Trick or Treat: Party Spells Romance

Laurine ran some beads of hot glue along the one of the tiaras she had made for her costume. It was almost complete and the next night being Halloween meant that she had to finish it tonight. She was almost done. She had the main body of the costume complete with floppy rabbit ears sewn onto the hood of the sweatshirt and feathery wings attached to the back. She made a fluffy white tail and sewn into the rear. She found some old slippers she had modified into bunny like feet.

She didn’t want to dress up as a mere bunny, hence the wings and decided to go all out and girly and made it an angel princess bunny. She selected one of her prettiest nightgowns and added fabric, ribbons, and lace and made it even more pretty. She found a pair of white ballroom gowns that went all they way up to the elbow and added a pretty pink trim and used glitter and beads on a simple white masquerade mask.

The last detail was the crown, or crowns. She also made a pretty little dress that would fit on Celeste along with an elegant cape. She could have bought the crowns herself, but she would rather make them. They were actually tiaras. She used a headband for herself and bent wire into shape and covered all of it in material. For Celeste’s she just used wire and material. After they had time to dry she glued on rhinestones.

"It's nearly midnight," Celeste said as she strolled in. She was lucky Laurine’s family allowed to walk around the apartment as she pleased. "You should be asleep."

"I'll sleep when I’m done," Laurine told her. She continued to use tweezers to apply the tiny faux gems to the glue.

“This seems important to you,” Celeste placed her paws on the edge of the table and watched Laurine as she worked. “Is this for a contest?”

“It’s a costume for a holiday,” Laurine said. She had thought Celeste knew this by now. “You are aware that Halloween is tomorrow right?”

“I heard of the name,” Celeste said. “And I have seen costumes in stores and the way the stores are decorated makes it look like it is a celebration of scary and spooky things.”

“Not originally,” Laurine said. She applied some more glue to the tiara. “It was originally a celebration of the end of harvest season and the people would build bonfires and cast cow bones into the flames.”

“How did that translate into dressing up as monsters?” Celeste asked. “It was also a celebration of the dead,” Laurine explained. “They would honor family members and friends who have died in the past.” She paused. Was that from the origins of Halloween, or was that from something totally different? “The memory of the dead also could be from All Souls day. That’s two days after Halloween.”

“I think I can see how it went to there,” Celeste said. “Honoring the dead and souls made people think of ghosts. That led to more of the supernatural and that led to monsters.”

Laurine nodded. “It is a holiday now where people have parties and make haunted houses for people to explore. Kids dress up in costumes and go door to door and ask for candy. People carve pumpkins and put candles inside them. It is a pretty fun holiday.”

“I guess you do deserve a day to relax.”

“Night,” Laurine corrected.

“You had a couple of tough battles with the Dark Kingdom.”

“I better bring you up to speed with the other holidays, especially Easter. Rabbits are popular on that day.”

Celeste shrank back. “I hope not to eat.”

“No,” Laurine shook her head and chuckled. “The rabbit is a hero that brings candy and colorful eggs in pretty baskets to all the good little girls and boys.”

Azurite was the first to enter the throne room. Several of the youma’s bowed before him as he entered. He approached his king, bowed before him and stood back up when Borice told him he may rise. Azurite stood to the side to wait for the others.

Feldspar and Chrystia came in hand in hand. Feldspar was dressed as usual. His hair was slicked back with some sort of gel that made his hair reflect what little light that came into the room. Chrystia wore her favorite dress along with the same amount of bracelets and rings. Her necklaces for today were a red ribbon chocker with a bright yellow jewel, a string of pearls and chandler style necklace with various dangling gemstones.

Sylvite was the last to enter. Azurite knew it was because his sister took extra time to prepare herself before she would stand before their king. She had to brush her hair, put on the right kind of make up and ad just gentle sprits of perfume.

Sylvite walked in and she just had to wear the heels with the heavy heels. They made a distinct echo on the floor as she walked straight towards the throne so that all eyes would be on her. She had a poise of confidence in her step as well as a matching smirk on her face.

She looked much better since her last battle with the Galactic Ladies. Half of her dress was burned and her left side was red with first-degree burns, a few parts had second-degree burns as well. She treated herself to a cooling bath and used natural salves and balms she made, suing the plants from her plants

“Good afternoon King Borice,” Sylvite said as she bowed before their king.

“You may rise,” Borice said in a pleased tone.

Sylvite rose up and stepped back until she stood with her brother.

“Your highness?” Feldspar spoke. “May I inquire why we are at this meeting?”

“To talk about Sylvite’s latest success,” Borice said and held out his hand. A glowing sphere of energy floated above it. “Beautifully done job, Sylvite, A little bigger than the others but its good to start a new sphere with.”

"It was my pleasure," She bowed.

“How is your arm?” Borice asked.

“It is still a bit stiff and sore,” Sylvite held it up and stared at it.

“Do not worry," Borice said. “I am certain your brother will punish those who have hurt you. Am I correct, Azurite?”

