Hall of Roses

[Naota]

[Enter]

It was dark. A bag was put over his head and he could he talking. They were elderly voices and they spoke of Sky. The voices became louder and louder until the people were in front of him. They took off the bag that was on his head and since he was in there for a while the light stung his eyes. The place he was looked very pretty, regal furniture and a beautiful carpet. The trio in front of him each wore a mask. One was an anbu mask from there village. He stood at about 6 feet tall and was very bulky. He wasn't old but the other two were. A small frail woman with a skull mask, hunched back and used a cain to walk. The other was another woman wearing a strange mask that slightly resembled a clown. They spoke to Sky.

"Hello there young man. Your special you know that. Your going to lead this village!"

The thoughts that ran through his mind were too much. He knew of who the current kage was. He never actually met her before but she was claimed to be a nice woman who had brought nothing but good fortune to the village of Cloud. Following in her footsteps! He didn't think he would be able to do it. He wasn't about to give up this chance though. He looked at the trio and the Buff Anbu man at this time had left them to go do whatever else he is to do but he is sure that, that man was the one who brought him to this place. Sky stood up and knew that these people were the elders of the village. Old, decrepit, wise. They fit the general aspect of what one sees in an elder. Yet a certain mystery hung over their heads.

"I'll do it."

His words of acceptance were answered by him being given a Mask. Was this a ceremonial mask? He wasn't sure of what it had to do with him becoming Raikage but he put it on anyway. A change of clothes was given to him so he wore a black tuxedo with white pinstripes. A very suave look for him. He was told to hold shortly for some others to arrive before heading out to the reception area. He was slightly afraid yet excited all at the same time. The two elders left his side to go elsewhere and he sat down on a chair waiting for the next couple of guests to arrive.

[/blockquote]

[|Ayame Unbound|]

She was just about to explain it all to Kaeor when an AnBu arrived. He explained that her attendance was required in the Hall of Roses, as per the Elders, who promised not to bother her again after that, ever. With that he vanished. Kana looked to Kaeor and scratched her head slightly. "So uhh... funny story... I just resigned..." She explained, not quite meeting his eyes. "And now they want me attend the coronation and shame myself in front of the entire village to announce the new Kage, and I sort of have to attend." She explained. "So yeah, up for a masquerade?" Barring any protest from Kaeor she would make her way to the hall, Raizo in tow, as well as the scrolls.

The changing rooms were upstairs. Closets were filled with outfits and masks, never used yet for some reason stockpiled. Carefully she went through selecting her things. First she selected her mask. It was perfectly blank. She was no one and every one. She was literally every person. Anyone could be behind that mask. It also represented the blank slate. She was starting over. Her dress was done in red and black, an elegant number far different from the one she had worn at her own coronation. The dress was chosen for a reason, it held ample room for things to be stored. Her own weaponry and scrolls were placed into the duffel bag and the cloud scrolls and Kurenai's were secured inside the many folds and threads of the dress. Surprisingly there was no visual clues to their whereabouts. The bag she placed before Raizo.

"I have to do something first, but these scrolls are Kurenai's. Can you protect them?" Though not friends with Kana yet he understood Kurenai and protect and curled up in front of the bag, wondering where Kurenai was. She patted him awkwardly and made her way down the stairs of the ball room. A few had arrived but not many. Hopefully Kaeor would join her soon, if she could recognize him. Her own hair was decorated black and red and white. Multifaceted streaks danced in the light. For one night she was truly unrecognizable and after this she would be free.

[// One]

A distracted mind was brought from its reverie when the all too familiar AnBu appeared before him. Akuryō looked up quizzically, he hadn't been stopped at the gates for a long time. His mind raced through the possible reasons they would have to stop him before a gloved hand belonging to the guard presented a decorated scroll. Confused, but relieved that such a simple thing had been the reason he was stopped. The scroll was fancy, the coloring wasn't plain white and the quality of the paper was better than normal. A curious hand opened it wide, letting his eyes drift across the ink. His presence was required in the Hall of Roses.

