he asked, looking at her, concerned.
“What do you mean?â€
“You just seem…you don’t seem happy…â€
“Well…after seeing blood, I don’t think anyone would be…â€
Gently, Last used her hand to turn her face to his, saying, “I’m here for you Fire, if you need me…if you ever need to talk…â€
Hearing footsteps behind them, the two turned to see Sadden Blood Warrior standing there, his hand grasping a glass of wine.
“I’m not interrupting, am I?†he asked, as he walked over to the two. “I just thought you might be thirsty…Firekeyblade…â€
Turning to her, he handed her the glass, smiling cheerfully.
“Thank you,†she said, as she took it, taking a small sip.
As she took a drink, both men stood on the side of her, glaring slightly at each other.
“Anyway,†Last said, clearing his throat. “Sadden…I thought you…had something else to do?â€
“No, not at all,†Sadden said, shaking his head. “Nothing would ever take up my time from Firekeyblade…â€
“Huh, funny,†Last said, a wry smile on his lips. “Same here…â€

In the meantime, outside in the courtyard, everything was silent. Several people were on the floor, unconscious, dry blood caked on their wounds.
There were footsteps, heading towards them, and soon, two teens appeared at the scene.
The girl was wearing a magenta-colored, sleeveless dress with long, flowing chiffon skirting, while the boy was outfitted in a tight-fitting tuxedo, outlining his small build.
As the two gazed about, their eyes widened, as the girl said, shocked, “What…what happened here?â€
“Arcantress…TrueKeybladeMaster…†a male voice groaned.
The two turned to see Burnitup, Orange, and Nailpolish, with Orange’s arms around the both of them for support, emerging from the bushes, limping slightly, a small trail of blood leaking from their wounds.
“Burnitup…Orange…Nailpolish…†Arcantress murmured, looking at the three. “What…what happened?â€
Nailpolish took a step forward, still keeping a tight grip on Orange’s arm.
“We…we were attacked,†she said, her voice coming out slightly hoarse. “Attacked…by…â€
Before she could finish her sentence, she fell, and Burnitup quickly darted forward to grab her, and Orange, who was beginning to slide off.
Seeing him straining with this, TrueKeybladeMaster briskly brought his arms around Nailpolish, holding her firmly to himself. Turning around, he gently laid her down on the ground.
As Burnitup began to place Orange on the ground as well, she spoke.
“Gate…Ke…per…†she murmured. “Gate…Keep…er…â€
“GateKeeper?†Arcantress repeated, raising an eyebrow. “What does she mean?â€
Standing up straight, Burnitup turned his head to look at her, a grim expression on his face.
“He’s…he’s the one who did all this,†he said, his frown deepening. “He…he just came out of nowhere…â€
“‘He’? Not ‘they’?†TrueKeybladeMaster asked, looking about the yard. “One person able to take down ten people…impossible!â€
“Never say impossible…†a voice said from behind them.
The three quickly spun around to see exactly whom they were talking about…
“GateKeeper…†Arcantress murmured. “Why…why did you do this? And…and did you murder La Sofa?!â€
GateKeeper chuckled, as he continued to take several steps towards them.
“All these questions…tsk, tsk…haven’t you learned not to get into other people’s business?†he said, a smirk curling his lips. “You don’t want to end up like the others, do you?â€
Arcantress narrowed her eyes, glaring at him. “How dare you…†she hissed. “You’re…you’re going to pay for this…â€
“In the name of the moon, Sailor Moon?†Gate taunted, as he drew a knife. “Well, let’s see then…â€
In a flash, he threw the weapon towards Arcantress, faster than she could evade. Quickly, she brought her arms up to brace herself, only to have Burnitup slide in front of her.
With a scream, Burnitup fell, a rivulet of blood streaming from his wound.
“Burnitup!†Arcantress shrieked, rushing to his side, catching him just in time in her arms. Sitting upon her knees as she gently laid his head upon her lap, she asked, “Burnitup…why…why did you do that?â€
Burnitup slowly opened his eyes, staring directly into Arcantress’s.
“Because…I…I was already wounded…†he said, in a strained voice. “You’ll…have a much better chance…saving…saving…â€
“…Burnitup?†Arcantress said, giving him a soft shake. “Who? Who are we saving?â€
Slowly, Burnitup closed his eyes, and his head turned to the side, his consciousness gone.
Closing her eyes, Arcantress sighed, a tear sliding from her right eye.
“Burnitup…†she whispeed, his name cold on her lips.
“Hey, babe, consider yourself fortunate,†GateKeeper said, fingering another knife within his hand. “He saved you…so I will allow you to run now…if you promise me you won’t tell anyone about what transpired here.â€
Gently placing Burnitup on the ground, Arcantress then stood, turning to GateKeeper, anger in her eyes.
“Yeah, right,†she said, brusquely. “Like I’d run after seeing what you did to Burnitup.â€
GateKeeper chuckled, his eyes glinting deviously. “I thought so…well…â€
Before he could finish his sentence, a pair of arms wrapped itself around his throat, attempting to strangle him.
Tilting her head up, Arcantress gasped, “TrueKeybladeMaster!â€
“Heh, thought you needed some assistance,†he grinned, keeping his grip tight. “Run and tell the others, alright?â€
As GateKeeper bent down, he suddenly brought his head up, banging into TrueKeybladeMaster’s face. Swiftly, he jerked his hand back, stabbing the knife he was holding into his stomach.
TrueKeybladeMaster gasped, his eyes growing wide as a burning pain surged into him.
“Hurts…†GateKeeper whispered sharply, leaning up close to his face. “Doesn’t it?â€
Withdrawing the knife, TrueKeybladeMaster fell forward, a warm liquid trailing down across his body.
Stepping aside so the boy fell to the ground, GateKeeper turned to Arcantress, who was watching with her mouth wide open, shock running through her.
“Scared yet?†GateKeeper asked, bringing the knife close to his face, licking the blood off the blade.
Regaining her composure, Arcantress shot Gatekeeper a harsh glare.
“Never…†she said, as she began to walk towards him. “I can’t be…for TrueKeybladeMaster…Burnitup…and…and everyone else. I can’t.â€
GateKeeper was silent for a moment, as if contemplating her words.
“Well…†he spoke at last. “…Your choice…your demise…â€
Suddenly, he darted forward, stabbing the knife into Arcantress’s chest.
She exhaled sharply, biting her lower lip to keep herself from screaming out in pain.
“Not letting me hear your pretty voice, hmm?†GateKeeper said, leaning close to her ear to whisper. “Well then…how about a kiss, babe?â€
Withdrawing the knife, he leaned forward, kissing her upon the lips, before stepping aside, letting her fall to the floor.
Looking at her fallen figure, he chuckled, licking his lips.
“Mission accomplished…sorry, babe…â€

 

I thought that was absolutely fantastic! XD The storyline was tragic and filled with love all at the same time... a perfect combination! :D :D lol and that is exactly how I would imagine Last acting... but Gate probably wouldn't act like that... :sweatdrop: but anyways... you never said you were going to make them how they really acted... lol... Great job! :D I give it a 10/10... :P