"That you are," Azurite answered. He will punish two of the ladies, but Lady Andromeda he will take back home to the Dark Kingdom. "Tonight is the night of Halloween. It is a popular holiday enjoyed by both children and adults. I have learned there is a large block party for the celebration."

"Ah holidays and parties equal plenty of energy,” Borice nodded,

So what are you going to wear?" Chrystia inquired. She had a bored look on her face and she was playing with the pearls on her necklace. “I heard people wear costumes to this kind of party."

"This." Azurite played a few notes. His blue clothes melted and rearranged themselves to resemble a tuxedo. His slacks turned into black dress pants and his shoes changed accordingly. His cloak turned black with red lining. A top hat rested on his head and a white mask was across his face. He even had clarinet changed into a cane.

The others in the throne room just gasped and stared at his costume with wide eyes.

Borice’s face turned red. “Why take on that guise? He is the one who hurt our queen twice.”

“I thought it was the Moon Princess who had hurt her,” Chrystia had her finger against her bottom lip.

"This is just a costume," Azurite said. He held up the disguised clarinet and played a few more notes. “No one will know it is really me.” His clothes changed back to normal.

Laurine tried to concentrate while she was in school, but the thoughts of the holiday and the party and seized her thoughts. Some of the teachers tried to make the classes fun and holiday related. Mr. Perez had printed out pages that described how they celebrated the holiday in various Spanish-speaking countries; Miss Williams made a game using the latest chapter and gave out candy as prizes. Mr. Barlowe gave out Tootsie Roll pops to all of his students. In English they watched a tape about the history of Macbeth, in Marine biology they got to watch half of The Nightmare before Christmas with the other half being promised the next school day.

Only Mr. Noss did nothing fun. He went over the math problems as usual with his boring voice and having them do the work from the book.

“He better not give us any homework,” Laurine whispered to Gina.

“Maybe he will get a visit from the Halloween ghosts,” Gina suggested. “Like in a Christmas Carol, except they be Halloween ghosts.”

“Gina, have I ever told you that you are an inspiration?” Laurine asked.

“What are best friends for?” Gina winked.

“Class I’m going to have to ask you all to please be quiet,” Mr. Noss said before he went back to writing numbers on the board.

Laurine stared at the numbers and sighed. It won’t be much longer and they will be out of school for the day.

Even the ride home on the bus seemed longer than usual. Laurine decided to take the risk and sit at the aisle end of the seat and counted how many times she was able to block the paper balls and airplanes with her hands. Her new abilities as being a Galactic Lady have heightened her reflex’s.

As soon as Laurine and Tracy got home Tracy went for the phone and Laurine went for the note their mother left on the fridge.

“Feed the fish, feed Celeste, water the plants dust around the apartment,” Laurine read from the list. “And make sure Tracy does the dishes.” The last part made Laurine smile.

She set her backpack onto the bed and went all around the aquariums, dropping in their food. She gave Celeste her rabbit food and even added a few radish slices as a bonus treat.

As she walked around and watered the various plants and dusted the surfaces she watched as Tracy continued to yak and stuff her face with cheese curls. She decided not to say anything. She will wait until she was done.

"Tracy wash the dishes," Laurine said and held the note in her sister’s face.

Tracy, grumbled and got up. She set the phone onto the coffee table and went to the kitchen.

“Thank you,” Laurine called after her and picked up the phone. She called her friends to see what they were doing for that night. All except for Ricardo were going to the party. Poor Ricardo had to take his siblings out trick or treating.

The minute she hung up her mother arrived with Dylan and a few pizzas.

“Za for dinner?” Laurine asked. She shouldn’t be surprised. Their family had fast food or delivery for dinner on Halloween evening.

“Pretty much,” Mother said as she set the boxes down on the dining room table. “I see that you did dust.”

“My duty is done,” Laurine said.” Although Tracy is getting older and needs more responsibilities.”

“I’ve loaded the dishwasher,” Tracy shouted from the direction of the kitchen.

“I’m just saying,” Laurine held up her hands. “After all I take care of all the living things here that can’t take care of themselves, plus pretty much everything else, and I’m also a working girl.”

“You do have a point,” their mother said. “Tracy you can help Dylan set the table.”

“Why do I have to set the table?” Dylan asked.

“Cause you are also getting older.”

“Shouldn’t we wait for dad?” Laurine asked. She watched as Tracy set down four plates and Dylan put out four glasses. Why were those kids complaining? They have it so easy.

“Dad will be home soon,” their mother said. “Tracy, don’t forget the napkins.”

They were chowing down on their pizza when father arrived. After he changed out of his work clothes he sat down with them and had a few slices.

“Where is this party located Tracy?” Dad asked.

“At Maria’s,” Tracy said. “Her mother said we could have a Halloween and slumber party. So I will be in costume and brining my nightgown and sleeping bag.”

“Patricia, were you aware of this?” Father asked.

“Yes I was,” Mother said. “I have mentioned it a past few nights.”