Upon arrival, the Cat AnBu was ushered to the side and given some relatively reasonable instructions. He was to remain masked the entire event, until told to remove the mask, and he was to remain alert. It wasn't a normal invite, it was a request for protection at the estate. With a few valuable subjects and the ease of the events, many would be open and liable to attack if anyone dared. Even on a night like this, there were those required to sit aside and look over the rest. It wasn't entirely important to him, he was proud to be able to be of service to the event. With a nod of understanding he sent the girl away and proceeded to slide the mask into place. His features entirely covered by the white mask with red stripes.

Entrance into the hall gave little to no notice of what would soon be a relatively full room. A few people scuffled about but aside from the occasional couple, few had turn up so far. Feeling a little awkward out of place, he moved silently to a corner, his eyes browsing across the room in search of something interesting to lay his eyes on for the time. Hopefully he would be graced with the site of someone he personally knew, but that were unlikely given the costumes and masks that everyone had worn, so far and excluding himself. With only a mask to hide his identity, it would be obvious that he weren't there for pleasure or comfort, but rather duty. Some part of him hoped for an interesting night, but more often than not, interesting involved dangerous, which led to another part hoping it was a rather vacant and obscure night for the memory to store.

[/font]

[Tieren]

The Jounin of Cloud entered the area, his weapons left home as like last time he had been called to this place. He didn't have a good feeling about this... The last time that the shinobi of Cloud were called to this hall, Kotomi was nearly assassinated and Kana had become Raikage. Since that day, Tieren had received the gift of the Raikage from Kotomi but was never given the chance to hand it off to Kana. Due to the strange nature of the last time this hall was used, Tieren was not pleased to have been called back. Would Kana have to reach the same fate as Kotomi almost did? Would a new Raikage be chosen? So many questions entered the Jounin's mind.

He was ushered to a changing room where he donned his former attire. The one that he had chosen to wear the last time, though now in a slightly larger size. [Picture for reference] A black tuxedo would be donned by the Shinobi with a blue (Maybe purple... Still colorblind D:) cape draped over it. A wig was given to him to allow him to have long black hair and his glasses were removed, his left eye now wearing the single contact he owned. Due to his life as a shinobi, he had not yet gained new contacts so he had slight trouble seeing. But his glasses remained in his pocket for when masks were removed.

Leaving the changing room, his clothing was taken by an ANBU and set aside with his name. He secretly kept his headband in his pocket, not willing to give it up. His ocarina was pulled out as he walked into the quiet dance floor. It appeared that he was the first official guest, or at least the first that was finished changing. The band was still getting set up so he moved toward the front of the hall and started to play. A soft tune that would just give some slight music for people to listen to while the band prepared would be played from the yellow colored Ocarina. None in the village had yet to see his musical instrument so as they came in, his appearance would not allow any to realize who he was in the slightest.

As his music filled the hall, getting louder and a bit faster in Tempo, people had started to walk in and gather around him and his playing. He would keep looking over to the band that was still finishing their setup and wait for a signal from them that they were ready to begin. It would be at that point that he would finish his song and remove the Ocarina from his lips, his hidden appearance disappearing into the crowd once the band began playing. While Tieren feared for the worst, it certainly did not mean that he could not have fun.

[Deleted]

"A Masquerade party for the Shinobi of Kumogakure? That even new Genin are being invited to? Alright, something important is obviously going on. Hey Tarou, you're a Jounin, do you know what is going on?" Shunsoku asked as he read through an invitation an Anbu had hand-delivered to him. He and Tarou were at their modest home settling down to dinner when the Anbu had arrived.

"Gimme that scroll, runt." Tarou called over to Shunsoku, putting one hand in the air as he ate his potato and cheese Pierogi with the other. Shunsoku rolled up the scroll and tossed it as he returned to the table to start on his own food once more. He ate quickly as Tarou read the scroll to himself; Pierogi were his favorite food. Tarou made sure to read the entire scroll before he spoke again.

”Mm. Finish up your food Shunsoku, you're going to this.”

”What?! You know I hate that kind of thing, Tarou!” Shunsoku complained, but already he was wolfing down the rest of his food. He saw the “you're doing what I say this time” look in Tarou's eyes...

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Twenty minutes later Shunsoku and Tarou arrived at the Hall of Roses, each led to a different room by the Anbu to change into their masquerading costumes. Shunsoku sifted through the clothing available, finally deciding (with an inner smirk) on a set of pirate clothing. A pair of black and loose linen pants that were wide on the leg until they were tied to the ankle by something reminiscent of a bandage wrap. A similar wrapping secured the pants at his waist. For a shirt it was white linen that was tucked into the waist wrapping and long wide sleeves that ended in a loose cuff. A thick gray cotton greatcoat that buttoned up at the middle was left unbuttoned over top of the shirt. Shunsoku's mask even had tricorne atop it.

Once he was dressed Shunsoku stepped out to the main ballroom, noting the various places one could watch others without drawing attention. There weren't many that Shunsoku could see, probably by design. No matter. Shunsoku moved out across the floor, his hands behind his back, following what sounded to be some kind of wind instrument being played. He approached the man who was playing and listened with the others who were interested. When the band began playing and the man stopped, Shunsoku gave some polite applause, and then followed the man as he threaded his way through the crowd. It was easier for Shunsoku, he was smaller.

Perhaps feeling secure thanks to the elaborate mask on his face, Shunsoku decided to initiate conversation, ”That was a very nice melody. But tell me, do you know anything about this party? I feel strange being invited to a party just for Shinobi. I honestly didn't think we had parties.”

[Naota]

Now that people were starting to arrive he'd secretly be let in by the Anbu guards. None would know who he is simply because his hair had been done in a different fashion. Instead of let down like he normally has it, today it's spiked back. The spikes seem to betray what gravity had in store for it leaving most to wonder how he did it. His mask was now donned on his face. The strangeness of it fit in with most others. Some looked very fancy, others looked mysterious. He would go over to drink some of the punch that was left out on the table for the guest to drink. He picked up a cup, scooped it and drank while slightly lifting his mask a little.

He at this time was aware of his surroundings and kept to himself. He didn't want to attract attention to himself at all.

[/blockquote]

[Tieren]

Tieren's playing earned him some gentle applause. While he didn't like being the center of attention most of the time, he was completely hidden in his garb this time. No one would know it was him unless maybe they remembered him wearing the same outfit during the last time they had met together like this. As a man walked up to him mentioning his music, he was asked a question about why they were here. He wasn't sure exactly how he wanted to respond to the man. With the truth or just tell him its a fun party?

"Thank you for the compliment..."[/color] He said as he motioned toward a quiet corner of the room. He didn't want to panic some of the people who were here thinking it was a party. "Keep your eyes peeled... The last time an event like this took place, we received a new Kage, and the old Kage was set up to be assassinated. Quick thinking stopped such an event, but I don't like that this is set up very similarly..."[/color] He said, looking around as he said it. He wouldn't allow anyone to try and silence him, so if an ANBU would come up to him to try and stop him from finishing what he said, he wouldn't allow him to catch hold. While still a loyal member of the village, he wasn't pleased with those that were running it. The elders... They seemed to hold more power then the Raikage at times. So he kept his eyes and ears peeled, not willing to be silenced by any.

[✗ Kaeor ✗]

The words that nonchalantly came from her mouth were stunning for the Jounin. From his perspective she either took it all easily or wasn't showing the struggle beneath her relaxed exterior. So many questions entered his head about her words of resignation and the council, but it didn't look like he would get the chance to even address half of the issues with her statement. Was she really going to go through with such a shameful act that a group of aged fools requested from her? If she wanted to assume the role of vagabond and depart from Kumogakure then he would have gladly joined her. Yet on second thought he remembered how immensely prideful Kana was and the fact that she was doing this more for the village rather than taking orders against her very own will. Forced to comply with her, he would wonder what was his true role in all of this. Was he supposed to just blend in?