“I’ll drive Tracy over there, and take Dylan trick or treating,” father said after he wiped his hands with some napkins.

“Looks like I’ll be giving out candy then,” Mother said. “Dylan hurry up at finish so I can help you with your zombie make up.”

“Okay,” Dylan said through a mouthful of food and shoved even more pizza into his face.

“Ugh,” Tracy groaned.

“This is what they mean when they say don’t bite off more than you can chew,” Laurine said.

“When I said to hurry up I did not mean for you to eat like a pig,” their mother said.

“Sorry Dylan said and wiped his face with a napkin.

Laurine finished her last bite of pizza. “May I be excused to go dress up?”

“Yes,” mother nodded. “In fact you don’t have to ask to be excused for that. Once you are done go get ready.

“Thank you,” Laurine said as she ran toward the bathroom. She washed her face before she slipped into the bedroom where she slipped into her costume.

“Can you walk around with those wings?” Celeste asked and Laurine put on the bottom part of her costume.

“I have great balance,” Laurine said. “Even better than a cat.” She slipped the gown she made for Celeste over the rabbit and added the cloak and a tiara.

"Why am I dressing up," Celeste asked.

"Come on Celeste live a little," Laurine told her. “You deserve to kick back and have some fun.”

“We can have fun after we have defeated the Dark Kingdom,” Celeste said.

“And considering that there is going to be a lot of people here with a lot of energy then there is good chance the enemy might show up and try to ruin all the fun.”

“You are right,” Celeste nodded. “I still don’t see why I have to wear a costume.”

“That is just part of the fun,” Laurine said. She grabbed her tiara and mask and ran into the bathroom where she brushed her hair.

“What are you supposed to be?” Tracy asked. She had just slipped on a neon green wig.

“Princess angel bunny,” Laurine said. She had gotten her hair to behave and she placed on the crown.

“Let me guess. You couldn’t decide on what you exactly want to be?” She was using a brown eyebrow pencil to draw a mole on the side of her cheek.

“Not quite,” Laurine grabbed her blush compact. “At least I’m the one is trying something different, and being unique. A lot of people are going to be witches and vampires, and princesses and gargoyles and those Galactic Ladies.”

“Don’t hate it because it’s popular,” Tracy said. She also was putting on more make up but this was glittery Halloween make up that she was applying to her eyes.

“I’m not,” Laurine said. “I just want to be unique.” She added one last sweep of blush to her cheek and set the compact down. “And weren’t you a witch last year?”

“I was an evil witch last year,” Tracy said. “I’m a good witch this year.” She puckered up and applied glittery red lipstick.

Laurine couldn’t tell the difference and decided not to make a big deal of it. She just put on a little shimmery pink gloss on.

"Kids are you ready?" Mom asked.

“Almost,” Tracy called out.

“I don’t know about you,” Laurine said as she put on her white masquerade mask. “But I’m done.” She ran back to her bedroom. "Well Celeste its show time” Laurine picked up her guardian and walked into the family room.

“Oh,” mom gasped and her hands flew to her mouth. She was applying the finishing touches to Dylan. “Laurine that is just precious. Are you certain Celeste is okay with this?”

“There is no problem,” Laurine smiled. “Celeste loves to dress up.” She looked at Celeste’s face. Her rabbit had an annoyed look in her eyes. Laurine just smiled back.

“I think I have enough film,” Dad said as he left the master bedroom. He was dressed as the Phantom of the opera and was staring at the camera in his hands.”

“What are you going to take pictures of?” Dylan asked. He was wearing one of his ratty old shirts that had a few holes and pair of jeans that had several stains that could never be removed. Mother had applied gray make up with greenish gray and brownish gray splotches. He also had shadows painted under his eyes.

“The family picture,” Mom explained. “You know that.”

“I know, but after,” Dylan said. “Is there going to be any more.”

“There might,” Dad handed the camera over to mom. “I’m hoping we get a lot of Halloween related pictures.”

“You going to take pictures of Tracy and her friends?” Dylan asked. “They are going to break the camera.”

“Dylan,” mom gasped.

“Ha ha very funny,” Tracy said. She had finished getting ready.

“Unless it’s Shaunna,” Dylan had a mischievous smile on his face. “She’s hot and she’s got nice boobs.”

“Dylan,” Laurine and her parents said at once.

“You little perv,” Tracy charged up to him.

“Wah,” Dylan ran away from her.

“You can kill him after we take the picture,” Laurine said.

"Ok everyone together,” Mom said. The family stood together “Say candy corn.”

“Candy Corn.”

Mom pressed the button and the flash blinded Laurine.

“Okay everyone,” Dad said. “Let’s get going.”

“In a minute,” Laurine blinked. There were several orange and pink lights dancing in her eyes. She waited until most of the lights had faded before she checked the clock. She had a few more minutes before she had to meet up with Ashley and Gina at the corner.

“I’m going to take Tracy to her party first,” Dad said. “And then Dylan trick or treating.” He turned to his son. “Go get your bag and your light.”