Well ... He did do that best actually! So with the slight hint from Kana he would find a dressing room for males with a host of masks inside. After very serious contemplation, he would pick a mask and place it on his face before leaving. He felt his attire suitable enough for the ball and if not, he could always use the excuse that he was a foreigner not accustomed to such ways. Though once he exited and found himself descended the stairs toward the ball room a slight amount of paranoia kicked in at the mass of strangers that were in the room. He was no longer on his home turf so he wasn't sure how everything functioned and the reputation of the guests. So behind his contacts his true eyes would fold and twist into a unique crimson color with three tomoes idly at the surface of each. If anything he didn't need weaponry and would use the tool of his unseen visual aid to thwart any actions that he found reckless. But after that he began to search for Kana, the abundance of masked females making it difficult so he had to judge by their figures. Even this was hard with the heavy dresses that the damsels at the ball wore that attended. He constantly walked around the dance floor ogling the women and receiving smiles and other such approvals at their thought that he was flirting. One women even seemed to say something to him but by her voice he would respond - "You're not my Kana." And after that he would keep his search for the woman that hid in the crowd of masked faces.

[/font][/justify][/size]

[Deleted]

Shunsoku was taken aback by the ocarina player's response. Of course it was a natural response, he was just told the last party here was a setup for an attempted assassination! Shunsoku ambled after the man, thinking on his words seriously. When next he spoke his nervousness would cause his voice to return to its normal ten-year-old-male pitch, ”Gah, I can't understand complicated things like this.” Shunsoku complained in a low voice that didn't reach much farther than to the man who was next to him.

A sigh and Shunsoku would look through the crowd, thinking furiously. Finally a thought occurred to him, ”Maybe that's why the rumor popped up.. I've heard some gossip recently saying that our Raikage had taken the village scrolls, and had them made inaccessible somehow. I couldn't understand why, but maybe it was to prevent an attempt on her life? Make the scrolls die with her and nobody in the village would be stupid enough to try... right?” Shunsoku had to resist the urge to scratch his head. His poor ten year old mind was working way too hard on this complicated situation, and he was getting a headache from overexertion.

Shunsoku grumbled to himself under his breath. He didn't like this situation at all. As if going to a party wasn't bad enough, now it seemed like it had the potential to break out in combat. Shunsoku didn't even have any of his Ninja Gear with him! If fighting broke out the best he'd have to use was a.. fork. ”Stupid grown-up politics...”

[Nara Sithis]

(Enter and yep now I am filled, All my three slots are currently filled now.)

Nara Sithis had been following the ANBU and the boy. But was not seen, his sheath skills seemed to prove in different. He to rec viced a letter of invitation. He had a long scythe on his back, his his left hand, arm, and should was bandaged, in white bandages. His red Devil eyes staring Under the White Darkish Mask, that represented his Codename it was of the Grim Reaper., as he swiftly, made his way. He entered the room, and there was no referenced of surprise he was shown. He scanned the room, and went towards the nearest wall and sat down, leaning on it. His eyes glared for any intruders. He wondered if his Old Fighting Partner was Here. The Jounin he had outsmarted but lost, the fight with.

He spoke out of term but calmly, and coolly."Err? hello, there."He said, his headband not on his head due to the fact it was stolen in a fight with a B rank Missing nin, why she had spare him was beyond him. He then turned his attestation, to the Higher Ranking Nin?"So we were summoned here because, sorry for not reading up, I was to busy tapping my wounds."He said calmly.

[Raika Tatsu]

[Enter]

An interesting invitation to an interesting place. Raika was not sure what this was all about, but he knew it would be interesting. He walked into the hall's dressing room and looked around. He had come in his shinobi garb, something he wore to most places, feeling the need to always be ready. Rarely did he wear anything else, but this event called to look different. He found something he liked, a black outfit that was perfect to wear over his normal attire. He took off his crimson cloak and placed it where he needed. He looked around and found a nice mask to wear before heading into the dance hall.

He was interested in finding out what this was all about, considering all the shinobi in Kumo were invited. People were coming in, laughing and just as anxious as he was. He had heard a sometime ago about something having happened in this very hall, something that occured during the coronation of the Raikage, which is why he decided to keep his buttbag with him, though he had left his katana at his home with Nera. He stayed in secluded, not really one to revel in the party or "fun" of the event. He looked around at all the people, unable to recognize any of them due to the masks, but noticed some with the normal countenance of ANBU.
"Makes sense for them to be here, the Raikage is bound to be here herself. And considering the last time this hall was used, maybe a new Kage as well. I guess we'll find out."

With that, Raika closed his eyes and just listened, waiting to see what would happen next.

[Kuro]

Enter

Light steps would bring him gracefully up the stairs toward the Hall of Roses, long ago he had met a good friend here, this was the last time he had spoken with Mokona Suzuhara. He'd gracefully climb the steps within his black suit and dress pants. The white button up shirt beneath it with a high collar folded over a crimson tie that would be kept neat and clean around his neck. Black dress shoes adorn over the thin black socks. He'd like to keep the formal appearance available and allow him to hide who he truly was that much more. Upon his face he'd wear contacts to help him see without the aid of the thin metal frames. Though atop his face would be a black and crimson mask in the shape of a wolf, he had considered owl, but chose to try a new look for once. At the door he'd be asked to leave all weapons behind, though he had already done so, leaving Cross at home with them. He'd then hold out a small piece of paper showing his invitation to the Event. Over looking it the guards would soon let him pass into the main hall.

A soft smile upon his face he'd enter the slowly filling ballroom as he gazed about the crowd. His emerald eyes would peer out through the black and crimson mask as he tried to find a familiar face. Though he saw a lot of suits and cloaks and masks. Looking down at his own appearance the only thing he really noted different was he wore a red tie and no cloak. Chuckling to himself momentarily he'd move over toward the more populated area. Signally a cocktail waitress he'd smile and she'd trade him a small amount of ryo for a specialty drink of Kumogakure's. Sipping on the blue alcoholic beverage slightly he'd shift his position around in the room toward a large window. Gazing out only slightly he'd see the bright city lights of the Village and a warm feeling entered his soul. He knew that Mokona had died for this feeling, this love for his home. He'd turn back and gaze into the crowd once more, knowing all to well that he wasn't the only wall flower here. Though his eyes would note of a man with white hair moving so slightly through the crowd, women seemed to be taking quite the notice to him. Yet he'd shrug them off without a care in the world.

Moving swiftly he'd cross the ballroom toward the white haired man. He wore a red and gold mask that only covered in front of his eyes. A smile on his face as he'd approach, he'd stand near the left of the man as he spoke. "Pardon me monsieur," using a slight accent to mask whom he was along with create an alluring tone. "You seem to be quite the lady killer," a light joke to break the ice with the unknown man whom had been searching this room for something. Shinji only wished he'd known what it was this masked deviant was searching for.

SPOILER: Click to show

Outfit.
Mask.

[GO AWAY]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,450,true] IT'S GONNA GET MESSY AFTER THE LAST DANCE What an odd thing for Nagi to be attending a public and formal event, and yet she didn't seem to mind. One could immediately assume she was up to no good just by simply going to this event, or perhaps the fact that she was able to dress up for it? Who knew, but this evening the dress she had chosen for herself was fairly similar to her usual attire, colour wise at least. Nagi replaced her usual black gloves with silky white ones that reached a good two inches up past her elbow. The choker and necklace she normally wore had remained around her neck as she didn't feel the need to get any fancy jewelry, but the thing she was pleased with the most was her dress. The dress chosen was strapless and tailored to shape her body very well then flared out slightly by her hips. The over all length of the dress only reached a little above her mid thigh showing a bit of skin from there her boots took over. The back of her dress had a semi-long train consisting of a layer of black lace along with white silk, white lace and various other white coloured cloth. The train of the dress was long but not long enough to be dragging on the floor, it remained an inch or so above it. The final accessory she had worn was the mask. Her chosen mask consisted of a simple white base with white feathers going in most directions. Between the eyes of the mask started a small pattern with purple jewels matching her eyes as well as two purple feathers sticking straight up. Over the right eye of the mask, the jewels seemed to consume the majority of the mask at that point, this was supposed to be in place of her eye patch, which she had worn beneath anyways. She had to admit, she felt pretty fancy wearing all that stuff, but at the same time, she knew she was standing out due to the dress and shoes she had chosen. Oh well. Making her way into the overly fancy looking place, Nagi couldn't help but want to run off into the most isolated area, and yet... it seemed she wouldn't be able. As her gaze jumped from place to place, she noticed a few people talking and others trying to find privacy. Having no clue as to what she should be doing, she simply started to walk around, dodging people as they walked. An empty feeling overcame her upon realizing that she was without her most prized possession, but she knew this event would be guarded and if anything were to happen, she'd be the first suspect-- not that she probably wouldn't be anyways. "Stupid..." was all she muttered whilst making her way around the area.