“Okay,” Dylan ran towards the kitchen.

“I thought I get to kill him?” Tracy asked.

“Get your things ready,” Mom told her.

“I already have,” Tracy reached into the space between the right side of the couch and wall and pulled up a rolled up sleeping bag and a backpack.

"Everybody likes Hershey miniatures ,"Mom said as she dumped a bag of chocolates into a large plastic bowl. “Don’t forget your light dear.”

“I already have my flashlight,” Dad said. “Dylan, Tracy are we ready?”

“Yeah,” Dylan ran back with his plastic bag and glows stick.

“I better go meet with my friends,” Laurine said.

“You are not taking your rabbit with you, are you?”

“She came with me to the art festival,” Laurine explained. “You can ask Gina, Leslie and Ashley.”

“She is your rabbit,” her mother said. “As long as you keep her within site an to yourself.” Mom handed her the camera. “Take plenty of pictures.”

“Don’t worry,” Laurine said as she accepted the camera. She made sure Celeste was sitting comfortably on her shoulder before she left.

“I wonder how many Galactic Ladies we are going to see there,” Laurine said as she and her friends approached the block party. She had met with Gina and Ashley at the corner and the three of them walked down a few blocks where they met up with Sadie, Donna and Leslie.

“Probably a lot,” Leslie said. She was dressed as the Bride of Frankenstein. She wore an old white gown, wore make up that made her look paler and made her under eye shadows stand out more and the famous wig. “I almost was going to dress as one of them, but I figured every one is going to so I opted for a good ole classic instead.”

“I guess Gina and I went for the cliché?” Ashley asked. She was dressed as Lady Comet. Her costume was made of a short-sleeved white blouse that had the sleeves colored and a ruffled pink collar sewn in. She wore it with a pink pleated skirt, purple tights, and boots that were more of a light shed of red instead of pink. Her hair was not as long as Riley’s but she had put it into a ponytail and found two purple star shaped barrettes. Her pink headband was the king that a tennis player would wear and she had pink bracelets instead of armbands.

“Cliché or not you look great,” Sadie said. Her costume was feminine version of Sherlock Holmes’s outfit. She wore the famous detective’s jacket along with a skirt made out of the same material as well as the deerstalker hat.

“I think Gina’s is nicer than mine though,” Ashley said.

“I don’t think it’s that much nicer,” Gina said. Laurine had made sure that her friend had gone all out to look like her alter ego, or at least a little prettier. Laurine made sure her friend had good fabric to work with and not only did they find silver but a shimmery silver. They made the collar and the skirt and sewn it to a white leotard. Laurine added ribbons for the streamers. They found the barrettes and the tights, and they spray painted armbands, a head band and ankle high boots they found at thrift stores with silver spray paint.

“Your costume is much better than mine,” Ashley said.

“Well I did have Laurine help me,” Gina said and gave Laurine a hug.

“Hey don’t mention it.

“I wonder how popular my costume is going to be,” Donna said She made a lovely Megara. She had used a pink halter top with a long skirt, used darker pink scarves for the trim and also gotten herself a wig.

“Probably pretty popular,” Gina said. “People love Disney.”

“I can make a prediction,” Leslie said and held up a finger. “There will be several Power Rangers, Galactic Ladies, Batman costumes, Sailor V, Gargoyles and the good ole classic monsters.

Laurine figured she would be right, especially as they neared the street where the party was going to be held. There were several ghosts and vampires, dinosaurs, those dreaded rangers, gargoyles and Galactic Ladies, mostly of Lady Andromeda, but there were also a few Lady Comets and Lady Centauri’s in the mix.

“Looks like you were right, Leslie,” Ashley said.

Laurine studied a few of the nearest Lady Andromeda’s. It was kind of odd to see someone dress as yourself. She noticed that Sadie was trying hard not to blush. She wondered how Riley was taking it.

“None of those Ladies can beat Gina and Ashley,” Laurine said. “In fact I doubt that anyone will even come close.”

A heavy set man walked out in front of them wearing a white leotard, silver skirt and ruffle, fuchsia colored tights and bracelets and a long silver wig. His arms were covered in hair and he had some hair protruding from the back collar.

Laurine stared at him with her eyes wide and mouth open. She looked over to her friends who also had some of the same expressions, even Celeste her jaw hanging.

“There goes my stomach,” Gina said as soon as the man was gone.

“I’m going to need bleach for my eyes,” Donna said.

“I need to bleach out my brain,” Ashley added.

“I need to bleach out my soul,” Leslie said.

“Okay,” Laurine closed her eyes and turned to her friends. “We came her to have fun and we are going to have fun. Let’s go find some games to play.”

There was no shortage of games to play. There were several that appeared to be the games found at a carnival, including a test your strength game and a dunk the clown game. All the games seem to have a Halloween twist. The balloons in the dart game resembled Jack O Lanterns and the milk bottles in the milk bottle game looked like ghosts.

“Laurine,” Celeste whispered into her ear. “Riley is in the Spin Art booth.”