[atrb=valign,top] //ENTER

[|Ayame Unbound|]

Anonymous beauty. People danced through the hall, like peacocks in their finery. She was no different really. She took the opportunity to dress up beyond what she ever did. She moved through the crowd, faceless behind her mask. So many people were here, unrecognizable. Who had the chosen for her replacement? Was he or she already here somewhere? And where was Kaeor?

With a sigh she moved away from the crowd. Remembering the last event she would not dare to eat or drink anything served at the grand party. Despite her mask she felt as if she had a target painted upon her back. She had already thought of what she would say. They would not make an embarrassment of her in front of the village, she would not allow it. She worked tirelessly to serve her village and it had become a far better place because of her. Her wedding was a perfect reason, completely acceptable for her to step down from Raikage.

She would still bear the title of Yondaime but she would serve the village in a different capacity now. It was not time for the announcement yet though. For now she would have to wait and watch the events of the night unfold.

[Naota]

[atrb=style, background-color:#bed0d6; padding: 10px; -webkit-border-radius:20px; -moz-border-radius: 20px; border-radius: 20px; border: 1px solid black; width: 400px, bTable][atrb=border,0,true]	[rs=2]
words: 274 tag: Kuro and Kaeor
[cs=2] Freeze the Sky!
[cs=2] Sky circles the hall looking for someone to talk with. Nothing really caught his eye other than a male searching for a woman. He had been close by when he heard the name Kana. A strange name, it wrung a bell but he couldn't quite put a finger on it. He hated eavesdropping with a passion but he simply just overheard this by mistake. He stepped to the male who had also been approached by another. Both donned masks like himself so he didn't bother with introductions of who he was. One wore a black and red wolf like mask. Slightly tall like Sky was and had a tuxedo on from the looks of it. The guy who spoke of "Kana" had piercing red eyes in which he'd never seen before. He wanted to question the man about it but bit his tongue that'd be slightly disrespectful. Some people were just different than normal humans. He'd know being a man part of the Kaishin. He had a soft spoken tone, respectable and soft enough that anyone else farther from the radius of the three would hear. "Hello, gentleman. It's a fine day today. A beautiful party, but please be on your toes. I heard that these parties a host to many dis favorable events." His forewarning was truth. Based on Kumo history, the last Raikage was attacked in this very hall by anbu ninjas. They mysteriously got away and none knew who had done it. Well at least prove there suspicions of who has. The blue eyed male would stick around for the response not knowing who would come around next to say hello.
[cs=2] template by BearGrillz

[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[✗ Kaeor ✗]

OOC: Kuro / Sky / Kana (hopefully)

This was beginning to become very upsetting. Kaeor began to think about the logic of it all, including what Kana had said and it made no sense. How in the hell was he supposed to be her date when he didn't even know who she was in this crowd full of masked citizens? However, before he could continue his search he was approached by another male that had noticed his frustrations. For what he lacked in introduction was cleverly made up with his manners. Though Kaeor was lacking the mood for conversation, he was sure not to do, say, or act in any manner that would stain Kana's reputation. "I have no intentions to break any hearts. I'm just searching for my woman but as you can see, it's a bit more ... difficult.. than I thought it would be." He explained, really just trying to find Kana about now.

His legs moved to take another step and be off and away until a shrill voice invaded his ear. His ears perked and his guard raised as another man entered the conversation. Disasters in this place? It was quite difficult to imagine. But Kaeor only listened by ear, knowing nothing else of this exceptional ball room. "Thanks for the warning!" I merely exclaimed though I was sure there wasn't anything that I couldn't handle. Call it being over positive or too confident, but I had survived through things that I'd rather not even remember. With a sigh I was stuck with these two for now - though they weren't wrong in any way - but I still truly searched for Kana's company. "And you two are?"

My eyes scanned the room with urgency as I awaited an answer, forgetting to hand them my name first in good faith. There couldn't be many people here who shared our snow white strands so if I couldn't find her then I would hope she could spot me.

Nonetheless, I would have to stick this event out like a good little soldier. Yet I still desired a nap with anxiousness.