“Oh?” Laurine looked over to the booth in question. A girl that looked like Riley was assisting a child dressed as a gargoyle with one of the spin art projects. “That is her,” Laurine whispered back. “Hey look, spin art.”

Oh,” Gina said when she saw what Laurine was pointing at.

“I remember doing that.”

“I was three when I did it for the first time,” Leslie said. She had a wistful smile on her face. “The attendee said I was very creative and I should be a real artist. Now I know that he probably said that to all the little kids, but that is what got me into art in the first place.”

“Anyone want to give it a go?” Laurine asked. “Just for old time sakes?”

“Yeah,” Leslie nodded. “I gotta go for a spin.”

“Sure,” Sadie said when she saw who was running the booth.

“Eh why not,” Donna shrugged.

The six of them made their way over to the booth just as the child had finished with his art. It took Laurine a second glance before she realized that wasn’t a costume.

“Hi Laurine, Hi Sadie,” Nashville looked up at them when they arrived.

“Hi Nash,” Sadie greeted. “We almost didn’t recognize you.”

“You like the costume?” Nash asked and posed. He was wearing a beige shirt with blue Chinese writing and the words Blue Sun under it. He also wore gray pants with painted on dust stains, holsters with plastic guns and had what looked like a goatee painted on his chin in magic marker.

“Like it?” Ashley asked. “I love it.” She leaned in closer to Laurine. “Who is this kid?”

“Nash is one of our baby sitting clients,” Laurine explained. “Haven’t sat for him for a while.”

“Where are your parents?” Sadie asked.

“Over there,” Nash pointed at a small crowd of gargoyles. “You can probably guess what everyone is, but my parents and I can’t say what we are.”

“Really?” Donna asked. “Not even a guess?”

“I guess I can sort of tell you,” Nashville said. “I’m a space mercenary, dad is a space cowboy and mom is an elegant maiden.”

Laurine stared at the clan. Brooklyn was wearing a black shirt, being pants and a brown leather trench coat and was walking around like he was some big damn hero. Katana was wearing a beautiful golden dress with a wrap that made it appear her sleeves were long and flowing. She had her hair curled. Angela had her hair set into braids which she wound into cinnamon roll like buns and wore the white dress that Leia had in the first movie. Broadway was wearing a white shirt and black vest and Lexington was dressed all in black like Luke was in Return. Not to far away from them was Goliath, Detective Maza, Detective Bluestone and a woman with white hair styled in a braid. Laurine wasn’t sure what Goliath was wearing, but Elisa was dressed as Pocahontas, and Bluestone was wearing a black suit and a pair of black sunglasses.

“Speaking of great costumes,” Riley said. “You guys are amazing. The two of you,” she pointed at Gina and Ashley. “Best Galactic Ladies costumes ever.”

“Thank you,” Laurine said and studied Riley’s costume. Her friend was wearing a bright yellow shirt with a blue O in the center, a bright blue cape and a blue bandana mask. “What are you supposed to be?”

“I am Captain Obvious,” Riley saluted. “Bringing what should be painfully obvious into the eyes of the terminally clueless.”

Donna laughed while Sadie and Ashley snickered.

“Good one,” Laurine said.

“That is awesome,” Gina said.

Leslie finished chuckling. “How much for a spin?”

“Two bucks per person,” Riley said.

“Here,” Leslie handed over the cash.

“Okay,” Riley accepted the money and handed it to one of her friends. A girl that was either dressed as the Wendy’s girl or Pippi Longstocking. “What colors would you like?”

“How many can I use?” Leslie asked.

“As many as you like,” Riley said.

“Something bold like red and black, and calming like light blue and lavender.”

“Nice use of contrasts,” a third girl in the booth said. She was dressed like cat woman.

“Thanks,” Leslie smiled as Riley handed her the bottles.

“So they really are the best?” Laurine whispered to Riley while Leslie was working on her spin art and Donna and Sadie were fishing for money.

“Yeah and I have seen all kinds,” Riley said. “From cute little girls to Galactic Guy.”

“Galactic Guy?” Laurine asked.

“This tall guy dressed like you,” Riley said. “He was kind of overweight and hairy.”

“Oh god,” Laurine covered her eyes. “I know who you are talking about.”

This harvesting assignment was one of the easiest and most fun for Azurite. He walked along the people, and not a single person was any the wiser. There were a few times when he was worried, such as when he thought he had encountered the enemy, but they turned to be normal citizens dressed as the Galactic Ladies. He shouldn’t have let his guard down. He knew what the real Lady Andromeda looked like and they were nowhere near as beautiful as her.

He did have to give the people some form of credit. Several had creative and well-put together costumes. Some of them were quite frightening. He had to compliment some of the people and they complimented his.

“See Brendon?” A woman dressed in a white linen gown asked as Azurite walked past them. She was wearing a sleek black wig, styled into a bob and adorned on the ends with various beads. She also had a gold circlet around the top of her head and a collar like necklace with jewels in various colors. She was also wearing a lot of eyeliner

“See what?” A man wearing a white toga and a red sash asked. He had a crown of green laurels on his head.

“Isn’t this better than dressing as the latest trend?” The woman asked before she took a sip from her drink.

“If you say so,” her husband shrugged.

The woman seemed annoyed with him. “Look all around you. Everyone is either dressed as a gargoyle, something from a popular movie or TV show, or one of those Galactic Ladies. Nobody tried to be original anymore.”

“Well there are a few,” her husband said. “There were those girls at the spin art booth and I saw one girl dressed as a princess bunny angel.”

“The girls in the booth were okay,” the woman said. “But that girl was odd. Who dresses up their pet rabbit and brings it here?”

“I thought it was cute,” her husband said.

The woman rolled her eyes before she noticed Azurite. “Now here is someone else who is dressed unique.”

“I thought he was dressed as a stage magician,” her husband said.

The woman rolled her eyes again. “Look again Brendan. That mask is the type they wore to eighteenth century masquerade balls.”

“I was just trying to dress as a hero,” Azurite explained.

“I was right,” the woman had a smug smile. “He’s a romantic hero.”

“Very much so,” Azurite nodded. He sped away from that exchange and nearly bumped onto people standing in a line for cotton candy, perfect. If the line is long then it was popular. He had been using his disguised clarinet to set up several booths to drain the energy from the party attendees, and then he will seek out the girl dressed as the angel bunny. He had a feeling that she would be Lady Andromeda. The Galactic Ladies had a rabbit with them.

Her mother was going to probably schedule an appointment for the dentist a few days from now, but Laurine didn’t care. It was one of the few nights where she could as much sugary junk as she wanted. She and her friends were munching on popcorn balls. She had broken off a good chunk of her own popcorn ball and gave it to Celeste.

"C'mon Miss Sherlock," The clown from the dunk a clown game jeered. "I bet you can't hit the broadside of the barn." He had been dunked before from the evidence of his clothes, but his make up was still on. He had decided to try and go for the Killer Clown look.

Sadie glared at the clown and threw the ball. It hit the target right in the center and it was strong enough to activate the lever. The clown fell into the water.

“All right Sadie,” Laurine and Donna cheered. There other friends and went off to try and find a few other games.

“Nice shot,” the attendee said and handed Sadie a little stuffed bat. “Do you play softball?”

“Basketball actually,” Sadie said as she accepted her gift. “And thank you.”

“You should try the basketball game then,” the guy suggested. “It’s a few booths down past the place selling funnel cakes.”

“So Sadie, you want to try and score another prize?” Donna asked as they left the booth.

“I’m not doing it for the prizes,” Sadie said. “I’m doing it for fun.” She handed the bat to Donna. “The prizes are gifts for friends, and I’m going to win one for Laurine.”

They walked down toward the booth while keeping an eye for something else they would like to do and for their friends. She also decided to try and count how many other people were dressed as Galactic Ladies.

A man dressed in black walked right past them. The way he wore his mask along with his mustache made Laurine think of the Dread Pirate Roberts. Maybe that he was what he was going for. He was heading straight for Goliath, Detective Maza, Detective Bluestone and that woman who turned out to be Bluestone’s date. How did a jerk like that get a date?

“Uh oh,” Sadie said when the man pulled off his mask and started to speak to detective Maza. “Isn’t that the leader of the Quarrymen?”

“John Castaway,” Donna frowned.

“Oh that guy,” Laurine narrowed her eyes at him.

“Hey guys,” Gina ran up to them. “What happened?

“You like you just had toenail flavored candy,” Leslie added. She, Gina and Ashley had cotton candy with them.

“Gross,” Ashley shuddered. “I’m trying to enjoy this.”

“The leader of the Quarrymen is giving some of our friends a hard time,” Laurine said as Castaway was really laying into Goliath and the detectives.

“He does know that is just a costume right?” Donna asked.

“Well if one of those jerks can’t tell the difference between living gargoyles and statues then who knows how dumb the leader would be?” Gina asked

“Too bad he is a jerk,” Leslie said. “He’s kind of hot.”

“What?” Laurine blinked.

“I’ll admit he is easy on the eyes,” Donna said.

“That English accent is kind of sexy,” Sadie nodded her head.

“Lose the mustache and we’ll talk,” Ashley said.

“A guy who looks like that probably has a lot of fan girls,” Sadie said. “Young teenage fan girls who would just love the to crowd around him.”

“I love the way that you think,” Laurine ran up to Castaway. “Mr. Castaway.”

“Mr. Castaway I have a question,” Gina appeared next to Laurine.

“Me too,” Laurine squealed.

“I also have a question,” Donna said, using the voice she used when she was making fun of the cheerleaders.

“I’m sorry ladies, but I will be with you shortly,” Castaway said. He did not turn around.

Goliath and the detectives stared at Laurine and her friends with confused expressions on their faces.