[/font][/justify][/size]

[← KIRA →]

Enter!

I really am not a fan of this kind of thing, but I figured that this was something that I have to go to. Last time that an event had been held in this place, an assassination attempt had occurred, and not knowing about it had put me in trouble; well, left me in the dark during my jounin exams. The AnBu members that had attempted to strike down the past Raikgae had escaped, and I was rather sure that they had come after the crew that was testing me way back when during my exam. I had no mask, though, so as soon as I entered and saw the groups of masks that were available for those like me, that didn't bring their own, I simply picked up the first mask that I saw. The mask had no design on it. It seemed like it was a work in progress, but I didn't care. I really didn't see a point in hiding my face since I was the only one, that I knew at least, in this village that was apart of the Shogun that wasn't within the temple. It wasn't like anyone that knew me wasn't going to know who I was; I stuck out like a sore thumb...

Anyways, I walked in the building and began making my way through the crowds of people. I wanted to be able to act if something did happen, so I would look for a location where I had space to maneuver. This would be where I would stay. I wasn't one for too much random conversation, at least I never started them. Seeing as how this place was hardly used, though, I figured the best thing to do was try and find the Raikage. I would move after I found her. I was hoping she would be easy to spot, considering the color of her hair, but one could never be sure. For now, I waited to see what would happen as I searched.

[Kuro]

Words of an unknown male to keep his guard up wasn't truly needed though appreciated. Shinji had been in the background that night of Kotomi's attempted assassination. Though his interest wouldn't be peeked by the man's reference to such a fateful night. Though the snow haired mans' words would truly catch the ear of Shinji when he spoke of searching for his woman. Though before he'd get a chance to respond, the man would ask Shinji and the other male of their names. A smile behind the black and red mask as his right hand would extend. "The name is Shinji," he chose not to hide his identity just not fully reveal it. He wouldn't speak much more, keeping it short and sweet he'd be curious of the other male's response. Though his emerald eyes would shift around the room momentarily to see a new entrance being made. 'Kira-san' his name would run through my head as I recognized my acquaintance. The only familiar face in the room...

[N A T S U M I]

[Enter]

The darkened sky blocked out most of the light except for the street lights along with the moon high up. I approach the stairs that leads up to the hall of roses in a coal black Victorian Dress with both Toska and Sky's young fox Pepper in my arms. I will not have him walk alongside me because I am afraid of him getting trampled upon. The hall will indeed be filled with a lot of people by the time I enter the place. As I enter, I choose a simple black and gold mask and applies it to my face.

Now I have no idea what the theme is, but the amount of exotic masks present within this room was breathtakingly beautiful. There were tall men in suites and in other attire and women wearing dresses similar to my own as well as in more modern ages. Toska also wears a mask despite he is a Siberian Husky. My young companion trots into the hall and weaves around the people within, sniffing at them casually. I am in search for one person in particular but where to find him will remain unknown. “Uh, excuse me. Do you know where Sky Shimizu is?” I ask quietly to those who are closest to me. Perhaps I will get pointed in the right direction...

[Tieren]

[Not sure how you would hear of such a thing, but oh well]

Tieren listened to the words. Seemed some gossip was going around, but he couldn't quite believe that Kana would do that. But then he thought back to the night in which Kana became Raikage. She fired and banished those who had attempted to take Kotomi's life. Perhaps someone equally as corrupt was now holding power. He had only hoped that the person who would succeed her, if this truly was the reason for this gathering, would be strong and powerful like Kana was. Tieren would have to assess their abilities himself should the time come. He loved this village and everyone in it, and wanted to be sure that its leader wasn't going to be pushed over by the elders of the village.

Another man had come up to the two and asked about their reasoning for being here. He didn't entirely feel like repeating himself, so he decided to give him a short version that wasn't very explanatory, yet still technically the truth. "No one knows for sure. For all intents and purposes, its a Masquerade ball, a dance for masked villagers. Many speculations are going around, but the true purpose is unknown to us all."[/color] He said as he looked to the stage. There was little doubt in his mind of what would happen tonight, but he prepared himself for anything. Things would definitely get interesting, as the masked ninja looked around the room, wondering if anyone could be spotted even with their masks on.