“Mr. Castaway I’m scared,” Sadie said. “I’m afraid those big monsters will swoop down and take me away.”

“You have a right to be afraid,” Castaway turned to face them. He was angry before, but his bright red face had faded to pink. “There is a good chance they might swoop down and take you away.” He turned to glare at Goliath. “Especially the males.”

“They wouldn’t come tonight will they?” Ashley asked.

“Of course they would,” Castaway nodded and pointed at Goliath. “In fact one is right here.”

“Him?” Laurine asked. Goliath was wearing a sleeveless lavender shirt that was the same color as he was with a big noticeable zipper down the front. “But that is a guy in a costume.”

“Will you tell me how to find a real one?” Leslie stared at him with bright eyes.

“What time do the gargoyles usually attack?” Laurine asked.

“They attack at night,” Castaway said. “If you ladies want to know more I welcome you to attend the next Quarrymen meeting.”

“Us as quarrymen?” Sadie asked. “I don’t know if I’m strong enough.”

“I can’t lift a heavy hammer,” Ashley said.

“Do you think I could be strong enough?” Leslie asked. She had made herself blush and was leaning against Castaway’s chest.

“Yes,” He said. The pink returned to Castaway’s face, except it was focused in his cheeks. “You all can. Stop by the Castaway Corporation. There will be pamphlets for you to read.” He slipped past them and walked away.

Donna chuckled as soon as he was gone. “Gee guys, do you think we made him uncomfortable?”

“Mission accomplished,” Laurine held up her hand for a high five and exchanged it with her friends.

"All, right love birds,” a smooth voice was heard over the speakers. “It will be dance time at the center in five minutes."

"Too bad we don’t have any boy friends," Laurine said.

"We could just go and listen to the music." Donna suggested. “Perhaps even see if a few single guys want to dance.”

That plan sounded as good as any. After the dance they can go back to the basketball game, then try and open a piñata and then try the cakewalk.

The center had been cleared out. At one end was speakers and stereo equipment. Laurine recognized the DJ as K-Zog from the Neon Lizard.

“Hello Ashley,” one of Ethan’s friends’s sauntered up to them. It was Trevor, Ashley’s on again and off again boyfriend. He was dressed as a caveman. “What brings you here?”

“I came here to scope out the single guys,” Ashley said.

“What a coincidence,” Trevor smiled. “I just happen to be single.”

“What makes you think she is going to dance with you?” Donna asked.

“We were on a break,” Trevor said. “It was so we could focus on our SAT’s, and we took those tests months ago.” He held out his hand before Ashley. “I would be honored to dance with you.”

Ashley blushed. “Sure.” She followed Trevor onto the state.

“Huh,” Ethan walked up to them. He was followed by Garret. “Looks like the break is over.”

“Yup,” Laurine glanced at the guys. “Okay Ethan, you are either that creepy dude from I Know What You Did Last Summer or the Gordon’s Fisherman, and Garret either Hercules or Ben Hur.”

“Got it the first time,” Ethan said. He was dressed in a yellow rain slicker with a matching hat and held up a hook.

“Nope,” Garret shook his head. He was wearing leather chest armor, matching loincloth, bracers, and winged sandals. “You were warm though. I am Perseus.” He waltzed up to Gina. “Will you be my Andromeda?”

Gina nodded. “But only for tonight.”

‘Okay how come I haven’t heard that one yet?’ Laurine thought and turned, only to bump into a man wearing a tuxedo and a cape. “Sorry about that.”

“You don’t have to mention it,” the man said. He had a cute smile and the most beautiful blue eyes behind that mask. “Would you care to dance?”

“What?” Laurine blinked. “We just met.”

“Ah it’s the mask. I know who you are.” He held out a gloved hand for her.

‘Probably someone from school,’ Laurine thought. “I will dance with you, but you have to tell me who you are.” She accepted his hand.

“Fair enough,” the stranger said and led her out onto the dance floor.

Foolish Games by Jewel was playing Laurine kept her gate with her mysterious stranger. She had to know who he was. She knew she had seen those eyes, that smile and heard that voice before.

Laurine kept her eye on the other couples dancing around. She saw Goliath and Elisa and Matt and his girlfriend. Laurine envied Elisa for looking so awesome in her Pocahontas costume.

“This feels so familiar,” the stranger said. He pulled her in closer

“Yeah,” Laurine agreed. She placed face against his chest as they continued to dance around the center.

All too soon the dance ended.

“Did you enjoy it?” The stranger asked.

“Of course,” Laurine stepped back away from him. “Now it is your turn.”

“As you wish my lady.” He reached up for his mask.

Laurine felt her heart pounding as he removed his mask. It felt like everyone could hear it. Her eyes widened when he had pulled it away. No. I couldn’t be.

“I was right, “ Azurite said. “Judging by your facial reaction you are Lady Andromeda.”

“Azurite,” Laurine gasped and took a step back away from him. “How?”

“Who else would bring their rabbit to this place?” Azurite asked.

“What are you doing here?”

“To look for you. I have a feeling you are the one I have been seeking.”

A gasp was heard nearby. Laurine turned to see someone collapsing. More people including Gina and Ashley were fainting.

“No,” Laurine shook her head. Confusion turned to anger. “You are here to steal people’s energy.”

“I came to do both,” Azurite said. “I was ecstatic when I realized that you were here.”

Laurine closed her eyes. She ignored the sounds of people attending those who had collapsed and Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back”

“Andromeda?” Azurite took a step toward her.

“Don’t call me that,” Laurine stepped back. “I know what you want. You want to help your evil kingdom take over the world.”

“To cleanse it,” Azurite said. “To make it a better place.”

“Who are you to judge?”

“Just look-“

“All right monster,” Riley’s voice shouted. “You have seen the copies, but now it is time for the original.”

“Your friends have arrived,” Azurite said in a sour tone.

Lady Comet and Lady Centauri were standing on the roof of the nearest both. Sadie and Celeste must have run off to find Riley as soon as people started to collapse.

“This was a night of fun,” Lady Centauri cried out. “Our night of fun and you went and ruined it.”

“So they are expecting a monster,” Azurite said. He brought the end of his cane to his mouth and played it like a clarinet.

A swirling mist floated from the other end and encircled someone dressed as the Grim Reaper. The poor fellow screamed as his skin turned orange, his eyes became yellow and glowed, his head swelled to the size of a pumpkin, his teeth became sharp and jagged and his robe became tattered. His plastic scythe turned real. The monster growled and swung his weapon in a circle causing ten people including Ethan and Garret to collapse.

“Now while your friends play with him,” Azurite grabbed Laurine by the wrist and ran toward the nearest alley.

“Let me go,” Laurine pulled away. “Thank you for pulling me away.”

“I just wanted to be alone with you,” Azurite said.

“And I wanted to do this,” Laurine held up her pen. “Andromeda Galaxy Power Make-Up.”

“You didn’t have to prove me that I am right.” He tried to grab her hand again.

“No,” Andromeda pulled away. “You are not going to abduct me and take me to your dark world.”

“I don’t want to take you to a dark world. I want to take you to a better world. A world for the two of us, just like we promised.”

“I don’t remember saying anything like that.”

“I did,” Azurite said. “A world where we can be together. No one where we will be kept apart because of our stature, that is what we promised over a millennia ago.”

“What are you talking about?” Andromeda asked. He was losing it.

“This rebirth gave us a second chance, Harmony,” Azurite got down on one knee. “I have something for you my princess.”

“You are not proposing,” Andromeda said.

“I’m not. I’m just giving a gift that I have given you back on the moon.” His costume melted and reshaped itself to his usual outfit. “Please remember.”

“You can’t be right,” Andromeda turned around and ran. She had no idea when the tears formed in her eyes. She just felt one fall down her cheek. She did not look back, and only straight ahead to where the monster was.

“Lady Andromeda,” Centauri greeted when she had arrived.

“Sorry gals,” Andromeda apologized. “I had a small bit of drama.” She turned to the monster. “Andromeda Sound Wave Shatter.” The music caused the monster to shake.

Lady Centauri stepped forward. "Centauri magic dissipation!" her golden dust settled on the creature changing him back to normal.

The sound of applause filled the air.

“Bravo,” Azurite appeared. He had used his clarinet to create the black wings on his shoes to keep him in the air.

“Dare to show your face?” Comet asked.

“I came to give my princess this,” Azurite tossed a sparkling object toward them.

Andromeda leapt to catch it. The minute she caught the object the crowd cheered again. She ignored their praise and studied what he had tossed. It was a silver heart shaped box. She opened it. A twirling flower spun around in the center while music played. It was the same beautiful song that had haunted her memory and Azurite claimed to have invented.

“Andromeda?” Centauri placed her hand on her shoulder. “Are you going to be all right?”

“I don’t know,” Andromeda kept staring at her gift.

“We need to make sure your friends will be fine,” Celeste said. “Then we will go to the castle and have a meeting.”

Andromeda closed her eyes and nodded.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Laurine stood near the edge of one of Wyvern's battlements. Her friends were waking up, but she and Sadie told the others that they weren’t feeling well and left. Detective Maza gave them a ride to the Aerie in her car. They were silent the whole time.

During the meeting she couldn’t concentrate and walked away to look at the stars. She held the gift from Azurite she caught.

“Laurine?” Celeste walked up to her. “Are you certain you are going to be fine?”

“I don’t know,” Laurine said. She closed the top on the music box. “I think I’ll be okay.”

"I want to give you this," She said and handed Laurine a watch like object." Its a communicator." Angela explained.

"Thanks Celeste," Laurine said as she accepted it. She put it into her pocket. She will look at it later.

"Don’t let him get to you," Celeste said.

"I wish that was simple. Is it true that I am a reincarnated princess?"

“I think so, but my memories are not that clear. I wish I knew.”

“So do I,” Laurine said and stared at the stars again.